#god fuck me I shouldn’t be so nervous about doing simple tasks like this oh god oh fuck I’m worried and scared as hell

[soulvee-animationz]

oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh fuck why why why

#my mom facetimed me and I was like on the fucking verge of tears #I started crying for a bit earlier because I got fucking depressed by being at my dad’s #I’m so scared that my dad can monitor my calls to my mom and records them all #I’m nervous as hell if it looks like I was crying while talking to her then my dad goes back to court and tries to argue that I hate my mom #which I do not #i love my mom #god fuck me I shouldn’t be so nervous about doing simple tasks like this oh god oh fuck I’m worried and scared as hell #I can’t do anything without feeling paranoid or nervous or scared or without wanting to bawl my little eyes out #god I’m so alone here there’s no one here to help it’s just me and my plushies those are my only friends #I’m so fucking alone #no one is going to help #Im gonna be stuck here forever #oh god #vent

[bangtae-sohotddaeng]

we’ll be counting stars | k.th. | 3

(^ gif cred: ON THE VOYAGE | pinterest)

pairing: idol!Taehyung x publisher!Reader

rating: nc-17 (for language and themes)

summary: You’d sworn off love and relationships forever. You were here to do your job - work with the biggest boyband of the world. Not forge friendships and...and whatever it was that you and Taehyung were building up with these sneaky glances. It was, to be very fair, your Chief Editor’s fault that you’d landed in this mess. Maybe you should quit your job? Maybe you should quit life -

Oh, he was staring again, and did he freaking lick his lips?

warnings: swearing (reader’s got a potty mouth) + this is set like 5 years in the future + reader has emotional issues, she's a relationship phobe + mentions of weed

genre: so much ANGST ugh + fluff + comedy + some crack

words: 5 k

note: hey, y'all. so last month i went on a new year's trip to my boyfriend's city (yes, covid has forced us into an ldr, fml) and got too occupied in all the celebrations and reunions, and this got delayed. also, you might have noticed how the chapters progressively grow wordier, lmao i'd been confused. but i think i've found the perfectly comfortable number now. expect this length from now on. thank you for reading~💜

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You were, to be very honest, a complete mess at this point.

You hadn’t been quite certain as to what to expect when you’d picked Jungkook’s name out of the bowl in your office, but you could say with certainty that it hadn’t been even close to this. 

This boy was brimming with ideas! You hadn’t been able to get a single sentence in the midst of his own enthusiastic chatter, with words and ideas folding and layering all over each other. All you had done was nod, mumble words of agreement and appreciation—that you were pretty sure he didn’t even hear—and type it all. Freaking typing. So much typing.

So basically, the entirety of yesterday spent fussing over the repertoires to ensure that the list of tasks for the first set of three weeks were well-constructed had led to this—not being able to so much as tell him about the questions your team had so meticulously framed! You felt irked, amused, exasperated, exhausted, and at the same time, really fucking lost. 

How were you supposed to interrupt him without disrespecting him? You didn’t have a great amount of tact and usually just cut to the chase. Which was generally an appreciated quality in your profession, because no writer wanted to be just lathered with compliments to later find out his work was actually bullshit that no one wanted to read. But this situation was different. You felt pressured, nervous and out of your element. Because you really had no idea how to respectfully stop this guy from making a mess of all your hard work.

He was Jeon freaking Jungkook of BTS, for God’s sake!

How could you shut him up?

You were both in Jungkook’s personal studio in the BTS dorm. The boy was seated on a couch across the coffee table from your own, literally swimming in a trillion size bigger t-shirt and some loose sweatpants. His hair floof-ed all over the place as he spoke, bubbling and bursting with enthusiasm. Which he was doing a lot of. Speaking, that is.

For the better part of two hours now, you’d been listening to him go on and on about what all he wanted to include in the book. Your fingers were nearly cramping with all the typing, but you’d promised the guys no recorders and you didn’t wanna miss anything he said. But it was freaking difficult with the speed he was going at! 

And also with the mess and reluctance in your own head. You were used to pulling the reins with writers. This situation was making you feel incompetent.

You hadn’t even touched your list, yet. What would your teammates think of you if their very team leader failed to finish with the assigned data collection and messed up the team’s hard work? Ugh!

Currently, Jungkook was having you make a list of all the people he needed to talk about in the book.

“And there was this boy my age, Ji-Hyun, he was so much better than me at everything! It is him, truly, that I credit my overachieving traits to. I had to work so, so hard—oh! Please also note down Mun-Hee’s name! She was the best dancer in my entire school. So… wait, where was I?” He looked up at you with wide big, round eyes.

You opened your mouth to speak—was this when you asked him to shut up? It had to be, right, because this was the first time he’d actually prompted you to speak. 

You meant to take your shot, but then stopped. You blinked. Looked back at your laptop. Blinked again. 

You were so confused, right now. “Uh, Ji-Hyun was better than you—”

“Oh yes!” Jungkook exclaimed, launching off into a detailed story about how and in what respects, exactly, this guy was better than Jungkook.

You shut your eyes. This had gone beyond “taking notes” and was quickly turning into Jungkook enthusiastically reminiscing his childhood and freaking telling you tales about it. And he seemed to be enjoying himself so thoroughly, looking so adorable, that it felt very wrong to ask him to stop even when you tried to avoid the added pressure of him being a whole ass idol.

But you had actual work to do. And you were leading a team. You couldn’t act so unprofessionally.

In hindsight, maybe you shouldn’t have told the boys that this was going to be like “making friends.” Jungkook seemed to have taken it too literally.

Biting down on your lip, you cleared your throat. He didn’t acknowledge it. Sighing, you shut your laptop. “Jungkook?”

This time, he stopped mid-word, looking at you with his lips rounded in a pout, sparkling eyes turning into saucers. 

Now, you were in no way attracted to the guy, but you really could not deny how freaking cute he looked in the moment. 

“All okay?” he asked, looking at you and then the shut laptop on your lap.

You took a deep breath, winced a little, and then shook your head. “No, Jungkook. We need to pause…” You had to stop speaking when his face crumpled. “Whoa…um?”

Jungkook slumped in his place, shoulders sinking. “I’ve been giving horrible ideas, haven’t I?”

Your eyes widened. “What? No! Absolutely not! That isn’t the case, I was…”

He wiped his face with both his hands before looking at you with really sad eyes, all enthusiasm from some time ago washed away. “Then what? You can tell me, it’s okay.”

Now. You prided yourself to be a practical human being who strived to be as straightforward in her life as possible. But right now, you really could not stop yourself from lying your way out of this one. You decided to blame it on the fear of upsetting a client, and not the impossible-to-control empathy that Jungkook’s doe eyes seemed to naturally draw out of people. 

“I just need a coffee. It’s been a while, my hands need a break. And my brain’s kinda overwhelmed, too,” you expertly lied, relaxing when Jungkook’s eyebrows lifted.

“We’ve been sitting here for long, haven’t we?” he said in an almost guilty tone before standing up. “And I didn’t even show you around the dorm!”

You tried to tell him how it was really not necessary, not to mention a bit too personal and…not what you were here for? But he was already moving towards the door and beckoning you along.

“Come on, let’s drop by the kitchen and then we’ll take a walk around the property!” he enthusiastically announced.

You stood up and followed him out of the room, awkwardly trying to ignore the two bodyguards that had stood as still as mannequins while you were in the room and then started to follow Jungkook wordlessly as you left.

The walk to the kitchen was a short one, and the place was, unsurprisingly, not empty.

Your team members along with their partnered BTS members had been assigned one particular space in the dorm, each. According to the email you received last evening, the kitchen was supposed to be used by Simon and— 

“Taehyungie-hyung! Are those chicken burgers?” Jungkook excitedly rounded the kitchen island to peek into the paper bag Taehyung was fiddling with. “They smell so good…”

You looked from Jungkook’s face that was awash with childlike excitement to Taehyung’s, and your breath caught when you found his eyes already trained on you. While you struggled to formulate a coherent thought at the intensity his eyes seemed to be emanating, yet again, his lips slipped into an easy smile.

“Hello!” he greeted you cheerily, bowing his head.

You, dazedly, bowed back and dragged your feet up to the island, standing across from the two guys. “Hey,” you mumbled in English.

His smile widened further to show his teeth. “Food?” he asked you in English, nodding at the burger Jungkook was pulling out of the bag.

You shook your head. “No, coffee,” you responded in Korean, earning raised eyebrows from him.

“I hate coffee.”

You smiled, this time. “You’re missing out.”

“Can I call you by your name?” he asked out of the blue, and you did a double take.

“Uh…yes?” you stammered. “Yes, of course Taehyung-ssi.”

“You should call me Tae.”

You swallowed, continually nodding your head like a damn puppet. “Yes. Tae. Sure.”

“I’m bac—boss?” 

You twisted on your heels at the familiar squeak. “Simon, hi,” you mumbled, professionalism slipping over you in the blink of an eye at having a member of your team in your vicinity. “Where did you wander off to?”

Simon seemed to be sweating a bit, and you really couldn’t really tell why. You’d just asked a simple question. 

Maybe you’d become too scary…

“Just the loo,” Simon responded with a forced giggle. 

You nodded, giving him a long look and observing how his smile grew progressively weirder. Then you turned back to the island. And nearly choked.

Taehyung’s fringe hung over his eyes, making his eyes look that much more hooded. His lips were twisted up as he watched you.

Oh, dear God, did this guy have a crush on you or something? But how? Why? 

He was a bonafide Greek God, and you were…well. Not.  

And needless to say, he was literally not allowed to have a crush on you. Or anybody else, for that matter. It was against BigHit’s policies. According to what you’d read, the boys were to wait out one more year, as of now, before indulging in any sort of romance.

You were, by contract, also bound to not encourage any such advancements. Not that smiling at you could be considered one, to be honest. He could very well be trying to make friends, and you could be reading too much into it.

You decided to stop thinking so much.

“You want to eat something?” Jungkook asked as he handed you a cup of brew.

You smiled and shook your head. “I don’t eat at work. None of us do.” You eyed Simon and he nodded with his gaze wide. “Disturbs the momentum.”

“Hey, you shouldn’t consider this strictly work,” Taehyung spoke up in that deep ass voice of his, startling you. “We’re also making friends, here. This is also not your office, but our home.”

And then he grinned at you with all of his teeth. You felt your cheeks heating up.

This was not going according to plan. 

You were panicking.

Flashing Taehyung a close-lipped smile, you stepped away from the counter. “Um, Jungkook?” you mumbled. “D’you guys have a pool in the house?” 

Jungkook looked surprised but as enthusiastic as ever. He nodded, his hair bouncing all over. “Come on!”

Throughout your walk around the house, you had tried to slip in ideas from your first three week’s layout to Jungkook that would fascinate him enough to make him at least want to hear them out. And, you’d proudly like to claim, it had worked.

Jungkook had heard your plans and had even asked you to pull the list up on your laptop to have a look at it. And henceforth, you’d made tremendous progress.

And now, at nearly nine o’clock of the night, you and your team were taking your leave for the day. 

You had exchanged brief words with all the members to see how they found their partners. Currently, you were conversing with Yoongi.

“ARMYs know a lot about all of that,” the guy said, referring to his life before BTS. “But there’s still a lot that they don’t. I talked to Nathan about all of it, we made notes. I’m really excited about the book.”

You gave him a professional grin. “I couldn’t be happier! Nathan’s got a really innovative mind. I’m sure he’ll make this a good experience for you.”

Nodding, Yoongi wished you a good night and bowed. You bowed back, moving away from the building and towards the vans waiting to drive you back to your hotel.

Jimin flashed you a wide grin as you got into the car. “Have a good night,” he wished you, shutting the door like a gentleman. Then he peeked and waved at Areum, your team member assigned to him. “See you tomorrow, Areum-ssi!”

Namjoon followed suit with a hand forwarded through the window for you to shake. “How did today go for you?” he asked you in English, causing Hoseok to elbow Jungkook, probably asking the younger to eavesdrop. Jungkook’s eyes met yours, though, and the two of you shared a covert giggle. “Did we meet your expectations?”

You smiled, formally. “It was… a good introduction of sorts, I’d say. Highly informative. Moderately productive. And we didn’t have any expectations, per se, but my team really loved you guys. We’re super excited to be working with you.”

You looked around yourself, prompting the three team members seated with you to nod in agreement. “Likewise!” Namjoon nodded at you, his smile turning his eyes to crescent moons.

“Thank you. How was your experience with Sana?” you asked him, nudging the girl sitting next to you.

Namjoon grinned with his teeth. “Amazing! She’s really compassionate and driven. Today’s session was interesting and felt comfortable. I’m eagerly looking forward to more.”

You secretly exhaled in relief. Sana had been the one person on your team that you’d been the most worried about. It was good to learn that she’d managed to impress Namjoon despite her initial nerves.

Next to you, she gave a short, very professional chuckle, and leant by you to nod at Namjoon. “Thank you, Namjoon-ssi.”

“Have a safe journey and a good night,” Namjoon wished you before peeking into the car. “Bye, Sana! See you tomorrow!”

You waved at the boys and their manager as your van started to move. You looked behind to check that the other one, carrying the remaining three members of your team, was following closely behind.

“What a day!” Simon exclaimed from his seat opposite you.

“You can say that again,” you mumbled, massaging your temples. “And what was up with you? You looked really wound up when I saw you in the kitchen.”

Simon took his glasses off and rested his head against the back of the van’s seat. “Let’s just wait it out, boss. I’ll tell you later if I absolutely have to. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

You frowned, but let him be. 

Today was just the first day. If you stuck to your schedule, you would have a hundred and twenty five more of these before this project was done.

You could do it.

Right?

You, as it turned out by the end of the first week, could do it. The same couldn’t be said about Simon, though.

On Saturday night, barely an hour after you’d all retired to your rooms after dinner, Simon sent an SOS to the group chat. The six of you were in his room within a minute.

“You look physically okay,” Nathan, the only other guy on the team, mumbled as he squinted at the bespectacled nervous wreck. “What’s up?”

“I can’t do this anymore!” Simon blurted out.

All eyes immediately landed on you.

You did a double take. “Come again? You can’t do what anymore?”

He sighed, shrinking into himself as Riya, another member of your team, sleepily sat on one corner of his bed. “You can’t quit the project, Si,” she mumbled, patting his shoulder. “You signed a contract.”

Simon’s wide eyes met yours. You raised your eyebrows.

“Then—then I need a different partner.”

Sana clicked her tongue. “No can do. We’ve all worked on our homeworks. No one’s gonna sacrifice theirs for you.”

You agreed, so you stayed quiet when Simon looked at you in hopes of a counter.

“I can’t go into another week, please! It’s…” Simon trailed off with a helpless expression on his face.

You sighed. “Everyone, out.”

Your team trickled out of the room, tossing curious glances and hushed whispers your way.

“What is it?” you questioned Simon when it was just the two of you.

“He’s too intense. I have a huge crush on him.”

Your jaw fell open. “Dude… I… what? You have a fiance!”

He exhaled. “Yeah, he cheated on me.”

You drew a sharp breath, shocked. “Oh. Oh, my God, what? What the hell’s been going on with you, I’m so sorry, Simon. Are you…okay? When did you find out?”

“I’d been suspicious for a whole week, hoping it’d turn out to be a lie.” He sighed. “Guess not. But, don’t worry.” He waved a dismissive hand. “I’ll deal with it, no big deal. It’s happened before. I’ve done it before, too, that’s not the issue. The problem is that, right now, this is all making me wanna kiss Taheyung. What the fuck do I do, boss?”

You sympathised with the guy and felt responsible, in a way. After all, you’d been the one that forced him to propose to his boyfriend so that you could bring him with you on this project. If only you knew what kind of a toxic pair these two were! Goddammit. 

But, this guy was really telling you he couldn’t focus on work properly because he wanted to kiss Taehyung? For real?

What a guy.

“Get a fucking grip, Simon, what else?” you exclaimed, throwing your arms up. 

“No, I can’t. Don’t you think I have tried, already? Please take me off this project before I fuck things up for all of us and the company.” He shut his eyes, rubbing his face with both his palms. “And I’ve also, technically, broken the contract, so… Ask Boss to send someone else in.”

Was this happening for real? You were caught between wanting to smash the glass vase kept next to you over Simon’s head, and hurling yourself over the balcony.

You inhaled deeply, then exhaled. You could, realistically, do neither of the above. So you thought clinically and professionally, and made the sound decision to burden your boss with this mess instead of trying to sweep it under the rug by yourself.

“Fine.” You cleared your throat. “Take a break tomorrow. I’ll have a word with Manager Woo, he’ll talk to Taehyung. Tomorrow’s a Sunday, so I’ll be calling Boss for the first weekly check-in. I’ll ask her if something can be done to replace you on the team.”

Simon nodded with a grimace, which may have been his attempt at trying to smile.

You retired to your room on heavy feet. How could things go south in a week? You had barely begun and a buckload of bullshit was on you already.

Exhaling, you opened your laptop to leave a mail for Manager Woo. Quoting a personal emergency, you drafted an apologetic letter stating Simon’s absence tomorrow and asked the man to forward your apologies to Taehyung as well. At the same time, you were also mentally seasoning yourself for a possible confrontation with Taehyung when you went in tomorrow. 

You’d just put your laptop away when your phone rang. Frowning, you lifted it up, only to silent the ring with a groan.

Ever since you landed in Seoul, your best-friend cum roommate back at home had taken to giving you a call every single night. Even when you didn’t pick up. Ever.

Every morning you would text him an apology, and every night he would call again. It’d been a week to this pattern, now.

Why was he doing this? You’d made it abundantly clear that you weren’t going to get roped into any kind of affair with him—emotional or physical. What did he want, now?

For a second, you wondered if he was maybe only just concerned about your well-being in a foreign country? But then you dismissed it, immediately. Why would he? What had you ever done to deserve his—or anyone’s, really—concern? You were a bitch to the majority of people in your life, without trying and even meaning to. Why would anyone give a fuck about you without ulterior motives, right? 

Lying back on your pillows, you looked at the ceiling.

You’d been absolutely horrible at treating people with compassion and care for the majority of your life. You were always labelled either too prudish, too selfish, too career-oriented, or plainly, too narcissistic by people around you.

And, strangely enough, it never bothered you. 

But that didn’t mean you had not cared about anyone, ever. You had. Too much too, once upon a time. But what had that left you with? Expectations and hurt. 

So then, wasn’t it better to not care at all, and not expect at all? You never got hurt, this way.

Sighing, you rolled over to your side, tugging the covers up to your chin. Lifting up your phone from the nightstand, you turned it to silent.

An unread message was displayed on the locked screen:

Looks like you went to bed early again, lol. Hope you’re safe, warm and relaxed. Have a good day at work tomorrow xo

You sighed, yet again. You did not need anyone’s hugs and kisses for your day to be good. Why couldn’t people take a hint?

Shutting your eyes, you tried to get some sleep.

You were absolutely not surprised when, barely an hour into a fierce discussion about his school life, you and Jungkook were disturbed by a knock on the door. But Jungkook was, and jumped at the loud rapping, his wide eyes flashing to the door.

Your back being to the doorway, you looked at the boy expectantly to inform you of the intruder. Not that you didn’t already know.

Jungkook didn’t say anything, though, and simply kept looking behind you with raised eyebrows and rounded eyes. You sat very tightly wound up, contemplating whether to peek around the sofa’s high back or to stand up, when a deep, heavy voice enunciated your name. 

You stood up, slowly, pulling on a professional frown of very minute concern on your face. You willed yourself to act surprised when your eyes met a timid looking Taehyung’s. And, you actually slightly were, too. Why did he seem so shifty and nervous?

“Hello, Tae,” you wished, formally bowing to greet him.

He bowed back, licking his lips as he stood back straight up. “May I please borrow you for a few minutes?”

You twisted on your heels to look at Jungkook. It took him a few seconds to focus on your stare and recognise the question. “Oh! Sure! Of course! I’ll be here, I’ll wait.”

Nodding in gratitude, you stepped out of the studio to join Taehyung in the lounge area attached to the kitchen.

“I know what you would ask—”

“Have I not been cooperating well with Simon?” Taehyung cut you off with a question you were not expecting.

You frowned. “What makes you say that? He had a personal emergency today, Tae, that’s all! I’m sure he must be having a great time working with you.”

Taehyung sighed. “You think, or you know?”

How were you supposed to answer that? You bit your lip, trying to read Taehyung’s eyes, but the collar-bones peeking above the wide neckline of his oversized, brown t-shirt kept distracting you. On some level, you could understand what Simon must have been facing. But! You were all supposed to be professional adults and quell any unprofessional thoughts and not foster them!

You turned your face to your feet, not missing the wide-legged, knee-length shorts Taehyung wore. You mentally cursed yourself.

His sigh floated over to you. “I hope it isn’t something I did. I know I can seem a bit overwhelming sometimes and uninterested at other times, but… I am excited for this project and I really want to give it my best, too.” His eyes looked pained when you met them again. You softened. “Please tell me the truth.”

You drew in a breath. “It’s just as I told you, Tae. Simon has to sort some issues out in his personal life. And what makes you think you’re too overwhelming or uninterested? Did Simon say something?”

“No, no!” Taehyung immediately shook his head. “I just…speak from previous experiences. I don’t collaborate with people that well. I tire them out. And Simon… I don’t think we like each other’s approach very much. I feel like he doesn’t really agree with my ideas, just goes along out of courtesy.”

Your lips turned downwards. “I’m sure it’s none of that, Tae. Absolutely positive. And if worse comes to worst and the two of you actually aren’t able to work together, we will arrange for a switch-up so that you’re able to work comfortably.”

Taehyung seemed to perk up at that. “Switch-up? Will you work with me?”

You narrowed your eyes. He seemed a bit too keen about wanting to work with you, didn’t he? You could very clearly recall your first meeting and how he’d seemed to wane when you told him you were paired up with Jungkook.

Curious.

“We’ll see how it unfolds. But as of now, I am partnered up with Jungkook and you’re fretting over nothing. Simon will be back tomorrow, and things will get back on track. I promise.”

You hoped.

Taehyung nodded, excusing himself to visit the kitchen and you took your leave and came back to an eagerly waiting Jungkook.

He stood up the moment you entered the room. “Is everything okay? Hyung looked sad.”

You honestly had zero idea as to what to tell Jungkook. Pursing your lips, you slowly nodded in contemplation as you made your way to your seat. “He’s not working well with Simon,” you honestly told him.

“Oh.” Jungkook’s lips rounded, forming an adorable pout. “Taehyung hyung has a very artistic soul,” he said, taking you by surprise. You leant forward to listen in with interest. “He tends to get awkward and insecure about his ideas and conceptualizations. They’re usually off-beat and hard to work with, but they’re amazingly creative if you look at them like an artist. Not everybody has the right vision for those things, though. Maybe that is why Simon is…” Jungkook trailed off with a shrug.

You bit your lip in consideration. Taehyung’s words echoed in your head. 

‘I don’t think we like each other’s approach very much.’

Maybe they really were mismatched, outside of Simon’s immature, unprofessional, god-awful behaviour, too.

“Hey, could we add him to our group?” Jungkook suddenly asked, confusing you.

“Huh?” you very eloquently responded. 

He gave a small giggle. “Hyung. Could he work with us? We have been pretty efficient, and you certainly seem to have an artistic vision.”

You smiled. “Thank you, Jungkook, that’s really flattering. But also, no, I don’t think we can do that. The contract we’ve all drawn has a couple of strict clauses and one-on-one sessions is one of them.”

Frowning, Jungkook nodded in acceptance.

The two of you resumed your discussions from before, but the vigour and drive was now lessened to a great extent. You, especially, couldn’t stop worrying. You were the leader of the team, after all.

Sunday night brought in the awaited conference call with your boss. 

Looking at her excited, smiling face on your computer screen, you couldn’t help but dread the news you were about to break to her.

“So. How is it going?” Your boss rubbed her hands together, wiggling her eyebrows. “How is Sana doing? You were quite wound up about her, if I remember correctly.”

“You do remember correctly. There’s good news and bad news,” you responded with a grimace. “Which one first?”

Your boss pursed her lips. “Don’t wanna immediately spoil my mood, so, the good one please.”

“Sana has been doing fantastic. She’s been nothing short of professional, and according to what I’ve seen and heard, Namjoon is really pleased with her,” you relayed, smiling when your boss sighed in relief.

“Okay, so that’s out of the way. What’s wrong?”

You sighed. Better rip the band-aid straight off. “Simon has a huge crush on Taehyung and feels like he broke the contract. He wants to leave.”

You watched quietly as your boss choked on an inhale, coughed, had some water, and sat back down to blink at you with a blank face. “These words must not leave your room. Or Simon’s. None of the BigHit staff must catch a wind of it.”

You groaned. “Please don’t ask me to work through this, boss, please—”

“Work through it, Y/N!” your boss cruelly cut you off. “This is such a tiny, little, manageable thing! Resolve it.”

You gawked. “You literally just choked—how is this little, boss?”

“Counsel Simon. Ask him to push through. Threaten his employment with us, if necessary.”

It was your turn to blink at her, owlishly. “And? That’s it?”

Your boss shrugged. “And if it doesn’t work out, swap him with someone else on your team.”

You sighed. “This is all such high school, teen flick bullshit. What the hell.”

“I know, hun. Which is why I’m asking you to manage it. And I know you can. You’re my favourite, Y/N.” Your boss nodded at you with a solemn look. “I have believed in your capabilities since day one. It’s time to make them shine.”

You nodded, dumbly. The back of your mind was hinting at an inkling that you were being manipulated by flattery, but the forefront was basking in all the praise and could really not be bothered.

All you had to do was keep the whole thing hush-hush from the BigHit people and keep Simon in line, right? You could manage that.

Bidding your boss goodbye, you rung up Simon.

“Hey, boss.”

“You’re coming with us tomorrow and you’re gonna be a fucking professional like you’re supposed to!” you barked into the phone. “Bottle up your feelings, or eat them—I don’t care. You’ll do the job you were here for, and you’ll do it right.”

There was a long, suspended silence at the other end. And then a sigh escaped Simon. “I don’t think I have a choice. Fine, I’ll try.”

You put your phone to silent and shut your eyes, knowing you’d receive another call tonight and that you won’t pick up tonight, either.

You lay back in the bed, gearing up for tomorrow.

If worse actually did come to worst, and Simon sent everything down the rabbit hole, who would you make him swap places with? All of you had built really amazing rapports with your assigned partners in just a week. No one would be willing to start over.

If it came to it, would you have to? Would you be able to?

You could maintain professionalism a hundred times better than Simon, that much was certain. But you and Jungkook had been working so well! And who was to say Simon wouldn’t cause trouble with Jungkook, too? 

You let out a whine, beyond mad at the situation this guy had landed you in.

But you’d have to navigate out of it, somehow. This was the biggest project of your life so far—the first ever you were heading. You would ensure everything worked out at the end.

You would tie all the loose ends and make it all work. You would.

(You literally had no choice.)

gimme feedback, much much appreciated!

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series masterlist

Tags: @tangledsparkles​ @hoefortaeshands​ @getmemyfries

#taehyung angst #bts angst #taehyung fluff #bts fluff #taehyung imagine #bts imagine #v angst #v fluff #v imagine #jungkook imagine #bts v #bts jungkook #jungkook fluff #vantaenet #*mine #f: wbcs

[labyrinthofmagicdrabbles]

| incuratus [2/?]

‘family’

fandom: magi

pairing: ren hakuryuu x f!reader x judar

warnings: Implications of suggestive content, language! an my writing being absolute garbage per usual, please don’t cyberbully me ;_;

.      .      .       .      .     .

On a beautiful morning such as the one he woke to, he would like to think that it would remain beautiful. Grow into a peaceful day; the sunlight peaking just above the horizon, pale golden light shining through the windows, the soft melody of bird's song, as well as the privilege of waking up next to two of the people who he loved most in the world, it was sure to be a good day.

Or so he had hoped.

A loud crash followed by a whine and the loud exclamation of "Shit!"  had startled the prince from his tired stupor as he jolts up and, mismatched blue eyes wide and alert. He rubs them, trying to wipe the sleep out of them before looking around his room.

Frowning when he realized that the spaces next to him on the bed were unoccupied—confusing, as he was usually the one who woke up first to start the day— he rose from the bed and went to prepare himself for the day.

It didn't take him long to freshen up and get dressed, but the sound of yet another crash had him rushing out the room, down the stairs to the sound of the commotion, leading him into the kitchen where he was greeted by quite the catastrophe.

Flour covered up nearly the entirety of the kitchen, coating the floor in the white powder from top to bottom, unwashed dishes filled up the sink, a strange yellow liquid (which he hoped to Gods was oil and not what he feared it was) spilled out across the counter, and so much more that he could list,  creating a huge mess that only he would be stuck cleaning.

But of course in the midst of the disastrous sight, were his two lovely partners— [Name], who was also covered in flour and who was knelt down, appearing to be sweeping something up, and Judar, who wore a messy apron with the words 'kiss the cook'—arguing loudly over something he couldn't even care to pay mind to.

Some things never change.

"How the fuck do you burn water, [Name]? Fucking water?"

"Well, I could've done the recipe correctly if you hadn't have thrown the book away, you stupid fucking magi!"

"You're so fucking—"

"Language!" Two heads snap in his direction as Hakuryuu's voice cuts in the argument sharply, giving his lovers a seething glare as he makes a small nodding gesture towards the small, dark-haired child who sat on the floor in the far corner of the kitchen, toys scattered and forgotten as he watched the scene in front of him with wide, innocent eyes.

Taking note of the boy is enough to get the two to quiet down, as they drop what they're doing and turn to face him fully, guilty looks on their faces. (Well, at least [Name] looked guilty, as opposed to Judar, who stood there with a scowl painted across his handsome face.)

"Now what on Earth is going on in here?"  The former emperor of Kou placed his hands on his hips— something he only did when he knew they had caused trouble— and started expectantly, silently demanding an explanation for the state of the kitchen.

Judar, being Judar,  met his stern gaze with a childish pout and crossed his arms, looking away like a child who had been caught sticking his hand in the cookie jar.

"Well, don't get mad at me," he grumbled and gestured towards [Name], who stood looking at Hakuryuu with a nervous grin spread across her lovely face. "It's her fault."

"Me?" The grin dropped from her lips and a look of fury washed over her face. "Don't try to pin this all on me! You're the one who can't follow simple directions and decided to throw the book out the window!"

"Only because you kept trying to force it down my damn throat! Who gives a shit about some stupid book!" The black-haired defended himself, a haughty look appearing on his face. "I'm a fucking magi, baby, I don't need no damn directions."

"Oh yeah? Wellbeing a 'fucking magi' doesn't seem to stop you from making stupid-ass decisions, now does it?" She snaps, "Too bad having all that hair doesn't make up for a lack of  brain!"

"Hey, watch it you fucki—"

"Enough!"  The tone Hakuryuu's voice takes as he raises the volume of it is enough to get the two arguing 'adults' to fall silent once more.

Stepping further into the kitchen, Hakuryuu is cautious and carefully steps over broken glass as he makes his way towards the counter, lifting the spilled bottle of oil. "One, I didn't ask whose fault it was, I simply asked what happened. And two, please refrain from using such language in front of our child."

"Really?" Judar huffs, raising a firm eyebrow. "Look who's talking! Don't act like you yourself don't use 'such language',  Hakuryuu."  He ends his sentence with a suggestive smirk.

A trickle of pink brushes across pale cheeks, the scarred male turning to face the magi with a deep scowl on his flustered face. "That is a completely different situation, Judar! It's different when it's just the three of us, but not in front of Hakuro!"

"Yeah, yeah," Judar gave a lazy wave as his eyes flickered over to the small boy, who had once again become preoccupied with his toys. "It's not that big of a deal. Besides, he's only a brat. It's not like he understands what those words mean anyways."

"He's three, Judar. Children that age are quite impressionable."

"You know, sometimes I forget that I'm  supposed to be the mother, and you the father." [Name] gives a light giggle and places a kiss on Hakuryuu's pink cheek.

"Shut up!"

.  .   .   .   .   .

True to what he had predicted, after salvaging what was left of his lovers' poor attempt at making breakfast—though, he was truly touched that they had at least tried to do it—and turning it into a delicious masterpiece as he always did, Hakuryuu had found himself stuck in the remnants of the mess they had made. As he always was.

[Name] had been the first to excuse herself from cleaning duties this time, claiming that the "stress" of doing so much 'hard work' had made her rather tired and she 'deserved' to rest since she would be dealing with a child soon—and apparently she wasn't talking about Hakuro. But before he could question her anymore on that matter, she had rushed off into their bedroom for a 'quick' nap. But of course, by quick, she meant a couple of hours.

That left Judar.

And after a long moment of silent stare-off, looking into the beautiful red eyes that belonged to his magi, his resolve unshaken, gaze piercing,  all it took was a simple, wily upturn of Judar's plump lips before he broke. Sighing, he simply dismissed the magi away, of whom had let out an evil cackle before quickly flying out the window and towards his favorite peach tree, which stood in the forest a mile or two from their home.

Truthfully, he hadn't expected any different from Judar.

"Well then," After turning off the faucet to the sink, Hakuryuu turned and walked towards his son who still sat in his chair, playing with a stuffed dragon. "Let's get you cleaned up and put down for a nap with mama, hm?"

"No!" Large, [e/c] eyes stared defiantly into the surprised blue of his father's. "Roro no want to nap! Roro want to help Baba!"

"Help me?" Hakuryuu's surprised expression morphed into that of a gentle smile, his heart growing warm at Hakuro's declaration. "You wish to help Baba clean?"

"Yeah!"

"Very well," Hakuryuu lifts his son into his arms and walks over to the counter where he places him to sit before rolling up the sleeves of his hanfu. "Let's get started, shall we?"

.  .   .    .   .   .

About an hour had gone by, and the combined effort of father and son had the kitchen near spotless, not a trace of the mess the earlier disaster had left. Admittedly, it was a tad bit more tiring for the former emperor, having to put extra effort into aiding Hakuro with cleaning;  though the boy's enthusiasm and determination, bless his sweet little heart, to aid him in his task truly touched his heart to the point where he was nearly reduced to tears when his son had looked up at him with his large eyes and innocent smile, asking him if he did a good job.

Truly, his child was a godsend. Just what had a man like him, whose hands were so stained with sin and blood, done to deserve such a sweet child like Hakuro? He must have done something right.

A sudden crash, the sound of glass shattering had interrupted his thoughts. Then—

"Fuck!"

Hakuryuu's entire world came crashing down.

Eyes widened like saucers and mouth falling open in disbelief, Hakuryuu's turn towards his son is slow as he stares in shock at the small boy, who stood glaring at the plate he had tried to dry, now shattered into pieces on the floor.

"What—" He sure hoped he had heard incorrectly, his ears were deceiving him. Clearly, the three-year-old had not just said what he thinks he just said. "Excuse me?"

Hakuro's [e/c]- colored gaze met his. "What the matter, Baba?"

"Hakuro," Kneeling down to where he was at his son's height, Hakuryuu placed his hands on his shoulder. "What did you just say?"

"What did Roro say?" Dark locks fall over his eyes as he tilted his head, a look of confusion on his face. "Oh, Roro say Fuck!"

Hakuryuu blanched.

No. Nonononoonono—his worst fear had come true. His sweet son, the light of his life, had been corrupted! His innocence tainted, mind now ruined with the impurity of such dirty words. And it was all his fault! He had failed as a father.

Fighting back tears that threatened to form in his eyes, Hakuryuu's grip on the boy's shoulder tightens. "Hakuro, listen to me, you mustn't say that!"

"Say what?"

"Th-That word!"

"What word, Baba?"

"That word you just said!"

Silence. "...Fuck?" Hakuro blinks innocently, not understanding the reason behind his father's distress.

"Yes, that—no, stop saying that!"  Hakuryuu was close to pulling his hair out.

"But why?"

"Because..." His mind was in shambles, far too clouded with grief for his brain to process any words correctly. "Because it's not a good word!"

"But Mama and Baba Ju say 'Fuck' all time!"

"Yes, well,  they shouldn't be saying it either!" Hakuryuu cried, unable to stop a few tears from falling. "Listen Hakuro, that is a very inappropriate thing for a child to say! Just please,  don't say that word again. Don't be a bad boy."

Large (e/c) eyes grow wide as they begin to moisten with tears, and the boy's lips tremble. "I-I no mean to be bad boy, Baba!" He sniffles, rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists as he began crying.

Instantly, guilt blooms in Hakuryuu's chest, and he mentally scolds himself for making his son upset. If there was one thing he knew his child inherited from him—it was his sensitivity. (Though to be fair, Hakuryuu didn't think he was nearly as sensitive as he used to be. He was a grown man now, he had changed a lot!)

Pulling the boy in his arms, Hakuryuu rocked him gently, trying to hush his cries. "Shh, Hakuro, please don't cry,"  he strokes his son's dark hair.  "You're not a bad boy at all, you're a good boy! Baba was just being silly." Though in reality, he personally felt his worries weren't all that silly, as any parent wouldn't want to hear their young child use any foul words, but he did not like seeing his son upset.

The boy's sobs quiet down, and he pulled away from his father's chest, looking at him through large, teary eyes. "Really? Roro good boy again?"

Hakuryuu smiles gently. "Of course."

When all was settled, his son finally calmed down and returned to his normal, cheerful self Hakuryuu set him down and sent him off to go play. As he finished off putting the dishes away, he couldn't help but ponder, perhaps he was overreacting? It wasn't like his son was a bad child— he was mostly well-behaved, and radiated that natural curiosity and cheerful attitude most toddlers had. Perhaps he wasn't giving him enough credit? After all, he was only three. Like Judar had said, it wasn't as if he knew what that word meant.

Did he really have anything to worry about?

He watched as Hakuro played with a stuffed dragon his aunt Kougyoku had given him, innocently babbling and giggling to himself as he made the toy fly. It was as if the earlier issue hadn't even occurred, gone and far out his mind as he played in his own, blissful little world.

Pale lips form a smile. No, he didn't have to worry about anything— as long as his son grew up in a loving, happy home and raised to be a good man, he would be fine.

Nothing to worry about.

But then, the sound of the front door slamming open suddenly echoed, as an all to familiar voice rang out.

"Hey, why the fuck is it so quiet in here?"

Except for that.

.    .     .     .     .

#it's trash i know dont be mean #magi x reader #hakuryuu x reader #hakuryuu ren x reader #ren hakuryuu x reader #judar x reader #hakuryuu x reader x judar

[mind-of-a-hardstan]

Paint

 Pairing: Taehyung x Reader 

Genre: smut, make-up artist au 

Rating: E 

Warnings: smut, so much sexual tension omg, mature language, dirty talk, kissing, dry humping, grinding, taehyung’s neck should be a warning

Summary: You were a makeup artist. That much was clear to everyone. You were not the only makeup artist among the team who could draw, though. When they talked about drawing on Taehyung and giving him tattoos, you’d expected someone else to get the job. Why would they give it to you? You were one of the youngest on the team. One of the least experienced. 

You did get the job though, to your surprise.

And, well. Who were you to turn down an offer? 

Based on this post by @taechnological​ 

Word Count: 5.3K

A/N: Should I have edited this? Yes. Did I? No. Also I wanted to use a gif where tae was already painted but then I saw this one and I went feral and I knew that was the one. Also I’m seriously debating whether or not I should start selling organs for feedback :))) 

You were a makeup artist. That much was clear to everyone. You were not the only makeup artist among the team who could draw, though.

When they talked about drawing on Taehyung and giving him tattoos, you’d expected someone else to get the job. Why would they give it to you? You were one of the youngest on the team. One of the least experienced.

You did get the job though, to your surprise.

You were delighted at first. You liked painting people. One of your first jobs during college was painting kid’s faces at McDonald’s. You painted your cousins all the time, turning them into cute, bouncing little artworks. You had the skill and the talent for it.

So yeah, at first you smiled and accepted the job graciously. Then you realised… this would not quite be like painting kids. This would be a lot more like painting superman.

Or a Greek god perhaps.

You were a professional though. You’d done their makeup plenty of times. You were near all seven of them enough that they didn’t affect you as much as they did in the beginning. Sure, you’ve laughed with them when they joked around, tried to console them if they were nervous.

Doing their makeup took time, and that time was either spent in silence or with talking. That depended on how they felt at the moment.

They were never rude though. Just tired, sometimes.

You were a professional, and you’ve done all of their makeup at some point or another. Never on their necks though. Or… for god’s sake, their chests.  And Taehyung… Taehyung was something else.

Taehyung’s personality shined like a star. He was bright, he made the whole room laugh if he wanted to. He made you struggle to keep your composure multiple times. Taehyung was someone who wore his heart on his sleeve. You’ve had to apply lipstick to multiple of his pouts. You always had to hide a smile at the cute gesture, and he always noticed and pouted harder.

Taehyung was, and this was the worst part of all, so unbelievably fucking hot to the point that it was almost downright intimidating. Sometimes you would walk into his dressing room and just need a second to stop and process. And he would doing something as simple as sitting and looking at you with a raised eyebrow.

Now, the other members were just as stunning. They had you just as flustered in the beginning. They just… they never looked at you in the way that Taehyung did. They never locked eyes with you when you leaned closer to their faces. They never winked at you, never smiled so brightly when they saw you, never stared at you so intensely. They never requested you when –

Oh.

Oh, that made sense. Taehyung had requested you do his makeup quite a few times before. Why would this be any different? There were older and more experienced artists on the team, so the only reason that you got the job would be because Taehyung requested you.

That made sense.

You weren’t sure if you had to be flattered or disappointed.

You went for flattered. It was better for you mental health.

When you entered Taehyung’s dressing room, he was already there.

You weren’t surprised. Taehyung was rarely late, and never without reason. You’d just… well you’re hoped there was reason. There had been a rush today and you felt like you’d needed a minute to mentally prepare for this.

He smiled at you though, that open, box shaped smile, and you smiled back.

“How are you doing today?” you asked by way of greeting and put down your make up case on the vanity. It was strangely quiet. None of the others were here yet. Taehyung came three hours early for the tattoos.

Taehyung bit his lip and looked down. “Nervous,” he said, voice low. You looked back at him and smiled softly, hoping that he would find comfort in it.

“Well, the paintbrush feels nice against your skin. At least according to my cousins. Maybe it’ll help?” you suggested, turning around with a small brush in one hand and black body paint in the other.

“Your cousins?” Taehyung asked with an unsure smile. You put down the paint and decided to do his foundation first, lest you ruin your masterpiece later.

“Yeah. My mom’s youngest brother is like sixteen years younger than she is? So his kids are still pretty small.” You gently primed his face with a cotton soaked in primer. “He has two girls and a boy. The boy is eight, I think? And the youngest girl is three.”

“And you painted them?” Taehyung mumbled, trying not to move too much. You stifled a giggle and nodded.

“When my uncle told Connor that I do makeup for a living, he kept asking me to paint his face too. His sisters joined in and now I paint them whenever they come over.” You started with his foundation, taking care to apply it where the paint will go too. “Rosa, the middle one, always says that it ‘tickles nicely.’ I think she enjoys the brush more than looking at herself in the mirror afterward.”

Taehyung had a big smile on his face that he tried to suppress for the sake of his makeup. He was looking at you fondly as you talked, and you had to suppress the urge of stopping just to stare into his eyes in infatuation. The closeness wasn’t helping.

He wasn’t looking fondly at you though, you had to remind yourself. Rather, he was fond of the story you were telling. He liked kids – that was no secret. The fond look was not directed at you. It was directed at your cousins.

You clenched your jaw and tried to focus on the task at hand. This was a job. This was your profession. There wasn’t supposed to be any feelings involved. Not infatuation, not fondness, not longing.

Job job job.

“What’s the other one’s name?” Taehyung asked when you turned away and looked for another beauty blender.

“Hmm?”

“Your youngest cousin, the three year old, what’s her name?”

“Oh, Ira. She’s a dear, far less spoiled than some of my other cousins were. She’s still a toddler though, so like, never leave her in a room with a white wall and crayons.” You leaned in close to blend the foundation near his ear. “I learned that the hard way.”

Taehyung laughed and his warm breath hit your cheek, making goose bumps rise on your neck. It didn’t mean anything, you told yourself after suppressing a shiver. It was just a normal bodily reaction.

You stood back and admired your handiwork. With the foundation done, you could do the tree patterns and then the rest of his face. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

You dragged a stool closer and sat down. The stool was a bit higher than his chair, but you were shorter than him, so you had comfortable access to his neck.

Depending on how you saw it, that could either be a good or a bad thing.

See, the good thing was that this made it very easy to work. The angle was good and you it would be easy to paint the patterns. You would have to move your stool a bit to have better access to his chest later on, but that wouldn’t be a problem.

The bad thing, however, was that Taehyung had a very nice neck. You’d thought of sinking your teeth into his neck quite a few times in the past, and being this close to him – facing said neck – was not helping. Furthermore, you would have to lean into his neck, and Taehyung always smelled so fucking good.

But you were a professional. You’d think of biting his neck later.

Or… well. You’d think of biting his neck now, you’d just keep very quiet about it.

You opened the paint and picked up the brush and got to work. At the first touch of the brush against Taehyung’s skin, he shivered and you slipped, smearing paint where it shouldn’t be. You giggled and he let out a shaky laugh too.

“Sorry,” he whispered, “’s cold.”

“It’s okay,” you whispered back, not wanting to disturb the gentle stillness that lingered. You cleaned up the mess and picked the brush up again.

“Keep still,” you warned before gently starting again. He shivered once more, but it was more subtle this time and didn’t disrupt you. You slowly started to trace the patterns on his neck.

“Tickles,” he breathed, and you huffed out a short laugh.

The paint was good, better than the cheap stuff you usually used on your cousins. It was supposed to be waterproof too, which was a very good thing because then it wouldn’t smudge on his clothes and he also wouldn’t sweat it off whilst dancing.

Because he was going to sweat under all of those lights. But it was okay, the droplets are going to roll right over the paint and not smudge a thing. Just… just perfect caramel skin shining with sweat and non-smudged paint. That you applied. That you were applying right now. To his neck. Beautiful thick neck, covered in your paint and sweat dripping–

This train of thought was bringing you to a bad place.

You pulled away and turned around in your stool to wipe the paint off the brush. Not because you needed to, you just needed a second away from Taehyung’s neck. He smelled too good, looked too fucking edible.

Taehyung stuttered out a deep sigh, like he’d been holding his breath. You looked at him curiously and smiled.

“You can breathe, you know. It doesn’t make a difference with the painting. Breathe as deep as you like,” you said. Taehyung swallowed and nodded, but he didn’t look at you.

You leaned in close again, took a deep breath and got a lungful of Taehyung’s intoxicating smell. You stopped for a beat and then got back to work. You had a job to do, and only so much time to do it.

You dipped the brush in paint Taehyung shivered again when you started to work on him. You were able to pull the brush away before catastrophe happened. You looked at him, and he had a blush on his cheeks.

“Sorry,” he said.

“Don’t worry about it,” you smiled, “I should have warned you anyway.”

Silence followed after that. You worked on Taehyung’s neck diligently. You were proud of yourself for only being mildly distracted. Taehyung still wasn’t breathing properly, though. His breaths were coming out too shallow. You frowned.

“Are you okay?” you asked and pulled away. Taehyung swallowed and nodded. “Are you sure? Taehyung, if you’re uncomfortable we can stop. You know that right?”

“Yeah,” he said.

You eyed the patterns on his neck. They weren’t nearly done, but they looked good enough that you could stop here. They could edit in the rest if needed.

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No,” he said so fast he almost cut you off.

“Okay.”

Something was clearly wrong, but you didn’t pry. He mentioned that he was nervous before, so maybe it was those same nerves acting up. If he wanted to talk, he would.

“Ready?” you asked. Taehyung nodded and you touched the brush to his skin again. His breathing stuttered. You laid a free hand on his thigh without much thought, trying to give him a bit of comfort. Taehyung tensed and you removed it as quickly as you put it there.

“Sorry.”

“It’s – it’s okay.”

Another silence followed after that. You tried to focus, but the room felt charged somehow. You couldn’t put your finger on it, but the moment you’d put your hand on his leg, the vibe in the room changed.

You brushed it off as your own idiocy. Maybe you were just projecting. Maybe feeling that muscle tense under your hand messed with your head more than you realised.

Time passed in a blur. You worked on his neck with as much focus as you could muster. You made surprisingly few mistakes – which filled you with pride, because these were hardly the best circumstances for focus.

“Taehyung.”

“Yeah?”

“I need to work on your chest.”

“Okay.” He sounded breathless. Was he really breathless or were you just hearing what you wanted to hear?

“Can uh… can you take off your shirt? Maybe you can switch it for one with a wider collar?”

“I don’t have another shirt.”

“Oh. Uh. Do you want me to get another one?”

“No, I uh, I can take it off. It’s fine.”

“Okay.”

You turned around and fussed with your make up kit to give him a moment. The material shifted audibly and you saw the white t-shirt fly across the room from the corner of your eye. You cleaned off the brush fussed with it some more to avoid having to turn around and face this new challenge.

It wouldn’t be the first time you saw him shirtless. And it wasn’t like you were some schoolgirl who couldn’t control her hormones, for god’s sake.

You took a deep breath and gripped the brush before turning around. Taehyung was… well. Wide. Caramel skin and wide shoulders and a soft tummy and such a biteable fucking chest.

Well.

You refused to let your eyes travel beyond his neck though, refused to meet Taehyung’s eyes. You followed the lines you drew and tried to map out where you needed to go from here.

“I might have to sit in front of you for this part. Is that okay?” you asked, still staring at the black lines across his neck.

“Yeah, sure.”

This wasn’t fucking fair. It couldn’t be legal to talk with a voice that fucking deep, while shirtless and looking like a fucking Greek god. This wasn’t allowed to be fucking okay.

You moved the chair in front of Taehyung and sat down. Your knees brushed against his and you had to lean forward a lot to work on his – very fucking wide and perfect – chest.

You leaned your hand against his shoulder to steady yourself and tried not to feel your skin spark at the contact. “Is this okay?” you asked,

“Yeah.” Taehyung’s chest vibrated, vibrated, with the word. You swallowed and kept painting.

Your back complained loudly, and after a few minutes you sat up straight again with a frown. You arched your back in a stretch and winced at how loudly your spine cracked.

“This isn’t good for my back,” you said and Taehyung scoffed out a laugh. You locked eyes with him an smiled. “I feel like an old lady for saying that.”

Taehyung gave you big grin in return. “Maybe because you are?”

“I’m younger than you,” He laughed and shook his head. “No but really, this isn’t working. Could you maybe spread your legs for me?”

“Jesus,” Taehyung groaned.

“What?” you asked in alarm.

“You can’t – you can’t fucking say that!”

“What?” you asked again.

“You can’t do that! You can’t look like that and then tell me to take off my shirt and breathe into my neck and touch me and that fucking brush, god damn it, and then tell me to spread my legs for you.”

“I’m – what?”

“And then you told me to breathe normally. Breathe normally. How the fuck should I breathe when I feel like I’m boiling in my own skin, fuck.”

You stared at him with wide eyes when he finished his rant. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration and – well. Good to know. You finally let your eyes travel up and down his body. It was like he gave you permission, even when he didn’t do it literally.

His cheeks were slightly flushed, now that you looked. His chest too. He was slightly tense. His thighs looked so good in his sweatpants. And. Well.

Taehyung was unmistakably hard.

“Taehyung,” you said when you dragged your eyes back to his. His pupils were blown wide now, jaw tense. He saw you eating him with your eyes. He definitely saw and he looked at you like he was waiting.

“Yes?”

“Do you need help with that?” you said and looked down at his dick straining his pants.

“God, yes. Please. I’ll literally fucking beg.”

You looked at him slyly, not able to hold in a smile. “Wouldn’t have guessed you were into that.”

“I don’t usually do the begging but I’ll beg for you. Christ I’d do anything for you.”

His words caused need to pulse in your lower stomach. You liked the visual of him begging for you. You weren’t usually into that either but… well.

“That’s a dangerous thing to say,” you teased and pushed at his knees. Taehyung got the message and spread his legs. The visual was something fucking else. It was nothing new to see Taehyung sitting with his legs spread, but god. He was shirtless. And very fucking hard. And wearing grey sweatpants.

You moved your chair closer until it touched his, almost creating a bench of sorts and just… looked and looked and looked.

“Please,” Taehyung whimpered and your eyes snapped back to his. They were nearly black and very much pleading. “I feel like ripping my skin off.”

You breathed out a laugh and placed your hand on his left pec, the one that wasn’t covered in patterns. You ran your hand over his chest, then down his stomach and flicked a thumb over his hipbone. Taehyung’s breathing hitched and you smiled again before putting your hand on his clothed erection.

“Fuck,” Taehyung groaned out. You palmed him slowly and his hips bucked up into your hand. He threw his head back and bit his lip and god you were wet. Just… looking at him.

“You’re big, aren’t you?” you said lowly.

“Yeah,” he choked out.

Taehyung damn near mewled in protest when you took your hand off of him. You bit your lip and moved closer, shuffling onto his lap. Taehyung stared at you with hooded eyes as you made yourself comfortable on his lap.

You ground your hips down onto his and you both hissed at the friction. You threaded your fingers through his hair and steadied yourself with your other hand on his shoulder. Taehyung was breathing into your neck, groaning at the feeling of his dick getting attention. Every noise vibrated down your spine.

You leaned down and bit his neck thoughtlessly.

Taehyung cried out and his hips bucked up, causing you to moan into his neck. He felt big. He felt like if he fucked you, he would destroy your insides.

It almost scared you, if it weren’t for how hot you were.

“You don’t understand how long I’ve wanted to do that,” you groaned and bit his neck again, softer this time.

“Do what?” he asked. You licked over the forming mark, hoping to god that make up would be enough to cover it up.

“Bite you.”

“Fuck, really?”

“Yeah. You have such a thick fucking neck and I just–” you sucked another mark into his skin “–wanted to fucking mark it.”

“Christ,” he moaned into your neck.

You rocked your hips back and forth against his, creating the ideal friction for both of you. His dick rubbed against your clit perfectly. You threw your head back when he bucked up, not able to keep your moans to yourself.

“You sound so fucking good, do you know that?” Taehyung grit out and gripped your ass, guiding your movements to sync with his.

“You too, fuck.”

You leaned forward, needing to feel his skin on your lips. You’d fantasised about this so much, now that you finally had the chance you were not going to let it slip through your fingers. Taehyung tilted his head to give you better access to his neck, and you peppered kisses all the way from his shoulder to his ear to his jaw, stopping every now and then to suck a mark.

Taehyung’s fingers threaded through your own hair, using it as leverage to pull your head back roughly.  

“You have no fucking idea,” he growled, “how bad I want you.”

“Yeah? How bad?” You still moved against him, the friction enough to push you to the edge of an orgasm, but not enough to push you over.

“So bad. So long. Was so fucking frustrated.”

“Why’s ‘at,” you asked teasingly and he groaned.

“Because you’re so goddamn hot, fuck, and – and you’d breathe into my – shit – neck and when you bent over me you smelled so good – hng. And I’d sit there trying – trying to crack jokes while I just wanted to fuck you ‘till you feel me for days.”

“Fuck, Taehyung,” you moaned and he gripped your hair harder.

“Say it again,” he whispered. His other hand was moving from your ass to your hip to your back to your breasts. He explored you slowly, almost curiously, trying to see which touch made you gasp.

“What?” you breathed, unable to think.

“My name. Say my name again.”

“Tae–” he bit your nipple through your shirt and pulled your hair at the same time, causing your whole body to jolt “–Taehyung!”

“God, I could come just from that, I swear.”

Hoseok’s laughter filtered through the walls and realisation struck that you were not alone in this building, and that you had a job to do. You’d get fired if they had to go on set and Taehyung wasn’t done. You’d get murdered if they found you like this.

You stopped grinding on Taehyung’s dick and he looked at you quizzically.

“What’s wrong,” he said, voice so silky and deep and fucked out.

“I – I have to finish you,” you said unsure.

“Uh, please?” Taehyung’s eyes were near pleading, but he seemed as confused as ever. You laughed and shook your head no.

“I mean I have to finish your neck. And clean up that mess.” You gestured to the red and purple marks blooming on the other side of his neck. You were very careful to stay away from the painted parts.

“Oh. Oh, yeah. Yeah that.” Taehyung shook his head like he was trying to clear it. You knew how he felt.

The paintbrush was somehow still in your hand. You grabbed the paint and took a deep breath before dipping the paintbrush and starting up where you left off. Taehyung’s hands never left your body, and you were still sat in his lap. It was just more comfortable to work whilst in his lap than to have to break your back bending over.

That seemed to be a good excuse.

“I have a question,” Taehyung whispered, still running his fingers lightly over your back and the top of your ass.

“Yeah,” you said, trying hard not to fuck up the patterns on his neck.

“You said you thought about biting me?”

“Yeah.”

Taehyung laughed at the mumbled response and pinched your but, making you squirm. “That all you thought about?”

You looked up at Taehyung and saw the lust still glittering in his eyes. His dick was still hard against your clit.

“No,” you said, leaning in so your lips nearly touched, “thought about riding you. When you sit with your legs spread I just wanna fucking mount you.” You firmly ground your ass on his dick once. “Thought about sucking your cock too. Debated doing it right then and there in front of everyone, I swear.”

You caught Taehyung’s lip with your teeth and pulled. Taehyung moaned and you swore you felt his dick twitch.

“Are you gonna?” he ground out. His voice was rough, you could tell it was more out of frustration than anything else.

“Depends on how good you are,” you teased.

“Jesus you can’t fucking say that.”

“I just did.” You giggled at the way he groaned and threw his head back. “Really though, I have to finish this if I don’t want to get fired.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“So are you gonna be good and let me finish?” you teased again.

You didn’t miss the way Taehyung swallowed. “Yeah.”

You giggled again and nipped at his jaw before going back to painting his chest. Silence followed, the pressure of time finally catching up to you. Taehyung was evidently still distracted though, judging by the tiny movements he made with his hips, still chasing the friction.

You didn’t let yourself indulge in him though. You finished your work as quickly and effectively as possible and focused hard on covering up the marks you left on the other side of his neck. You tried to plan ahead too, knowing the bruises would darken within an hour.

If someone saw them, all hell would break lose. Fucking him would already cause an uproar, but fucking him while you were on the clock could make you lose your job. And everything else for that matter.

“There,” you whispered, anxiety evident in your voice, “all done.”

You moved to get off of his lap but Taehyung pulled you back and kissed you.

You melted. You felt how your body turned to mush in Taehyung’s hands the moment he put his lips on yours. His lips were soft against yours, moving slowly. He kissed lazily, like he had all the time in the world and was willing to give it all to you.

Taehyung nipped at your bottom lip, asking for access. You opened for him on instinct and his tongue swooped into your mouth expertly.

It felt good. It felt so good. You tangled your hands in his hair to try to pull him closer. Taehyung seemed to share the sentiment, pushing you against him by your lower back and slowly, thoughtlessly, grinding his dick against you.

After what felt like hours of kissing, you had to pull away, the need to breathe finally making itself present. You gasped against Taehyung’s mouth, leaning your forehead against his.

“I was good, wasn’t I?” he breathed, base in his voice sending shivers down your spine.

“So good,” you gasped.  

“Will you ride me now?”

“Do you have a condom?”

Taehyung cursed and shook his head and you felt your stomach drop in disappointment. No gut rearranging happening today, apparently.

“Just grinding then. I just wanna feel you. We can fuck another time just… just wanna feel you. Please.”

“Yeah. Yeah fuck.”

The next moments passed in a blur. You moved quickly to pull his sweatpants down his legs, only about halfway down his thighs. Taehyung was fumbling with the button of your jeans, fingers moving clumsily with impatience. You helped him pull your own pants and underwear down.

“Fuck,” he whispered when moved back to his lap. He kissed you again, this time with more impatience, more heat. It wasn’t lazy in the slightest. He sucked your tongue into his mouth and lightly bit down and you moaned. You lowered your hips onto his and he hissed when you made contact.

This was a whole different feeling. His cock was smooth against you. And big, fuck. You swallowed down the urge to throw caution in the wind and ride him for real.

“God, you’re so wet, why are you so wet?” he said in wonder.

“Because you’re so goddamn hot.”

“Fuck, Y/n.”

Taehyung gripped your hips and moved you against him at a faster pace, movieng his own hips against yours. The brush of his dick against your clit was driving you insane, it was nothing near feeling him through your jeans.

You ran your hands over his chest and he gasped when you ran finger over his nipple. You stared in wonder and did it again, this time his cock twitched against you, making you moan.

“You’re sensitive here?” you asked, licking at the bud and gasping when he gripped your ass.

“Yeah,” he choked out, “stop that or I’ll come.”

“That’s the idea,” you teased, breathless. You took his nipple between your teeth gently and Taehyung full on moaned.

He was having none of it though. He gripped you by the hair and pulled you up for another kiss. It was so messy now. None of the practiced skill of before, just a desperate need of contact and stimulation. You cursed him for ruining his make up once again, but let it slide for now. Easy to fix and worth it.

“Tae,” you gasped into his mouth when his thumb came into the mix. He was toying with your clit while his cock was still deliciously sliding against you. “Taehyung.”

“Yeah?” he asked, sounding so fucked out, voice so rough. He was everywhere. You felt him everywhere. Every point of contact burned your skin in the best way.

“Good, so good. You’re so good. Fuck,” you moaned against his lips. You took his bottom lip between his teeth and pulled, pulling another small – fucking incredible – sound out of him.

Your hips were moving desperately now. Neither of you had a rhythm anymore, just chasing pleasure.

“Don’t stop don’t stop,” you babbled, orgasm crawling closer and closer and you were right there so close so close. “Tae – Tae, fuck, Taehyung,”

You came with a cry of Taehyung’s name, body pulling taut and hands gripping Taehyung’s hair mercilessly. Your hips were twitching against him, but he used your ass as leverage to keep grinding against you.

“God, Y/n sound so good. So good, fuck, fuck, fuck,”

Taehyung’s cock twitched against you before spilling come over his stomach. His head was thrown back, mouth open in a silent cry.

It took a few moments for your soul to return to your body. You took deep breaths, trying to calm your racing heartbeat.

No easy feat with Taehyung looking at you with hooded eyes.

“That was so good,” he rasped. You giggled breathlessly and nodded.

“Imagine how good it would feel,” you said, leaning closer, “when you actually get to be inside of me.”

Taehyung groaned and closed his eyes, shaking his head. “Don’t say shit like that, I’ll get hard again, I swear.”

“Is your recovery period that quick?”

“Around you, apparently.”

You laughed and got off of him, looking for wet wipes or a towel of sorts. You frowned when you noticed a few drops of come on your shirt.

“You got come on my shirt,” you said and threw a towel at Taehyung.

“Sorry. I wasn’t exactly focusing on aim.” You set him a glare, but you had to bite your lip to force back a smile.

“You owe me a shirt now. And panties, holy hell.” Taehyung smiled brightly.

“I’ll buy you all the panties in the world if it means I get to ruin them.” And that smile was too innocent to be pared with the dirty words. You shook your head.

After quickly cleaning yourself up and putting your pants on, you fixed Taehyung’s make up. The damage wasn’t that bad and it only took two minutes.

“You might want to hurry. You need to be out in half an hour.” You gestured to the clock and Taehyung cursed, moving to get dressed quickly while you packed up your make up kit. You couldn’t help but smile.

“See you, I gotta get back,” you said, getting ready to leave.

“Wait, get back here,” Taehyung said and pulled your back flush against his chest, wrapping his arm around your waist. “Next time I’m gonna bend you over that couch, yeah? Gonna make sure you feel me for days.”

Your mouth went dry but you nodded. “Yeah,” you whispered, “but only if you be good and come prepared.”

Taehyung groaned and you grinned on your way out.

#smutcentralnet #bangtanhq #magicshopnet #btswriterscollective #thekimlinenet #taehyung #kim taehyung #v #tae #bts #bangtan #bangtan boys #taehyung smut #v smut #bts smut #taehyung fanfic #v fanfic #bts fanfic #taehyung fanfiction #v fanfiction #bts fanfiction

[the-lady-writes-what]

Content nobody asked for, but here it is because I have no self-control

Ahem. Allow me to explain that my impulse control left me about two bottles of malt liquor ago and this has been rotting in my brain for the past twenty-four hours. 

Author’s Note: I picked up later because I got wasted after starting it.

Contents: office sex, semi-public, MILF, Rei is a cougar, rough riding, hair pulling, unorthodox use of quirks, slight female Dom energy (sorry I don’t make the rules), younger man/older woman

Smut below the cut! Minors DNI! No minors or ageless blogs

Please REBLOG! Don’t just ‘heart’ it, though it is appreciated

It started when he first entered his own office building. The first thing out of Hawks’ secretary’s mouth was that Mrs. Todoroki was waiting for him in his office. Hawks gave the woman a quizzical look, but proceeded to the elevator anyway. Thoughts ran around his head as to what the former Mrs. Todoroki wanted with him. Riding his way up to the top, Hawks was determined to find out. Admittedly, his curiousity was getting to him. He stuffed his hands into his jackets to avoid fidgeting them. A pro-hero like him shouldn’t appear nervous stepping off his own elevator. 

His office door was left ajar, certainly not the way he left it. Hawks carefully pried it open. Sure enough, there she was. Rei stood up from the chair she made herself comfortable in while waiting with a saint’s patience. Hawks put on his most sincere smile. 

“Well, Mrs. Todoroki, how can I be of service to you?” He asked. 

“Rei. You can call me Rei. I don’t really have much use for my surname anymore,” she said. 

“How are you holding up?” 

“Better than most. Enji didn’t put up a fight. We both wanted it done quickly and quietly so as to not hurt the children,” said Rei. 

Even though her children were all fully grown, even the youngest had just graduated from U.A. None of that explained why she was here to begin with. Hawks shut the door behind him. Once he assured privacy, his eyes wandered over to Rei. He was taken a bit aback by what he saw. Far from a homely newly divorced woman, Rei had on her best pair of heels, a skirt, and a blouse that was far from the modesty of a simple housewife. Hawks was professional, of course, however, he was also a man. He tried not to let his eyes linger too long and wonder how he never noticed how curvy Rei was. While the skirt she wore reached an inch above her knee, it didn’t hide her hips. The fabric hugged her body like a second skin. Hawks glued his eyes to her face to avoid looking her up and down like a pervert. 

“I was wondering if I could ask you a favor, Hawks. You’re the only man I can trust right now,” said Rei. 

She closed the gap between them. It took most of Hawks’ concentration not to stare at her legs as she walked up to him. Rei moved like a swan on a crystal lake, slowly and gracefully. He swallowed hard.

“A-Anything, you can ask me of anything, M--Rei. Just as long as you’re not asking me to hide a body for you!” Hawks joked.

“Can you keep a secret?” Asked Rei. 

Rei stood about an arm’s length away from him. Warmth spread to Hawks’ face and a blush crept to his cheeks. Rei leaned her face close to his. 

“S-Sure,” said Hawks. 

He wondered how Rei and Enji were able to have so many kids. Hawks was average height, standing about five foot eight inches. Rei was a few inches shorter than yet was somehow almost as intimidating as her former husband when she stood this close. Without saying a word, Rei closed the gap between their mouths and kissed him. Hawks felt her grab the front of his jacket and pulled him close. One hand let go in favor of seizing his waist. His hero costume never felt thinner than when Rei grazed her hand across his sculpted abdomen, raking cool fingers over his muscles. The spandex felt like little more than tissue paper as she groped him through his clothes. 

The kiss continued until Rei licked Hawks’ bottom lip and broke away for some air. A trail of saliva connected their lips together for a moment before it broke away. Rei gathered Hawks’ jacket again with both hands and began pulling it off. Hawks didn’t put up resistance. Instead, in turn, he worked off his gloves, threw them aside, and unbuttoned Rei’s baby-blue cardigan. It became a battle to see who get the other’s clothes off first. All the while, Rei pushed him back until the back of Hawks’ knees hit the couch. Their bodies collided against the smooth imported leather. Hawks’ hands found their way to Rei’s waist. She threw off her cardigan, but couldn’t get her blouse untucked from her skirt fast enough. Thankfully, Hawks was there to help. 

Hawks tugged her shirt up and over her head. The garment was thrown over Rei’s shoulder. Where it landed was the least of Hawks’ worries and hers. His eyes popped out of his skull as soon as Rei’s beautiful skin was revealed to him. Her round breasts were encased in lavender lace that barely held them up. Hawks caressed her back as he searched for the clip. His brows furrowed when he couldn’t find the clip that held Rei’s bra together. She chuckled and reached between the cups. Her delicate fingers unlocked the front-facing clasp. 

Hawks smothered his face between her breasts, kissing, sucking, and licking her skin. Rei ran her fingers through his hair as soft encouragement. Hawks circled one nipple while tweaking the other with his fingers. He took it into his mouth and suckled. 

“Mhmm, yes. Just like that,” Rei murmured, stroking the back of Hawks’ head and threading her finger through his hair. 

He gripped Rei’s hip with his free hand and made her straddle his thigh. Hawks bounced his leg at just the right angle where Rei’s pussy rubbed him. He continued to lick and suck on her breasts until her fair skin was marked red and purple with his love-bites. 

Rei tugged her tight skirt up to reveal matching lavender panties. Without even taking off her heels, she slid the underwear down her legs and stepped out of them. She unbuckled Hawks’ pants. Her hand dove into his pants and found just what she was looking for. His cock twitched in her hand as she stroked his hardening length. 

“H-Holy shit.” Hawks bucked his hips in time with Rei’s ministrations. 

She rubbed him up and down. Beads of sweat formed on the sides of his face and forehead. Hawks tried to find purchased in the couch to relieve the pressure building in his groin. He wanted to resist the urge to press Rei’s pretty face into his crotch and force himself down her throat until she gagged. He grunted as she stroked his cock and palmed his balls. 

“Do you want me to stop?” She asked as though she wasn’t the one making him harder than a rock. 

“Fuck...No. Don’t stop. I’m so close!” 

Rei gave him a coy smile. “That’s really too bad.” 

Her hand left him. Hawks was pushed to the brink of begging for her to continue when Rei climbed on top of him. She braced her hands against the wall behind him. At this angle, her chest was pushed to his face. Rei looked Hawks in the eyes as she sank her body down on his, impaling herself on his cock. They moaned in unison. Hawks looked to find Rei’s face lost in ecstasy. After a moment of listening to themselves panting for breath, Rei shifted her hips and pushed herself up until just the tip remained. She sank down on his cock again, pulling herself up and down on him. Her insides felt nothing short of perfection. 

Hawks plucked a few feathers off his wings. The floated mid-air for a moment before his mental commands sent them off to their tasks. One feather went to lock the door before returning to him. The others...well, they had more interesting tasks. Red feathers teased the pink tips of Rei’s nipples. Another dove between their united bodies to play with her clit. This left Hawks’ hands free to grab her hips and enjoy the plush flesh beneath his fingertips. Rei found purchase on his shoulders. Her chest smothered his face, and honestly he couldn't think of a better way to go. 

“Fuck me back, fuck me, Hawks!” 

His hands moved behind Rei to grope and squeeze her ass. Hawks’ forced his hips up to meet her thrusts. The couple fed into each other’s lust. Hawks’ agility and stamina helped him to make Rei cry out. He licked and nibbled on her skin leading up to her neck, careful not to bite too hard. Her nails raked his back  through his shirt. Hawks never thought about how a woman’s voice would sound moaning his name within the walls of his office or the sound of skin slapping against his. He was too lost in the pleasure to think about anything else. His golden eyes looked up at Rei. Meeting his gaze, she drove herself harder on him, riding faster, and moaning more. 

“Faster!” She cried. 

Hawks jackhammered his cock into Rei’s wet, tight cunt. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she bit her lip. Hawks lost track of all time. He leaned back against the couch to watch his cock disappear into Rei’s warm and inviting cunt over and over again. He was coated in her essence. Hawks held the globes of her ass in each hand as he watched her derive her pleasure from his body. His eyes were hypnotized by the way her breasts bounced while riding him. 

“I’m coming, I'm coming. Oh, gods, yes! I’m coming!” Rei kissed him hard on the mouth. 

Her hands left his shoulders to grip him by the hair. She slammed herself down on his cock. She pulled on his hair and left his scalp burning. Rei’s screams were swallowed in the kiss. She coated him. Her walls clenched down around his cock, driving Hawks over the edge. His own orgasm wasn’t far behind hers. He held her tight as he exploded. Hawks thought he saw stars flashing behind his eyes. The way Rei squeezed around him and milked his cock for all he was worth was by best feeling in the world. She swiveled her hips while he was still inside of her, cock twitching until the last of his cum was dripping out. 

They sat on the couch with Rei cockwarming him for several minutes. The office smelled of sex and sweat, something he would have trouble explaining to the cleaners whenever they stopped by. Like a gentleman, Hawks helped clean her up, setting her clothes aright, and walking her to the door. 

“Call me sometime, Hawks. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing quite a bit of each other,” said Rei, as she stuffed a business card with her phone number into his pocket and pecked him on the cheek.

#I did a thing #my hero academia #mha #boku no hero academia #bnha #fanfiction #mha fanfiction #bnha fanfiction #mha smut #bnha smut #smut #smut fic #cannon characters only #rei #rei todoroki #hawks #Keigo takami #Milf! Rei Todoroki #Cougar! Rei Todoroki #divorce #Rei x Hawks #Rei x Keigo #crack ship #minors DNI #18+ only #nobody asked for this but here it is anyway #the crack ship nobody asked for

[bladekindeyewear]

HS^2 bloggin’ mainline 2020-12-25

I’m not going to spend time BLOGGING an upd8 on Christmas morning!

...yes I am who the fuck am I kidding.  (Bonus stuff and Hiveswap are still well on hold though.)

So are we gonna follow up on the main ship?  Probably not, right, with that perfect Karkat point to cut away, right?  We’re just going to leave Roxy’s question hanging, as well as makeouts etiquette, and leave while having seen a COUPLE FRAMES of non-possessed canon Jade with only whatever fun fanart was inspired across the internet by the moment to tide us over????

Yeah, probably.

Ugh, more Dirk.  I guess it’s overdue.  :(

> CHAPTER 16. Welcome to my Secret Lair

Oh huh, I guess not?  So... Jane’s, or Rose and Kanaya’s?

Karkat stays for longer than John thought he would. They talk a bit, but mostly they are quiet. Eventually, Karkat gets called away on yet more important war business, leaving John with one final touch on the shoulder. John leans into it in response, though he’s a bit ashamed of chasing down a sliver of physical affection so soon after obliterating Karkat’s evening like he had.

Pretty much, yeah.  Can’t blame either of them.

When Karkat is finally gone, John still doesn’t move. It isn’t as though he has nowhere else to go, since there are quite a few places he might attempt to make himself useful, for better or for worse.

You’re still abandoning the task that was explicitly yours to protect your literal kid and his friends, but, oh well.  Low-point.  Dave dead, house dead, broke news, I get it.

He just doesn’t feel ready for that yet. The remnants of his house are still smoldering, and he can’t stop staring at them. It would make sense, he thinks, to want to root around through the rubble for anything that’s still intact; some half-charred keepsake to claim as the last thing left that’s still his. But he doesn’t want to do it, and he doesn’t want to think about it. And he still can’t move.

Can’t move.  No Breath huh?  What’s going to get him to, then?

> (==>)

Oh boy, that might help.  XD  She’s pretty good at that.

> (==>)

Still with the waistline gap.  And was his phone always yellow like his God-Tier shoes?

ROXY: hey john can u do me a quick solid ROXY: actly idk how quick itll be but its definitely solid ROXY: harry anderson says i just missed u being here but could u skip back on over?

Nice, huh!  No judgment, just a hey-any-chance-you-could-swing-back.  He sort of needs to be needed right now, in a simple, almost everyday non-judgmental way I guess.  (That’s what he NEEDED anyway-- whether he deserved it though is up for debate.)

ROXY: i need help w/smth and yr darling boy is holed up in his room working on some fuckin craft project or other and cant be bothered

YES SEW JOHN A BETTER FITTING FUCKING OUTFIT

ROXY: and now that me and u are freshly on speakin terms again i might as well take advantage of that olive branch and put u to work ROXY: assumin you havent died in an air raid, that is ROXY: which id also be interested in knowin about so if u wld be so kind as to reply instead of leavin me hangin

Heheheh.  Gosh Roxy is always the best.

JOHN: yea yea sorry im here. JOHN: i just had a hard time getting my phone out of these fucking tiny pants.

Hah.

JOHN: and also my house is bombed out so i'm kinda grappling with that. JOHN: but i honestly am not sure how much longer i need to sit around staring at it. trying to align my memories of my youth with whatever is happening right now so JOHN: short version is no i’m not dead, and yeah i can come back over there and help you out. ROXY: oh sweet yr alive and down to do manual labor its a win/win JOHN: see you soon.

Yep!  Pulled away from all the metaphorical, ultra-meaningful bullshit, back to some brass tacks with some easy humor.  Definitely something Roxy can do well.~

> (==>)

EXCUSE ME.  What is that outfit and pose.  Did you--

ROXY: sup ROXY: follow me ROXY: well were just going to my room so i guess technically u know the way JOHN: haha ok.

Did you invite him over for the manual labor of banging you while your son is sewing in the other room

Or maybe the labor is making him a new sibling.  JFC

Is this plan part of why we got the sudden content warning that was mocked or was that mainly for Hiveswap 

John follows, trying to shake the ominous feeling he got from what she’d just said. He’d been in and out of this house a lot in the past few days. Why should this be any different?

I DUNNO JOHN DOES THIS SEEM DIFFERENT TO YOU

> (==>)

Yea this seems like a fucc room.

JOHN: it’s not like i could forget! ROXY: ya i guess u only really saw the living room when you were here the other day but i have changed some stuff up ROXY: done a lil redecoratin here n there

So it’s MORE of a fucc room than previously >__>”

ROXY: may have to do a smidge more if my old bff decides im next on the list for bombing out ROXY: but so far so good

Ah geez.

ROXY: just a coupla exploded cars in the yard from some shenanigans our dear son and his friends were in but u kno it is what it is!!!

Well, that’ll buff out easy.

ROXY: can i get u anything? ROXY: just made some coffee JOHN: no, uh, i’m good.

Of course she has a fancy handled winecoffeeglass  (and the handle does look ridiculous but it’d be too hot to hold otherwise)

Roxy shrugs and swirls her own coffee around in her novelty mug. John looks around. A lot about the room is the same. The family photos, the rug. There’s a lot more cat stuff in there now, though. The bed is new. John feels like he’s about to take a test he hasn’t studied for. He makes himself focus on what she’s saying.

That would be the feeling.

> (==>)

MY GOD.  Roxy is so fucking good at this holy shit

She KNOWS she’s making him squirm and she loves it

JOHN: so uh anyway. JOHN: what was this favor? ROXY: yo why dont u just come rest yr tush for a bit ROXY: take a lil relax next 2 me here JOHN: haha uh. JOHN: roxy i uh. JOHN: im flattered, but i don’t know if that’s really the right step right now. JOHN: don’t get me wrong, everything seems so fucked up right now that when i try to think about what might actually BE the right step, it feels like a huge cartoon question mark might physically manifest over my head. JOHN: but I’m not sure if um rekindling our physical relationship is really the best--

So is Roxy trolling him, about to reveal she wasn’t thinking of sex and was just making things seem sultry?  Or just had “lol jk” as an option-select, maybe.

> (==>)

ROXY: r u kiddin me rn egbert JOHN: i’m not? unless you were, in which case yeah lets say i was also kidding. JOHN: oh my god, i’m sorry, i don’t know why this making me freak out.

OH NOOO NOT THE DISDAAAAIN - CRITICAL HIT D:

ROXY: i remember our past boot knockin with fondness but that is a situation im not interested in revisiting

boot knockin XD

ROXY: look john ROXY: i was trying to be polite about it ROXY: offering u sustenance n rest n all ROXY: but you look like shit ROXY: i just wanted to catch up on the whole heinous war situation were in and maybe check in on e/o before leaping strait to the real n actual nonsexual manual labor favor i have in mind for u JOHN: oh.

Hey, she can’t help looking sexy she’s too good at it.

Is the manual labor moving the crashed cars?  Can’t Roxy pull that off on her own, or... banish the cars to the void or something?  (Oh, but WOULD she want to do it on her own when she can rope in John and bring him down to earth by giving him a useful task?  And admittedly his strength and wallet would make things easier.)

John feels his shoulders unbunch. Of course. Yeah. He’s almost embarrassed by how relieved he feels. So what if his ex wife wanted to hook up? Shouldn’t that be a situation he could navigate? Don’t people like to find solace in human physical connection during dire times? Why did the idea of it make his mind white out in panic more than, say, any number of the traumas he just experienced?

Probably some gender stuff mixed up in there too, June.

He doesn’t know, but he believes Roxy that he must look pretty haggard. He probably feels haggard? Maybe sitting down will feel better.

Just put your feet up yeah

> (==>)

WHAT A CUTE IMAGE

JOHN: sorry. like i said, my "how to react to stuff" meter is completely fucked right now. ROXY: thats fair bud

she’s used to being patient with you don’t worry otherwise you never would’ve gotten this far

ROXY: real fast i do need to do a quick takeback of all that shit i said last time we talked about janey not being literally the most evil person we knew or whatever ROXY: i guess i was hopped up on arguin or somethin since that was before we hit our conversational vibe bc of course u were right and i shoulda listened

Ouch.  Yeah, we saw just lately just how far off the deep end she was.  (Where was that funny upd8 reaction art summarizing the bit where Kanaya was holding Tavros hostage and Jane was transparently debating “hmm do I let my son die?” and Kanaya and Tavros were just looking at each-other flat-mouthed nervous?  I REALLY wanted to share that but I don’t usually want to reblog or put most stuff HS^2 not under a read-more, for spoiler purposes, usually.)

ROXY: im just glad ur ok ROXY: or like alive JOHN: yeah, jury's still out on "ok" but, you know. ROXY: ya ROXY: u said ur house is gone?? JOHN: yep. JOHN: completely. ROXY: jeez ROXY: i would ask how ur feelin but like the answer 2 that has got 2b "prtty bad"

Talk it ouuuut~~  get those feels out there and articulated john

JOHN: yeah. JOHN: i mean. JOHN: no? JOHN: it’s weird. JOHN: it feels like it should be a bigger deal, I guess? JOHN: like it’s my HOUSE. JOHN: but mostly it always felt like my dad’s house? JOHN: and when i started living there after i moved out of here, it was like i crammed myself back into whatever was left of my kid self? JOHN: and it didn’t feel good, but it at least was familiar, you know? JOHN: like living there let me feel closer to my dad, trying to be like the way i remember him, or like how i remember him wanting me to be, or something? JOHN: and i didn’t realize how much i hated doing that until i saw it all go up in flames. JOHN: so i guess i could have used my powers to stop the fire and save whatever was left of the place, but i couldn’t bring myself to do it. JOHN: like some fucked up part of me was glad i got there too late? JOHN: so i just sat there, watching, trying to figure out why watching my house burn down felt like i was being released from prison. JOHN: and even now i keep trying to explain it away, as though it’s because of how fucked up everything else is that it made me feel good. JOHN: but that’s just bullshit. JOHN: it DID feel good. JOHN: i DO feel free. JOHN: sorry.

I was kind of saying some Breath/Blood stuff at the time of him losing his last tie to his stubborn sticking-to-his-kid-self bit?  Except now we’re mixing it in with June Egbert and his gender-identity questions too.

ROXY: no need 2 apologize ROXY: we just delved in2 my whole gender thing last time so it seems fine for u to have a turn JOHN: i didn’t say it was a gender thing.

Oh shit

ROXY: well no i just meant like i did some sharing ROXY: like referrin 2 the topic i brought up when we chatted last ROXY: but like now that u mention it ROXY: *meaningful pause* JOHN: … JOHN: i JOHN: ROXY: lol well we can move on 2 the favor part if youd rather ROXY: stick a lil pin in that topic n come back 2 it when u have had sleep

Are you just INCREDIBLY incisive Roxy or have you and John talked about this before?

ROXY: like i said the other day its not like this shits figureoutable in 1 sitting anyways JOHN: yeah... ROXY: sooooooo ROXY: movin on

It’s just fine for Roxy to slow-roll this yeah, if she’s going to pry open that door a little

ROXY: dont be mad but theres a part of the house u didnt know abt the whole time u lived here JOHN: what? ROXY: yea ROXY: i got a secret lair ROXY: for my sciences

OH FUCK YES SCIENCE LAB, of COURSE Roxy would want a cool science lab basement because she always wants a cool science lab basement

ROXY: and i get to it via a transportalizer underneath our bed ROXY: which is 2 heavy 2 move by my lonesome so i just needed to borrow some o your aforementioned powers of wind

Okay no.  Wait.  What the fuck?

First of all, as funny and MSPaintAdventures-y as furniture being in the way of things is, why would you block it with a bed too heavy to move, but,

Second of all, more importantly, how is a GOD-TIER ROXY not strong enough to lift a heavy bed?!?!?!?  Either she’s lying to get John involved in things or this is a gendered cop-out because these characters are superheroes at the TOP of their echeladders, given obnoxiously powerful video-game strength and athletics only to then have ascended into DEITIES.  God-Tier Roxy could probably have lifted a bed like that when she was SEVENTEEN!  And now she’s an ADULT, out-of-shape or otherwise!  If this were a whole CAR I might be willing to handwave it, but just a heavy BED?!?  And none of the GUYS are going to have this much trouble lifting a bed like this, are they??  This just feels like following classic cartoony gender tropes in the complete absence of these characters’ super powers, what the fuck, and also Roxy if you didn’t make it Transportalizer-only access you could have given it an entrance you could phase through with your fancy powers to get to.  FUCK.

This feels stupid.

ROXY: so if u dont mind woosh away JOHN: uh ok, well... JOHN: a secret science lair, sure, i can deal with that. JOHN: why not! JOHN: it doesn’t work out great when i do the windy thing indoors, though. ROXY: aight then no wind bending just use your mangrit

Roxy flexes, the corner of her mouth pulled up into a familiar grin. John feels his guts, so recently calmed, twist up into knots again. Her eyebrows shoot up and the smile loosens. He must have shown something on his face.

You’re already THIS sensitive about gendertalk?

ROXY: ok or just like push when i push ROXY: we both got sick muscles ROXY: no other adjectives necessary JOHN: yeah ok. ROXY: on 3?

Please, please reinforce the idea that they both have sick strength, because they fucking do and the idea that Roxy actually a hundred percent NEEDED John to do this is BS.

> (==>)

JOHN: holy shit? ROXY: sorry to lop yet another huge scoop onto ur lil brains ice cream revelation sundae JOHN: so wait, if this thing's always been under the bed, how’d you get down here before without me? ROXY: well thats neither here nor there john JOHN: i mean it is kinda. Here. ROXY: fine ok checkmate ROXY: i dont ACTUALLY need ur nerdgrit for this escapade ROXY: like im sorry but i said it ROXY: i mostly just wanted to see you and show u wats down here

THANK FUCKING CHRIST.

If that wasn’t actually just a lie to get him involved I was going to stay SO mad.  Of COURSE Roxy can move a fucking BED no matter how heavy it is.  OF COURSE.

ROXY: and also uve been ~sent for~ JOHN: ok but like ROXY: john i am inviting u 2 my inner sanctum ROXY: i am literally bringing out the word "sanctum" in case u werent already clued in 2 how cool this is ROXY: so do u wanna go into my secret lair or wat JOHN: yeah!? JOHN: yes? i guess? ROXY: aight good

Yes John of course you want to stop fighting it

ROXY: then as they told me in the hospital before lil h a was born ROXY: just push

eyeroll, but yeah, of course

> (==>)

Oh cool, sprite form version of her loungewear.

> (==>)

Sorry for my compulsion to post every full-frame image of Roxy in this awesome outfi-WERE YOU KEEPING CALLIOPE UNDER YOUR BED THIS WHOLE TIME?!?????

That’s like... almost a fucking metaphor isn’t it????  For the relationship you preferred in the other timeline and possibly THIS one TOO or

ROXY: hey callieee i got him ROXY: o damn john sorry i shoulda also told u callies here weve been hangin out again ROXY: 1 more freak for ur bean

Oh huh, so this isn’t an always thing.  And these two can get close in more than one timeline where it would’ve worked out nicely.  :)

JOHN: oh it's ok, my bean feels pretty well adjusted to freakage at this point so keep them coming if you like! ROXY: k cool i will JOHN: do i get to know what that big thing under the sheet is? ROXY: hmmmmmm no JOHN: oh ok. JOHN: are you sure? i mean, it seems like a pretty prominent feature of the room. JOHN: space. JOHN: wherever we are. ROXY: and a totally mysterious n COMPLETELY inconspicuous feature it will have to remain for now ROXY: we r kinda in a hurry here fyi ROXY: and by that i mean ROXY: we are in precisely the amount of hurry that means im excused from having to a that specific q rn JOHN: right, sorry. JOHN: i will pay no attention to the object behind the curtain. ROXY: u catch on fast egbert ROXY: anyway theres more cool info coming so just follow me

I don’t have any big theories.  Is it just the Hiveswap device or something?  If Calliope helped with it it’d help explain the Cherubic theme.

> (==>)

JOHN: so... this is all downstairs? JOHN: it seems like you had a lot of work done. ROXY: well no not x actly ROXY: were in the old meteor JOHN: under the house??? ROXY: ok so ROXY: in hindsight it may have been a bit misleading 2 say like ROXY: "downstairs" ROXY: in reference to a place which is hells of buried underground and may not actually be literally under the house ROXY: but there is no time to explain all that rn john so instead im going to refer u to my adorable little green friend here CALLIOPE: #U_U# ROXY: (hehe) CALLIOPE: *AHEM* CALLIOPE: hi john! CALLIOPE: long time no see. ^u^

Cherubs just really like dark cavelike places full of weird tech don’t they.

> (==>)

THEY’RE SO CUTE

JOHN: oh, uh. hey callie! JOHN: it sure has been a while huh. JOHN: now that i think about it, the last time the three of us hung out like this... CALLIOPE: was when i was aggressively third wheeling yoUr prenUptial coUrtship? CALLIOPE: if yoU dont mind, john, i'd rather not rehash that period of oUr lives. CALLIOPE: it was more than a little painfUl for me. JOHN: oh. JOHN: god, jeez, i'm sorry. i didn't mean to-- CALLIOPE: hee hee john i am only pUlling yoUr leg, don't worry. CALLIOPE: if anything i was personally a little thrilled with how things shook oUt in that respect. CALLIOPE: imagine, if yoU will, a yoUng cherUb raised in solitUde, whose only solace was the convolUted and tUmUltUoUs romantic schemata she projected onto her only friends from another Universe. CALLIOPE: and then fUrther imagine that this yoUng cherUb, throUgh varioUs even *more* convolUted contrivances, ended Up in the company of those selfsafe friends as an eqUal participant in their sphere of social discoUrse! CALLIOPE: it is a joy the like of which yoU possibly cannot fathom. u_u

Reinforcing that things turning out this way was in fact the FANTASY that Calliope was writing over in the Canon timeline.  Just, heavily, HEAVILY implied that the Candy timeline is -- or at least originated as -- Calliope’s fanfiction as a Muse of Space, and its competition for audience interest with canon is the essential conflict between alt!Calliope and Dirk (or Dirk and Andrew Hussie).

CALLIOPE: so to pUt it simply, getting to experience sUch emotional drama myself was an impossibly enriching experience. CALLIOPE: possibly a first for my species! CALLIOPE: it's actUally qUite interesting, if yoU ROXY: *nudge* CALLIOPE: oh, right. yes. i'm getting a little carried away, haha. CALLIOPE: argh, i'm sorry, this is not how i planned to begin this vital conversation.

Vital conversation?  What sorta truth-bombs are coming?

CALLIOPE: but to sUmmarise, what i was trying to say is: CALLIOPE: don't beat yourself Up aboUt it john. CALLIOPE: besides, hUman divorces are even more fascinating than i had ever imagined, and being able to witness yoUrs in motion was an honoUr. CALLIOPE: so i consider Us aboUt even at this point. JOHN: hahaha!!! JOHN: okay, well that's good to know! CALLIOPE: ^u^

Holy SHIT that was savage!  And we’ll NEVER know whether or not she really intended it so savagely, either.~

JOHN: so um... JOHN: i hear that there's this big secret thing you wanna tell me about? CALLIOPE: oh right, yes of course! CALLIOPE: let me jUst say first of all how thrilled i am that yoU're on board. CALLIOPE: i wasn't sUre if yoUr natUral inclinations woUld have preclUded yoUr coming to such a place as this, and yet here yoU are. CALLIOPE: this whole endeavoUr will be *so* mUch easier with yoUr help.

Uh oh.

Hopefully babies aren’t involved.

JOHN: oh! well, shucks. JOHN: not really sure what that means but i'm just glad to be of use somewhere, haha. JOHN: which, speaking of somewhere, CALLIOPE: ah right, right. yoU're probably a little cUrioUs as to where the dickens we are. CALLIOPE: how much do yoU know aboUt black holes? JOHN: um... like, the big space things? CALLIOPE: they aren't always big actUally, and in fact their relative smallness is practically their defining qUality. JOHN: oh. CALLIOPE: bUt okay i think we are on the same page. CALLIOPE: so, what if i told yoU that we are inside of a black hole right now.

Oh dear, we’re getting into the canon/noncanon divide?

JOHN: um... JOHN: like, HERE? JOHN: we just transportalized into a black hole? CALLIOPE: no, i mean, what if oUr whole WORLD was inside a black hole. JOHN: ok.

Yeah, that’s gonna be John’s reaction.  “ok.”  Pretty much inevitable.

CALLIOPE: earth c, or at least oUr version of it, has, from the moment we crossed the victory threshold, been inside a black hole. JOHN: ok. CALLIOPE: and not just any black hole, bUt the very black hole in which the green sUn Ultimately met its demise, allowing oUr victory in the first instance! JOHN: huh! ROXY: ("huh!") ROXY: (rofl my fucking ao egbert) JOHN: (shhhh!)

And Roxy enjoys his non-reaction reactions as much as we do, hehe.

CALLIOPE: bUt, paradoxically, the critical moment which determined its capture within the black hole happened *after* that point. CALLIOPE: i refer of coUrse to yoUr decision not to retUrn to the mediUm and fight my brother. JOHN: wait, wait. JOHN: you mean, the meat and candy thing? JOHN: oh my god. JOHN: you mean i actually DID make a mistake that day. CALLIOPE: well, that's not exactly what that-- JOHN: ugh, i fucking KNEW it! JOHN: i'm so sorry. JOHN: i'm so sorry that i put the earth inside a black hole everyone. ): ROXY: john ROXY: listen ROXY: u have got to get out of this mindset i am begging you JOHN: ):

Yeah shake him out of this shit.

ROXY: your choice literally didnt matter ROXY: the whole thing was symbolic in the first place ROXY: literally symbolic in the case of the picnic i mean come on ROXY: it was just some steak and a plate of candy suckers JOHN: oh. CALLIOPE: i mean, i wouldn't go so far as to say that the meal we shared was unimportant, given the sacred significance of the two options i presented. CALLIOPE: but yes, yoUr choice of snack was infinitely less important than the choice which it presaged. CALLIOPE: and even then, calling it a choice woUld be sorely misleading. CALLIOPE: think of it like a coin flip. CALLIOPE: the series of events that led to Us being trapped beyond the event horizon of an Ubermassive black hole could be considered "tails", while the events which would have occUrred otherwise could be considered "heads". CALLIOPE: since both were possible, and paradox space is the way it is, they actUally both happened. and we jUst "happened" (hee hee) to get tails instead of heads. JOHN: you mean we ended up with the bad possibility. CALLIOPE: not at all! since both possibilities depend on one another's existence, it really doesn't make sense to call them "right" or "wrong". they both just "are". JOHN: o...kay... CALLIOPE: u_u

Yeah, it’s going to take a bit more than that to convince him he didn’t make the “wrong decision”.

CALLIOPE: i realise that this may be a lot to process. CALLIOPE: it's easy to forget that this wasn't obvioUs to everyone from the beginning. CALLIOPE: anyway, the reason i went on this tangent in the first place was to explain that the space we are standing in right now has a special significance, in that it is the location which corresponds to the black hole's singUlarity. JOHN: oh, wow. JOHN: um. JOHN: ok so, sorry if this is a dumb question to ask suddenly, but what does being inside of a black hole actually... mean for us? JOHN: is that bad? JOHN: is it like in movie, um, JOHN: shoot. JOHN: roxy what was that matthew mcconaughey movie from your earth that we watched? ROXY: u mean interstellar JOHN: RIGHT. JOHN: the one with the organ. JOHN: man. i cried at that movie so much. ROXY: lol u can say that again ROXY: iirc at least part of y u got so weepy was the fact that u couldnt believe a version of earth existed where ppl got 2 watch more mcconaughey films than you JOHN: listen. JOHN: i simply don't think you all appreciated the gift you were given. CALLIOPE: i don't believe i'm familiar with this particular film ^u^;; ROXY: oh dont worry cal you didnt miss much JOHN: (gasp)

This is all gold

ROXY: but the important point is that no its not really an interstellar type situation here egbert ROXY: ur not gonna enter a weird time vortex and change the trajectory of a little girls life with the power of love JOHN: aw.

Dammit, now we have to be on the lookout for that possibility.  Or it did sort of already happen more than once to John.  ...Whatever.

CALLIOPE: to go back to your original question, john. CALLIOPE: it's not strictly speaking "bad" for Us to be inside of a black hole, mUch thoUgh that contradicts most of what anyone knows about them. CALLIOPE: of coUrse, if we had fallen into it, that woUld be a whole other kettle of fish. CALLIOPE: the tidal forces woUld have stretched Us all into spaghetti and then ripped us apart! CALLIOPE: bUt the natUre of oUr arrival was more akin to simply "being" here, sUddenly. one moment we were not, and the next moment we were, and somehow always had been. CALLIOPE: in everyday, practical terms, being inside of a black hole has very little bearing on Us. CALLIOPE: i mean, the natUre of space and time is a little finicky in here, bUt for the most part it doesn't seem to be anything too oUt of the ordinary. CALLIOPE: bUt beyond that, it means that we are sealed away from the rest of existence. CALLIOPE: oUr sphere of inflUence is limited to the sphere of the black hole's bounding horizon. CALLIOPE: as far as everyone else is concerned, we might as well not even exist! JOHN: is there no way we could let anyone know that we're in here...? CALLIOPE: almost certainly not!

No?  So this doesn’t have to do with the divide?

CALLIOPE: there are very few ways for anything to escape the kind of predicament that we are in right now. one of them is to be an all-powerfUl being with control over the very fabric of space, with the energy of two Universes at yoUr disposal. CALLIOPE: in which case, escape woUld become rather trivial, if a little Unscientific. JOHN: ok. i am going to assume that we can't just do that. CALLIOPE: yoU've hit the nail on the head, UnfortUnately. U_U CALLIOPE: the method i described was the one employed by my alternate self, who yoU may recall crashed through the event horizon in the body that once belonged to jade harley. CALLIOPE: she departed through a pUnctUre she created in the black hole's surface shortly after consUming my brother, a deed which provided her with the necessary "oomph", and which was frankly rather breathtaking to watch. =u= CALLIOPE: bUt Upon her departUre, the rift closed for good. as far as i can see, there's simply no way for Us to commUnicate with the world oUtside the black hole.

What the heck?  Calliope SAW all this?  Is this her Muse powers at work, letting her observe these things, or was she there?  And John certainly did NOT see ANY of what Calliope just said happen.

CALLIOPE: i woUld certainly be very sUrprised to find oUt that anyone had managed sUch a thing!

So we’re going to find that out if we haven’t already.  Maybe something to do with the way Vrissy just conks out narcoleptically?

JOHN: ...right. JOHN: so... let me just get this straight. JOHN: knowing that we're inside of a black hole... does that actually change anything? JOHN: like, can't we just go on living like normal? CALLIOPE: oh absolUtely not. CALLIOPE: i don't know if yoU've noticed john bUt this world is on the brink of a total cataclysm. JOHN: oh.

Um, what?

CALLIOPE: oUr exclUsion from the overarching coUrse of events which governs all reality means that oUr existence here is liable to dramatic and violent Upheaval. CALLIOPE: to pUt it another way, becaUse nothing in here "matters", we are likely to be sUbjected to things which are a bit bats in the belfry, for no reason other than it's totally insignificant to the wider canon of reality. CALLIOPE: and mUch thoUgh i am personally titillated by some of the conseqUences of this predicament, it is a degrading way for Us to live. u_u JOHN: that's... certainly one way to put it, yeah...

No plot-armor for your entire timeline, I guess, yep.  Outside of canon, we can imagine and write about ANYTHING happening to the characters, or just drop their existence entirely, much like a doomed offshoot timeline.  It’s a plot stability that depended heavily on the threat of Lord English and being trapped in a story, and without it things are bound to see a BIT chaotic (or “degrading” if you view it as subjected to the whims of fanfic writers, certainly).

CALLIOPE: at first, i believed that this was simply necessary. Us playing tails to oUr coUnterparts' heads, the black to their white, and so forth. CALLIOPE: bUt over the years i have come to the conclUsion that this is simply not kosher. ROXY: its total bs is what it is CALLIOPE: right, yes. CALLIOPE: a steaming pile of bUllshite. CALLIOPE: and so we have decided that something needs to be done aboUt it.

Ah fuck.  You’re going to regulate non-canon?  “Canonize” it?  Is the fact that you eventually succeed at whatever it is you’re trying to do part of why we have the story presented to us in this bifurcated structure?

ROXY: this is finally where u come in jegbert ROXY: we gots quests for yous CALLIOPE: hee hee, yes. CALLIOPE: or *a* quest, to be specific. JOHN: oh boy! ROXY: (this fkin nerd i s2g)

Roxy and Calliope setting him on this quest as a Rogue of Void and a Muse of Space feels fitting.

JOHN: i'm not sure how i can go about freeing us from a hellish space prison, but i'm up for giving it a try i guess? JOHN: i have... literally nothing better to be doing at this point. except for maybe hanging out with harry anderson. ROXY: nice save lol

YEAH WE’RE STILL GLOSSING OVER HOW YOU LEFT HIM UNPROTECTED, JERK

ROXY: but u dont need to worry abt busting us outta space jail tbh ROXY: thats not ur problem to fix JOHN: oh. JOHN: i'm... not sure i follow, then. ROXY: i mean yeah ur gonna obvs facilitate it in a sense ROXY: but only by going and busting the person who can actually help us outta normal earth jail CALLIOPE: we need yoU to free vriska from the clUtches of oUr misgUided friend jane, and bring her here, to the singUlarity. ROXY: weve been calling it the plot point CALLIOPE: yes, the plot point is a key part of oUr plan. CALLIOPE: as far as we have been able to sUrmise, the only remaining method for escaping oUr grim confinement depends on leveraging the UniqUe properties of this location to create an event of sUch catalcysmic proportions that it simply cannot be contained within the black hole any more. CALLIOPE: something SO dramatic, so hyper-relevant, that it becomes ontologically impossible for anyone to ignore it. CALLIOPE: for that, we need an individUal of sUfficient narrative cloUt, so to speak. CALLIOPE: and to liberate her, who better than the embodiment of the aspect of freedom itself? CALLIOPE: ... CALLIOPE: phew. okay, i'm finished. CALLIOPE: CALLIOPE: sorry, that took longer than i expected to go throUgh.

..............................

OOooooh, kay.

Whatever this is, it’s going to be really weird and PROBABLY infuriating and/or shippy, and I’m probably not going to like it.  Plus it seems like it’s some sort of inverse belated canonization of some other black-hole-rescue theories I went on about at some point.  Although, related to that link, “aspect of freedom” if anyone wasn’t paying attention!  That’s a (sorta-)canon mention of the purpose of it!

They’re going to attention-wh-- attention-hog themselves out of the black hole so that they’re “considered canon” too, or close enough.  Huh.

ROXY: what r u talking about cals that was great ROXY: i could listen 2 u plotsplain for years CALLIOPE: oh you >u< ROXY: fyi this was why i wanted u to get a move on eggbread ROXY: so callie could have more time 2 infodump ROXY: thats love bitchhhhhh JOHN: hahaha. JOHN: ok, well, i think i understood all that?

Love with who? Callie, John, both?

In reality, John isn’t sure what most of this means. But on balance, it feels okay? He’s gone back and forth about a hundred times in the last week about where his place in everything is, so he might as well ride this out. Plus, the last time a Lalonde kind of told him to do something, he thinks that he chose not to, and look where that got him. And it’s not like he has other plans. He may as well do this! It’s at least going to get him involved in things again, if nothing else. He turns to go, and then hears a sound. It’s the sound of feet and knocking on doors, echoed through stone and digital static.

Oh shit.  Is Andrew trapped behind some fourth walls behind the curtains.

> (==>)

Oh RIGHT also that DEVICE is where they want to bring Vriska.  Are they going to overturn part of canon itself with a super-retcon thus making this timeline unbelievably relevant or--?  Maybe make all the PESTERQUESTS canon or something?!  I don’t know.  Maybe they’re INTENTIONALLY starting the game like Vriska wanted to??????

Guh, this is something so big that I don’t WANT to theorize about it, do I.

JOHN: did you hear that? ROXY: wha ROXY: oh yeah uh ROXY: i may have messaged rose and kan and jade to check on them too ROXY: so its prob onea them showin up ROXY: they don’t need to know bout all this tho ROXY: we got time to chat with them b4 u go get vriska

No, even if it’s a knock at the somehow-top-level-house-even-under-buried-- oh, right, maybe it’s covering in part a monitoring system that looks up there.  But still, part of that sound was DOUBTLESS these two hiding something, all standing in front of the curtain like that.

JOHN: i’ll go stall em. ROXY: thx babe ROXY: oh is it 2 soon for that joke or JOHN: no, weirdly enough, that one’s fine. ROXY: oh good ok see u up there soon!

How is calling your significant other “babe” not cool REGARDLESS of gender?!  Like wasn’t that always cool? --Oh wait is it because they’re not together or... but... guh, I don’t know.

Anyway, see y’all after the holidays at least.

#Homestuck #hs2 #Homestuck Liveblog #upd8 #Homestuck^2 #spoiler #spoilers #Roxy Lalonde #John Egbert #Calliope

[particularemu]

Photographic | A Hwang Hyunjin Fic

Word Count: 7898

Type: Smut

Warnings: Not really anything. 

Author’s Note: Why is this so fucking long? OOF. 

This took me a whole-ass month to finish. I hope y’all like this shy Jinnie smut. 

Ding!

“Damnit!” You cursed as your phone alarm went off, signaling that your model would be here in around 30 minutes — that is, if he wasn’t early. 

Please please please, don’t be the guy who feels the need to show up super early to everything! 

The room was already heated to a warm temperature. The gods had blessed you with an overly prepared studio — complete with a pair of shorts and a thin T-shirt for you to change into because 75 degrees Fahrenheit is just not a good temperature for a photographer to work well in, dressed in a hoodie and heavy ass sweatpants. 

Why in the hell did you decide to dress like a homeless person during the biggest shoot of your life? The world may never know. 

You quickly threw off your heavy clothes and changed into your shorts and T-shirt, frantically rubbing your cucumber scented deodorant under your armpits to hide the fact that you didn’t make it to the shower yesterday. After tossing your clothes into the nearest closet and spritzing yourself with perfume for good measure, you decided you were at least presentable. 

How embarrassing would it be to have your beautiful model turn up his nose at your smell?

Very! 

Unfortunately, you learned that from experience. You couldn’t help but cringe at the memory of that jerk, scrunching up his nose before turning and walking out of the studio claiming that you were nasty. 

Well he had a point. It wasn’t your fault your shower was broken for two weeks. There wasn’t enough perfume and deodorant to cover the fact that you hadn’t showered in ages. 

Now that’s a scenario you’d rather not re-live. 

You ran through the checklist in your head. Earlier that morning, you went to the store and picked up some refreshments. There was a cracker tray with ham and turkey, a water jug in the refreshment area, and you managed to get some fruits and veggies. 

Fuck! You had to plate the fruit and veggies. 

You pulled out a crystal plate — one your mother gave you after you bought your studio — and arranged some grapes, cut celery, carrots, and orange slices in a pretty pattern, hoping it’ll help you look as professional as you’re supposed to be. 

Who knew a super professional photographer wouldn’t have their shit together?

You always wanted your models to feel super comfortable during the shoot, so you always provided a little refreshment area, fully equipped with a luxury looking couch that you found for $100 at a little antique store, water, food, and a soft robe you’d have specially made for them. 

Speaking of which… Where’s Hyunjin’s robe?

You frantically searched around your studio, hoping it would randomly appear in the closet. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. You searched every closet, room, and piece of furniture, only to find it hung in the dressing room — you know… where it was supposed to be. 

Fucking hell you were a mess. 

Ding Dong! 

Your heart started beating a mile a minute when you heard the doorbell. It’s not that you were nervous for the shoot. No you’ve been doing this far too long to be nervous over seeing a naked man. You just felt under-prepared. 

Okay, now’s not the time to panic. We have to take this step by step. First step: let the model into the studio. 

The morning was so hectic, you were hoping you had everything in place for the shoot. The last thing you wanted to do was make the poor boy uneasy before his first nude photoshoot.

You opened the door, smiling when you saw the beautiful man across the threshold. 

“Hello, I’m Hwang Hyunjin.” He bowed to you, a bright smile on his face. “I’m excited to be working with you.” 

You couldn’t help but stare at the boy in wonder. He truly was beautiful — not that you didn’t know that! After all, you did look at his file which included some bare faced headshots. 

You couldn’t help but admire how well he dressed. The boy was clad in black skinny jeans, a red button up shirt, and a leather jacket. He had a green scarf wrapped around his neck, nose pressing into the soft material to protect him from the cold. 

Wait… It definitely isn’t normal to stare at someone while they stand in the snow. He stood awkwardly for a bit before shooting you a dazzling smile, bringing you back to earth in time to realize how weird you were acting. 

“I’m sorry, please come in!” You stepped to the side, gesturing for him to come inside. 

The tall boy stepped into the studio, eyes widening as he scanned the impressive building. He wasn’t used to working with photographers with such big budgets. Hyunjin was still pretty new in the modeling business, so he mainly worked with photographers trying to get their start with photos in public parks and in the streets. His worst experience was modeling for a beginner photographer who forced him to model in the mud for 4 hours without a break. 

Hyunjin cringed as he remembered that shoot. It was one he’d rather not have on his resume. 

“Wow. It’s nice and warm in here.” Hyunjin pulled the scarf down from his nose, slipping his jacket off and hanging it on the coat rack by the door. 

“Yes! It’s nice compared to the freezing cold outside. Let me know if you need the temperature changed at all during the shoot. I want to make sure you’re comfortable.” You smiled at him, gesturing towards a table. “I have a few things I need to go over with you before we start.” 

Hyunjin nodded and sat in a chair at the end of the table. He couldn’t help but wonder what you had planned for this shoot. Sure, he had a vague idea of what he’d be doing, but he wasn’t sure if you planned for a sensual, sexy shoot, or perhaps something else. The only information he got when he applied for the job was that he’d be doing a nude shoot with the best photographer in the city — well… in his opinion. 

“So, from what I recall, you applied for this photoshoot, so you know exactly what the details are, but just in case you are uncomfortable with anything, I’d like to go over the details again.” You slid a packet across the table, showing him a few paragraphs. 

“Basically, I want to project the message that men don’t have to be buff and masculine all the time. I want to show a softer, more vulnerable side of men.” 

Hyunjin nodded, eyes focused on you as you explained the details for him. He couldn’t help but admire you as you spoke so passionately about your work. It was clear photography was the path you were meant to be on. Hyunjin had to admire that — he still wasn’t quite sure if modeling was the career he wanted to stick with. After all… his looks would only last so many years. What happens when he gets older? When his looks fade? Then he’d be nothing. 

Hyunjin mentally kicked himself. He should be listening to you, not focusing on his adult angst. 

You explained the details of the shoot as you mentally devoured the boy in your mind. The way he fiddled with his fingers as his brown eyes shifted to look at the paperwork made your heart pang against your chest. He makes the most simple tasks look so beautiful. 

You couldn’t help but feel extremely attracted to the guy. How could you not? He was young, beautiful, respectful, and he appeared to have a great personality. 

Yep… you were head over heels for the boy and he’s only been in your studio for all of five minutes. 

“I’m going to need you to sign these forms. I know the company gave you some to sign, but I need to protect my own ass. All these are saying is that you consent to being nude and you consent to me taking your pictures. I’m not going to have you sign the release forms until after we take pictures. Then you can decide whether or not you want them released to the public.” You explained. “I’ll give you a few minutes to look the forms over.” 

Wait, he didn’t have to sign the release form? Hyunjin couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He’s only been in this business a couple years, but he’s never heard of photographers skipping the release forms until after the shoot. What would happen if the models refused to sign? Then the whole shoot would be for nothing. 

This was a breath of fresh air, considering the fact that new models usually don’t have a say in anything. 

“Do you have many models refuse to sign the release form?” Hyunjin questioned, eyes skimming the text of the forms in front of him. 

“Believe it or not, I’ve had a couple refuse to sign them. When we get newbies, sometimes they look at the pictures and they feel like they shouldn’t have gone through with a nude shoot, and I don’t know… I just don’t want anyone to feel like they’re roped in to having their naked body circulating around the internet.” You picked up your phone, hoping some random Instagram scrolling would distract you from your nerves. 

Hyunjin pulled a pen out of the pencil cup and signed the forms. “That’s nice of you. Most photographers wouldn’t care that much.” 

“Well consent is key.” You smiled at him. “I know what it’s like to have that taken away so I don’t want anyone to go through that.” 

Hyunjin’s eyes widened at your words. “I’m so sorry.” 

“Oh nothing like that!” You waved your hands in front of you, instantly regretting your choice of words. “No, I had my pictures stolen once.” You laughed nervously. “A partner I was working with took all the credit. It wasn’t that big of a deal.”

“It still must have sucked.” Hyunjin smiled. “Kudos to you for keeping a cool head.” 

“Oh I didn’t at the time.” You chuckled. “I was so upset because I was so new. Those landscape pictures were going to help me make it in the big leagues.” You sighed as you remembered the events that unfolded. “But, I managed to make it big with nude photographs, so I guess it all worked out in the end.” 

Hyunjin smiled and signed the space on the last page before putting the pen back in the cup. “All the forms are signed.” 

“Perfect. Let’s get you over here in the makeup chair, and I’ll do your makeup for the shoot.” You pointed over to a light-up beauty mirror, the countertop filled with makeup products you planned to use on Hyunjin. 

“You do your own makeup?” Hyunjin was a bit surprised. Usually photographers hired makeup artists for the models. 

“When it’s simple stuff I do it myself.” You chuckled as Hyunjin sat in the chair. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to make you look like Pennywise.” 

Hyunjin laughed. “I didn’t think you’d do bad. I’m just surprised.” 

You smiled and started putting some light makeup on Hyunjin. You skipped the foundation, hoping to keep the mole under his right eye visible. Besides, his skin was perfect enough that he didn’t need foundation. Hyunjin’s eyes closed as you applied some natural looking eyeshadow, enhancing his beautiful brown eyes. Last but not least, you applied a lip stain to the inner part of his plump lips, blending it out so his lips looked freshly kissed. 

Hyunjin opened his eyes, smiling at the natural look you put on him. As much as he loved getting fully glammed out for certain photoshoots, he felt more like himself when his skin was left bare.

You stepped back, admiring your work before telling Hyunjin, “I’m ready when you are. I have a robe in the dressing room over there.” You gestured towards the small room. “You can wear that between shots if you’d like, or you can go au natural. I don’t really care. I’ve seen lots of naked people.” 

You couldn’t help but cringe at your choice of words. Yep, that’s definitely what you want to tell a guy you’re into. Tell him you’ve seen a ton of naked people. That’ll help him fall in love with you. 

“Y’know. Because I take pictures of naked people. Not because I’m a slut.” 

Nice cover. 

Hyunjin laughed at your awkwardness and headed to the dressing room, closing the velvet curtain so he could undress in privacy. He couldn’t help but gawk at the dressing room you provided. The room was pretty big, complete with a fancy looking chair, a rack with hangers, and a soft looking robe with his name embroidered into the fabric. 

Hyunjin ran his thumb over the red letters, feeling his heart beat in his chest. He had to admit, he was really nervous for this shoot. Of course he knew that he’d be naked for this photoshoot and he wasn’t exactly insecure about his body, but his admiration for you was making him a bit nervous. 

Truth is — he liked you way too much. Your strong and daring personality sent his heart fluttering in his chest. Being naked in front of you seemed daunting. 

But he had to go through with it. Hyunjin unbuckled his belt, sliding the smooth leather out of his belt buckles before hanging it neatly on the clothes rack. He quickly stepped out of his pants and boxers. Hyunjin pulled his shirt over his head, hanging everything up neatly so nothing would wrinkle, leaving him bare before the mirror. 

He glanced at his body in the mirror, suddenly wondering if you’d think he was good enough. Sure you had the opportunity to look at his face, but his digitals included a shirt. Maybe he wasn’t muscular enough for you? Would you find him sexy the way he was?

Hyunjin shook his head, a light blush coating his cheeks. What does it matter if you find him sexy? This was a WORKING relationship, not a romantic one. It’s not like he’s trying to seduce you at a bar, he’s posing naked for you so you could take photos of him. 

Hyunjin grabbed the robe off the hanger, sliding it over his shoulders before deciding that — no, he probably didn’t need to wear that thing. After all, he’d just be getting naked in front of you. 

But would it be weird to walk out naked? Knock it off! She’s probably seen several naked people who were confident in their naked-ness. He just needed to walk out there, and own his body. Maybe then you’ll find him sexy?

While Hyunjin was undressing, you found yourself in a deep mental argument with yourself. 

Why on earth was this boy making you so nervous? 

Sure he’s beautiful, but you’ve seen lots of beautiful people before. You’ve never been this attracted to the other beautiful people, but oh no… 

No! You can’t do that. You’re about to do a nude photoshoot with the poor thing, you can’t be romantically interested in the beautiful boy. 

It was completely clear that Hyunjin wasn’t 100% comfortable doing this nude photoshoot, so you can’t freak him out even more by telling him he’s the most beautiful human being to walk this earth. He’d probably think you were a freak! 

“Um… I’m done.” Hyunjin’s soft voice shook you out of your thoughts. 

Dear God.

Hyunjin was beautiful with clothes on, but without… UGH.

Hyunjin had such flawless milky skin. You could see little beauty marks down his body, making you want nothing more than to trace your fingers along each and every mark.  He wasn’t super muscular, but he wasn’t a beanpole either. 

Hyunjin was the definition of beautiful. 

“I uh… figured I’d wear this between shots, since we’re starting I didn’t really feel the need to put it on.” Hyunjin’s cheeks flushed a bit, giving away his nerves and sending your emotions into overdrive. 

If you haven’t fallen for the boy already, you certainly have now. 

“That’s fine!” You couldn’t help but stare at Hyunjin’s body, admiring everything from subtle dips in his abdomen to his perfectly rounded shoulders. 

Not only was his skin beautiful, you had an excellent view of… other things. The boy was completely hairless below the neck. He must have gotten waxed or something before the shoot. You couldn’t help but glance down, noticing that his dick was quite an impressive size when it wasn’t erect. Your mind wandered, wondering what it’d look like when it was standing tall. 

Quit staring! You’re freaking out the poor boy. 

You grabbed your camera, hoping the cold metal in your hands would distract you from your growing attraction to Hyunjin. 

“Okay, I’m going to have you lay on the bed.” You pointed to the mattress sitting near a window in your studio. “Lay on your back and bend your left leg at the knee.”

Hyunjin did as you asked, positioning himself on the soft blankets. “Like this?” 

You stood back, admiring the boy’s positioning for a minute. It was a good first try, but you needed him to relax. Hyunjin’s limbs were so stiff, he just looked uncomfortable as he rested upon the blankets. You had to find a way to get him to relax. 

“You look a bit stiff. Try to relax.” You spoke softly, hoping your low voice would calm him a bit. You dimmed the lights so you would achieve a darker set of photos to compliment his milky skin. 

Hyunjin took a deep breath, hoping to calm his body enough to get decent pictures for you. He tried to think about calming things — the sounds of the ocean, his bed at home, your hands running along his body as he rocked into you. 

Wait what? 

Hyunjin’s eyes widened as if it were possible for you to hear what he was thinking. God he needed to get you out of his head, otherwise he could be sporting an erection soon. Think about anything but you… Okay, night walks, K-Dramas, your lips against his.

Fuck. 

Hyunjin was in trouble. 

“Hey, I told you to relax not stiffen up even more.” You giggled.

Hyunjin laughed a bit before his body relaxed slightly. That’ll be good enough for now. You figured he’d loosen up the more you got into the shoot. 

“Perfect. Now bring your right hand to your forehead.” You brought the heel of your hand to the edge of your right brow, showing him how you’d like his hand to be positioned. 

How on earth did you make that look so elegant? For a second, Hyunjin questioned how he was even a model. He put his hand awkwardly on his forehead, wondering how you made that look so effortless and natural. “Like this?” 

“Not quite.” You pursed your lips as you tried to think of a different way to explain it to him. “Bend all of your fingers, except your index finger. That one should be most of the way up.” 

Hyunjin’s brows creased as he tried to comprehend what you were saying. “I’m sorry I don’t understand.” His face reddened with embarrassment. 

“Can I touch you?” Perhaps this would be easier if you could just position the boy. 

Fuck. If you started touching him, who knows what would happen. He was really hoping his dick would behave. Although it made him nervous, Hyunjin nodded anyway. He wanted to help you take good pictures. 

You smiled and placed his hand the way you preferred, making sure to angle his long fingers so they looked more elegant. Once you got his hands in place, you tilted his chin with your index finger, smiling when his bright eyes met yours. 

After checking his position in the camera, you decided that he looked perfect. “Okay, that looks better.” You whispered before positioning your body next to the bed. “Are you ready to start?” 

Hyunjin nodded, looking forward to seeing you at work. 

You snapped various pictures of Hyunjin as he adjusted his position ever-so-slightly to give you his best angles. The boy sure knew how to model. 

Hyunjin still looked a bit stiff though. You figured making small talk might help the boy feel more comfortable in the studio. 

“So, how long have you been in the modeling industry?” You asked, snapping a couple more pictures as his gaze shifted to you. 

“About 2 years now. I started when I turned 18, but I’ve never done anything like this.” Hyunjin’s eyes shifted away from the camera, cheeks flushing slightly. 

That’d be a perfect shot! 

Snap! 

“That’s cool. What made you want to take this job?” You couldn’t help but wonder. He clearly wasn’t comfortable being nude in front of the camera, but he still seemed excited about the shoot. 

“I’ve always admired your work.” He blushed a bit. “When I first got into modeling, I wanted to do a photoshoot with you, but my company told me you only did nude shoots.” 

When he first started, Hyunjin thought he’d never do nude photoshoots, but then he stumbled upon your portfolio. You managed to make the human body look so elegant, so beautiful, without making the photos look like nude selfies you’d send to your long distance girlfriend. 

After witnessing your talent and seeing a job open up, he just had to take it. 

“That’s a lie.” You scoffed. “I don’t just take pictures of naked men.” 

Hyunjin giggled a bit at your outburst. “What do you enjoy taking pictures of?”

You lowered the camera, thinking about it for a bit. “I enjoy taking pictures of people. I think the human body is beautiful. I guess that’s how I got roped into doing nude photoshoots. But it’s not all I do.” 

You paused the conversation, telling him to adjust his position. “Turn and face me.” 

Hyunjin did as you asked, turning his body to the side, brown eyes wondering what you’d have him do next. His hair fell in his face just right, staying out of his face enough to showcase the mole under his right eye, the look of wonder on his face nearly making you swoon.

Fuck he’s beautiful. 

In that very moment, Hyunjin captured exactly what you wanted. His innocent eyes looked soft and gentle. He looked like the ultimate boyfriend material. 

“What do I —” 

“Don’t fucking move or I will end you.” You snapped. 

Hyunjin couldn’t help but laugh, face burying in the blankets as he tried to compose himself. He turned his head to the side with a bright smile and —

SNAP! 

That was the money shot. You wanted that shit framed in your bedroom. Or maybe not your bedroom. That would give you too much masturbation material. 

Speaking of…

Hyunjin’s mere existence was turning you on, his naked body sending your emotions into overdrive as you tried to decipher what exactly you loved about the boy. Hyunjin’s cute little head tilt helped you realize that — wow, everything about Hyunjin turned you on. He was so cute and innocent and soft and that made you want to devour him. 

Perhaps a quick bathroom session would take your mind off him long enough to finish the shoot? Or maybe...

No — you can’t ask the models to fuck you. 

Unfortunately, your sex drive was at an all time high. It’s been a while since you’ve been dicked down. 

You mentally kicked yourself. You are a photographer. Take the damn pictures. 

Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to get a few sexier pictures of Hyunjin. “Ok, I need more intensity in your eyes.” You directed, looking forward to seeing what Hyunjin had to offer. 

The boy closed his eyes, holding them shut for a couple seconds. You were a bit worried you offended him until he opened his eyes and JESUS. The sexy gleam in his eyes made you want to toss the camera on the table, strip down, and fuck him right there.

You snapped a few pictures of Hyunjin, shifting around the bed as his eyes followed the lens. “Go ahead and move your body.” You directed. “I want to see what’s comfortable for you.” 

Hyunjin blushed a bit. He had never done anything like this before, so he wasn’t familiar with typical poses men should do during nude photoshoots. He opted for simple poses, laying on the bed, shooting sensual glances at the lens as you snapped pictures. He adjusted his position a few times, giving you various poses. Hyunjin played with his hands, positioning them across his body so it appeared as though he was feeling himself up. 

Your cheeks flushed as you watched the boy adjust his positioning. Damn he was good at this. “Are you sure you’ve never done this before?” You smirked, snapping another picture. 

Hyunjin chuckled before asking “Is this okay?” 

“It’s more than okay.” You replied, snapping a few more pictures. “These are turning out great.” 

Yes! Hyunjin mentally high-fived himself. You seemed impressed with his work, and he was excited to see what the photos looked like when you were done. 

You snapped a few more excellent shots of Hyunjin before deciding to change the lighting to be a bit more sensual — as if that was going to help your problem. 

You couldn’t help but notice your damp underwear, your arousal becoming more and more difficult to hide the longer you stared at Hyunjin’s body. 

“Why don’t you take a break. I have to switch the lighting a bit.” You gestured towards the refreshments. “Feel free to wear your robe, so you don’t have to flash your goods around me 24/7. There’s also a plate with veggies and grapes and there’s a water jug…” You trailed off, feeling nervous, as if Hyunjin could tell what was going on in your panties. “But you have eyes, so you probably didn’t need me to rant about what’s there.” 

Hyunjin laughed and slipped the robe over his shoulders. “Flash my goods?”

“Yeah. You look good, therefore, your nakedness equals your goods.” Your face flushed. 

Why did you have to shoot your mouth?

Hyunjin chuckled and pulled the robe closed, tying the fabric together with the belt. As comfortable as he felt being nude under your gaze, being covered up was a nice break from having his dick out in front of you. 

Hyunjin headed over to the refreshments, eyes scanning the various fruits and vegetables before he opted to snack on grapes. 

“So.” Hyunjin popped a grape in his mouth, “What got you into photography?”

“I took a photography class in high school and I guess it just stuck. I used to take a ton of pictures of the kids playing sports. I volunteered to take pictures at every school event.” you smiled, unscrewing the bulbs in your lights and setting them on the table. 

“That’s nice.” Hyunjin chuckled. “I wonder what it’s like being on the other end.” 

Hyunjin always wanted to try photography, but he never invested in a camera. Sure he used his phone camera to take selfies, but he’s always wanted to try taking photos of another person. He wanted to capture the human body the way you did. 

“It’s amazing. Do you want to try?” You gestured towards your camera, trying to convince him to test it out. 

Hyunjin waved his hands in front of him. “Oh no! I don’t want to break it.” The last thing he wanted to do was break his favorite photographer’s camera. 

“If you break it, I have 2 others in the cupboard charging.” You chuckled. “Come on, why don’t you give it a shot?” You thrust the camera into Hyunjin’s hands, giggling when he held onto it for dear life. 

“You don’t have to worry so much.” You smiled softly. 

“I don’t want to break it. This must be hundreds of dollars.” His knuckles were white as he clung to the camera, as if loosening his grip would cause the camera to disintegrate in his hands. 

You couldn't help but laugh at the number he threw out. “Try thousands.” 

Yep. That camera with the lens cost you a whopping 7 grand. But the camera took beautiful pictures which made the cost absolutely worth it. 

Hyunjin’s eyes widened even more, if that was possible. He was holding one whole paycheck in his hands. Still… he was holding an incredible piece of equipment and he felt like he had to try it out. 

Hyunjin glanced around, hoping to find a pretty flower to take a picture of, but he couldn’t figure out what to photograph. “What do I take a picture of? The studio?” He chuckled.

You paused what you were doing, turning around to shoot him a smile. “Take a picture of me.” You giggled when he flushed bright red, brown eyes avoiding your gaze as his brain processed what you were saying. 

“I wouldn’t do you justice.” He whispered, just loud enough for you to hear. 

It was your turn to flush red. Was that his way of calling you pretty? That’s kind of sweet. 

“I don’t know how to pose you or anything.” Hyunjin smiled nervously. 

Oh the poor thing. He didn’t realize that you knew how to pose yourself. You were a photographer after all. “Aww. Sweetheart. It’s okay I can take care of that myself.” 

Suddenly an idea popped into your head. If you were going to get laid today, you had to be creative. So why not have Hyunjin take some Boudoir shots of you? It was the perfect chance to seduce him with your curves! 

You reached over your head, pulling your T-shirt off, showing off the lacy bra hidden beneath the thin fabric. Hyunjin’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as he watched you unbutton your shorts, pulling the denim down your legs to show the matching pair of panties. 

“What are you doing?” Hyunjin stuttered, cheeks flushing red when his eyes raked over your body. 

“Well.” You paused, wiggling your hips a bit as you stepped out of your shorts. “I figured, it’s only fair for you to take a few Boudoir shots of me, since I’ve seen you naked.” 

Hyunjin’s tongue darted over his lower lip as his eyes ran over the dip of your hips. He longed to hold your hips in his hands while doing unspeakable things to you. But no — now’s not the time to be thinking of such things. He’s got a photoshoot to finish. 

“You don’t have to. I don’t mind taking pictures of you… clothed…” He trailed off. 

“It’s fine. I want to.” You draped yourself sensually over the bed, making sure to point your toes so you looked more elegant. “Now point and shoot.” 

Hyunjin swallowed, before finding a spot beside the bed. How did you get such good pictures of other people? It was obvious that you didn’t just “point and shoot.” You played around with angles. 

Hyunjin moved to the side of the bed, resting beside your head and angling the camera down to the foot of the bed. He captured a beautiful shot of your body — one that captured each and every curve you had to offer. 

You smiled at him and shifted your body to look more innocent, widening your eyes as you looked into the lens. 

Hyunjin snapped a few more pictures, before he noticed the blood rushing straight to his groin. Oh no… He was far too turned on to continue the photoshoot. 

Panic bubbled in Hyunjin’s chest as he tried to think of ways to get rid of the raging boner underneath the robe. Sure, he could try and think of things like basketball or the news, but that wouldn’t get rid of his problem when his eyes were fixed on your breasts like a teenager hyped up on hormones. 

No — he had to jerk this one out. 

Hyunjin sat the camera on the table before attempting to scurry off to the bathroom. 

“Do you want help with that?” Your voice stopped him in his tracks. Truth is, you noticed the raging boner underneath the robe long before he did. 

What? Hyunjin looked down, cheeks turning bright red when he saw that the outline of his dick was very visible underneath the robe. 

“I’m sorry. I’ll excuse myself.” Hyunjin’s voice shook as he turned to leave. 

“Wait.” You called after him. 

Hyunjin turned to look at you, guilt and shame evident in his eyes as he attempted to cover himself. 

“I think it’s hot that you’re turned on my looking at me.” You confessed, stepping closer to the boy. “And if you’re okay with it, I’d love to be with you tonight.” 

You normally wouldn’t have had the courage to say such things to a man, but you had a feeling about this one. You had this feeling that you and Hyunjin could be something special, but first, you’d have to put yourself out there. 

Hyunjin’s cheeks flushed a darker shade of red. It felt like his head was spinning. Your confession made his heart bang against his ribcage so hard, he thought it would burst through. He wondered if you could hear his heart as it echoed in his ears. 

He didn’t know why, but this felt right. “I’d like that too.” He confessed. 

“Can I kiss you?” you asked, hoping he’d say yes. 

“You can do more than kiss me.” His voice switched from being incredibly sweet and innocent, to being deep and sensual.

FUCK. 

Okay — you weren’t expecting that. 

You simply nodded before walking up to him, tentative hands running along his chest before sliding up to wrap around his neck.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked. “We have only known each other for a couple hours.” 

He was right. It felt like you’ve known each other far longer. But it was clear he wanted this as much as you did. 

“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life.” Your arms tightened around his neck, sighing happily when his hands rested on your hips. 

“Let me know if you want to stop.” 

As if?

You nodded before saying “Fuck me.” 

Hyunjin moved forward, instantly taking control as he closed the distance between you, one hand moving to caress your cheek while the other rested on your hip. His soft lips pressed gently against yours and oh — his lips felt just as good as you imagined they would. 

Your hands slid down his chest, parting the fabric of his robe so you could feel more of his velvety smooth skin against your fingertips. You wanted to feel him pressed against you, so bad that your body naturally rocked closer to his. 

Hyunjin ran his tongue along your bottom lip, humming in approval when you easily parted your lips for him to slip his tongue into your mouth. His tongue ran along yours coaxing a moan from you. 

Your soft moans sent the blood rushing to Hyunjin’s cock, making him want to tear your lingerie off and slide into you. But no — he’d wait to do that. He was going to take his time with you and appreciate every dip and curve your body had to offer. 

Hyunjin’s hands ran along your back before his fingertips danced around the clasp of your bra. He parted from your lips, pressing soft kisses down your jawline as his fingers unclipped the garment. The flimsy fabric fell off your body easily, making you moan as Hyunjin tossed your bra in a random direction. 

“Since I’ve been naked this whole time, I think it’s fair that you undress first.” Hyunjin’s velvety voice mixed with the playful gleam in his eye sent a wave of arousal through you, panties becoming wetter the more your eyes rested upon his heated gaze. 

“I won’t complain as long as you hurry up when I’m done.” You giggled as you slowly pulled your underwear down your legs, smiling when Hyunjin’s tongue ran along his lower lip, biting the soft flesh gently.

He was eye-fucking you, and that was exactly where you wanted him. 

Hyunjin closed his eyes, leaning his head back for a second before turning his gaze to your naked body. “Can I touch you?” He asked softly.  

That’s funny. As if he hadn’t been touching you this whole time. 

“Of course.” You smiled, bending your index finger in a ‘come hither’ motion. 

Hyunjin closed the distance between you two, instantly falling to his knees before pulling your left knee over his shoulder. He pulled your body closer to his, the need to taste you on his tongue taking over his senses. 

“Let me…” He trailed off as he panted, hot breath ghosting over your thigh. “I want to make you feel good.” 

Wow. It’s not every day your dream boy practically begs to eat you out. How could you say no to that?

You nodded and shifted your body so you were closer to his face, giving him an excellent view of your soaked folds. 

Hyunjin couldn’t help but lick his lips as he stared upon your glistening core. He wanted to know what you tasted like, but first… he wanted to have some fun with you. 

Hyunjin’s lips pressed feathery kisses along your thighs, tongue darting out every now and again to taste your skin. He noticed the way your hips shifted closer to his face when he sucked a spot on your thigh, turning the skin purple before he moved on to dance around where you wanted him to touch most. 

“Hyunjin please.” you moaned, shifting your hips closer to his face once more. 

And like that, his tongue was buried in your folds, instantly making your knees go weak. You moaned loudly, fighting to stay standing as the boy slurped loudly, moaning at the taste of you on his tongue. 

Your hands darted to his ebony locks, fingers tightening in his hair when he sucked your clit between his teeth, nibbling on the bud gently. The overwhelming pleasure would have sent you falling to the ground if it weren’t for Hyunjin’s hands keeping you steady. 

“Fuck Hyunjin.” You moaned. “It’s so good.” One of your hands shifted to caress his cheek. “You’re so good.” You cried out as his eyes met yours, tongue rolling around your clit once more.

“I’m gonna cum.” You moaned loudly, legs shaking as standing became too difficult for you to do. 

Hyunjin separated from your core with a pop. He quickly thrust your other knee over his shoulder, hands supporting your back as he lowered you onto the hardwood floor. 

You gasped — partially because of the cold floor against your heated skin, partially because Hyunjin dove back into your folds, enclosing his lips around your clit and sucking harshly. It didn’t take long for Hyunjin to make you cum, the constant attention to your clit giving you the biggest orgasm you’ve had in your life. Your toes curled, back arching off the cold wooden floor as you hit your high, the overwhelming pleasure making your thighs shake around his head. 

Your chest rose and fell with each breath as you panted on the ground. Your brows creased when you saw the robe still covering his perfect body. “I believe I told you to take that off.” 

Hyunjin laughed, a bright smile taking over his features. “So bossy.” He slid the robe off his shoulders leaving his body bare to your eyes. 

He looked just as beautiful as before, but even more so with a hard cock. Your mouth watered at the sight. You wanted — no needed — to have him in your mouth. You crawled over to him, gently taking his cock into your hands, pulling the foreskin as you pumped his length a couple times. 

Hyunjin threw his head back, moaning at the much-needed friction. Although he was enjoying the feeling of you jacking him off, he really wanted to be inside you. “Please.” Hyunjin moaned, “I want to be inside you.” 

“And you will be. But right now I want to suck your dick.” You silenced him by taking his cock as far down your throat as you could, tucking your thumb under your fingers to suppress your gag reflex. 

The boy let out a loud, strangled moan as you sucked more of his length down your throat, nose almost pressing into his pubic bone. Damn that was hot. He’s never had a girl take him that far before. The feeling of your throat closing around him nearly made him cum instantly. 

You were convinced there was nothing hotter than hearing Hyunjin’s moans while you deepthroat his cock. His quiet gasps and soft “oh my god” made you want to suck him dry. You pulled back, jerking him off a bit before sucking the tip back into your mouth. 

Hyunjin bit his lip, a loud moan echoing through the room as you ran your tongue along the underside, tracing each vein with every pass of your tongue. 

“Please.” He moaned. “Please let me.” 

You pulled away, having way too much fun teasing the poor boy. “Let you what?” Your hand pumped him a couple more times making his body twitch. 

“Let me fuck you.” He moaned at your touch. “I want to be inside you.” 

“Why?” You questioned. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you think I’m bad at sucking dick.” 

“That’s not it at all.” He quickly reassured you. “I just really want to be inside you.” He paused. “Please.” 

You couldn’t help but giggle at his neediness. “Ok, but let’s go to the bed so we aren’t fucking on the floor like animals.” 

Hyunjin laughed and lifted you up so you could wrap your legs around his waist, lips quickly connecting with yours as he walked the two of you over to the bed in the studio. 

You broke the kiss mumbling a quick, “fuck that was hot,” before connecting your lips once more. 

At that very moment, Hyunjin couldn’t help himself. He quickly slid into you, a low groan rumbling in his chest as your walls tightened around him. “You feel so good.” His head nuzzled into your neck, the intimate position making your heart flutter as you wrapped your legs around his waist.

Hyunjin set a slow pace, lips pressing against yours softly so he could make the moment last. You looked into his eyes at the same time he looked into yours and — oh this was starting to look like one of those romance movies. The way his hips rocked against yours, the way one of his hands caressed your cheek — you were positive that you were in love with him. 

How could you be in love with a man you just met?

You couldn’t seem to find the answer as Hyunjin rocked his hips faster, dragging his lower body against yours so he would rub against your clit. You couldn’t help the moans escaping your lips, his name at the tip of your tongue as if your mind was purely filled with Hyunjin. 

That wasn’t far from the truth. You waited so long to have him inside you and here you are, body pressed against his, tongue sliding against his as he thrusted deeper, pushing you closer and closer to the edge. 

“I’m close.” you moaned, hands wrapping around his lower back. 

“Me too.” Hyunjin grunted, eyes squeezing shut as he moved faster, hips stuttering as he tried to bring you closer to your high. He tried so hard to hold out — to get you to cum with him, but he couldn’t chance releasing inside you without knowing whether or not you were on the pill. 

Hyunjin quickly pulled out, deep moans escaping his lips as he stroked himself through his orgasm. He came on your stomach, exhaustion hitting him almost immediately as he came down from his high. 

You hummed in approval, stroking his thigh as he basked in the afterglow, though you were a bit disappointed in your now-fading orgasm. Oh well, at least you got to cum with his amazing tongue. 

Hyunjin noticed your fading orgasm, and he was quick to act, adjusting his position so he could devour your folds. His fingers drove into your core, curling upward so he would hit your g-spot with each thrust. The surprising pleasure almost immediately made you cum, hands fisting the sheets, looking for something to help bring you down to earth. 

One last suck and you were gone, crying out his name and a string of curse words as you came for the second time that night. 

Hyunjin licked his lips as he sat up, admiring your still-panting frame. God you looked beautiful like this — eyes drifting shut as exhaustion hit you, chest rising and falling with each breath, his cum coating your stomach — you looked divine. 

Speaking of cum…

Hyunjin stood up and walked over to the refreshment area, grabbing a handful of paper towels before heading back to the bed. He wiped the cum off your stomach, giggling when you twitched at his touch. 

“You didn’t have to do that.” You panted, curling up under the blankets. 

“Of course I did.” Hyunjin smiled. He never wanted to leave a girl hanging. Especially you. 

“Are you going to stay the night?” You asked, hoping he’d say yes. 

Although you wanted to fuck the boy, you also wanted the soft cuddle time that you assumed would come after. You wanted to hold him close until you both drifted off to sleep. You wanted to take him to breakfast in the morning and go on dates and kiss him daily and — oh shit… you wanted a relationship with him. 

Your heart dropped as you waited for an answer. You shouldn’t have done this. Now you’re overly attached to the boy and you’ll have to deal with the rejection that comes after, what was supposed to be, a one-night stand. 

“That depends.” Hyunjin answered, pausing a second as he pretended to think it through. 

Of course he was planning to stay the night. He just had the best sex he’s ever had in his life. He wasn’t planning on letting you go. “Will you still love me in the morning?”

“Who said I love you now?” You flushed, smacking his arm lightly. 

“Alright then I’ll go.” Hyunjin sat up and swung his feet off the edge of the bed, rubbing his tired eyes. Perhaps this really was just a fling to you?

You panicked, seeing your potential relationship being washed down the drain at your own stupidity. “No please don’t go.” You embraced him from behind. “I will. I want to get to know you better. I want to take you out and kiss you every morning and do couple shit. Just don’t leave me.” You tightened your arms around his torso. “I promise I’ll love you in the morning. As long as you’ll still love me?”

You instantly regretted your words as Hyunjin’s body went stiff. Maybe he was kidding? Perhaps it was a figure of speech? Maybe he didn’t feel the same. 

“Nevermind.” You laid back in bed, turning your back to the boy as you tried to stop the frantic beating of your heart and the painful fear of rejection in your head. 

You felt Hyunjin’s arms wrap around you before feeling him pull your body flush against his. 

“Of course I’ll love you in the morning.” 

#OOF #hwang hyunjin #stray kids hwang hyunjin #stray kids hyunjin smut #stray kids #skz #kpop #hwang hyunjin x reader #reader x hwang hyunjin #hwang hyunjin x you #you x hwang hyunjin #hwang hyunjin imagines #hyunjin imagines #hwang hyunjin scenarios #hwang hyunjin fanfictions #stray kids scenario #stray kids scenarios #stray kids fanfiction #stray kids fanfictions #stray kids writers guild #stray kids smut #skz smut #skz scenario #skz scenarios #skz fanfiction #skz fanfictions #stray kids x reader #reader x stray kids #stray kids x you #you x stray kids

[ijustwant2write]

Solo Mission-Steve Rogers x Reader

(GIF credit to @ifoundkylo​)

Masterlist

Tags: @amirahiddleston​ @bloodorangemoonlight​ @nekoannie-chan​

Summary: Steve is being sent on an extremely risky mission, and no one knows why it has to be just him. However, the team has settled on it, knowing that he has been chosen for a reason. But (Y/N) can’t see things the same way as them, trying to convince them to not let him go.

Characters: Steve Rogers x Reader, Wanda Maximoff x Reader (platonic), Vision x Reader (platonic), Tony Stark x Reader (platonic), Natasha Romanoff x Reader (platonic), Same Wilson x Reader (platonic), Bruce Banner x Reader (platonic), Clint Barton x Reader (platonic)  

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name   (Y/L/N)=Your last name

Warnings: Swearing, crying, arguing, mentions of death and injury, overall fluff

                    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My hands started to tremble as I read through the mission file, seeing the details about the enemy Steve was to face. I shouldn’t have been looking in the first case, it was almost illegal for my eyes to even glance over it, but what with it sitting there on our bed, I couldn’t help myself. The file flopped down onto my lap as I stared straight ahead of me. Why was Steve chosen for this? And why was he going alone? Why couldn’t they have a backup team of S.H.I.E.L.D agents, just in case? Surely the mission would go smoother and quicker with more people.

The door to the bathroom opened, Steve emerging with a towel wrapped around his waist, a few droplets running from his hair down his neck. He froze when he saw what was in my hands, sighing as he approached me. “You know you’re not supposed to be reading those things.” He tried to take it from me, but I stood up in time to escape.

“When were you going to tell me?” I asked.

“(Y/N), I was going to tell you. I had to make sure I was clear with my orders-”

“These orders are basically suicide!”

“You’re worrying over nothing.” he tried walking towards me again.

“Not this time.” 

I let him throw the papers onto the bed, holding my hand instead. Of course I worried about every mission, but those details, the danger he was going to be in made my stomach twist.

“Steve,” my voice was begging to shake,“I have that feeling in my gut, that same feeling I had with New York, and Ultron, and-”

“Hey,” he breathed out, pulling me into his bare chest,“you’re thinking like that because I’m on my own.”

“Exactly! Why are you on your own?”

“Because that’s what they think is best.”

“Oh fuck that.” I snapped, pulling away to wipe away the tears.

“(Y/N).” He warned.

“No, seriously, fuck that! S.H.I.E.L.D always think they’ve got everything right, but they don’t. Including sending you away, by yourself, on what seems like an awfully dangerous mission.”

“There will be a reason. I’m the only one who can do this, and I have to.”

Rubbing my eyes again, I looked up at him, taking in his beautiful features. He had that sad smile on his face, where he felt guilty about something but wanted you to be happy. Slowly sliding my arms around his waist again, I hugged him as tight as possible, feeling his arms engulf my body. This just wasn’t fair.

The next day, I drove to the Avengers HQ, knowing that it would take more than myself to convince Steve not to go. I stopped speaking to him about it the night before, knowing it would lead to a huge argument. Though if I backed my feelings up with other people’s opinions, it might make him see that I wasn’t thinking with just my heart. Steve was already here training, they had new recruits after all, making it the perfect time to persuade anyone to join my team. The first person I saw was Wanda, someone easy to start with.

“(Y/N), I did not know you were coming here today.” She said surprised, her eyes on me as I sat down on the couch next to her.

“Yeah, it is a little unexpected. I need to ask a favour.” I started.

“Go on.”

“OK, so, Steve has been tasked with this solo mission, the only issue is, it’s basically sending him to his grave.”

Wanda shook her head slightly.“What are you talking about?”

“Look, I just need a few of us to convince him it’s a terrible idea, and not to go.”

“(Y/N), if he has been assigned a mission, he has to go.”

I held up a finger.“But not if it’s going to kill him!”

She pushed my hand back down.“I mean, when you join something like S.H.I.E.L.D, you’re basically giving your life for the service.”

“Wanda, I thought you would be on my side.”

“I used to think the same way, but after seeing how we help people, you put others before yourself.”

“Which is the exact problem!”

“Excuse me-” Vision suddenly appeared through the wall, making me jump almost a foot back.

“Vision, you really need to use the doors unless you want to give someone a heart attack.” I dramatically breathed out.

“My apologies. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I’m afraid Wanda has a point.”

“Not you too.”

“Captain Rogers is one of America’s best fighters, the country he serves is even in his title.”

“Guys, seriously, you don’t see the bad side of this?”

“Of course we do,” Wanda reassured me,“but this is his job. It’s what Steve knows.”

I huffed, making it clear that I was angry with them as I stormed out of the room. This was going to be much harder than I thought. The easiest target had already denied me. Taking a moment to stop, I leaned my back against a wall, thinking who to go to. It was a long shot, but perhaps Tony would see how I was thinking, he was never a fan of S.H.I.E.L.D, even when working with them; he always wanted things to be simple and for no more fighting to happen, I could get something out of this. 

Tony was hunched over the coffee machine in the kitchen, peeking over his shoulder when he heard my footsteps. Without saying anything, he lazily waved his hand before looking back at his coffee cup. I stood beside him, mumbling a ‘hello’.

“What’s with the moping?” He asked, straightening up.

“I’m upset.”

“About what? Also, does Steve know about this? I feel like Cap should know if something is wrong with his girlfriend before I do.”

“I mean, sort of-”

He held up a hand.“Please don’t tell me you’re pregnant.”

I frantically shook my head.“Oh, God no. Not that it would be a huge problem...well, actually-”

“I’ve already listened to your dream house talk before, remember?”

“I’m going to get straight to the point here, Steve is going on a mission and it’s going to get him killed.”

Tony didn’t seem phased as he poured coffee into his cup.

“Tony, are you listening?”

“Well isn’t that every mission?”

“No, there has never been a mission like this before! He’s going completely solo.”

“(Y/N), I hate to say it, but I think you’re growing more worrisome with age.”

“What? Why is no one taking this seriously? I felt those horrible butterflies in my stomach when reading those files, you know what that means.”

“OK, so you had that gut feeling when we fought aliens, right? And we came back from that alive, didn’t we?”

I stuttered.“Y-yes, I suppose so. But...but it wasn’t...it wasn’t guaranteed.”

“You have never felt that bad on any other mission.”

“No, but-”

“You’re paranoid because capsicile is on his own. He’s a big boy, he’s fought by himself before.”

Hastily turning around, I clenched my fists around the edge of my sleeves, biting the inside of my cheek to focus on something other than crying. It was so frustrating. No one could feel what I could feel. 

I heard Tony sigh behind me.“(Y/N)-”

“I want to speak to everyone.”

“What?”

I started to walk away.“Get everybody but Steve in conference room one, I need to understand why Steve’s so-called-family is letting him do this.”

Pacing up and down the length of the room, my gaze was fixed on the outside world. My mind buzzed with thoughts on what to say, how to get them to see how inconsiderate they were all being. I still hadn’t spoken to Clint, Natasha, Bruce or Sam, and I was nervous to hear what they had to say. Though deep down, I knew what I was going to be facing. Those who had no idea what was going on hesitantly walked in, with Bruce and Clint standing down and Sam standing with his arms crossed.

“What’s going on?” Natasha whispered to me.

“Wait until everyone is here.” I replied.

She kept her eyes on me for a few more seconds, a confused look in her eye before she joined the others at the table. Tony waltzed in, no coffee this time, and a minute later Wanda and Vision came along. The three who knew what this was about stood, a somewhat bored expression on their face. It was an assumption, but it made me angry, meaning I didn’t start the meeting off well.

“I want to know why you’re all so calm about sending Steve into a trap that will be the end of him.” I blurted out, standing at the head of the table. 

Those who had no idea what was going on were wide eyed, glancing at each other. 

Natasha was brave enough to speak.“What do you mean?”

“She is scared that Captain Rogers is set on a potentially lethal mission. Miss (Y/L/N) believes he may die.” Vision calmly explained.

“You called us in here for this?” Sam scoffed.

“Oh, you guys didn’t get personal interviews?” Tony mocked.

“I don’t understand why no one else is worried about this! I wouldn’t be making such a big deal out of this if I thought he was going to come back with a few scratches.” I exclaimed.

“What exactly do you know?” Bruce tried to understand.

“I read the mission brief, he’s in there all alone. I know you have all been on missions like these in at least groups of three. So why does Steve have to go by himself? Don’t you guys want to help me show Steve that it’s too dangerous for him? Don’t you care?”

“They wouldn’t pick him for fun.” Tony butted in, walking towards me.“Have you spoken about this with him? Properly, I mean.”

“You know he’s not going to refuse.”

“Then that’s the decision.” Sam pointed out.

“But you know what Steve is like, he does it because he feels that he has to, he doesn’t want to let anyone down.”

“He doesn’t have a choice (Y/N).”

I instinctively raised my voice.“There’s always a choice!”

“I think that’s enough (Y/N).” a gentler voice came from the doorway.

Steve had been listening, for how long, I didn’t know. He walked in, surprisingly wrapping an arm around my waist.“I’m sorry guys. Can you give us a moment?”

They slowly filed out of the room, some faster than others, They were annoyed at me, I had wasted time out of their day, whether they had been working or not. Avoiding eye contact, I knew I would have to apologise, especially with how my tone came across. Once the door was shut, Steve looked down at me, though I found it hard to look him straight in the eye.

“Hey, look at me.” He softly said.

Reluctantly, I did as he said as he faced me properly, both hands resting around the small of my back, my hands naturally holding onto his biceps.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But you know things aren’t that simple.”

“I know but…” my voice was shaky, and instead of holding everything in, I let the tears flow freely.“I just thought that they would see things the same as I did, and maybe we could fix this somehow.”

“Please don’t get upset. I know what you were trying to do.”

“Steve, do you really think you’ll be alright on this mission?”

“I will.”

“And how are you so sure of that?”

“Because I have you to come back to. You’re the only thing I think about on those missions. I know that I can’t let myself get hurt like I used to, I could never forgive myself if I left you behind.”

I smiled slightly.“You should be concentrating on the mission, not me.”

“How could I not think about you?”

Pulling him closer, I closed my eyes, still crying but feeling a sense of warmth run through me as his hand was placed on the back of my head, smoothing out my hair. 

“If I could refuse, I would have done so the moment they handed me those papers.”

“I know.” my words were muffled against his clothing.“I’ve been over dramatic, haven’t I?”

Steve’s chest shook as he chuckled.“Just a little.” “You’re not mad though, are you? Not like the others?”

“No, I would never be mad over something like this. It just reminds me how much you love me...not that I need reminding.”

“I love you Steve.”

“What did I just say?”

“I’m going to have to come up with something good to make everyone like me again.”

“A simple apology will do.”

“Steve?”

“Hm?”

“Can we go home?”

“Sure. Let me grab my things.”

“Can I come with you?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“No, you don’t.”

#steve rogers #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers imagine #steve rogers imagines #steve rogers one shot #captain america #captain america imagines #captain america one shot #captain america imagine #captain america x reader #tony stark #tony stark imagine #iron man #iron man imagine #wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff imagine #scarlett witch #scarlett witch imagine #vision #vision imagine #natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff imagines #black widow #black widow imagine #sam wilson #sam wilson imagine #falcon #falcon imagine #bruce banner #bruce banner imagine

[hopesbarnes]

Underneath

Summary: When your best friend offers to help relieve your stress you say yes. It spirals into months of the best sex of your life. But things can’t stay that simple.

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Warnings: 18+, Smut (bondage, oral, cockwarming), Cursing 

A/N: Written for @morsmordrethings​ 1k writing challenge. I had the prompt “Don’t act so innocent, you had me pinned underneath you 5 minutes ago” I also used prompts 5, 53, & 82 from @justforshitsandcackles smut prompt list

It started seven months ago, on a particularly rough day. 

The alarm clock never switched after daylight savings, meaning when it rang at 6 a.m. it was already 7. Considering work started at 8 and was a 20-minute train ride away (not counting the stop to pick up the boss’ coffee) there was no way to get there on time. Panicking, you quickly dressed, fixed your hair and rushed out the door. 

The line in the coffee shop was insane. It was a Monday morning, but still. You ordered the coffees and anxiously looked at the watch hoping it would pause altogether. But the minutes kept ticking. Eventually, the coffee was finished and you ran to the subway. You were 10 minutes behind schedule already. 

Then, on the dreaded ride, someone bumped into you and you spilled your coffee all over your white coat. At least it was yours, not your boss’. The stain certainly wouldn’t come out of the coat though.

15 minutes late you arrived at the office, only to see the pile of papers on the desk. On top of them was a sticky note of tasks for today (including getting lunch). Which would be fine if you were a secretary and not a legal clerk. You shouldn’t even have to get her coffee. But this job was the best track for your career so you sucked it up and got through the tasks. 

Then you got a text from the guy you were supposed to go on a date with that night saying he was ‘busy’ and couldn’t make it. So there goes any luck of relieving any stress. So you decided to work later and do some of tomorrow’s tasks and just call out the next day and claim you were sick.

Finally, a few hours later you were home, stressed, and hungry. So you texted your best friend.

Y/N: Need food, and to smile. Come over?

Bucky: Already on my way with pizza.

Y/N: Marry me?

Bucky: Buy me a pretty diamond and then we’ll talk.

Bucky arrived a little while later, with pizza in one hand, and one of his sweatshirts in the other. It was the one you kept begging to borrow because it looked super comfortable.

“Figured you might need this, long day?” he asked shrugging.

“You have no clue,” you replied grabbing the food and sweatshirt.

“Wanna talk about it?”

You recount the long day while eating the pizza and he listens intently. 

“... Plus I’m stressed and was gonna do something about that with the guy I told you about but clearly, he flaked. I just, argh!” you say throwing your head back yelling out of frustration. 

“I mean, if you’re that stressed I could help?” Bucky said biting his lip.

“And do what, fuck me?” you laugh. Except he’s not laughing back. “Shit, really?”

“I mean, you’re so pent up and I haven’t had a good lay in months. Would it really be that bad?”

“What about our friendship? The minute we see each other naked, things will inevitably change!” you say while standing up. 

“I’m fine with that. You’re my best friend, I trust you. This won’t change anything. It’s not like we want to date or fall in love. Just want to let off some steam.” 

“Okay,” you say, not letting yourself overthink this.

“Okay?” he asks and you nod. He follows you to where you are standing in the living room.

 “How do we even start-” you try to say but are cut off. Bucky takes matters into his own hands and picks you up and backs you against a wall. Within a second he has you pushed up against him and startles you with a kiss. 

The first thought you have is, “this isn’t weird” which is followed closely by “fuck, he can kiss.” Then it becomes a tug of war, who can put more into it. You’re tugging his lip, he’s moaning as you pull his hair, until finally you give way and let him dominate your mouth. Giving in has never tasted this good. Why weren’t you doing this with him the whole time?

His body fits perfectly against yours, and sometime during the kiss, you start grinding against him. It’s almost embarrassing until he groans and situates his leg between your thighs. 

The kiss only pauses long enough for the two of you to catch your breath. Before your mind clears his lips are already on yours again. Kissing doesn’t feel like this. Kissing him shouldn’t feel like this. But you’re stressed and horny and just want him. 

Your shirt and bra are pulled off somewhere along the line, and he doesn’t waste a minute to run his fingers over your nipples. He’s putting everything into the kiss and still manages to pay attention to your breasts. 

You pause the kiss to pull his shirt over his head, and can’t help but admire him. Since when was Bucky so fit? He must work out to look like that, but you can’t recount a single time you’ve seen him go to a gym. You quickly pull yourself from the thought to find him hiking your skirt up and kneeling in front of you.

“What are you doing?” you ask as he pulls down your underwear and kisses up your thigh.

“Relieving some stress, thought we already went over that?” he asked cheekily. 

“Nobody’s ever done that for.. OH!” your sentence gets cut off as he flicks his tongue against you. The motion catches you off guard and feels incredible. He takes his time using his mouth to lap every inch and slowly build your orgasm. When his fingers join in you shatter, and ride it out on his fingers.

“That was...” you mumble still dizzy. 

“You taste good,” he remarks and meets your lips for another kiss. “We don’t have to do anything else tonight, just wanted to help you out.”

“It’s been way too long if you don’t fuck me Bucky I’ll be pissed. My vibrator has been used way too many hours and needs a break.” he laughs darkly at this and lifts you up. Your lips meet and he kisses you until you reach the bedroom. 

You quickly remove the skirt as he pulls off his pants. His cock strains against the material of his boxers. You feel almost giddy at the notion of him inside of you. Before he can remove the boxers you pull them down for him. 

He pulls you back up and kisses you again. The two of you can’t go more than a few minutes without your lips together. It’s as if he is oxygen. The two of you fall against the bed.

“I’m on the pill and clean,” you rush out awkwardly.

“M’clean too, you sure about this?” he asks.

“Positive,” you reply.

“You’re more than just a one night stand, you know?” he says as he sinks into you. 

It takes a few moments for him to be fully seated, and he gives you a second to adjust. But eventually, he sets a fast pace that has you digging your fingers into his shoulders. Little moans fall from your lips and mix with the groans from his. The sounds fill the air and you feel alive. Sex with your best friend shouldn’t feel this good. It isn’t awkward or weird, it’s just right. And the thought scares you. But your head is clouded with pleasure and before you know it the two of you are falling apart.

You lay breathless next to Bucky. He’s just as out of breath like you, and the thought fills you with pride. 

“I should go,” he says.

“Stay,” you mumble as sleep creeps up. 

“Okay.”

He stays the night and sleeps cuddled up with you. 

The next four months followed the same way. One of you got stressed, texted the other and before long you were coming undone with him. Your friendship stayed as strong, and feelings didn’t get involved, yet. 

Sleeping with a friend is different in a good way. Trust was already established long before you jumped into bed, so you felt safe with him. There was no pressure that sex would impact the relationship because there was no relationship. When you didn’t like something, you told him instead of keeping it quiet to not hurt his ego. And when he did something you loved, god you voiced that too. You felt comfortable, and it made the sex that much better.

One day after, you laid in bed trying to catch your breath. 

“That-” you breathed out, “was fantastic.” Bucky nodded.

“You got real excited when I started complimenting you. Guess I should do that more, huh?” he asked.

“I think I might have a praise kink,” you giggled.

“Think you got any others?” he turned to his side to look at you. 

“Yeah, I- maybe?” you shrugged.

“Don’t get shy on me now, doll.”

“I well- My last boyfriend didn’t like anything other than just straight missionary. Said anything but was wrong. I tried to bring up that I wanted to try things but he just shot it down,” you admitted. 

“He’s an asshole,” Bucky declares. “We could maybe experiment if you want?”

“Really?” you asked excitedly. 

“Let’s each make a list and see what we both come up with. Definitely gonna praise you more, that was great.”

You move to hit his arm but laugh nonetheless. 

The two of you made lists and combined the ones both of you wanted to try. There was also a second list of things you both wanted to try but weren’t ready for yet. The first combined list consisted of bondage, using toys, dom/sub, vibrator panties in public, and cockwarming. The sheer idea of the list was exciting.

The two of you planned to try each one at least once. First up was bondage. The idea of being tied up always excited you and Bucky loved the idea of having complete control over you. You worked out a safeword, and what to do if it was too much and then got ready. You stripped and laid on the bed waiting for Bucky to come into the room. 

A few minutes later Bucky entered with a blindfold and silk ties. He looked nervous but excited to try this out.

“I went and got this stuff if you don’t want to use the blindfold it’s okay- we don’t have to,” he said scratching his neck.

“I want to use it. Bucky, I trust you. I am giving complete control to you, okay. So after I kiss you one more time no more second-guessing yourself. Got it?” you declare. He nods and you give him a sweet kiss then lay back down on the bed.

As if a completely different guy, Bucky takes off his shirt and starts to tie your hands to the headboard. After double-checking that they’re secure but not too tight he put the blindfold on you. The idea that he was in charge lit a fire in you and adding the lack of sight made this thrilling. 

His hands ran up your body and lightly brushed against your nipples. Your body arched in response and a sigh left your lips. 

“Such a pretty body. So responsive too,” he said as he continued to caress the skin. His lips kissed down your neck and stopped to suck a hickey on the top of your breasts.

“Love leaving marks where only I get to see them. Such a good girl letting me mark you.” You moaned at his words. The possessiveness made you happy, and in the back of your mind, you knew that wasn’t a good thing. But at the moment it didn’t matter.

“You gonna be a good girl and suck me? Huh, bet you’d love to get your mouth on me?” 

“Please!” you blurted and opened your mouth in response, wanting him to continue to praise you. You heard rustling and figured he was undressing. He laughed at your eagerness and you felt the bed dip as he came closer to you. You started sucking once he entered your mouth, and soon gave in and let him face fuck you. He pinned you down beneath him, and you couldn’t move at all. All you could do is feel his hips thrust his cock deep into your mouth and you had to take it all. You couldn’t move away, and you loved that fact. Bucky’s thrusts got quicker and he shot his load into your tongue for you to swallow.

“God, you’re great at that. Best mouth I’ve ever had on me.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Sir huh? Think I kinda like that as much as you like me telling you how good you are,” he said and you smiled. 

You felt him kiss down your body and stopped at your core. He kissed all around where you wanted him most, teasing you, knowing you couldn’t do anything to stop him.

“James, stop teasing!” 

He pulled away for a second only to finally touch where you needed him. He licked and flicked his tongue against the slit before sucking your neglected clit into his mouth. You let out a loud moan and thrashed against him. He just grabbed your hips and held you against him and didn’t let up as you orgasmed against him. 

“That was incredible,” you breathed out. Bucky undid the ties and you slipped the blindfold off. You got up to clean yourself off and when you got back to the bed you snuggled yourself against him.

“You’re really fucking good at making me cum,” you told him. He blushed a deep red and stuttered.

“Uhm- thank you. I don’t really know what else to say to that,” he said still red as a tomato.

“Don’t act so innocent, you had me pinned underneath you 5 minutes ago,” you said giggling. He laughed with you.  

“Thank you really though,” you whispered a few minutes later and kissed him softly.

“No need to thank me, that was something I wanted to try too.”

As you fell asleep in his arms you knew that this more than just a friends with benefits kind of situation. No guy had ever tried this hard to make you feel comfortable. You couldn’t imagine not doing this with him. But you stuffed that voice down. Dating your best friend would be a bad idea, and you shouldn’t spoil a good thing like this. 

Over the three months that followed the two of you continued tackling the list. In between the kinky adventures were regular good sex, movie marathons, and complaining about work over meals. Which brought you to now. There was only one more item on your list and tonight you were going to do it.

Despite it being the tamest, cockwarming was the one act on the list that seemed the most daunting. It seemed like such an intimate act and with the growing feelings you were suppressing every day it would only make it more intimate. But, you promised to try it at least once. 

Bucky set up a movie to watch and you removed the pj shorts and underwear you had on and he took off his bottoms as well. He was already hard from you palming him, so you put a condom on his length and straddled him.

“You ready?” you asked.

He hummed in agreement and you lowered yourself down on him. Once you adjusted into a comfortable position he draped the blanket over the two of you and you rested your head against his chest and turned to try and watch the movie.

Having Bucky deep within you and not moving was frustrating. Not only was being this close to him breaking down the walls you built but it also kept you incredibly horny. You just wanted to rock your hips and have him pound you into oblivion. But every time you squirmed he held your hips down and told you to stop. It went on for an hour before you had enough.

“Bucky, can I move, please!” you pleaded.

“Pretty girl wants more huh?”

“This is agonizing! I’ve been so aroused I don’t even know what’s going on in the movie. All I want is you,” you admit.

“Guess you’ve been good enough,” he says before pushing you down to the couch still deep in you. 

He leans over and kisses you slowly, his hips keeping the same pace. The two of you have never done slowly before. Usually, it’s a mix of rough thrusts and sloppy kisses. But something about the deliberate speed and soft touches of his lips feel heavenly. He continues the speed for a while and you lose yourself in the feeling. Eventually, the pleasure accumulates and you see stars. Bucky doesn’t follow too far behind and he goes to dispose of the condom as you redress in just your shirt and underwear, and him just his pants and boxers. 

“That was… different,” you admit. 

“Different bad?” he asks.

“No, just different.” 

“Y/N, I really like you,” he says and you freeze.

“No you don’t,” you reply quickly. 

“Come on, you and I both know this is more than just sex. I really like you, and I think we would be good together. Like together together?”

“You’re my best friend!” you yell at him.

“Friends don’t do this kind of shit!” he yells back. “We’re not just friends and you fucking know it. We’ve been more than friends for a long time. Ever since seven months ago when we first fucked!” Tears are streaming down your face now and you’re pacing the living room. 

“You’re my best friend,” you repeat quieter. “I can’t like you. This,” you motion your hand between the two of you, “Is to relieve stress, and explore what we couldn’t with previous partners. It’s not supposed to become a relationship. You’re not supposed to be my one. Because then we would fuck it up. I would lose you. Bucky, I can’t lose you.” you say the tears freely falling now. 

“You won’t lose me, doll,” he says softly.

“I think you should go,” you say harshly and turn to go to your bedroom shutting the door behind you. You head sounds from the living room and then the front door shut. It’s then that you completely fall apart. Your heart wanted to be happy with Bucky. But you knew logically that letting yourself love him would only lead to heartbreak. He was your best friend, and you refused to live without him. But pushing him away now left you without him anyway. 

A month passed without him around. You got up, got your bosses coffee and headed to work. You worked long hours, completing everything you had in front of you, and refiling the entire office. You moved around all your furniture and bought new decor for your apartment. You did whatever you could to make up for the lack of him around. Cooking didn’t make you miss him less, nor did knitting. Eventually, you had to come to terms with the fact that you were in love with your best friend. And that it’s okay to love him. So you decided to show up at his door and tell him what you should have already.

You picked up a pizza on the way and rang his doorbell once you arrived at his apartment. He answered it and looked as awful as you did. His hair was longer, and the start of a beard showed. The bags under his eyes gave away the fact he probably wasn’t sleeping and you felt shittier than you had before.

“That’s my sweatshirt,” he says pointing at what you’re wearing. “What?” you ask then look down and realize you’re wearing the sweatshirt he gave you close to a year ago. “Oh, uh- sorry.” 

“I brought pizza and an apology,” you say and he opens the door wider to let you in. 

You walk over to his couch and set the pizza down on the coffee table. His apartment looks as well as he does and it makes you feel all the more worse. 

“I freaked out when you told me you liked me,” you start.

“That’s an understatement,” he says dryly as he grabs a piece of pizza. 

“For as long as I can remember I’ve had you. Through jobs and ex’s you’ve been the one constant,” you start to explain. He simply keeps eating the pizza and looks at you to continue. “I’m really bad at relationships. I always fuck them up and they end. When you said you liked me all I could think is that I would mess it all up. Then I would lose you. But really, I lost you by not even trying.” You fidget with your hands and look down at them. 

“Bucky I really like you too. Have for a little while. Like, more than like you. God, all I think about is you. Your smile, the way you run your hand through your hair, everything. You consume all my thoughts and it’s scary as hell. Falling in love with you is scary as hell,” the last sentence comes out as more of a whisper, but he hears it nonetheless and drops the pizza in his hand.

You grab a slice from the floor and place it on the table as he looks at you shocked. “You love me?” he asks.

All you can manage is to nod in response.

“I love you too. If you haven’t figured out I’m bad at relationships too. Girls never stick around. But this is different, we’re different. If you’re up for it I want to try.”

“I’m up for it,” you say and that’s all it takes for him to lift you off the couch and kiss you deeply.

“Wanna explore sex while in love now?” he asks and you laugh at his cheesiness.

“I want to explore everything with you.” 

#bucky x reader #bucky barnes #marvel #bucky fanfic #bucky smut #gabs1kwritingchallenge

[bluepenguinstories]

Remoras Full Chapter IX: Poppy Fields Forever

It had been such a long journey. Constant doubts in my mind that I would ever find the place again. That with everything stacked against me, I would collapse, starve to death, or succumb to the elements, long before I would manage to make it back. My phone didn’t have power for days. Although there were lucky breaks that mitigated the distance, I didn’t find the chance to use it.

At first, I was relieved when I finally saw them. Saw her. But that all diminished once I caught wind of what they were doing.

“Fuck y’all!” I cupped my hands and yelled with as much strength as I could muster. It wasn’t much, but I did what I could.

They thought I was dead. For what’s worth, I should have been. I almost was. But even still, it pissed me off. They were all gathered around, so quick to call me a goner.

My movements were slow, but I was determined to make it to them. They were just a few steps away, and most of all, Remora was there. But to my surprise, the first one to approach me was the kid. She ran up and hugged me tight.

“You came back!” She shouted, relieved. At least, she sounded relieved. But I didn’t get it. Didn’t she just think of me as something to torment?

“Ow, ow, ow! What gives?” She just about knocked me off my feet. I already ached as it was, but her hug just made it worse. “I said I would, wouldn’t I?”

“I know! But nobody listened!” She whined.

Well, of course not, you’re a kid. But thanks. At least someone believed in me.

Someone else approached me. Some lady with dark brown hair in a long ponytail.

“There was a fire. I thought for sure…”

“Yeah!” I looked up at her, pointed at myself with my thumb. Someone had to set the record straight. “Because I set the fire!”

She looked taken aback. For whatever reason, the next thing she said was, “you’re alive…”

The mystery lady and Ray looked at each other in confusion. Why? Was it really so surprising? I didn’t have much time to ponder that, as the one I had kept in my thoughts approached me next. My heart skipped a beat.

“Good job,” she praised me. I couldn’t believe it. She actually praised me! I blinked, then my eyes went wide.

“That’s right. I’m really back, aren’t I?” I smiled, my hand on my chest. Oh gods, how it hurt to move, but the pain was enough proof.

Luckily for me, Remora hadn’t strayed far. I called out to her. My voice wasn’t as chipper as I intended it to be.

“Thank you,” I told her. Then I looked away. Down at the white soil. “But I took longer than a week, didn’t I?”

I vowed that I would return. That much was true. But I thought it would have been such an easy task. How wrong I was.

She walked back up to me. Still as beautiful as ever, she towered over me in such a marvelous way. Just as I remembered.

“You were the one who imposed such a deadline. I don’t think anyone else was concerned over that.”

“Maybe not, but you were also right. It was a trap. You were also right that you would have considered it a chore. I shouldn’t have gone.”

“Did you cleanse the house as the request stated?”

I blinked. “Er...yeah. In the sense that there’s no house left to cleanse. It was a hollow victory. So, as much as I want you to be proud of me, I have to face the facts.”

“It doesn’t matter. You could have told me you failed.”

“What?” I felt like I was getting mixed signals.

“The fact you have to face is this: people were worried about you. You made it back alive. So by that merit alone, good job.”

I wiped my eye. It itched. Or rather, I thought there were tears, but I felt none.

“Thank you,” I replied. I didn’t know why I couldn’t muster up many emotions. Maybe it had always been that way with me.

She started to walk away again, but I had one last thing to say.

“Even if the results weren’t great, I don’t regret it!”

“Oh?” She turned around.

“Even if it meant facing death, I would do it all over again! And I would make sure to do a better job!”

“That’s foolish,” she remarked.

“Maybe so, but I’m serious! More serious than last time! I’d risk my life several times over, all so I could see you again! And...And in hopes of being a better person in the process!”

I took a deep breath. Then, I asked her:

“Maybe this won’t mean much to you, but...can I tell you what happened?”

“Very well. I can do that much.” She returned. I was a little nervous to have her close to me, but I wouldn’t let it get to me.

The lady with the ponytail and tank-top (seriously, who would wear such a thing in the arctic?) came forward. “I think we would all like to hear about it.” Ray nodded to that. Even Tigershark huddled in.

Great. Now I have second thoughts about saying anything what with the kid and all.

But I did. I kept it short. I left out many details, both for their sake and mine. There were some things that were better left unknown. That said, I still remembered every little detail.

Our way out. The basement. I was so confident that the three of us would go through and make it out, even if it would be a tight squeeze.

However, those two had other ideas. They refused to budge, only shook their heads in frantic motions.

“Come on, we’re not going to get anywhere if we don’t at least try, right?”

“Um…” One of the Mel’s spoke up. The man Mel, I think. Goddamn, it was more confusing than I thought. It didn’t help that they were so identical and their voices were so similar.

“How about this?” I bargained. “I’ll go down and make sure it’s safe, then I’ll come back and let you guys know, okay?”

“But what if you don’t come back up?”

“You mean, like, if something bad happens to me?” My heart sank. I didn’t even want to consider the possibility.

“Or, what if nothing bad happens to you, but something bad happens to us while you’re down there?”

I put my hand on my chest. “I, Demetria, will do all in my power to keep the both of you safe. You have to trust me. I’m a professional.”

Again, professional at what, I didn’t have a clue. That was one detail I hoped they wouldn’t pry into.

Without further ado, I opened the basement door. In hindsight, I should have closed the door behind me. At the time, I thought it would be a good idea, since it was so dark down there, and the light from the house would help illuminate my way. I wasn’t thinking, big surprise.

Endless stairs, endless darkness. It soon became clear that I was in no simple basement. All around me was darkness. I looked back, but could no longer see the light of the house. In fact, the stairs under my feet seemed to disappear beneath me. It seemed like I was about to lose myself once again.

Just like in that dream.

In fact, although there was no light, the atmosphere changed. There was still no source of light, no way to tell if there was anything around me. That made no sense, since I couldn’t just walk on nothing, but at the same time, I couldn’t feel anything. Not even my own movements.

Remember. I am Demetria Root. I am here to impress Remora. Remora...Remora...Remember...I am Remora...no. That’s not right.

My eyesight was already poor as it was, and sure, I was wearing contacts, but being unable to see messed with me. Eventually, however, I caught a faint light off in the distance.

What should have come as a comfort offered no such thing. The ‘light’ in question was a series of small candles, lit in a row. But other than the glow, there was nothing to be seen.

This doesn’t bode well. I should have brought something with me to defend myself. I could have gone into the kitchen and grabbed a kitchen knife at the least. Oh well. No use crying over spoiled milk.

I followed the line of candles until the glow grew brighter, little by little, and off in the distance, the shadow of a figure emerged. That same cloaked figure that spoke to me in my dream.

I took a step back. “You!” I shouted. So, it seemed that mysterious dream figure existed after all.

Although still dark, I began to make out the walls that surrounded me, which resembled more of an underground cavern than basement walls. At the same time, a pungent stench filled the air. Just like the dream. The scent of rotting flesh. I pinched my nose.

“To think, I was so close to collecting you for the harvest, but you regained your sense of self.” The figure’s voice echoed.

So it wasn’t a dream. If that’s the case, then I really did avoid a fatal blow.

“Actually!” I pointed toward the one who identified as Cronus. “I didn’t! You just had really bad aim!”

“No matter. Your death could have been painless, but that can no longer happen.”

“Fine by me! I prefer a painful life over a painless death, anyway!”

The figure stepped forward. Rather than back away, I held my stance.

“Anemonefish, otherwise known as Clownfish, are a subfamily of the Pomacentridae family. Another subfamily in the Pomacentridae family are the damselfish,” I began to recite. “Ocellaris Clownfish, or Amphiprion Ocellaris, share a mutualistic relationship with sea anemone. The clownfish feeds off of bacteria that would otherwise harm the anemone and in turn, the anemone protects the clownfish by stinging potential predators.”

“What are you doing?” The figure interrupted.

“I’m! Uh! Intimidating you!”

“The only thing you’re doing is denying your own fear.”

“Wrong! The only thing I fear is tall, strong ladies who could lift me up! Crush me between their thighs! Tear me apart with their gaze alone!”

“Is that your weakness?”

“Yes! They make me weak!” I cried out with a passion. “But all pale in comparison to one in particular! She is the one who I keep in my heart! In my mind! And that is why...I will survive!”

Cronus continued to approach, but stopped midway, and crouched down. Once Cronus stood back up, the sickle I saw earlier came back into view.

I took a step back, only to trip over something on the floor. After I felt around and held up what had tripped me, I threw it aside and flinched. My heart raced. Beside me were a pile of bones. In a panic, I got to my feet and began to take short, heavy breaths.

“What...what the hell?”

I glanced back down. My eyes didn’t deceive me. But how? I didn’t notice them before. True, I couldn’t see much of anything a moment ago, but it was more than that. It wasn’t as if I had stepped over them before. So why?

As if to answer, a strong gust blew in front of me. I turned my head forward to see Cronus much closer than before. Bad news. Worse, there were vine-like things that shot forward behind Cronus. Tentacles were the first thing to come to mind, as if a giant octopus inhabited the space behind my pursuer, but that wasn’t quite it. The more I focused, the more it seemed like a sort of creature, or mechanism, that sought to imitate sea creatures.

Not like that of a squid or an octopus. Nor an anemone. Not vines. Not seaweed. Eels?

It seemed like a series of limbs which grew off of each other, creating endless multitudes with mouths at each end which fed off of each other.

“What is going on?” I asked the void once again.

Cronus turned to the left to pet whatever the thing was. Cronus’ head turned to me and stared with that same featureless mask.

“It will feast upon your mind. All the things that make up who you are, every little detail, will be integrated within it. Once you are empty, then it shall be my turn.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It is thanks to the lord before you that I am able to stand. Without it, I would have been a dead man. As thanks for its services, I have brought it to dwell here, where it feasts upon its surroundings. You mentioned sea anemone? We too share such a bond: It feasts upon one’s identity, and in turn, I am allowed to feast upon one’s physical being for sustenance.”

“You’re disgusting! Why would you do such a thing? For power? To feed some sick habit?”

Where do I get off being high and mighty? I don’t know, maybe because if I was overpowered and outmatched, I had nothing to lose by calling some sick fuck out.

“It is not for pleasure, but necessity. If I do not feed, I cease to be. Besides, I find great displeasure in doing this to you, as you were not the intended meal. No,” he corrected himself. “The intended target.”

“Then who was? Who could have been worth all this? And what did those others do to deserve such a thing? Huh?”

“Someone you wouldn’t know. Rhea Flection.”

That name. Why did everyone seem to know that mystery woman?

He continued. “She took my job from me. Took my very reason for being away from me. Murdered my co-workers in front of me and left me for dead. For that very reason, I wish to take her very being from her, and then devour every last bit of her. I will dive into the depths of depravity in order to achieve such a thing.”

“I get that you’re mad, but she’s not worth it! Besides, she’s already dead!”

Remora warned me about her. Saying how she wasn’t someone I’d want to associate myself with. I think I can see that, now.

“Is that so?” He asked.

“Yeah! I heard about her! Someone who worked with her said she’s dead, so she must be dead!”

“Interesting, here I thought I could lure her here, but instead, you took the bait.”

“That’s right.”

Could I actually reason with this guy? I wasn’t sure. He was already willing to kill and eat others. Innocent lives, at that. What made me any different?

“I may have taken the bait, but I’m no easy catch!” I declared.

He laughed a most hollow laughed. It didn’t even seem to come from him, but instead an outside source. But the head bobbed up and down, as if to signify that it was him.

“Such confidence. Even if she is gone, the lord will not disappear. You will be taken.”

The multiples of limbs shot out and wrapped themselves around my waist. More and more formed and tangled. I tried to struggle and break free, but felt myself being dragged.

“What do you hope to accomplish with this?”

“Nothing anymore. If what you say is true, then there is nothing to accomplish. This is its will now.”

As I was dragged, I noticed the candles still on the ground. One was close enough to me that I managed to reach over to it with my leg and kick it Cronus’ way. Sure enough, his cloak caught fire. He tried to stamp it out, to no avail. It continued to spread. Even still, the creature (if it could even be called that) didn’t loosen its grip. I drew ever closer to it, with no hope of breaking free.

There is nothing to fear, a voice pervaded my thoughts. I could tell it wasn’t one of my own. You will continue to live on, inside me. I can grant you all the knowledge you desire. All you have to do is become a part of me. Anything you desire, I can give to you.

Ha. How wrong such a monstrosity could be. For as great of a power as it had, it couldn’t understand me one bit.

But I can. You desire knowledge of marine life. Every last bit, until you know all there is on the subject. More than that. I can bestow upon you all the secrets of the universe.

“I don’t want to know everything! I only want to know what I’m interested in and that is something you can’t give me!”

I continued to kick about. Its mouth, more like a maw, was in full view, a giant pit of teeth, glass, various metals, and other unidentifiable things. As I drew closer, I felt my shoes collide with some of the bones on the floor. That gave me an idea: I clasped my legs together and managed to catch one. Then, I kicked both legs upward, and released. Sure enough, the bone launched into the air.

I’m about to do something disgusting, I thought, but without any other options, I went ahead with it: I leaned my head forward and with a stroke of luck, bit down on the bone. Once I managed to catch it in my mouth, I felt like gagging.

Nothing new. The stench of death has been making me want to gag this whole time.

I slammed my head down and the bone, with a jagged edge at its end, tore through parts of the things that had its grip on me. Cries of pain shot out.

Its grip loosened and I tore my arms free and ran off.

My victory seemed short lived. The stairs were still nowhere to be seen.

There is nothing you can do. You will lose yourself within me.

“Even if that’s the case, that’s all you can do! You can take my sense of self, my identity, everything about me, but you can’t take my passion! You can give me all the knowledge in the world, but it won’t mean anything to me if I don’t want to know it!”

Then you will lose that passion.

“Maybe, but if I do, then you get nothing! And even if you were to give me knowledge on the things I was passionate about, I wouldn’t accept it because I’m not interested in being given knowledge. I want to learn for myself! That’s what I desire! I threw away my passion for marine life in favor of something, no, someone I know nothing about! But that someone is who I’m passionate about and I want to know more about her! I want to know whether there’s a chance with her, and even if there isn’t, I would rather know that on my own than just being given her!”

You would take such a risk.

“Damn right! Even if it hurts me, I don’t want to know the answer unless I can experience it for myself!”

You will eat those words.

“And you will eat this candle!” I picked one up and threw the lit candle its way. I knew it would do little, but I needed some kind of distraction. As soon as I did so, I ran for it.

Soon, the stairs came back into view.

But leave it to clumsy me to trip over nothing. Not even a rock.

Just as I was about to get back up, I felt the same myriad of things wrap around my ankle. When I looked behind me, I saw the Cronus in the distance. He must have taken quick care of the flame. In a desperate attempt, I grabbed onto the wooden planks that held up the railing and dragged myself up.

Likewise, I managed to kick myself free. For having such a grip, the thing itself was quite fragile. Either that, or the distance was too much pressure for the being to exert itself. In any case, I crawled up the stairs like a dog and once I made it up, slammed the door shut.

Both Mel twins stared at me. We both stared at each other for a solid minute until I broke the silence.

“We’re not going down there.”

“What? Why not?”

“Because…” I didn’t want to tell them what I encountered. “It’s so musty and I think I saw black mold covering the walls. Total safety hazard. Plus, there were, like, hermit crabs.”

“Hermit crabs?”

“Err...well…”

“Is that what’s got you so scared?”

“I’m not scared!”

“Then why are you hyperventilating?”

I put my hands over my chest. All that time, I didn’t realize how frightened I really was.

“Never mind that right now. I’m the adult here and I say we find some other means of escape.”

“We’re adults too!”

Tch. They had a point.

Just as we were about to turn the corner, the door to the basement burst open and I watched the cloaked figure lunge at one of them. One of the Mel twins was right beside me. “Go,” I whispered.

That proved useless. Every action proved useless.

“No!” I yelled.

“Brother!” The Mel beside me cried out.

“Get away from him!” I ran forward, and I tried to pry Cronus off, but I could only manage a couple steps forward before he held one arm up. From his sleeve, vines shot forward and sent me flying back outside of the hallway until I crashed into a wooden chair.

Pain meant nothing in the moment; I picked myself back up and ran toward Melvin. Once I got closer, however, I stopped in my tracks.

Cronus’ mask had been lifted up and chunks of flesh were being ripped and bitten off of. Already I could tell that it was too late for Melvin; his neck had been sliced open, presumably with the sickle. I watched Cronus lean up and suck the blood from his severed neck.

It’s already too late. I told both of them that I would keep them safe and one has already been killed. I can’t bring him back. I can’t.

No matter the case, I tried. I kicked the kneeling Cronus, but all my effort proved futile. He remained fixed on the corpse.

Where is the other Mel? Melissa?

She turned out to be at the end of the hall, near the chair where I had landed against. While the cloaked cannibal remained fixated on his prey, I took the opportunity to run toward her and found that she was in tears.

“I get it. I failed. You were probably close with your brother, and now he’s gone. I told you I would do all in my power to protect the both of you, but it hasn’t worked out that way. I can’t promise anything, I’m not even a professional, but I’m telling you now, if there’s even a chance that we can make it out, we have to take it.”

“But –”

“I know! As it stands, we’re almost certainly going to die, but neither of us are dead yet! Even if it’s hopeless, I’ll do whatever I can to keep us safe! Now run!”

She ran out into the main hall, toward the kitchen. As I looked up, I noticed Cronus start to get up and he lifted his sickle.

I don’t know if I can outrun you. I know you can overpower me. But, even with all that in mind…

I took the chair and threw it his way, then ran toward the main hall. Next to the staircase was the suit of armor, its pieces all lying on the floor. Beside it, the sword.

That thing will still be too heavy to pick up. But it’s the only idea I have at the moment.

“Won’t you come play?” That voice echoed, but I knew it wasn’t Melissa’s. No, Cronus came into view, one hand raised, rotted, and shaped like a mouth. Such a farce, either to strike fear or to mock that which he killed.

“Being eaten alive is not my kind of fun,” I rasped, then spit on the ground beside me.

Chunk after chunk of the broken armor, I took and threw at him. All to no avail. None of them halted his movements. But even still, thanks to that, I was able to slow him down, keep him from running toward me. With that extra little bit of time, I took the sword and put all my might into just lifting it up at all.

It floated over my head, but still proved too heavy. Without a good center of balance, it was left to fall back down, even with me holding tight to it. At least I caught a lucky break and the swing down happened just as he approached and was about to swing his sickle.

The gap was too wide: neither he nor I got hit with the others’ weapon, but I still managed to take advantage of the situation by letting go of the sword, then grabbed onto his sickle.

His grip was still tight, and he stood at least a foot taller than me, but none of those facts seemed to matter. I pulled myself up with my own grip, then headbutted him. That took him by surprise and sent him back. Likewise, I fell back in great pain.

“Ow, ow, ow.” I rubbed my head. Between us was the dropped sickle. He tried to grab it first, but I ducked under him, then grabbed it for myself. Adrenaline rushed through me. I took the shaft between my hands and broke off a piece with my knee, something which I knew would hurt later, if I managed to make it out alive.

“There. Lighter to use. More my size.”

He shot forth vines from his hands, but I slice through them.

“You know what? I can’t make any excuses for what she did, but if I knew you were going to turn out this way, I’d have killed you as well.” Those words startled me, but I was too horrified and filled with anger to take any of it back.

He growled.

From his hands, vines, tentacles, what even looked to be snakes, grew and formed together to make a new sickle.

“I am the harvester. I will harvest all life within these confines. That is my duty,” his voice remained calm.

“You may call yourself the harvester, but I am Demetria. I was named after the goddess of the harvest. Which means, if I so choose, all your crops, all your efforts, will spoil.”

Such a stupid line. But oh, so badass. If I die, at least let me have that one line. Please.

“I see. Then I will remember that name.”

He sliced forward, but I managed to block it with the one I had acquired. I held on as tight as I could, but it was clear he still held more power. In fact, he boasted as such.

“You spoke with such confidence, but you are still so weak.”

“That may be true…” I struggled.

Vines grew out from the makeshift sickle, as if to show me that there was no escape. That it would take me by any means. I freed up one hand, and took a step back. Still, it cut through one of my hands. Not enough to tear it off, but enough to make me bleed out.

It stung, but in the heat of the moment, I did not falter. Instead, I grabbed the matchbook from out of my pocket and struck a match.

“...But you are flammable,” I shot back, then applied the match to the myriad of plant life and other organisms.

At once, the flame spread and reached up his arm, soon surrounding his entire cloak. He tried to brush it off, to no avail.

Although acting in self-defense, it still horrified me to watch as the flames engulfed him, then, he dropped to the floor.

I can’t believe I did that.

Such a short-lived victory. At once, I was relieved, until I remembered that I let one person get killed, and there was still another that I vowed to protect. More than that, the two of us were still stuck in the mansion, with that creature down in the basement.

Broken from the spell of the flame, I hurried into the kitchen.

“Mel!” I called. “Melissa!”

Out from one of the cupboards under the sink, she poked her head out.

“Is it safe?” She asked.

“No,” I shook my head. “As long as we’re in here, it’s not going to be safe. But he’s gone now. That’s one less problem to worry about.”

“So is my brother…”

“I’m sorry. I –”

“No one believed that we would survive into adulthood. Our parents left us behind. We had to find jobs, but few would hire us. We took jobs at haunted houses in amusement parks, but it felt so degrading. Despite all that, we persisted, and managed to save enough money to find a home. We lived together. Ate together. Watched TV together. We did everything together. Without him, I feel so lost. Like I lost who I am.”

The floor beneath us shook.

“No,” I pleaded. “You’re still someone. It may take some time to move on, but you can! We just have to make it out alive!”

Those words felt so hollow. There I was, someone who had abandoned an identity I had built up my whole life in order to experience something new. It was frightening, awful, but at the same time, amazing. With every word I could muster, I wanted her to experience that as well.

She crawled out and stood next to me.

I let out a sigh of relief. Such relief didn’t last.

“Who am I?” She asked, and the moment she did so, she collapsed onto the floor.

“Please! Get up! We still have a chance!”

Before I could utter another word, the floor collapsed underneath her. I reached out my hand as she fell and caught her, but just as I did so, thousands of little wires wrapped themselves around her and dragged her down. Instead of dragging me along with her, the wires instead pulled her away and loosened the grip that I had on her. Once she fell, the floor closed back up.

I screamed out in frustration, stomped my foot, all to no avail. Right when things began to turn around, I lost her. Both of them, gone. Just like that. It was as if the whole house was toying with me. As if it held up a treat, and as soon as I reached for it, the treat was yanked away.

Right. The whole house. It’s just a part of that creature. As long as I remain in here, I’m as good as food to it.

Then, that familiar voice, appeared once more in my head. Look at you, it spoke. On the brink of despair. Losing everything. Your sense of purpose. Those you care about. Your reason for living. You may see none of those again. It was the same for him. As he lay on the brink of death, with hate in his mind for the one who left him and his colleagues for dead, he reached out, and I gave him all the knowledge he would need. In exchange, I made him a part of me. Thus, the same will happen with you. What will be left, once you have become digested?

My breaths grew shorter, louder, once more. I recognized them. Anger. Frustration. Loss. Confusion. All of those were tools to chisel away at me.

“You don’t learn, do you?” I yelled out. “What will be left of me? I’ll tell you: just try. I’ll give you indigestion.”

As I was about to leave the kitchen in search of a means of escape, I spotted something out of the corner of my eye: the cupboard door, still open and something red inside. I crouched down and found a container of gasoline.

“Well, if I can’t find an exit, I’ll have to make one.”

I made my way across each room, dousing the carpet, the curtains, every piece of furniture with gasoline. Soon trails were made, all leading to the hallway where the door to the basement lay.

Just to be safe, I shook the container. Liquid sloshed around.

Good. I’ll need every last drop.

Hesitant, I struck a match. It took me a few tries, but once it produced a flame, I knew what I was going to do.

“I hope this works. What better way to cleanse a place than to set it ablaze?” Whatever levity I meant by such a statement, it didn’t bring me any joy. No matter how I looked at it, others still lost their lives over the course of the night. If I knew better on what to do, if I had come more prepared, I could have tried to defeat such an unknown threat through other means. As far as I knew, the mansion had once belonged to someone. Whether said someone was good or bad, I couldn’t say, but it could have been repurposed. There were an infinite amount of possibilities.

But as things stood, there was only one known option available. So, I let go; opened the door and let the match do the rest of the work for me.

Down the stairs once more. Whether I would lose myself to the entity or not, I couldn’t say. But, if by some chance, I could spare others from such a fate, I would take that risk.

What are you doing? It spoke to me once more.

Giving you heartburn. What does it look like?

You will burn yourself along with it, was its reply.

I shook my head. I know. I was warned. Burns can heal. The dead can’t.

Once I made my way down the stairs, I tossed a bit more of the sinister liquid at the wooden planks.

Are you so willing to prevent your own escape? It asked. The voice was louder, more pronounced. In pain.

If I cannot escape, I’d at least like to see you survive.

Rather than an endless expanse of darkness, I was instead in a rather small room. There was a faint glow behind me, an orange glow produced from what I could only presume to be the house being burnt down. Not far from me, I could view a hatch. There was just the issue of the creature in front of me: much smaller in scale than the previous incomprehensible incarnation. The one before me just looked like a pile of garbage.

Got anything to say?

Rather than some ungodly remark, all I got in response were gasps and wheezes which played out in my mind. They could have been mine. But I could still think. I let out a breath. Maybe a little hoarse, but still mine.

More coughs. Like its mouth was covered in smoke.

Well, of course it is.

I climbed on top of some boxes and pushed the hatch open, then crawled out. Just as I could taste the crisp night air, I felt myself being pulled back in.

Don’t leave me, it wheezed.

One more match. That was all I had. I wasn’t about to wait for the flames when I needed to get a move on. So I struck the match, then dropped it down.

“Sorry. I’m not interested in you.”

Screams erupted in my mind and I could feel blood drip out of my ears. It was such a painful, awful scream. But my actions could not be undone. Nor would I have wanted them to be. It released its grip, as if it had any choice, and I stood up, then walked away from the scene and into the forest.

Once I passed through the opening in the barbed wire fence, I felt well and truly outside.

I gave a last look back at the house as it burned away. Stacks of smoke filled the night air. At last, the job was complete.

“Consider this place cleansed,” I muttered.

If only the path forward was more clear. My phone still had no signal. Worse for wear, I never knew the exact location of the diner which I had lived for the past few months. Luck would have to be on my side, and I just wasn’t sure if it would be.

The next morning, I found myself in that same city which I had arrived in when Cybele had dropped me off. Likewise, I found the same church. I crept inside and found the robed priest who greeted me just a few nights ago.

“Hi, it’s me,” I greeted. My voice as weak as the night before. Blame it on the lack of sleep.

“Oh, why hello.”

I sat at one of the pews and leaned my head back.

“You were right. You were also wrong.”

“Oh?”

“It was a horrible thing, but ‘spirit’ doesn’t really fit what was there. Likewise, it was more than evil. But it still wasn’t something I could consider less than evil at the same time.”

“So, you went?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And you lived. Amazing.”

“Yeah. Amazing,” that statement felt like such a farce.

“You don’t look so good,” he pointed out. I turned my head and let slip a smile.

“Have I ever?” Burn marks and bruises. Cuts. Sore all over. Yeah. I’ve had better days.

“What do you plan to do now?”

I closed my eyes. “I don’t know. I want to make it back home, but I don’t know how to get there...and yes, before you say anything, I’m not talking metaphorically.”

“You don’t know your own address?”

“I never bothered to check. Rather funny, now that I think of it.”

“So tell me: was it worth the risk?”

I thought it over. I didn’t have the same energy I did when I first arrived. But all things considered, if I had to give an answer…

“We’ll see,” I replied. “It wasn’t as great of a success as I thought it would be, but all the same, it’s done. The place is cleansed.”

My thoughts slipped past me as I drifted off to sleep. After I took my nap, I departed.

Fast-forward several days and I stood next to my grave, among the ones I lived with.

Much of the details I had decided to leave out. For one, I stopped the story as soon as I exited the house. I also left out any mention of the twins who I failed to save. Basically, I told them that the whole request was a ruse in order to lure people there and once there, a strange monster would cause those people to lose their sense of self and a cannibal man would come out and devour them.

“But it didn’t get me,” I concluded. “It said that my head was empty. That must mean that I was too smart for it.”

Yeah. Okay. That may have been an embellishment.

“How did you figure out how to get back here?” The woman in the ponytail asked.

I shrugged. “That was actually the easy part. I just went around each motel in the area and asked if someone named ‘Cybele’ had checked in a few days ago. Finally, when I found a match, I did some digging online, and found the address to the airport. Still, it was a damn long walk. I thought I’d die on the way up here.”

“You walked all the way here?!” She sounded shocked.

“What else was I supposed to do?” I retorted.

Ray laughed. “In any case, we’re glad to have you back.”

The woman beside him nodded. “And I’m glad to finally meet you!” She held out her hand. “My name is Sunny!”

Oh. It clicked.

“Ray’s wife,” I came to the sudden realization. “He always tries to show me pictures of you, but I refuse, so that’s why I never knew what you looked like.”

Sunny blinked before bursting out in laughter. Ray joined her and the two held each other. I thought I was going to be sick.

“That was a weird story!” Tigershark shared her input. Because of course she did. “You should have at least included one penguin!”

“Sure,” I shrugged. “There was a penguin in the house and it helped me escape.”

“Much better!”

Why does everything need to be penguins?

“Hey,” I turned to Sunny. “Can I see the stone you used to write my name on that grave?”

“Oh. Sure thing.”

She handed it to me. I walked up to the grave and crouched down, then crossed down my name. In its place, I wrote down “Mel + Mel”.

There were no matches left. But I found some poppy flowers along my journey home. I took them out and placed them next to the grave.

“Mel and Mel?” Sunny asked.

“Just a couple of people I met on the way here. As for the flowers, I hear they’re a symbol of remembrance. Best I can do.”

“That’s rather sweet,” she remarked. I shrugged in response.

“Seems pointless to let the gravestone go to waste, that’s all.”

We were all about to head back inside, but I was stopped in my tracks. Remora turned around, holding a small gun.

“Answer me: are you who you claim to be?”

I gulped. “I’m not gonna lie, this is kinda turning me on right now.”

“Remora, what is this about?” Ray asked, shocked.

“What she just described was a cosmic entity. There are no true ways to kill them and once they are introduced somewhere, it’s almost impossible to get them to leave. Not only that, but considering she had been exposed to it, she could be infected.”

“Eep!” I panicked. “The only thing I want infecting me are the thoughts of you!”

In the background, I could hear Sunny whisper, “aww.”

Remora pulled out a device. “This should tell me whether or not you have been infected.”

I closed my eyes. “Do what you gotta do. If I die here, I’m at least glad I got to see you one last time.”

The seconds ticked by. Then, she spoke:

“Clear.”

I opened my eyes. “So...I’m not dead?”

“There are no signs of the entity. Still, it bothers me.”

“Why?”

“That someone would face a cosmic entity and live, it’s unheard of.”

“Heh,” I smirked. “Looks like I’m more badass than you thought.”

“Unheard of. Not impossible.”

Well, that didn’t matter. I was still going to bring up that feat any chance I got. After I gave one last look back at the stone, I followed everyone back in the diner. It was too early to say if I was glad to be back, seeing as the general vibe was too high energy for me, but maybe now that Remora saw how cool I could be, she’d at least let me fall asleep in her lap once or twice.

It took a few days to settle back in. I had to be slow in my meal intake, seeing as I went so long on so little food. Showers felt like the best thing in the world and I never wanted to leave once in. All the running around that both Tigershark and Sunny did was...a lot. But after a while, things returned to normal. As normal as they could get around there, anyway.

Speaking of Tigershark, she tried her usual antics. I was prepared that time. At about six in the morning, she came running down the halls, she tried opening my door. Of course, it was locked. Also, of course, she made a lockpick out of someone’s stolen hair clips. So, of course, she got in. But right as she was about to slam her hands down on my bed, I jumped up and roared. She yelled and ran out of the room. Then, I went back to sleep.

Once I woke up proper, I ate a nice bowl of oatmeal and sliced strawberries. Sunny came by and used my shoulder as a prop to lean over.

“Good morning!” She greeted.

“Please get off of me,” I groaned.

“Aw, you’re no fun.” She took to the seat next to me. “Say, I had a great idea. Since it turns out you can actually hold your own pretty well, I wanted to see you in action.”

I gulped. “I...uh...don’t really have anything to show…”

“Well, indulge me. Even though we decided to continue on with the requests, we’re also all taking a bit of a break from them. Besides, I’m still not sure if you’re ready. So let’s say you and I go on an adventure, huh?”

I waved my hand away. “No thanks. I only do things like that if Remora’s going to notice me.”

She perked up. That just made me more nervous. “Even better! We can talk about all these feelings you have. It’ll be like a girl’s night out!”

Oh, come on! Was I that obvious?

“I don’t know...I’m more of an introvert.”

“I’ll get you anything you want if you’ll go with me.”

I thought about it between bites of oatmeal. Then, something clicked.

“How about a field guide book of the fish in the area?”

“Deal.”

Only a few days of respite, and I was already about to go off again. At least I was confident that I could take on anything, so long as I thought of big muscled women.

#writing #stories #fiction #horror #action #drama #comedy #tragedy #greek myth #demeter #cronus #big muscled women #cosmic horror #remoras full

[tvntae]

heartbreak hotel 2

pairing: reader x ceo!jeon jungkook

plot: was sleeping with your boss really such a great idea?

genre: smut (eventual), angst, fluff

word count: 2.7k

You wake up the next morning feeling a little more refreshed than usual, you had gotten the job offer of a lifetime, and you happily accepted it. Of course, you’ve never actually been anyone’s secretary before, let alone anyone’s assistant, but you would have been a fool to decline. Picking up a few more hours than what you had agreed to when you started your associate position in the sales department wasn’t really all that bad. Your rate of pay as an associate wasn’t all that bad, to begin with, you couldn’t stop imagining what type of cash would be rolling in now. You squeal out of excitement, salivating at the thought of real, home-cooked food now that you could actually afford to spend extra every month on expenses. Hell, you might even go all out and pay for some cooking classes, God knows how bad you need them. 

Walking into Nochu this morning felt like your first day all over again. That uneasy, stomach-churning feeling. You couldn’t even begin to describe just how much you hated being nervous. You get all sweaty and icky feeling, and it was the absolute worse. You could only hope and pray no one would be able to see how wet your pits were because that would be extremely embarrassing.

Jungkook had emailed you exactly where to go and what office you’d now reside in. You were gonna be on your own now, no Choi Jiwoo, no loud mouth Karen. Just the sound of your 10 fingers typing away at your keyboard and the ringing of your phone every once in a while. Paradise. Along with Jungkook’s email came a list of small instructions for you to complete before going to the top floor where your new office was located. 

The first task on the list was to collect any belongings you may have left back in your old department, i.e., pencils, pens, notebooks, etc. You didn't really have a lot, to begin with, but there were some personal items there that you would have hated to leave behind. Especially that cute Starbucks tumbler your mom had shipped to you a few weeks back.  

Thinking about it now, you have never actually been to work this damn early in the morning, your regular shift hours were 10 am but soon that you work directly for Jungkook he has you coming in at 6 am. For what precisely? You weren’t sure. You did hear around town, the town being the office, that Jungkook was an early bird. He’d work from about 6 am to 6 pm. He was a strong man, a strong man indeed. 

Your old office was pretty dead at around this time. The only person who should supposedly be here at this time is Ms.Choi and speaking of which, she was the second task on your list for today. Jungkook wants you to pick up some papers that were alleged to be dropped off to his office weeks ago but knowing the ever unpredictable Jiwoo, she felt as though she always had more important things to do than to complete a task handed down by the big boss. Even if Jungkook’s task seem quite unimportant, you still wouldn’t want to be the type to be on his wrong side. Jiwoo, on the other hand, could give a shit less. 

You knock on Choi’s office door, once and then twice, but no answer. You reach your hand out to grab her doorknob but before you could touch it, you hear her obnoxiously slow paced loud heeled walk. You scoff, holding back an eye roll and turn to come face-to-face with your old department manager. Choi looks you up and down, you can tell in that tiny brain of hers that she’s trying to figure out why you’re here. She looks at you almost as if you're a nuisance. She’s irritated by your presence. You’re just as irritated as well but not because of her crooked eyeliner or the lipstick on her teeth, okay maybe that’s got a little to do with it, but it’s the intensely strong perfume she decided to douse herself with today. God, she smelled like a mix between a nursing home and a high school cafeteria. You repress a laugh, sweet one Y/n. 

“What brings you to my humble abode, Y/n?” There goes that creepy fucking smile again. If only the Gods above gave you the willpower to smack it right off her old face, you would.

“Mr.Jeon needed me to come by to pick up some papers. I’m not sure which ones but he said you should know.”

“Oh, those papers, they still aren’t ready. Is Jungkook gonna keep hounding my ass on a few lousy papers that have absolutely no purpose to Jungkook nor myself?” Jiwoo grumbled. “He isn’t gonna have you coming down here every single day to remind me about those dumb papers, is he? Because if that’s the cause what use are you?”

“Okay, first of all rude, and secondly I have nothing to do with whatever kind of beef you and Mr.Jeon have I’m just the messenger, appreciate the fact that he sent me and didn’t come down here himself to demand them. I just started this new position. Keep that in mind Ms.Choi, I’ll be letting him know that you in fact still do not have his papers, but for your sake, I'll be sure to leave out the part where you were giving me lip. Have a wonderful day Jiwoo.” Honestly, the nerve of that old bitch. She must believe her job is treating others like shit. How was she even still employed here?

“Move,” she hissed. Bumping your shoulder purposely while she passes you to get to her office door.

“Gladly!” You make sure to give her the brightest smile possible as she does so. You hear her slam her door, and you can’t help, but that think task #2 is and was a success.

Task 3 was relatively simple, all you had to do was report back to Jungkook, and from there he would get you situated and layout ‘ground rules’, as he put it in the email. You were hoping he wasn’t actually some tyrannical boss behind closed doors because, to be honest, him saying he wants to go over some rules with you kinda threw you off. 

The hallway to Jungkook’s office seemed impossibly long. It felt like something straight out of a movie, it was shocking. It was never-ending, until, you know... it ended. For some odd reason, you thought Jungkook would have like bodyguards up here or something. I mean yeah, it wasn’t like he was a mafia boss, but he was an extremely important businessman. Isn’t that like a protocol for them? To keep personal assistance with them at all time? 

You knock on the door as instructed by Jungkook’s email. You hear a faint ‘come in’ and open the door to the biggest office you think you’ve ever seen. The windows behind Jungkook’s desk is what catches your eye the first glance around. He has the most gorgeous serene scenery to the city of Seoul you could ever imagine. His office was the size of your living area and kitchen combined. You oohed and ahhed at the mysterious paintings hanging on the walls. His office was so homey and inviting you almost didn’t believe it was real. It smelled like the sweetest of fruits and candies, and it brought a smile to your face. 

Jeon Jungkook is entirely living the life of a wealthy CEO. If the fact that your employment rested in his hands weren’t enough to tell you well his luxury office would. 

Jungkook smile is what greets you. He gestures to the chair sitting across from his desk and asks you to take a seat. You do as your told. The chair is large and somewhat uncomfortable, you slowly sink into place and can’t help but feel a bit embarrassed by it. You hoped he didn’t notice, because oh-boy if he did he’d probably think you were some type of slacker and send you right back to Choi, the bitch you just told off 10 minutes ago. You can bet your life she wouldn’t hesitate to make your life a living hell.

“I uh have a few things I need to go over with you before I get you started,” Jungkook starts, “It mostly just work ethic stuff and what not, ya know, the whole nine.” Jungkook laughs. You nod your head in understanding, and he begins. He explains to you how punctuality is critical, that he’s swamped lately and he barely has enough time to get dressed in the mornings. You were taken aback on how comfortable he seemed around you, but it was probably for the best seeing as you’d have to be up close and personal with him from now on. Or at least until he decides if or when he wants to get a new secretary. His ‘ground rules’ were fair. It wasn’t anything impossible or harrowing. He discussed precisely what kind of personal secretary you were. You were on call at all times unless he decided otherwise. On call meaning in which whenever and wherever you were needed you were to be made available. He said that it was highly possible to work around a schedule that would work for the both of you. You had the same amount of vacation days as you did before as an associate, but he did up your paid sick days. You were extremely thankful for that, seeing as you rarely took vacation days and always opted to take sick days. 

Jungkook showed you to your office. It was in a quaint little room right next to Jungkook’s. It wasn’t overly exciting, but it was a huge step up from your cubicle, so you were extremely grateful for it. 

It’s been two months and half a week since starting as Jungkook’s secretary, and you must say that man is undoubtedly a piece of work. You’ve seen his good moods, bad moods and you’re pretty sure you’ve heard him curse more than the average person, but not once have you complained. You liked it up here, and you’re sure Jungkook liked you here as well. You know you shouldn’t, but you kind of started liking him more than an assistant should like their boss. He was always so helpful to you, he took you home at night, even when you had transportation fair, he’d refuse to let you travel alone. He also had taken you out to eat a few times, as work colleagues of course but still, it was sorta a date. He always paid for your meals and would take you home afterward. Sometimes you’d invite him inside to grab a cup of coffee with you, but he’d always decline. He seemed to mentally brawl with himself about it. Thinking what’s the harm then remembering in just a few months, he’d be a happily married man. It kind of stung at the first few times but you learned your lesson and never asked him again. It was probably inappropriate anyway, and he just didn’t know how to let you down nicely.  

the boss👨‍💼: hey u up? sent at 3.56 am

y/n: yea just waking up is there anything you need? sent at 4.20 am

the boss👨‍💼: mind if i come over? got some things to discuss with you if thats fine. sent at 4.23am

y/n: yes, thats fine ill get dressed and straighten up. see you soon sent at 4.25am

boss👨‍💼: see ya sent at 4.26am

You raced to get dressed and clean your living area as fast as you could. Jungkook didn’t live anywhere near you but what you knew about him was that he was most likely on his way 15 minutes ago, the text he sent was honestly just a heads up. You had about 5 minutes before he would show up at your door. Dashing from room to room you finish in record time and even had some time to make some of Jungkook’s favorite tea. While stirring in the sugar, you realize that this will be Jungkook’s very first time in your home. Your stomach drops, what if he doesn’t like the shithole of an apartment you have? God, what if thinks I live like a pig. You halt all movement when you hear the buzzer to your door. The particular buzzing sound meant Jungkook paged you to talk instead of buzzing for you to let him in your apartment building. You just figured he had accidentally pressed the wrong button, even though it says which is which you brush it off. Your apartment is on the first floor so it takes Jungkook no time to find your front door. He knocks, loudly might you add hell loud enough to wake the dead. The knocks were sloppy like he was scrapping his knuckles across the door with each rap. You were hesitant to open the door, maybe this wasn’t Jungkook and someone pretending to be him?

“Y/n,” Jungkook draws out, “please open the door.” He sounds slightly inebriated and a little agitated. You can’t say so for sure since you could not actually see him nor hear him clearly but something didn’t seem right. 

You slowly open your door, peeking through you see half of Jungkook’s face and he’s as red as a tomato.

“There you are!” He exclaims, pretty much kicking your door open to wrap you in a tight bear hug. He’s got both arms around your waist and he’s hugging the life out of you. You struggle against his hold and eventually hit his shoulder with your balled fist to get him to let up. “Hey,” he giggles, ”that hurt.” He frowns but you can see the playfulness behind his eyes. You can’t help but wonder what the hell is going on with him. Is he actually drunk? And if he is why did he come here of all places? And did he fucking drive? Drunk??

“What are you doing here, Jungkook? It’s nearly 5 am?” You look at the invisible watch on your wrist and Jungkook watches, amused by you. 

He doesn’t say anything for a while, just shrugs his shoulder and plops right on your couch.

“Mind if I stay the night?” He asks nonchalantly as if he’s done it a million and one times before. 

It’s obvious as fuck he shouldn’t be driving but this nutcase shouldn’t be your responsibility at 5 am. “Do you want me to call your fiance? I can get her to pick you up if that’s what you want. I don’t think it’s appropriate that you stay here.” You thought he was coming over for work-related stuff, not to crash at yours like he’s some 21-year-old frat boy that just got his first taste of beer and pussy in the first night. 

He looks at you like you have two heads and scoffs. “Na I’d rather stay here tonight, this couch seems comfy enough.” 

You’ve never seen him act so childishly before. Yeah, he’s a jokester on his good days but a drunkard? That’s not Jungkook.

He bounces up and down on the couch to test its stability. “Got any extra blankets?” He mumbles. You sigh and grab two covers from the hall closet and throw them at him. He smiles one of the brightest smiles you’ve ever seen from him. If it wasn’t for the fact that he’d awoken you from your beauty sleep just so he could host his very own sleepover at your house, you would have returned one. You spin on your heels and to try to make a run for it before he asks for anything else but he yells for you again. “Turn the light off,” he says as he toes off his boots. 

#bts #bts au #bts scenarios #bts drabbles #bts drabble #bts x reader #bts angst #bts fluff #bts jeongguk #bts jungkook #bts fic #bts smut #bts x reader smut #bts ceo au #bts smut angst #jungkook x reader #jeongguk #jeongguk x reader

[perfectlyfangirling]

neglected.

One/Shot

pairing: Seokjin x reader

genre: angst, fluff

words:  2.1K

a/n: this is my first ever one-shot here on tumblr. I have written before but not in here so i'm sorry if it's not what you like. I hope everyone can give me a chance. Nothing else to say, please, enjoy!

Summary:  Who are you if you can’t fulfill the simple task of loving him, when you are the one and only love of his life.

________________________________________________

She felt a ray of sunshine heating her face, it for sure is more than 10 a.m. She thought as she opened her eyes, sighing she tried to stretch out. Tried because a pair of arms were holding her tight, looking down on her waist she saw Jin arms, holding her as if his life depended on it.

She just smiled caressing his arms, then put them away from her so she could take a shower.

Standing up, she headed towards their bathroom.

Jin’s eyes flickered feeling the light in his eyes he immediately went to grab you when he didn’t felt you in his arms, just to find an empty cold place. He searched out for you with his gaze just to find nothing. He sighed dropping his head to the mattress, Y/n has been doing this A LOT recently. He thought, hating the feeling of waking up alone.

He put some pants and a shirt on and went down the stairs, hearing your voice in the kitchen. When he entered he saw her with her phone between her ear and shoulder while talking to someone and making something for breakfast. He seated at the table you two had there, following her with his gaze. *She hasn’t even noticed me* Jin thought.

“Yes, i’d love to go Joonie. That sounds amazing. Thank you so much for considering me. It’s really touching” She said while smiling.

Jin’s eyes went wide. So you haven’t noticed him because you were talking with his bandmate Namjoon? Hilarious. He thought sarcastically, obviously.

“Okay, see you then, Joonie.” She hang up still smiling at her phone. Jin cleared his throat and only then she notice him. “Oh hi baby, i didn’t saw you here.” She says smiling, going to him and giving him a peck on the lips. Jin just thought how long ago they haven’t had a good kissing session.

“Who were you talking to?” He asked abruptly.

“Oh it was Joonie, he invited me to his studio to listen to the new songs he write and are already recorded.” She said smiling eye to eye.

“Really?” He said. Trying to hide his anger. “Because even i haven’t listened it.” Crossing arms and resting his back at the chair, he said.

“O-oh, you know how Namjoon is, he probably forgot to told you, i’m sure the invitation is for both of us.” She said a little nervous. How do you say to your boyfriend his bandmate invited you to listen to the new song, you and you alone.

“Today? When we all have practice except him because he was going to give the final touches to the song.”

“Well… I-i guess…”

“I now how Namjoon is, honey, i’m for sure he only invited you.” he buffed and stood up, heading to their room again.

“No baby, wait. You know this is really important to me, you know how much i admire Joon and his work and that he wants to know my opinion it’s so exciting, he gives me good tips about my writing and shit. You know how much i want to be a songwriter.” She grabbed his wrist. “It’ll be just a sneak peak actually, and i was going to watch ma’ boy practicing of course, i’ll just take advantage of going to the building.” She pouted.

He really can’t handle her pouting so he giggled. “You will go to see me practice?”

“What? What kind of question is that, of course! I adore seeing the guys and you practicing.”

His smile faded a little, he hoped she said she adored seeing HIM practicing. Of course she enjoys everyone else too.

“Let’s just get ready and then we head over BigHit, okay?” She said giving him a quick kiss.

“Okay”

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

Arriving at the practice room everyone was there, except Namjoon. Practiced started, song after song and they were all sweating. They finished one song and decided they needed a 10 minutes break.

Jin went to drink water, he looked for you just to see you with Hobi, it seemed you were congratulating him, he heard how you also said “You did it amazing Kook.”  giving him a double high five. She walked to Jin.

“Everyone did so good, whua. You guys are incredible. You also do it good Jin.” She said looking to the floor and it sounded a little forced. He smiled a little and continue to drink water.

“Hey, so Joon texted me he said i can come to his studio now.”

“Great, you go.” Jin said nonchalantly.

“Thanks baby, i’ll be here soon.” She kissed his cheek and went out the practice room.

Jin couldn’t feel worse. Was he imagining things?  Or was he going crazy? He couldn’t stop thinking y/n seemed to care and support more the other guys than him. That she loves what they do and their work more than his. Or is it that she doesn’t love his work at all? That could be, he thought. Apparently she doesn’t likes what Jin does. That made Jin’s stomach fall to the ground. That’s how he feels, maybe he’s not good enough for her, or his not on her standards of the great boyfriend. She always have praised the others work so naturally and it sounds so sincere… But when she says something about his work it looks like she’s forced to say it, just so she doesn’t hurts his feelings, but girl she did.

What was left of practice Jin couldn’t get focused at all, he kept doing wrong all the steps and hitting others because he went the opposite direction he should. He said sorry like a hundred times, those thoughts still on his head.

2 Hours have passed and still Y/n was nowhere near, she’s probably still with Namjoon, they must be having such a great time, i bet she prefers to be with him. Jin face palmed himself as the thoughts of what was she doing with Namjoon. One song left for practice to be done and Jin lost all the little focus he had when y/n and Namjoon entered the room laughing their lungs out, of course, y/n was grabbing Namjoon’s arm and the other hand was on HIS stomach. This got Jin so mad. Didn’t she has the decency to respect him? He got furious, but he wasn’t about to make an scene in front of everyone.

They finished the dance and they all started to collect their things. So did Jin. Passing aside y/n and Namjoon. He grabbed his things and went out the room. Not saying a thing to y/n.

She noticed Jin almost running out of the room. She frowned. Weren't they going home together?

“Hey Y/n, how are you?” She was about to leave when Hoseok talked to her.

“I’m great Hobi, thanks, how about you?”

“I’m fine, thanks. Hey i just wanted to asked you if you know what’s going on with Jin? He was so confused and angry apparently, he wasn’t focused at all, he messed all the steps, even hit Jungkook by accident in the face.”

“What? I-i… no, i don’t know what’s gotten into him. But i’m about to find out.”

“Oh i thought you guys told everything to each other. I was hoping you knew what has him so overwhelmed.”

“Yeah… we did. I’m sorry Hobi, he just left the room without saying anything to me, i need to go.”

Y/n didn’t stop to hear if Hoseok has something else to say. She ran to the parking lot without saying goodbye. Why did Jin left her there?

When she came to their car Jin was closing the trunk of the car.

He opened the drivers door and was about to enter when y/n screamed.

“Hey Jin, wait up!”

They both entered the car and Jin ignite it. Y/n with a heavy breathing because of the running kept looking at him, expecting him to say something.

“Don’t you have something to say?” She said frowning.

“Me?” Jin chuckled. “I don’t have anything to say, what about you?”

“I’m sorry? I wasn’t the one who was about to leave her boyfriend at the building.”

“You didn’t seem to care if you stayed with the guys.”

“What are you talking about? Jin, what’s wrong, talk to me. Hobi said you were overwhelmed about something? You hit the poor Kookie on the face.”

“Poor Kookie? Oh my god, you´re incredible, really.”

“What? Jin, what the fuck has gotten into you?”

They have already arrived at their apartment, the both got out of the car, entering the building, heading towards their department.

“What’s gotten into me, y/n? Are you fucking serious right now?! What’s gotten into YOU y/n.” He said smashing the door.

“I don’t understand you Jin, why me, what have i done?” She was really confused about what was happening.

“Oh don’t act like you don’t know! I don’t even understand why’re you dating me.” “What the fuck did you just said?”

“You’re all over the guys, ALWAYS. You praised them, support them, you are always talking about how they inspire you and that you want to be like them someday. I’m not saying that is wrong. But what about me, y/n? You sound forced everytime you try to say something nice to me. I’ve never heard a compliment from you about me. Just for the other guys. You don’t like at all my work, the things or what i do, that’s it. Am i not good enough for you, y/n?”

Y/n went blank suddenly. She didn’t say anything. She just kept looking at Jin’s red and watery eyes. Has she been this way with him all the time?

“A-am i not good enough for you?” He fall to his knees. “I-i’m sorry, y/n. I didn’t thought i was the problem.” He grabbed his hair with his fists. “I’ll w-work harder, for you. I-i swear i’ll do. I’m going to be the best, j-just for you. I-i-i-...”

Y/n grabbed his hands and stopped him from talking, she got on her knees too. He was hiccuping and crying. “I just don’t feel supported by you, it makes me think if you really love me, or if you’re just dating me because you feel sorry for me.”

“Jin, no….Baby i-i didn’t knew i made you feel that way, it’s just an issue, trust me. None of what you’ve said is true, I feel so nervous when it comes to you… I know i shouldn’t feel this way, you’re the one i have to feel safe and shameless. But just thinking about you, that i’m dating the great Kim Seokjin it makes my legs shake like crazy like i don’t even know why, of all of the girls in the world, you chose me. I’m always trying to have some time with the other guys so they can teach me to be at your level.” By this time Jin’s face was pressed on her chest, hearing her heartbeat. Y/n caressing his hair. Jin’s breathing more calmer now that she was hugging him, caressing him.

“You are literally what i want to become when i get to achieve my dreams. You are so hardworking, so inspirational, i just can’t handle it. You are so much for me. I want to be worthy of you. I swear, you’re more than enough, i love with my entire being your work, every little thing that you do. You’re beyond my standards, like… i never could have imagined myself with someone like you. I’m the one who has to work harder, be at your height. I’m so so sorry for making you feel you weren’t enough, you for sure are, believe me.”

“You’re not saying this to make me feel better, right?

“No, baby, no. I swear to God. It’s true.”

They were now looking at each other. They loved each other so much. It was foolish of both of them to think that way.

“You neither need to work harder, just be you. I love you for that, not anything else. But please… i-i know you get inspired by the guys. but don’t tell me how much.”

“You’re the one that inspires me the most, i guarantee you that.”

They both laughed a little.

“Let’s cuddle, okay? Let’s just cuddle.”

On their bed both were laying there. Jin’s head on her chest. caressing her hips and waist while she caressed his hair.

“Jin, i love you, so much.” She leaned and whisper to his ear. He smiled, eyes closed, not wanting to be anywhere else, but her arms.

“I love you so much more y/n”

________________________________________________

#kim seokjin #bts jin #jin #jin scenario #seokjin #bts series #bts one shot #b #boyfriend jin #boyfriend au #neglected #bts kim seokjin #bts seokjin #seokjinie #jinie #scenario #au #love #fiction #y/n #bts x y/n #jin x reader #reader #bts x reader

[fourangers]

Uchiha Sasuke’s odd mating rituals (ch. 2/4)

1st chapter here

--.--

Sasuke blinked, his mouth opening to a discreet yawn that he covered with his hand. “It's late night. You could have told me about this tomorrow morning.”

Naruto huffed, crossing his arms. “But⏤”

“Tomorrow Naruto.” Sasuke muttered, laying back on his bed as his hand shooed Naruto away. “I'll call the city council to book our appointment.” He heard a suspicious movement and added. “Don't you dare do any prank now.”

Naruto blew a raspberry back but still left him alone.

On the next morning Sasuke told him that, surprisingly, there was an hour available on the same day. Naruto wanted Iruka to participate the event, but the older nin was away in a monthly mission, so both men agreed that it'd be better if they married now.

Naruto glanced around the stuffy room, his feet tapping repeatedly while they waited for their turn. Honestly, this looked more like they were just there to grab some documents instead of marrying. He heard their call as they hurried to the room, being greeted by the officiant’s apathetic gaze. He began reciting the speech in a droning tone, that Naruto had already heard plenty times in movies before, the ceremony progressing without a hitch.

Sasuke signed his name, agreeing that from now on they would share a new surname Uchiha-Uzumaki. Shrugging, Naruto signed his consent, wondering why he was so reluctant about this whole thing.

“Congratulations, you may kiss your husband now.”

Oh, that’s why.

Naruto turned to stare at his best friend-turned-husband with wide eyes, even if Sasuke returned his gaze with apparent nonchalance. Never in his life he'd imagine that he'd do something like that to Sasuke, well, the first accidental kiss didn't count. He hoped he's not a lame kisser, he could count with his hands the amount of kisses he'd done in the past, he should have checked if his breath didn't stink, and oh God, he's not overthinking was he?

Naruto's brain took a halt when Sasuke started to approach towards him. He squinted his eyes, squaring his shoulders until he heard the officiant thanking them. Bewildered, he blinked open, as Sasuke was shaking hands with everybody, now his mind slowly registering at last the softest brush of lips that ended way too soon. Naruto glanced down, the small pang of disappointment coming from his chest.

Wait...what?

“Maybe we should celebrate this milestone after all. I'm thinking ordering some sushi, what do you think?” Sasuke suggested as they were exiting the building.

Naruto perked up at the food mention, his scattered thoughts forgotten. “Cool! I'm down with sushi, I'll buy some sake for us to drink.”

Sasuke nodded. “Good. And tomorrow I'll help you packing your things to move in.”

"Huh? Wait, this is all happening so fast. And which house we're going to live in, by the way?"

"If I remember well, you said that yours is rented right?" When Naruto nodded, Sasuke added. "The house I'm living is mine though, so it’s one less expense in our pockets. Also, it's spacious enough for two men."

"I guess...but do I have to move so soon?" He rubbed the back of his blond head.

"It's better strike while the iron is hot. Now that we're married we can ask for some days off to organize everything."

So before Naruto could realize himself, he was already occupied folding his clothes and placing in big cardboard boxes, with Sasuke cleaning up the room afterwards. Overall he didn't have that many possessions, it was mostly clothes, his plants and some furniture here and there, most of them Sasuke had a hard time convincing Naruto to throw it out since he struggled to relinquish his beloved lumpy orange-colored couch.

Carrying them all was an easier task since they used their respective summoned animals, even if Gamakichi protested that he wasn't some kind of carriage mule. Naruto managed to quiet him down with promises that he'd give him some food in return. He glanced as Sasuke patted his hawk's beak, the gigantic bird taking flight. Why was the bastard's summons so much more cooperative than his?

Another couple of hours were used to put his things in Sasuke's house, though Naruto was positively surprised that they wasted fewer hours than expected. There were a lot of empty spaces for him.

"These closets are yours." Sasuke gestured the furniture on the right. He opened his cabinets and said. "The first three shelves are also yours."

"Thanks! Wow, how did you manage to clean up your clothes so fast in one day?" Naruto wondered though he only received a shrug back.

Their dinner was unexpectedly nicer than usual, with Naruto cooking and Sasuke setting the table, eating with their usual banter. Hey…He could get used to this, Naruto wondered, as the evening was spent watching a movie together. Soon his eyelids were feeling quite heavy as he widened a very tired yawn from his mouth.

"I guess it's almost time to sleep huh. Tomorrow morning you have some classes with Kakashi." Sasuke muttered.

"Hmm...yeah. I guess I'll sleep on the couch right?"

“Why? Let's just share our bed.”

“Errr…it's actually your bed and you're probably used to have it all for yourself right? I shouldn't bother you.”

Sasuke scoffed, turning around and walking to the bedroom. “Nonsense. My bed is big enough for both of us, it won't be an issue.” He gestured, laying on one side to show his point. He raised himself to a seating position, staring at Naruto.

“Well, if you say so.” Naruto mumbled, glancing down and shifted his feet.

In their bathroom, Sasuke practically dragged him to brush his teeth, launching a lecture about hygiene habits and so on. This bantering eased Naruto about the whole sharing bed thing, as they slept elbow jabbing the other.

⏤.⏤  

Naruto groaned, the alarm clock ringing him awake as he struggled to move. His body was still in adjustment, sleeping in a much more softer surface in comparison to his old, hard bed. Yawning, he gingerly opened his eyes to realize that he was nestled on Sasuke's chest.

How did⏤When did⏤What?? Naruto reasoned himself, in an attempt to calm down. Maybe they moved while sleeping and this was an unfortunate position to be woken up, that's all, he shouldn't look too much into it. Yes, that's it. Now he really should stop being so aware of his best friend's close proximity that he could feel the warmth emanating from his body. Naruto breathed in, also picking up a pleasant scent coming from Sasuke, making him wonder if his friend was wearing some cologne or this was just his natural odor. Sasuke smelled really nice.

Oooookay, he was going insane, he should stop this. Now. Naruto grumbled about stupid bastard and his stupid pheromones, affecting his judgement somehow. He shifted backwards to widen the distance, realizing that Sasuke's hands were linked behind his back, limiting his movements. He was beginning to wonder how Sasuke hadn't woken up yet, perusing the handsome face, the usual knitted eyebrows smoothed out relaxed, jaw a little slack with a slow rhythmical breathing.

Naruto stiffened, brain panicking when Sasuke began to stir awake, graphite eyes blinking, realizing his surroundings. He turned to focus on the blond man's nervous glance, Naruto braced himself for any kind of reaction. However, Sasuke closed in dropping a simple kiss on the top of his head. "Morning." He muttered, yawning discreetly as he went to the bathroom.

Naruto remained frozen for a while, his mind asking for a much needed reboot to comprehend what the fuck had just happened. His best friend maybe, probably, definitely kissed his head. Naruto would have never guessed that Sasuke was a cuddler type, much less an affectionate one on mornings. Who the hell is this man and who snatched the usual cold bastard he knew?

Staring Sasuke's back as the latter finished his morning ritual, Naruto mused the need to inquiry. He opened his mouth, until Sasuke turned to face him. "I'm thinking cooking some breakfast, you like toast with some scrambled eggs right?"

Naruto quirked an eyebrow, but answered nevertheless. "Yeah, sure. It'd be nice." He got ready for the day as he heard a sizzling sound coming from the kitchen. How comforting this feels, listening to noises in his home instead of the deafening silence back when he lived alone. Feeling his mood improving exponentially, Naruto grinned, sitting on a nearby table until Sasuke finished it up and placed the food for them.

There was no sign of any drastic change coming from his friend, Naruto observed as Sasuke ate his bread in small bites. Maybe Sasuke was half-awake when he kissed his head, so this was probably a one-time thing. Nothing to be alarmed for.

They went on with their usual routine, jumping and sprinting to the Hokage tower, though Sasuke arrived first much to Naruto's chagrin. As they went inside, Naruto was ready to launch the usual quip about the Uchiha’s victorious smirk till he took a halt. Sasuke noticed the blond nin's slower steps, questioning. “What?”

Naruto quirked an eyebrow, raising their hands to show their fingers linked.

Sasuke shrugged. “Hn. Better do this to show the fangirls our current situation so they can stop pestering around. Which reminds me…” He rummaged his pocket and showed two rings to Naruto. “Here, one is yours.”

Blue eyes stared in mild astonishment, voicing out. “Uh… Do we really have to? Just the fact we're holding hands should discourage them right?”

“Am I really going to waste the opportunity to flaunt the fact that we're married? This way they will give up once and for all. It's just a ring dumbass, nothing big.” Sasuke said, placing his own ring on his finger.

Naruto gazed for a minute before also putting it on too. His new marital status was finally driving home, watching the shocked faces and bellowing screams from the passersby, while they were walking to the Hokage's office.

“Well…I guess I'll see you later.” Naruto said opening the door, while Kakashi and his assistants were waiting him to start the Hokage’s apprenticeship.

Sasuke grunted, nodding. “Have a nice day.” He muttered, then he dropped a kiss on the whiskered cheek while Naruto's guard was down.

“Sasuke, what⏤” Naruto exclaimed though Sasuke intervened.

“I just needed an extra convincing gesture. I think we succeeded here.”

Naruto turned around to see all eyes staring in stunned silence, some even let the mission reports slide to the ground, every jaw dropped in the scene.

He soon shut the door, his face beef red. Everyone recomposed themselves, resuming their conversation even if they gesticulated in stiff movements.

Walking towards the Hokage, the blond man scratched his head. “Um. So…Sasuke and I are married now.”

Kakashi gazed back flabbergasted, dawning in comprehension till he responded.  “Oooh, I see. I guess some congratulations to Sasuke is in order!”

Naruto narrowed his eyes. “And why do you want to congratulate specifically Sasuke when I’m married too?”

“Hm.” His teacher closed his eyes in amusement and the expression was eerily similar to Sakura's somehow. “I guess you’re right. Congratulations Naruto.”

Naruto ignored the teasing barb with a roll of eyes, as they concentrated in their tasks, Kakashi teaching him Konoha laws and so on.

Naruto ended up eating lunch with Sasuke, trying very hard not to blush too much when his…husband kissed him again on the cheek before they returned to work. He really ought to start getting used to call his best friend in this new naming from now on.

Fortunately once they were home, they returned to their usual selves, shifting to a comfortable zone Naruto was familiar with. It was hardly a chore adapting to this lifestyle, as expected, Sasuke fit perfectly well to him despite the differences. He tasked himself to clean up the house, Naruto learned not to leave trash on the ground after some sharp complaints. On the other hand, Naruto was responsible for cooking and washing clothes, both laying exhausted watching TV to pass the day.

As weeks have progressed, it was getting increasingly difficult to assess his companion. Sasuke was acting...uh...strange. As soon as they were outside their house, Sasuke insisted holding his hand to, in his words, reinforce their relationship status and not create any unnecessary gossip. But people were getting used to see them together in that way, drawing lesser gasps whenever Sasuke would kiss him in the ninja quarters.

Naruto could rationalize that what they were doing outside was only for appearances, so he sort of accepted this situation. He couldn’t come up with an excuse, however, whenever he would wake up with Sasuke’s arms enveloped around his body, an automatic kiss on his head ensuing later.

The third time this happened, Naruto confronted him. Sasuke gazed back in apparent composure, muttering. “You move too much while you’re sleeping, it’s the only way I can get you stay still so I can sleep.”

The blond nin raised his eyebrows, conceding this well-crafted explanation. Then, he muttered. “Yeah well, but what about the kiss? Why do you do that?”

Sasuke droned out. “What kiss?”

“You always kiss me on my head once you wake up.” Naruto pressed on, licking his lips.

“Do I?”

Naruto gave him a deadpan look, nodding.

His husband used few minutes in quiet contemplation, then stared back.

"Hm, maybe I did." Sasuke muttered airily, crossing his arms. "Why? Do you hate it?"

Taking off guard from Sasuke’s sincerity, it was Naruto’s turn to fall silent. He scratched the back of his head, shrugging. "No, I don't hate it, it's...well." Weird. Weird in the sense that it's weird he's not disliking this. At all.

“Well then, so what’s all the fuss is about?”

Naruto was at loss with words, feeling his face heating up as he glanced down, fumbling his thumbs. Since he couldn’t come up with a retort back, they went to bed as usual, but this time Naruto even allowed Sasuke to lace his arms around his waist, nose burrowing on the golden hair and letting out a contented sigh before they slept. When did the tables had turned around this way?

Things have changed since, with little details that were very noticeable for an affection starved person like Naruto. He knew that Sasuke wasn’t one with pointless movements, so whatever he did, hid a special meaning within. He was acutely aware whenever the touches would linger, the kisses would stretch few seconds more, hand squeezing a little tighter when they went shopping together.

As his heartbeats would increase whenever his husband would act like that, Naruto really really didn’t want to recognize an unnamed feeling that was wedging all the way in. It’s⏤it’s weird. It’s weird and awkward and highly embarrassing that he would have this kind of emotion towards his best friend, and the fact that he was enjoying these interactions made the whole issue so much worse.

--.--

3rd chapter

#sasunaru #snstext #sn fic #drabble #sasuke you little schemer #naruto you're as dumb as ever lmao

[loki-hargreeves]

Curiosity Killed The Cat - Bucky Imagine [PART 7]

 [PART 6] [PART 8 - coming soon!]

Warning(s): violence, mind-control

Your P.O.V.

It had been a week since we arrived here at the Avengers headquarters. So far, so good. Tony had gotten a doctor specialized in memories and trauma to look after Bucky as Bruce Banner and Tony both tried to figure me out. It had also been a week since Bruce got the test results and stormed out of my room without ever telling me what he learned about me. Now he was finally going to do that.

Tony, Bruce and I were in my room. It wasn’t the hospital room anymore. Although I told them I would be alright in my own apartment, they insisted I stayed. Apparently, the people behind this would definitely look for me there. So I had to stay here and I got a beautiful room all for myself. It had grey walls, a black floor with a big white rug, a queen sized bed, big windows, a work desk and other fun little things. I sat on my bed as Bruce sat on the black chair by the windows. Tony leaned against the wall, arms crossed and he put on that serious face which made it hard to read him. Although I didn’t want to admit it, I was excited although I should’ve been terrified.

‘‘So, what’s wrong with me?’‘ I cleared my throat and then waited. Damn, a week was a long time to wait and my skin was nibbling from the nerves. ‘‘Those wackos in the lab have tried to recreate the serum and they injected it into you’‘ Tony was the one to break the news to me. It took me less than a second to understand what he meant by that. ‘‘The serum? As in the Captain America serum?’‘ I had to have it confirmed tho. Hearing that had me in disbelief. What if they did something wrong? What if I would turn into a green raging monster?

‘‘Yes, yes exactly’‘ Bruce confirmed what I thought. Just like that, they wiped all words out of my mouth. What could I possibly say to that? Yes, I had a million questions running through my mind but I struggled to form an actual sentence out of that. ‘‘But it seems like something is different. No one, to our knowledge, has perfected it so there’s definitely some changes. We didn’t even recognize all the ingredients used nor do we know about the ‘treatment’ they put you through’‘ Bruce began to get into details. I sat there and let the information soak my brain. It was truly baffling.

‘‘That’s why I happily suggest you come and train with us. You know, to test your limits’‘ Tony informed me almost excitedly. I was glad he seemed fine because it made me feel more relieved. ‘‘Alright’‘ Was all I could say for now. This news wasn’t that easy to just hear and forget about. Would I be superhuman? Could I become an Avenger? That was perhaps far reached even as just a thought. The possibilities seemed endless.

I didn’t know what to think of it. So I decided I should keep an open mind for now.

‘‘Okay, get ready. I’ll wait for you outside’‘ Tony told me as he walked out my room. Bruce stayed behind, making sure Tony was out of sight before he spoke to me. ‘‘Be careful. If you feel pain or any discomfort, you should stop. These things are still unknown for us so take it easy’‘ Bruce said calmly. It felt nice to know someone cared about me, or at least my condition. ‘‘I will be’‘ I promised him and so, he left. I had to get changed into training clothes and finally test what I could do.

                                    Once I got outside to the training area, which was huge, I spotted Steve, Tony, Natasha and Bucky all together. It was cloudy but warm and it smelled like rain out here. I was dressed in an all black tracksuit with white sneakers and my hair was put up in a ponytail. As soon as I laid eyes on the winter soldier, my heart throbbed and a foolish smile crept on my face. It was undeniable now. He did have some affect me and to be quite honest, I didn’t mind it. He noticed me as well and smiled, which surprised me.

‘‘There she is, the new Cap!’‘ Tony felt the need to declare my arrival as loudly as he could. Obviously, he was joking. Steve just stared at him but brushed it off with a smile. They weren’t as serious as I expected them to be. Being here was a nice reminder that even these heroes were actual people. ‘‘What have you got for me?’‘ I asked Tony, stepping right next to Bucky who stood beside Steve. Although his memories were still fuzzy, since it was a slow healing process, the two of them seemed to get along well.

‘‘Don’t ask me, Steve should know these things better. I’m just a curious bystander’‘ Tony chuckled and pointed at Steve. I simply nodded and looked at the soldier I somehow respected a lot. It was odd, he was around my age by looks but not for real. So was Bucky. All these things were really confusing so I’d rather not think about it.

‘‘For a nice warm-up, I thought you could go through the field. It has some basic walls to climb over and other little obstacles. Then we can continue after seeing how you handle it’‘ Steve revealed my first task. It didn’t sound that bad. ‘‘Sounds good’‘ I commented shortly and so, we all headed to the start of the training field. It began as a forest path and I could already see what was ahead of me, a wall at least 15 feet tall with only a rope attached to it. Although I was excited to test out my abilities, I was nervous. They were all amazingly talented and skilled in these things. And they would all watch and judge me running around like a fool.

‘‘Ready?’‘ Steve asked me. As I nodded, he gave my cue to go and I did. I ignored the fact they were all watching me and I ran as fast as I could towards what was there. It began nicely as I actually ran fast on the path. It was surprisingly easy not to step on the branches and rocks and jump over some puddles as if my body knew they were there. Then came the wall that I approached with a jump. I expected to jump two feet but I flew right up, almost reaching the top. I grabbed the rope and looked down, shocked to see how far I got. How the fuck? ‘‘Oh my god’‘ I breathed out as I kept going, reaching the top. To my horror, it didn’t have a rope on the other side so I would have to jump.

Since I had eyes on my back, I didn’t want to freeze. So I gathered all my courage and jumped, landing down on the ground rather smoothly. It could’ve been smoother but I wasn’t disappointed at all. It seemed like this would go well.

About halfway through the warm-up, I reached some trees. They had blown up the ground so I would have to get over it by jumping from a few trees to another. So I began to climb, which went well. Then it happened. A loud, beeping noise filled my head, starling me at the same time. I leaned against the tree and tried to cover my ears. It seemed to grow louder and louder until it actually hurt too much.

What the fuck was going on?!

‘‘Y/N? Are you okay over there?’‘ I heard someone yelling at me. I tried to answer but I noticed my jaw was clenched. It’s like the noise was coming from inside my head. I couldn’t answer them. I couldn’t do anything. Once I blinked, I noticed my vision was getting odd, almost blurry. So before I would faint up here, I decided I’d try to jump down. I did but the ringing in my head made it hard to focus so I landed on my legs and I fell down on the ground, crawled into a ball. I couldn’t handle this! It got so loud I had to cover my ears with both hands, pressing my palms hard against my skull.

‘‘...Finally, we can contact you again...’‘ A voice said from the inside of my head. Cold shivers ran down my back because I recognized that voice. It was one of the scientists! Was I going crazy? Or had they planted something inside me? ‘‘Go away!’‘ I screamed at the scientist without even knowing if he could hear me. ‘’...We still can’t track you but that’s not the issue. You’re already ours...’‘ He chuckled darkly which terrified me.

I was so caught up with the voice in my head that I didn’t even notice that I was surrounded by the Avengers. They were trying to speak to me but I couldn’t hear a word. All I saw was the concern on their faces hovering above me. Then Bucky got low next to me and he tried to drag my hands off my ears. I had a feeling this wouldn’t end well. He was literally yelling but I didn’t hear it. I didn’t have the strength to push him away either.

Then the scientist inside my head spoke again: ‘’...желание,  ржaвый,  Семнадцать...” My heart literally skipped a beat. Those words...no! They were Bucky’s trigger words! Why was I hearing them? “ ...Рассвет,  Печь, Девять ..” The worst part was that they seemed to work. My muscles tensed madly and I could feel how each word did something to me. My self-control was fading away and I barely acknowledged the people around me. All I could think about now was the pain and torture they put me through and for some reason, I felt like I deserved it.

“ ...добросердечный... “

“  ...возвращение на родину... “

“... Один ...“

“ ...грузовой вагон... “

And finally, as if this was personalized for me for my sassy comeback,

“...Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back...”

That simple quote was enough to push me over, like a switch. It’s like I disappeared and I was surrounded by darkness. My gut, heart and soul, every cell in my body surrendered to the voice and I was ready to do anything in order to please them. There was no Y/N in me anymore.

                      ‘‘...Do I have my little kitty now, hm...?’‘ The scientist asked me as I regained my sight. I was as still as a brick but I was ready to get up if commanded. I was surrounded by some people I didn’t know. One of them had long brown hair and a metal arm. He was trying to speak to me and he seemed worried. I felt fine tho. He shouldn’t be worried about me. All of a sudden, he looked like he realized something. ‘‘...Excellent! Now get up, will you?...’‘ The voice inside me cheered. That’s when I finally stood up, pushing the brown-haired man off of me so hard he almost landed on his back. It seemed to surprise everyone, even the blonde man who helped the brown haired guy up immediately.

Something felt weird..

‘‘Y/N? What the hell was that? What’s going on?’‘ A man with a blue orb in his chest yelled at me. I didn’t recognize the name but I assumed that’s what they called me. A beeping noise that had rung my head for a while now finally ended. My hearing was clear again. ‘‘Something’s wrong’‘ The woman dressed in some black leather suit noticed. I just stared at her, taking in every little detail I could, absorbing information I could possibly use against her. She had red hair, a fit body and she seemed like she was quite strong too. It felt like everyone in my way was an enemy.

How did I get here?

When did I get here?

Who were these people who seemed concerned about me? Did they think I couldn’t take care of myself?

‘‘...Tell me, kitty, where are you? What do you see?...’‘ The scientist asked me and it became clear that I was the only one who heard him. Immediately, I looked around me but I didn’t know the exact location. ‘‘In the forest, there are four people here with me or against me, one with-’‘ I began to fill in details to the scientist. These people didn’t plan on letting me do that. The long-haired man put his metal hand above my mouth to shut me up. That was enough for me to get into action. I grabbed his arm with lighting speed and twisted it, throwing him away from me with all my strength, shocked as I learned he wasn’t that easy to tackle.

Someone grabbed me from behind as the woman attempted to grab my hands. I saw it coming but I felt like they were more skilled than me. So no matter how hard I fought, I was outnumbered and soon, someone had pinned me down on the ground as another person literally sat on top of my back. ‘’What the hell happened to her?’’ A woman’s voice spoke up.

‘‘They got her. I-..I don’t know how but..’‘ A man answered the question. I had no idea what was going on so I decided to stop fighting. Perhaps they would let their guard down and I could take a run for it? And maybe return later to finish this off.

My mind told me to stay calm but my body told me to fight until someone was dead. These mixed feelings made me really confused and I felt like I relied on the voice that commanded me.

Someone touched the side of my head, making me flinch as it happened. Immediately, I attempted to pull my head away from the touch but it was hard in this situation. It’s like they were searching for something. ‘’Okay, this is getting dirty. Let’s get her inside’’ The man with the orb in his chest sighed tiredly and nodded at whoever held me down. Where would they take me?

As I blinked, I saw a dark room. In the middle of it, I saw the chair and a table with a box full of needles. The vision was so frightening although it lasted for a mere second.

If I failed, that’s where they would take me..

I didn’t want that!

‘‘No!’‘ I muttered roughly once they got me on my feet. I tried to jump and lean back so I would fall but these people were strong. The long-haired guy reacted immediately and he wrapped both arms around me, locking my arms as well so I couldn’t move. ‘‘I’m so sorry for this’‘ The man apologized for something. Before I could acknowledge it, my body fell limp against his and I felt cold shivers running up and down my spine. I had no idea what happened but I lost all control of my body and it was scary.

Get out of this situation!

I had to get away. Now! ‘’Shh, it’s okay. It’s not you, just relax’’ The woman cooed rather softly. She looked like the type of woman who wouldn’t coo to someone like me. They were my enemies. They had to be.

All my last energy was used up as I pathetically tried to break free from the long-haired man’s arms, which only one of them was human. His metal arm had a really strong grip on me. Next thing I knew, my vision was very blurry. It felt like I had run a marathon and fell off a building. My body was exhausted and I was panting like an animal.

What the hell was going on? Had I failed? Would they take me to the chair?

‘‘Not the chair’‘ I managed to whimper but I had no idea if anyone could hear me. Oh, the scientist must’ve been so disappointed in me.

I was a failure.

                                                             “What the hell are we supposed to do then?” A man yelled but it sounded quite muffled to me. My eyes were opening slowly to a dim-lighted room. At first, I couldn’t see much. I had to blink and get used to the lighting until I began to see clearly. Everything was quite dull, whites and greys everywhere. It looked like a lab or a hospital, I couldn’t quite tell.

As I attempted to move my arms, I noticed that I couldn’t. I tried to move my legs but they were strapped to something as well. The second I realized I was trapped, my heart jumped to my throat. They were going to hurt me! They would take me to the chair!

Panic kicked in and I began to tug and pull the straps as hard as I could, not stopping although I felt burns on my wrists and ankles. The pain was nothing compared to what would come. Soon, I grunted in frustration as I still couldn’t break free. It didn’t take long until my attempts alarmed the people who were outside the room. Once the door opened, I saw the man with the blue orb in his chest and the blonde muscly guy. “What’s going on?” The man with the orb in his chest asked out loud. I still didn’t stop.

Eventually, the blonde guy had to do something. “Hey, stop. We’re not going to hurt you” He told me with a calm voice. I looked up to his blue eyes, trying to see signs of him lying. To me, he seemed pretty honest. But then again, why was I strapped down to this table? Would they bring in the needles and inject me with that shit again?

Who were these people?!

Why couldn’t I hear the voice anymore? Where did he go? Was I out of reach? 

“You’ll be fine, Y/N” The blonde one continued once I stopped tugging these straps. It had hurt a little bit but not too bad. I looked at my wrist and to my surprise, I saw blood. The edge of the metal strap had dug into my skin and now I had a wound there. Why didn’t my mind tell my body to stop that? I was on a mission.

That’s right.

I was on a mission and nothing should stop me. I had to inform the scientist of my surroundings and location.

“They’ve brainwashed her too” The man with the orb in his chest said with a low voice. He seemed to be examining my behaviour closely. Was he a scientist?

“W-Where am I?” I finally decided to speak. Maybe they would give the answer straight to me. Or at least, so I hoped. Both heads turned to me and they seemed surprised. Where did the woman go? Or the man with the metal arm? He had said my name, Y/N. He also apologized to me as he somehow knocked me out painlessly. 

“You’re safe, that’s what matters,” The orb guy told me. He even tried to crack a smile but it didn’t warm me up. “Who are you?” I shot them another question. At least, these people weren’t punishing me for asking things. My question didn’t seem to surprise them but they seemed hurt. The blonde one shook his head and turned his gaze to the window as he sighed. “I’m Steve, that’s Tony. You are Y/N” Steve answered my question. At least I got something.

“What about the rest?” I pushed my luck. That’s when Tony noticed the blood because a drop or two fell on the white floor. “Jesus..” He muttered and walked over to a drawer, clearly searching for something. “The others? The woman with the red hair was Natasha and..Bucky” Steve said mysteriously. Now he faced me again, clearly wanting to see my reaction to it.

Bucky.

A flash passed my eyes. I saw the metal arm guy in that exact seat I had been in. He seemed a lot sadder in that flash. He had something in his mouth and he was completely ignoring the people around him.

It was all I could remember. At least now I knew he could relate to me. Were we on this mission together?

“Do you remember him?” Steve wondered as I snapped out of my memory. Meanwhile, Tony attended my wounds. He used a wet cotton pad to wash it and I let it happen. He didn’t free me from these straps tho which was good for him. I wouldn’t hesitate for even one second whether I’d escape or not. I’d go for the run. So far, I had no reasons to stay here.

Steve noticed I didn’t answer his question. I watched as he dragged a blue chair beside me and he sat down. “Y/N, we are on your side. We won’t harm you” He reminded me but I still couldn’t trust him. He could try to deceive me, I wouldn’t fall for it. “Maybe he should come in?” Tony suggested something. Was he talking about Bucky? “Fine” Steve agreed to whatever it was and so, he got up. I just watched as he opened the door and nodded. A couple seconds later, Bucky walked in. He noticed me and everything stopped for a split second. 

He seemed upset.

If I remembered him, why would he cooperate with these people? Were they actually on our side? I had so many questions but only one simple task, to find out my location.

“Hi, Y/N” Bucky half-smiled at me and walked further inside, shutting the door behind him. I noticed now that he was wearing a white tank-top, revealing his metal arm to us all. That was a sign of trust, for now, the people around him knew about that. A metal arm could be used as a weapon. He also had sweatpants on and no shoes, so he clearly wasn’t planning to escape either. Overall, Bucky seemed way too comfortable to be considered a prisoner.

“Hey” I mumbled oddly. Speaking to them normally didn’t feel like the right thing to do. I was afraid I’d get punished for this.

[PART 8 - coming soon!]

Author’s Note: It was getting too cheerful for my taste. I hope you enjoyed this part! Although it was a bit confusing. I’ll clear things up, they triggered you with the words and basically did to you what they did to Bucky. Make sense? I’d also love to hear what you guys think about it 

TAGS:  @buckysleftarm1 @twigleektribute23 @anxietywolfsdmn @geeksareunique @thewhinersoldier @cevanstann @lizm-05 @youwannabethinremember @lost-in-the-stories  @brooklynalpha @iraniq  @embrycallsgirl  @blackroseyaz @puddins-princess  @r-alexandra01

#Bucky #Bucky fanfiction #Bucky X Reader #Bucky X You #Bucky Imagine #Bucky Imagines #Sebastian Stan #James Buchanan Barnes #James Barnes X Reader

[cuteandtwisted]

this prompt from awful-aus “You hired me to photograph your sister’s wedding and you need to leave me alone now so I can do my job. Just because you technically literally invited me does not make me “”ipso facto’” your date and I can’t take pictures when you’re using my tripod to help yourself stand upright.” AU 💛

(i’m gonna add rich!Isak to this one, which is VERY AU, I realize)

The first time Even touches him is by accident.

Even is a good person. He does his best to be kind to everyone he meets and to never judge a soul, and he’s mostly good at it. Well, except maybe when it comes to uptight, prickly, and arrogant Isak Valtersen. But Even has his reasons. He really does.

Many have tried to get to the bottom of Even’s dislike for the ‘cute rich boy’, some thinking that it’s a longterm rivalry or that perhaps Isak accidentally killed his puppy—anything extreme enough to warrant such strong negative feelings from the ‘chillest person on campus’. And they’re mostly right. It is out of character for him. Even has no reason to dislike ‘rich people’.

But Isak is more than that. Isak holds some pretty bigoted and insensitive opinions on the refugee crisis, too blinded by his own privilege. And while most people would let it slide, Even refuses to turn a blind eye, especially after Isak literally got into a fight with Mikael (that he had to physically break) and implied he wasn’t 100% Norwegian—and no, the fact that he actually had a tiny crush on Isak his first week at uni before any of this went down won’t change that.

.

“Dude, that was like two years ago,” Mikael sighs when he catches Even glaring at Isak in the cafeteria again. “Get over it.”

“It was last year,” Even corrects him, still holding Isak’s gaze across the large room. He feels ridiculous and mean, but Isak—in his dress shirts and cashmere sweaters—has been doing this a lot lately, provoking him and randomly stealing glances before looking down. Is he trying to start shit again or what.

“Give him a break. He’s a chill guy,” Mikael yawns before stuffing fries into his face again. “I know he looks like his mom dresses him every day, but he even apologized to me and stuff. He didn’t mean it like that.”

“You shouldn’t internalize micro-aggressions, Mikael. If he hurt you, then you should face it and confront him!”

“I can’t stand you, bro. Are you listening to yourself? He’s harmless!”

“How do you explain him glaring at me all the time then?”

“It’s called staring, Even. He’s like in love with you!” Mikael rolls his eyes.

“I’m leaving.”

.

Even is doodling in his sketchbook when Isak Valtersen materializes in front of him in the library, making him instantly draw his brows together.

“Uh hello,” Isak clears his throat and Even loses his resolve for a second because the younger boy sounds nervous and looks incredibly uncomfortable in his v-neck cashmere sweater.

“Uhm hi.”

“So, uh. I heard you do photography, and I was wondering if you want to work on my sister’s wedding.”

Even blinks at him, his mouth gaping a bit. He doesn’t mean to but he stares hard enough to notice a delicate flush spread along Isak’s cheeks all the way to the tip of his ears. His eyelashes are ridiculously long and he’s rambling. It’s almost adorable.

“Uh, I mean I know it’s last minute. But I messed up booking a photographer and it was the only thing she tasked me with. And now she doesn’t have one and she’ll kill me, and obviously I’ll pay you a lot of money to make up for the short notice, and—”

“I don’t need your money,” Even says and he sounds mean. He regrets it immediately because Isak is blushing furiously now and he looks like he’s about to combust from humiliation, like it’s taken all of his courage to come ask Even. “I mean you don’t need to offer me a lot of money,” Even sits up and speaks softly. “I don’t care about money.”

fuck.

Now Even is nervous and he doesn’t even know why. He doesn’t even like the guy, but some nonsensical instinct to just take care of him takes over. And Even hates how he has no resolve whatsoever, how all it takes is a pretty boy with long eyelashes to move him.

“Are you available this Sunday?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Promise?” Isak asks with big round eyes, and Even is both puzzled and endeared by the word and by how earnest he sounds uttering it, like he holds promises sacred.

“Promise.”

.

“What the hell?” Mikael laughs. “That was fast.”

“Shit. I don’t know. He looked like he really needed me, okay?”

.

The second time Even touches him is not that much of an accident.

It’s a mess, really. Even has no idea why he said yes or how Isak got his phone number. But he’s been texting him nonstop about equipment and tripods and camera models for a week now. And while Even has his own gear, he can’t turn down the opportunity to shoot with the real expensive stuff. Isak’s family can afford it after all, so he doesn’t feel too bad.

Even is overwhelmed by just how much money Isak ends up spending on the rather simple job. He’s almost bouncing with excitement as he shows him what he got, and Even secretly hopes Isak has rented and not bought all of this.

.

Even is enjoying the wedding reception and the job itself despite the collar of his shirt digging into his skin and his hair refusing to stick to one direction. But he thinks he would enjoy the job more if Isak Valtersen actually gave him some space. No, really, the kid has barely left his side, only walking away to grab himself yet another drink from the bar then almost running to glue himself back to Even’s hip. He also insists on looking at every shot right after Even takes it, and he’s even directing him now.

“Can you go closer? Can you take a picture of her side profile? I think the light is better over there. No, not the groom, fuck that guy. Can you focus on her hair? She’s proud of her updo. Can you do effects or something? Oh, that’s post-processing? What’s post-processing? Photoshop? Oh, is that expensive? Do you want me to pay for it? Oh you have an illegal copy? Can you get arrested for that? Can you get a picture of all her friends? Can I see? Wait, go back three pictures.”

Even’s skin is crawling an hour in because not only is Isak not letting him do his job, but he’s currently leaning on the very expensive tripod to keep himself from falling over, not to mention that his cheeks are flushed and his curls are a mess and he’s giggling and Even wants to touch.

Shit. Control yourself.

.

“Do you want a drink?” Isak asks and Even has to let go of the camera to hold him because Isak is tripping over his own feet and slurring his words and why is this kid so drunk on his sister’s wedding and why is he here with me instead of with his family.

“I don’t drink on the job,” says Even as he hooks an arm around Isak’s waist to support him and tries to will away the excitement building up at the pit of his stomach.

“I don’t mind,” says Isak, turning his face to him until all Even can see are his long eyelashes and his incredibly sad and heartbreaking eyes. “I can pay you now if you want. You took enough pictures. I don’t mind.”

.

Isak might look small but he isn’t, and Even is learning it the hard way right now with Isak leaning almost fully against him as he drags him away and tries to find someone to take over. A man in a fancy suit and a strong build finds him before he loses it—thank god—and sighs heavily.

“Always an embarrassment, this one,” the man breathes in disapproval, and for some reason, Even frowns and tightens his hold around Isak’s passed out body. “A friend of Isak’s?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Even lies.

“How surprising. Didn’t think anyone actually liked him.” Even is glaring at the man now and before he can bark, he hears. “I’m Terje, his father.” The man then hands him keys and shrugs, “Here, take my car before anyone sees him like this. The address to the house is in the GPS. Make sure he doesn’t throw up on my seats.”

And with that he’s gone.

.

Isak falls asleep against the window and Even has to bite down his own lower lip to bear the sound of Isak’s head bumping against the glass. He can’t stand it, however, and he eventually slows down and makes sure to drive as gently as possible.

It gets even worse because when they stop at a red light, Even reaches for Isak’s head and pulls it towards his own shoulder and eventually his chest. It’s extremely uncomfortable, but at least Isak is no longer hurting himself. Though when the younger boy curls into his side and purrs in his sleep, Even has to take a deep breath because the stirring in his chest almost makes him drive into the sidewalk.

.

“Where are we? What are you doing?” Isak blinks in confusion when they cross the threshold. The house is enormous, and a warm woman greets them at the door and takes Isak’s coat and Even’s as well. She then guides him to Isak’s room which is upstairs.

“You’re home. It’s fine,” Even reassures him as he pulls him up the steps. He drops Isak into what he assumes is his bed and sits beside him to catch his breath.

“I ruined the wedding. I’m such a disappointment,” Isak sighs in defeat, an arm crossed over his face to cover his eyes. “I ruin everything.”

Even knows he should leave. He’s done more than enough and he doesn’t owe this boy anything, really. But the words resonate with him. The shame, the disappointment, the loneliness. It all sounds like something straight out of Even’s mouth.

So he lies back down next to Isak.

“You did great today, Isak. You didn’t ruin anything.”

“Liar.”

“I’m not lying. You were wonderful today. Your sister was very happy.”

Isak removes his arm from where it’s lying on his face and looks at Even through wet eyelashes with something like gratitude in his eyes.

“I’m not racist, Even. I swear,” Isak mumbles in a small voice while Even stares at him, all limbs and curls on his massive bed. “I thought your friend was being homophobic to me last year and I said the dumbest thing. I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to. Please don’t hate me. Everybody hates me.”

Even must be the weakest person in the world because he’s undeniably moved by the plea in this boy’s voice. He’s so moved that he reaches over and lets his right hand thumb Isak’s cheek as gently as possible. He can’t help it, providing comfort when he can. And the way Isak’s eyes flutter shut almost instantly at the contact, nuzzling against his palm like he can’t help it, like he needs it, like he’s never been touched quite like this, makes Even’s protective instincts nearly soar in his chest, his heart filling with something resembling tenderness.

“I don’t hate you,” Even says and it’s true.

“Promise?”

And there it is, the ever slight fluttering in his heart.

“Promise,” says Even.

“Can you stay tonight?”

Even stays the night. Then when he wakes up in Isak’s massive bed with his chest pressed against the boy’s back and his arms locked around his stomach like they belong in the other’s embrace, he jumps in absolute panic and shows himself out in his clothes from the previous day.

Isak texts him ‘thank you’ and ‘I’m sorry’ in the afternoon and Even isn’t sure what to do, so he doesn’t reply.

Later at night, he gets a few more texts. ‘I’m sorry I was so weird last night. Didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. I’d like to be friends if you want.’

‘It’s also okay if you don’t. I understand.’

.

Isak finds him at the school cafeteria with the boys on Tuesday and hands him a sealed envelope without looking him in the eye.

“For Sunday. Thanks a lot Even, I owe you one,” he says with a brave but distant smile then nods in Mikael’s direction. “Hello guys,” he adds politely before turning on his heel.

It’s money, the ‘lots of money’ that Isak promised him. And Even feels terrible.

.

Even sees him everywhere and it scares him how much he wants to go to him, talk to him, touch him, hold him, ask him if he’s okay, double-check if he still asks ‘promise?’ when Even says something nice. 

It scares him how much he cares for this boy he knows so little about. It terrifies him.

Maybe it’s my brain playing tricks on me again. Maybe.

Even pines from afar.

.

“I heard Isak got a second job at the coffee shop where we hang out,” says Elias while they’re working on a ‘Hei Briskeby’ edit. “Apparently he’s in bad terms with his dad and he has to work for his own money. I had no idea it was bad between them. Did you know?”

Even groans into a pillow and spends the rest of his day thinking about appropriate ways to text Isak.

.

“Hey,” Even clears his throat then has to stop himself from gasping when Isak looks up from his book in the library.

“Uh hi,” says Isak and he’s blushing again and Even suddenly remembers how it felt like to hold him in that bed. “Even. Oh, hi!”

He’s adorable and Even just smiles because he can’t help it and because he’s been nothing but mean to this boy, yet he’s glowing and smiling and blushing right now like he’s happy to see him.

Even takes a deep breath then slides the envelope along the desk. Isak blinks, confused.

“I told you I don’t need your money,” Even smiles this time around then watches him squirm.

“But—“ Isak pauses, bites his lip. “You worked for hours.”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“But it was. And you even did the post-processing stuff and you listened to me whine about everything, and you drove me home, and you took me to my room, and—” he pauses again.

“And I cuddled you until morning,” Even continues for him, letting himself fall on the chair opposite of Isak.

Their eyes meet and he can see how embarrassed but hopeful Isak is, how scared but willing to take a leap of faith. He can see it, how badly he wants this, needs this, aches for this, whatever this is. And who is he to crush this boy’s hopes? Who is he to turn Isak down when everything in him is urging him to just show him how loved he can be, how precious he can feel?

“Let’s consider the cuddles payment for my services,” Even adds.

“But— you left.”

“Because I’m an idiot.”

There’s a pregnant pause after that. Isak takes a deep breath then finally speaks. “I thought you didn’t want me.”

Oh babe.

“I want you,” says Even, almost immediately too. Because he feels like Isak needs to hear it, because he feels like he’s not the kind of person to thrive on subtle actions and assume and wish for the best. Because he feels like Isak needs that validation, that undeniable and unwavering confirmation that he is in fact wanted. Isak who insists on double-checking every nice thing that’s ever said to him by seriously asking ‘promise?’ like he’s used to people deceiving him and not doing good by him. Isak who seems like he doesn’t get to hear these three words nearly enough. Isak who stole his heart on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Isak. So Even says it, again and again. “I want you.”

Isak smiles and it’s precious, like a treasure. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

The third time Even touches him, it’s because he’s aching to.

#skam #isak x even #skam fics #skam drabble #prompt #ask #<3 #long post

[rearadmiralanarchy]

Demon AU

Wow I finished this just as myrkks posted a chapter of a demon AU as well.

Guess it’s the season for demon AU’s

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15421230

Guido Mista's steps echoed loudly down the stone stairs of the formerly abandoned church, reverberating ominously as he slunk his way down to the catacombs below. Normally he wouldn't be meandering around a place of worship like this- but it was old and disused and the people he was looking for were way worse than he was (or so he reasoned). He was still nervous about killing people in God's house though.

To be fair, the people in question kind of had it coming; known for stealing, scamming, murdering, and apparently devil worshiping. Not really a big deal these days since it was 2017 and not the Dark Ages, but there were only so many women you could kill in weird rituals before people started noticing- and before you accidentally nab one that worked for Passione. Which is why Italy's biggest mafia could no longer just ignore the weirdos and tasked Polpo to task someone (Buccelati) to take them out.

Abbachio was their strongest physically for sure and Fugo was pretty damn clever, but Mista was a sharpshooter and would have a better shot (heh) of getting all the bastards in one swoop. So he was given the orders and location from the higher ups, a good luck from Buccelati, and a graze along his midriff as a souvenir from the second guy he found. There were six cultists total and none were particularly dangerous on their own, but Mista did best in one on ones and not three on ones so he may have gotten hit once or twice. It was fine though, this was fine, he only had two more to go before he could head back.

At the bottom of the steps Mista was met with the soft glow of candles interspersed throughout a larger room with a few closed doors and a long hallway. The candlelight didn't do shit, the weak light barely even hit the floor and Mista regretted not bringing any kind of flashlight except the one built into his almost dead phone. Moving to stand towards the center of the room, Mista fumbled with getting his cellphone out, swearing as it jostled the graze on his side reopened the wound. All he could hear was his blood dripping onto the floor in the deathly quiet room, the near silence making his hair stand on end. The cultists had probably hidden themselves away deeper into the catacombs of the church in a last ditch effort to avoid the gunman which meant he had to play a little hide and seek.

Sighing at how much of a hassle looking for a couple of freaks was turning out to be, Mista flicked on the flashlight app only to pause. He was standing in some kind of chalked circle- more like two actually, one was just embedded in the other with weird markings in it. There was a point coming off the circle and leading somewhere but as Mista was following it his phone dropped to 5% and shut the light off. The last thing he caught sight of was an ominous fog roiling up from somewhere before all the candles were instantly snuffed out. The room seemed to drop in temperature in a blink, slightly cool air turning frigid as the gunman was dropped into an inky pitch black darkness.

Thoroughly freaked out, Mista looked behind him for the stairs but couldn't see anything, despite knowing damn well that the stairs were lit. Swearing low Mista took a step in the direction he was sure led to the stairwell only to freeze at the sudden sound of breathy laughter. In a nanosecond the safety was off and the hammer cocked back, the gunman pointing his pistol at the source- only to find nothing but darkness. There was an uneasy pause before all the candles re-lit themselves with odd soft yellow flames, startling the gunman. He still couldn't see much, but what he could see left him wide-eyed and immobile.

From the floor, vines and roots were suddenly growing from some kind of small glowing hole in the ground, rapidly widening to accommodate more plants and eventually a hand- pale alabaster with sharpened, red-tipped nails grasping and clawing the stone. An arm was next, then a head crowned in golden curls and reddish-pink horns, until eventually a man stood in front of the shaking gunman.

A very, very beautiful and very, very naked man.

The figure before him had sharp blue eyes with slit pupils, golden markings like tears swooping down his cheeks, and a soft smile-widening to show off a set of wicked fangs. A demon. There was a literal demon standing in front of him, horns and fangs and beautiful in God's own house. Mista was anything but prepared for this. The demon took a step towards him and muscle memory carried his pistol up to aim between curious glittering eyes- or at least the general vicinity of them since his arm was shaking so badly.

The demon hardly seemed fazed, smiling bright, "so you are the one who summoned me."

Summoned? Mista did?

"I didn't- I don't know what you are talking about," his voice was the steadiest part of him, unable to believe it.

"But my name is written, and there are fruits from the surface as an offering," and moving quicker than the gunman could react the blond demon pressed his fingers to the wound on Mista's side, "blood from the summoner, and the deaths of the wicked to pay my way to this world."

Mista thought only virgin girls or goats were used for demon summonings and thought about asking but the sudden pain in his side had him swearing instead. Under red and white fingers the wound began to knit itself back together- like a plug expanding itself to fix his flesh. He was at a loss for words, gun forgotten and mouth opening and closing like a fish as the once ruined flesh became whole again and the demon licked the blood from his fingers like a contented cat.

"I... you're real," whispered into the dark.

The blond nodded, "from the depths of Hell itself," purring, "I look forward to serving you, Guido Mista."

"S-serving me," it felt like someone else was talking with his voice as he found himself against a wall.

His head was spinning, he'd just accidentally summoned an actual fucking demon in the basement of a church.

"Anything you need or want, I can provide," the demon had let him back up to the wall and followed him as he slid down, squatting in front of the gunman with his cheek in his palm, "I'm bound to you now, after all."

A demon was bound to him- this was-

"You'll do anything I want," questioned hollowly.

The blond smiled soft at him, tips of his fangs barely poking over his bottom lip, "I can deny you nothing."

A pause-

"Can I tell you to leave then? And you'd do it?"

Blue eyes widened and the smile disappeared in the wake of a sad look, "if you wanted to dismiss me I couldn't stop you...but... have I... have I done something wrong?"

The hell-spawn looked heartbroken, so much so that it made Mista's gut shift in guilt at having made him look so- what was he thinking, this was a demon, "no it's just-"

Shit, there were actual tears- "if I have displeased you, it wasn't my intention"

"That's not it, it's just that you... you are a demon- and I didn't mean to summon you, I don't know how to or anything," Mista spilled, "you just... shouldn't be here, is all."

The demon was staring at him, eyes still a bit shimmery, and completely silent for a few heart-pounding moments.

"You didn't mean to summon me?"

Mista shook his head, "no, the cultists I'm hunting were trying to. This was... this was an accident."

The demon flickered his eyes down to the side, "I see," a thoughtful if odd look passed over his face, "so you don't want me then."

A statement so quiet that Mista wasn't sure he'd heard at first, all he could manage to croak out was an "I'm sorry... How do I dismiss you?"

Mournful blue eyes met his for the briefest moment before looking away, "you fulfill your end of the bargain. You give me your soul."

Certainly he didn't hear that right- "my- my what?"

"Your soul," the demon cocked his head to the side, "it's the bartering chip for all summonings. I do whatever the summoner bids me to, and at the end of our contract I receive the summoner's soul."

Mista felt as though the very Earth had shattered under his feet, his world breaking apart and feeling unable to stop it, "what... do you do with the souls?"

The blond demon had shifted to sit, "normally I'd eat them, but I haven't decided what to do with yours yet."

Oh good, Mista barked out an empty laugh. He was so fucked.

This was so fucked, "Mista."

Hollow black eyes met forlorn blue, "will you still dismiss me?"

He wanted to live- to keep going carefree as always but now- "you don't want me too?"

The blond shook his head, "I want to live on the surface."

"Why? What would you do up there if I you could- if I didn't dismiss you or anything?"

The demon looked thoughtful, mulling over his response until eventually, "I want to see the sun."

Something so simple, probably to deceive him, "really now? That's all?"

The demon smiled sharp but shy, "there are other things- all rather minor I suppose but never get to indulge in- things to taste and look at, things to explore. I've not been summoned in a very long time."

Mista thunked his head back against the clammy stone, quiet for a bit while thinking as much as he could with those piercing eyes on him. He didn't have a lot of options- safe to say he had maybe two. First option; be the hero and dismiss the demon at the cost of his everlasting soul and die (?) on the spot and accomplish... something? He wasn't sure. Option two: live out the rest of his bullet riddled days with the permanent addition of a demon at his side and then eventually die and have his soul... put in a jar or eaten or whatever. Option one was way too heroic and he really wanted to stay alive, but option 2 was terrifying in it's own way- mainly because he'd now be living with a demon. Albeit a very cute demon, but a demon nonetheless. If he could stay alive he maybe could look into how to maybe not get his soul eaten and still do the good Christian thing and send a demon back to hell. God it sounded like something from a shitty, angsty teen novel.

The choice was clear though, and Mista gritted out a "you'll really do anything I ask, no matter what?"

The blond nodded, "anything."

"You won't try anything funny?"

Smiling with those wicked fangs, the demon purred "only to make you laugh."

Mista huffed, "you can stay but-" cutting off the blond as he opened his mouth, "-only on my terms and your best behavior," sticking out his hand to shake, "deal?"

"Deal," the demon agreed almost immediately and after a brief moment staring curiously at Mista's offered hand, clasped it with both his.

Well close enough.

Picking himself back up, "what exactly am I going to be calling you, other than 'demon'?"

"Giorno," the blond responded, walking into the darkness between candles before returning to Mista's side with a peach.

Right, fruits from the surface as an offering- those cultist bastards.

"Will we be going outside now," asked almost innocently between bites.

"Not yet," call him petty but those pieces of shit made him summon a demon (in a bit of a roundabout sense) so there would be hell to pay- damnit.

"I got a few people I gotta kill here first," it was going to be hard using phrases like that given his new circumstances.

A long and forked tongue slipped out to lick at a dribble of juice sliding down the demon- Giorno's- chin, "the two men hiding a few rooms over down the hall?"

Tearing his eyes away from the interesting tongue to narrow them at the blond's eyes instead, "you know where they are?"

The demon carelessly tossed the pit to the side, wiping the back of his hand across his mouth, "I know exactly where they are. Would you like me to show you?"

"Fuck yes," he had words to exchange- and by words he meant bullets.

Giorno was a two in one bloodhound/flashlight combo leading Mista through the catacombs with a smile and a hand covered in pale gold flames. He'd never seen any kind of fire like that but he wasn't exactly a fire expert and it lit up the hall pretty well so whatever. Both remaining cultists were supposedly  holed up in one room at the very end of the hallway so he could either flush them out or go in guns blazing. All semblance of stealth was lost anyway given the light from Giorno's hand so Mista decided he might as well just go in and do his business- no sense waiting around any longer.

"Can uh, bullets hurt you?"

"Not particularly."

"Perfect," giving his pistol a quick once over, "stand in the doorway after I go in, will you?"

Blue eyes blinked, "would you like for me to slay them instead?"

"Heh, no, this is something I'm personally looking forward to."

Giorno smiled again, "I wish you good fortune then."

What a supportive friend for life he had acquired, and all it cost was his soul.

Standing outside the door Mista listened in for a few moments, but heard nothing. Shrugging, he lifted a leg and kicked- splintering the wood in a dusty cloud and then rolling into the room like an action hero. It hurt his shoulders but it allowed him to take cover behind some kind of barrel or whatever. Both cultists seemed way too surprised that he had found them, but even more surprised to see Giorno yawning in the doorway to properly fire their guns. The dumbasses were so focused on the golden demon either way that they missed the vindictive gunman until it was far too late.

.......

Wiping his hands off on the rag he carried specifically for just that purpose (he'd ruined way too many pairs of pants before he finally learned), Mista absently checked his phone. It was at 2% battery life but he could at least gauge the time- about three and a half hours had passed since he first started and he had been due for a check in with Buccelati about fifteen minutes ago. God, what was he even going to tell him?

'Hey boss, sorry for the delay I kind of accidentally summoned a demon.' He couldn't tell Buccelati, not yet at least. He was already late to call, and he had another hour and a half before the cavalry would be sent in to check on him so Mista turned his attention back to the biggest problem at hand: what to do with his obviously inhuman companion. He'd have to tell his boss eventually, but for now he kind of just wanted to deal with that later- maybe in the comfort of his apartment, but getting the blond there would be easier said than done. Between the horns, scales, claws, fangs, markings, and nudity, he wasn't entirely sure where to begin.

"Can you like uh, turn invisible, Giorno?"

The demon hummed, "not really. Some can, but I'm rather... specialized. A portion of the human population will always be able to see me."

Damn, "can you like- materialize clothes with demon magic and or hide your horns and such or something? Make yourself look a little more human?"

Giorno huffed, "if that's what you wish," as he raised his clawed hands to rub across his cheeks and up to the tips of his gently curved horns.

Under his touch the golden markings, scales, and horns melted into yellow and pink petals and ruby red butterflies. His eyes no longer had slit pupils, but were still a sharp blue, vibrant even in the strange light. He was painfully ethereal and inhumanly beautiful, but now he looked more like a human (or an angel) and less like a denizen of hell. He was still very nude and there was still an odd pointy mark on his left shoulder, but it was workable.

"So, clothes?"

Giorno rolled his eyes, "if you insist."

"Oh, I do," he'd been doing his best not to stare at the demon's junk and there was no way he was taking a nude man outside with him in broad daylight.

Red slits began forming on the blond's sides, arms, and legs, thin but stretching as if to cut him in half vertically From the lines, pink threads began stretching across his arms and chest- knitting themselves into some kind of pink suit jacket and slacks, sinfully tight and leaving a heart shaped hole above the chest. The blond then opened his mouth and three freakishly large ladybugs came crawling out in a cloud of golden beetles to arrange themselves around the cut out and along the fake seams like living embellishments. Overall it was the single most nauseatingly terrifying thing he'd ever seen.

"You... you still have- your mouth," Giorno had neglected the fangs and elongated tongue- arguably the least of his problems right now, but it was the principle of the thing.

The blond scrunched up his nose before showing off his mouth for inspection. His canines and tongue were still longer than normal, but passable enough- and Mista really didn't want to see what new horrors would come out of him asking to fix those too. Now that the blond was dressed in arguably dubious fashion and fabric (?), Mista went back up the stairs, swearing at the light trickling through softly but blinding after being in the dark for so long. The blond demon seemed utterly mesmerized after him, staring up at the geometric stained glass with wonder in his wide eyes. It was cute but also kind of weird.

Passing by the dead bodies of the gunned down cultists, Mista led his new companion over to his car, unlocking it with a click and sliding into the front seat with a sigh. He was midway through fumbling with the car charger when he realized Giorno hadn't moved to get in and was just staring confused. Right, demon from hell, unfamiliar with modern technology-

The gunman rolled down his window, "just uh, pull on the handle," watching as the blond touched the door where Mista assumed it was, "yeah, and just pull up."

Giorno looked startled when the door actually opened, sliding into the seat with just the barest hint of hesitation, "what does this contraption do, exactly?"

Wow, "we uh, drive it places. Like... horses? But mechanical."

The blond pouted slightly, "you'd replace such noble creatures?"

Mista blinked at the demon before turning to stare out the front window, "I guess?"

He'd need to introduce Giorno to the magic of Google when he got home. The drive took about twenty seven minutes, all of which were spent with the blond pressed to the passenger side window in mute fascination.

Halfway through Mista finally asked, "when was the last time you were summoned anyway?"

The blond hummed noncommittally, "when the humans were just starting to build a grand Colosseum. Do you know if they ever finished it?"

Well shit.

Mista had given him a promise to show him pictures sometime, to which he was given a soft smile in return. His apartment complex was a welcome respite as he trudged up to the third floor, unlocking it and throwing his keys in  the chipped bowl beside the door with a sigh. Giorno watched as he tugged off his high boots, copying him after a moment by melting his weird flesh loafers into a tiny pile of autumnal colored leaves. Mista stared, but ultimately gave up. Setting the blond up on his couch watching some kind of history channel nonsense, Mista went to the adjoined kitchen to call Buccelati- a task over with in less than ten minutes. Normally he'd not be so short with the man, Buccelati was easy to talk to after all, but his brain was thoroughly fried and he wasn't entirely certain of how well he could keep his new demon buddy a secret. Looking over at said demon buddy still watching the television with almost studious fascination, Mista felt a pang at how utterly fucked up this whole thing was. There was no helping it now though, sighing as he began rummaging around for that leftover pizza in the fridge and sticking a few pieces in the microwave.

"Giorno," the blond appeared nearby entirely too quick, "do you uh, need to eat?"

Mista was completely clueless on how to take care of contracted demonic companions.

"Not particularly, but I'd like to try things, if that's alright with you," with a smile so soft it made Mista's heart lurch.

Luckily, he was saved from any further thoughts he should definitely not be entertaining by the ding of the microwave. Giorno visibly startled at the sound, gold flames flickering across his arms briefly until curiosity replaced suspicion, blue eyes flicking to Mista for some kind of description.

"It heats food, using waves of energy," and at Giorno's disbelieving look, "I'll show you a video on how it works eventually."

The pizza was from two nights ago, but filled Mista's stomach with a solid weight that left him feeling a little sluggish but content.

His demonic dinner guest had given a single slice a tentative taste before tucking in like the starved, devouring a second slice as Mista asked "you like pizza then", to which the blond had only nodded.

It was about seven when the two finished their dinner and Mista was personally ready to call it an early night forever. The stress of the day- not so much the mission so much as the acquisition of a new forever friend- had left him feeling wrung out and tired down to his core. Showing Giorno the basics of the remote, giving a brief tour of the small apartment, a briefer explanation of the bathroom (the blond was incredibly fascinated by the shower), Mista washed up and headed to bed. Staring at the ceiling for a bit, listening to ambient sounds of the Animal Planet channel from through his door, Mista prayed to God for the first time in years. Praying that this was all just a very realistic and detailed dream before falling asleep.

#giomis fanfic #goes along with that piece I posted sometime ago #not sure if it will be a multichapter