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shaarlslec · 1 year

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Ahí! Just saw that your request are available, so I thought maybe give it a chance. May I request: b,7,8,9 with Mick pls!! If you can if not there’s no problem at all. Thank, Love your job btw!!

Prompts: I think I am in love with you. & You don't get it - I have never said that to anyone. (I went with two cause I have another one in making for the 7a);

thank you so much for your request!! honestly just send me mick requests and I will stay up all night doing them; let me know if you liked it!!!

masterlist

prince charming

short-summary: you mistake mick for your blind-date, turns out he is your prince charming;

words: 6400 & warnings: none, pure fluff in the form of mick schumacher;

Growing up as a naive young child who was fortunate to be raised by the most lovely parents in the whole wide world who were also your first-hand example on how healthy love between two people really is and looks like and how that can be fully projected on the third party of the family, you were subjugated in buying the whole “meet-cute” and “fairytale type of a love” tropes from all of the movies you have watched and all the sugar-coated stories you have heard from the adults around you.

Your parents met in college studying the same subject, and they felt in love at first sight irrevocably so. Hearing the story countless time, you would have wished to have this type of a love story for your children to hear when the time will come for you to have them, but then again, not everyone has such a lucky love as your folks.

What your parents managed to do was to inspire you in believing that love can be randomly found one morning of a late breezy autumn day just like it happened to them, and yet they mistakenly failed to protect you from the reality of the harsh dating word that you were confronting after the edge of twenty – that most men are shit and they treat you good for the first couple of weeks before they ghost you while you end up falling for them and cry over a glass of wine with your best friends.

That sadly had been you luck so far as a twenty-something woman navigating the world of dating in the search of that love at first sight that your parents had. You had quite a few boyfriends up until now (high-school was your prime), but none of your relationship lasted for more than a couple of months, and you had never told anyone those three little words that everyone seemed to be so eager to mutter to their significant other, leaving you all wondering if you were the “wrong” one for not getting the “I love you”s out of your mouth so easily like everyone else around you did. You heard the words coming from between your father’s smiling lips towards your mother when she was cooking his favorite dish, and then from your mother to your father when he was fixing a lightbulb or when he was helping with the groceries. You heard your friends when you were out muttering or slow mumbling the words to their significant other across while deeply gazing into each other’s eyes as if they were the only ones standing on the surface of the earth and oh, how you envied them for that, and how much you would have loved to – at least for once – be in their shoes.

You wondered how that must felt, you had known love and loving coming from your family and friends your whole life, but you had never experienced that warm feeling within that chest of yours engulfing your torso whole as you guessed people feel when they are told that someone loves them back, noticing how their eyes soften and eyebrows slightly crumple up while the chest barely lifts to make room for the emotion to navigate their chests, shoulders, arms, and then within the whole body from the crown of your head to the tips of your feet. Must be nice, you often thought.

You never told one of your boyfriends that you loved them because you never felt like doing so in the first place as being untruthful has never been your forte, and each time one of the boys that pretended to be in love you love bombed you with these three words and the variations of them, you bolted – literally bolted out of the relationship at the first exit you could take. You wanted to say the words out loud too and to be sincerely honest when doing so, especially when everybody around seemed to be in their happy fairytale type of a love story (family, friends, even that one co-worker that you despised and never understood how he got that beautiful and smart girlfriend of his) while you were spending most of your days alone, and yet you were getting exhausted to wait for your fairytale or to want to make it happened by any means.

The whole idea of searching for love became too much for you after many failed trials of talking phases and unsuccessful first dates, and you grew extremely sickened in putting on your best clothes, doing your hair and make-up just to spend – out of politeness – one to two hours with random men telling you about their hot takes on the most boring, obnoxious subjects that have ever existed. You had accepted that dating might not be your thing for now at least, and that if dying alone was what was fated to you in the stars, then so be it. You will build your own house, adopt two or three pets and live into your cool divorced aunt without children phase for the rest of your days. Not a very bad narrative indeed, you considered the thought. Men were stupid, anyways.

You had finally decided to take a break from the dating scene, to delete Tinder and to refuse any other offer for the blind-dates that your friends has been arranged for you in the last couple of months. Damn, those were the most atrocious tries of hook-ups that you have ever had. Your friends that settled you up for dates in the past time meant nothing but good, they all wanted you to find someone better than your exes, and yet somehow, they ended up pairing you with sore losers all the time. Just your luck, once again.

“Come on Y/N, just one last time!” Your friend cried over the phone after already talking with your blind-date partner that you will make it to the date without letting you know ahead of getting him all excited, “I know this guy from work, and he is nothing but amazing – he is blonde, tall, buff and he has amazing blue-greenish eyes that I know you have a thing for! I can send you some steamy pictures if you want.” They pleaded in a perverted tone, making your eyes heavily roll up to your brains, “I know you said that you will take a break from dating, but let it be after this one last guy!”

“You have already told him that I am going, have you not?” You scolded her through the speaker, grabbing your forehead into your hand as that little part of you that always wanted to not cause any conflict even with people you never laid eyes on and especially with your friend who already talked in your name, activated within that anxious brain of yours – your friend promised, you must then go.

You heavily sighed, “Ok, good. I will go only because you put in your word, but that is the last time I am agreeing with one of these.” You answered with a frown feeling the little creases of your forehead with the tips of your fingers, “Is he really that handsome as you are describing him?” You wondered for a second, thinking about how she always talked that highly about the other guys she set you up with before only to exalt you to the maximum for a little while before your blind-dates and then for reality to crush you down to the ground the minute you arrive at the meeting point with your partner for the evening, “You know what?” You paused after yet another sigh, “Do not send me any photos – I want a surprise for my last blind-date.” You decided then, “You will be the complete matchmaker for this one.” You added, setting the conditions of her choosing the place, day and time.

Your friend was more excited than you the evening of the date while you were already made an excuse in the back of your mind to leave as soon as you exchange politeness with the man, and then act crazy for him to want to leave too. You were doing it for your friend, and yet on your way in you had decided that a little spoon of entertainment for you on the side will not ruin her friendship with him.

She sent you all the details after texting the one you were supposed to meet first, doing her matchmaker chores perfectly up to that point. You should make a job out of this, love – you texted her in the middle of your ride. She told you the name of the restaurant, and that you would have to meet him at 19:30 sharp, along with the details of what he was wearing and at what table you two shall be seated.

Taking a deep breath in as the last from your friend came through, you exited the cab and walked straight into the beforehand restaurant of your blind-date’s choosing. White t-shirt and checked blue flannel, washed-out blue light jeans, the second table next to the right window right before the bar and a smile to die for – that was what you were in searching of after your eyes relaxed underneath the warm-yellow dimmed lights of the restaurant after you went through a literal blizzard outside.

It took you a short while, and after moments of looking surprisingly disoriented right at the entrance of the place – you spotted the white t-shirt and blue flannel guy seated at the nearest table close to the bar and without thinking about that twice, you went straight for it without checking the distance from the bar to the table twice.

You took a big gulp of air into your lungs. Let’s finish this quick. You thought, cleaning your throat by coughing twice before taking a seat at the table as you took your first full glance at the one in front of you. Your friend was right for the very first time since she begun to set you up with these random men. The one who was now slightly confused as he was looking at you casually take was diviningly handsome.

Blonde, tall, buff (as your friend described him), and yet without any hint of green into his eyes but rather a spectacle of clean blue waves hitting the shore on a slow and lazy Sunday’s morning at a wild untouched by human presence beach in a place close to the edges of the Mediterranean Sea far away from the heavy winter outside the window at your left in Switzerland.

“Exc-” The beach boy spoke, and yet interrupted by your first attempt to pretend to be crazy in front of your blind-date. No matter how deep you had leapt for a second there into the shimmers of his eyes, you wanted to stick to your plan, exquisitely handsome men that you met so far on your dates in the past couple of months were usually jackasses most of the times anyway – nothing could have convinced you in that very moment that the beach boy was far different from the others, you were not lucky like that.

“Ok pretty boy, look how this is going to go.” You breathed into his direction, watching him watching you back with even a more puzzled look, sign that you should have taken before diving into a long monologue that was meant to scare him enough to take his little rucksack that was laid next to him and leave, “I am going to tell you my name, and then you will ask for mine and then some nonsense about what we both working, and we will pretend that we are listening to each other when in fact I am thinking about the lamest excuse to be back into my comfortable bed with my two cats while you are thinking about ways in which you are going to leave me three months from now that is if we go on a second date or – that is if you already find me attractive – how to lure me into your pants tonight.” You bluntly reverberated, speaking quite loudly and too rapidly for the stranger in front of you to fully comprehend your words as they were spoken, “Heads up – we will probably not be having a second date, and for the sex part,” You paused, taking a chug of water from the glass half-emptied already that stood in front of him while giving him a scan from head to toes quickly, “I might consider it for now.” You finished, hands now clasped together on the table in front of your chest, “Questions?” You inquired, spotting the half-smile that the man had on since your first words went out of your mouth spreading in a short giggly one.

“I am flattered by the words, miss.” He then uttered, calm wave-like eyes following creasing due to the smiling, “But,” The stranger paused, slightly looking over his shoulder for your eyes to follow the trajectory of the man’s look only to find at the end of it what you were looking for when you entered actually – the second table to the bar at which a man dressed in a very much similar outfit composed of a black t-shirt and checked blue flannel was enquiringly eyeing into your direction as he was recognizing you from the pictures your friends sent to him, the type of pictures that you should have asked for as well.

Your heart raced for a two good seconds as the beach boy ended his sentence with a chuckle as he turned back to you fully, “I do not think that I am the one who you are supposed to meet here.” He added while leaning back into his chair with both arms crossed at his chest and still an amazed grin sprinkled on the entireness of his face while you embarrassingly switched your glare from your actual blind date to the one seating in front of you, “Don’t sweat it pretty girl, I also got confused when I got at my table and saw the man next to it almost in the same outfit as me.” He chuckled once again, “What a coincidence – right?”

What a fucking coincidence that was, indeed. You cleaned your throat with a dry and embarrassed cough; your cheeks immediately went redder than they were once you entered from the cold outside, and yet you tried to look calm and concealed as you straightened your shoulders at your back and silently left the seat you so confidently assumed it was yours just minutes ago.

The beach boy blinked his eyes at you twice and that was when you noticed that they had attached the most beautiful pair of long light eyelashes that you have ever seen a boy carrying, and as you nervously touched the surface of the woodened table with your fingers to have something tangible to sustain yourself on during what was most probably one of the most embarrassing moments lately, the stranger’s look went around your fingers that for a moment there he felt the instinct of holding to return the feeling of comfort and confidence you had when seated first in front of him.

“That was embarrassing.” You articulated with a nervous chuckle, that was reciprocated by the stranger’s comforting lift of lips and a nonchalant hand waving in the space between your bodies, “I apologize, I think I should go now.” You awkwardly added, titling your head to the other table direction where you were supposed to be right from the beginning.

“No worries, that was fun.” He then softly spoke with a slight grin playing on the top of his rosy lips, “I think you should, your date looks impatient.” The beach boy smiled after a quick turn of his head, and for a minute there you would have hopped not to be wrong when you first sat in front of him rather your actual blind-date partner – the boy’s smile was nothing but astonishing, and there was something so soothing flickering in the calm blue irises of the guy that you once again associated with the calming foaming Mediterranean waves that you never got to see up until that very moment.

You excused yourself with a nod of the head, and the stranger did the same. Taking another full breath into your lungs, you finally took the seat that was rightfully yours.

“I really hope you have not heard that.” You nervously still spoke, your focus now on the man you were supposed to date – a knock-off of the one before. Still blonde, still tall, and still buff and yet nothing but peering eyes on you. Your date declined with a shake of head telling you afterwards that he was paying attention to his phone up until now and that he hates ears dropping to people’s conversations, giving you a sort of relief that – although you spoke quite loudly – you did not embarrass yourself twice that day in front of another stranger whose name you learned was Mikael, and whose name was carried through the spaces in between your tables to the beach boy as well whose lips were still plucked in a short smile. Even our names are similar, Mick thought.

Mick was the type of person who strangely believed in coincidences, and the boy believed that they do happen for a reason and nothing is random within our lives. Much like yours, the hopeless romantic’s mind imagined that fate must have brought you to his table first, and that there was something more to be unwrapped there that evening – and if it was not fate after all, Mick thought about giving it a chance still.

You were so pretty, unutterable pretty for him – rosy cheeks, lined red lips, and with that huge scarf covering most of your neck only to reveal the sweetest tone Mick had heard in a while talking to him, just to scold him seconds after in a rasping demanding octave; and then telling him that he might have had a chance of going home with you.

The beach boy – Mick – was there to meet some of his friends during a quick return to Switzerland for a couple of days, and those friends of his were late to the hang out for just enough time for him to have one of the weirdest, yet somehow interesting interactions in a long time with someone who was not aware of who he was or what his deal was. When you took the seat in front of him confidently and convincedly so, Mick thought that you just might be one of his fans who has no idea of what personal space meant and he slightly panicked. But then, you begun to speak and that was when the fun started for him, putting the pieces together as he strangely noticed the man at the other table being so close-looking with him right when he arrived at the restaurant.

Too many coincidences, way too many – that intrigued Mick the most, besides your trembling fingers on the top of the table and the way you called him a pretty boy in that honied tone of yours. As Mick was waiting for his friends to arrive, he took the time to focus his listening on your discussion with Mikael and oh boy, what a boring conversation that was.

Mikael let you talk only for the first couple of minutes, and that was all. You introduced yourselves, you made small talk about the weather and then a few questions about your common friend. Then, Mikael unlashed – talking about him, and only him. You knew what he was doing, you have been on the market for way too long to not figure out the “let-me-impress-you” speech right at the beginning of the date. You nodded, and nodded, and nodded. “Yeah”, “That’s so interesting”, “I see”, “I understand” being your most used lines. You even slightly rolled your eyes two or three times as Mikael was talking to you about the finance world and how much money you can get investing and cryptocurrency. You had no idea what he was talking about, and yet you let him talk thinking that at some point Mikael will get bored and annoyed with you not participating at all at the conversation, and that would be your cue to go home and relax back into your bed.

From time to time during your already awful date, you peeked into Mick’s direction. You were not to blame at all; those kinds of eyes do not tend to be forgotten so fast, hardly ever if we were to be honest. Mick’s friends had arrived ten to fifteen minutes after you left his table, and you noticed them sharing drinks, joking around and overall having much more fun rather than you. You sighed, noticing one of the girls present rubbing Mick’s shoulder as he was telling a story that had happened to him on the track last season in which he crushed the car and was cautioned for ripping it in half. Not being able to hear the conversation clearly, you neither got the story and the reason for which the girl was comforting him, and neither the beach boy’s name which you regretted not asking the first time now that Mikael turned out to be just one of those many guys that go on dates without any effort to make the other person contented into their seat but only talk, and talk, and talk about themselves.

Mick noticed your sigh and the roll of eyes as he shortly glanced over his shoulder to look on how your date was going while his friends were having a heated argument at the table over what type of bread is the best bread for sandwiches.

“Mick!” One of the uttered, slapping the table in such a fashion that it made everyone around you attentive towards the group – even you, “Toast or baguette, which one do you prefer mate?” He then asked, but Mick’s eyes were now locked with yours rather than giving a slight to no attention to whatever was discussed at his table.

You caught his glare on yours, and your cheeks went back to pink. You smiled silently, both of you as an understanding that the space in between the two of you was larger than it should have been and that you should have stayed at the table with him instead of going to the next one.

“That’s my cue.” Mick announced in a loud tone, and without saying any other world he got up and came straight to your table. You, Mikael and Mick’s friends were taken aback by the boy’s swift move, and what followed made you even more surprised.

“I cannot stand it anymore, sweetheart.” Mick then spoke, faking an enduring accent while gathering both of his hands at his chest, “I am standing over there while you are having a date with another man?!” Mick busted in a loud theatrical sigh, “How can you be so cruel to date someone else when we just broke up last week?” He then added, and that was when you figured out that he is planning a way to get you out of your date.

You laughed, “Oh, now you are jealous?” You spoke, immediately getting into Mick’s play although you had not even the slightest idea about his name even, “Pretending to care now after we broke up looks great on you, tough.” You inquired, clicking your tongue and leaning back into your chair now to switch your focus from Mick to Mickael who was a mere confused witness of your juvenile performance.

“Is he your ex-boyfriend? That’s why you talked to him when you arrived?” Mickael questioned, thinking that he put two and two together as he was already taking his jacket from the chair’s rest to cover his shoulders with.

You and Mick both nodded at the same time, in a perfect synchrony about which you were both proud of judging by your grins and stolen looks from each other in front of Mikael whose chest pumped in front of Mike as if he wanted to protect his marked territory now, thinking that you were in the perimeters of it, “Look my guy,” Mikael spoke, “I thought she has been single for a long time, her friend told me that she had not had any boyfriend recently and I thought tha—”

“I was kept a secret, my fellow friend.” Mick attend with a sob, “She is a cruel woman, this one.” Mick spoke, looking down at you who were barely able to hold in your laughs – the beach boy made the scene all so credible, “Why you think her friend picked you to date her – she is into pretty boys that can be easily manipulated.” Mick then continued to lie, pointing to him and then to Mikael, “We even look alike.” Mick declared while getting his blonde locks all ruffled with one of his palms, as the other one rested on the table next to yours. So close next to yours.

“Oh my god,” Mikael admitted after scanning Mick from head to toes after a long glance, “You are right, you do have a type Y/N.” Mikael added with a sense of repeal into the tone of his voice, grabbing now his jacket fully on him while getting up from the seat, “I cannot be part of this – I think I better go.”

You nodded, “I do have a type.” You continued with a swirl of your tongue, “You would have been my next victim, yes.” You chuckled, sounding exactly like you wanted to sound – a crazy insane person.

Mikael left right away without saying his goodbyes or leaving any money for the bill, while Mick’s friends erupted in laughter after they went quiet as the whole play developed right before their eyes, wondering what the hell was their friend up to. Once they spotted you and your red painted lips, all smiling and giggling at him now as Mick took Mikael’s seat as a turn of events – they understood what was going on, and they were going to play their wingmen roles accordingly to the plan.

“Thank you.” You laughed, seeing Mikael’s feet stepping out of the restaurant for good, leaving the spare seat for Mick to fill, “Why did you do that?” You then asked, hands apprehensively clasped on the table in front of him now.

Mick’s shoulders shrugged as his lips were spread into that pretty smile he already got you used to; Mick was as clueless as you about how did he came up with the whole story in the fractions of seconds in between the two tables, and yet what thing Mick knew for sure, “I thought you were giving me a sign from across the table, you seemed like you needed a little bit of help to get out of that boring conversation.”

You smiled back to him, “You were ears-dropping?” You inquired, your feet accidentally touch his underneath the table – making Mick’s heart jump, and one of his eyebrows twitched as you two had your first slight form of contact of many more to come. Your lips plucked together in a straight line, picturing somewhere in the back of your mind how the one standing in front of you were to react if you were to touch him more, in many other places and with less to no clothes on you.

“Who does not?” Mick spoke, “Those who say that they do not, they are just trying to pretend they are better than anyone else around them.” Mick added as he followed your example and had laid his hands clasped together in front of yours, slightly leaning forward as if he would have wanted to take a better look at you.

You agreed with a nod, the picture of Mikael showing into your brain for the very last time, “You are right –” You paused leaning forwards too, “Excuse me, I do not think that I got your name – and you just got mine.” You spoke, never breaking the eye-contact in between you and the blonde, no matter how intimidating you wanted to seem and no matter how far the waves of carrying you.

“Mick.” He simply replied, “What are we going to do now? Talk about our jobs?” He then laughed, glaring for a short while to his table, “Or perhaps – would you like to join us?” Mick inquired with a soft smile, cracking you whole right from the start as that was the very first time you had realized that it would be quite impossible to say no to him in any matter whatsoever while he was looking so dearly into your eyes.

You joined Mick’s table and his group, and you joined many of the tables and groups you were invited to from that evening on as Mick’s girlfriend, but that happened a little bit of later down the road.

The attraction between the two of you was obvious right from the start, all of Mick’s friends told him that after the first dinner you two shared together in their presence.

Rosy cheeks, shaking legs underneath the table, short, muttered excuses when one of you would accidentally touch the other hand while eating, long interminable arguments about silly subjects (baguette was the winner), and eye contacts that seemed to be impossible to break by someone else’s interruption. Everyone at the table sense it, and they hoped for you two to get it too – and fast.

You did, but not as fast as they would have thought. You were just friends at first, although friends do not text for hours, go on “hang-outs” such as long walks in the park during a harsh day of December just to warm each other’s hands by rubbing them together in a bar where you got completely drunk on liquor just to go and watch Christmas lights late at night after that, sillily embracing each other’s bodies to sustain both of your stabilities.

You made a habit of hanging-out every single weekend while Mick was in between seasons (and some weekdays too), and you were making excuses to leave your job earlier on Friday just to go and meet him. Tell anyone one example of a just platonic friendship where that does happen – where both parties want to spend each day of the week together, and they will tell you that the involved parties are insane for not admitting their feelings. None of the things you and Mick did were friendly, especially when the man’s hand was on your waist holding dearly for his life as your body was glued to him in a crowded club.

“Uhm,” Mick breathed right into your ear as he let yet another person pass by his back while trying to shield you from the crowd, keeping you safe within the space between his chest and his length of arms, “Coming here might not have been a great idea.” He chuckled, looking down at you all flustered being this close to him for the very first time – this close to his lips, and with those eyes of his looking down at you.

You gulped, and then nodded at the man’s words, “Want to go home?” You had asked, not mentioning either of your places in replying, bumping Mick’s confidence in believing that one day you two might share a home.

He smiled back to you, “I will drive you; I only drank non-alcoholic beer.” He admitted, taking your hand into his so he can easily guide you through the crowded pub.

You watched the man’s wide back as you were passing by all those strangers, those strangers who had no idea what you were holding in between your fingers and how right it felt for you to hold your Prince Charming’s hand. The tingles in your palm went up into your arms, lengthened their stretch up to your chest and found their place and spot there forever from then on. That warm, loving feel make its nest within your ribcage, extending throughout your whole body as days and nights in the presence of Mick’s followed.

Mick made you feel safe, extremely safe in all matters. There were no bad bones into that body of his, and no bad intentions within his brain. You were not believing your eyes each time you saw him smiling what it can do to your heart, and how much such a mere movement of lips can make you feel. You loved when that happened, and you began to think that maybe it was not just that that you loved ardently – but Mick in all his completeness.

“Mick,” You paused as the car’s engine sound slowed down in front of your block of apartments, “I think I am in love with you.” You muttered in a whispered voice, your eyes aiming from the clutched hands sitting on your lap to the man’s face who was already staring at yours with an innocent grin spread all over.

Mick took one of your hands into his, both sitting now on your lap before he unclasped both of your safety belts for him to lean towards you with more ease and for you to wrap your other arm around the man’s neck just for the tips of your fingers to play with the hair at his back while Mick begun to talk before a lick of his lips that immediately drove you insanely crazy, wanting nothing more but to have a bite of that too. Inches away from each other, almost being mouth to mouth, Mick’s whispers set the mood even better – his confession came through in the somewhat the same words as yours.

“Y/N.” Mick paused too as his gaze longed into yours for a while, the tingles of your palms basically burning at this point as the waiting period of your lips on him prolonged with every warm and hot breath of him that you felt on your face, “I know I am in love with you.” Mick then spoke, and that was enough for both of you to cut the chase and for your mouths to finally press-stud on each other just as they should have right from the beginning.

You laughed into the kiss at Mick’s choosing of words, of course he had to take it as a competition and top you somehow. Therefore, you decided in the spite of the moment that you will be the one to top him up in the car as you went into the man’s lap, hands around Mick’s neck while you two were hungeringly making out after all these weeks pretending that that was not the main thing you wanted to do. Fools, such fools to think that restraining will do you any good in the moment, besides only wanting now to kiss more, touch more, feel more all at once. Mick’s both hands went to your waist, and yours found their perfect spot in the curves of his neck and shoulders.

When you departed, Mick childishly nuzzled your nose with his and then uncovered your face from beneath your deranged strings of hair with two of his hurried fingers to be back on your waist and to hold you as close to him as space permitted, and that evoked something within you that you were not expecting – sorrowful bittersweet happiness for feeling for the first time that you were able to feel what everyone else was talking to you about. That was love, and you were living it.

“What’s wrong?” Mick concernedly quickly asked, seeing your eyes water into the thought and getting both hands on your face now to caress your burning cheeks.

“I am in love with you, Mick.” You repeated, kissing the boy’s lips again, leaving him all confused as why were you on verge of crying if you were in love with him.

“I am in love with you too, Y/N.” Mick nervously chuckled, “Is that a bad thing?” He then uttered, watching you vehemently declining with a shake of your head, “Do you want us to stop?” Mick worryingly continued with widened eyes, fearing that there was something wrong in the things he done, said or touched.

Your eyes softened and your eyebrows scratched up in awe to him, “You don’t get it – I never said that to anyone else before.” You confessed, hearts beating crazy into your chest as if it was ready to break out of you at any moment now and that only to be tamed by Mick’s soft lips on the top of your head, and then both of your cheek, and lips. The soft pressed peaks on your skin as you curled into the man’s embrace put a hard stop to the tears in an instant. You had this from now on, and that meant that you will never have to cry for not being able to feel love and to think that you were not worthy of that.

“Thank you, and I am sorry.” You whispered back to him, sobbing quietly as the man’s hands went from your cheeks on your neck, and then on your shoulder to stroke each – a mere gesture that meant so very much to you.

“You do not have to be sorry, pretty girl.” Mick chuckled, taking your mind out of the present moment right to your very first meeting, “And, just so you know – I get it.” Mick commented, and then time stood still for a little short while in which you two have done nothing but giggle like high schoolers hiding from peering eyes under the benches to make out.

You were patient enough to wait for your Prince Charming, and then you got a very much very improved version of one in the name of Mick Schumacher who – even after years of dating – still was shaken by your touch underneath the sheets, and whose heart raced faster than all of his cars when you softly placed one of your signature kisses underneath the man’s left ear, and with whom you learned that that warm feeling inside of your chest that goes from there throughout your whole body never calms down, and never fades, but it only grows with each “I love you” and all its variations.

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wannab-urs · 2 months

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Pedro Pascal Character Fanfiction Recs | Vol 34

AO3 | Kofi | Main Masterlist | The Spreadsheet Masterlist

Howdy folks!

Welcome to the Spreadsheet Digest, my weekly(ish) fic rec post. This is everything I read in the last two weeks. I was on a bit of a Din kick, but fear not, there are other boys here too.

All info provided by the author unless it was blank, in which case I filled it in.

Fic Recs Below!

lost, found

Dieter one shot by @sp00kymulderr

When Dieter is hurt by the words of someone else, he turns to his art to help him. What he really needs is you.

homophobia, unsupportive family, bad family relationships, drug use, alcohol use, implied poly relationship, sex mentions, angst angst angst. There is an ezra in this, whether he is our ezra or not is up to you. writer projecting their emotions on to their favourite character.

Well it's love, make it hurt

Din series by @corazondebeskar-reads

After The Mandalorian begrudgingly teamed up with you for a big-ticket bounty, you find you work surprisingly well together, and you propose a short-term partnership. Weeks become months, and your hunting partnership becomes muddled as you explore a new dynamic onboard the Razor Crest.

BDSM, d/s dynamics, dom/sub dynamics, s/m dynamics, sadism, masochism, bondage, bounty hunting, canon-typical violence, descriptions of injury, p in v unprotected sex, oral sex (m&f receiving), anal, toys, impact play, spanking, use of "sir," no y/n, all chapter titles are taking back sunday lyrics, explicit consent, aftercare, big meat Mando, soft dom din, din djarin removes the helmet but does not reveal his face

you've been a bad girl

Din one shot by @beskarandblasters

You’ve been a bad girl and Din decides to punish you by keeping you on a collar and leash

canon divergent (long live the Razor Crest), dom/sub, degradation, pet names (good girl, cyar’ika), vaginal sex, unprotected sex, creampie, praising, no use of y/n

sorgan girls are easy

Din one shot by @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin

Din gets off to a pretty girl he met in the past

male masturbation, PIV (past), infidelity (past), hair pulling (past)

Rescue Me

Din series by @charnelhouse

Mando rescues a girl and develops a life-ruining crush.

Innocence kink. Age Gap. Smut. Screwing someone to get the other out of their head trope. Loss of Virginity (a tad bit of blood). Fluids. Dirty talk. Angst. Smut. semi-public sex. language. ptsd. fluff.

sweaty hands, reluctant hearts

Din one shot by 221bshrlocked (AO3)

He never thought the day would come when he’d hear you saying you wanted to leave (him). Yes there was an understanding between the two of you that you were hired to help him care for the Child and to somehow keep the Razor Crest alive and working. And he knew it made sense for you to find work elsewhere now that the Razor Crest was destroyed and the Child was with his own kind. But he just assumed you weren’t going to leave considering it’s been a couple of months since he’d given the kid to the Jedi and you never brought it up. It hurt hearing you say those words, especially when he realized he wasn’t meant to hear them and that you were confiding in Cobb Vanth of all people. Turns out, all Mando needed was to see the Marshal eye-fucking you as you fixed the new ship and overshared your thoughts for him to snap and finally make a move. Hopefully he can change your mind…

angst, smut, jealous mando, the helmet comes off, rough sex, penetrative sex, oral sex, breeding kink, slight exhibitionism, sweaty sex, overstimulation, squirting, dirty talk, sweet talk, mando’a, shy/fluffy mando, touch starved, post season 2 - no grogu, some non con elements due to overstimulation, but everyone is consenting.

i wonder if you stopped his world like you stopped mine

Frankie one shot by @chronically-ghosted

watching the woman he loves be with someone else is killing him, but for your sake, he manages. But when Benny's birthday loosens him up, he can't help but bear his soul over a phone call. Too bad you don't pick up and he's forced to leave the evidence in a voicemail.

pining, light angst, idiots in love, country music as a catalyst, romance, tw alcohol, tw drinking, hangovers, ultimately very fluffy

ruthless

Joel one shot by @whatsnewalycat

Joel is essentially your step dad and he catches you sneaking out instead of manning the radio like you're supposed to... so he punishes you.

DDDNE, literally just a fucked up stepdad/mom's bf fantasy, could read "mom" as tess but I don't name her or assign physical features to her or reader, post-outbreak, reader is def over 18 but not by much so yeah age gap, NON-CONSENSUAL, power imbalance, unethical d/s dynamic, slapping, spanking, punishment, orgasm delay/denial, humiliation, degradation, face fucking, anal sex, little to no aftercare

the warmth of your gaze, the lingering of your touch

Joel one shot by @beskarandblasters

After an evening out with Joel you come home to go to bed together, leading to some other activities before the night ends.

reader is disabled and uses a wheelchair, no outbreak AU, Joel can lift reader, fingering, oral sex, praising, vaginal sex, unprotected sex, creampie, pet names (darlin’, pretty girl, baby, angel), fluff, no use of y/n

undercover

Tim Rockford series by @secretelephanttattoo

It's been 20 years since you left LAPD and stopped answering his calls. What happens when you partner up again after all this time?

Idiots who won't admit their feelings. Or if we're being polite: friends to ex-friends to work partners to lovers. Miscommunication. Slow burn romance with eventual explicit smut. The holsters come with their own warning. the dressDave Yorkseries@janaispunkYou’re having an affair with Dave York. When he takes you on a week-long vacation, you realize that you have deeper feelings for him than you should. explicit smut (18+ only, mdni), angst, infidelity, fluff, somewhat questionable relationship dynamics, dom/sub dynamics, dom!dave, sub!reader, able-bodied reader, dave pulls her hair, no use of y/n, idiots in love, more specific warnings at the start of each chapter

the dress

Dave York series by @janaispunk

You’re having an affair with Dave York. When he takes you on a week-long vacation, you realize that you have deeper feelings for him than you should.

explicit smut (18+ only, mdni), angst, infidelity, fluff, somewhat questionable relationship dynamics, dom/sub dynamics, dom!dave, sub!reader, able-bodied reader, dave pulls her hair, no use of y/n, idiots in love, more specific warnings at the start of each chapter

My Recent Fics

Trust - Din Djarin x gn!reader - season 2 finale drabble (prompt fill)

Ravage - Ezra x f!Reader - saltburn AU, vampire scene

Only Good Girls - Dave x f!reader - D/s, punishment, mirror sex

Happy Reading!

#fic recs #the spreadsheet digest #fanfiction recommendations #pedro pascal #pedro pascal character fanfiction #ppcu fanfiction #pedro pascal fanfiction

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idyllic-affections · 11 months

Note

HELLO!! YOUR BAIZHU WITH CHRONICALLY ILL READER IS THE BEST THING THAT'S EVERY HAPPENED!!! I've never seen a blog that does only platonic things, and as an aroace person, IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY! I wasn't too sure if you requests were open or not, but I was wondering if you could make either some headcanons or a fic where the reader (from that series) has a flare up or gets sick and Baizhu takes care of them? I'm unfortunately sick right now (just in time for when my final school assignments are due, slay 😍) but found family and hurt/comfort are literally the best thing ever, and, if put together, I'm pretty sure will cure me /j. If you requests aren't open, then please disregard this message!

Anyway, I gotta go sleep before the fever messes up my brain (if it hasn't already); so good bye, and thank you again!!

a slip of the tongue.

summary. how does baizhu care for his junior herbalist when they fall ill?

trigger & content warnings. flu-like sickness, lighthearted mentions of death.

tropes, pairings, fic length, & other notes. hurt/comfort-ish. baizhu & reader. 1.1k words. they/them pronouns for reader. this post is an expansion of invisible disability? it's rather visible to me & contains vaguely implied spoilers for baizhu's story quest.

author's thoughts. hello lovely!!! thank youu <3 i am slowly collecting people that like this series like how i collect shiny rocks. its great to get a request related to it. i hold this series very dearly, so please (and this goes for everyone reading this!) never be shy to send thoughts about it or requests related to it. anyway, i love catering to aroace folk, you all are so special to me. im on the aro spectrum myself, so i get it. i know from experience that it can be super frustrating looking for fanfic content that's non-romantic. please remember to take care of yourself! i totally understand the feeling of needing to finish final assignments while being sick. me and you are in the exact same boat LMAO... my requests are always open btw! ive no intention of ever closing them. in the end, i went with our poor reader being sick rather than having flare ups, since i already briefly touched on that idea in employee benefits.

how does baizhu care for his junior herbalist when they're sick and out of commission?

baizhu is most often the first to know when they're sick or otherwise unwell. he's so impossibly attentive to their bodily condition, simply because their health is partially his responsibility. he's their teacher. what kind of mentor would neglect to take care of their apprentice? a bad one, that's what kind.

(he also feels somewhat indebted to them—even though they're chronically ill, they're always doing anything they can to help him recover after his "secret art" treatments. even though he's the doctor, they've helped care for him on more than one occasion. he has to return the favor whenever he can. just because he's older doesn't mean he gets to freely take advantage of their kindness.)

if he's not the first to know, he's the second, because the only instance where he wouldn't know first is if they woke up ill at home.

he'll always end up being the second to know, at the very least. someone will inform him of their condition, whether that be a parent or a sibling or another family member. sometimes a friend of theirs may tell him, such as xingqiu, chongyun, hu tao, or xiangling.

in hu tao's case... she may be distrustful of him, but she does tell him when they aren't well. [name] is a childhood friend of hers. she cares about their health and, surprisingly, doesn't want to put them in the ground just yet!

even though she dreads the path they've chosen to walk down... she still cares for them, very much so.

(junior herbalist!reader's lore drop is finally here?!?!?)

regardless of how baizhu finds out, they'll end up being cared for at the pharmacy.

though he could prescribe them medication and let them be taken care of at home...

he often wants to care for them himself.

gui has asked why in the past, and baizhu really has never had a good answer for him.

he's really not sure why he wants to be the one to monitor them. perhaps it's because it gives him a sense of calmness and reassures him that they're recovering well.

after all, if their condition were to rapidly decline for any reason... he could fix it.

(to some others, his concern might seem overprotective. unnecessary. however, something as simple as the flu has been known to take lives. he worries that, because of their chronic illness, they may be more susceptible to a severe case than others are.)

he has the means to save them if something like that were to happen, and undoubtedly, the life of his sweet and kind apprentice is one that deserves to be saved and protected.

perhaps it's also because it seems to put qiqi at ease; baizhu's noticed that she gets fidgety in [name]'s absence during work hours, but when they're ill and being cared for at the pharmacy, she functions very well and often even remembers to check on them herself.

sometimes when they have a fever, qiqi may sit by their side for minutes at a time and just press her little cold hands on their forehead to cool them off. she also ensures that they stay hydrated.

both baizhu and gui find this behavior very endearing. qiqi cares deeply for her big sibling (despite the fact that she's technically older...). her bond with them is something very special and sweet to bear witness to.

bubu pharmacy's work environment is familial and tightly knit by nature, so it isn't too hard to imagine that something would feel wrong if one of the four herbalists were gone for whatever reason. even those who don't work there are affected by the absence of one or more of the pharmacists.

overall, baizhu takes very good care of them when they fall ill.

he monitors them closely, hand-crafts their medicine depending on what they need, makes sure that their fluid intake is maintained...

he dotes on them tbh.

"Ugh..." they groaned, blearily blinking up at their mentor. Baizhu's hand against the feverish skin of their forehead was cold; they couldn't help but lean into the gentle touch. "Bàba?"

He didn't point it out. He hardly even acknowledged their words, as if he were somehow used to it. He only smiled, hand stroking tenderly over their disheveled hair, taming the defiant strands no doubt caused by restless sleep. "So sorry to wake you, dear."

Even Changsheng was quiet—she only hummed thoughtfully from her place around Baizhu's neck. Normally, she'd find something to tease them about (usually because they started it!), but now... she seemed to know that it just wasn't right to tease them in their hazy state of mind.

Gui was quiet, too. He was surprised. He had never heard them address their mentor such an... informal way, let alone with familial terms. He did once briefly think that the dynamic they had with Baizhu was awfully family-like, but...

It was still unexpected.

"Come, now. It's time to take your medicine again, and then you can go back to sleep, okay?"

Gui watched, still silent, as they hummed in absentminded acknowledgement, rubbing their eyes ever so slightly. It didn't seem to help them come to at all; their gaze was still distant and unfocused and they didn't even realize how they addressed the doctor. If they did... they'd probably apologize, embarrassed, but they showed no such emotion. Baizhu gently guided them into a sitting position, rubbing small circles on their back.

Gui handed the cup filled about halfway with herbal medication off to the doctor. Baizhu gingerly guided it to their lips, knowing very well that the guidance was needed; they looked half-asleep sitting up. Archons know they were in no condition to successfully do it themselves. They took the medicine without so much as a whine about its bitterness—they only grimaced slightly after swallowing. Gui supposed that they never really were one to complain about it, even when fully coherent. 'I think it would set a bad example for others if I complained,' they once told him. 'Plus, it's not like Dr. Baizhu gets some kind of sadistic pleasure from giving medication to me, so there's no reason to complain. It's herbal. There's nothing to be done about the taste... I know he doesn't like taking it either. Hehe. It's kind of funny, actually, like we're hiding some kind of company secret. Herbalists who don't like the taste of herbal medicine.'

It was only after he left the room with the doctor that he pointed it out:

"They called you bàba."

"Hm?" Baizhu hummed, turning to Gui. "Oh. Yes... [Name] has done it quite a few times, actually, whether that be because of fever delirium or a slip of the tongue. I don't mind it. It only means that they feel safe enough to be vulnerable here. Qiqi has done it a few times, as well. Those two are only children, so... it is to be expected."

Gui then smiled, nodding. "It's cute."

Baizhu couldn't help but agree, his lips tilting upwards into a little smile himself. "It is."

please consider reblogging, it helps me out quite a lot!

#aphelion's headcanons 🌸#: [ the junior herbalist! 🌸 ]#favoniuslibrary #astronetwrk #platonic genshin impact x reader #platonic genshin #platonic genshin impact #platonic genshin x reader #platonic baizhu x reader #baizhu x reader #genshin impsct x reader

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atiny-piratequeen · 4 months

Text

𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝔂 𝓗𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓒𝓱. 𝟑 (𝓟𝓽.𝟏)

𓆩⟡𓆪Summary: Wooyoung is a culinary student and he and two of his best friends have been brought along to Namhae to learn and study the farmers out in the countryside and disconnect a bit. Reluctant at first, he just wishes he could've been back in the city and close to his long-time crush Yeosang. Things change when he lays his eyes on the dimpled country boy staying with them that show them around and teach them more about Namhae's way of life, all with a spine-tingling Satoori.

Maybe things aren't so bad out here in the sticks, after all.

𓆩⟡𓆪Pairing: WooSan + Endgame WooSanSang

𓆩⟡𓆪Genres/Aus: Non-Idolverse, Fluff, Romance, Humor, Smut, Hurt/Comfort, Found Family, Fish Out Of Water Tropes, Au, Mutual Pining, Country Boy San, Culinary Student Wooyoung, Poly Endgame

𓆩⟡𓆪Tws: Swearing, Miscommunications, Jealousy, Mentions of Homophobia, Light Instances of Unwanted Advances (from non mcs)

𓆩⟡𓆪Sws: Wet Dreams, Threesomes, Blowjobs, Handjobs, Risky Sex, Biting, Scenting, Hair Pulling, Praise Kink, Creampie, Cock Sharing, Dirty Talk, Bareback Sex, Riding, Doggystyle, Cum Swallowing

𓆩⟡𓆪Rating: Explicit/Mature (18+)

𓆩⟡𓆪WC: 21k

𓆩⟡𓆪A/n: This is the first of two parts of the final chapter of @schone-lie's commission! Thank you so much my dear and Thank you everyone who has enjoyed this little series. Tumblr did not like that the original document for this was 37k words long. I had to split it up into two parts, but the archive link has the entire chapter all in one. I worked very hard on this, especially given the wait between posting so...If you like it, please make sure to reblog it as well, so that other folks may see my works come across their respective dashes, too. Have a good time zone~

𓆩⟡𓆪AO3| Taglist Form (Please make sure your urls are updated and able to actually be tagged) | Commission Sheet𓆩⟡𓆪

𓆩⟡𓆪Network Ping- @kwritersworld | @kdiarynet | @k-vanity | @cultofdionysusnet𓆩⟡𓆪

𓆩⟡𓆪©atiny-piratequeen. do not repost, translate, or use my works𓆩⟡𓆪

Chapter 2 Chapter 3 (Pt. 2)

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Yeosang snapped out of his daze when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back, smiling at Yeji as she quietly observed him. She and the others had returned a few days ago, clearly enjoying their time reunited with their significant others, if the fresh marks on her neck were anything to go by.

He forced a smile and opened his mouth and she narrowed her gaze suspiciously. He caught the look and lowered his shoulders, rubbing his neck.

“It hurts like a bitch. But it's alright. That’s just how things are. As long as Woo is still in my life, that’s all I care about.”

Her eyes softened and she gently rubbed his back, frowning.

“Do you think…?” He began a sentence and then paused, brows furrowing. Did he want to know the answer? She waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts and his words before he ran a hand through his hair, pushing his bangs back before they fell back into place.

“Do you think he’s happy?” He questioned quietly, thumbing the book in his hands. She looked at him, her heartbreaking gently as she took in the expression on his face.

He…really loved Wooyoung. Just, not enough to put their friendship at risk and potentially lose him forever.

She considered not answering him, but instead, she gently nodded, rubbing his back when she saw him take a shaky breath before exhaling.

“Good. He deserves it.” He squared his shoulders and picked up the other books on the table before them, turning away from him. Yeji’s eyes followed him as he began to walk down the aisle of the bookstore he part-timed in on days he didn’t have school or his training classes.

“He comes home in a month. What will you do then?” She inquired. Yeosang gently slid the books back into their places and turned to her, a soft smile stretching across his lips. His eyes didn’t mirror them, but she didn’t call him on it this time.

“I’ll do what I always do. No matter what, I’m always going to love him and he will always be my best friend as long as he still wants to be. I don’t need to do anything unnecessary to jeopardize that.” His words hung in the air between them before he rolled his neck and found other ways to busy himself.

Yeji sighed and began helping him out, cracking jokes here and there until she could see him smile.

《☆》★《☆》★《☆》★《☆》★《☆》

When San stepped foot into his home that day, he noticed a distinct lack of his favorite (and only) three siblings running up to greet him. He frowned, his shirt splotched in dirt and sweat from the day. It had rained before and he’d taken a fall or two while out in the field.

That's beside the point, though.

“Gahyeon? Eric? Jongho?” He called into the home and heard the sound of screaming and the pitter-patter of feet rushing toward him.

Gahyeon appeared first, her face flushed as she stormed into his space with her hands on her hips.

“Oppa! Wooyoung can’t leave! He has to stay and marry you!” She huffed. San blinked and looked over her shoulder, finding Wooyoung kneeling, cooing to Eric and Jongho as both toddlers threw tantrums.

“If you go away, Hyung is gonna get sad!” Eric protested. Jongho sniffled and held out the chunky dragon plushie in his hands.

“I-I’ll give you Mingi, please don’t go? Hyung doesn’t go to the city, he’s gonna get sad and cry.” His hands shook as Wooyoung gently pet his head, brows pulled up.

“I’m sorry, Jongho. I have to go home but that’s not for another month. I can’t take Mingi from you.” He gently declined. Jongho’s lip wobbled and he held up his plushie higher.

“Take Mingi. And stay, please.” He tried again. Wooyoung looked distraught until a calloused, yet gentle hand landed on his shoulder, drawing the eyes of the two boys.

“That’s not nice, boys. You can’t force someone to do something like that.” He gently scolded before meeting Wooyoung’s eyes.

He looked torn.

San chuckled, kneeling beside him and kissing his nose until he scrunched it up.

“Just trust your big brother, it’s going to be okay.” San reassured. Wooyoung blinked at him before something seemed to click in his brain, his lips parting as an excited look sparked in his eyes.

Gahyeon looked between them before turning to her brothers and smiling.

“Okay, Oppa said it’s going to be okay and Oppa doesn’t lie. We have to find Mama and Papa and see if they wanna watch Pororo with us!” She pointed proudly down the hall and her brothers perked. Eric bounded down the hall and Jongho trailed slightly behind him before looking back at the men, hugging his stuffed animal close to his chest.

“I think…I think Hyungs look happy and should stay together…yeah.” He nodded and toddled down the hall, his bare feet slapping against the tile as his bangs bounced with every step.

Wooyoung watched them go, his shoulders relaxing before he glanced at San. The slightly older man hummed before putting his hands on his knees and pushing himself up to stand.

“Wanna go on a walk?” He inquired. Wooyoung looked at his hand as he extended and nodded, rising to his feet and following San.

They walked in silence for a while, though neither of them seemed like they were in a rush to break it. Wooyoung glanced to his left and reached to hold San’s hand, smiling when he felt his fingers lace between his without hesitation.

By the time they finished walking, San had led him to a railing that overlooked the lower level of the village. Night had begun to fall. San leaned on the railing, the wind sweeping his bangs as Wooyoung stood beside him, staring out at the town.

“I wanted to clear my head.”

Wooyoung looked at him out of the corner of his eye.

“Did the little ones upset you?”

“Not at all. I knew the night you asked me, I’d happily leave this place behind for you.”

Wooyoung’s lips parted in shock. San smiled softly, a fond half-lidded look in his eyes.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been up here.”

It seemed like a change of the subject, but Wooyoung liked to think he’d gotten very good at reading San’s body language during their time together, so instead of addressing the first part of their interaction, he put his hand at the small of San’s back, gently rubbing.

Waiting.

San exhaled after a long beat of silence.

“When I was rejected at the festival by the boy I had a crush on, he told me to meet him here a few days later. I never skipped school or anything because of it, but he made a point to slip a note in my desk and ask me to meet him here.” San, rolled his shoulders before standing straighter, his eyes staring out but not focused on anything in particular.

“He told me I was a freak. Asked me why wasn’t I ashamed. A man with another man? What was wrong with me? He told me I didn’t belong here in Namhae.”

Wooyoung’s fingers tensed along his back and San let out a humorless chuckle.

"Ever since that day, this hasn’t felt like home. Once I step foot out of Chae-noona and GD-hyung’s home, I’m an alien alone in a foreign planet.” He drummed his fingers against the pole of the railing and then turned to Wooyoung. He slowly pivoted on his heel, turning his back on Namhae and instead facing Wooyoung completely, holding his hands in his own.

“Then you all came. And I wasn’t looked at weirdly, even after you found out about me.” he continued. Wooyoung didn’t interrupt him, gently rubbing his knuckles as he talked.

Of course, he wouldn’t treat him differently. None of them would. They understood the hardships well.

“When you asked me if I’d come to the city with you with that bet, I already knew my answer. Wooyoung,"

San pressed their heads together, staring into his eyes. Wooyoung let go of a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"I think anywhere you are will feel like home to me. If the offer is still on the table, can I live with you back in the city?"

Wooyoung smiled, kissing San as if he was the only person in the world. San smiled and held him close, unbothered by being out and in the open.

Wooyoung laughed in disbelief when they pulled away from one another, wiping his eyes of tears he wasn’t aware he’d shed.

“Of course, the offer is on. Are you sure ? I won’t take any offense if you decide to wait for a bit longer or-”

“Wooyoung. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

San put their heads together, gently rubbing Wooyoung’s cheeks and tilting his head. Wooyoung held his gaze and then pulled him in for a hug, pressing a prolonged kiss to his cheek, right on his dimple.

“You have no idea how giddy I feel right now. I feel like I’m in one of those romance novels or something.” He sniffled. San kissed his head and held him close, tucking him in his arms.

“I think I have an idea. I feel the same.” He whispered into his hair. He looked down at the village as the streetlights turned on and the sun began to set. His apprehension was gone and the fear he had of the great unknown of the city was replaced with an excitement that shook him to his very core.

“I think we should celebrate,” San suggested, holding Wooyoung’s hand without a care in the world as they slowly made their way back to the house. Wooyoung nodded with his head on his shoulder, squeezing his hand.

“How about we make that dish your grandparents used to make? I memorized the recipe and taste when you made it for me.” He offered back. San smiled at him and nodded, unlocking and opening the door.

Three, small heads peeked around the doorframe of the kitchen and three sets of boba-shaped eyes locked onto the two and the honeymoon-worthy smiles on their faces.

“Operation: ‘ Get Wooyoungie Oppa to marry Sannie Oppa’ is a success,” Gahyeon whispered. Eric squinted, tilting his head.

“But they don’t gots the ring like Eomma and Appa do.” He muttered back. Jongho squeezed his dragon plushie and gathered his courage, waddling out of his not-so-subtle hiding place and heading over to the two men as they toed off their shoes.

“-I’ll mince the garlic and you can start prepping the breadcrumbs-Oh hi Jjongie.” San smiled down at his brother and Jongho looked at the two of them with wide eyes full of wonder.

“....Hi hyung.” He wanted to say more, but found his voice failing.

San knew his siblings well, and bent down, picking Jongho up before kissing his cheek.

“Wooyoung-ah is going to be here in Namhae for a few more weeks, Jjongie. Will you help us pack when its time for us to go back to the city?” He inquired. Jongho looked at him, almost seemed upset for a moment before he blinked.

“Us? Both of you?”

San simply smiled, bouncing the toddler on his hip.

“I don’t wanna make Mingi sad, right?” He grinned.

Realization crossed Jongho, Eric, and Gahyeon’s faces, and instantly all three children burst into tears.

Chaerin came running at the sound of her babies crying, stopping short when she found the trio tightly holding onto both San and Wooyoung, bouncing excitedly.

“Will you let us visit? Can we come over?” Jongho questioned excitedly, talking even though San tried to wipe the tears from his cherub cheeks.

“Are you gonna get a race car bed? Do they make race car beds for big kids like you hyungs? WAIT! Hyung!!!! Do you have a race car in the city?!” Eric gasped, pointing at Wooyoung and catching the Oreo-haired man off guard.

Gahyeon twirled and bounced around them, her ponytail swinging as she hummed the infamous fanfare for marriage ceremonies.

“Oppa’s gonna get married~ Oppa’s marrying Oppa~ Oppa’s marrying Oppa, and I’m gonna bring flow-ers!” She sung to the beat. Cherin’s shoulders relaxed as she looked over at the men, finding San and Wooyoung smiling from ear to ear as they humored the energetic children.

“I guess their night walk went well.” her husband’s voice came from behind her as Jiyong placed a hand at the small of her back. She crossed her arms and watched them a bit longer.

“I guess it did. It’s about time he got the hell out of Namhae.” She nodded in approval, looking over to Wooyoung.

“I just hope wherever he goes, he’s happy. He won’t be too far from us, anyway. C’mon, my little rascals. You need to tell us what you three want to be for Halloween so we can start buying the fabric.” She turned and pulled him away, letting the new couple entertain the excited children.

After dinner and washing up, San and Wooyoung found themselves curled up on the couch in the living room. Jongho, Eric, and Gahyeon slept soundly sprawled out in their laps while Changbin watched the screen with rapt attention. Yeonjun played a game on his phone, the screen illuminating his face as his half lidded gaze looked it from top to bottom.

San looked at Wooyoung out of the corner of his vision, his gaze softening as he took in the city man’s kind gaze. He ran his hand through Gahyeon’s hair, adjusted Eric’s arm so he wouldn’t hurt it with his position, and pressed Jongho’s dragon plushie into his arms before he settled himself.

In the calmness of the living room, San felt a smile come to his face.

He’d known he’d made the right decision.

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

August 30th

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

“Okay, do you have all of your things? We can go back and check the house and-”

“Noona-”

“What about your new bank card? Do you have your new bank card? Ji, did you give him his card? He can’t buy anything without-”

“Noona-”

“Oh wait, hold on, I have a basket with some goodies coming, let me just double-check the address-”

“Mom!”

Chaerin paused in her fretting, looking at her eldest ‘son’ as he stood before her, his bookbag tossed over his shoulder and a teary smile on his face. She bit her lip and stood straight, collecting herself as she met San’s gaze.

“I’m going to be okay, Noo-mom. Mom . We don’t live too far from here. If I need anything or missed anything, I’ll call. Besides, it’s not like I'm going anywhere drastically different. I’m going to help out in the restaurant with Kibum hyung.”

Chaerin cupped his face and smiled softly.

“You know, that’s the first time you haven't corrected yourself when you’ve called me Mom. Not Noona, not Miss Chae. Mom.”

San blushed and kissed her cheek, patting her hands.

“You’ve been nothing less than that since you took me in. It’s long overdue.” He whispered as she fixed his magenta bangs.

“Go on. You still have a lot of unpacking to do.” She shooed him off, hugging herself as he waved and jogged back to the car waiting for him on the curb.

Wooyoung bent down until she could see him, sending her a million-dollar smile as he waved at her.

“I’ll take care of him, Noona!”

“You better, if you don’t want my foot up your ass, Jung Wooyoung!”

Wooyoung laughed nervously as San got in the car, taking his hand in his as the Namhae native waved one last time. Wooyoung pulled off, rubbing San’s knuckles as he drove, unable to wipe the smile off of his face.

“I called everyone over to help us unpack. Did you want to stop off and get breakfast first?” Wooyoung inquired after twenty minutes of navigating through the city traffic. San looked around the city with eyes filled with wonder.

“....Maybe some other time. I think it would be nice for me to meet up with everyone and thank them properly for welcoming me….Oh, unless I should get gifts. Hell, I didn’t even think of that-” San began to fret as Wooyoung laughed, turning down a street and watching him out of the corner of his vision.

“I don’t think that’s usually the order of operations, my love. You can give them thank you gifts after you’re settled in.” He told him. San pursed his lips, leg bouncing.

“Are you sure? I want to make a good first impression with the lot of them.” He sighed, sitting back and watching the houses as Wooyoung drove past them.

“What’s not to love about you? Plus, everyone’s heard nice things about you from me and the others already, there’s no need to be worried. You have met most of them already.” Wooyoung cheerily told him. San smiled and rubbed his sweaty palms against his pants.

Right, he hadn’t done anything to make anyone dislike him.

He had a nagging, persistent feeling like he had forgotten something, though.

It was replaced with an overarching sense of anxiety when he noticed Wooyoung pulling into a home where several cars had already been lined up outside of.

The front door opened before he could even put the car in park and a familiar face appeared in the doorway.

Yeji smiled from ear to ear as she locked eyes with the men.

“You were late, so we helped ourselves inside!” she answered the unasked question and put her hands on her hips, looking over at the two of them with a smile on her face.

San stepped out first, his hair lightened over the past month to a soft bubble gum pink.

“Sorry, my mom was fretting and-”

“Oh, don’t apologize. We all know what it’s like to leave the nest the first time. I hope Chaerin-noona is doing well.” Changbin said from the door, stepping out into the warm August sun with the others.

Wooyoung popped his head out of the car, scanning the group before some sort of realization hit him and his smile slightly faltered.

“Where’s Yeosang?” He inquired. Soobin and Yeonjun exchanged a look before Yeonjun piped up, crossing his arms.

“He said things were a bit backed up with the training, so he wouldn’t be able to make it today. Something about there being an influx of new training classes for him to lead and another trainer being on maternity leave.” He told them, shrugging. Yeji sighed quietly, but didn’t say a word.

San couldn’t see Wooyoung’s face, exactly, but he was certain the news wasn’t very favorable to him given the subtle change in his tone when he replied with a simple; ‘Oh, really? That’s too bad, then.’

Chan came around the side of the car and greeted San with a fist bump as he popped open the trunk to Wooyoung’s car.

“We’ve already unloaded the desk and the dressers from the moving van that came by earlier. You don’t have very many items, do you?” He questioned, changing the subject and picking up two suitcases in an instant. San barely had the time to offer help before Chan was marching up the driveway.

“I didn’t wanna take up too much space in Woo’s home. Namhae doesn’t really have a shopping district like this place where you can get all kinds of things and I don’t have like, a huge wardrobe of clothes and such.” San admitted, waiting for Wooyoung to exit the car before the two of them grabbed the last few armfuls of boxes and headed inside.

“It’s your home too, now. I say the first big paycheck you get from working in the restaurant, we go on a big shopping spree for you.” Wooyoung grinned, the bounce back in his voice and step as he lead the way back inside. San laughed, happy the hiccup in his mood didn’t persist longer than a few moments.

“I’m not sure about that, but for now let’s just get settled in. I wanna make everyone a big, hearty Namhae dinner as a thank you for helpin us out.” San muttered. The moment he stepped into the home, the scent of cooking food hit him full force.

“Oh please, did you think we were gonna let you come home on an empty stomach? You can cook some other time. Get settled in, take some time to yourselves and go put your clothes away.” Yeonjun pointed to the stairs and San smiled, taking one of suitcases out of Chan’s arms, while Wooyoung grabbed the other.

When San first stepped foot into what was to be his and Wooyoung’s new shared room, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

It was so overwhelmingly Wooyoung that he needed a moment to let it sink in.

He was here. This was his home.

Wooyoung rustled about behind him for a few seconds before he felt his arms wrap around his frame, his breath fanning over the back of San’s neck.

He shuddered and leaned against Wooyoung, playing with his hands where they stayed around his waist.

“You did it.” Wooyoung whispered, his lips making the hair at the nape of San’s neck stand on end. San simply purred in response, squeezing Wooyoung’s hands.

“We did it. I wouldn’t have made that step without you.” He admitted, turning in Wooyoung’s arms and draping his arms over his neck. Wooyoung smiled, looking up at nothing in particular.

“I know, I am pretty damn convincing, aren’t I?” He teased. San rolled his eyes and kissed him, bringing the room into a comfortable stillness.

When they broke from each other, Wooyoung ran his hands lower, lightly squeezing his ass.

“We could make the room more ours, if you were feeling daring.” He smiled lazily and San felt heat rise to the tips of his ears.

“Your friends are all downstairs.”

“ Our friends can busy themselves, they do it all the time. Is that a no? Because we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

San looked at the door behind him for a moment before looking back at Wooyoung.

“Nothing that’s too much, I don’t want them knowing.” He cleared his throat and Wooyoung sent him a devilish smile.

“It’s fine. I can find a way to keep you quiet.”

Wooyoung was nothing if not a man of his word.

That’s how San found his head hanging upside down from the edge of the bed, his mouth occupied with Wooyoung’s cock as he slowly rolled his hips. Despite the occasional gag when Wooyoung hit the back of his throat, San was proud of the fact he could take him completely, his arms woven around Wooyoung’s thighs.

Wooyoung’s hands had been splayed across his own thighs, kneading and massaging as he placed contrasting kitten licks and kisses to San’s cock, smiling at the near-desperate way his boyfriend lifted his hips in anticipation.

“You gotta be still~” Wooyoung whispered along his heated skin, licking up a pearl of precum that beaded at the head of San’s cock.

San whined in frustration below him, but swallowed sharply when he felt himself being enveloped with the heat of Wooyoung’s mouth.

Predictably, his hips kicked up at the sudden change, but Wooyoung pushed down on his thighs, surprisingly stronger than before thanks to his time helping out on the farm.

San’s eyes fluttered, trying to keep his noises down as Wooyoung bobbed his head, his hands trailing up San’s thighs as he worked his hips, gradually thrusting faster into San’s mouth.

‘Oh so he can thrust but I can’t?’ San pouted mentally, though his cock throbbed at the treatment, squeezing Wooyoung’s thighs in encouragement.

Wooyoung smirked around his cock, tilting his head and deepthroating him without a single gag, moaning and purring around San.

The muffled moan that had brought forward made Wooyoung lift his head, laughing softly as he stroked San’s cock.

“You gotta keep it down, my love. Who knows who could hear us if you can’t.” He purred. San had half a mind to half-heartedly pinch his thigh at the teasing, but he heard a cap open somewhere between his legs and perked.

“Remember, Sannie. Keep it down for me.” Wooyoung urged, squiring lube into his hand and licking up the length of San’s cock once more. San’s thighs flexed when he felt Wooyoung swallow him down once more, cool fingers rolling against his rim teasingly.

San would be lying if he said the action didn’t make his heart rate increase.

He was the quieter of the two of them, that much was for sure, but the looming possibility of them being found out, even if it was just through the door, made him excited in a way he couldn’t describe.

San was convinced this city boy currently using his mouth and playing with his ass and cock had corrupted him in more ways than one, but there was honestly no place in the world he’d rather be than right here in this moment.

The pink haired man gently moved his roughened hands up to Wooyoung’s ass, encouraging him to thrust faster as his legs subtly inched further apart, welcoming his fingers deeper.

He was met with a purr of approval and Wooyoung curling his fingers ever so slightly inside of him. San swallowed sharply, eyes rolling back as Wooyoung began massaging his prostate with two persistent fingers.

“M-mmfnn- mmnnn-”

Wooyoung held himself down on San’s cock, letting him buck his hips freely as he alternated his fingers between stretching him and toying with his prostate. He was careful not to put his full weight on San as he felt himself getting closer to his climax.

The two came only a minute or so apart from one another, and Wooyoung was careful when he pulled away, immediately kneeling to check on San as the man panted, a dazed expression on his face.

“You alright, baby?” Wooyoung inquired, helping him right himself from the upside-down position. San nodded, drool making a mess of his lips. Wooyoung grinned and placed a messy kiss to his lips before pressing their foreheads together.

“ Welcome home. ” He purred. San smiled at him, opening his mouth to respond before a voice startled both of them.

“HEY! YOU TWO BETTER NOT BE FUCKIN WHILE WE’RE HERE! THE FOOD’S DONE, GET YOUR ASSES DOWN HERE!” Yeonjun called up to them from the bottom of the staircase.

San blushed and haphazardly wiped his messy face with his own shirt while Wooyoung stomped to the door, opening it and calling down to him.

“NO ONE IS FUCKING, WE SAID WE’RE GONNA PUT SOME STUFF AWAY.”

“IT’S BEEN AN HOUR, ASSHOLE.”

“DON’T RUSH US, JACKASS.”

The two bickered and San laughed behind his hand.

Yeah, he was certainly in his new home.

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

September 1st

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

“San moved into the house yesterday, by the way.” Chan brought up casually. The sound of feet running on a belt beside him continued, pounding away.

“Is that so? That’s good. Glad it went well.”

“Wooyoung was looking for you.” He continued, eyes watching carefully.

He was met with nothing more than the sound of those feet on the treadmill, running. He sighed softly, watching Yeosang run beside him.

“Yeji said something about you having more classes?””

“Something like that.” Was the brisk response, followed by the beeping of the treadmill being turned up a few more speeds.

“We’re all trying to set up a big dinner or something soon.” He carefully brought up. Yeosang kept his gaze fixed on the wall across from them in the gym, bangs bouncing as he ran. It took him much longer than usual to give him a response.

“I’m really busy. It may be better to go ahead without me for a bit.”

Ah, so that was what was going on.

“Yeosang, are you avoiding going anywhere near Wooyoung?”

Yeosang cut him a glance before looking forward again.

“I just need some time to collect myself. It’s not fair to him or his boyfriend to have me be…like this around them”

Chan sent him a sympathetic look. It had been over a month but the news of Wooyoung not only finding a boyfriend in Namhae for his studies and then bringing said man home to live with had clearly hurt Yeosang more than he originally let on.

“Do you want some company? I can set up something, just us, Yeji, and Binnie?”

Yeosang shook his head, sweat rolling down his brow as he carefully turned the treadmill down, slowing to a stop, putting his hand on his hips as he panted harshly.

“There’s no need to do that. You guys go, have fun. I’m going to be busy with work, anyway.” He sent Chan a smile that was as fake as they came, walking past him after he’d hopped off of the machine.

Chan watched him go and sighed, lips pursed.

He hated seeing his friend like this, but he had no idea where to start. Heartbreak was one of the trickiest things to heal from.

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

September 13th

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

San had expected working in the kitchen in Kibum’s restaurant to be one of the most daunting things he’d ever have to do.

After all, a fancy restaurant full of students who spent their college years to get here, now having some country bumpkin come along and encroach on their territory? He thought he’d get eaten alive-

Instead, he was adored as soon as he’d walked through the door.

“San, can you accompany Jiwoo outside? This is for table number three and there’s a full party.”

“One of the waiters called out, San, do you mind helping on the floor?”

“San, do you have any suggestions for a new menu option? We’re workshopping a rotation of some dishes to change things up.”

San wasn’t a religious man, but in these moments, he couldn’t help but to feel blessed. He’d found somewhere he’d fitten in and was not only useful, but able to still be who he wanted to be.

“Hey,” Wooyoung snuck a kiss as he passed him, an armful of freshly washed vegetables in his possession before he rushed to the other side of the kitchen to prep them.

All of this, while working alongside the man he loved. What else could he ask for? What else could he need?

The cool September air helped him clear his head as he walked, pushing a cart of supplies toward the restaurant.

“I should visit mom and tell her about things once we’re done today.” He mused before he heard the sound of wheels on concrete.

They're going…rather fast, huh?

He turned his head to the right, blinking as he watched a man come skateboarding down the block with a giant dog on a leash in front of him.

San was startled. The dog looked huge , like a bear. Without thinking, he pushed the cart faster and swiveled it off to the side, eyes wide as he watched the dog barrel towards him.

“Yunho, heel.”

The dog stopped in an instant, sitting politely with his tongue out, staring at San from beneath a mass of hair as the man on the skateboarding man skid to a halt just shy of colliding with the cart.

San held his chest, looking at the man in surprise.

Oh, he was…well, he was rather attractive , wasn't he?

San felt a panic rise in his chest at the passing thought, unable to speak first. Thankfully, the man did it first

“Are you okay?” he inquired, glancing back and forth between him and the giant bear of a dog looking at him curiously.

At least, he thought he was. He couldn’t exactly see his eyes.

“I’m fine. Sorry about that. Normally there aren’t many people out on this street so late at night. Did anything fall? Are you alright?” the man inquired, looking at the cart San had yanked aside. San looked down, swearing when he saw he’d flung off some of the delicate items sitting at the very top of the cart off with his hurried movements.

“Shit, Kibum-hyung is gonna be pissed.” He ran a hand through his freshly dyed black hair. There was a small look of surprise on the other man’s face before he cleared his throat and knelt down to pick up some of the ingredients. San looked at his side profile, watching as he sighed quietly.

“I’ll go and apologize properly. We were being reckless.” he ignored the confused and concerned noises coming from San’s lips, looking at the dog and offering his skateboard.

“Yunho, hold.”

Yunho took the board carefully in his mouth, standing and following the man as he walked towards the restaurant. San frowned and gathered his bearings, following him from a decent distance so he didn’t accidentally hit the man or the dog.

Something about him was oddly familiar.

“Excuse me, you don’t have to do that, I was the one who dropped it.”

“I was the one that startled you. I’m responsible for this, too. I’ll just apologize so you don’t get in trouble.”

San began chattering in a panic, but the man with the fluffy black hair didn’t respond to him, knocking on the back door of the restaurant. San pursed his lips. He hadn’t gotten much of a look at the man’s face, maybe he was a worker he had yet to meet? He was awfully familiar, though.

“Hm? San, are you back-Yeosang?” Wooyoung looked up in surprise and San felt that last puzzle piece click into place.

So that’s what was so familiar.

“I knocked over some of these. Ask Hyung to send me the bill, it’s not San’s fault it fell.” He told Wooyoung. The slightly shorter man narrowed his eyes at him, pointing a finger in his direction.

“Where the hell have you been?” He completely ignored the sentence, huffing at him. Yeosang looked at Yunho, seemingly giving him a command with a gesture of his hand before he stepped inside and placed the destroyed ingredients on the floor. Yunho patiently waited outside, sitting politely with his tail wagging to and fro.

Wooyoung followed Yeosang’s every step with his eyes until finally, the older man spoke.

“Working.” Was the simple response. Wooyoung narrowed his gaze.

“Every day for nearly two weeks since I’ve come home?”

“Yes.”

“Yah! Kang Yeosang, are you out of your damn mind?!”

The two bickered, with Yeosang’s voice calm while Wooyoung wore his displeasure on his sleeve. San glanced back and forth between them, unsure if he could (or should) interrupt their squabbling.

“You could’ve stopped by and said hi or something once you got off!”

At that, Yeosang finally broke eye contact, pressing his lips together before he sighed.

“.....You’re right, I’m sorry. I figured I would be bothering you so late.”

Wooyoung’s eyes narrowed for a moment before he took a look at the man, gasping and cupping his cheeks, yanking him down. Yeosang hardly blinked, though a small, tired smile came to his face.

He was used to Wooyoung’s over the top fretting.

“Your eyes have bags under them, are you not sleeping?!”

“I’m fine, Wooyoung.”

“You are not, I’m gonna kick your ass, you’re gonna make yourself sick again. Do I have to come over and take care of you again like last time?” Wooyoung half-heartedly glared into his eyes. There was something…sad in Yeosang’s eyes for a moment before he gently took Wooyoung’s hands off his face. He gently set them at his side and sent Wooyoung a tired smile.

“I appreciate you. But it’s alright. It’s a busy patch at work and then once it passes, I can take a vacation or something.”

Wooyoung furrowed his brow in worry. Yeosang never did so unless someone forced him to. The man was practically allergic to taking time off. Finally, San found his voice from beside them.

“How about you come over for dinner?”

Both of them turned their heads over to look at him, Yeosang met his eyes and then glanced away, all while Wooyoung’s eyes lit up as he perked.

“That’s a great idea!” Wooyoung cheered, hooking an arm into a startled Yeosang’s.

That’s how they ended up here, hours later, with Yunho pressed against Yeosang’s side, licking his jowels as he waited for Wooyoung to fish out the extra bowl he kept in his house for the hound’s visits.

San came up to them, softly smiling at the man he’d only heard about through the others. Yeosang turned his gaze from Wooyoung and looked at him as San bowed slightly in greeting.

“Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. My name’s Choi San.”

Yeosang bowed back, running his hand through the fur at the top of Yunho’s head to busy at least one of his subtly shaking hands.

“Kang Yeosang. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

There was a silence that hung in the air, something unsaid hanging in the air after the end of the sentence and San wondered if he’d left a bad impression on the man.

If so, he didn’t mean to! From what San could gather, Yeosang is Wooyoung’s closest friend, and the two had been attached at the hip since elementary school. The whole reason Wooyoung had moved into this particular city was to keep close to Yeosang, after all.

San reckoned this was around the moment some people would try to size up the ‘competition’ or something of the sort. Yeosang was Wooyoung’s first love, San knew this well.

And here he is, standing in front of his current love and boyfriend.

San still felt this odd, mystified feeling looking at the quiet dog trainer. It was familiar, yet foreign, and San combed through himself to see if he could pin down exactly what that emotion was.

“I got it!” Wooyoung cheered, startling him out of his thoughts as he victoriously knelt on the counter. At some point, while they were talking, he must have jumped up onto it to reach a dog bowl with Yunho’s name engraved on it. He wobbled ever so slightly as he attempted to move into a more neutral position.

San startled, jerking to attention.

“Wooyoung, get down!” He moved towards him as Wooyoung tried to dismount himself but Yeosang let out an exasperated sigh and picked him clean up, holding him bridal style with an unimpressed look on his face.

"Now, if you crack your ass on the floor and I laugh at you, I'm in the wrong, hm?"

Wooyoung seemed perfectly comfortable, deadweighting in Yeosang’s arms.

"You wouldn't do that~"

"I absolutely would. After making sure your stupid ass isn't concussed or sitting on the floor in a dead roach position."

Yeosang put him down and then moved around him to set up the bowls for a patiently waiting Yunho. Wooyoung made his way over to San, leaning into his space and startling him into focusing his gaze back on Wooyoung instead.

"Are you okay?" He whispered, sending him a curious look. San glanced at Yeosang as the trainer stepped into the next room to set up and then nodded once.

"Yeah."

Wooyoung caught the glance, though, and the smile on his face flickered.

"Oh…I'm sorry. Am I being too much? I'm always this clingy with Yeosang but I…I guess it's not really appropriate-"

San shook his head and put his hand on Wooyoung’s forearm.

"I'm not bothered. I'm actually really happy you were able to see him. He's your best friend, he's important to you."

Wooyoung slow blinked in surprise, his lips parted. Eventually, he let out a small laugh and wrapped his arms around San, kissing him once as the country-born man wrapped his arms around him instinctively.

"You'd be 100% valid if it did bother you. Not everyone is comfortable with that kind of stuff with their partners and other people…be it friendly or flirty. Are you sure? I wouldn't be upset if you told me you weren't comfortable with it." Wooyoung whispered. San sent him a kind smile. He truly did not mind.

"I don't lie to the folks I love," San told him, tenderly massaging his hips. Wooyoung smiled and stole another kiss from him before both of them shifted away from each other in a flustered hurry as Yeosang came back in the kitchen to wash his hands.

"Sorry-" San began to apologize, but Yeosang shrugged, sending him a small smile.

"It's your house. I'm gonna sit in the living room with Yunho and stay out of the way of you two so you can cook in peace.” Yeosang excused himself without conflict, moving to sit on the couch while Wooyoung rolled his sleeves up.

“C’mon, San. I know exactly what we should make.”

In the living room, Yeosang let his head thump onto the back of the couch, a deep exhale pushing past his lips as he tried to calm the chaotic storm of emotions in his mind.

Seeing Wooyoung was good. He couldn’t keep avoiding him. Yeosang missed him dearly and he felt like a bold-faced liar for telling Yeji he wouldn’t change how he was acting towards his best friend.

But at the same time…Yeosang wasn’t sure he liked the tightness in his chest every time he saw the tender look in Wooyoung’s eyes when they landed on San. He’d felt punched in the gut when he walked in on them kissing. Maybe he wasn’t ready to be around Wooyoung and San yet.

And that was the other piece to the equation. San.

The country boy who had stolen everyone’s hearts with a dimpled smile and a purred satoori.

Yeosang had ignored all the times the pink haired man had been staring at him when he thought neither he or Wooyoung were paying attention. Yeosang had good senses for things like that, especially when being in charge of mischievous dogs when training and preteens trying to sneak into the section of the book store that held the adult reading material.

Even when he wasn’t looking back, Yeosang knew the feeling of being stared at well.

Which begged the question, why?

San had no doubt heard about him while Wooyoung was away. Yeosang’s first thought was that he was being sized up or something of the sort and San took offense to Wooyoung’s particular brand of…clingy affection.

But that didn’t seem to be the case. He’d caught San’s gaze softening several times during Wooyoung and Yeosang’s (many) playful bickering bouts throughout the evening, and if Yeosang didn’t know better, he could have sworn he’d seen San let out more than a few sighs of relief when he seemingly realized the two of them were not, in fact, at each other’s throats for real.

So, why?

Yeosang hadn’t realized his leg was bouncing until a warm mass of fur set itself directly in his lap. He laughed and looked down, running his hand through Yunho’s fur as the mastiff cuddled close to him, clearly resisting the urge to jump on the couch for the full cuddle, if the way his back legs kept shifting were anything to go by.

Yeosang smiled. Yunho always knew when he wasn’t doing to well mentally or emotionally.

The trainer moved himself to the floor, accepting a few kisses from Yunho as the giant canine shifted to make room, seemingly happy with the development. Yeosang nuzzled Yunho’s abdomen, eyes closing as he enjoyed the comfort from his canine best friend.

Resting his eyes, that’s all he was doing.

Idly, he wondered if he would have an easier time with all of this if San was someone he could hate. If he was ugly, if his personality was rude, if he was overly vain, something.

Instead, Yeosang was left with this heavy feeling in his chest and the reluctant realization that Wooyoung’s boyfriend, at least from what he could tell right now, was a good match for him.

Resting…just resting. That’s all. His eyes, resting.

Wooyoung poked his head into the living room an hour later, a hand on his hip and an amused smile on his face as he watched Yeosang. The slightly older man was fast asleep on the floor, with Yunho sitting as still as a statue with his head resting beside Yeosang’s, occasionally lifting up to give his owner a small, grooming lick to his face or his hair.

Wooyoung made his way over, kneeling down after grabbing a blanket that was on the couch.

“You’re not getting enough rest, stupid-” He muttered under his breath as he covered Yeosang up. Yunho lifted his head to sniff Wooyoung’s hand before relaxing, giving him a small lick to his knuckles before closing his eyes. Wooyoung laughed and kissed the top of the dog’s head.

“You be a good pillow for my stubborn ass friend, okay?” He whispered into his fur.

Yeosang stirred slightly, but Wooyoung only pet his head, fingers running through deep conditioned silken locks.

“And you settle down. It’s not time for you to wake up yet.” He scolded the unconscious man and Yeosang ended up relaxing his muscles, the momentary furrow of his brow evening out. Wooyoung lingered for a moment or two longer than he had intended before he finally moved away from Yeosang to finish cooking with San.

They woke him up once they were done, with all three men seating themselves on the couch, watching a comedy to go along with their meal.

“It’s delicious.” Yeosang quietly complimented, eating his chicken with an impressed hum. Wooyoung smiled from ear to ear, settled between the two of them.

“Thank you~ We took back some of the garlic we harvested back in Namhae and San helped me tweak the sauce. I think it tastes a lot better.” He smiled while San shyly rubbed his neck with his clean hand.

“It’s not really much of a change, yours was great already.”

Yeosang glanced at him over the top of Wooyoung’s head.

“....but it does have more of a lingering aftertaste now. I’ve eaten plenty of Wooyoung’s food in our years together. The garlic chicken is always my favorite. I do like your addition to it. Good job.” He complimented with a small approving nod.

San felt a flicker of heat settle in his cheeks as he bashfully nodded and looked away.

“No problem.”

“Yeosang~ Praise me more too” Wooyoung teased, earning him an elbow to the ribs and a half-hearted ‘ nevermind, I take it back ’ from his best friend.

The two bickered for a bit more before settling into a comfortable near silence, only interrupted by chewing and the occasional sip of someone’s drink.

San felt his eyelids getting heavy, and apparently, he wasn’t the only one. Wooyoung’s head had made its way to his shoulder, and he’d cuddled in almost instantly, falling asleep minutes after San put an arm around him.

Yeosang stood, collecting the plates and cups before San could sleepily protest. Yunho followed him into the kitchen, and San could pick up the sound of the dog trainer washing dishes inside.

He finished minutes later, strolling into the living room again and taking the same blanket Wooyoung had draped over him and setting it over San’s shoulders and part of Wooyoung’s body.

San perked ever so slightly, feeling soft fingers brush over his bicep with the motion. He lifted his head, watching as Yeosang hooked his leash back into the loop of Yunho’s harness.

“You’re leaving…?” He drowsily inquired. Yeosang glanced over his shoulder at San, his eyes drifting down to Wooyoung for a moment, and then looking back into the country man’s eyes.

“Yeah. I appreciate you making dinner for me. I’ll lock the door after myself, so don’t worry. You two should move somewhere more comfortable to sleep so you don’t hurt your necks, by the way….whenever you want.” Yeosang nodded and began making his way to the front of the house.

San called out to him as he was sliding his shoes on.

“Come back soon! You’re always welcome.”

He missed the way Yeosang’s jaw tightened, his fingers lacing his shoes a bit tighter than he’d needed them to be.

“Thanks. Have a good night, San.”

Yeosang left quietly, and San looked to his side. Wooyoung had been undisturbed by the movements and talking above his head, completely content with his cheek squished against San’s chest.

San kissed his head softly and shifted, picking him up and carrying him to their bed. Wooyoung shifted deeper into his arms the moment he laid him down and San smiled softly, finally letting sleep pull him under, as well.

Yeosang rode his skateboard down the block with Yunho easily pacing him with long gallops. The wind blew his hair across his forehead and the chill of the night shocked him awake, seeping into his bones through the light jacket he was wearing.

“Come back soon! You’re always welcome.”

Yeosang sighed as he rolled down the block.

Why couldn’t that Namhae guy have been an asshole? Everything would have been so much easier.

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

September 15th

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

“Okay~ So we’re both off today and I think I’m gonna take you out for a shopping spree.”

San squinted at Wooyoung from across the room, fresh, dark red circles littering his neck and chest as Wooyoung began preening in the mirror.

They’d had…a very long and energetic night that carried into the early morning. San was normally the very first to rise out of the two of them, a circadian rhythm carried over from years of early rising to farm.

However , today was different. Today San was tired.

“I’m goin’ back ta sleep.” San grumbled, closing his eyes and letting his head thump back onto the pillow that smelled like a mixture of him and Wooyoung’s preferred colognes.

Wooyoung glanced at him before smiling devilishly.

“Aw~ Is my handsome baby tired?”

“Wooyoung, you made me cum three times and edged me between the second and third time. Yes, yes I am tired.” San grumbled. As muffled as his voice was from the pillow, Wooyoung heard him loud and clear, laughing as he walked up, kissing his shoulder.

“I’ll treat you to coffee~”

San didn’t move for a moment before finally lifting his head, eyes half-heartedly narrowed at him.

“Bribery.”

“It absolutely is. I’ll even throw in some kisses if you hurry.”

“You’ll kiss me anyway.”

“Of course I will.”

San rolled his eyes and got up, kissing Wooyoung’s nose before he set off to get dressed. He appeared half an hour later with a pair of comfortable jeans and an overgrown hoodie, a pair of glasses settled on his nose as he watched Wooyoung rush back and forth.

“Too cold for this…this is faded…. is that a tear? ” Wooyoung muttered under his breath, rummaging through his clothes. San arched a brow and stood, making his way over and extending an arm, catching Wooyoung around the waist one of the times he moved to rush by.

“Just wear something comfortable. You look good no matter what.” He lightly scolded. Wooyoung paused for a moment before seemingly recalibrating, dipping back into the closet and emerging moments later with his pair of comfy jeans, accompanied with a low cut v-neck sweater that showed off his own marks he’d gotten from San in return last night.

“Thank you, darling. C’mon, we gotta get there early. There’s this place I want to take you to specifically.”

San tilted his head, his curiosity peaked, but didn’t ask. He liked surprises, and if the look on Wooyoung’s face was anything to go by, he probably wouldn’t get any answers even if he did ask.

They headed out together, and San realized this had been his first time getting to walk through and window shop in the heart of the city since they came here.

They’d moved and he practically spent all of his time settling into his new job and new home.

Everything here was so… big . It was kind of overwhelming at first. Crowds of people so dense he’d had to constantly shift to and fro beside Wooyoung so he didn’t bump into anyone hustling by to get to their jobs.

Wooyoung laced his fingers into San’s, sticking his hand in his boyfriend’s hoodie pocket and pressing himself close to him.

The tension San hadn’t noticed gathered in his shoulders melted away in an instant. He smiled, running his fingers over Wooyoung’s knuckles.

“So, we’re heading to the mall?”

Wooyoung smiled.

“After somewhere else.”

There it is. San knew Wooyoung had something else under his sleeve. He squeezed his hand and chuckled quietly.

“I’m already up and about. Take me wherever ya want.”

Wooyoung smiled triumphantly and continued pulling him along, making idle conversation about the ins and outs of their kitchen and the upcoming plans for some changes as the holidays began to roll in.

San listened with rapt attention, curious to try some of the food Wooyoung had mentioned. The telltale rumble in his stomach as they stepped into a building reminded him that he hadn’t eaten yet, either.

Before he could voice this, he realized they’d stepped into a building with giant, sprawling murals of aquatic animals, hand painted just behind a smiling and waving team behind the counter in front of them.

San’s lips parted.

An aquarium?

Wooyoung let his hand go long enough to practically skip over to the woman at the middle register, leaning on the counter.

“Two tickets, please. I’d like to include the Orca Diner package, too.”

The woman smiled kindly and nodded, her hands flying over the keyboard in front of her. San appeared beside Wooyoung, looking at the giant sea turtle panting behind her on the wall. Wooyoung pressed his hips back, settling down when he felt San’s solid form behind him.

“You’ve never been to an aquarium, right? I wanted to surprise you. It's early on a weekday, so we don’t have to worry about a big crowd just yet.” Wooyoung explained, smiling as he handed his card over to the worker.

San felt his gaze soften, his hand subtly rubbing his hip.

“No, never. Thank you, Woo. I’m excited.”

Wooyoung looked pleased, taking the card and the two wristbands they were given. He fastened the clasp on San’s wrist before letting his boyfriend put his on. Once done, he led the way down the left hall, a bounce in his step San found absolutely adorable.

“The Orca Diner has such good food and the package I paid for has a special view. I’ve always wanted to go on a date here.” He mused, flashing his wristband at the worker stationed outside. He checked the design on the bands and then guided them to a room.

When he opened the door, San felt his jaw drop.

The room’s ceiling and wall was all glass, and as they settled at their table, they watched as schools of fish and even a lemon shark swam past them. San looked up, the blue of the aquarium water making his face light up as he watched the animals in wonder.

Wooyoung propped his head on his palm, watching San with a smile. He felt warmth bloom in his chest as his boyfriend placed his palm on the cool glass, his eyes darting left and right, up and down, unable to focus on just one creature, smiling so wide it made his dimples pop.

Wooyoung felt his heart flutter, pride welled in his chest.

San had worked hard, he had only wanted to treat his beloved. He was glad it had worked out this way and San was enchanted by the beauty around them.

They both ordered themselves a hearty breakfast meal, and finally San tore his gaze away from the glass to look at Wooyoung.

“Did you plan this date?”

Wooyoung’s lips curled upwards proudly.

“Of course I did.”

San smiled softly and leaned over, kissing him softly.

“Thank you. I’ve never seen anything like this.” San sounded as if he was in a dream, casting glances back at the fish as they swam by, paying them no mind as they went about their aquatic day.

Wooyoung smiled. He’d always wanted to go on an aquarium date. As weird as it may sound, he often found himself getting design and decorative ideas when looking at the more outlandish and flamboyant animals their world had to offer. He found peace going to places like this in his free time-and he’d been here several times, knew this place to be a rehabilitation center for wildlife release, as well-and he’d breathed a sigh of relief knowing San also was enjoying himself.

They’d gotten their food and ate while making light conversation. Wooyoung told him between bites where he’d like to take them in the aquarium. San leaned over, eyes twinkling excitedly as he listened to Wooyoung with rapt attention.

“-and then we finish off with the seals. Seals are my favorite, next to the otters.” He told him triumphantly. San smiled and kissed his nose, setting his chopsticks aside.

“Sounds like a good plan. I’ll follow ya. We should take pictures, I think Mom, Dad, and the little ones would love to see.”

Wooyoung smiled and nodded, standing and heading out after he’d finished paying. The two walked hand and hand through the aquarium, walking nearly in sync as they took in the sheer size of the facility.

Wooyoung always found places like this to feel so much bigger inside than out.

San couldn’t hold back his quiet, amazed ‘woahs’ and ‘wahs’ as he looked around, taking time to read nearly every informational plaque on the animals they happened to pass by.

“Oh, they’re so smooth, seriously, come feel this, Woo!” San gasped as he ran his fingers over the back of a baby ray in the handpool. Wooyoung couldn’t hide the sheer joyous smile on his face as he obliged his boyfriend, running his fingers gently and politely over the ray as it swam past him.

The two took pictures of nearly everything, taking turns on taking pictures of the animals, then each other near the animals, and then them together with the glass walls of the aquarium behind them for a stunning backdrop.

By the time they’d reached the seals, both of them had sore cheeks from the smiles and laughter. They watched as a trainer explained the story of the one-eyed seal they’d had in a particular tank, her rescue and recovery story, all while the excited mammal hobbled about beside her, eagerly patting her own belly and waiting for a fish she was so generously rewarded between the trainer joyously explaining everything.

San looked down at his arms, full of souvenirs and plushies from the aquarium by the time the duo popped out of the facility. Wooyoung grinned and opened the bookbag he’d purchased inside, taking his time to arrange every purchase they made nearly inside before he zipped it up and slung it over his shoulder, sending San a fox-like smile.

“You look so cute, I never would have thought you’d like whale sharks so much.”

“They’re pretty!” San pouted, following him down the block. Wooyoung snickered to himself before he nudged him.

“Don’t get too comfortable, my love. We still have all the other shopping to do.” he reminded him before hooking his arm under San’s and taking off running, both of them speeding off towards the subway.

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

October 12th

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

-“Your brother’s birthday is coming up.”

San looked up from the basket of laundry he was folding. He had one of Eric’s race car hoodies in his hands as he peered over it at Chaerin.

“Do you have any big plans? Are we going to do another pumpkin patch thing or go to a petting zoo?” He inquired with a smile, folding Gahyeon’s dress next. Chaerin stirred her food on the stove thoughtfully before she turned to look at him over her shoulder.

“He wants to spend it with you…and Wooyoung. The others, too. He says you all are his ‘bestest friends’.” She hummed. San’s gaze softened as he glanced into the next room, finding his three siblings sleeping together under a blanket Jiyong had sewn for them.

She added a sprinkle of spice to her mix, the chopsticks occasionally tapping along the sides of the pan.

“Eric started kindergarten and we found a daycare that will accept Gahyeon and Jongho, but Jongho is worried about making friends, so he wanted you all to come over. Feel free to tell them to bring their partners, just all of you bare in mind he’s a bit of a sensitive boy.”

San smiled and nodded, finishing up his cleaning before he dried his hands and got to work sending a mass text to all of his friends.

At the very least, he and Wooyoung would be there, he just hoped the others would come along with them.-

“Thanks again for letting us come over, Noona!”

Well, this went…better than expected.

Chaerin put her hands on her hips, watching as Wooyoung and San’s friends filtered into the home, each in pajamas and holding some kind of snack.

Jongho held her hand, his eyes lightening up as he saw everyone setting down snacks and at least one present each.

There were people there he didn’t know, but the comfy pajamas Chaerin had instructed them all to wear for the party helped.

Wooyoung smiled and knelt down, opening his arms.

“Is that my birthday boy? Happy birthday, Jongho!”

Jongho smiled and rushed out, throwing his arms around Wooyoung’s neck and smiling as he peeked over his shoulder.

“Hi..I’m J-Jongho.” He quietly introduced himself, hiding moments later as the other adults smiled at him.

“Hi Jongho! I’m Yeji!”

“Happy birthday, sweetheart. My name is Chris, but you can call me Chan, if you want.”

They went down the line, introducing themselves and handing off high 5s and gentle ruffle’s of Jongho’s hair while passing off their gifts.

San stood off to the side, taking the gifts and smiling from ear to ear while Gahyeon and Eric balanced on his hips.

The very last person to arrive was Yeosang, who stayed close to the door, talking with Jiyong while the others were giving their greetings.

Once Jiyong smiled and nodded, pointing behind him, San saw what they were talking about.

Yunho was with him, a sleeping hat on his head and a set of fluffy dog booties on each of his paws. All three of the children locked eyes on the massive canine and Yeosang stopped, making a motion with his hand and having Yunho do the same.

“Sorry we’re late. This is Yunho and my name is Yeosang. Happy birthday, friend.” Yeosang smiled softly. Yunho’s tail wagged, a bag held in his teeth.

Wooyoung looked at Jongho, checking for any signs of fear. Yunho was bigger than him by a significant amount, after all.

Instead of apprehension or even tears, he found Jongho wiggling trying to climb down, and as soon as he did, he toddled over to Yunho and Yeosang.

Chaerin watched like a hawk, her body tense, while both Eric and Gahyeon wiggled free of San’s grip, coming over to the dog, as well.

Yeosang kept an eye on the situation, kneeling once they got close. Before he got the chance to inform them of how to greet dogs, Jongho looked up at him, shifting from one foot to the other.

“Can…can I pet the doggie, Yeosangie-hyung?”

Gahyeon nodded eagerly, looking from him to Yunho and then back again.

“Is it okay? He’s so pretty!”

Eric was practically vibrating.

“And big!”

Yeosang felt his heart melt. What a good set of kids.

“Yes. How you greet a dog is like this-”His voice was tender as he instructed the children, his hair pulled back into a low, fluffy ponytail while some of his bangs framed his face just right.

Wooyoung couldn’t take his eyes off of him.

San wasn’t much different, watching as Jongho reached his hand out. Yunho sniffed his cherub fingers and set the bag in his mouth down, lowering his head and licking at the birthday boy’s arm while he and his siblings began to gently pet his head and ears.

“Well, that’s settled. Everyone is here so we can actually get this party started!” Chaerin beamed, moving to pour cups of soda for the lot of them while her starry-eyed children asked Yeosang a million and one questions while sending loving glances at Yunho. The canine was patient, calmly giving dog kisses and cuddled whenever the children called to him or offered their hands again for sniffing.

“Here, let me help, Unnie!” Yeji offered. Wooyoung was in the kitchen in an instant, grabbing some plates so he could help pass snacks.

Chaerin smiled and began directing the younger adults while San walked over to Yeosang.

“You can set up a water bowl and food bowl over here. We have sliding doors that lead outside, so if he needs to go on a walk, it can be close…thank you for coming.” He smiled and bowed to him and Yeosang rubbed his neck, noticing San had approached him without Wooyoung at his side.

Part of him was still expecting the man to pull him aside and show him a different side of himself regarding Yeosang and Wooyoung’s closeness.

There was nothing of the sort, and instead, San extended his hand to Yunho, voice kind and eyes soft.

“Hey there, Yuyu. Thank you for coming, too. My siblings seem to love you already.” He beamed. Yunho happily licked his hand and walked closer, nuzzling him to entice him to scratch his neck.

It worked, and Yeosang felt some of the tension he was holding onto relax as he moved to set up Yunho’s little corner by the back door while San scratched his throat and eventually his stomach when the large dog flopped over to the side.

From across the room, Chan watched the two interact subtly, his arm around Changbin’s waist. There didn’t seem to be any conflict, and the man was pleasantly surprised at that.

“Oppa?”

Chan blinked into focus and looked down, finding Gahyeon staring up at him with wide eyes of wonder. He tilted his head and bent down to her eye level, smiling at her.

“Yes?”

“Is Binnie Oppa your boyfriend?” she inquired. Chan laughed, the sound rich and soft as he nodded.

San’s head perked as he looked back to the kitchen, brows furrowing. Usually, his siblings minded their manners when it came to prying into an adult’s life, but they were still kids, at the end of the day, and sometimes they lacked a filter all the same.

“Gahyeonnie, let’s not get all in othe folks’ business-”

“Isn’t Yejie Unnie also your girlfriend? I saw you two smooch.”

Chan blinked owlishly while Changbin choked on his drink above them. Somewhere behind them, a howl of a laugh came from Yeonjun and Yeji snickered behind her hand, more amused than anything, while Chaerin was less than pleased.

“ Lee Gahyeon! You do not ask people that!”

Gahyeon pouted and Yeji smiled.

“It's okay, Unnie. That’s why we let you know before we came. Chan and Changbin are both my boyfriends, Gahyeon.”

Gahyeon looked up at them, lips parted before they began to shimmer.

“You can do that?! Woah!”

Chaerin scolded her daughter, apologizing profusely to the trio while Wooyoung handed Eric his juice and some of his snacks. Eric thanked him and whispered.

“Would you date someone else with our big brother?” He inquired. Wooyoung’s lips parted in surprise and despite himself, his eyes instantly landed on Yeosang, who was looking towards the kitchen due to the chaos.

Eric stared at him for a moment, tilting his head as he noticed Wooyoung’s lack of a response. He went to ask again, when he suddenly felt a ruffle to his head.

By the grace of some higher power, Jiyong appeared, steering his son away with a gentle scolding tone. Wooyoung’s shoulders relaxed a bit, and he immediately moved to busy himself with setting up the game console in the living room, unaware of the curious eyes following him.

San’s, Yeosang’s.

Once the two older children got a stern talking to regarding ‘boundaries’, the group migrated to the living room, eager to play the party games Wooyoung and San helped prepare on Jongho’s behalf.

Said birthday boy sat beside Yunho and Wooyoung, big eyes focused on the screen while some of the others took their turn customizing their karts.

“Do you wanna race, or do you wanna watch, baby bear?” Wooyoung inquired. Jongho looked up at him, one of his hands petting Yunho in repetitive, short motions.

“I’m not so good at it…” He murmured. Wooyoung smiled and picked him up, setting him in his lap and scooting closer to Yunho so Jongho could still reach him for pets.

“Your Hyung is gonna win every single match for you, so go ahead and customize our kart!”

Jongho looked at the controller and smiled, gently taking it and fumbling around to get the kart the way he wanted, uncaring of stats.

Wooyoung smiled softly and looked on the other side of Yunho, at Yeosang watching the screen while everyone got settled. He’d already gotten his kart ready in the meantime.

“Thank you for coming, Sangie. I know you’ve been busy with work, so I really appreciate you and YuYu stopping by.” He smiled. Yeosang looked at him and sent him a quiet smile that made his heart flip.

“I see why you insisted so much. They’re sweet kids.” He looked over at Yunho, seeing his companion so comfortable in the environment that he’d closed his eyes, his head on Jongho and Wooyoung’s thigh as he enjoyed the attention.

“And I think Yunho has made some new friends today, too.” he chuckled. Yunho’s tail wagged subtly, an indication he wasn’t actually asleep, and that drew a laugh from Soobin’s lips as he walked by with some trash to discard of.

“This is the best birthday ever.” Jongho muttered, looking at Yunho and kissing his head, between the eyebrow-like markings there. Yunho’s tongue swiped out for the briefest of moments, licking his own nose before he settled back in.

Yeosang’s eyes softened even more, feeling warm and fuzzy at the gentle interaction.

“I’m glad.”

The rest of the night went off without a hitch. Jongho, surprisingly warmed up to all of the new faces fairly quickly, thanking and hugging everyone when he got to open his gifts.

By the time 9pm rolled around, San had two out of three of his siblings unconscious and dangling from his arms, sleeping without a care in the world. He moved to grab Jongho, bur a different hand eclipsed his vision, and he watched as Yeosang came to pick up the birthday boy himself.

“Oh- you can put him on my back, I’m used to carrying these three around all the time.”

Yeosang shook his head.

“I can help out. Besides, all that weight on your back isn't good for you. Just tell me where to go.”

San sent him a grateful look as he told him to follow him down the left hall. It wasn’t a far walk to get them where they needed to be, and the gentle, off-beat sound behind him told San that Yunho was close in tow.

Yeosang helped him open the door to Eric and Gahyeon’s rooms, respectively, standing aside as San tucked them in, giving gentle kisses to their heads and placing their favorite plushie in each of their arms.

“Jongho’s room is across the hall.” San informed him, moving to close Gahyeon’s door and then opening Jongho’s moments later. Yeosang followed his lead, setting Jongho in bed and tucking him in. San handed over Jongho’s favorite dragon plushie and kissed his head, slightly leaning over Yeosang to do so.

The older man didn’t move a muscle, simply glancing up, his breath fanning over San’s neck momentarily as the man tucked his sibling in and then moved away, sending him an honest smile.

“Again, thank you so much for coming. I hope you got to unwind and enjoy yourself.” He sent Yeosang a dimpled smile and beckoned for him to follow him back out.

The two walked in a comfortable silence, joining the others as they helped pack up the leftovers, distributing it in plates to take home and some getting stored away in Chaerin and Jiyong’s fridge.

“You all have my thanks. My babies are going to have to learn how to make friends their own ages, but for now, It's nice to see my family grow.” Jiyong put a hand on his hip as he looked over all of the people in his home.

“As a thanks, you all are invited to a Halloween party I’m throwing later in the month.”

Wooyoung nearly tripped over himself, he spun so fast, eyes lighting up.

“Wait, really?! Is it like, some really fancy, high-end costume party?!”

Chaerin snorted quietly and Jiyong hummed, shrugging a shoulder.

“I suppose it can be considered as such. But its more of a gathering between friends, so think nothing of who else might be there and have fun as you would at any other party.” He instructed, smiling softly as he saw San and the others chatter amongst each other.

“You have some time to think about it. If you’d like to come, just let San or Wooyoung know to tell me and I’ll update the headcount I have.”

They were met with a collection of eager nods from most of the group. Yeosang didn’t respond verbally, using the guise of packing up Yunho’s bowls as an excuse.

It's not that he didn’t want to go and be with his friends, he swore he wasn’t some sort of antisocial person.

He just-

Healing was taking it’s sweet time. He was truly grappling with being able to wrap his head around his own emotions.

That’s what happens when you spend entirely too much time hiding from them, suppressing them, even.

But it was fine, Halloween was on a weekday this year, so he could just make up some excuse, say he had work or picked up a shift from someone and-

“Yeo, are you going?”

If you were wondering, no , Yeosang did not squeak when Wooyoung appeared at his side. He simply…exhaled in a particular manner, that’s it.

Seriously.

Regardless of his status as a squeak toy, Yeosang glanced at his friend, finding Wooyoung crouching, petting Yunho as he held his gaze. The trainer flushed slightly, biting the side of his tongue to remind himself to keep his calm.

Wooyoung was Wooyoung. He was always this close to him. He always looked him in the eyes when they spoke.

Why is keeping his cool such a struggle nowadays?

“I don’t know if I can, I probably have a class and-”

“Can’t Jungkook or Hyunjae take over the class? Just this once? I wanna wear matching costumes!”

Yeosang blinked at him. Once, twice, Yunho’s bowl dangling uselessly in his fingers as he stared at the energetic man, listening as he listed off different outfits they could do.

“Angels…? Hm. Sirens! No, we don’t have enough time for a good quality one and those scales are a bitch to do makeup wise…pirates?...Oh, might workshop that a bit-”

Yeosang watched Wooyoung’s brain take off running down the block, firing off suggestions left and right. Yunho had made himself comfortable, his chin settled on Wooyoung’s thigh.

At some point, a well-worked hand settled on Wooyoung’s shoulder and San appeared, smiling softly down at the two.

“How about some kind of modern animal thing? We can use somethin’ in our closets and just need to worry about the, uh, ears and tail, I guess.” He offered, seemingly trying to save Yeosang from Wooyoung’s active imagination.

Wooyoung perked and stood to his full height, grinning like mad, pointing at each of them.

“Rabbit, Fox, Cat!”

Yeosang blinked.

“Why do I have to be a rabbit? It's the smallest out of the three of those and I’m not even the shortest here.” Wooyoung sent him a devious look.

“Because you’d look cute in bunny ears?”

Yeosang stared at him, jaw slack, and his brows only twitched in interest when he saw San look in his direction, nodding quietly, lips twisted as if envisioning the sight.

Whatever that weird flutter in his stomach was just now needed to stop immediately.

“Well too bad. I want to be the cat if this is what we’re doing.” He cut in, trying to get some of the control back in the situation he was quickly careening towards. Wooyoung pouted, clearly, he’d wanted that one.

“How about you be the fox, Woo? I know you were probably going to make me the cat, but I can be the rabbit. Cats and foxes are super close, anyway, I’m sure ya won’t have to tweak your vision too much, right?”

Two sets of eyes turned to San, then to the top of his pastel pink head, and whether they noticed or not, both of them nodded in unison, clearly agreeing with the idea of a set of rabbit ears situated atop the country man’s head.

Yeosang cleared his throat, cheeks flushed, and stood to his height.

“Right, should I go looking for what this ‘outfit’ should be or should I leave it to you?” He inquired. Wooyoung’s eyes lit up and a devious smile came to his face.

“Leave it to me, just tell me your clothing sizes.”

Oh goodness, this wasn’t going to be a simple closet fit, was it?

San, as if reading his mind, sent Yeosang a sympathetic smile, letting out a small amused huff as Wooyoung began rattling off about matching and not being ‘basic bitches’.

Yeosang cleared his throat and made his way to the door, taking his skateboard out of Yunho’s mouth and zipping up his coat.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it then. I’m headed out. Thank you again for inviting me, it was nice to be able to hang out with everyone and Jongho looked like he had a lot of fun today too.” He bowed and was met with a collection of goodbyes and waves.

“Hey, call me when you get home, alright? So I know you’re back safe.” Wooyoung called to him one last time, standing a few feet from the door as Yeosang laced his shoes up.

“I’ll text you as soon as I’m home.”

Wooyoung narrowed his eyes at him half-heartedly.

“ Call me when you’re home so I know you’re safe.”

Yeosang had half a mind to be a little shit and repeat himself, too, but instead, he settled for putting a hand on his hip and nodding.

“Yes, yes. Anything else, darling?”

It slipped, honest. The two of them used terms of endearment with one another all the time before…Wooyoung came back from the summer and it truly was a slip of the tongue-

“I love you, darling. Bye.” Wooyoung met him halfway, grinning once again, his body language a bit looser. San smiled from his side, waving without a care at him.

“Goodnight, get home safe.”

Yeosang cleared his throat and nodded, muttering a quick ‘you too’ before he disappeared into the night with Yunho.

Chaerin and Jiyong watched on from the kitchen island, eventually exchanging a look with one another.

“....do you think they know yet?” She mused to her husband. He snorted, leaning against her.

“Those three goofballs? No, not at all. Why do you think I pulled a Halloween party out of my ass?” He muttered into her ear. She snickered and watched Wooyoung and San move back to the rest of their friends, exchanging hugs and plans to set up upcoming hangouts.

“Think it’ll work?” She inquired, brow arched. Jiyong shrugged.

“Dunno. That’s up to them.”

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

October 18th

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

“My love, do you want to plan a picnic sometime?” Wooyoung inquired as he rolled up rice balls. San looked up from the small mason jars he had lined up on the counter, blinking owlishly.

“Where did that come from?”

“Well, you haven’t really gotten to sit down and relax at all since you’ve moved in and I feel bad. We immediately threw you into the hustle and bustle of work instead of letting you relax and explore…” Wooyoung trailed off, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. San smiled at him.

“Is it that much different from when you all came to Namhae? The very next day, you were out in the fields with Hyung and I. Besides, I’m used to keeping busy like this. My only off time was when I was home with my family. We have been relaxing when we’re here. And there was the aquarium date! That was fun!” He reminded him, humored by the pout that settled on Wooyoung’s face, clearly not thinking it was enough.

“Well, it’s not exciting if it’s just the same as Namhae!” He huffed. San arched a brow at him, pouring drinks into the mason jars.

“Then we can set up a date night. How about next weekend? We have a long weekend because of our schedule.”

Wooyoung perked and nodded, smiling from ear to ear, a bounce in his step as he began packing away the rice balls he’d made.

In front of the two, lay a spread of lunch boxes for their friends. San had come up with the idea after seeing how tired Yeosang was the other day and worrying about their other friends in their circle.

After adding a side of veggies and protein and letting Wooyoung customize each little box with a small ‘mascot’ made from the ingredients he used, the two were off for the day, making light conversation as they decided to walk through the city.

“First is Soobin and Chan, they’re the closest. If we’re lucky, we can catch Changbin working out at the gym. He’s not working until later tonight.” Wooyoung brought a finger to his chin as he worked out their game plan. San simply adjusted his grip on the box that held the mason jars, worried he’d drop them.

The two made light idle chat as they walked, eventually making their way to a spacious fitness gym just a few blocks out of the heart of the city.

The receptionist looked up, her eyes brightening as they landed on the duo.

“Oh, Wooyoung~ Good Morning! I don’t think I’ve met you, love. What’s your name?” she smiled at San, leaning on the counter and seemingly sizing him up. The dimpled man blinked in surprise.

“Oh, good morning, Miss. My name is San-”

“He’s my boyfriend, Noona.”

Her smile fell immediately and she sent Wooyoung a flat look.

“What did I tell you about coming in here with ‘off-limits’ cuties? First Yeosang, now him. What’s a girl to do?”

Wooyoung smiled casually, shrugging a shoulder. He seemed to take no offense, though San perked at the ‘off limits’ comment.

Of course, Wooyoung was in love with Yeosang, after all.

“So, does this mean I can bag Yeosang now that you have this cutie for a boyfriend?” She whispered, though San heard her clear as day. She hadn’t been trying hard to keep her volume down.

Wooyoung rolled his eyes half-heartedly.

“Not a chance in hell. Anyway, we’re going to find Chan and Soobin, byeeee.” Wooyoung beckoned San with the tilt of his jaw and San fell in step with him, catching the receptionist huffing playfully under her breath.

“Oh, so you get TWO boyfriends? Life is unfair-”

San blushed and looked over at Wooyoung.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen ya get snippy with anyone like that in regards to me before.”

Wooyoung hummed, leading him down a hall.

“You’re hot, I can’t let just anyone think they have a chance with you.” He puffed his chest out proudly, grinning when he saw San blush down to his ears before glancing away.

“Wooyoung? San? What are you two doing here?”

The pair looked up as Soobin jogged down the hall to greet them, covered in a light sheen of sweat, though San felt like the man’s kind smile made him glow even more.

“Just one of the handsome men we wanted to see~ Sannie and I made lunches for everyone since we were off anyway, so we figured we’d make sure our lovely best friends are eating properly.” Wooyoung explained, fishing into the large tote he had brought along and handing Soobin a pastel blue bento box. Soobin looked touched, peeking inside and smiling at the bunny Wooyoung had made out of the food inside the box.

“That’s so sweet…thank you both so much. I’ll go grab Chan and Changbin. They only just started their arm and chest workouts, but it’s in Chan’s private room, so I won’t be interrupting too much, I think.” He mused. Wooyoung scoffed half-heartedly and nudged San.

“What did I say? I told you Changbin would probably be here. Yeji not being here means she’s working at the bookstore, so we’ll go there after we make sure her other two-thirds are eating.”

San watched Wooyoung march forward with a soft smile on his face. He really had a way of taking charge in a myriad of situations, and this was no different. San could tell he felt back at home in his own skin since they were back in the city, though.

Wooyoung was, by no means, a quiet man, but being back in the hustle and bustle of the city only made the man bloom fully into what he assumed was his full nature. San needed a bit longer to adjust to his surroundings, and found himself being a quiet observer more often than naught.

Soobin glanced over at the man and gently pat his back, turning up the watts on his smile when San turned his attention back to him.

“How are things doing? Are you adjusting well? We didn’t get to talk much at Jongho’s party about life.” He sent him a genuine smile to ease San, as if reading the man’s wandering thoughts. San flushed and nodded, smiling at him.

“I am. Everyone is so kind. I just hope I’ve left a good impression on everyone.” He adjusted his grip on the box nervously and Soobin looked down the hall to where Wooyoung had poked his head in.

The man had clearly caught Chan and Changbin giving each other ‘reward kisses’, if the teasing was anything to go by as they approached.

“I don’t think you have to try too hard at all. You’re a very likeable and down-to-earth guy, San. I’m excited to spend more time with you and everyone else. Has everyone been welcoming you in well?” He inquired. San nodded.

“Yeah, everyone’s been so kind. I’m looking forward to the party. Wooyoung’s been working hard on his, my, and Yeosang’s costumes.”

Soobin’s smile faltered ever so slightly, seemingly waiting to see if he had a bad experience with the somewhat elusive dog trainer. When San only met his worried gaze with a curious one of his own, Soobin blinked.

Once, twice, then he relaxed his shoulders.

“Oh, is that so? Things are going well?”

San had gotten good at reading people. Soobin was trying to feel out if there was any tension between the two men. Understandable, given the circumstances, but San’s expression didn’t sour in the slightest.

“Yeah, he’s been over a couple of times for Wooyoung to take measurements before he and I get kicked out of Wooyoung’s, and I quote; ‘creative room.’” He laughed softly, though there was a fondness in his voice that caught Soobin off guard.

Yeosang was not, by any means, a disrespectful or confrontational man, so the lot of them didn’t expect him to throw a fit when he was with San, but it was still a surprise to know he had made such an impression on the man who was with Wooyoung.

They all knew how Yeosang felt about their energetic friend.

“Well then, I’m really glad everything is going well for you! If you need anything, please let me know. Of course, friends get free passes to the gym, just let Chan or I know when you’re coming.” Soobin told him before looking into the room.

“I appreciate the bento box, but do you have to be so obnoxious? We were in the middle of working out.” Changbin huffed, standing with his arms crossed. Wooyoung looked back at him like the cat that ate the canary.

“Of course. If no one else is going to give you shit, who will? I wanna know what workout you two are doing that involves so many kisses in the gym~” He teased, yelping and dodging the slap Changbin aimed at his arm.

Chan stood beside the two with a small, patient smile on his face, seemingly more than used to the shenanigans of the two. He looked up when he saw San and Soobin and made his way over to the two while Changbin and Wooyoung bickered.

“Thank you so much for the lunch. It came at the perfect time. I didn’t bring one today because we were running late this morning and I almost called Yeji to ask her if she could stop by with some on her break. I appreciate it.” He bowed to San and took the mason jars San had offered with a subtle lift of the box and a smile.

“Of course. It’s nothin’ too crazy, but I hope it’s at least filling until lunchtime.”

Chan smiled at him and finally cast a look over his shoulder when Wooyoung let out an unruly shriek.

“Alright, that’s enough, you two. Changbin, my love, let him out of the headlock and give me your box so I can put it in the fridge in my office.” Chan scolded. Immediately, the two of them froze, looking at Chan like a pair of deer in headlights before they pouted and pulled away from each other.

“ Anyway, thank you. Both of you. I’ll pay you back next time I have time.” Changbin smiled as Wooyoung fixed his hair and stood to his full height.

“Asshole, do you know how long it takes me to do my hair?” He muttered playfully before picking up the tote.

“Don’t mention it. We’re gonna go head to Yeji now. Have a good day, tell us if you like it. I tried some new things with San’s advice, so I need the feedback.” Wooyoung fixed the men with a stare until they all agreed with either nods or half-hearted ‘yeah yeahs’ (courtesy of Changbin).

Satisfied, Wooyoung stepped out of the room, kissing San’s dimple before he headed down the hall.

“C’mon baby. We need to make sure all of our lovely friends eat. Where would they be without us?” He lamented dramatically. Soobin laughed, Changbin rolled his eyes, and Chan watched the trio leave with a hand on his hip.

The two engaged in light conversation until they came across a cozy-looking bookshop with an hourglass depicted on the blade sign outside of it. Wooyoung smiled and stepped up faster, opening the door and smiling flirtatiously at San.

“After you, my love~” He winked, his chest puffing up proudly at the flustered way San cleared his throat and hustled in.

Immediately, he’s met with the scent of cinnamon sugar and vanilla.

The bookshop appears bigger on the inside, and as much as everyone has told him it was ‘small’, San was still blown away at how many different sections there were to walk through and he almost didn’t hear Yeji come over to them.

“Good morning, Binnie and Chan told me you were coming. You two got here fast, though!”

San and Wooyoung looked over, finding Yeji jogging over to them, peeling some gloves off of her hands.

“It wasn’t too far but uh-what are you doing?” San blinked owlishly as he watched her take off her apron, which had been speckled with all kinda of color smears.

“I was doing some demos for our upcoming arts and crafts day. We’re going to make some spoopy soap for Halloween and give out candy to anyone who stops by in costume.” She grinned, hands on her hips as she watched Wooyoung rummage around before handing her a bento.

“Here’s lunch!”

“Thank you~ You two are like, a pair of house-husband saviors~” She smiled and moved to a counter, glancing over at San when she saw him looking around in interest.

“Go ahead, baby boy. Look around my little shop. Let me know if you wanna check anything out.” She grinned and waved the curious man off. San smiled and nodded in thanks, moving to walk through rows upon rows of colorful books.

There were a few people littered around here and there, but given the time of day, there wasn’t a high concentration of people in the area that would make things claustrophobic.

He ran his fingers over book covers, spotting several books with beautifully crafted covers that drew his attention.

Some of them were a bit larger in size- ’That one Against the Tide thing on the table has like 3 volumes and the small paper sign says its not done?’- while some were significantly smaller. San glanced over to see Wooyoung and Yeji leaning on a counter, talking and laughing as she ate her bento.

San didn’t want to disturb them and interrupt them speaking, so instead, he plucked the closest book he could find, missing the fact he’d wandered into the section of the shop with the more explicit works.

He’d found a spot on a nearby cat-shaped bean bag on the floor and settled in, opening his book.

He was unsure how many minutes had passed, his eyes combing through the pages. He found himself engrossed in the story, though he found a bit early on that he’d grabbed not only a book from the queer adult section, but that it had also contained very vivid material on the inside.

-”Tilt your head up, I want you to look me in the eyes, Hyunjin.”

Minho is met with a slow smile stretching across his love’s ruby-red lips, the lipstick smeared at the corner. Hyunjin obliges, purring as Minho crossed the room, running his fingers through Hyunjin’s silken hair.

Then, his eyes drift down to Jisung, spent and panting, still buried deep inside of Hyunjin, the evidence of their lovemaking making a mess between their legs.

A smile stretches across Minho’s face as he leaned close, stealing a kiss from Hyunjin before he caressed Jisung, kissing him too and reveling in the man’s soft moan as he pressed Hyunjin flush against him in an attempt to feel them both.

“There’s no need to rush,” Minho chuckled, moving to settle himself in a chair just beyond their bed’s reach.

“I'd like to…savor it a bit more. Every beat of your heart, every thrum of excitement in your blood. I can taste it from here. I'm enjoying the show. Continue. I'll join when I'm ready for a bite.”-

San stared at the page slack-jawed and beet red.

Two vampires and their human lover. All of them, sharing kisses and whispers of love, standing by each other in a love story that had been…oddly domestic despite the vampiric nature of two-thirds of the main characters.

Maybe throuples like this are more common than San could have guessed…

"Whacha reading?"

San jolted and nearly hurled the book, clutching his chest with wide eyes as he looked at a mischievous Wooyoung. His boyfriend nearly cackled behind him, covering his mouth to keep himself from laughing as San gave him a half-hearted shove, standing up.

"Don't do that!" He huffed, glaring at Wooyoung. His boyfriend put his hands on his hips, proud of himself.

"Yeji and I are all done babe. We just need to drop Yeosang’s off since Yeonjun is out of town."

San glanced down at the book in his hands and cleared his throat.

"Gimmie a second. I'm gonna, uh I'm gonna buy this real quick." He shuffled along while Wooyoung hummed and moved to peruse the books himself.

"No problem, call me when you're ready, my love."

San nodded and headed off to Yeji, sheepishly putting the book in front of her. She smiled at him, glancing down at the book before humming, her brows going up just a margin.

San felt his cheeks darken even more.

"This is a pretty good series. This is the second one, though. I recommend you read the first one before you continue this. It makes their relationship feel more impactful.” She advised, smiling sweetly at San as she scanned the book regardless of his decision. He shifted from one foot to the other, worrying his lip between his teeth for a moment before he moved back to the section of the bookstore he had been in, coming back once he found the aforementioned first book.

Yeji smiled and added that one, applying an employee discount before she put them in a paper bag with a cat on the front of it.

“If you have any questions on the book or…anything similar, let me know.” She added the last part in a whisper, glancing at Wooyoung before looking at San once again.

“I- N-no it’s nothing like that. I-”

“San, I’m not assuming anything. I’m just saying…if you ever want coffee and to talk about some books, I’m your girl.” She beamed and tilted her head, smiling at him.

San looked at the bag and cleared his throat, nodding.

“Right..thank you, Yeji.” He bowed and headed back to Wooyoung, finding him pursuing the manga. He perked and smiled at San, adjusting his grip on the tote with the last bento and mason jar.

“Got everything you wanted?” He inquired. San nodded, kissing his head as they stepped out of the shop, a melodic chime following them as they went.

They had to walk significantly farther to get to the dog training facility, and San could tell it was after lunch despite their efforts to deliver the food and drink to their friends by the noon hour. The streets, while still bustling in their own right, had less suited men and women rushing to and from food shops, and San had enough room to walk side by side Wooyoung comfortably without worrying about accidentally brushing into anyone.

They still kept their hands unlinked, just in case they needed to maneuver apart as a wayward office worker or a teenager in a hurry came darting down the middle of the sidewalk, but overall, this time of day proved to be more flexible than their earlier runs.

When they finally got to the dog training facility, San could hear a cacophony of barking and yipping coming from beyond a set of heavy, tinted doors.

Wooyoung took the lead, checking first before pushing the door in, making sure no dogs were trying to make any great escapes the moment he did so. Once the coast was clear, he guided San all the way in, and the two walked up to a man and woman standing by the front. The man smiled jovially at them, his piercings shimmering in the light while the petite woman at his side rubbed her belly.

Ah, she must be the one that was heading off to her maternity leave soon.

“Kookie-hyung~ Jennie-noona~” Wooyoung practically sang, smiling ear to ear at the two. Jennie smiled back before glancing at San curiously.

“I can’t ever get you to visit with a dog, but instead, you bring a new friend?” She teased. San blushed and bowed,

“My name is San. I’m his boyfriend.”

Both her and ‘Kookie’s’ eyebrows shot up. They exchanged a look with one another before some kind of silent realization dawned on them, if the small ‘ah’s they let out was anything to go by.

San fidgeted. If Yeosang worked here and they had that kind of reaction, clearly they’d heard of him in some capacity.

“Are you looking for Yeosang? He’s started a class but Jungkook-ah can bring you to the sidelines. Just try not to distract the dogs, okay? He gets really upset when his classes are interrupted.” She advised them. Jungkook nodded and kissed her head before beckoning both men to follow him down the hall.

“Thank you, sorry for intruding.” San humbly apologized while Wooyoung waved, puffing his chest out.

“Bah, don’t worry! Yeo Yeo has a nasty habit of not eating properly when I’m not cooking for him, so we’re doing him a big favor.”

Jungkook only smiled, listening to the two before stopping outside a room with a fox painted on the door.

“Alrighty. Follow my lead, keep your voices a bit down if you can, and try not to distract him, I can see he’s already started in there.” He instructed, guiding them into a room that had a big, circular area in the center with turf. The area outside of it had raised walls so (most) dogs couldn’t get out with ease, and as asked, the two of them silently filed into the area where there were seats, opting not to stand too close to the walls, for fear they’d become a distraction for what was assumed to be a beginner class.

They were far enough that they believed they could eat their own lunches, despite the lateness, so they began rustling about as quietly as they could to eat as they watched Yeosang’s class. Once they were settled, Jungkook left them to their own devices and they watched on as Yeosang scanned the group in front of him.

His long, fluffy hair was secured under a cap and his tanktop was tucked into his pants as Yunho stood dutifully at his side. He looked more like a military drill sergeant than what San had expected a dog trainer to look like.

It was quite…quite an impressive look, if he was being honest.

“When you are here, it is not just the dogs that will be trained. You yourselves, as their owners and companions, will be training alongside them. That is the most important thing here. During my classes, you and your dogs are equals , and I will train you both as such. A dog can be as well-behaved and wonderful as can be, but the moment they are put around reckless people, gradually, over time, that behavior switches. It changes. And it does not take much of a dogs bad behavior before society deems them a risk and I'm sure you all know what happens then." The black-haired man made a gun motion with his hand and Yunho immediately flopped onto his back, tongue out as he stayed still, playing dead,

Yeosang strolled past the dog before he patted his own thigh, giving him a treat as Yunho immediately rolled back onto his paws and appeared at his side.

“The best thing that can prevent a dog biting or fighting incident is proper training of both the owners and their canines. And that’s why you all are with me.”

San watched, chewing quietly as Yeosang walked back and forth past his class. He could see some people listening with rapt attention-he was one of them-while others rolled their eyes, surely thinking the trainer was "over dramatic".

Wooyoung took a sip from his mason jar, leaning on San as he spoke quietly.

"Yeosang really loves dogs. Training is his passion. It pisses me off that some of them think this is a game." He muttered. San chewed thoughtfully and watched as Yunho sat dutifully in the same spot, despite all of the dogs and people in the training ring.

At one point, the giant dog’s eyes move towards them, there is a subtle wag to his tail, but he remains unmoving.

The two watch while whispering, not wanting to disturb the dogs or their owners. Yeosang’s face remains calm, yet authoritative as he trains, never raising his voice over a certain volume, every movement and instruction precise and to the point.

San found himself unable to tear his eyes off of him. Wooyoung is the same.

“Today’s lesson is over. Report cards will be sent out by the end of the day for the lesson’s progress, along with ‘homework’. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions between now and our next lesson.”

Wooyoung finally stood as the group began to filter out, leashing up their dogs and dispersing while talking amongst themselves. San is right behind him, though both of them hang back as one of the trainees walked up to Yeosang, smiling handsomely at him.

“I really appreciate your lesson, Yeosang-nim~ With your help, Coco and I will be just as impressive as you and Yunho in no time.” He grinned, holding a pomeranian under his arm. Yeosang glanced and then crossed his arm.

“Remember my lesson about the detriments of carrying your dogs unless necessary, Lee-nim. You do not want to give Coco a complex by always carrying her just because she is small.”

Lee nodded, though he didn’t seem too interested in what Yeosang was saying, rather, his eyes subtly combing over his face, and chest, and even darting down to admire his abs once he stood back up after setting Coco down.

San pursed his lips, a small nagging in the back of his mind as he watched the two.

Agitation.

“You’re the best teacher I’ve seen in this place, Sang-nim. Could I ask you out for dinner as a thanks?” He inquired, his eyebrows going up flirtatiously.

Yeosang blinked, the calm expression on his face shifting ever so slightly to one of surprise before suddenly Wooyoung tossed an arm over Yeosang’s shoulder, dangling off of the man’s side and smiling with a tilt to his head.

“Sorry! We have some food for Yeosangie already. Dinner too, we’ve already made plans for him.”

Yeosang looked at him, his face didn’t betray the confusion he felt, and Wooyoung was grateful, his eyes never leaving Lee’s face.

He could see the way the shorter man’s eyes narrowed subtly before he sniffed, wiping his nose.

“Oh, next time, then, Sangie-nim .” His voice dripped in the untold challenge, and then he turned and headed out of the training ring, his Pomeranian following at his side with hurried footsteps.

Wooyoung didn’t take his eyes off of him until he was out of view, muttering in displeasure.

“I don’t like him.”

“Since when did we have dinner plans?” Yeosang inquired, the neutral expression of his face changing into a more casual, expressive one now that he wasn’t teaching.

“Since just now because that guy is a creep. I mean, who asks out their tutor?” Wooyoung began rambling, never moving from his spot leaning on Yeosang. The slightly older man let him speak, calmly watching him with a smile on his face until San moved closer, drawing his attention.

He held up the box Wooyoung had left behind when he moved to his side, looking Yeosang in the eyes and smiling softly.

“You must be hungry. We made bento boxes for everyone. Even Yunho.” He offered, keeping his hand extended.

Yeosang looked at it for a beat longer than the others had, but then he took it, smiling softly.

“I see. That’s sweet of you. I appreciate it. Yunho-” Yeosang made a motion with his hand, and in a flash, Yunho’s massive form appeared, licking at both Wooyoung and San’s hand before sitting in front of his owner.

Yeosang gently moved away from Wooyoung, making sure he did not lose his balance before he crouched down to set up the food they had made for the canine first.

Wooyoung bent down, petting Yunho and cooing to him, eyes half-lidded.

“Yeah, Yuyu. That guy is stinky, anyway, you don’t want him taking your papa out to dinner either, do you?” He talked to the animal as if he were human. Yunho blinked at him, head tilting before he licked Wooyoung’s hand, as if that were the response to a command he hadn’t quite learned yet.

Yeosang-and San-glanced at him at the comment, yet neither said a word.

"I appreciate you for making a bento for me and including Yunho. Thank you, both of you." Yeosang bowed slightly, sitting with his legs crossed on the ground beside Yunho as he inspected the bento, a genuine, big smile coming to his face when he saw the small character they'd made out of the bento's contents, the floral-themed 'Hethetmon' staring back at him.

Wooyoung smiled triumphantly and watched as Yeosang ate.

"I knew you'd be more focused on training your classes than eating properly-again-so we put extra in yours."

Yeosang chewed thoughtfully, humming.

"I guess I did forget."

San frowned and put a hand on his hip, looking at the man in disapproval.

"You can't forget things like that, Yeosang-ah. Your health is important. Please take care of yourself."

Yeosang’s gaze shifted to him, calm, yet doe-like and for a second, San could swear he felt a sound akin to a fax machine struggling to work in his brain.

He and Wooyoung have such pretty eyes.

San panicked, tripping over his own words as he quickly added; "Besides, who's going to take care of Yunho when you get sick?"

Yeosang hummed quietly before nodding, petting the canine as he finished his dog-safe bento.

"Probably Soobin."

Wooyoung let out a scandalized gasp.

"You didn't even hesitate! What about me!?"

"Wooyoung, I don't trust you with my plants , I damn sure aren't trusting you with my dog."

Wooyoung clung to his chest, falling to his knees dramatically.

"See that, San? We make him a beautiful lunch, and he wounds me! Blasphemy! Gimme back my damn food, then!"

Yeosang smiled, and it reached his eyes, a spark of mischief in it as he started eating noticeably faster. Wooyoung narrowed his gaze and lunged at him half-heartedly, though he tumbled a bit too far forward, falling on top of Yeosang and nearly knocking the food out of his hand as he moved to catch him.

The two lay on each other in an awkward heap. Wooyoung went beet red to his ears, his face entirely too close to Yeosang’s as he tried to gather his bearings.

What San had believed to be Yeosang’s "normal" deadpan calm around Wooyoung’s shenanigans was broken in an instant, his face dark red as he stared at him, mouth agape.

The two stared at each other like deer in headlights, and San was certain neither of them were actually breathing .

Hell, he didn't know if he was.

But he recovered first-naturally, he wasn't directly involved, after all-and he spoke first.

"Are you two okay?"

Wooyoung swallowed thickly, sitting up and clearing his throat.

“Y-yeah- sorry I didn’t mean to knock you over-”

Yeosang cleared his throat, sitting up and speaking quietly.

“I’m okay…don’t worry.” He muttered, eating with his head down. Wooyoung bit his lip and looked at San with an almost sheepish expression.

“We’ll go on ahead. I’ll make a big dinner. You can stop by if you have time. Okay?” he offered, pausing to wait for an answer. He got a small nod in response, as Yeosang found his gaze transfixed on the meal in his slightly shaking hand.

Wooyoung laced his fingers in with San’s, and the countryman couldn’t help but to notice the small amount of clamminess to them.

San waved goodbye, pulling him outside.

The two walked in silence until they got home.

Wooyoung came to a stop before they got to the door, his eyebrows pulled up. San looked back at him.

“Wooyoung?”

“I’m…sorry.”

San felt the heaviness in his tone and turned his full attention towards him.

“Why?”

“I…God, I’m such a horrible boyfriend, aren’t I? It looks like I’m throwing myself at him and I…I swear I’m not trying to be disrespectful to you, I love you, I just-I have these habits that die hard and around Yeosang I-”

“-you still love him.”

Wooyoung’s fingers twitched in San’s grip. He didn’t meet his gaze, but San could see the storm settling on his face. He didn’t deny the statement, and while his gaze was fixed on the ground, tears welled up in his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, I’m such a shitty boyfriend.”

San pursed his lips and gently twisted his hand out of Wooyoung’s grip. Wooyoung took the action as a rejection and slumped his shoulders.

San didn’t want the miscommunication to escalate, so he wrapped his arms around Wooyoung, pulling him into a strong hug.

“Please answer me honestly. Do you love me?”

“Of course I do! I-”

San pushed forward.

“Do you love Yeosang, still?”

“.....”

“Wooyoung, I need you to be honest with me. I have never told you a lie since we met, just answer me.”

“...yes.”

San caressed his cheeks as he sobbed, holding his wrists. Wooyoung looked torn up as he stood in front of him, hiccuping as tears ran down his cheek. The empathetic part of San felt his own eyes water at seeing him like this.

The other part, felt relief.

San kissed the top of his head.

“So, what’s wrong with that?”

Wooyoung nearly didn’t hear him. Between his hiccups and sobs, San’s calm voice was nearly drowned out.

“W-what?”

“So what, you love him. You also love me. And I have never doubted that from the day you told me for the first time.”

Wooyoung looked at him, still crying, though he’d been shocked out of saying anything further. San ran his thumb over his eyes, humming quietly.

“A…aren’t you mad?”

“Wooyoung, I have had a lot of time to think about this since we got here, hell, since you told me back in Namhae. And you know what? No. I’m not. It’s not such a scary concept, you loving him as well. It doesn’t bother me at all.”

Wooyoung’s eyes flooded with tears as he squeezed San tight, sobbing into his shoulder as they stood in the doorway of their home.

He felt selfish, he felt anxious, he felt like he was stabbing his love in the back.

And yet, those few words, they calmed the chaotic waters of his mind, a lifted weight from his chest.

Wooyoung loved San. He loved Yeosang. He’d convinced himself long ago that he’d never get to truly share his love with Yeosang as deeply as it ran, but this alone, brought him solace.

San ran his hands through Wooyoung’s hair, kissing him softly.

His boyfriend was plenty overwhelmed right now.

San didn’t feel it appropriate to mention the other thing tumbling around in his mind.

That he also felt a subtle pull he’d felt before.

With the boy he’d invited to the festival, with Wooyoung.

Now, with Yeosang.

The undeniable tug at his heart; yearning.

Instead, he guided Wooyoung into their home, the chill of the October air reminding them that they were, in fact, still outside. He brought him over to the couch, sitting him down and pulling him into his arms once more, just rocking with the man and letting him cry.

Wooyoung ended up laying in his arms, the energy expelled from his episode leaving him asleep in San's embrace, cheeks still red. San carried him upstairs, tucking him into bed with a kiss to his head before he sighed and moved downstairs to cook on his own.

He made a quick stir fry, thankful for all the cooks he had in his immediate circle that he got to study from. San was sure he wouldn't be able to do half the technical things he'd learned to do from them on his own.

San headed back upstairs once he was finished, casting a small glance over his shoulder at the front door.

Yeosang hadn't stopped by.

San pushed back the sadness he felt and instead focused on not tripping with him and Wooyoung’s food on the platter the two of them bought for their home.

Wooyoung perked when he entered the room, the scent waking him in an instant.

"San…? Oh- shit, I fell asleep? I was supposed to help, I'm sorry!”

“Shh, it's not much but it should be enough to get a full, happy belly,” San told him, handing him his plate first. Wooyoung tiredly ate, for once not filling the silence with any animated talking or anything of the sort.

San didn't press him on it, eating just as quietly and cleaning up shortly afterwards.

When he came back to the room for the second time, he found Wooyoung dozing, looking at him with half-lidded eyes. He reached for him, making a small noise as San laced their fingers together and climbed into bed with him.

He stared at San for a while, his blinks getting noticeably longer as his breathing began to even out.

"I love you." He tiredly muttered, finally closing his eyes to rest for the night. San kissed his head and held him close.

"I love you too." San chuckled softly and nosed his hair, just listening to his heartbeat and breathing.

They stayed like that until San felt his own eyes getting heavy, and soon he, too, fell asleep.

Despite the high-strung emotions of the evening, he found that his mind wasn’t quite done running amok.

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

. . . . .

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

“Show me your face, beautiful.”

San moved closer to the bed, cupping Wooyoung’s face lovingly. Wooyoung looked up, lips stained ruby red.

They’re smudged, right in the corner.

Bite marks trail down his neck, and he leans into San’s hand, keening as he kisses his palm. There’s melted love shining in his eyes as he sat up higher on his knees to kiss him. San caressed him, pulling him flush against his bigger body, making sure he felt how excited he’d become in the time they’d spent in there.

Then, another voice.

“Starting without me? You’re really spoiling him.”

San cracked his eyes open, exhaling sharply when his eyes locked onto another’s, a chin suddenly resting on Wooyoung’s shoulder.

“Yeosang,” he breathed, eyeing the man with an undeniable want rumbling in his voice. Yeosang smiled, a calm devilish vibe to counter Wooyoung’s needy squirming and panting between them.

His lips were swollen from kisses, a telltale smear of red on them.

It went without question where they came from, as he got his answer to the unasked statement moments later when Wooyoung turned his head, his neck bared as he kissed him.

It was needy, near desperate, and San felt himself throbbing with need, grinding on Wooyoung’s thigh. Wooyoung moaned into his kiss, flexing his thigh one moment and pressing his ass back the next.

Yeosang broke the kiss and pushed him forward just enough to press him flush against San, catching the slightly younger man’s attention before he pulled him in for a kiss, capturing his lips with the same hunger he did Wooyoung’s.

San felt a spark run up and down his body. His hips jerk and he buck as Wooyoung teased his nipples with his thumbs, mouthing at his neck and creating more ruby-red smears.

He was melting. San felt like he was going to slip through the sheets in a puddle, especially when they switched positions, and suddenly he was in the middle, with both Wooyoung and Yeosang grinding and humping his thighs.

“Sorry for the mess~” Wooyoung half-heartedly apologized, leaving a glistening trail of precum on San’s thigh as he hugged his waist. San opened his mouth to respond, but was met with the sound of his own jerky moan as Yeosang wrapped his hand around his cock, stroking him.

“Oh, I’m not. I’m going to make sure you make an even bigger one.” he promised, looking him in the eyes. San gasped and bucked into his hand before whimpering when his chin was grabbed by the man.

His hair was down, fluffy and wild as he looked him in the eyes.

“Hang on a bit longer, darling. After all, we have to keep you nice and hard for our Woo-ya, don’t we?” He purred into his ear, nipping his lobe as San nearly came in his hand. Wooyoung keened in excitement beside them, trading kisses between both of their chests before he moved to their lips, hovering over them both.

San wondered what it would feel like to share a kiss. It probably would be messy between the three of them.

He wanted it. Found himself leaning in for it.

He’s so close-

“Sannie?”

San jolted, eyes opening in an instant before he hissed and shut them, feeling the sunlight stream directly into them. He groaned and opened them back once he’d raised his arm, squinting to find Wooyoung peering up at him.

His eyes were still puffy from crying, and his face a bit swollen, but San was happy to see he’d gotten some color back to his cheeks.

“Good morning.” San groggily muttered. Wooyoung glanced down between them without saying a word before he looked up at him once more, slow blinking.

“I bet it is. Did you sleep well?”

It took San a moment to realize what he meant. He got his answer mere moments later when he felt the telltale throbbing between his legs as Wooyoung raised his thigh between them.

He went beet red and Wooyoung smiled softly, kissing his nose.

“Do you need a hand? Is it okay if I help?” He inquired. There was a hesitation in his tone that made San sober up from his flushed state for a moment. Wooyoung had certainly been worried still, and it was to be expected.

San didn’t like all the apprehension his boyfriend was beginning to feel around him, however.

Instead, he cupped his face, looking into his eyes. The same ones that always looked at him so full of bold love and mischievous energies now held a worried edge to them as Wooyoung put his hand over San’s, waiting.

“I don’t want to do anything like that while you’re worried about me being mad at you. If we do anything intimate, it should be because we both want to feel good, not because you feel you have to or need to.”

Wooyoung’s lips parted as if he was going to protest the notion before he stopped, thought about it, and nodded. He seemed to think about it in earnest before he scooted closer to San, kissing him gently.

“I want to.”

San fixed him in place with a heated, half-lidded stare, before he pulled him into his lap, stealing a kiss and squeezing Wooyoung’s ass until there was no space left between the two of them.

Wooyoung’s arms wrapped lazily around his shoulders, kissing him with a slow, almost methodical pace. San didn’t mind, nor did he rush, sighing into the kiss and leaning against the headboard. The two of them messily pushed their pajama pants down, haphazardly discarding it elsewhere in the bed.

With freedom of movement now, Wooyoung placed his palm on San’s chest, lightly raking his nails down his pectoral as he kissed down his neck, rolling his slender hips down. He could feel San’s cock smearing precum over his own and a thrum of excitement ran up and down his spine when he chanced a glance up, finding San leveling him with his signature feline narrowed gaze. His jaw locked ever so slightly as big, calloused hands cupped his ass to pull him flush against him once more and control their pace and movement.

Wooyoung held his gaze, though he felt the heat creep up his neck as San tilted his chin up ever so slightly, eyes combing over his frame before landing back on his face, lips quirking ever so slightly at the shiver the simple motion caused in his boyfriend.

“When you look at me like that, I lose my train of thought.”

“I’m more than happy to take over, then. You can sit back and let me do it.”

Simple, it was so simple, yet those words made Wooyoung shudder even more as he licked suddenly dry lips. He rolled them until San was on top, his hair splayed around on the pillow like a silken halo.

San kissed down his neck and torso, pushing his thighs apart and making him hold them open as he fished around for the lube in their nightstand. He made a mental note they needed to buy more later before he coated his fingers, teasing his rim as he nipped his pelvis.

“You're trembling in anticipation.”

Wooyoung looked away, cheeks strawberry-tinted as he fumbled in his attempt to catch his breath. San smiled and got in his face, turning his face so he met his eyes.

“Don’t look away.”

Wooyoung shuddered and rolled his tongue over the inside of his cheek. Neither man said anything and eventually, Wooyoung tilted his head up, lips brushing over San’s jaw.

“I won’t, then.”

He didn’t keep his voice down the second time around, moaning as San meticulously stretched him open, leaving love bites and kisses all over his shoulders and neck.

San stopped when Wooyoung’s hand flew down to his wrist, gripping tight as he shuddered, meeting his eyes as he panted.

“I can’t- I’ll cum-”

San smiled, rewarding him with a kiss, slicking himself up.

Wooyoung wiggled in impatient anticipation beneath him, eventually wrapping his arms around his neck as he felt San finally press against him, both of his palms pressed at either side of his head. Wooyoung nearly bit back the moan of delight that tumbled out of his mouth as San pressed into him. His mouth fell open instead, a moan of wanton abandon rumbling out of his throat as he rolled his hips down, urging San deeper.

The slightly older man fisted the sheets near his head, hips rolling down with slow, practiced motions. He’d knew Wooyoung’s body better than his own in this regard in the very short time they’d had together.

The wicked little devil on his shoulder reminded him of flashes of his dream, a certain dog trainer’s hands running up and down his body as he thrusted into Wooyoung.

Maybe it was heat of the moment, maybe it was the fog of his somewhat sleep-riddled brain, but San found himself slipping up as Wooyoung moaned for him.

“San~ San, faster, please -”

“So fucking pretty for us- ”

Wooyoung looked up at him, blinking in confusion before he choked on a moan as San’s cock curved just right.

“W-what-”

San felt his cheeks growing hot, but he bit his lip, leaning down so Wooyoung’s couldn’t see his face-hypocritical, he knew, but he worried if he held his gaze, he’d falter in his words.

He already slipped, might as well continue letting his thoughts freefall.

“Do you want to know what my dream was about?” He growled, sucking at a yet-to-be-marked part of Wooyoung’s neck. He whimpered and gasped, trying to look at him. San sped up instead, distracting him with every pleasurable brush to his prostate.

“S-San-? Fuck! Wait fuck, I c-can’t think straight if you’re-fucking hitting it so much, shit -”

San slowed to a stop, growling and swearing underneath his breath as he looked at Wooyoung. The young chef panted, eyes glazed over and slightly frustrated at the loss. He looked up at San, searching his eyes.

“What did you d-dream about that was so good you’re bringing it up now?” He huffed, partially teasing him and partially urging him to take the hint and keep thrusting. His hand moved up to cup San’s cheek and instead, he felt him wrap his fingers around his wrist, kissing his palm as he looked into his eyes.

“Yeosang was there. The way he touched both of us was addicting.”

Wooyoung’s eyes widened, his lips parting as he clenched slightly. San’s eyes narrowed as he ran his teeth over his palm.

“You clenched. Does it turn you on that I had that kind of dream? With both of you in it?”

Wooyoung shuddered, searching San’s face for any signs of dishonesty. Naturally, there were none, and San took the time to resume thrusting, keeping his pace deep and slow so Wooyoung could hear everything he had to say.

“I never…mm, minded you liking him so much but I can see why you do. You two have good chemistry, darling.”

Wooyoung’s fingers flexed along his cheek, his other weaving into his hair as the words made his cheeks darken San’s satoori bounced around his head like a hymn, and Wooyoung felt his mind swirl, a spark of hope and desire in the muddied thoughts.

“Do you think you’d try to hide your moans more or less if he was here too, touching you with me? Do you think you’d try and talk back to him while you kiss, only to crumble mid-way because my cock feels too good and you can’t focus?”

“San, oh my god- ” Wooyoung clenched again, tugging San’s hair to ground himself as San suddenly sped up, growling in need. The bed rocked below them, the headboard hitting the wall at an off-tempo pace as San’s hands ran all up and down Wooyoung’s body.

“Keep moanin’. You sound so pretty like that, baby. You’ll drive us crazy.”

Wooyoung clenched tighter, closing his eyes. The room had begun the spin from how hot he was, his thighs shaking as he listened to San purr his fantasy out to him.

It made him throb, his cock red and hard as a rock against his abdomen as he imagined Yeosang’s soft fingers all over his body, contrasting with San’s rough work-worn ones.

Wooyoung looked up at him, eyes begging, though all that fell from his lips were disjointed and desperate pleas for more.

“S-San-! San I c-can’t, I-I need to cum, please, please- ”Wooyoung’s voice was airy and desperate as his eyes rolled back, the lube making a slick mess between his cheeks. San laced their fingers together and kissed him, claiming every inch of his mouth as he rocked forward, hell-bent on making him fall apart first.

“D-Do you think Yeosang would go wild listening to you moan like this? Mm?”

That seemed to do it for Wooyoung, and he threw his head back with a shaky gasp and moan, thick spurts of cum making a mess of both his and San’s abdomens. San kissed him, languidly mapping out every part of Wooyoung’s mouth as he came inside, purring sweet nothings against his lips.

It took the two longer than usual to come down from the adrenaline of their lovemaking, but when they did, Wooyoung pulled back first, looking up at San with flushed cheeks and a curious slow blink.

“So that was…something.”

San cleared his throat and blushed, looking back down at him. While a moment ago he spoke with a deep satoori purr and a seductive smile, now he was speaking airily and softly as the reality of their encounter sunk in.

“I think I like Yeosang too.”

Wooyoung blinked at him, lips parting.

“...wait that wasn’t just you teasing me?”

San flushed darker and hid his face in Wooyoung’s shoulder, muttering incoherently. Wooyoung combed his fingers through pastel pink locks and kissed San’s jaw, his heart fluttering.

“How about we get cleaned up? We can talk about it when you’re ready…?” He left the sentence open-ended and waited for a moment, smiling and laughing quietly at the small nod that followed a few moments later.

“Breakfast first?” San muttered. Wooyoung laughed, his eyes crinkling with joy.

“Breakfast first.”

┍━━━━━»•» 🌺 «•«━┑

T a g l i s t

┕━»•» 🌺 «•«━━━━━┙

@kimnamshiks @atiny-dazzlinglight @angel0taiyo @jacksons-goddess-gaia @gettin-a-lil-hanse @smallfrye @daniblogs164 @yunhofingers @eversionic @itsatinyworld @unatempesta-dipensieri @lonely10vely @yunhosblackgf @not-majestic-bluenicorn @moonmin-miya @snowstaytiny @delphinium3000 @just-a-starfruit @skmoonchild @allthestarsrcloser @im-what-iam @stayatinyfics @kirisimpma @chaos-ground-writing @stormiestories @billboard-singer @asyamonet22 @perfectlysane24 @drunk-on-hwa @shingisimp @xuxibelle @twistedsiren @dreamyinception-world @justatiredhuman @horizonmoonfics @shymexican @stardragongalaxy @sunny-yourbuddy @eribear23 @seomisaho @spooo00oky

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kaiarchives · 10 months

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WRITEBLR INTRO

— about me

Hii, my name is Kaiati (Kai - uh - tee), but I'd prefer you refer to me as Kai if that's too confusing. 19, 20 in August. Afro-Latinx (Haitian and Cuban). any prns but prefer They/them. Genderfluid. Queer.

This honestly is long overdue, and that's mostly because of my weird obsession with perfection paired with my GAD (anxiety) that I have just been stalking other writeblrs and procrastinating on my own.

I'm an aspiring writer, and my work ranges from speculative fiction. Fantasy, historical, supernatural, sci-fi, ghosts, eldritch terrors. I love it all, typically lgbtq+ and bipoc-centered to mundane romance (I'm a sucker for a good romance). I fell in love with writing after reading Narnia when I was 10???? Still never finished anything. I'm pretty new to this and tumblr in general since I never really was the type to be active even though I have several other old accounts, but this time I'm gonna make more of an effort and promise to be active instead of lurking on your pages, hehe.

— genres I love

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Contemporary / Mystery-Thriller / Folktales and Fairytales / Horror / Gothic folk / Romance ** I also live and breathe angst if I'm not balling my eyes out over fictional characters, then what's the point**

— tropes

found family . rivals to lovers . friends to lovers . opposites attract . sibling dynamics . revolting against the patriarchy (eat the rich!) . sapphic mermaids and other monsters and mystical creatures (monster girls in general) . girls in blood .

— my writing

...or lack thereof, I have a bunch the most I focus on now are:

Project JOG (all of the titles are wip cuz im lazy)

Captain Sooyoung had always dreamed of proving her worth as a fighter, yet after years of hard work, her achievement resulted in guarding the South Gate and examining merchants and produce. But when her father summoned her to the Capital, her hopes were reignited, only to be immediately shattered as she discovers she is being demoted to the guardian of a traitor, Jiwoo. Sooyoung abhors her assignment; the two women despise each other. However, as they get to know one another, they begin to form an unlikely bond. Despite their growing friendship, Sooyoung can't help but feel suspicious about Jiwoo's anonymous nocturnal absences. Sooyoung must keep her guard up and uncover Jiwoo's secrets before they threaten to destroy her, as well as her kingdom. This is a tale of trust, love, and deception, testing the strength of bonds forged on the battlefield.

Project HML

Jaebeom, a gumiho sentenced to eternal damnation for his crimes. Haunted by the endless suffering of his one true love, Jaebeom is forced to watch her die and be reborn in each of her lifetimes. But all hope is not lost when an unlikely ally presents him with an opportunity to earn his love's freedom. Armed with determination and a thirst for revenge on those who wronged him, Jaebeom embarks on a dangerous mission to find a mysterious scroll that holds the key to his lover's release. However, collecting enough despair to gain favors for his journey proves to be a difficult task until he meets Ada, a young businesswoman with a dark past and an even darker future. Forced to work together, the two soon form a bond that complicates their mission, threatening to derail everything Jaebeom has worked so hard for. Will they be able to overcome their differences and save his lover before time runs out, or will their own selfish desires get in the way?

Project BHA

Coretta's life takes a drastic turn when her younger brother falls ill. Determined to find a cure, she joins forces with a warlock named Lysander on his quest to protect the magic realm. But as they journey deeper into a world of danger and mystery, Coretta realizes that her own inner demons may pose an even greater threat. With Lysander by her side, she must navigate treacherous terrain and face her deepest fears in order to uncover the truth behind her brother's ailment and the secret that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of their reality. From magic spells to mythical creatures, the pair face impossible challenges and unexpected betrayals as they race against time to save the magic realm from mortal hands. But as secrets are revealed, and tensions rise, Coretta must decide who to trust and what sacrifices she will make to achieve her ultimate goal. Will she be able to save her brother and restore order to the magical world, or will her own inner demons ultimately be her downfall?

— What I'm looking for

More writers to follow!

books and recommendations

Beta readers/Critique Partners for fun ofc (i will also beta read for people if you want!)

Good vibes and friends

I also love and would like to play tag games but bear with me. I'm really shy, so it'll take a while...

I'm sure everyone on here has this problem, but it is really hard for me to finish anything, I get all in my head, and I end up deleting everything and moving on to another project I probably won't finish, but I'm hoping that through being on here and meeting writers and their incredible stories will give me the courage to finish my own.

As you can see, I ramble when I'm nervous but yeah! Excited to be here!!

— I'm also on here

wattpad

Archive of Our Own

Fin.

#writeblr #writeblr intro #black writblr #blackwriters #black writers #writeblr introduction #new to writeblr #queer writers #lgbt writers #writers of tumblr #latinx writers #will edit this later

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2sleepy4dis · 7 months

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╰┈➤ ❝ Chain/OC Pairing! ❞

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° Warning! Long list of Chain/OC pairing ahead! Ahah!

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ° Just a notice, the OCs do have a name I, however, just referred to them in this post with their title to make them recognizable easily! Next time, I'll post a little short fanfic individually 😊

Four/Seamtress

I make you guess to which I took the seamstress inspiration

Four and Seamstress met when they were children. Seamstress' family travels around the land and sells their fabrics, outfits and products.

Edited: Four and Seamstress before the Minish Cap event.

Four went to relax in the field after he helped his grandpa at the work, not bothering to change his torned clothes.

Seamstress saw him decided to help him.

During this, she found that he is the grandson of a blacksmith while Four got to see Seamstress' parents works (from clothes to jewelry).

There on forth, Seamstress always looked after the boy with green tunic whenever they visit Hyrule Town.

During the FourSword Adventure, Seamstress got targeted by Shadow because she's close to Four (to which I won't go in details now because I'm going to write a fanfic of it)

one of my favourite. why? because I'm into elf/gnome trope, except seamstress is not a gnome but she's taller than Four and I adore the idea of them being lovey-dovey. Four not minding to be lifted up by Seamstress and Seamstress sitting to lean on Four whenever she's tired.

Wholesome, loud, very supportive of each other. Seamstress loves watching Four smithing (helps him when she can). And also want to impress him with her works like little plushies that kinda reminds of Four the picori.

Warrior/Inventor

I got inspired by the sheika from botw!

Also one of my favourite but for different reason.

Inventor is a son of biiiiscuit— you gonna hate him. He boast and is cocky. Arrogant mf and only love his inventions.

Warrior wonders why Cia didn't targeted this dude yet

Inventor have many projects but sadly is more ahead of time so, much to his dismay, he gotta step back a bit so the things he invents can be properly used—

He is actually passionate about his work and tends to overwork himself.

I can't write much about Inventor since he still in w.i.p. but kinda have some scenarios about him and Warrior

I kinda imagine their trope to be idiot rivals to idiot friend to idiots who won't admit they now fallen for each other and historians will say they were good friends(TM)

Wind &Explorer

Platonic Childhood Friends!

I got inspired by Mido but this one is less mean lol

I like the idea of them going in adventures and playing around their island

Explorer is the one who mostly leads Wind back then but Wind comes up with the crazy idea they do!

Is also protective of Aryll!

Explorer, Wind and Aryll stargaze together and Explorer likes to keep books and charts about the sea and sky.

Explorer never got interested at the old folks story about the bero ("Let that ancient dude's soul rest in peace, for Goddesses' sake!" —Explorer, probably).

Maybe he do a little but lil' lad just want to explore the sea

But it's real business when Wind turns out to be that hero and was devastated. Not because it's true or envy. But because his friend is departing. Aryll got taken and the idea of his friends leaving and never to return again filled made him sorrow.

Still have faith in him tho and yelled at the ocean, sky and horizon to be kind to Wind or he gonna fight them—

Wind cheered him up by promising once he returns they gonna explore the sea together and teach him the ropes like once Explorer did to him

They spit swear!

Other ships that I have but don't have much yet

Twilight/Witch || Witch lives in the forest doing her daily witchy stuffs. Kinda imagine their dynamic to be shaky at first. Once they get to know each other, Witchy and Twilight would be a bit flirty to mess up each. At least try to. Because later they would just go with casual talk, wholesome and domestic dynamic. If one is at the home of another, they look like have lived together for years! Very lax and gremlincore aesthetic pair.

Wild/Historian || I've read somewhere that Wild is around 4"11 so I made Historian 4"6 lol. Came from family of historian who worked for the royal family. Historian is a bit shy but he looks up upon the champions, especially Wild. Pending whether to make Historian live in the past or present 💀

Legend/Bard || Their trope is that "Person A hates Person B's guts so they annoy B. But Person B thinks of Person A as a friend anyway". Don't have much yet but Bard came from a family of historian too who worked in the castle but preferred to travel the world. At time they visit Hyrule Castle, they and Fable have a cup of tea and tells story. May have invited Legend from time to time but some of them got turned down. Anyway, Legend and Bard have mutual respect to each other and has been on travel together when they bump to each other! They are very fluffy-angsty genre.

Hyrule/??? || I adore this dude but I can't help but to be totally unsure since I don't know a lot about him or his game. I'm doing more research

I don't have any for Sky and Time but if I have any it would be a platonic one ^^). For Sky, I was thinking about a mysterious person who resides in the land and raised by the kikwi dhsjdhqks

And for Time, a gerudo. He, Malon and the gerudo are a trio and have a platonic dynamic. Gerudo would protect this two with her life 😤😤

»»———-　　———-«

That's it! That's all! For now!

I have some images made from picrew but they kinda don't have whay I have in mind soooo... I guess I'll just draw them as the next post! I found a cool brush!

#🖊 ima writes #📝 ima list #linked universe #lu time #lu twilight #lu warrior #lu wild #lu four #lu wind #lu legend #lu hyrule #lu sky #linked universe x reader #linked universe x oc

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starskichild · 1 year

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The Behemoth Father

Chapter 1: The Discovery

Cw: Blood, minor character death, self-sacrifice, mentions of kidnapping, murder, and slavery/dehumanization of humans Overview: To the North are the Northern Behemoths. These giants are two times the size of their Southern Giant brethren, usually around 20-25 feet in height, absolutely dwarfing the southern giants, who usually stand around 13-15 feet in height. While the Southern Giants consider humanity equal to them, and simply their smaller brethren to benevolently look over, the Northern Giants consider them in a much colder, cyclical, and brutal light. The Northern Behemoths consider humans, or “man-swine”, as lesser beings, some even as pests. Given their strength/size-based class system within their culture, humans to them are no better or powerful than the dirt or scum of the earth. Given that human/smaller folk country is situated right between the two giant kingdoms, humans are much more fearful of giants (southern or northern) considering their violent frequent experiences with the Northern giants, who will sometimes attack and ransack innocent human villages. Either killing or kidnapping the humans of the village, deeming them as slaves or pets in the process. Some among the northern giants, however, do not all act or think this way. Such is the case with Ogden. A kind, intelligent, paternal man who thinks there is way more to humanity than simply being pests, lessers, pets, or slaves. He considers them sentient and equal beings, something that is somewhat a rare belief among his people, but not impossible. He simply wants to live a peaceful life with him and his precious little human daughter, Leilani.

So… This story is about my characters Ogden and Leilani. Ogden is a 27-foot 35-year-old Northern Giant (Or Northern Behemoth), and Leilani is a 2-year-old human girl. I love the found family trope, and the whole “good monster” story line and this story is just full of fluff between these two silly billies, so I hope you’re ready for some good found father/daughter goodness.

This is truly a guilty pleasure writing oop.

Word count: 5626

Special thank you to @narrans @minutemenren/@silverrens @izatoonist @dracothemdragon @orionlionscribs @Bat_Bimbo and my creative writing class for tagging in as early beta readers, proofreaders, and helping in critiquing/sending advice for the story! You guys are da best!

I woke up late one morning not feeling right. I sat up and sniffed the air with a cautious glance from my bed, it seemed to feel heavy all around me. Something wrong happened last night while I was sleeping, but exactly what I wasn't so sure.

I begrudgingly got out of bed, dead tired. I went and checked that the doors were all shut and that the windows had not been broken, but nothing was out of the ordinary. I glanced over the interior of my log cabin, built by my younger hands long ago. The wood chipped with age, but still a sturdy foundation. I checked the cabinets, the pantry, the kitchen, and all throughout the living room for… something, but found not a thing out of the ordinary… "What is happening?" I asked, to no one in particular except myself. My mind was hazy and groggy from some deep slumber I must have fallen into, I walked around and sniffed the air for any signs of intruders...or smoke.

To my horror, I did smell smoke, but when I focused in on the smell of it, it wasn’t coming from anywhere in my house. No, it was coming from close outside. Sure enough, I looked out from one of my windows, and there was a large billowing cloud of smoke above the treetops, not too far off from my humble cabin in the woods. What happened last night??

Oh no…Did a fire burn down the village?

I realized, as smoke seemed to be coming from a nearby human village. I bolted for it, hoping I could help. I had never really interacted with them before, not wanting to deal with a bunch of tiny humans screaming and running away from me, but I still worried something terrible happened, and deep down, I already knew that terrible feeling was right.

~~~

I rushed out of my home and raced towards the smoke. My legs moved faster than ever, my feet left deep divots into tree roots and soil as I ran with giant strides. I thought back to all the times I stood at the edge of the woods, watching the little human children play, or the townsfolk going about their days with a naïve innocence only people with carefree lives can feel. I envied them. Sometimes, I would help in herding animals towards groups of humans out hunting in the cover of night, but never once scrounging up the courage to show myself to them, from fear of how they’d react and how dangerous being seen could be. They’d only ever think me a monster… I could’ve possibly hurt one of them without even trying, but if they were in danger, I wouldn’t hesitate to make my presence known. I could promise that much.

I reached the edge of the trees quickly enough, not stopping in fear of what I was going to find...I looked around, my eyes scanning every nook and cranny.

I approached the village and what did I see? It lay in ruin: houses had been destroyed, and trees had been uprooted. I looked around for survivors, for anyone that had any information, only to find ash and soot that was once a village. I began searching in between the small houses for anyone that might live in the now ashen ruins, and to see what possibly could’ve done this. What caused such chaos to this innocent little human village?

…And then I saw it...large and deep footprints surrounded the village on all sides that were around the size of my own...northern giants were here.

My blood boiled in hot rage, these footprints...these footprints belonged to northern behemoths...My own kin were here. Someone had destroyed this village, and I was going to find out who did. I was going to avenge this village, no matter the cost. I started searching for any survivors or signs of life, hoping, and praying all the while.

I searched the human sized village, walking all throughout the little roads that intertwined within it, but other than finding the charred remains of minuscule bodies of some of the formal residents, I found nothing.

I saw the burnt remains of children, of people who could not fight equally in such a battle, and my anger grew tenfold. If I had met these people…If I had known them, could I have possibly helped in such a massacre? Would I have known sooner? Acted quicker? Could I have prevented such a loss of precious life? My insides churned at the thought of having betrayed these people because of my own cowardice, my ignorance…I must find something, I declared, anything that might explain what happened here. I looked around some more, growing tired and frustrated with every passing moment, every minute not finding a single thing. I was about to give up, turn on my heels and go, but in one desperate attempt for closure, I took one last look around…

Suddenly, as I was about to give into my despair and leave, my ears twitched as they picked up a sound. It was incredibly faint, my ears had almost missed it, but I could’ve sworn I heard a noise coming from one of the human houses. The softest of noises, almost like a squeak, or a whisper caressing my ears.

I froze at the sound, turning slowly, the anger in my chest starting to subside with a newfound curiosity of what the pained sound could be. I started to approach the little squeal with great caution, not knowing what might lie in wait for me inside…

As I got closer to the charred house the little noise emanated from, I gasped realizing what the sound was. It almost sounded like a very weak muffled cry, and it only got louder the closer I got, there was someone in there!

I began to move faster towards the house, the cry growing louder and louder...I needed to get into the house somehow, I needed to get to them - whoever they were. It would’ve broken me if I had lost another soul here, and the weight of the destruction would’ve been too much on my conscience. No more dead bodies to add into my thoughts, please. Not after what I’ve seen…the things that haunt my dreams, this village being a nightmarish addition…I would not let that happen.

I finally reached the burnt remains of the sagging house, the walls visibly quaking next to my footsteps. It was a one-story home, a quaint little thing, albeit barely standing from such fire damage, half the roof caving in on itself. I knelt down, overshadowing the house completely, wondering how in the world I was going to get in there. The faint crying was very clear now. However, a peculiar thought occurred to me, when I realized I couldn’t smell anyone in there, anyone alive, that is...what was going on? Who was in there? In the end, I just decided uprooting the roof from the house would be my best bet to get inside without hurting anyone. It's not like anyone was using the house anymore anyways…

I ripped into the roof like it wasn't even there, using my hands like a force of nature, and upending the roof from its hitches to carve a path directly to where the noise was coming from. I could hear it clear as day, a muffled cry that sounded so faint, it almost sounded like a small animal. I wondered what exactly I would find...someone was in there; I needed to make sure they were okay.

When the dust settled, the roof now completely uprooted from the house, it exposed the interior of the small abode. I overlooked the whole scene before me, a little confused. Down below, within the house, I saw a burnt but relatively unharmed younger human woman lying in her bed sleeping with a tranquil look across her features, and next to her, was a small cellar storage door with a latch on it where the sound seemed to be coming from. As I looked over to the woman my heart dropped when I saw blood surrounding her.

I almost couldn’t believe the scene before my eyes; it was like the world had flipped upside down. I looked at this innocent-looking, peaceful woman. I wondered what she did to be hurt so bad? I looked over at the little door and noticed the little latch on it, but I ignored the latch...there was something under that door, something that needed my help. I approached the door, and ripped it off, wondering what I would find…

I was instantly taken aback in pure shock by what was inside. In the small cellar space laid a tiny, tiny human toddler, probably no older than two years. A little girl, it seemed, who was completely unharmed, if not covered in a little soot and ash, but other than that, I couldn’t see any clear physical wounds on the child. The little one cried out, supposedly left there all night during the attack. Her poor face puffy and red from wailing, covered in snot and drool as she screamed to be heard, surrounded by pine of all things, and then it clicked. Pine! It's a natural masking scent to hide from giant senses. The human child had been put in there to be hidden from giant attackers, I surmised. I had to admit, I was quite impressed by the woman on the bed’s ingenuity, supposedly the child's mother. That explained why I couldn’t smell the tiny child, with her being so close to all the pine surrounding her. Once the child seemed alright, I turned my attention to the wounded woman on the bed, seeming to be in a much worse state than the child.

With the utmost care, I lowered my hand and wrapped my fingers around the woman to turn her and see the extent of the damage, asking "Miss? Are ya alright?" but as soon as my fingers unfurled around her, my heart stilled. Her skin was cold, her back was soaked in her own blood, and her body was utterly limp in my hand.

Oh no…she was dead. Her flesh was cold, so cold, and her body crumpled into itself, void of life.... There was no saving her. My eyes widened, and I set her back down with care. I felt so much remorse and guilt for her - for this whole village. She was only trying to be strong, to protect her child, and now she was gone... No one deserves that. I turned back to the little girl, now realizing that I was her only hope in surviving this terrible tragedy.

It seemed her mother had been like this for a few hours at least, perishing during the village’s destruction. I put the covers over top of her bloodied body, out of respect, and gave her a gentle pat over the covers. I noticed that there was a letter by the head of the woman that I hadn’t notice before, and I took it in my fingertips, putting it in my pocket. I would worry about that later, I reasoned, as I directed my attention back onto the child.

The little one looked at me through tear filled eyes. Her cheeks soaked from desperately wailing, praying for her cries to be answered, and after finally getting that attention, from a towering giant no less, she looked up at me with a frightened, but curious and expectant gaze through her whimpers. The poor thing seemed too young to realize the potential danger she was in, if I were a giant other than me, of course. I looked down at her, also with a curious gaze, as we both seemed to just stare at each other for a few moments, taking each other in. Finally, she sneezed from the soot and ash around her, adding to the mucus on her face. It broke me out of our collective trance, and I decided to break the staring contest between us by reaching out towards her, in her once hiding place, trying to be as slow and calming as possible so as not to seem like a threat to the human baby.

With a hesitant determination, I tried to wrap my fingers around her minuscule frame, which she didn’t care for much at all. She whimpered and whined, recoiling from the touch and overwhelming sensations, as if the mere contact of my skin was burning her. Fat fearful tears started streaming down her face. She looked so miserable with everything. It made my heart wilt to see the child so on edge, but I couldn’t blame her. I must’ve been horrifying to look at from her perspective. However, it didn’t seem like it was my size that she was afraid of, but more-so the fear of a new face. Not terrorized of me because of being a giant, but rather a stranger. It was quite abnormal, not the usual reaction I expected from a human, especially one who went through such a harrowing experience in the face of my own kin…but I could work with this.

First step, I needed to get her out of the little space. She may not like it, but I had no other choice. I couldn’t leave her here knowing she would likely die if I didn’t do anything. So, I reached out to her again, this time, petting and rubbing her side with the utmost care, to get her comfortable with my presence. My massive fingers in comparison to her ruffling her clothes as she stilled, and looked at them seeming slightly confused by the feeling. That seemed to calm her down just a little bit, enough so that I could attempt to encompass my hand around her once again.

She wiggled and squirmed in my hold like a worm once I was able to pick her up. The feeling sending shivers down my spine. Her crying building with vigor from the new sensation. I tried to be as attentive as possible to her reactions, making sure I wasn’t hurting or squeezing her in any way.

I took a brief moment to take in just how tiny the precious life in my hand was, as I lifted her from the space. She was no bigger than my whole thumb, if I were to reckon her height. She weighed nothing, as if as light as a feather. She was so small and fragile in my hands; it was almost scary to think about how tiny she was there in my palm.

On her way out of the space, she looked over to her mother on the bed, and the small girl reached out to the body. She locked her eyes on her mother’s form, seeming only interested with the corpse as she wailed to go to her. She wanted the comfort of her mother… a comfort she would never get again, a comfort I would have to try and provide for her now in her mother’s absence. The child didn’t look back at me once as she was brought up from the house’s wreckage, her only regard being to her mother’s dead body.

I made sure to be exceedingly slow with her as I raised her from her spot, so I didn’t give the poor thing whiplash from any fast movements. She squeaked a little bit in my hold at one point, and I stopped to check up on her, but she didn’t squirm other than that and seemed fine. Soon after that, she turned her attention back to me, now looking up at me with an utmost wonder in her eyes. I hoisted her up with all the care I could muster as I shushed her in a calming tone, still rubbing her with my thumb to help soothe her, until I brought the child up to my face.

She looked up at me, eye to eye as she stared at my face, and my heart melted a bit. Her tears had relatively stopped flowing, as she stared wide eyed and mouth agape. Her form was still quivering slightly, but she was now much calmer compared to a few minutes ago. She looked so innocent and pure, yet so unsure by everything happening. Even though the events that transpired the night prior with her was terrible to think about, she no longer seemed to have a fear of me when she looked into my eyes. In fact, she looked into my eyes with a curiosity like one would look into the sea...I wonder if she was scared?

As I held her form up to my face, my eyes almost crossing to keep her in focus, I looked at her with as much of an entranced curiosity as she did to me. I’d never held a human before, and it was even more nerve wracking than I had ever thought. I decided at that point, since I was this close to her, I could probably smell her now to see if she had any unseen or even internal injuries from who knows what she experienced last night. I brought my nose close to her, and sniffed to sense for anything, and thankfully I could detect nothing out of the ordinary. This miracle child was somehow completely unharmed, albeit the only surviving human in the town. However, if I could save at least one human from my own kinds’ wrath, then I would be satisfied. As I began to pull my face away from her, not wanting to intimidate her with being so close, I immediately stopped when I felt the smallest hand I’d ever felt reach out and touch the tip of my nose. I froze on the spot in pure shock as I looked down, awe-struck at the sensation of the tiny creature touching my nose within my grasp.

She reached out with her small little stubby fingers to try and touch my nose - I could only assume she wanted to play. I smiled at her innocent gesture, trying my best to stay still so as to not startle her. She was so small, so adorable, and so pure in all her innocence. I wondered if she was even old enough to say anything…

She kept her hand there for a little bit as she grabbed the tip of my nose, feeling it with an intense interest. I could sense the almost imperceptible pulse in her hands. Her breathing had fully calmed, as her toddler mind was now enthralled by my nose.

I couldn’t help it; I brought my nose closer to her and pressed it up against her tiny form. Feeling every ruffle of fabric of her outfit, and a pure warmth filled me as her tender hands moved around to touch the oversized pores of my skin. I could feel her chest move up and down with her individual breaths as it was pressed against my flesh, and my nose was tickled by her hair as her face brushed against me. I then heard the most beautiful sound; I heard her giggle as she wrapped her little arms around my nose.

She giggled, at me! A high-pitched and pleasant noise, as she snuggled my nose with the gentlest of touches. It was like the tiniest little hug I’d ever received, and the warmth from her body made it hard for me to want it to end, to pull away, to not be a possible danger to her.

Did she think that we were playing a game? That we were friends? How could one have such innocence in their heart, when the world she existed in was so cruel? I could not help but smile when she giggled, like seeing a ray of sunshine inside a storm cloud.

She seemed to be taking quite a liking to me. Did this little one...actually enjoy my presence? Was she so young she didn’t remember or understand the massacre? Or maybe she was hidden during the attack, and I was the first giant she had ever seen or met? It would have explained how easily she was warming up to me, that had to be the case.

I looked into the girl’s eyes, who was still snuggling against my nose. I decided to see if she could understand what I was saying. I needed at least some way of communicating with the little one, if I was going to be taking care of her, and I would really appreciate it if she did not consider me a monster. I pulled her away from my nose, leaning away enough to where she could see my face, and brought my hands together as I talked to her "Hello. Can yeh understand me, lass?"

She looked at me curiously for a second, before going back to giggling, but to my surprise, I heard something else:

“Hehehe-mm-hi-big!”

It sounded mostly like baby babble, but I could hear her saying words! I laughed a bit, both in shock and joy. She speaks! She can understand! This was incredible - I could just about make out what she was saying, "Hi big." She must be calling me "Big" - is that what she viewed me as? Her giant friend? Her "Big"?

I smiled down at the child, and asked her, "Am I the big?" while pointing at myself with my free hand. She giggled again, patted the hand she was on, and beamed up at me like a child who just told their proud parents a new word they learned.

“Mmmm! Big!”

The first thing I understood her say, was that she had dubbed me "big", not "giant", not “northern giant", nor "monster", or even "beast." "Big". I beamed down at the child; she saw me as a friend and a protector…my large heart starting to swell at this precious moment. I was her friend, her "big". Never in my life would I have ever thought about a human considering me in this way. It was a nice change of pace, I must admit!

I decided to test her on one more thing. I had only ever been able to theorize on human intelligence so far, since I never got close to communicating with the few humans I witnessed while in my old herd and clan, nor interacted with any human communities. Back then I couldn’t even speak in the common tongue, only in the giant’s native language, so I knew I shouldn’t be too harsh on my past self…at least in that regard. However, I knew humans were smart, I just wanted to see how much. "Ma’ name ‘s Ogden. Can yeh say Ogden for me?" With that, she seemed to understand, and gleamed at me again:

“Hehhmm! Oggie!!”

This little girl not only understood me, but she could speak, remember, could be taught, and had her own vocabulary! This was amazing! I wondered if all humans were this intelligent. They must be. I laughed with pride, her big "Oggie" comment making me smile from ear to ear, she said my name! It was at that moment, that my whole world had changed. My whole view of the world so much bigger, all because of her.

I looked down at my new tiny human companion in my hands, and she looked up at me with a smile. Her big eyes staring up at me with a twinkle, as if she was made to be in my gigantic arms. She looked so small in comparison to my body, as if I could eat her in a single bite, but I would never dare. She was a precious little soul who had had a rough life. She deserved a better one now.

I stood to my full height and started to walk back to my cabin deep in the woods of northern giant country. I took another look back at the little girl's now destroyed village with pained eyes, and an empty spot in my heart. What a terrible thing...Looking down at my new friend for the millionth time, I realized I had a responsibility to take her to a safe place. I was now a guardian to her…and I would take her under my wing no matter the cost, even my life. I vowed to give her the best life she could ever have as her eyes met mine, feeling a spark of hope.

As I started to walk out of the town, something stopped me in my tracks that broke my heart. She looked up at me and spoke once again.

“…Why leave mommy? She still home! She sleepin’. We gotta go wake her up! Go see mommy...” She said with a slight whimper at the end, still missing the comfort of her mother’s embrace.

I looked down at the child as my eyes started to water. She understood she was leaving her home, her mother. I had no way of explaining to this girl, in a way she could understand, that she would never be able to see her mother’s eyes open, to look at her with warmth and love ever again. I was at an utter loss for words. How could I even tell her? How could I possibly explain that the person she loved was now gone from this world? I did the next best thing I could think of in the moment. I told her a soft lie, the slightest of falsehoods weaved with some truth that would at least attempt to quench her anxieties as to why we were leaving her home and old life behind her. I was still guilty to lie to such a young child such as her, though.

I spoke with all the softness I could as I explained to her: “Yeh mother is goin’ t be sleepin’ for quite some time, child… We need to let her rest. Ya wouldn’t want her to not get a good sleep, right? For the time being, I’ll be takin’ care of yeh while your mother is asleep. Is that okay, little one?”

She looked up at me unsure of my words, like she was about to argue, but she relinquished and sulked back down into my hand a moment later.

“Okay…”

I sighed and nodded my head, relieved at her response. This little girl should not have had to witness such terrible events...I looked to her house once again. 'You did everything you could have done to protect her; I will make sure that she survives. I promise you that…' I remember thinking to myself. I walked back over to her former home and picked up some of the broken wood and debris from the mother’s ashen abode, to store in my pocket. I will keep this forever, so that she would always have a piece of her old home to keep as a memory. From my palm, the little human child looked over at her old home, grabbed my thumb for comfort, reached out to the house with her other hand, and waved goodbye.

“Bye bye mommy…”

I turned back and continued my journey home, with the small girl within my giant grasp, nestled safely in my cupped palm as I walked. We left that desolate and smoldering town behind us.

~~~

We made it to my cabin, after a small journey, and my human companion looked on in awe at her new colossal surroundings. She gave an exhausted yawn. She did have quite the day, we both had. She must’ve been tired. So, I decided to gently rock her back and forth in my hand to lull her to sleep, which after her long day, did not take long.

I smiled down at her now sleeping form and found some spare cloth I had around the house, gently sliding her onto the scrap of cloth I laid on my desk within my bedroom, just to keep both my hands free. I decided this would be a perfect time to read the letter I found next to the child's mother. I fished the piece of paper from my shirt pocket, along with the debris from the human's old home, and placed it onto the table.

I studied the letter with much anticipation and interest, eager to read just what exactly was inside. The child was safe and fast asleep, and I hoped that her mother was at peace right now, wherever she was.

I opened the letter with utmost care, almost accidentally ripping it in the process, and had to grab my reading glasses just to read the incredibly tiny writing. The letter read as such:

[To whom it may concern,

If you find this letter, then I am probably long gone. Our village is being raided and captured by the Northern Giants at the edge of the woods. They came out of nowhere and just started killing and taking people I…

I don’t know what to do. I can feel them through the ground approach as I write this. I was barely able to escape with my life moments before I hid my daughter. I’m losing blood fast. I don't know how much longer I have…

If you find this and she is still alive...Please, take care of her. I pray that my sacrifice doesn't go in vain, that she has a chance at a better life. The smell of death should deter them from checking the house at least...

Just...please. Take care of my daughter. Give her the life that I couldn't. For my sake...

Tell my beautiful Leilani that I'm sorry.

I love you, my Leilani...]

[The letter ends in blood smears]

I stared in shock and sorrow, tears welled up in my eyes for the second time today, as my hand clasped over my mouth. The despair of knowing that this little child will never get to know her mother truly was heart wrenching. The final moments of this woman’s life were spent caring and fearing for the future of her daughter…I will make sure that this child has the best life there can possibly be, a life in which her mother can be proud. My little Leilani, what a beautiful name...your mother made sure that you were taken care of, even if she couldn't make it, I will... I promise…

I put down the letter next to the debris of the old house, setting it in a safe spot on one of my shelves, picked up Leilani's swaddle with her still fast asleep in it, and softly placed it down on the pillow next to mine. I gazed upon the human child’s swaddled form, a blaze of determination starting to form as I pondered: 'Your mother gave her life for her child to live - a terrible sacrifice, but not one in vain - for her little girl will live on, as long my heart beats. You will have all the love I have. Your mother died so you could live, Leilani… I will keep her mother's letter, so I can read it to her when she is older.' I set my reading glasses aside, and got comfortable in my bed. Reeling after everything the day had brought, but at the same time, swelling with pride for the tiny child sleeping next to me...

I fell asleep that night filled with a sense of hope and warmth, knowing that this child will always have a place to call home. I fell into a deep and peaceful sleep, the kind of sleep that can only come from doing good and knowing you've made a difference in the world. I hope this peaceful rest will last forever...

I am Ogden, a Northern Behemoth.

…and I am Leilani's father.

Here's my first ever written g/t story! I hope you guys like it! Again thank you so much to the people who beta read and gave feedback on this story I truly appreciate your kindness and help with this. If you like my work, please let me know! I highly appreciate any feedback, comments, or support that you'd like to send my way, and these two characters are free to send asks to anytime!

Thank you again everyone who got it this far to read this at the end, you're amazing. Have a great day everyone!

-MӨƬΉ

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