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billthedrake · 1 month

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WINGMAN

I generally had a clean lifestyle, at least lately, but it was Mike Gelson's bachelor party, and we five dudes were partying it up in Nashville. I may have been doing my goody two-shoes Brendan Peters thing and getting club soda every few rounds, but my tolerance was down and I was getting good and truly wasted.

My best buddy James Carducci noticed, too. Like me, he was a big guy, a former tight end who carried a lot of muscle on his 6'5" frame, but unlike me he could hold his liquor.

"You gonna get laid tonight, Peters?" he growled in my ear as we entered the room we were sharing. "It's fun to see you let your hair down."

I gave him a scowl but knew he was just ribbing me. It's what buddies did. "Why can't we have the bachelor party in New York or something?"

Carducci knew what I meant. He plopped on one of the beds, his big frame taking up most of the double bed mattress. "Bro, you could have all the gay dudes around you and you'd still be too fuckin' picky."

I lay down on the other bed, looking over at my best friend. We'd both moved to the same city after graduation. Coming out had been a big messy process for me, and James had been the most supportive of my college friends. He was enthusiastically bisexual - not advertising it or anything, but we quickly realized we could switch from teammate-buddies to guy talk and back.

Still, we were opposites in a lot of ways. "Dude... it's easy for you. You just want to get your dick wet."

We'd had versions of this conversation before. He grinned. "Bro, maybe you should get your dick wet for a change. It'd keep you from being a cranky bitch." Yeah, Carducci could get away saying stuff to me no one else could. Then turning his meaty body on his side, he looked right at me. "I get it, Peters. But maybe while you wait for Mr. Right, you can have some fun. I mean, Kevin Murphy's not gonna suck your cock."

"What the fuck?!" I played dumb. Kevin had been the kicker on our D1 team and was Mike Gelson's best man. He was my type to a T... shorter than me and leaner, boy-next-door cute, tight body and a bubble ass.

James lay back again and put his arms around his back, arms knotted and pumped. If I was into big dudes like myself, there might be sexual tension between us. "Bro, it's all over your face. Remember, I know your fuckin' type."

"C'mon, JC," I pleaded, using my nickname for him.

He grinned. "Don't worry, Peters, I'm not gonna say anything to anyone. You know that. Crush out on Murphy all you want. You're just barking up the wrong tree."

"Yeah," I sighed. "It's majorly against the bro code." I was starting to get resentful of how being a horny gay dude and an ex-jock living by the bro code were not exactly compatible.

That got a deep laugh from JC. "So's fucking your buddy's dad."

I sat up, the alcohol and quick movement making my head dizzy. "What?!?!" Normally I'd write off the comment as Carducci being a jokester but the way his words came out made them seem real.

He now sat up and reached down to paw at his crotch to rearrange his junk. "This stays between us," he warned.

"Scouts honor, man," I replied.

My friend got a wild look on his face and a leer as he said, "I banged Gelson's dad."

"Mike Gelson," I clarified. "The fucking groom."

He seemed annoyed. "What other Gelsons do you know, dumbass? Yeah, Mike Gelson's father. It was a couple of years ago, when Mike invited a couple of us to his family's lake house." James was closer to Gelson than I was, which only made what he was describing seme more transgressive.

"Dude, isn't Mr. Gelson like 45?" I'd briefly met the man once but he didn't make too much an impression on me, I guess.

Carducci leered. "He was 50 then, and it was fucking glorious. A whole week, both of us enjoying sneaking around." I knew JC had a bit of a kink for married men. We didn't overshare, but I'd very occasionally hear about a hookup or, more often, I'd unload about a date that didn't go like I wanted.

I had to rib him now. "What, you going for the daddies now, JC?"

Without missing a beat, he looked at me with his brown eyes. "Abso-fucking-lutely, Peters. Exclusively even. You should try an older dude for a change."

I didn't think I was easily shocked but the turn of the conversation had indeed rattled me. I went silent before I said quietly, "Man, I couldn't date a guy my dad's age. What the fuck?"

He laughed. "Dude, who's talking about dating? You're a hot fucking dude, you should be having sex nonstop... " He paused. "Can I be honest, bro?"

I nodded, bracing myself for the barrage of criticism. But this was Carducci, I knew he was looking after me.

"Well," James started. "You always go for the unavailable ones like Murphy, or for the stuck up ones who think they're the shit for having an Insta following." For all of our odd-couple conversations, Carducci had never spelled it out for me quite like this. But he was totally right. "I dunno, maybe you should go outside your type just to see. There are so many daddies out there who'd be so fucking appreciative to make it with a guy like you.... You could use the ego boost, bro."

I thought it over. "Is that what older guys are to you?" I asked. "An ego boost?"

He shook his head. "Nah. I have a pretty massive ego already, bro, I don't need help with that. I just love sex with an older guy." I watched as he pulled a spare pillow down to cover his crotch. I knew why: Carducci was boning up talking about sex, and while we shared a lot there still was the bro code between us. "Some of em have a wild side, like a drunk sorority chick."

I shook my head. "Jesus, JC."

I knew the alcohol was getting us both to open up to this conversation. "It's not like that, Peters. I mean, you know you're with a dude, a real masculine dude at that. But there's that wild, naughty streak beneath the surface. I fucking love it."

He reached over and picked up his phone.

"What? Are you gonna show me a picture of one of your conquests?" I asked.

He looked up and winked. "Perv. No, bro, I'm lining up a blowjob. There's gotta be a horny daddy staying in this hotel."

I blushed. "You serious?"

"Sure, I'm serious," he said, now not taking his eyes off the app as he scrolled through. "Jesus you can be such a fucking prude."

I lay back, feeling insulted but mostly angry that he was right. I'd set up a Grindr profile and used it some but then swore it off over the last year. "Well, you're not bringing him back here," I said.

JC now looked up. "Like I said. Cranky bitch." There was teasing sure, but I think I'd actually pissed off my buddy. I almost apologized but I was stubborn.

Anyway, he was now getting off the bed and putting his shoes back on.

"Already?" I asked with astonishment. JC hadn't been on that app much longer than five minutes.

He laughed. "What can I say, bro?" He smiled. "Daddy wants this..." he used his hand to gesture to his tall muscular body. "I'm in Nashville, I'm gonna have a little fucking fun." He had his phone and key card and seemed good to go. "You should too, Peters. For real."

I didn't say anything but I gave a look that was my attempt at an "I'll think about it."

And like that, I watched my best friend leave our room.

***

The lamplight was still on when I woke up. I'd conked out in my drunkenness. I was massively hungover but I always wake up pretty quickly. Light was coming in and the clock said a little after 8.

Carducci's bed was still made and still empty. The fucker.

I got up and pissed and popped a couple of aspirin, hoping they'd help. My head pounded. And we still had another night of this fucking bachelor party weekend. I wondered if these dudes would want to come to mine when the time came. Hell, I wondered if I'd have one.

I brushed my teeth to get the stale beer taste out of my mouth. My hair was mussed up and I did my best to comb it down.

Fifteen minutes later, after a trip to the lobby to get some coffee, I was feeling more alive. Hungover still, but better. I didn't feel like eating anything, but the aspirin was helping.

I picked up my phone. I'd uninstalled Grindr but it was easy enough to re-install it. It took me a second to remember my login, but I used one of my common passwords. One of these days, I'd need to choose something more secure for my shit.

There were some hot guys in Nashville, but I'd gotten spoiled by the city I lived in now. There was a certain type I was seeing here - either bigger, beefier guys, or else younger thinner twinks. My type was always in between that. I wanted more Dierks Bentley and was seeing a lot more Garth Brooks types, even among the 20-somethings.

I'd been replaying my conversation with JC in my head. He could bust my balls, and maybe in a way I didn't like. But I told myself, I'd give this a try. I changed my profile language to make it less picky and judgmental and adjusted my looking-for age range.

It was early and I didn't see any hits in this hotel, but there was a good looking older guy in the hotel on the next block. Kind of average looking, balding hair, 49yo, but his pics showed off a very fit body, lightly hairy, probably trimmed. Looking for now. If I had to make it with an older dude, this was probably as good a match as any. I'd focus on his body if need be.

"Hey," I typed in a chat. "You're up early."

"Hi man." Then. "This is early?"

"In Nashville it is," I replied back.

"True, ha."

I was never great with the quick hookup thing, but one thing I'd mastered was the art of messaging. Some guys were too direct, not flirty enough, but some guys were too passive and conversational. My style didn't work with everyone, but it was working now, I knew.

"What brings you here?" I asked.

"Business. I thought I'd tack on an extra day for fun. And you?"

"Bachelor party."

"Of course, ha." Then, he added. "You're quite the hunk."

"Thanks man," I typed. "You're hot, too." I wasn't sure how much I thought that. It's not that he wasn't hot, because he was in a way. But in my fucked up way, I knew he wasn't Brendan Peters-worthy hot. Not in my league. But I tried to embrace the Carducci way. "You say you bottom, right?" His profile had read vers-bottom.

"Yep. You wanting to fuck?"

After my conversation with JC, I'd initially been thinking of a blowjob. Baby steps. Something to take the edge off. But now I realized it had been WAY too long since I'd fucked a guy. "God yeah. You able to host?"

"If you can give me fifteen minutes."

I pawed my crotch now. I was getting boned good. "Make it twenty?" I wanted to shower up.

"Sounds good, man."

***

The profile had sold the guy short. He didn't look hotter than his pictures but as he ushered me in, he had a deep sexy voice. Almost gravely, with a New York accent. He had a towel wrapped around his waist and I could see how dense his muscle was on a frame that was about 6 inches shorter than mine.

"Looks like I hit the jackpot, huh?" he smiled. Then as his eyes swept up to my face, he added, "Don't worry, I'm not gonna gush. You know you're smoking hot."

OK, maybe JC was right, I could get used to the ego pump. With a grin I stepped up to the guy and wrapped my arms around his naked torso, drawing him in.

"I wasn't sure..." he started to say in his deep voice befor I cut him off with a kiss.

He was a good kisser. This was a hookup, just a hookup, and our making out wasn't romantic, but I really enjoyed this part of sex, and this man knew how to respond to my groove. His hands felt up my chest as he did his best to match my tongue work.

Maybe it had been so long since I'd had sex, but the feel of his bare skin and hard back muscle under my fingers had me rock hard. This guy wasn't my type, but he was masculine and real and he wanted me. I pulled off his towel and broke the kiss so I could reach down and paw at his thick ass. It wasn't a young bubble ass, it wasn't Kevin Murphy's kicker's ass, but this man went to the gym regularly and had for years.

"Yess.." he hissed.

I kneaded his ass for a minute longer then stepped back, in full ready to fuck mode. As I reached down and started undoing my shorts and kicking off my shoes, my trick looked at me with horny anticipation, his daddy dick hard and leaking, a solid six-incher that stood out from his trimmed but hairy crotch.

"I guess we didn't talk about specifics," he said, stepping back to the bed. "You a missionary or doggy position kind of guy?"

God, this was 180 degrees from my normal Grindr experience. I always met freaks who'd get real porny and weird, or I met guys who were bossy about their needs. This man had a fun laid-back vibe, even as we were getting to brass tacks.

Usually my answer would be missionary. "Doggy," I leered, letting my thick long cock fall out as I pushed my underwear down.

"Fuck," the daddy hissed. "You didn't exaggerate the measurements. Take it a little easy at first, then I'm good to go." I watched as he got onto the bed, on all fours. It was clearly the body of a man in his late 40s, but I was going to enjoy it all the same.

I got up on after him, letting the mattress sink with my weight. I'd hit almost 240 in college ball, and while I'd leaned down a little since then, I still was 230 pounds of tall muscle.

I remember one time I'd started eating out some model looking guy I'd hooked up with and he about freaked out, telling me he wasn't into getting rim. But as I kissed along this man's lightly furred ass cheeks, one side then the other, he spread his legs in an unmistakeable green light. I dove in and licked.

Fuck, this daddy loved it. I thought about what JC said. Masculine dudes with that drunk sorority chick worthy wild streak. He was some regular guy on business, and he was enjoying me eating him out and munching wildly at his clean pucker.

"Holy fuck, dude!" he growled, the deep voice making his words seem more sexual. "Eat my fucking hole."

I did. I wasn't even expecting an extended rim session for this. I almost thought it would be a pump and go, but I now rode the experience, gripping his cheeks, pulling them apart and tongue fucking this man who indeed was old enough to be my father.

I could have kept at it, too, but I needed to fuck. I leaned up, wiped off the spit from my chin and reached down to wet my cock.

"There's lube and condoms," he said, nodding to the night stand. "I'm on PREP so do what you want, man." Again, that deep voice had my balls twitching.

I slathered on some lube and lined up my bare prick. Daddy was gonna get raw dogged. I gave a two-mississippi pause then pushed to enter him.

There was some snugness at the ring but otherwise no real resistance. I popped in, making the man grunt a little, but he braced his upper body, took a deep breath, then nodded. I pushed my way all the way in, deep into his hot tightness. I forgot how amazing a good fuck felt. Bottoming out, I gripped his waist and began a slow pump.

"Jesus, you're a big boy," he grunted, excitement in his voice.

"6-four," I teased, now fucking him with firmer strokes.

"I meant your cock," the daddy said.

"I know," I hissed. "You're taking that big dick."

"Christ, man," he replied. "Fuck me! Fuck me big guy!"

I did. Getting more and more into it. I was enjoying this position of holding his waist and using that leverage to pull his leaner muscular build onto my hard pistoning cock as much as I was pushing into him. But as I got more excited and more into the mounting pleasure, I felt a need for something more animalistic. Leaning forward, I covered his back with my muscular chest and torso and just started hammering him with hard short strokes.

"Oh fuck oh fuck," he hissed. Loving it, but feeling the challenge of taking me that way, given my strength.

It wouldn't take long though. I now supported my weight with one arm while the other one wrapped around him, pulling his hard body next to mine for maximum contact and steady penetration.

He too was braced on one hand now while the jerked off to my inward strokes.

He came a second before me, but it was a photo finish. I let out a deep heavy growl and enjoyed the most amazing orgasm I'd had in a LONG time.

He finally withdrew his hand and let my weight push him down into a flat lying position.

"Am I too heavy?" I asked as I kissed his neck softly. I didn't want to pull out just yet, the aftershocks felt pretty amazing.

"I'm good," came that deep voice. "I like it, actually."

I kissed him more, along his neck. It's a weird thing of mine. Some guys lose interest after getting their nut, but I get in a real romantic headspace after cumming. It's freaked some men out.

Daddy picked up on it. "I thought you'd be a fuck and go kind of guy," he said with a soft laugh.

"Sorry," I said, pushing myself up off him some.

"Don't apologize, it's nice."

I ran my hand along the man's arm. Strong, not as big as mine, but there's something about an older man that meant more seasoned muscle. "I know this is just a hookup," I said. "I just like talking with a guy I have sex with. I'm weird, I guess."

He got quiet, but his reply felt calm and measured. "We can grab brunch if you like. I can learn more about the guy who just gave me the fuck of my life."

"Yeah," I said.

Now as we uncoupled and rinsed off in the bathroom before getting dressed again, I was having second doubts, and maybe I was leading him on too much. I absolutely didn't want anything serious with this guy. After today, I'd probably half forget him. This was just my hormones talking.

He seemed to read me. "You OK, man?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

He gave me an empathetic look. "Don't worry, I know I'm just a piece of tail to you. But I'm starving... why don't we get a bite and then you can get back to your bachelor party duties?"

I smiled. "Sounds good," I said. I stepped up and kissed him, softly. Wrapping my arms around his waist and enjoying the height difference.

"My name's Curt," he said.

"Brendan," I said.

#drakestories

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mlbigbang · 4 months

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2023 Adrinette Fic Rec List

It’s the end of the year which means it’s finally time for the ML Big Bang’s yearly fic rec lists! We’re really excited to bring you our contributors’ favourite fics started this year to supply you with plenty of reading material while you’re waiting for the Big Bang fics’ publication in January.

Fate, Destiny... A Hamster by @mostmagical

After finally moving into his very first apartment per Ladybug’s suggestion, Adrien discovers something no movie or TV show could have ever prepared him for: someone else's hamster. Marinette was so excited to have her first pet. If only it would stop escaping! At least now there’s an excuse to talk to the new neighbor. (Adrinette Never Met AU)

This fic is peak adrinette identity shenanigans! Adrien and Marinette star as the next door neighbors losing and finding the titular hamster, falling in love, and avoiding an identity reveal like the plague.

If I Let Myself Love You by @uptoolateart

It’s hard to be a normal girl with a normal life when your mother has terminal cancer. And when fashion model Adrien Agreste moves back to Paris and wants to be Marinette’s friend – or maybe even more – her life is turned upside down again. How can she risk opening her heart to love when her whole world is falling apart? Especially when Adrien is hiding a dark secret of his own…. - COMPLETE FIC – updates on Sundays *** No kwamis AU - 100% Adrinette. About half of it is fluffy and half heavy. Please read tags for trigger warnings. ***

It is such an incredible balance of beautiful, heart-wrenching and funny! I adored the relationship between Adrien and Marinette, how it developed throughout, how natural it was, how they both helped each other through their grief. Just beautiful.

hearth by @asukiess

Because how do you describe a dream once you wake up, when it’s fleeting and slipping through the cracks in your mind like it’s a sieve? You can barely wrap your lips around the concepts and words before you realize it has slipped through like water, and what lay in your hands is just a pang in your chest? When every moment away from it clouds your mind just a little more, until the memories are threadbare? or: Adrien understands what it means to have a home.

call it even by @sha-nwa & @anna-scribbles

After a year of dating, there is one thing Marinette knows for certain: it's her and Adrien against the world. Through it all, Adrien is kind, patient, and endlessly understanding—even as she tries her best to keep her secret superhero identity hidden from him along with the rest of the world. Nothing could ruin it, not even the supervillains of Paris: Hawkmoth and Chat Noir. (adrinette dating // ladynoir enemies au)

A really well-written Adrienette fic featuring Ladynoir as enemies.

All the Missing Pieces by @uptoolateart

At 14, Adrien stepped into the time burrow and saw the truth no one could have guessed. When he came out, he was changed forever. And after defeating his father, he was finally free...or was he? At 37, Adrien has everything he ever dreamed of – married to Marinette, three kids, the hamster – but none of it has turned out as expected. Marinette’s career is such a success that she’s never home, Hugo is an angsty difficult teenager, and Adrien is still struggling with his secret identity as a sentimonster. And now, Lila Rossi is back after more than 20 years. But has time changed her? Or is she up to her old tricks?

It's my actual life (except I'm not good looking lol), and I vouch for how WILDLY accurate its treatment of the emotional issues of stay-at-home-dad stuff. I just cannot recommend highly enough how it handles jealousy, isolation, parenting struggles, etc. Not me in the comments every chapter telling the author how she got the feels so perfectly right.

If I Let Myself Love You by @uptoolateart

So absolutely sweet. So emotionally devastating. Gets meta by taking advantage of how AO3 works at one point. Next level in every way. I loved the developing Adrienette friendship. I loved Marinette and her father. I loved Marinette's feelings about her sick mother. Please everyone read this fic your face will melt with emotion, and you weren't really using your face, were you?

Our Tales are Endless (That's Why I Tell Them) by joonapeach

Marinette lives a simple life - one surrounded by pretty dresses, fresh macaroons, and the calming view of Paris. It's a life she thinks she has always fit in. And yet sometimes, when a certain boy comes by her shop with a flower and a new adventurous story, she can't help but wonder if there's something else she's missing.

you don't even know me at all (but i was made for loving you) by @ladyofthenoodle

They didn’t remember each other. The hospital told them there’d been an accident—brain damage—but Alya had told them the truth, later. Who’d they’d been to each other. What they’d given up, and why. But even with their memories of each other gone, Adrien and Marinette are still inextricably tied together—by law, by their social circles, and by their hearts. And in the apartment they share, there's only one bed.

If you like amnesia AUs, angst with a happy ending, married adrinette, and only one bed scenarios, you need to read this fic! It's beautifully bittersweet and will break your heart before putting it back together.

#ml #miraculous ladybug #miraculous #ml big bang #ml big bang 2023 #adrinette #adrienette #love square #fic recs #ml fic recs #adrien agreste #marinette dupain cheng

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homestuckreplay · 20 days

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Well, it keeps happening! Homestuck has put out its third update in as many days, and this one is SO much fun (I keep saying that, but 'fun' is genuinely the best word to describe this thing so far). I love when Being On The Internet is well represented in stories, and John's computer does this right away. John and his chums having incomprehensible matching usernames, John's filenames for his failed programs, and the 'graphic design is my passion' tier wallpaper are all excellent, but easily my favorite joke in the comic so far is Pesterchum having five generically upbeat and happy mood settings and one Evil Angry Mood Setting.

It was definitely a surprise getting to see a whole conversation between John and turntechGodhead, who I guess is officially our second character! They definitely have a bored and disaffected tone compared to John, like they're trying to keep emotion out of their messages, whereas John is 50% Goofing Around and 50% movie trivia. Once again I haven't seen this movie, and while the conversation explains it well enough that I can follow the joke, I'm still missing some nuance (for example, is John exaggerating or being literal when he says it was the 'fifteenth day in a row' Howie Mandel peed in his juice?)

I LOVE the panel on page 28 where, after just seeing the view from outside John's window, we're flipped around and we see it reflected in John's glasses as the shadow of the window crossbar falls on his face. He's just looking up and smiling hopefully and I find myself wondering again about the title - John seems like a happy kid who enjoys messing around in his room, but is he really stuck at home? We learn in this update that he can leave his room, go downstairs and see his dad, but not necessarily that he can leave the house - maybe something always interrupts him when he tries? Is he gazing at the front yard because it's a magical land he wants to visit but can't? We hear about the importance of the tire swing, but there's no indication that John has ever used it.

That's probably an absolute reach and an absurdist interpretation, particularly as everything on page 30 feels so relatable. The bedroom being both a place John is trapped as well as his only safe space pretty well reflects my experiences being a kid, and ignoring a friend's incessant messages even while strictly not having better things to do is something I still do all the time. John is an easy character to connect to, and manages to be an everyman at the same time as being a distinctly Weird Kid (so far, at least, though he could develop more into one or the other as the comic continues).

Bring on the next pages! I'd love to hear from John's other friends soon!

#homestuck #reaction

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etirabys · 3 months

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What were the major factors for you in deciding whether to have kids?

Unwillingness to forego one of the most intense and unique human relationships possible: "The key to the sociobiology of mammals is milk. Because young animals depend on their mothers during a substantial part of their early development, the mother-offspring group is the universal nuclear unit of mammalian societies."

When I was younger, my major objection to having kids was that it would interfere with my career. I cared a lot about my career and looked forward to transitioning from a student who worked really hard and excelled in classes to a professional who worked really hard and excelled in the workplace and also earned a boatload of money. But then it turned out that I wasn't a hard worker, I just loved studying and taking exams. I don't have a career or the relationship to a career I envisioned, so that's the major obstacle removed.

Seven years ago, I went to a meetup hosted by an economist who liked historical reenactments. His three adult children were in SCA garb, served the guests food from a medieval Persian cookbook, and sat around arguing with him (and the rest of us) about economics. It was my first encounter with a family where the children shared interests with their parents and talked like peers. It fundamentally changed my mind on what families could look like.

Similar story: I visited my friend's family two years ago, and stayed in his teen daughter's room because there had been an in-house auction to determine whose room would go to the guest. She won and was monetarily compensated for it. In addition to having another example of a Relatable Family Where The Members Actually Like Each Other, I found my friend and his spouse's financial philosophy appealing and will be compensated for pregnancy and childcare by my spouse. 20% of my objection to having kids was objection to the financial arrangements of traditional marriage (which imo fucked over both of my parents when their relationship broke down... but more so my mom), so it shifted me on the kids issue to see & adopt a financial arrangement that to me feels more autonomy-preserving, egalitarian, and respectful of my labor and opportunity costs.

I knew I didn't want to be pregnant, didn't particularly like infants, didn't want to interact with toddlers for more than an hour (I like them but get very fatigued and have to go lie face down to recharge), which seemed like a good argument to not have kids. But I also simulated being 70 and childless and it felt distinctly bad. Among other reasons I noticed for the first time that I want a connection to the coming generations, which was startling.

It was hard not to notice that the giant would make an excellent dad, and also that we have complementary skill sets and preferences qua parents.

I read "Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids" after I'd already decided to have kids, but when I was discussing the decision with friends, multiple of them brought the book up. Its basic argument is that we (I suppose I mean Americans and East Asians here) invest in our children well past the point where it matters, which increases the quality of life difference between parents and nonparents, which sucks because lots of people would enjoy raising kids if the unnecessary expectations were dropped. Once I actually read the book I found it suspect (I stopped reading when Caplan described a study and then drew an inference that didn't logically follow), but the conclusion seems true based on observation and common sense. My own parents and I had a lot of conflict over piano lessons because proficiency in an instrument was expected in their milieu. My mom regularly fought me to make me eat breakfast (to this day I don't eat in the morning, my body just isn't made for that) even though it would have been fine to send me off to school with a banana to tide me over until lunch. People trade away health and career points to breastfeed even though the evidence is shaky that it matters. My sister is pursuing a zero screen policy with her child and said this choice significantly increases work and emotional toll. Once I noticed I was the type to be an overworked neurotic parent and that I'd priced my own terrible personality in when simulating how hard childrearing would be, I also noticed I could (with effort) not be that person and have an easier time. So my expectations of parenting changed.

#rambl #dashreplies #parenting #about #I admit I'm also really worried about screens.#but mostly I worry about the interactable apps and the children's video ecosystem. tv seems fine. i'll do more research when it's relevant

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greenandsorrow · 1 month

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Could you write an Xreader- Pedro Pascal smut with age gap and daddy kink

Also riding and praise kink

disclaimer-> this was requested by an irl friend, so I just had to write it! (about requesting; click here)

this is just porn, no plot at all. pure filth, unrealistic for our favourite cinnamon roll but idgaf. i drew my inspo from this photoshoot!

You are new to this... being a photographer in Hollywood. So the excitement of meeting your celebrity crashes is still very much alive in you.

Today you have a scheduled photo shoot with the José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal. Obviously, there's a team accompanying you, but everything seems to disappear when you lay eyes on the masterpiece of a man that Pedro is.

Pedro's eyes widen slightly when you approach him to introduce yourself. He chuckles awkwardly, shaking your hand heartily.

Before you have time to wipe away the idiotic smile that has formed on your face, you are holding your camera and guiding his poses.

It quickly becomes clear that Pedro is fun to work with. He cracks the best of dad jokes and the way he looks at the lens has you soaking your panties.

The shoot is taking place in a motel somewhere outside of LA. During lunchbreak everyone parts ways, leaving you alone with your camera and naughty thoughts. Pedro is inside one of the motel rooms, getting changed into the next outfit the team has picked for him.

Now that the ice has been broken after working with him for hours, you feel confident enough to knock on the door of the room he currently occupies.

The sun outside is bright and when he lets you in, its rays make his frame glisten slightly. He's still shirtless. The air is heavy with desire, mixed with soft notes of lavender from the room's fragrance.

Inside his mind there's a dilemma. He's twice your age, but all he can think about is your perfect curves, your cleavage, your sweet smile.

Pedro bites his lip as he imagines you against him.

"Um... could I help you with anything kid?"

"Don't call me that."

"Fuck~"

The grown man in front of you has become tomato red, hands instinctually covering his crotch.

"You don't have to hide that..."

Your eyes are seductive and your tone makes Pedro swallow audibly.

"Y- you don't understand sweetie. I haven't.... haven't... in a while."

"All the more reason to do it now~"

That would be fucking incredible. His hardened cock twitches in anticipation at the thought of being buried deep inside you...

A moment of staring at each other with intent passes.

Pedro locks the door and you close the curtains.

The room starts to feel even hotter now that your shared desire has been revealed. Pedro's hands start roaming across his body, tracing patterns over his abdomen before cupping his balls through the fabric of his underwear. He groans softly, a thick bead of precum forms at the tip of his throbbing cock, yearning for your wet heat.

You grin. The sweet and shy man is gone. Pedro is pure dominance and power now.

"Be a good girl and take off your clothes for your da- for me."

"What did you say?" you teasingly ask while playing with your breasts.

He mumbles something under his breath.

"You're gonna take your clothes off now, for your daddy."

"Now we're talking."

And so you give him a little strip show. You begin by taking off your shirt, tantalisingly slow...

Pedro cannot wait any longer when your breasts bounce after taking off your bra.

The actor leans in, capturing your lips with his own, shoving his tongue deep into your mouth as he moans against you. Your taste sends shivers of pleasure through him, tongues dance and tangle while his hands roam further down your body, cupping your plump ass cheeks roughly before delivering a sharp slap that leaves a hot sting followed by pleasure.

He is quick to undress himself while you do the same with your remaining clothing.

As the intensity builds between you, Pedro whispers filthy things in your ear... promises of what he'll do to you once you're fully impaled on his thick shaft, describing in graphic detail how good it will feel.

You can't help but giggle playfully... In a swift motion, you put a hand on his wide chest, pushing him back until his calves hit the couch.

Pedro sits with his legs spread. His fat cock (slightly bent) is rigid against his lower stomach.

He's a sight to behold, that's for sure.

"...agh~ it's been a long day mi vida..."

Pedro can't help but groan when his cock twitches impatiently.

He pulls you close and helps you straddle him. His heart melts as you do so, his erection pressing against your wetness.

"Oh that's it darling. Take care of daddy... C'mon ride me baby, don't be shy~"

You are too turned on, too lost in the delicious haze of lust and desire.

You slowly sink down on Pedro's surprisingly girthy member.

To your delight he lets out a strangled moan, his hands gripping your hips tightly. He feels every inch of you surrounding him.

"Fuck yeah, that's it princess. Ride your daddy hard and fast."

He's breathless, hungry... but still patient enough to let you adjust to his size... before thrusting up to fill you completely with his cock.

You moan loudly against his chest.

(On top of everything, why does he have to smell so frickin' good?!)

You haven't even started moving on top of him and Pedro reaches between your legs, rubbing your clit with his thumb.

"Such a pretty baby girl. Let daddy feel that sweet pussy of yours squeeze him tight."

Pedro's eyes roll back in ecstasy as he feels the warmth of your tight pussy enveloping his cock, as you finally begin to move up and down. Each inch you take feels like heaven, making him bite his lip to stifle moans and profanities.

His hips jerk upward involuntarily, trying to drive deeper into your welcoming heat.

"Ah... oh... it's too good... your pussy~"

"You play with my clit so nicely handsome..."

Your voice doesn't sound like your own in your ears. But the shocked and flustered expression on Pedro's features boosts your confidence.

You pick up the pace, slamming down on him harder and faster, chasing maximum pleasure.

He growls, his cock throbbing inside of you. Your shared moans and gasps fill the room as you both give in to passion.

"Fuck yes, babydoll... you're so damn tight!"

The actor's hands find their way to your hips, holding on tightly as he begins to move in unison with you.

Heavy breathing and the slapping sounds of your flesh meeting as you lose yourselves in the ecstasy is what could be heard if someone was to go knock on the door.

Pedro hasn't had sex in a while so he soon gets overwhelmed. He can feel himself being consumed by the pleasure your tight walls provide him with. As he nears his peak, he slows you down by grabbing your hips, prolonging his time with you.

He tries not to panic by the fact he almost came. Pedro starts nibbling on your neck and earlobe... regaining some sense of control.

"Shhh... baby doll," he whispers breathily into your ear. "You feel so fucking amazing around me... J- just slow down for a moment~"

You feel Pedro's grip on you tighten slightly as he fights against the impending orgasm that threatens to consume him. You indeed make your pace lighter, more shallow and slightly slower.

Even in this new pace, Pedro's orgasm is building rapidly within him despite his attempts to hold back. He knows that he needs to make this last. He wants you to remember him, to leave a long lasting impression on you.

Your moans and whines don't help, making him all too excited. He doesn't continue pounding into you, determined that if he does so, he'll cum immediately.

"C'mon princess... You gotta cum for daddy~"

The way you move your body, riding him slowly and sensually, has you seeing stars. You have never experienced anything like that.

You giggle playfully... the laboured expression on his face is both sexy and adorable.

"P- Pedro... I~"

Feeling your body tensing up, Pedro knows you're close. He leans in and kisses you deeply as he starts to meet your movements with his own, hips thrusting eagerly against your own.

You moan when you feel his cock hit that spongy spot deep inside you. You shiver and grasp at his arms for support, fingernails pressing into his skin.

So, with a final growl of effort, he pushes through the waves of ecstasy, filling you up completely as he cries out his release. His cock throbs violently inside you, spurting load after load of hot cum deep into your hungry pussy. The feeling is indescribable... It's raw and primal.

You're trembling more now, your skin is covered in a thin layer of sweat but you still haven't cummed. A little more stimulation is all you need. He did come but doesn't plan on giving up until you do too.

"Oh, baby doll!"

Pedro feels a pang of emotion in his chest. The man's heart races, concern etching lines onto his handsome face. What if he can't make you orgasm?

Noticing his apprehension you cease riding him for a moment.

"Need to catch your breath?"

He simply nods.

His cock is already starting to harden again as he looks at your flushed face.

"Oh yes, baby girl. Daddy just wanted to recover real quick."

Running his fingers through your hair, he smirks mischievously.

"I'm going to fuck you until you can't walk straight tomorrow, my little whore. Do you understand?"

This sudden burst of dominance has you reeling. His goal is simple. He cummed. Now it's your turn.

Pedro starts thrusting into you hard and fast, his cock hitting all the right spots. He leans down to bite your neck, leaving a mark as he claims you as his own.

"You're mine, baby girl. All mine."

Your moans echo in the space you two occupy.

Feeling your body respond to his roughness, Pedro picks up the pace even more. His hips slam against yours time and time again.

"Tell daddy how much you love it when he fucks his little slut!"

You start writhing, tremblingly, as your own climax consumes you. You stutter his name. Only his name.

"Pedro... I- I love... I love it!!!"

Feeling your tight pussy squeezing him as you cum, Pedro knows you lost control as well. He slams into you, this time erupting without shame or guilt.

"Fuck yes baby! That's it! Take all of daddy's cum!"

"Oh... Oh God~"

"Did my little slut enjoy that? Did she cum hard for her daddy?"

Pedro kisses you passionately, his hands roaming your body. He holds you close as he slowly pulls out of you, his thick cock still pulsing with each jet of cum that shoots out and lands on your flat stomach and legs.

"Shhh... baby doll," he soothes softly, kissing your temple before nuzzling into your neck with newfound gentleness.

"I didn't mean to be so rough you. It's just that you're so fucking perfect... It overwhelmed me for a moment."

this hasn't been proof read, so some errors are to be expected. hopefully they don't take away from the experience.

as a struggling young adult tips are highly appreciated 🩷

my masterlist

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yongility · 19 days

Text

NEO TV # ROCKABYE (taeyong x reader) 2/?.

genre: single dad au, ceo au, fluff, slightly angst, smut.

warnings: adult language, death mentions, idk there's not a lot of warning for this one.

word count: 7k (not proofread!!!)

a/n: if you want to be in the taglist, just lemme know;) enjoy!

When Taeyong was growing up, he always carried with him the memory of the wonderful family he had, a small yet at the same time, great family. He, his mother, and his father didn't need anyone else. They were always the three of them, and it was more than enough. Sure, his family wasn't always conventional, and there were obviously mistakes here and there, but that would never mean that Taeyong wouldn't be grateful for the life and love his parents provided him.

Taeyong was always a starry-eyed boy. Passionate about everything that interested him. As a child, he went through countless phases trying to discover what he wanted for his future... Would he be the same man as his father? Or would he choose another profession? Would he be a stay-at-home dad and dedicate himself to his family?

Like the hyperactive child he was... he never knew for sure, and if there was an exact word to describe Lee Taeyong, it would surely be unpredictable.

Unpredictable because no one had the slightest idea what the boy's next step would be. Unpredictable because Taeyong changed his opinions every half an hour unless he felt one hundred percent sure about what he was doing. That was Lee Taeyong, that's how his family and friends knew him, and that's how he was formed.

Nevertheless, the boy matured at a fast pace. Without necessarily feeling it present, the pressure regarding his father's company position was looming closer and closer, not explicitly, but it wasn't necessary to be so to know what would become of him once he graduated from university. He could always hear what others said about him: 'Oh, Mrs. Lee's son is a true gentleman, surely his parents will be proud of him' ... 'Will he really take over the Lee company? He's nothing more than a spoiled child who always had everything handed to him on a silver platter.'

There were always different opinions and criticisms from different perspectives. Yes, Taeyong knew he wasn't perfect, he was more than aware of it. Taeyong was human, he had made mistakes, stumbled along the way, but he always tried to put one foot forward and rise from every stumble he had encountered.

He wasn't a relationship guy. He was sure of that. Of course, he had had some teenage romances in his high school days. He had been on a few dates during college, and yes, he had had at least one relationship that had lasted at least a year.

Although this last one was more about social pressure than simply enjoying the company of the girl who was his girlfriend at his twenty-three years. He would never blame Joy and would never speak bad about her; in the end, Joy had been someone with whom he had spent part of his growth and accompanied in various moments, which was when they decided to try some kind of relationship between them and for the good of both families according to his mother. The Lee family and the Park family had been partners for a long time, so what better than to bring together both heirs of their heritage to reinforce both businesses? However, that didn't last long. Only a year, Taeyong appreciated Joy and vice versa, but definitely didn't see any future with her. He tried, he really tried. He wanted to do his best, he wanted to do things right, but he couldn't. He simply couldn't.

And with the pressure from his family and Joy's family, nothing could be contracted.

'Taeyong, we are very happy that our daughter and you are making such great progress, we can't wait to see a ring on my daughter's finger.'

'Taeyong, time is passing and you still haven't knelt before her, you know we can't grow old without seeing you at the altar.'

'Taeyong, today Joy and I were at the mall and we saw a spectacular baby clothing store, you're taking too long! How lovely it would be to already have a little one running through the halls of the house!'

Marriage, family, commitment. It was something that Taeyong didn't think about and didn't want to have at his twenty-three years. Sure, someday he would have to settle down and form his legacy, but he wished it would be with someone he truly loved, with someone he could see his future with and grow old together, but could he ever get all that someday?"

_______________________________________________

First Month.

Week one.

For someone with enough money, Taeyong didn't usually keep his apartment constantly in undergoing renovations. Lee Taeyong was a simple man, he preferred the minimalist and the modest. Nothing extravagant, nothing ostentatious. At the end of the day, there were few times he found himself at home, its only use was just for sleeping, if he had the opportunity to do so.

However, as many things had been changing suddenly in the last few days, it was no news that his apartment would be one of the things involved in one of those changes. So his apartment was now filled with piles of boxes here and there and a few cans of paint waiting to be used.

It would be a long process.

"If someone told me that, that when I return from America, I would be assembling a crib for one of my friends' daughters, I definitely wouldn't believe it," Jaehyun said slowly as he read some instructions.

"Hard to believe, but not impossible," commented Doyoung, snatching the paper from his hands and now reading the instructions.

"It's just that I only left for two weeks! And now I'm an uncle! As far as I know, that process takes nine months," exclaimed Jaehyun exasperatedly.

A thump on his head made him stop and he brought his hand to his neck to rub it as he complained slowly and looked at the cause of that attack.

"It was a nine-month process, idiot. It's just that we didn't find out about it until a little over a week ago," Doyoung told him, looking at him disapprovingly.

After that, and quietly giving up on how to build a crib, they left the room where they were and headed to the small baby carrier that was on the couch with a very peaceful Sun Hee inside it, or at least she seemed to be peaceful.

Doyoung and Jaehyun approached her, who either looked at them or made an attempt to do so, with her eyes wide open and babbling sweetly. The heads of both boys tilted as they watched the little one and her actions, almost as if they were examining her and trying to guess what her next move would be.

May the universe take care of the little one with such uncles she has.

"She looks like Taeyong," murmured Jaehyun.

"Well, of course she looks like him, she's his daughter," Doyoung replied obviously.

"She could look like her mom, who knows," the younger shrugged and continued to watch the little one. Who would have thought that one of their friends would be a father?, who would have thought that the very Lee Taeyong, who loved freedom, would become a father? The little one remained calm for a few more moments, until Doyoung and Jaehyun's gaze that was on her may have made her uncomfortable, because without further ado and letting out a whimper, she began to cry; causing both boys to look at each other and panic as they didn't know what to do next.

"Should I pick her up?" Jaehyun asked alarmed. He had never held a baby before. "Sun Hee? Calm down... calm down Sun Hee... don't cry."

"Where's Taeyong?" asked Doyoung, and the baby's crying became even louder. "Taeyong!"

"Sun Hee, please don't cry," murmured Jaehyun as he looked around, then took the remote control and turned on the TV. "Look! Look Sun Hee, the news! That so interesting, isn't it?"

"You idiot, what does she know about the news," snapped an upset Doyoung as he lightly hit his friend's arm.

"How would I know, I've never had a daughter! Where's Taeyong? Taeyong!" they called again for the attention of the father, who was not present, and the little one began to cry more and more. "Sun Hee, don't cry because I'm also going to cry," commented a very sentimental Jaehyun.

To the misfortune of both boys, Taeyong along with Johnny had gone down to the lobby of the building for a couple of things that would be delivered for the apartment renovation.

Who else but the great Lee Taeyong would leave a baby in the care of TWO adult babies? Nobody else but him.

Doyoung quickly grabbed a toy that looked like a rattle and after seeing his friend entering a great state of panic, he began to shake it trying to get the attention of the little one who seemed not to have precisely an off button, and instead of getting distracted and stopping crying with the noise of her toy, she seemed to become more uncomfortable and start crying once again.

Both friends looked at each other again, defeated. A one-week-old baby had more power over them. They would definitely be ready to be parents in about... thirty years.

"You idiots , what have you done to my princess?" Lee Taeyong questioned once inside his apartment, leaving the boxes he was carrying on the floor and approaching his daughter, lifting her in his arms and making her cry cease once she felt the warmth of her father.

"What did we do to her? What did she do to us!" exclaimed Jaehyun, bringing his hands to his face.

"You're so dramatic, Sun Hee is a sunshine," commented Johnny, approaching his friends and stroking the cheeks of the little one in Taeyong's arms. "Aren't you? You're a very pretty sunshine, Sun Hee, I bet when you grow up you'll be so pretty that everyone will be after you," he said in a high-pitched voice while Sun Hee seemed to be very familiar with the voice of her third uncle, who was making a very small attempt at a smile.

"Look at that, it seems like Sunnie already has favoritism towards one of her uncles," Taeyong said, smiling tenderly as he saw his daughter calmer.

"Johnny her favorite uncle? I'm the godfather!" exclaimed Doyoung offended.

"He's the godfather?" Jaehyun and Johnny asked incredulously, pointing at Doyoung.

Oh no.

Taeyong looked innocently at his friends and smiled slightly once an idea lit up his head.

"Whoever manages to assemble her crib will be her godfather. Isn't that right, Sun Hee?" the little one just babbled while her eyes closed, beginning to drift off to sleep.

He didn't need to repeat his sentence before his friends ran out of the room and ran towards the place that would be Sun Hee's room.

Taeyong laughed and left his little daughter in the baby carrier while gently rocking her.

It will be a long day.

_____________________________________________

First month.

Week three.

If there's one thing people know about Lee Taeyong, it's that he's a dedicated and determined man. A workaholic perhaps, and that might be the reason behind the great success and reputation of his company. Taeyong knew what he was doing, and he was the best at it. His investments always remained clean and on a large scale; any businessman would feel honored to work with the great Lee, or even to have a minimal connection with him. He was well-known in the business world, not just because of who his father was, but because of the great work he had done on his own to achieve everything his companies obtained after his father's retirement. A young man in big business, respected by the world.

That was Lee Taeyong.

He was also a man of routine and hated when it was affected. Over the years and as he grew older, Taeyong realized that the best thing for him was to have a schedule ready for each morning so that things would go more smoothly and efficiently. His days were mostly planned, but it was obvious that there would always be some unexpected event to deal with during the day. However, Taeyong always found a way to handle it as organized as possible.

However, with the arrival of Sun Hee in his life, and what it caused to change completely, his routine had to be terribly affected. He had been aware that this would happen, at least in the first weeks – or months – of Sun Hee's life. At least until he could take her to a daycare or until he could find a nanny he could trust completely to leave the most precious thing in his life in her care.

So for now, he had to play two roles, that of being a father and that of being the CEO of one of Korea's most important companies. Although now that he could see his life from two completely different points of view, he could assure that the first role was by far more difficult than the second.

He had heard a lot about being a father, even his mother had given him a book on how to be a father, he thought it would help, but it really didn't help at all. Being a single father was hard, especially being a first-timer; his mind was in chaos. Of course, he loved Sun Hee, she was his life, his ray of sunshine, but sometimes it was too much to handle, sometimes the diapers didn't fit as nicely as a pretty nurse had taught him... Sometimes Sun Hee didn't want to drink the formula that Taeyong offered her when she was supposed to eat – and according to his mother, maybe it was because the girl needed breast milk, how the hell could Taeyong do that? – Sometimes no matter how much effort he made, Sun Hee wouldn't stop crying.

And that's where he was right now. At three in the morning, with visible dark circles under his eyes, his hair disheveled, barefoot while rocking Sun Hee back and forth in his arms, who seemed to find no peace.

"Shh, Sunnie. What's wrong? You should sleep a little, don't you want to let Daddy rest a bit?"

The day for Taeyong had been difficult; there had been some mishaps in the company that couldn't be dealt with from home, so he had to go there with Sun Hee as his company.

The confused looks from his employees had not been of much help to him at that moment.

Nor had it been of much help that Sun Hee had been whiny all day. Taeyong didn't understand what was going on with his little one, it wasn't that she needed a diaper change, it wasn't that she was hungry... she just spent the day throwing little complaints.

And that had been too much for Taeyong. The pressure of business matters and the responsibility he had as a father became too much.

Sun Hee continued to cry in his arms, and Taeyong felt like he would cry at any moment too.

"Sunnie, please. I don't want us to be kicked out of the building for bothering the neighbors," murmured a very frustrated father. "Calm down, baby, can you do that for me? Can you calm down a bit, huh? Can you do that for Daddy?"

Taeyong stroked his daughter's cheek, who seemed to stop crying and just let out a few small sobs that hopefully would stop in a few seconds.

He sighed and relaxed his body, bringing Sun Hee closer to him.

And maybe... just maybe, he spoke too quickly.

Because as soon as he was relaxed, his daughter started crying again, and this time Taeyong couldn't take it anymore and cried too. He sat on his bed with her in his arms, and a few tears fell from his eyes.

Looking at his daughter and seeing the state she was in, he couldn't help but feel his heart ache. Sun Hee looked so fragile, so small. How could he keep her safe? How could he make everything alright? Oh, how he wished he had come into the world with all the knowledge about how to be a good father in his mind.

"I wish I could know what's wrong with you, Sun Hee, but I can't read your little mind," he murmured between sobs. Obviously, his daughter didn't respond, but rather continued with her act.

His lungs would probably hurt right now with all the crying he had done, and that terrified Taeyong, who stood in his place and walked to the bedside table, where he picked up his phone and entered his contacts list. He didn't exactly know what he was doing or why, but his desperation overpowered him, and in a moment his fingers were dialing the only number he could think of, he just hoped he was doing the right thing.

One tone... two tones...

It's three in the morning, Lee Taeyong, who would answer you at this hour?

Three tones... four tones.

"Hello?" a very sleepy voice was heard on the other end of the line, and Taeyong could feel the air returning to his lungs.

"Y/N?, I'm really sorry for calling you at this hour," Lee murmured as he left his daughter in her rocker and held his phone between his shoulder and ear.

(Y/N) recognized that voice after a few seconds and recognized those cries even more, making her sit up briefly in her bed and mentally forcing herself to wake up completely.

"Taeyong? What's wrong? Is it Sun Hee the one I hear?"

Of course, it's Sun Hee, idiot! What other daughter does Lee Taeyong have?

"Yes, it's Sun Hee... and I... don't know what's going on. Sunnie has been complaining all day and hasn't stopped crying for a while. I don't know what to do, I've already changed her diaper, she's already eaten, I even sang her some lullabies, but nothing works," explained Taeyong desperately. "I don't know what to do, I'm tired, my arms hurt from carrying her so much, I've memorized all the nursery rhymes, and Sun Hee doesn't seem happy with anything."

"Oh, Taeyong..."

"You were sleeping, weren't you? Oh God, I'm so sorry, I know it's late, but calling you was the only thing I could think of, I'm really sorry..."

"Taeyong?" (Y/N) called him. "Don't worry, I told you that you could call me if you ever needed it. I have no problem helping you, even if it's three in the morning," the girl could hear the soft laugh of the nurse on the other end of the line, and this created a great contrast between the incessant cries of his daughter and the sweet laughter of (Y/N). "What can I do for you?"

"I know it's late, but I can't think of anything else, can you come? Or if you want, I can put Sun Hee in her car seat and drive over there!" Taeyong explained quickly.

"Calm down, I don't think it's the best idea for you to drive stressed and with Sun Hee crying in the back seat. Send me your address, and I'll be there in a moment."

"Thank you, (Y/N), I wouldn't be calling at this hour if I really didn't need it..."

______________________________________________

The door of Taeyong's large apartment was knocked, and this alerted the boy as he carried his baby close to his chest. Lee headed to the entrance of his house, and when he opened it, he found (Y/N) in a very different contrast than he had become accustomed to seeing her. For obvious reasons, she was not in her work clothes, and now she was wearing a black sweatshirt with cute pants covered in puppy drawings all over. Her hair slightly loose and without a drop of makeup.

Even so, she looked pretty.

Taeyong blinked a couple of times and moved aside to let the girl pass while he continued to rock his daughter.

(Y/N) entered the apartment and approached the father and the little girl.

"Can you lay her down somewhere? I'd like to give her a quick check-up,"

Taeyong nodded without hesitation, walked to the room that had been adapted for Sun Hee, and laid her down in her crib. The crib that Johnny had successfully built, opening the fight between who would truly be Sun Hee's godfather... something they would detail later.

Once the little one was in her crib, (Y/N) lifted her clothes slightly to observe Sun Hee's stomach and see a few more things. The boy simply watched in silence, resigned by his daughter's cries and giving a couple of glances to the girl beside him.

I wish the call I made had been for something else and not for this.

Taeyong and (Y/N) hadn't had contact since that time two weeks ago when the former had left the hospital. Taeyong tried to call her a couple of times, to thank her again for everything she had done for them during the time she had been Sun Hee's nurse, but for some reason, he was always busy enough with his daughter and the company, and he didn't allow himself to do it.

He would have liked to invite her for coffee sometime.

He really would have liked that.

"I'm not exactly a doctor," (Y/N) spoke. "But I've worked with many babies to see these consistent behaviors. It seems to me that Sun Hee is suffering from colic; I think it would be best to take her to the pediatrician first thing in the morning just to be sure."

Taeyong nodded without saying a word, maybe because he was too tired to formulate anything or because maybe his mind was no longer processing anything. (Y/N) smiled tenderly, regardless of the little one's whining; after all, it was something she heard daily in maternal care.

"Can I?" she asked, pointing to Sun Hee. Taeyong nodded again, and (Y/N) took the little one in her arms. "Oh Sun Hee, it's been a while since we last saw each other; you look even prettier than two weeks ago, even though you won't stop crying," she murmured, earning a small laugh from Taeyong.

"Try spending three hours listening to her cry," the visibly tired boy replied.

"I work in maternal care, remember? I hear several babies cry at the same time."

"True," Taeyong sighed, "it's just that it's tiring, you know? Particularly today was a heavy day, and it seems that Sunnie has no intention of letting me sleep tonight."

"We'll try to fix it then," (Y/N) gave him a smile, glanced around the room, and when she found a rocking chair, she went there to sit down.

She placed Sun Hee on her lap face down and began to pat her back gently, then used her fingers to give her a little massage, delicate enough for her. For a moment, the crying didn't stop, but after a few minutes, the father found himself really surprised to notice that his daughter had managed to calm down.

From the doorway of the room, with his arms crossed over his chest... Taeyong smiled.

But what a sight. (Y/N) tried not to be distracted by this and continued to massage while clearing her throat.

"The nursery is very nice," she commented, trying to look anywhere but at the boy's figure.

Taeyong nodded and approached her slightly.

If you don't see him, you won't be distracted... if you're not distracted by him, you won't think anything impure...

"Yes, we set it up the first week Sun Hee was here. The guys and I went through a moment-" Taeyong laughed as he remembered the day- "Do you remember, Doyoung? He was the one who accompanied me on the last day at the hospital," (Y/N) nodded, "Doyoung, Johnny, and Jaehyun helped me, it was chaos, but we managed to set everything up... still, Sun Hee doesn't sleep here yet."

"Really?"

"Mhmm, Sunnie sleeps with me. In a way, it's easier for her to sleep if I'm by her side; I just put some pillows around her, and she sleeps in my bed," he commented, feeling his cheeks blush. In reality, it wasn't so much that Sun Hee had gotten used to him, but rather that Taeyong rested more peacefully knowing that his daughter was by his side, so he would know that, if something happened, he could respond immediately.

"That's very sweet," she commented, "how has everything been? It's been three weeks since I heard anything from you," she continued massaging the little one's back.

"Uh, it's been good, I guess. Sometimes a bit chaotic, but I have my parents' help and Sun Hee's uncles," he replied, "... my friends, they say they're Sunnie's uncles, and I agree with them, they're like my brothers."

"It's nice to know you have someone to lean on; it would be much harder if you were alone," she took the baby in her arms and rocked her as she saw her sleepy face.

Taeyong, surprised by the immense ability of the nurse, watched the scene with tenderness, which looked too domestic. Too much for Taeyong's liking.

"Yes, it's been hard, but they've been a great help. I've been working from here, so I have to take care of the company and Sun Hee at the same time. Sometimes it gets stressful, but I have to keep doing it, at least until Sunnie gets bigger and I can get a nanny... or take her to the company. I don't know which of the two options is worse."

"You'll surely find a good nanny or daycare," (Y/N) encouraged, "you know? We have a daycare at the hospital... well, not exactly in maternal care or in the hospital itself, it's affiliated. Sometimes I cover shifts there; maybe you should consider it."

"Yes, maybe," Taeyong smiled.

Both remained silent for a few seconds, (Y/N) still gently rocking the little one to not wake her from the sleep she had fallen into, and Taeyong discreetly looking at the nurse.

Never in his life did he think he would find himself in such a situation.

But he wasn't complaining; he liked the scene. It was nice to see.

(Y/N) also discreetly contemplated the scene and thought to herself: How is it possible for Lee Taeyong to look so attractive at three in the morning? Even with dark circles under his eyes?

It wasn't news that the man seemed attractive to her, but after three weeks without hearing from him, she thought she wouldn't think of him that way. Of course, Taeyong and Sun Hee were constantly on her mind; she wanted to know about them on many occasions, but she had no way to contact with him, and the hospital, for good reasons, wouldn't give her the Lee family's private information; after all, it's the hospital's policies, and she would respect them.

However, she was grateful that Taeyong had called her, even though it had been at three in the morning on a Tuesday, to deal with Sun Hee's irritated problem.

She just hoped that if they met again, it would be in a different situation...

______________________________________________

An hour and a half later, with a deeply sleeping Sun Hee in Taeyong's bed surrounded by pillows, and the clock showing four forty-five in the morning. Lee Taeyong and Kang (Y/N) were in the living room of the apartment, not saying much.

"I think I should go," the girl commented. "I start my shift in a few hours."

Two hours and fifteen minutes to be exact.

"Oh my God, (T/N), you should have told me you had an early shift; I wouldn't have made you come here if I had known," Taeyong exclaimed alarmed.

"Don't worry, really. I told you that you could call me if you ever needed anything, and I meant it. You and Sun Hee would never be a problem. I'm glad to help," she smiled.

"Thank you very much, it means a lot to me that you did this," the boy commented. For a moment, he thought about taking the girl's hands and giving them a slight squeeze, but he held back his thoughts. "I promise to repay you soon... maybe with a coffee?" the brunette asked, feeling a surge of hope in his chest.

He saw the girl's smile widen, causing him to smile as well, and he lowered his gaze shyly.

"Rest assured that I'll say yes," she replied. "I'll be waiting for your call, even if it takes three weeks again," she joked.

"I won't take that long this time, I promise you."

"We'll see about that... in the meantime, don't forget to take Sun Hee to the pediatrician tomorrow; anything you need, you can call me, Lee Taeyong. I'd like to know how things are going with Sun Hee afterward."

"I'll let you know if anything comes up."

"Goodnight, Lee Taeyong."

"Goodnight, (Y/N)."

And so, at five in the morning, each went to bed with a small smile decorating their faces.

____________________________________________

For (Y/N), life was something she appreciated.

Perhaps that's why she chose to work in the healthcare field.

She grew up in a middle-class family. Nothing extravagant, but with everything necessary to live comfortably. Her family wasn't large either; it was just her, her two siblings, and her parents. A typical family with its ups and downs.

She was never demanding and instead tried to help with whatever she could. She liked making people feel good and enjoyed contributing whenever possible, something that made her parents proud.

She grew up as a normal girl, at least until she reached high school, where her parents' divorce took place. She never knew when it happened or what led them to make that decision, which left a scar on her heart.

Or maybe she always knew but never wanted to acknowledge it.

She must have noticed it when her parents started arguing over every little thing. She must have noticed it when her father was less present at home. Surely, she noticed it when her mother cried all day in her room when her husband spent the entire night away. Perhaps the times when her older sister was irritated and left home to hang out with people of dubious reputation were a sign of how her family was gradually falling apart.

However, she hoped it wouldn't be like that.

Still, despite how much that decision affected her, she continued with her life as best as she could, being a support to her mother and becoming the older sister when her brother failed in that task.

She became an independent woman. She didn't like relying on others for money, which is why she managed to work since she entered high school. It was a part-time job, enough for her to have her own money, and it was the job that allowed her to find her vocation and passion.

Her job wasn't complicated – or at least, it didn't feel that way because it was something she genuinely enjoyed. Every day, after finishing her last high school class, (Y/N) rushed to the Dongjak area, where on a small street, she found the daycare center that allowed her to find her path. At that time, she didn't fully interact with the children, as she lacked the experience needed and was still young for that, but she was the assistant to the caregivers there, and seeing them work excited her every day.

She didn't know if she had developed an emotional attachment there, after the conflicts that had arisen at home due to her parents' arguments.

But she enjoyed being there, she really did.

Then her sister, in an attempt to leave home and go with who she swore was the love of her life, got pregnant at a young age. It was a difficult pregnancy, and (Y/N) took part in taking care of her sister throughout the process. She appreciated everything she had learned at the daycare center, which allowed her to put it into practice once her nephew was born.

Her nephew was the apple of her eye and would always be.

She didn't blame her sister, she really didn't want to, but there were times when it seemed like she was the mother of her nephew herself. There were many occasions when she had to take care of Jisung. Her sister had to leave high school behind and get a job to cover her and her son's needs, especially after the man who swore to always be by her side had cowardly fled two months before giving birth, making the childbirth process even more difficult than it already was.

So, her nephew saw her as a pillar. Someone who took care of him, fed him, changed him, and cared for him. (Y/N) even witnessed his "firsts" before his own mother. His first steps, his first words, she even accompanied him on his first day of preschool, continuing until she had to go to university.

Having found her vocation early on made everything easier. She entered the Academy of Health and Pediatric Nursing in Seoul. Where she always got good grades and became an exemplary student, graduating with all the honors her academy could give her almost three years ago.

It wasn't difficult for her to find a job immediately, thanks to the recommendations some of her teachers had, she was able to find a nice position in the maternity and pediatric care area at Seoul General Hospital, where she couldn't feel more comfortable.

Where she was right now.

" Nurse (Y/N)!" a soft voice called from behind her, causing her to turn around and smile emotionally.

"Hello, little one," she greeted, approaching the bed of one of her patients. "How are you feeling today?"

"Very well, they told Mom that I can go home today, they say the treatment worked," the boy told her with a huge smile on his face.

"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that! You'll soon be back to see your friends at school," she encouraged him.

"Yes, but I'll miss you a lot, so I made this for you," he said, pointing to the piece of paper in his hands. "It's you and me."

(Y/N) smiled tenderly and looked at the drawing Kaeyoon had made for her.

"It's very nice, Yoonie, thank you very much for your gift, I'll hang it on my fridge," she said as she high-fived the boy. Then she looked at the drawing and looked doubtful. "And who is he? Is he your dad?" she asked, pointing to another figure in the drawing.

"No, that's Doctor Yuta, and he has hearts in his eyes because he's your boyfriend!" he exclaimed happily, causing (Y/N) to widen her eyes and then release a smile.

"But Yoonie~, Doctor Yuta is not my boyfriend," she replied, still laughing.

"Then can I be your boyfriend?” he asked skillfully.

"Oh, honey, I'm afraid you're too young for me," she replied with a smile.

"And when I get bigger?"

"Maybe when you're big," (T/N) continued. "But by then, you'll surely have found another girlfriend that will have your age."

"But you're the prettiest! Besides, I have to beat Doctor Yuta," he muttered.

"What do you have to beat me in?" another voice chimed in, and (Y/N)'s body reacted to it.

"In nothing."

"In being (Y/N)'s boyfriend," Kaeyoon and (T/N) replied in unison.

Yuta opened his mouth and pretended to be surprised. "So it's a competition?"

"Yoonie's just kidding," (T/N) said with a nervous smile. "You know how kids are, doctor."

"Look, doctor! I've made a drawing for you too," Kaeyoon exclaimed, changing the subject drastically, and it was the perfect opportunity for (Y/N) to awkwardly step away from there.

She wrapped the drawing in the paper and put it in the pocket of her pants before starting to check the checklist and see which child she should attend to. She stood at the desk for a few seconds, checking and arranging things until she felt a presence beside her, one that she could easily identify.

"So you have little kids falling for you," Yuta commented with a mocking smile.

(T/N) smiled nervously. "That's how kids are. Two weeks ago, he was in love with Nurse Mina."

"But he was right to fall for you," Dr. Yuta continued, and (T/N) let out a laugh followed by him. "Would you like to go for a coffee in your next break at the hospital cafeteria? I mean, it's not the most elegant thing, but I'd like to spend some more time with you."

(Y/N)'s cheeks turned crimson, and she nodded, smiling. "Oh yes, of course. I would love to."

"Maybe I might win you over Kaeyoon," Yuta said as he walked away from the desk.

_______________________________________________

Second month.

Week one, Thursday.

(Y/N) had been right two weeks ago. Sun Hee was suffering from colic, and according to the pediatrician, it was due to the formula Taeyong had been feeding her.

Taeyong instinctively felt like a bad father; he had been feeding his daughter something her little stomach seemed unable to tolerate. But how could he have known? He had to completely discard those formula cans from his pantry and replace them with the new formula the pediatrician had recommended, and soon, Sun Hee's discomfort was diminishing.

Even now, he could sleep a little more at night.

Along with the massages he had learned the night (Y/N) had helped him and a couple of other routines, Sun Hee's colic decreased.

(Y/N)…

Although Taeyong had assured not to take three weeks again to contact her, it seemed that Taeyong really wanted to leave her waiting. Not to misinterpret, it wasn't that he didn't want to call her and invite her for a coffee, but his life was busy, and his priority was his daughter instead of throwing flirty glances around.

Although he knew that a coffee was the least Taeyong could offer her in gratitude for that time at three in the morning, he simply couldn't muster the courage to pick up his damn phone and dial a few numbers. Besides, he didn't want to misread the signs; who would want to date a dad?

"You should just call her," Johnny advised as he watched his friend from the other side of the couch.

Sun Hee rested on her father's chest as he stared at his phone incessantly.

"I don't know, John," Taeyong replied with a sigh.

"How long has it been? Two weeks? You should have called her the next day."

"I don't want to pressure anything... maybe she's not interested."

"The girl came at three in the morning on a Tuesday, do you really think she wouldn't be even slightly interested?" Johnny asked incredulously.

"It was for Sun Hee, nothing else. She said she wouldn't mind helping with Sun Hee whenever she could," the younger one confessed, stroking his daughter's back.

"You should give yourself more credit, Lee Taeyong. You're a coveted and handsome man; being a dad now doesn't change how attractive you are."

"I was hoping she would be interested, not you," he joked, and Johnny contemplated throwing a pillow at him for a moment, but after seeing his niece on his friend's chest, he stopped.

"You'll never know if she has even a little interest if you don't call her. Plus, for the favor she did you, it's the least you can do."

Taeyong fell silent and sighed.

"I know, I'm aware of that," he replied, closing his eyes momentarily. "I'll keep considering it."

"You're stubborn," Johnny commented, rolling his eyes.

"Alright, alright. Get your ass up and come with me to the supermarket; Sun Hee finished her formula, and she needs more."

"Anything for my niece."

______________________________________________

“What do you think of this?” Johnny asked as he showed Taeyong a jar of baby food.

Taeyong turned around and snorted.

“Sun Hee still can't eat those things; besides, the doctor recommended that once Sunnie started trying food, I should prepare her purees myself. It's more natural,” the father shrugged, glancing at his daughter strapped to his chest in a baby carrier.

“Wow.”

“Wow what?”

“I never in my life imagined you playing the role of a dad,” Johnny commented with a half-smile.

His friend sighed and placed a can of formula in the shopping cart before sighing again.

“I didn't either, but Sun Hee came, and I'll try to be the best father she could have,“ he replied, smiling as he looked at his daughter. “ Everything happened very quickly, but Sunnie is a ray of sunshine.”

“She is!” Johnny agreed, then cleared his throat. “When are you going back to work? At the company, I mean.”

“John, this isn't the place to talk about that,” Taeyong said, pushing the cart.

“Taeyong, you know it has to happen. At some point in your life, you have to return to your usual routine. You can't work from home your whole life. Even the day will come when you have to go out and have fun too!”

“Johnny, stop”

“You know I'm right, Taeyong.”

The younger one sighed again. "I know, John, but now isn't the time for that. Sunnie is only two months old; the day will come when I can take her to the office without her getting irritated so quickly or the day when she's big enough to leave her in daycare."

“Just promise me you won't put your life completely on hold. I know Sunnie is your priority now, and some things change when you become a father, but please, also give yourself some time. If you ever need it, you can ask your mother to take care of her, I could even be Sun Hee's babysitter for a day!”

“I'd rather leave Sunnie with Doyoung and Jaehyun than with you,” Taeyong joked.

“Hey! How could you prefer to leave my niece with those two clowns? They can't even take care of themselves!”

Taeyong chuckled and continued pushing the shopping cart while considering what groceries to bring home.

“Okay, Johnny, I really appreciate it.”

His friend kept talking beside him, but he wasn't really paying attention. Instead, he was focusing on the items on the shelves and what he should take home, gently rocking Sun Hee to prevent her from crying right there.

He stopped somewhere between the cereal aisle and the canned goods, and upon hearing a child's laughter, he turned to his right, finding a very familiar face. The girl was about twenty steps away from him, with a smile on her face as she listened to what a little boy was saying to her.

Taeyong was confused; his brow furrowed as he looked sideways at the scene. Was that girl (Y/N)? If so, who was the boy next to her? His eyes widened; could he be her son? But what about that time at three in the morning? She wouldn't leave her child alone somewhere to go help another family... What if she had a husband and left him with him? Oh no, no, no, no.

“Taeyong?“ a female voice brought him back to reality, and he focused on the girl coming towards him with a confused expression, then smiling as she recognized him.

“ (Y/N), hi” he greeted, once she and the boy holding her hand were in front of him.

“ Of all the places we could run into each other, it has to be the supermarket” she commented, laughing softly.

Taeyong smiled. "Yes, Sunnie ran out of formula, so I had to come for more," he explained, pointing at his daughter.

“ Oh, I see. How's Sun Hee? I haven't heard from you since about two weeks ago,“ she inquired.

“She's been better; she had colics because her stomach couldn't handle the formula she was drinking. Now everything's fine.”

“I'm glad to hear that,“ (Y/N) noticed how Taeyong discreetly observed Jisung and spoke, “ Oh, yes, he's Jisung*. He's my nephew; I brought him to buy his favorite cereal, and he's staying over tonight.”

The guy felt the blood rushing back through his body and smiled warmly as he leaned slightly to look at the little boy.

“Hey, hi champ. I'm Taeyong, and she” he momentarily uncovered his daughter's face “ is Sun Hee.”

“Hi, Mr. I'm Jisung, and I'm this many,“ he held up his right hand, raising five fingers and showing them to Taeyong, who smiled tenderly.

“Oh, that's a lot. You're almost catching up to me.”

“Yeah, he’s almost your age” she laughed off.

In that brief moment, Taeyong and (Y/N) exchanged a few more words. The guy was distracted by her, now seeing her in a different light. He had seen her in her work clothes, then in pajamas when he called her at three in the morning, and now he saw her in a floral dress and a thin sweater covering her, with her hair loose and slightly wavy, and a bit of gloss on her lips.

She looked phenomenal. Actually, she looked phenomenal no matter what.

In nurse's attire, in pajamas, he was sure she would even look spectacular in a sack of potatoes because she just shone in every way.

However, his little and discreet admiration was interrupted when Johnny's voice called him abruptly.

“Hey, Taeyong. Look what I found; this would look cute on my niece” Johnny spoke, lightly tapping his back as he reached his side. Then he realized the situation and smiled sideways, “Oh, I didn't know you had found someone. I'm Johnny Suh, pleased to meet you” the blonde commented, extending his hand to the girl and giving a high-five to the little boy.

“She's (Y/N),” Taeyong said, fearing the worst.

“Oh.”

“ Nice to meet you, Johnny. I'm (Y/N). I was Sun Hee's nurse while she was in the hospital” she spoke kindly.

Johnny smiled playfully and turned to look at his friend, who was looking at him barely shaking his head.

Taeyong could expect anything from his friend, and that was what he feared the most.

“Oh, so you're the nurse Yong wanted to invite for coffee?“ he innocently asked.

“Johnny.”

“Hmm, I don't know” she responded with a little laugh, “Am I?”

“Excuse my friend; he's a very busy and absent-minded man” Johnny explained, receiving a small punch in his ribs from Taeyong, who smiled falsely and continued talking to the girl, “Isn't that right, Taeyong?”

“Yes, sorry for not calling you back after that night; I've just been taking care of Sun Hee and working at the company, so I didn't find the right moment to call you” Taeyong spoke with his head slightly bowed, feeling embarrassed.

“Oh, don't worry. I figured you'd be busy. No need to apologize; I completely understand” she assured him with a smile.

“But what a lovely girl! You better invite her for coffee; otherwise, I'll do it myself” Johnny encouraged while still smiling, causing (Y/N) to laugh.

“Johnny...”

“I was just kidding,“ he raised his arms in a sign of innocence, “but I'll leave you two alone; I heard there's a sale on floral detergent. I can't miss it!“ he exclaimed so that, without further ado, he walked away from the aisle and left both guys with both children, alone.

“I'm sorry, really. Sometimes Johnny can be... extra,” Taeyong apologized quickly, shaking his head with a smile, “but what he said is true; I wanted to invite you for coffee, but I couldn't find the right moment to call you. I'm sorry for taking so long.”

She smiled sideways and nodded slightly as she placed her hand on the guy's shoulder.

“It's okay. I waited for your call after you said you wouldn't take three weeks to call me this time,” she said, laughing, “but I figured you'd be busy, so no hard feelings.

“Is it still time for me to invite you?” he asked, his big eyes shining. (Y/N) nodded with her cheeks turning red, “How about Saturday afternoon? I know of a café not far from here, and they sell amazing muffins. I'm sure you'll like the place.”

“You've convinced me with the muffins.”

“Of course” Taeyong laughed. “I'll send you the location by text... this time, I'll do it.”

“I'll wait for your message then,” she said, nodding, then staying silent for a few seconds.

Should they say goodbye now? Should he wave his hand? Or leave a kiss on her cheek? They still didn't have the confidence for that, did they? Would it be weird if he did? How complicated everything is!

“Auntie, I want to go now,” the voice of a little boy took them out of their trance, and they changed their view to the kid.

“Oh, of course, my love. Have you had your cereal?” the girl asked, and Jisung nodded, “Okay, then we’ll go,” she assured him, then turned her gaze back to the boy and the little one on his chest, “it's been nice seeing you; give Sun Hee a kiss from me, have a good night.”

“See you on Saturday.”

“See you on Saturday, Taeyong.”

______________________________________________

The boy approached his car where Johnny was leaning against it, waiting for him. Taeyong gave him a dirty look, and the blond raised his arms as he opened the back door.

“Don't look at me like that! “ he pleaded with a smile “I did you a favor, dude!”

“Just don't say anything and put the stuff in the trunk” Taeyong ordered as he placed Sunnie in her car seat.

Johnny obeyed his friend's orders and began to put everything inside the car. After a few minutes, he returned to Taeyong's side, who had already settled Sun Hee comfortably and asleep in her car seat.

“Come on, help me get rid of this thing, it's stuck,” the brunette said as he tried to open one of the zippers of his baby carrier, struggling with it.

His friend approached him even closer and tried to help in a failed attempt; the zipper was stuck, and it didn't seem to want to open even with all the force in the universe.

“Let me try, don't move,” Johnny requested as he held his friend by the back and put one of his hands on the zipper of the carrier, “why won't it come out?”

“What a beautiful family!“ the exclamation of an older lady was heard, causing both boys to look at her. She was looking at them with a tender smile as she waved at them. Then they looked at each other and at their current position, prompting Taeyong to quickly push him away with his hands, and Johnny cleared his throat as he turned around.

“You get rid of that by yourself”

I’m sorry I took too long for posting this!! 😭

Taglist is open, just lemme know if u want to be added! You can ask me something if you want here!

Taglist: @geminiml95 @zooana @cathamada

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frodo-with-glasses · 4 months

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More Reading Thoughts: A Conspiracy Unmasked

Ohohoho here we go >:-D

Merry like “hmm, I can tell something’s fishy about this, but we’ll have to talk about it later”

The Brandybucks being described as “virtually a small independent country” is GreatTM X-D

“…as a matter of fact, [the Bucklanders] were not very different from the other hobbits of the Four Farthings. Except in one point: they were fond of boats, and some of them could swim.”

*Phil Dragash Merry voice intensifies* I LOVE BOATS Y’KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE BOATS SO MUCH I MEAN THEY’RE SO COOL AND BOATY AND THEY FLOAT

Aww, Sam’s already getting a bit homesick :-(

Gollummmm

Frodo: “I mean we already ate, but we could eat again.” Merry: “Say no more, fam”

Frodo seeing Bilbo’s things in the new house and being “sharply reminded” of him :-C Hello it is once again Crying About Frodo and Bilbo O’Clock

BATH SECTION YEAAAAAHHHH

“Which order shall we go in? Eldest first or quickest first? You’ll be last either way, Master Peregrin.” HAHAHA GETTIM FRODO

And Merry like “excuuuuse me, you should know by now that I’m better at planning and logistics than that; there are THREE tubs >8-D”

And Pippin splashing Frodo with the bath water 🤣 This whole section is so stinkin’ CUTE

I, too, cannot properly dry my hair until I am out of the steam in the bathroom. Frodo is the most relatable ever.

Merry has such dad energy 🤣 “You’d better clean up your mess, Pippin, before you get any supper!”

The squabbling over the mushrooms haha

Ooooohh The Talk is here

It honestly makes so much sense that Pippin is the one talking when Frodo refuses to. Frodo is trying to keep secrets, and Pippin has zero filter.

Also Merry reading Frodo like a book is SO GOOD

“You are miserable, because you don’t know how to say good-bye. You meant to leave the Shire, of course. But danger has come on you sooner than you expected, and now you are making up your mind to go at once. And you don’t want to. We are very sorry for you.”

THAT’S MY SMART BOI

I can’t wait to draw this part

“You do not understand! You must go—and therefore we must, too. Merry and I are coming with you. Sam is an excellent fellow, and would jump down a dragon’s throat to save you, if he did not trip over his own feet; but you will need more than one companion in your dangerous adventure.” Awww, Pippin!!

Also the foreshadowing, wow

Hahaha Merry presenting Sam like “TA-DA! Our chief spy!!”

Sam: “Gandalf did say to take someone you could trust, sir!” Frodo: “But I can’t trust anyone, apparently!” Sam: :-C

Oh oh oh it’s this part…!!

“It all depends on what you want. You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin - to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you can keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo. Anyway: there it is. We know most of what Gandalf has told you. We know a good deal about the Ring. We are horribly afraid - but we are coming with you; or following you like hounds.”

MERRY MY LAD I LOVE YOU TO DEATH

That’s true friendship right there

Frodo like “I am NEVER trusting that you are actually asleep ever again” 🤣

“Three cheers for Captain Frodo and Company!” I’m going to melt 🥹

Merry once again being the G.O.A.T. by having the ponies prepared

“It seems to have been a very efficient conspiracy.” HECK YEAH IT WAS

I love that Fatty has barely talked through the whole chapter except to blurt “NOT THE OLD FOREST” at the very end

Merry continues to have Dad Energy by breaking up the almost-argument between Pippin and Fatty

Oooof the dream about the Sea…

#FINALLY ANOTHER CHAPTER REVIEW #bet y’all thought we’d never get out of ‘a shortcut to mushrooms’ lol #shortcuts make long delays indeed #meriadoc brandybuck #merry #samwise gamgee #frodo baggins #peregrin took #pippin #fatty bolger #lord of the rings #lotr #my writing #chapter review

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tojiscumdumpster · 5 months

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CHAPTER SIX - TOJI/READER

⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀✧ summary page

Toji’s POV

“Don’t forget the parent-teacher conference today at three, then I need to go buy things for school this week.”

The hardest thing about being a parent is having to remember shit. Had Megumi not reminded me, I would’ve forgotten.

Partially because I genuinely didn’t remember, and the other reason is because Y/N has taken over my mind. It’s been like this since I’ve met her, but it definitely heightened after our morning together this past Saturday.

Accidentally seeing her naked, then dry humping her the next morning has me desperate for her pussy. I wasn’t even fucking inside of her and she had me coming in my damn boxers. I just know if her pussy was wrapped around my cock, I would’ve nutted quicker than I did.

I needed relief. Once I came back home, I fisted myself in the shower. I got out of the shower, caught up on some sleep, then woke up and jerked off again.

And again.

And again…

I never been this fucking horny before. What other woman’s name have I moaned out while beating my cock? I visualize Y/N. I visualized her on top of me, under me, on her knees for me. Fuck, the day she lets me have my way with her, I’m going to take my time to please her, but fuck her like she’s my favorite toy.

And I want to say it’s only a sexual attraction with Y/N, but I would be lying.

We agreed to get to know each other. Not boyfriend and girlfriend. Not dating. Just talking. Not as friends either because what I feel for is not friendly. She just… intrigues me.

I don’t want to say I’ll end up falling for her because that’s fucking unlikely. I don’t even have any more love left in me to give. But I know I want Y/N to myself. I want to claim her as mine.

She is mine.

The extra hour we spent together on Saturday was nice. Y/N said she was going to lunch with a friend, so we sat and ate fucking Cinnamon Toast Crunch while talking.

Imagine me, a gruff forty-two-year-old eating a bowl of sugary cereal. Kong would say I’m whipped. Probably even clown me about it.

But see, the thing is about whatever shit me, and Y/N have going on—it feels natural. She doesn’t always talk. I don’t always talk. Maybe I’ll stare at her like a creep because she’s so damn pretty but being in each other's presence is enough.

She affects me in ways I can’t describe, and it’s only been a week. And within that week, we’ve only been around each other three times.

I fucking know her. I know I do.

“Dad,” Megumi calls me. “Did you hear what I said?”

I clear my throat. “Yeah. Yeah, kid. Meeting at three, and school supplies.” I go back to fixing his lunch. “Want to go tomorrow? I’m off.”

“Why are you still packing me lunch? I’m not a little kid anymore,” he asks, annoyingly.

I throw my head back and laugh. “You rather eat that shit they serve you at school? Chocolate milk with pizza?”

His cheeks redden. “Whatever.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” I mock. “So, tomorrow?”

“Whatever.”

“ Whatever , whatever . Those the only words you know? Maybe I need to talk to your teacher about extra lessons.”

“Dad, just make my lunch. I’m going to finish getting ready.” The kid didn’t even let me get a response out before he stormed out the kitchen.

Megumi has been putting up with me these days. I’d like to describe my kid as “moody.” One minute, we’re able to hold a decent conversation. The next, he completely shuts me out and acts like I don’t exist. I don’t pressure him, though. Whatever he wants to give, I’ll take it.

Just parenting him feels like I’m parenting myself because I know I would act how he does. He’s still adjusting , that’s what Y/N would tell me if she was here right now. Her reassurance helps because when that damn voice in my head reminds me how shitty of a dad I am, I think about what she told me.

“Grand Finale takes the lead around the far turn!”

Gambling, one of the guilty pleasures I fucking suck at but still do because it’s easy money. Well, when I’m not losing it. Do I ever win? No. Though, lately, my bets haven’t been getting dirt last.

Top five is at least my goal.

The security gig pays well, but there’s nothing wrong with a little extra cash every now and then. If I’m not at races, I’m in the casino, which they have a lot of in the States. Probably my favorite thing about this country.

My chances of playing at those slot machines are definitely higher than these inconsistent races who take up a shit load of my earnings.

Before, when I was kicked out of the Zen’in Family, any penny I had I would blow on gambling. Now, I try to be mindful since I have another mouth to feed. Last thing I need is to be one of those dads that spent their life savings on some bullshit, getting nothing in return.

I don’t want to look like that now, at least.

“Pilot Apollo is coming up on the outside!”

Pilot Apollo. About fucking time. I’ve been betting on this racehorse for months. Every time he comes up on fifth place, some shithead jockey passes him, and he falls behind.

“How did I know you were going to be here?” Kong stands behind me, smoking probably his twentieth cigarette for the day.

“Maybe because you keep fucking stalking me,” I retort. “Aren’t you supposed to be back in Japan? What are you still doing here?”

He takes the seat near me, skipping a chair to keep a comfortable distance. “Bought a one-way ticket, and I didn’t even get to see my godson yet.”

“Grand Finale has passed Apollo Pilot. He’s closing in on third. Now second!”

My back straightens. “Apollo Pilot, what the fuck?”

Kong takes a puff of his cigarette, chuckling. “You know you’re not good at this crap. Easy money doesn’t suit you, Fushiguro.”

“What do you want?”

“The contract is still up for grabs. Better money. Frankly, something you’re actually good at.”

I clicked my tongue. “I remember telling you no. I don’t do shit like that anymore, Kong. You know that.”

Gambling and sleeping with random women for money was inconsistent. Gambling, because I lost money as soon as I won it, and being a boy toy because sometimes I didn’t feel like fucking married women who were unhappy with the cock they were getting at home.

Kong introduced me to a form of income that was consistent and paid very, very well.

Killing people.

Well, becoming a contract killer. Same difference.

I needed good money. Fast money. Money, I knew I could get because of my skills, no thanks but thanks to those Zen’in fucks. So, I started taking contracts here and there. One signing could last me six months if I didn’t blow it all on gambling.

But I stopped taking contracts after I met Megumi’s mother—my wife. She doesn’t even know I used to do it. Information like this stays between me and Kong.

Just thinking about Y/N’s words, saying how I’m a decent man circulated my memories. Wonder if she’d feel the same if she found out the joy I got out of those contracts.

“And besides, we’re in America now. The systems are different from back home,” I argued. “Can’t afford getting caught.”

“The contract is based in Japan.”

You don’t need that kind of money right now, Fushiguro. You and Megumi are good.

Shut up.

I raise a brow. “Why the fuck are you so adamant about me taking the contract? Trying to set me up?”

He throws up his hands, mocking me, “Damn, you got me.” This motherfucker. “No, dumbass. Because my cut is based on the performance and if the job actually gets done. I hate complimenting you, but you were a good client, Fushiguro. I like money just as much as you.”

“Apollo Pilot has fallen behind. Newbourne passes, taking fifth place. Fourth. Third! Second! Newbourne is now in second place!”

“You got to be fucking shitting me,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Grand Finale is coming up on Newbourne, who takes the lead. Neck to neck, these two!”

I stand up and curse, not caring about the looks I’m attracting. “Five hundred dollars, Apollo Pilot. Move your fucking tail. Place fifth!”

“Oh, but Newbourne is coming in strong. He’s back in the lead on the inside.”

“Fushiguro, you’re embarrassing me,” Kong snorts.

“Shut up.”

“Oh my goodness, Grand Finale with the ultimate comeback. He has striked. Ladies and gentlemen, Grand Finale has won the Wooden Star derby!”

Sixth fucking place for Apollo Pilot and five hundred dollars straight down the drain. This is what I get for trying to enjoy my afternoon. And nothing makes it better than having Kong in the background taunting me.

“Fuck you, man.” I crumbled up the betting ticket I had and threw it on the ground. It’s time for me to head home so I can get ready to go to this meeting. “And I’m not taking the contract.” I tell Kong as I walk away.

“Think about it,” he says, waving goodbye. “Oh, and I’m coming over for dinner soon.”

Reader’s POV

Okay, maybe I did take some extra time this morning to get pretty because of my three o’clock parent-teacher conference in the next ten minutes.

A fresh wash and go. One of my favorite overall dresses with a white under tee. Light yet flirty makeup. My favorite creamy vanilla and warm berries fragrance. Gosh, I feel like a high school girl getting ready to see her crush. That damn Toji Fushiguro just makes me feel so light inside.

And after Saturday, I know my vibrator is getting tired of me.

Sex didn’t happen, but the dry humping… it felt so good. How Toji was thrusting into my hips with so much passion and aggression, I shouldn’t be surprised I orgasmed off of that alone.

I mean, let’s not forget to mention how he played with my nipples… sucked on my neck… the animalistic look in his eyes. It’s been too long since I’ve felt desired that way, like a high I didn’t want to come down from.

And I know how desperately he wanted to fuck me. I did, too. Well, I do, too. But I want to talk to him more. It’s not about making him wait to see if he’s the one because words can’t describe how badly I want him.

It’s just the ball of feelings I have for him that rests in the pit of my stomach—I want them to grow organically. I want to feel him emotionally without feeling him inside of me, physically.

When the time is right.

Honestly, this past Saturday would’ve been the perfect time, but I did not have enough energy to take him. Not with his size.

Breathe, Y/N.

I also can’t help but feel that I’m feeling for Toji too fast. With the little conversation we had, and the short time I’ve known him for, I might be a bit ahead of myself. We don’t know each other, is what he said to me last Friday.

… It’s the truth I didn’t want to hear.

Yes, it’s true. But I won’t hold back how I feel, and what I feel around Toji Fushiguro is just a like.

It’s a quick job, then I’ll come back to you. . . He said he’s not coming.

These words have been replaying in my mind lately. Is my conscience trying to tell me something? Who’s not coming? Is it…

A knock on my classroom door reminds me of my reality. I look to see the man that has been constantly on my mind lately, lips curving into a small smile.

Realistically speaking, my reactions are first to be giddy and excited to see him, but I keep that inside. Right now, it’s teacher mode.

I walked to the door and let him in. First thing I picked up was his scent. Earthy and woody with a touch of amber. He’s wearing his all black, three-piece suit that I saw him wearing at work. His midnight-colored locks are slicked back, different from his usual style that I know him for.

It might be an over exaggeration, but Toji Fushiguro is probably the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Masculine. Mature. Rough. His body, that waist that’s accentuated by his suit. . . Fuck me.

Calm down, Y/N .

I know, I know.

“Y/N?”

I give him a teasing smile. “Miss L /N,” I corrected. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Fushiguro. Please. Come take a se-” My words were cut off by Toji grabbing me by my waist from behind to pull me into him.

His lips are at my neck, and I can feel him smiling while softly kissing my skin. I have the urge to melt but I fight it.

“Toji, not here. I’m at work.”

He deeply inhales and pleasurably exhales. “You smell so good. You always do. And you look pretty, sweetheart.”

“Thank you.” I want to stay like this. I really do, but the last thing I need is to have someone catch us like this. “But move. We have a parent-teacher conference.”

He chuckles, eventually releasing me. “Fine. Just surprised you’re Miss L /N. I think you failed to tell me that this past Saturday.”

“Maybe I like surprises?”

“Ha, a surprise it is. Megumi has told me about you.”

I sit behind my desk and Toji takes a seat in front of me. “Good things, I hope.”

“Seems like you’re his favorite teacher. I asked Megumi how his teachers are, he gave an eh response, but said you were pretty nice.”

Being a teacher isn’t easy, and the pay isn’t great. However, I do it because I genuinely enjoy teaching. Hearing reassurance from my students, no matter how big or small, feels good.

“Megumi is a good student,” I start. “He’s only been here a week, but volunteers reading quicker than newer and even seasoned students. Sometimes he seems shy because of his English, but I try to help him with the little Japanese I know.”

“How’d you learn?”

“When I taught elementary kids, it was for like three years in Japan. I was their English teacher,” I explained. “Also, uhm, my ex-fiancé… he’s Japanese, too.”

He hums, and if I didn’t know any better, I saw his jaw tick. “I see. Well, yeah. He likes reading. The kid has a lot of books. I think it helps with his English, too. We jump between Japanese and English at home.”

“I think that's good practice.”

“Does Megumi have friends?”

I tap my pen against the desk, thinking. “Throughout the school, I’m not sure, but I did sit him next to another student I think he would pair well with. His name is Yuji. Really sweet and bubbly kid. He’s also Japanese, so I think he warms up to him a bit because of that connection.”

“That kid is stubborn like his old man,” he teases. “I tell him to make friends and he says he doesn’t need any. I don’t want him to end up like me.”

My face softens. “Be kind to yourself, Toji.”

So much for teacher mode.

Our eyes are on each other, and he knows exactly how I'm feeling. Little by little, Toji opens up about his relationship with his son. We talked about it a bit on Saturday.

I can tell he’s not the kind of man that shows his emotions, but I can feel his energy. How he talked about Megumi holding small conversations with him lately seemed to make him happy. Toji told me there was one point in their lives after his wife died that Megumi didn’t talk to him for a whole year.

I could only imagine the strain their relationship has.

I’m not condoning him being a neglectful father for seven years, but I’m not going to diminish his grief either. It’s just when you’re a parent, there’s times you have to put on a facade and put your feelings on the back burner to make sure your kids are alright.

Toji’s trying to make amends now, and I’m glad he didn’t wait until Megumi was old enough to completely resent him. His patient is amicable.

He gives me a wryly smile. “I’ll keep that in mind. . . Miss L /N.”

“Someone has to keep the foreplay going.”

He arches a brow, standing over my desk to brush his lips against mine. “That’s what this is to you? Foreplay?”

Toji’s minty breath and soft pink lips are making it hard for me to not jump on him and be clingy. Again, classroom setting. Can’t afford to get caught.

Alternating my gaze between his lips and rich eyes, I look at him through my lashes, smiling and say, “Back to our discussion at hand, Mr. Fushiguro?”

He laughs quietly. “Of course.”

I try to keep the conference quick and simple (since Toji has work at four), going over the class curriculum, the expectation of Megumi, and all the supplies he needs throughout the school year. With a bit of flirting here and there, seeing how involved he wants to be in his son's school life really warms me.

Unfortunately, not all student’s parents are like that. Hence why a lot of my conferences last fifteen minutes or less.

“This is the parent portal you can download on your phone as an app, mobile web, or access on a computer to keep up with Megumi’s grades. Not only in my class, but his other classes.”

“What’s his grade now?” he asks.

“Since he’s new to my class, there’s not much to grade, so you’ll see it as blank,” I answered him. “Next week we have a test on a book we’re finishing up in class. That’ll be his first major grade.”

He nods. “Alright. Anything else I need to know?” Toji asks with genuine concern. Not like a man that has somewhere to be, even though he does.

“It’s four fifteen.”

“Not worrying about work. They know I’m going to be late.”

I softly smile. “Okay, but no. Nothing else. Any updates will be posted on the parent portal. My email and number are within that folder as well.” We began walking to the door so I could see him out.

“Can I use your number outside school reasons?”

“Use my number however you please, Mr. Fushiguro.” My voice is suggestive. I find Toji rolling his tongue against the inside of his cheek while smiling, incredibly sexy. It’s like he’s doing this on purpose.

“Going to let me kiss you now?”

I managed to look over his shoulders to see if there’s anyone walking through the hallway but it’s empty. “A quick one and make it appropr-” A good way to shut me up.

His lips are on mine before I’m able to finish, kissing me like he’s been without me for a lifetime. Kissing Toji is addicting but makes me feel like I’m on a cloud. How he nibbles on my bottom lip or sucks my tongue into his mouth.

His hand that rests on the small of my back that feels possessive, pulling me further so I don’t break away. How he groans when tasting my mouth because us kissing has just as much of an effect on him as it does me.

The words that he says. The look in his eyes when he watches me. How his touch burns sensuality and temptation onto my flesh. My friends always told me I’m a lovesick fool, and Toji Fushiguro will be the one to show it if this keeps up.

“You look pretty like this,” —he breathes after breaking our kiss— “and you expecting me to keep it appropriate?”

“I wanted to look nice for you,” I admit, shyly.

“For me?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“If only you knew,”—his hand slides to my ass to squeeze, pulling me further into his now hardened erection—“how fucking beautiful and enticing you are.”

I have times where I’m the most confident woman in the world. Then, I also have times where I can show a bit of insecurity. But I don’t show that side to everyone. Probably no one. However, Toji is just that exception.

Tucking my coils behind my ears, I say, “You’re just saying that.”

He grabs me by my chin with his free hand to force me to look at him. “I’m not.” Is all he says, sounding more certain and genuine than ever.

“Okay,” I responded, holding eye contact. “Thank you.”

He looks at his watch, time being four thirty. “Can I take you out?”

“Hm, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to go out with my student’s father. No?”

Toji repeatedly pecks my lips. “I work day shift on Friday. I’ll see you at eight?”

My crush on this man almost frightens me.

“Yeah. Friday at eight,” I confirm.

“Alright. I have to go. Okay for me to text you later?”

“Remember, Mr. Fushiguro” –I tiptoe to give him one more kiss– “use my number as you please.”

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER

discussion question #2 — reader knew that toji is megumi's father before toji found out that she's megumi's reading teacher. now that toji knows, do you think him seeing reader will cause a rift in his already strained relationship with megumi once he finds out? Or maybe cause them to grow closer? What are your thoughts?

88 notes · View notes

honeybleed · 5 months

Text

thorns ⋆ caesar zeppeli

part one

content & warnings: fem!reader, canon compliant, joseph is a childhood friend, speedwagon is reader’s adoptive father, fluff, smut (virginity loss) mdni & happy ending

author’s note: reupload LAWL also dis fanart fye af ALSOOO part one of this was my very first fic on this blog? (meaning the smut was terrible) time flies fr bc i legit remember in january every time i came on here it was like an echo chamber of me talking to myself, my page was hideous asf, fic layouts raggedy now i’ve made so much good mutuals n memories ☹️ eee but weirdly enough i actually prefer the older fics compared to my latest ones.

word count: 6.7k

You were bored beyond your mind.

And you've been bored since those two had taken off for their Hamon training. You'd lost track of time.

Speedwagon drops by here and there, but he's always busy regardless.

You can't do anything about it. It's been an endless cycle of sunbathing at the hotel's pool, getting hit on by random guests, and mustering poor Italian to say you don't speak the language with a thank you but no thank you.

Today, you decided to do things differently and sit in the living room of the suite and quietly settle down with a book.

But you started to feel fidgety and restless. Usually, you had a good attention span when it came to reading. It was your favorite thing to do. However, you catch yourself reminiscing a lot about the day you had spent with Caesar.

Hell, you'd even put up with Caesar and Joseph's incessant bickering since the silence was driving you up the wall.

Caesar.

You found yourself daydreaming about him more often than you should.

It was bad enough that the man was so devastatingly gorgeous he'd make a nun rethink her vows but to have felt his hands on your body, those forest green eyes that gazed at you with adoration and warmth.

"Y/N!" You hear a familiar resolute voice boom, dragging you out of your slightly crude thoughts.

While Speedwagon had been a lot more stressed resulting in his jolly manner withering slightly, you could see he was returning to his old self once again. "My sunshine!"

"Ew, I have not heard that nickname in nearly a decade, let's keep it that way." You snarked as he bustled towards you.

"What happened to my little girl, huh?" He countered.

"Life. Anyways, you seem to be in an awfully good mood. Care to enlighten me?"

"I noticed how reclusive you've become since Jojo's departure-"

"What-"

"I noticed how reclusive you've become since Jojo's departure-"

"What-"

"So I took the liberty of getting you an invite to Caesar and Jojo's mentor's home. Usually, they are a pretty private person but you know me!"

"Yep, the man, the legend himself, Robert E.O Speedwagon." You grinned as you reached up to clasp his shoulder.

"Dad to you." He chastised.

Soon enough, a tall, elegant woman with dark brown hair that cascaded past her shoulders, eyes blue as the ocean, and fair skin that looked like porcelain greeted you and Speedwagon.

They exchanged pleasantries. It seemed like they knew each other well.

She turned to focus on you with her piercing gaze as if she were analysing you.

"Ah, you must be Speedwagon's daughter. He doesn't know how to shut up about you." She snickered as she put a hand on her hip. You looked at Speedwagon who shook his head.

"Nice to meet you." You said, with a polite smile.

"I can't possibly begin to imagine how a timid thing like you was dealing with Joseph for that long." She said, with a brow raised.

"On the contrary." Speedwagon interjected. "She developed a venomous tongue being stuck with him for so long."

"What?! No, I haven't-"

"Lies."

As you followed after the woman, whose stride maintained grace and elegance, she described the grand manor but you knew she was withholding pretty big information. however, you knew better than to pry.

"Suzi Q!" She called out, and a young lady bounded towards her, smiling from ear to ear.

"Yes, Madam Lisa Lisa?"

"This is Y/N, she'll be our guest for the day so cater to her. I have business elsewhere to take care of but I'll be back tomorrow morning. Is that alright?" She told the lady who nodded enthusiastically.

"Go ahead Madam, I'll take good care of the house. Just leave it to me!" Suzi affirmed.

"I'll show you around, then we can have lunch!" She smiled at you.

"So...you're friends of Jojo and Caesar?" She asked as you walked with her side by side.

"Well, I met Caesar fairly recently.." You muttered, butterflies bursting in your stomach as you remembered the day you spent with him as well as your daydreams. "And Jojo has been by my side for some years now. How are you finding them?"

"Oh." Suzi gasped. "I guess I don't talk to them much since I'm occupied with errands..."

"But Caesar is a sweetheart! Jojo seems moody around him but he's sorta eye candy." She giggled, cheeks dusted with pink.

You snorted to yourself.

You saw many girls crush on Joseph throughout the years. In the beginning, he was pretty oblivious, and still in the childhood mindset of "yucky".

Then you became adolescents and he didn't retain any of the famous gentlemanly charm of his grandfather's that Speedwagon and Erina gushed about.

He then morphed into the textbook stereotype pervert who made jokes about being a Peeping Tom and panty raids. But you were both in your early twenties now, so you hoped he'd grown out of that.

As cynical as you were.

"Well, a sweet girl like you is too good for him." You stated as you sat at the tea table adorned with doilies on the balcony, which overlooked the glimmering, turquoise sea.

"Hey! I don't like him or anything!" She quipped, defensive.

"My bad." You responded with hands in the air. "Your body language seems to be telling a different story though." You teased as soon as she was out of earshot.

She brought a tray with a large jug of lemonade and ice with some small bite-sized snacks and conversed with you.

Small talk usually seemed tedious but with Suzi Q's eccentric and ditzy demeanor, it was lively, to say the least.

You returned the vigor and asked her about working for Lisa Lisa, which she didn't have much to say other than she was grateful.

"OI! TEACH, WHERE ARE YOU?!" A voice called out. In swaggered none other than Joseph, who froze and did a double take when he saw you sat opposite Suzi.

"Jojo..!" Suzi tittered. "How many times do I have to tell you to refer to Madam Lisa Lisa formally?!"

"Gah! What is she doing here?!" Jojo exclaimed as he gestured towards you.

"Hello to you too, Jojo." You responded, wryly. It was almost as if he liked to act dense on purpose.

"She's a guest! And you better show some manners." Suzi said, firmly.

"Or what?" Joseph questioned, a smirk on his face.

"Ignore him."

"Where's Caesar?" You asked. You purposely asked now to get under Joseph's skin but you were curious nonetheless.

"Oh...I haven't seen him today." She said. "I wish I could help."

"Don't worry. You've been a gracious host." You reassured her as you reached out to pat her shoulder.

"Typical. She visits and doesn't even check on me." Joseph said, scathingly.

"You just got here, you numbskull." You said, haughtily as you elbowed his side. As you and Suzi sat opposite each other on the round, small table, Joseph had been looming over the two of you.

"I just think you just like to compete with Caesar over everything." You snapped.

Suzi burst into hysterics.

"Oh my god, how did I not notice that before?" She cackled. "Even at dinner, he tries to finish first!"

"Suzi!" Joseph called out. "Why are you telling her that...?!"

"Just an observation." Suzi responded nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders.

It was a ridiculous sight, a six-foot-five man sulking like a toddler. Which made it all the more funnier.

"How's training for...whatever." You asked, turning to face Joseph in your chair.

"None of your business!" He retorted.

"Forget I even asked."

"It's super secret Hamon business. Non-Hamon users aren't allowed to know." He continued.

"I got it the first time." You said, drily.

"Yep, powerless humans have no jurisdiction in this-"

"WE GET IT!" You and Suzi both exclaimed in unison, then stared at each other wide-eyed. The surreality of it made the two of you double over in laughter.

"So you two bond over bullying me?!" He cried out.

You stood up from the seat to reach out a hand to pinch his cheek which was an arduous task in itself with how chiseled his face was, but you still managed to tug on some skin causing him to yelp out in pain.

"What's the matter? I thought powerless humans-"

"Okay, okay, I apologise! Let go." He whined and you obliged.

"Your boyfriend is on the rooftop. I beat him." He said triumphantly with a smug look on his face.

"Oh, I'm sure you did." You drawled. "Does Jojo want a cookie?" causing Suzi to snort.

"Your venom-laced tongue will not take away from my achievement, harpy!"

You hooked your fingers to replicate a claw and did a slashing motion as you hissed. Then turned on your heel to head to the rooftop.

"Be gone!" He called out.

You made your way up onto the rooftop as the sunset. The sky was painted with magnificent shades of oranges and yellows.

It was a familiar setting when you had approached him on the balcony at the hotel which seemed like forever ago.

He sat with one leg stretched out, the other knee bent.

"Hello, stranger." You grinned. His eyes widened at the sight of you.

He choked out your name.

"What are you doing here? I thought-"

For a split second, it seemed as if he was scrambling to discreetly dispose of the cigarette, much to no avail.

"You smoke?" You spoke up.

He gave you a sheepish look.

"Bad habit of mine.." He muttered as he rubbed the back of his neck. "It comes and goes. More so when I'm stressed."

"Can't be good for you." You remarked. "But you didn't need to try and hide it from me, I don't judge."

He snorted.

"Yeah, I guess that was pretty foolish of me. I shouldn't tell you but I asked Jojo about you here and there since you two are childhood friends. He's not the best I know but I missed you a lot. He said you're pretty uppity and picky about things. And hate the smell of cigarettes."

"That Jojo.." You mumbled under your breath. "Well, what's wrong with having standards?" You said, a little irritated as you folded your arms.

"Nothing, nothing!" Caesar chuckled, his eyes curled up into crescents as he held out his palms.

"You can ask me anything you want to know about me. Don't ask that idiot." You said, airily.

"Next time. When this is all over I want to know all about you." He said, adamantly. He seemed so serious, your heart swelled a bit.

You cleared your throat.

"I missed you too." You said. "There's not much to do at the hotel, most people would be grateful to be at a five-star hotel in Rome but I'm bored. I miss my tour guide."

"Yeah, maybe after all this I'll go into tourism or something." He snickered.

"Oh, absolutely not. All those women would be drooling over you, not paying attention to a word you gotta say about the tourist attractions."

"Hmm?" Caesar raised a brow. "Do I hear a hint of jealousy?"

You spluttered in disbelief.

"No! And I'll have you know back at the hotel I have a lot of admirers too." You responded.

"So now I have to fight for your affection?" He questioned.

"No way." You said, rather earnestly.

"I'm all about you, Caesar." You thought to yourself but didn't dare to utter those words aloud.

"Why are you stressed out?" You changed the subject, eyes boring into his.

"Huh?"

"You said you smoke when you're stressed, so.."

"I've been thinking a lot. More than I usually do. I didn't know you were coming to visit but when I saw you I had some foreign feeling of anxiety. I never feel anxious around women."

You bit your tongue. You hoped he wasn't going to start talking about other women. Otherwise, that dimwit Joseph was going to be right. And you wouldn't hear the end of it.

"Caesar, don't say it." You snorted.

"What was I going to say?"

You did your best attempt at a husky male voice.

"But you're not like other women."

He stared at you stunned for a moment, jaw slack.

"...But why not?" He asked, with a stifled laugh.

"Well, it's just sloppy."

"But what if that's how I feel about you?"

"That I'm not like other women? I am like other women. I want to be loved. I want to be acknowledged. I want the man I have feelings for, to be honest and vulnerable with me."

His eyes darkened. He rose from where he sat and stood directly in front of you. Towering over you. So close, his fragrance like the ocean wafted to your nose. So close, you could see the texture of his skin.

"What has being honest ever gotten anybody, Y/N? People use it to their advantage and against you." He responded, in a scornful tone.

You winced a little.

There were the walls he built up. You remember that day again. Where he laughed it off. But you and Caesar were only twenty. He spent his early years suffering abandonment and neglect.

"So you think going around being so shielded is beneficial to you, Caesar? Yeah, it's daunting to open up to anybody. That fear of betrayal will be there but once you do, it's unlike anything in this world. If anything, it makes intimacy so much better."

He was at a loss for words. He turned away again, to face out towards the sunset.

"We are going to a private island, tomorrow tonight. Most of Lisa Lisa's students never make it back. I don't doubt my skills whatsoever but I'm...thinking of those who came before me."

It was your turn to remain silent as you listened.

"I need to avenge my family."

There was a lot that you wanted to say to Caesar. But his voice was full of a lot of things.

Resolve, determination, anguish but the largest component of them all was fury.

Speedwagon had given you very little information on what exactly Caesar and Joseph were doing. You knew it linked to his abduction and the work of the Speedwagon Foundation.

But he said the less you knew the better. The last thing anybody wanted was for you to be entangled, especially considering you had little to no combat skills.

"If that's what you feel like you must do...then go ahead."

"What, you're not going to advise me against it? Tell me it's pointless and it's suicide?"

"I can't...change your mind on something you feel so strongly about." You stated.

"Y/N!" You heard Suzi call out. "Your driver is here!"

"Okay, I'm coming!" you called back out to her.

"Well, that's me." you said to Caesar. "It's a shame we didn't get to spend too long together."

"Why can't you stay longer...?" He questioned.

"I said I'd go back. So.."

"But an hour with Caesar feels like seconds." bounced in your mind as you sat in the backseat of the car.

"Is something the matter, Miss?" The chauffeur asked, catching a glimpse of your worried expression in the rearview mirror.

"I need to do something, I'll be right back." You said, hurriedly as you pushed the car door open. You shut it and began to rush towards the building you had just left.

As you hurried with a million thoughts running through your head, you cursed yourself for wearing suede pumps.

Caesar squinted his eyes when he saw a familiar figure bounding towards him.

"...Y/N?" Caesar questioned. "What's wrong, oof!-"

He was immediately cut off as you threw yourself onto him. Arms draped around his shoulders, chests flush against each others. You crushed your lips against his own, not knowing the right words.

First, he was frozen.

When you pulled away, you blinked worried that this had been a bad decision.

You should've asked, damn it.

Then it was his turn to envelop your lips with his own and kiss you feverishly as he cradled the sides of your face.

Whilst your kiss had been impulsive, and albeit unskilled. His was beyond passionate.

Which sent jolts throughout your body and made you groan against his mouth. Undignified to say the least but at that very moment in time you could care less about your image.

It was all him. You couldn't get enough of him.

"I’ll stay over, I don't care if i'm crashing." You sighed.

"I can't bear to be apart from you any longer, Y/N." Caesar said, voice grave as he clasped your hands. "If that makes me greedy, then so be it."

After your little over top scene, you followed back to his room to talk properly once more.

"I want to build something great with you but it scares me thinking I could fall victim to my father and grandfather's tragic fate. I'm not scared of death but to leave you heartbroken would destroy me." Caesar declared, voice wavering.

The entirety of his statement, he didn't take his eyes off of you.

"Stop it." You choked out.

"Stop what?"

"If...you have these feelings for me like the way you say you do then let me make my choice. Don't push me away because you think it's for my own good." You insisted.

"But Y/N..." Caesar groaned.

"Enough Caesar! Damn it, you can't protect everybody. You can't always be there to stop-"

Your rant stopped when you felt him take the hand that was on your lap up to his lips to interlock his fingers with your own and press his lips against the back of your hand.

"You're really adorable when you're angry, you know?" He said, softly as he beamed at you.

Your brows knitted together in frustration. He clearly was used to smooth talking his way out of heated situations. And you hated how this was working as the tips of your ears began to burn.

"Be thankful I have a headache and don't want to argue with you anymore. You’re annoying." You retorted, pulling out of his grasp and standing up from the seat.

"What's the problem, my love? Have you eaten?" He asked, a little concernedly and it dawned on you the last time you'd consumed anything was noon when Suzi brought the tray.

"Drop the pet names-"

"Over my dead body-"

"Caesar." You said through gritted teeth.

"Okay, over my alive body with beautiful formed pecs and-" He paused as you narrowed your eyes at him.

"I ate when I came here." You stated.

"That was almost twelve hours ago, Jesus Christ!" He exclaimed. "Go downstairs, we need to get you dinner stat." He said, ushering you out of the room.

"Caesar!" You protested.

"No ifs and buts about it!"

"You can't just drop statement of the century and expect me to stomach dinner." You grumbled. "And that was nine hours ago, you big baby."

"Key word, almost." He snapped.

Soon enough, you watched Caesar having a civil conversation with Joseph and Suzi across the dining table.

Well, Joseph seemed to be ranting but that was nothing out of the ordinary.

You're four young adults in this giant manor, you're not unruly teenagers.

There isn't this expectation of you guys to wreck Lisa Lisa's estate. Well, unless Suzi wanted to lose her job and Caesar and Joseph wanted their mentor to kick their asses with her advanced level Hamon skills.

Caesar catches you gazing at him, as he swirls around the wine in his cup and in return gives you a wink. A gesture that would normally have you rolling your eyes but instead it makes your heart leap to your throat.

You pulled a face at him and went back to your thoughts as they continued their heated debate. Knowing Suzi for a day, you wish you knew how her brain worked.

Would it really be so wrong to let loose with Caesar? The only person who was making such a big fuss about his player ways was Joseph and you were sure he probably had caught a case of the green eyed monster regarding that.

What would be worst case scenario if you did let yourself be 'seduced' by the man? He was easy on the eyes, and that was putting it lightly.

Though you'd only known each other for a short period of time, there was no denying that he had strong feelings for you and cared about you.

You'd prided yourself on your image as a lady since being adopted. You sneered and turned your nose up at dozens of admirers. Deeming them not good enough for your standards.

There was a particular trait that you held close to your heart. Attentiveness.

You bid all three good night as you made your way to the guest bedroom Suzi showed you, but began to stall in the hallway when you could see Caesar.

It was slightly humiliating how you seemed to be drawn towards him like magnets no matter what. He caught your glance for what seemed like the umpteenth time that night and gestured for you to go towards him.

"Am I that dashing?" He asked with his familiar, cocky grin.

"You know the answer." You snorted.

"You need to rest." He said, tentatively as he reached out a finger to stroke the side of your face.

"Says the one who does rigorous training for days on end." You scoffed.

"My point still stands." He said, firmly. "Sleep."

"How the hell do you even do this thing?!" You muttered under your breath.

"What...are you talking about?" He said, desperately trying to keep in his laughter.

"How the hell do you initiate sex?!" You blurted out, the two last words of the sentence feeling gross in your mouth.

Caesar's eyes immediately widened as he stared at you, absolutely dumbstruck at what came out of your mouth.

"This...this was a bad idea. I’ll go now, forget this ever happened." You said hurriedly as you turned on your head to rush away.

Suddenly, you felt a heavy force yank you in the opposite direction of where you were heading.

"Caesar!" You hissed. "What are you-"

Your body was flush against his own which seemed to add fuel to the uncontrollable inferno that was your humiliation.

He cupped your face tenderly as he chuckled at you.

"I hope you don't go to other people's bedrooms asking how to 'initiate sex.'" He said, a little lowly.

"...No." You responded, lowering your gaze in an attempt to avoid eye contact. He tilted your chin upwards with his forefinger.

"So only for me?" He asked in his honeyed voice.

You were sure he was trying to kill you with this. He had to be.

"...I guess."

"What’s the hurry?" He grinned, then began to usher you into his bedroom this time.

"I just...wanted to do it with somebody I like."

"Hmm? Was Jojo a contender?"

"Caesar." You deadpanned. "Gross."

"Fine, fine. so i'm just an experiment to you?"

"No!" You protested. "That's not, I-"

"I’m just kidding, cara mia." He snickered.

"Pet name-"

"Learn to live with it." He interjected. "I guess there's no solid rulebook of how to initiate sex but I guess the term you meant was how to make a move." He said imitating your voice causing you to shove him.

"But what made you decide that?"

"I’ve abided by rules all this time and quite honestly this entire trip made me realize its just held me back." You stated.

"And quite honestly, I'm crazy about you Caesar Zeppeli." You thought to yourself.

You swallowed thickly as caesar leaned closer and closer to mould his lips against yours. The only sound in the room was him lewdly smacking your lips which made you hum slightly.

He smelt so pleasant. He always had this aroma of sea salt and and soapy bubbles. It wafted to your nose and entranced you.

He ran his nose against your neck causing you to shiver.

"Caesar...I-"

"What is it?" He asked, voice barely an octave as his lush lips gently made a trail upwards from your collarbone to your jawline.

"I'm just nervous...that I won't be good at this at all.." You stuttered.

He pulled away from his ministrations to make intense eye contact with you, and somehow his eyes piercing deep into yours seemed even more intimate than him suckling on your neck a few seconds ago.

"Y/N, there's no such thing about being good at intimacy." He said, voice slightly firm.

"...Huh?"

"If you’re worried that you won't be able to make me feel good, well that's just not possible. You letting me touch and feel you is all I need, you understand?"

"...Caesar." You breathed out, shakily.

You hated this.

You hated how much he could reduce you to a nervous, bumbling mess. You were a woman with thoughts and intellect. But a conversation with Caesar would always leave your mind blank.

"I'll take the lead, okay? Don't feel any pressure. And if you don't want this I’m more than willing to stop-"

"No!" You blurted out, instantly regretting it. His eyes widened. "No. I want this, I want you. I’d be a fool to let this chance go, I’ve been dreaming about this for so long."

"Well, I'm truly honoured. And I would do anything to make you happy." He said, gently as he curled his index finger and gently stroked it against your cheek.

He reached out to take your hand in his own, and brought it to his lips as he gazed at you intently.

"So..will you let be your first?"

"Yes. Please, Caesar."

And with that, you were hauled onto his lap with absolute ease from his end. He began to undress you, unzipping your dress. You pulled it over your head, tossing it to the ground.

Revealing your black, lacy bra, you felt your cheeks heat up as he took in the sight.

You were half naked, and you were soon going to be shed of all garments soon, which caused a pang of nervousness. You tensed slightly, which caesar immediately noticed.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes..I should probably help you out of your clothes too.." You tittered as your hands hesitantly reached the hem of his tight pastel blue t-shirt.

He let out a chuckle.

"See, you worried for nothing. You know what you're doing. Just, follow your instincts. Whatever you want to do, I’m sure I’ll enjoy."

You simply blinked at him.

You pondered, there was one thing you'd always wanted to do since laying eyes on him.

Your hands began to skim across his well defined abdominals, then paused at his pectorals, cupping them. They were so cushy, you wanted to giggle.

He let out a snort, finding you absolutely adorable. Your thumb circled his nipple, making him hiss a little.

"Sorry! Did that hurt?!" You gasped, horrified.

"Y/N, relax...you just caught me off guard." Caesar chortled as he clamped your wrist in an attempt to stop you scuttling off like a scared forest animal.

"Okay...okay."

You draped your free arm around his broad shoulders, and leaned in close to envelop his lips with yours. He reciprocated the gesture, moving against your own.

Your other hand made its way to the back of his head, softly gripping the roots of his blonde locks causing him to groan into your mouth. You massaged his scalp as you felt his large, calloused hand settle on the small of your back.

He licked your bottom lip as if he was requesting entrance and you willingly obliged. You swore you almost lost your balance and toppled over when his warm, wet tongue began to massage your own.

As much as you wanted to go slow, and Caesar by all costs did not want to rush you, the sensations you were experiencing were making you beyond flustered.

Your lower abdomen felt a spring begin to coil and your nether regions by its own accord was beginning to throb.

Pulling away for air, you ran your palms across his biceps and laid down on the pillow. He caged you between his arms, his large figure entrapping you.

He still managed to balance himself where you could feel some of his weight but not the point where you were suffocated.

His hand slowly slid up your arm and interlocked with your fingers.

"I’ve wanted you like this for so long." He murmured between kisses. "Always thinking of you, only you."

"You're killing me here, Caesar." You sighed.

Your body was on fire, tingling everywhere. The man was serious. Ensuring no part of you was left untouched.

Biting and tugging on your ear lobe, which made you squeak and dissolve into giggles. Gliding his tongue against your lower abdominals, maintaining eye contact which made you need him even more.

Kissing your neck, the tops of your breasts, hand running up and down your back. He was everywhere and it was perfect. You were losing yourself in this moment with Caesar.

"Sit up." He said, voice assertive and you wordlessly obliged.

His hands slid to undo your bra. It was long time coming but he knew you were shy.

Being naked in front of him felt beyond daunting but he had put so much effort in comforting you and putting your arousal first it seemed pointless in shying away.

The bra clattered onto your lap, then he dashed it onto the floor. He pushed you back down again and began to tenderly plant kisses on your right breast as his hand kneaded the left one.

Your back immediately arched and you let out a gasp. You knew your breasts were sensitive but having a him touching and kissing them was in a different ball park.

Minutes of attention from Caesar's end felt like hours and you felt damp stickiness cling to the fabric of your underwear as well as how hard he was which he seemed to be ignoring.

He pulled away from what was the dozenth kiss, strings of saliva connecting the two of you as he gazed at you, eyes blown with lust.

"I'm gonna go get...protection." He said, voice deeper than you've ever heard. Usually Caesar's voice was light and airy.

He reached over to the bedside table then suddenly yanked the covers away.

"Sorry, I just need to see..."

"Jesus." He said in awe after he pulled down your underwear and flung it across the room.

"...What?"

"No, I just did a good job I suppose." He chuckled darkly.

"Not his cocky side coming out during sex." You thought to yourself. Well it was fine, it made him sexier.

He pried your legs open and slowly inserted one finger into your warmth. The pad of his thumb began to trace circles on your sensitive bundle of nerves which caused you to jerk.

You let out a pathetic mewl at the feeling. It was overwhelming to say the least. And the longer he wasn't inside of you, the more torturous it felt.

"Caesar, please." You said, nearly in tears.

"What's the problem?" He asked, feigning ignorance.

"I want you so bad, please."

"Hearing you beg is cute, but I won't tease you any longer. You poor thing." He snorted as he yanked off his own underwear and lined himself against you.

Your eyes widened as he pushed himself into your plush, velvety walls and stretched you out. You'd never felt this feeling before.

"...Fuck." Caesar grunted against your ear, warm breath tickling the shell. You let out another gasp as he began to thrust slowly.

"Sorry for cursing..." He said in a strangled tone. "But you feel so fucking good.."

Your hands flew to grip against the bare skin of his broad shoulders and your nails anchored into the flesh of his skin.

You winced at the ache.

"Caesar, it hurts.." You whined.

"I know...just breathe, okay? It’s...gonna fade away, darling i promise." He murmured.

Meeting your lips once again, in an attempt to soothe the pain.

He began to pick up his pace before you said anything. It was almost as if he could read your mind.

Your right hand trailed up to settle on the nape of his neck and entangled your fingers in his hair.

"God, you're perfect.." He choked out. "Are you close?"

You nodded without hesitation.

"I'm..."

You hated how dazed you were throughout it all. You were reduced to some sort of babbling mess who couldn't even string coherent sentences together.

The feeling came in waves, the way his hips rolled deliciously against you was the final push and a cry tore from your throat as your body went limp.

Caesar came close, seconds apart from you as he let out strangled gasps and buried his face into your neck.

"Thank you for making me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world." You said, shyly.

"Why would you thank me, beauty? You shouldn't need me to feel that." He said, firmly as he tucked a loose strand of your hair behind your ear and leaned in to give a long, languid kiss which ignited your insides again.

You pushed him away with a hand on his chest as you laughed.

Hs looked a little surprised at the shove.

"You're too much for me." You sighed happily.

"Is that so?" He murmured as he pulled your face in with a hand and enveloped your top lip.

"Yep!" You nodded, giggles taking over.

"Bye Caesar, bye Jojo!" You chirped happily out from the back seat as the windows were rolled down. "Thank you for everything, Suzi!"

"No problem at all!" She called out, beaming.

Joseph turned his nose up at you, Caesar gave a wave as your car began to drive off.

"I have never seen her so...over the moon." Joseph stated, arms folded. He turned to Caesar.

"You happy?" He said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Caesar responded, pulling a face.

"I'm sure the whole neighborhood could hear you two."

"Don't tell her that, I'm sure she'll tear her hair out." Caesar sighed as he shook his head.

"...You better treat her right, you know." Joseph said, voice frosty.

"She means the world to me, Jojo. The day I mistreat her is the day I’ve lost my senses." He said firmly, emerald eyes stormy. "I want to marry her when we get back."

"Not if I get married first!" Joseph exclaimed.

Caesar wrinkled his nose at Joseph and walked away from him.

"Caesar, come back! I was only joking! You better let me be your groomsman then!" Joseph said as he chased up to Caesar and attempted to headlock him.

Caesar tried to maintain a face in disgust as he squirmed away from Joseph’s grip but a smile tugged at his lips, regardless.

Twelve years later

You leaned against the doorway of your kitchen after you kicked off your heels in the hallway.

"What's cookin', good lookin'?" You grinned.

"Who would've thought my wife would become a cornball, huh?" Caesar chuckled.

"You definitely rubbed off on me." You sighed as he placed the pot on a dormant stove and pulled you in for a hug.

"How dare you? I’m furtherest thing from corny!" He cried out, causing you to snicker.

"How's work? You tired?" He asked, softly.

"I can't remember a time where I wasn't tired.." You laughed as you rested your head against his chest.

"My poor baby.." He tutted as he swayed you side to side. You felt his palms begin to slide downwards to the curve of your backside.

"I just knew there was an ulterior motive to this hug." You snickered then gasped loudly as he pinched the flesh causing you to jolt.

"Mmh, you know I can't get enough of you." He said lowly, as he rested his forehead against yours. He trailed open mouth kisses along the column of your throat, sending shudders down your spine.

"Caesar.." you sighed against his lips.

"Yes, my love?"

"You know...we have guests...soon...we can't..." You murmured between his constant kisses.

"You don't think I know?" He chuckled, then released you from his firm grip. "I'll lay off for now, but I'm holding you to that later."

"If I'm even awake.." You muttered, out of his earshot.

You heard a familiar pounding from the stairs as the little boy bounded towards you.

"Mommy! I missed you!" The boy exclaimed as he draped his arms around your neck.

"Hi baby! I missed you even more!" You cooed as you showered your beloved son with kisses. "What did you do today? Tell me, tell me!"

"Cleaned my room for Holly!" He said, triumphantly.

"That's my good boy!" You grinned.

"Hey!" Caesar pouted. "How come Daddy doesn't get this type of response...?"

"Cos you're home all the time, duh!" Your son retorted.

"Oh, he got you good." You cackled as you threw your head back.

"Whatever." Caesar muttered as he went back to preparing food.

"What time did Suzi say they were coming over again?" You asked.

"Like six-ish. Joseph's work schedule is a nightmare." Caesar stated. The doorbell rang.

"Speak of the devil, huh?"

"I'm gonna go to my room! I can't wait to show Holly my new toys!" He said excitedly.

"Okay honey! Have fun!" You said as he zoomed back up the stairs.

You opened the door to see Suzi, Joseph and their little girl at your door step. You and Suzi immediately hugged each other and squealed with delight seeing each other after so long.

Joseph had an indifferent attitude seeing you but warmed up when he set eyes on Caesar. You ushered the trio in immediately.

"Ah! There's my big girl!" Caesar grinned as he swooped Holly in his arms and twirled her around.

"Faster, faster!" Holly cried out.

"Nope, I need you to not hurl before you eat dinner tonight." Caesar remarked after he set her down and ruffled her hair.

"I wanna go again! I won't puke, seriously." She protested as she stomped her foot.

"She's real spoiled nowadays." Suzi giggled.

"Takes after her father, I suppose." You stated as you shot Joseph a look.

"Hmph. Where's Julian?" Joseph asked with his arms folded, referring to your son.

"In his room, Holly you can go play with him upstairs if you want!" You said, changing your tone. "He's been excited to see you ever since I said you were coming over this morning."

"I wanna see him too! Okay, Auntie Y/N!"

"Make sure to come downstairs when I call you guys." Caesar stated.

"Uh huh, Uncle Caesar I promise!" Holly grinned as she bolted to julian's room.

"What kind of nerdy name is Julian?" Joseph remarked.

"Kiss my ass, Joseph."

"Y/N." Caesar hissed through gritted teeth.

"What? We go through this every time, the kids are nearly ten for god's sake."

"Einstein here wanted to name him Julius but I thought that would put a target on his back for bullies so I opted for the normal one." You shrugged.

"Whatever." Caesar snorted. "I'm sure with a name like Julius he would've gone on to great things."

"Not a great ending though." Suzi stated, earning an eerie silence from the three adults. "...What?"

Everybody burst into hysterics at the morbid statement. In true Suzi Q fashion she blinked at everybody's reaction but joined in the laughter nonetheless.

Things were a little frosty between you and Joseph since you worked for his rivals in at an estate agency but you both still retained deep care and love for each other. Despite Joseph's pettiness.

Caesar had connections with the Speedwagon Foundation and worked alongside Joseph if there was any bizarre going on in the world but he mostly stayed at home and did the upkeep since you were so busy all the time.

But he was planning on opening restaurants and café's across town just like his beloved maternal figure had done.

Your children attended different schools but still were close and spent free time together.

It was hard to believe this was the future you were living. With both Caesar and Joseph being missing and gravely injured that year, you would've never thought you'd be having dinner dates and living in marital bliss.

There was ups and downs of course, but Caesar had made a specific vow to you that he intended to follow through no matter what.

That he would do anything to keep that smile on your face.

author’s note: yes i made caesar a malewife 😭

#jojo's bizzare adventure x reader #jjba x reader #jjba x y/n #jjba x female reader #caesar anthonio zeppeli #caesar zeppeli x reader #caesar anthonio zeppeli x reader #jjba fanfic #⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ nara scribbles

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oceanic-sunsets · 7 months

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Mike Wheeler and Will Byers, Character Arcs explained by the Duffers and Letting Characters surprise you

I’ve been so excited to write this analysis because I love talking about character’s arcs, development, and storytelling in general. For this particular analysis, I’m going to focus mostly on Mike, the Wheelers, and Will, but I’ll touch on a few other important characters too to draw parallels/give examples.

Once again, I’ll remind you that I believe Mike is gay, so my analysis will touch a lot on the subject.

Now let’s get into it:)

I’m going to start this off with a few notes from the Duffer’s Masterclass, lesson 7: Character Development. They tell us their creative process, how they come up with characters, what defines them, and later on, what their main arc will be.

So as we can see, some names were changed, Will was Tommy and Mike was Joel. Something that stands out is that Mike, since he was named Joel, has always been intended to be Will’s best friend, the closest one of his friends.

Now, for Sheriff’s daughter, the Duffers mention how she didn’t make the cut, and this is only me assuming, but it sounds like the role Max would later on have: she’s the new girl who two of the main kids are interested on.

Next we are shown the following characters’ descriptions:

The Duffers then explain how a lot of it “mostly stuck”, how some stuff didn’t make it into the show, and then we have characters whose name changed but their purpose stayed the same, or those who got some traits swapped up with a different character. For example, how the “Billy Flanagan” role was first represented by Steve back in S1, and later on by Billy, even with the same name.

I’ll talk about a few characters, their old traits vs what I think (based on the show) they ended up changing.

Karen Wheeler: She's first described as a great, overprotective mom, who suffocates Mike and tries to protect him from the evil around him. She hides from his husband. Projects happiness but actually very sad inside. This obviously didn’t stick. This sounds an awful lot like Joyce, word for word. See, instead: Julie Conley. We’ll get to that in a bit.

Ted Wheeler: Suburban, always busy with work, never around and not close to his son. This is still pretty spot on. Ted Wheeler was always meant to be exactly who he is. But wait, could there be more to it?

Mike Wheeler: --introduce him with DnD-- shy, birthmark on his face and neck, which he is bullied for. No confidence outside his friend group. Ultimately coming of age, falls in love with El. Mike’s connection with DnD and being bullied stayed. The rest, however? it all changed. Notice how Karen used to have a role more similar to what ended up becoming Joyce. Now, look at Mike’s first description. Sounds familiar, right? That’s because it basically describes our Will: shy, with an overprotective mom, no confidence outside his friend group and with the ultimately coming of age. Falls in love with El Mike. I’ll get back to Will in a bit, for now, let’s go back to Mike. The Duffers also mention how his character completely changed and it was influenced by Finn Wolfhard’s performance: the Mike we know isn’t shy, quite the opposite! he’s brave and fills up the group leader’s role.

What does this mean? It means his character arc can’t stay the same, because his fundamental traits, those that define him as a character and give him a drive, also changed. See one of Will Byer’s previous descriptions: More normal. Rings any bell?:)

Lucas Conley: Nerd, dungeon master, dresses in black, glasses, LOTR and other fantasy books, videogames, unkempt. As the Duffers say themselves: this is nothing like our Lucas Sinclair. Instead, it sounds more like…

You guessed it, Mike! With his Hellfire t-shirt, long hair, more edgy look and interest in videogames and fantasy. This is not the only reason why I think Mike ended up filling this character’s role. Just wait until you read the next ones.

Terry Conley: Lucas' dad, disappointed in his son, makes him shave his head and hair, abusive with his mother. Very obviously not our Lucas’ dad. Instead, it’s a mix of both Ted (disappointed) AND Lonnie (disappointed and also abusive). Why do I include Ted, when you could arguably say he’s not disappointed, just never there emotionally? Because of the hair thing and his wife’s description. By saying he makes his son shave his head and hair, it’s implied that it’s because it’s long/not “normal”, or “adequate” enough. Ted Wheeler is an absent father, but he also represents conformity and traditional values: he would not support his son’s hairstyle choices.

Julie Conley: Lucas's mom, very sweet, doesn't stand up for Lucas, should leave dad but doesn't. Again, not our Lucas’s mom. This is word for word the Karen Wheeler we know: sweet but doesn’t really stand up for her kids. Should leave Ted (see: the almost-cheating plot and their unhappy marriage), but doesn’t.

This is the family that’s meant to represent normalcy, conformity and traditional values, but they happen to have a rebellious son. THIS is the role that the Wheelers ended up filling, you see it very clearly from the very start with Nancy, a little bit with Mike (who then retreats, trying to fill his expected role) and we start seeing a glimpse of rebellious Mike again in s4.

Will Byers: Mike’s best friend, more normal, more shy, goes missing, killed by an entity. He doesn’t have much of a description, but besides going missing, two traits stay: Mike’s best friend, and shy. As I mentioned when I talked about Mike, since his traits changed, so did his character arc. He’s still the shy, missing kid that drives the show, defined partly by this experience and the events that revolve about it. We just have to add the missing pieces to it: (see: Mike Wheeler’s original description) lacks confidence outside of friendgroup. Overprotective mother. Tied with DnD. Bullied. Ultimately coming of age. Falls in love with El Mike.

Need more convincing, more proof? Let’s take a look at this section of the show’s bible.

Now again, with my notes. The yellow highlighter represents what is true to Will’s character, and the blue one represents Mike (yeah, I know, I know).

“He’s never had a first kiss, much less a girlfriend. [...] he will discover a courage he didn’t know he had. By the end, he will even kiss a girl.” This was meant to be Mike’s original character arc. You COULD argue that it’s only about season 1, but even then, it is not true to the events of the show. Mike’s s1 story was NEVER about his insecurities with girls, not having a girlfriend, and finding courage. The entirety of Mike’s actions in s1 (and therefore, his arc) are driven by Will’s disappearance and the goal of FINDING him. It’s NEVER, not even once, not even when other characters try to convince him of it, getting a girlfriend and kissing a girl, despite having kissed El by the end of s1.

Instead, whose plot is intrinsically TIED with romance and a confirmed coming-of-age story about finding courage within yourself?

Yeah:) And you KNOW what’s the logical conclusion the Duffers have written for this particular arc? “By the end, he will even kiss a girl boy.” That’s the resolution to this kind of arc. NOT rejection. It is a pretty clear example of “Taking a character from point A to point B”.

The Duffers say: “you can’t give everyone an amazing, big arc. [...] We gave Mike the biggest arc in terms of him coming of age” and then explain how IMPORTANT it is to not try to explain everything all at once, instead, drop hints so you're telling the audience, "this is an important part of this character and we're going to continue to explore it, but we're just getting started you can't just include it all, reveal it all too soon”. You can’t make it too complex from the very beginning either, instead, simplify and slow down.

Then they mention how they like to take a character that's a stereotype, make the audience believe they know this character, make them believe it’s a comfortable portrayal, something they know. And then you flip it and reveal there's more to this character because no one can be so easily defined. However, just HINT it. The reveal will happen on its own, at the right time for the story.

So, based on all of this… What do I think that happened?

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I do not think they planned byler from the very start. I think they had an idea of what they wanted to do, of what message they wanted the show to send, but found out along the way a different, more natural, and groundbreaking way to accomplish that. And I think they realized as soon as early s1, when they knew they wanted it to become a several seasons show rather than a limited series. It’s no coincidence there are elements like Will’s sexuality, homophobia, and conformity present from the very beginning. But they also found a way to portray this in a subtle way so it made sense in both outcomes: if they didn’t get a s2, s1 could still stand on its own, make sense, and feel resolved enough. If they got more seasons, they had more time to hint at this story, get the greenlight, and develop it over the course of all the seasons.

I also think the characters themselves, despite being written by them, lead them to this conclusion naturally. As they say in their masterclass…

“You can drive and throw obstacles at them, but they can become very real, and sometimes they end up doing their own thing, surprising you”.

To finish this analysis, let’s do a little exercise.

What is Mike’s Overall Arc, considering the following?

His family represents conformity, an upper-middle-class household that’s apparently normal and very traditional.

Both Nancy and Mike are meant to be the Rebellious Children in their very normal, traditional family.

Mike goes from leader to comic relief, to the Angry-closed off-messes-up character archetype. This is so evident that he even becomes unlikeable to most of the General Audience.

The Duffers remind us that hints are important and addressed later. Seemingly ‘weird’ actions and off personality have an explanation: there’s something deeper going on with Mike. You cannot address it all at once, it has to be over the course of episodes and seasons.

More advice from the writers: sometimes you plan something but end up realizing it works out better in a different way. Sometimes your own characters surprise you, and take you to the path that is more natural for them, who they are, and their story.

Mike’s character arc was never getting the girl once the Duffers really established who Mike was.

And with that, I conclude this analysis. :) Wait for the next one! Please tell me your thoughts if you liked this and read this far. I love reading your tags and comments.

#byler #mike wheeler #will byers #stranger things #st analysis #anti mileven #my analysis #mike wheeler is gay #i don’t like begging for reblogs and notes #but i’m really proud of this one and spend an insane amount of time on it #so just this once i’m on my knees begging #if u liked it pls share it and tell me ur thoughts……#seeing that people are interested in my analysis is what keeps me going and reminds me i’m not alone in this

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leefl00f · 5 months

Text

Gentle claws surprisingly go well with Dronelings

By Leefloof and SisterPaw125

Summary: The Doormans decide to go to the biannual tournament as an early birthday gift for Uzi, only for things to take a drastic turn.

ft. Nori, Uzi, Khan, N, J, V, Worker Staff

Note: Inspired by RainStormRiddle's "Arena of Death," this fic includes slight changes and there may be some inaccuracies compared to the original. Also if you find this RainStormRiddles, please ignore my cringe fic/j, this fic is just a silly what-if made for fun. (٭°̧̧̧꒳°̧̧̧٭) (Uzi is also 6-7 years old here bc I said so)

Enjoy! ✩°｡⋆⸜(˙꒳˙ )

Warning(s): None, this is a sfw tickle fic, don’t like keep scrolling

DNI N$FW/F3T!$H accounts!!! 🚫🔫

Words: 6,391

⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆

It was an ordinary day on Copper-9. The Doorman family was currently waiting in line for the arena. The arena was a popular form of entertainment among workers and it wasn't uncommon to wait in line for hours.

Nori was holding Uzi as the droneling had fallen asleep over time, clutching her favorite stuffed cow tightly. Nori looked up to see the enormous stadium in front of her as they moved forward to the booth.

"Khan, I’m starting to have second thoughts. Are you sure Uzi’s old enough to watch the arena games? They can be a bit...scary for dronelings her age," Nori hesitated, adjusting her arms to ensure Uzi didn't slip out of her grasp.

"I'm sure she can handle a few bloody fights. Besides, my father took me to these fights when I was her age. She'll be fine, I promise. Three tickets, please."

Eventually, the Doormans made their way to their sitting area for the fight. Thanks to Khan being an important figure, they had the best seats in the whole arena, first row. Nori placed Uzi in her own seat as the couple sat side by side. The adult gently shook the droneling awake in time for the event to begin.

“Uzi, rise and shine my little bat.” Nori whispered gently

The droneling let out a small yawn as she began to stir from her sleep. She rubbed the sleepiness out of her optics as she opened them. Once she was fully awake, Uzi's eyes widened as she realized where she was. The child looked around to see the arena packed to the brim with workers, the center of the stadium filled with sand, and lights shining brightly from the dome above.

Uzi immediately leaned against the edge of the safety walls, clutching her plushie, as she looked around in awe. She had heard many things about this place from her peers at school, about how violent the fights were. From the way it was described, she knew that her parents would never allow her to watch something like that. But here they were, she never thought that she would be watching the games in the arena before.

“Wow! Are we actually in the arena?!” Uzi asked excitedly, turning her head to look at her parents.

“Of course, Uzi. We figured you’d be old enough to watch these matches!” Khan chuckled.

“So consider this an early birthday gift.”

“Thanks, Dad!” Uzi beamed as she turned her head back to the center of the arena.

As the child continued to look around, one of the nearby speakers came to life, static spewing out as it turned on. Startled, the little drone turned her head towards the sound in surprise.

“Ladies and gentlemen, workers of all ages! Welcome to the biannual Champion Tournament!” The voice blurted out

The crowd wildly cheers, yelling and screaming with joyful excitement. Confused, Uzi turned towards her mother hoping she knew what was going on.

“Mom? Who was that?” Uzi asked

“That’s the announcer. He and his other friends are supposed to tell us what’s going to happen next.” Nori explained

“Now, you all know it wouldn’t be a proper championship without our warriors for the warmup! Who’s ready to see some action?!”

The crowd cheers as two gladiators step into the ring, ready to begin the match. One of the warriors had two long ponytails, and the other had short, puffy hair. They both take their stance, waiting patiently for the signal. Suddenly, a loud horn is blown, and the gladiators began to exchange blows.

The crowd erupts in excitement, cheering for their chosen player to emerge victorious. Uzi jumps up and down, trying to get a better view of the fight. However, by the time Uzi manages to prop herself up on the safety barrier, the match is already over, with the victor raising their opponent's tag.

Realizing that she has missed the match, Uzi sadly slumps on the ledge.

"Aw man, I missed it," Uzi groans.

Nori places a reassuring hand on the droneling's head, ruffling her purple hair in the process. She understands how much Uzi wanted to see the action, it wasn't easy being the smallest drone at her age.

"Don't worry, my little bat. You'll get your chance. Besides, there are many matches to go before the special round," Nori says, offering comfort.

"Special round?" Uzi repeats, tilting her head slightly.

"That's where the ravenous disassembly drones are pitted against each other. You'll definitely enjoy that part," Khan says with a smile.

As the gladiators leave, a new pair emerges, and the speaker turns on again.

"Round two! Start!"

The pair fought and soon enough another winner was determined as the crowd cheered for them. This went on for a while. A pair of gladiators emerged and fought, with one ending up as the winner. Uzi started to get a bit bored; this wasn't as exciting as she thought it would be. Her parents, on the other hand, kept getting more and more excited as the match went on.

Eventually, the final round began and everyone was practically on the edge of their seats. Uzi slowly tuned out the cheering as she began playing with her toy, her focus shifting from the final match to the animal.

The final match seemed pretty intense compared to the previous one. The crowd died down quite a bit, with everyone holding their breath in anticipation. Then the fight ended, and the crowd went wild. Especially Nori, who jumped out of her seat.

“Wooo! Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about! Let’s go!!” Nori cheered as she shot her arms up in the air.

Not expecting the sudden action, Uzi jumped as she lost her grip on the cow plushie, causing it to fly in the air.

The stuffed animal immediately fell back down as soon as it had been thrown up. Uzi panicked as she rushed to catch it, only for the toy to land on the soft sand of the arena with a squeak. Unfortunately, no one had noticed the toy as the chosen warrior was being escorted to the waiting area, preparing for the murder drone match-up.

"Oh no! Daisy!" Uzi exclaimed.

She leaned over to see where her precious toy was before quickly making a run out of their seating area, unbeknownst to Nori and Khan.

Thanks to her small size, Uzi easily sneaked through the crowd unnoticed. Once she reached the lobby, she frantically looked around for a sign. Luckily, she spotted the one she was looking for: 'Arena Grounds'.

After a bit of following, she reached the 'Employees only' area. However, as luck would have it, the door leading to the arena was locked. Uzi was about to give up when she heard footsteps approaching. She quickly hid behind a nearby chair and watched the scene unfold.

"I hope those murder drones behave this time," one of the staff members sighed.

"Yeah, we wouldn't want another worker to lose an arm or worse," another said as they unlocked the door with their keycard.

As the workers entered, one turned to their colleague with concern. "Are you sure pitching N and J together is a good idea? I heard N and V are a thing now."

"He's been doing well so far. Sure, he and V have been collecting metal pieces and surrounding themselves with it, but they wouldn't risk punishment."

"Yeah, You're right. Not like last time."

The workers passed by a droneling in hiding and went their separate ways. Just as the door was about to close, Uzi quickly dashed into the room.

-Back in the audience section-

Everyone was eagerly awaiting the big event after the staff had prepared the arena grounds for the disassembly drones. Khan and Nori watched with excitement as they began munching on a bag of nuts and bolts they bought earlier.

"So, Mrs. Psychic, who do you think will win this time?" Khan asked, leaning in beside Nori, eagerly awaiting her answer.

"I'm putting my money on N."

"Are you kidding? N never wins a round. I'm sure one of the girls will beat him, as usual," Nori deadpanned, giving her husband a knowing look.

"Come on, honey, at least give the poor guy a chance."

"Every time I thought he would win, the opposite happens. Besides, we're not betting on anything! We're only here because we wanted to show Uzi the Murder Drones for the first time."

Just as Nori mentioned them, the lights in the arena dimmed and the overhead lights illuminated the center. The show was about to begin. Nori turned her attention back to the arena as the speakers came to life once again.

"Attention, audience! The moment you've all been waiting for is about to start in three minutes. Please remove any items on the edge. The safety field will now be activated."

Just as the announcement was made, a blue light began to flicker and cover the center of the dome.

“Today, we are going to pit J and N against each other. After that, we'll see who comes out on top: Worker or Disassembly Drone?”

Nori grinned and practically jumped in her seat with excitement.

“It's finally happening! Aren't you excited, my little bat?” Nori asked.

No response, had she fallen asleep again?

“Uzi? Machine gun?” Nori turned her head towards Uzi's seat to wake her daughter up, only to find it empty.

“Uzi?” Nori looked under the seat to see if the droneling had hidden there, but there was no sign of her.

“Little Bat?! Sweetie?!” Nori's voice now held more panic.

She started to panic. Where was Uzi? When had she left? How had they not noticed? As she frantically searched for Uzi, Khan noticed his wife's distress.

“Nori? Is everything alright?”

"Not really! Have you seen Uzi?" Nori replied as she continued looking for their daughter.

Khan's core dropped as he heard that question.

"She's not next to you?!"

"No! Khan, where did she go?!"

As the parents panicked, a staff member took notice of their distress.

"Excuse me, is everything okay here?" the worker asked.

Both parents turned their heads towards them with saddened and panicked faces.

"No!" Nori whimpered.

"Our daughter is missing! We can't find her!" Khan explained as he tried to calm his wife down.

Now understanding the situation, the staff member nodded before taking out their walkie-talkie. It would give the stadium a bad name if the wealthiest patrons were to sue over their missing kid.

"Can you give me a description of what she looks like so we know what we're looking for?"

Nori was the first to speak.

"Um, she has short black overalls with brown boots. Oh! And she has a pink toy cow with her at all times, you can't miss it!"

The worker nodded again before putting the device over their mouth to inform the others that they had a situation.

"Alright, guys, I have a Code Yellow here. Wandering child, black overalls with a pink toy cow," the worker radioed.

There was a brief silence before the radio buzzed back to life. "Copy that," came the response.

The worker finished speaking and glanced over at the parents, offering them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mr. and Mrs. Doorman, she'll be in good hands," the worker reassured them.

The parents returned a smile of their own as the staff member turned and left. Nori slumped back in her seat, resting her head in the palms of her hands, feeling ashamed that they had lost their daughter. Khan continued to comfort her as they silently hoped that Uzi was somewhere safe.

Suddenly, the sound of chains could be heard as the cage bars were lifted. Two Disassembly Drones appeared out of nowhere, quick and precise. They flew around the arena for a moment before landing on opposite ends in their fighting positions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, workers and dronelings alike, please give our two murder bots a big round of applause!"

The crowd goes wild at the sight of the disassembly drones. N flinches at the sudden loud sounds surrounding him, J only scoffs at the crowd before shifting her focus onto her squad mate. Her pupils replaced with an X, as N did the same.

There is a moment of silence before the female takes the opportunity to strike first, lunging at N and aiming her claws at his head. Fortunately, he is able to block the blow in time with his arm, yelping in pain before retaliating with a claw attack of his own. J quickly moves out of the way and pushes the male away from her. She unfurls her wings and boosts herself up into the air, with N following suit.

As the two circled each other in the air, the Doormans grew increasingly worried. It had been fifteen minutes since the staff had formed a search party, and there was still no sign of their daughter, Uzi. Despite their desire to continue watching the match, their processors were more concerned about their missing child.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the same staff member they had met before returned. Khan approached them, hoping for any sign of their Uzi, but the worker's expression told a different story.

"Well? Have you found her yet?" Khan asked, his voice trembling.

"Please tell us you have," Nori added, looking up with hopeful optics.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Doorman, but we searched everywhere and found no sign of her," the worker replied.

Nori looked down, panic setting in. "What?! No, no, no! This can't be happening! Oh, Robo-God, I'm a terrible mom!" she wailed.

Khan gently took hold of one of Nori's hands as he began to stroke it softly. With his other hand, he gently tilted Nori's head to face him. Digital tears started to stream down her face as she sniffled.

"Hey, look at me. It's going to be okay. We just need to stay calm or else we'll only make things harder," Khan reassured her.

"Maybe she just fell asleep in a corner somewhere. You know how small she is. I'm sure she's somewhere safe and sound-"

"Hey, isn't that a kid?!"

The entire arena turned to look, and to their surprise, they saw a tiny droneling quickly walking alongside the wall. Nori and Khan's cores sank as they realized it was Uzi in the arena.

Nori swiftly dashed towards the edge and leaned over to get a better view. Uzi was walking towards her plushie, completely unaware of the danger she was in. Nori waved her hands frantically, trying to get Uzi's attention.

"Uzi! Get out of there now!" Nori shouted at the girl.

"That kid's going to get herself killed!"

"Hey! You're not supposed to be in there!"

"Quick! Someone call the trainers!"

But no matter how loudly they shouted, Uzi couldn't hear them. The disassemblers quickly realized that something was wrong as they heard the panicked crowd.

N turned his head to see what the commotion was all about, only to find a small worker in the ring. That was strange, as they usually set the match after defeating their opponent. Curiosity got the best of him, and he dove towards the worker to get a better look.

Uzi walked over to where her plushie was and picked it up, brushing off the bits of sand that covered it. She hugged it tightly, causing the toy to squeak.

"You're safe now, Daisy. I'll never treat you like that again," Uzi said with a smile as she hugged the plushie.

As Uzi turned around to leave, something suddenly landed in front of her, kicking up some dust. Uzi coughed and tried to fan the dust away. Once it settled, she noticed a pair of legs in front of her. Slowly, she looked up, examining the body until her gaze reached the figure's face, only to see a big glowing X. It was clear that this was not a worker.

The youngling let out a yelp of surprise and took a step back, only to trip and fall onto her back. Uzi stared at the creature with hollowed eyes filled with fear.

She had only heard about the murder drones in school. They were taught that these creatures would often brutally kill workers to obtain oil for survival or simply for their own amusement. Her classmates were terrified of them, but she had always been fascinated by murder drones. She never expected to encounter one up close like this.

However, this was indeed a murder drone, and murder drones killed workers for food. So the only thing on her mind right now was how she was going to die.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the murder drone approached closer. She sniffled, then closed her eyes tightly and clutched her plushie, preparing for the worst.

The creature growled before leaning its head closer to the girl, sniffing her hair. It let out a chuff before leaning back upright. The girl opened her eyes and looked up at it. The X on its visor was replaced with two yellow pupils as the male looked at her with curiosity instead of murder.

Slowly, it reached out to touch her with one of its claws, causing her to flinch. However, as soon as the tips made contact with Uzi's cheek, the claw retracted and was replaced with a gentle hand. It stroked its thumb across her cheek gently, as if trying to examine her.

Uzi calmed down as the disassembly drone continued its strange behavior, but the peaceful moment was interrupted by the crowd's screams of horror as they tried to get the drone's attention away from the girl. Khan just stared, unsure of what to do. But before he could act, Nori climbed over the fence.

"Uzi! Get away from her, you—! Hey! Khan, what are you doing?! Let go of me!" Nori shouted as Khan and a couple of others dragged her away from the railing.

"Nori! Stop! Please! We can't do anything! The safety field—" Khan was interrupted as his wife whipped her head around to glare at him.

"That's our kid, Khan! If you think I'm just gonna sit there and do nothing, you have another thing—" Nori was cut off by an ear-piercing shriek.

She turned her head towards the source, only to be met with a grey blur flying back up towards the other disassembly drone. Her optics hollowed as one of the cameras focused on the male figure, revealing Uzi in his arms.

"Uzi!!" Nori shouted.

The bastard had used the time they were distracted to get Uzi. Nori couldn’t do anything but shout out in distress as N carries the droneling away. Nori tried everything in her power to get free from the workers, but they held her firmly.

-Meanwhile…-

Uzi curled herself into a tiny ball, attempting to make herself as small as possible. She was still frightened, although not as much as before. The Disassembly drone was surprisingly kind, soft, and warm, which for some strange reason, made her feel safe.

Before long, they arrived to the other murder drone, who happened to be female. The male disassembly drone began making various chirping and trilling noises, and the female drone followed suit. This continued for quite some time, almost as if they were engaged in a conversation of sorts.

"Look, J! I found a worker!" N beamed as he held out the droneling for her to see.

"They're a bit small though..."

J gave a low hum, bending down to look at her from head to toe before leaning back upright with her hands on her hips.

"Hmm, seems like it's a droneling. And it looks like the area's getting more brutal then. Eat her," J flatly stated as her gaze went back to N.

N gave a surprised look at his squad mate. He held the small worker to his chest again, as if protecting her.

"What! Are you crazy?! It’s a baby!" N exclaimed.

"Why else would they put her in here? Besides, it'll show the crowd that we're as heartless as they think we are," J stated as she grinned maliciously.

"Eat her, N. That's an order.”

N looks at J with disbelief. Can she really be serious? N looks down at the droneling. It's so tiny. This must be a mistake, but he can't defy his boss's orders. N notices how much the little droneling is shivering, and it twisted his core in agony. He could never bring himself to harm something so young and small.

“Alright J, sorry little buddy.” N gave a pained expression as his pupils were replaced with the same terrifying X as before.

Uzi looked up at the disassembly drone, her optics hollowed. She now saw that his visor had transformed back into the terrifying X, his mouth was now agape, revealing rows of dangerously sharp teeth.

She immediately began to struggle, twisting and turning in an attempt to break free. However, when she glanced down at the ground, it became clear that struggling was futile. The droneling was positioned too high, and any wrong move could result in her death. She turned her attention back to N, who was now dangerously close, and watched as he lunged his head towards the crook of her neck.

Uzi let out a horrified, high-pitched scream as the disassembly drone made contact. The crowd gasped in shock. They knew murder drones were cruel, but this was monstrous. Nori stopped struggling when she heard Uzi's scream. She looked up to see the creature had bitten her.

Both parents' hearts shattered, especially Nori's, as she roared in grief and anger. Overwhelmed with sorrow, she struggled even more, shaking the group around like ragdolls. But just as she was about to break free, she heard a sound she never expected to hear again in a million years: Uzi's giggle.

"Ehehehehehe! Hehehey, that tickles!" the girl giggled.

The disassembly drone ignored her and continued to move towards her face, nuzzling every reachable inch, causing her to squeal.

"Eheheheek! Nohohoho!"

The droneling squirmed in the creature's grasp, even pushing its face away in an attempt to escape the disassembly drone's affection.

"Aw, aren't you just the cutest thing? I might just eat you up!" N cooed as he moved down to Uzi's tummy and playfully pretended to 'munch' on it. Uzi's giggles turned into louder screams.

The crowd, especially J, looked bewildered by the sudden change in events. J snapped out of it and gave N a stern look. She flew closer to the two, causing him to stop his ticklish assault on the child.

"N! What on Copper-9 do you think you're doing?! You're supposed to be eating her, not playing!"

"Sorry, boss. I don't know what happened! I guess my parental instincts took over?"

N hung his head in shame, looking down at the ground. J huffed and snatched Uzi away from the male disassembly drone, surprising him and bringing him back to his senses.

"We still have a job to do, N! And this is free food we're talking about. If you're not going to take the chance, I will!" J stated angrily, positioning Uzi to bite her.

"Ugh, why am I always the one who has to do everything myself?"

J glared at him before turning her attention back to the droneling. N was right about one thing - she was small for her age, but that wasn't going to stop J from eating her. The female droneling displayed an X on her visor, signaling her impending demise. J succeeded as Uzi gasped in fear, trying to make herself as small as possible. Then J lunged at the same area N had targeted.

N was about to reach out to stop J from harming the girl, but to his surprise, Uzi started giggling again.

"Eheheheh!!! Stohohop!!"

But J didn't stop; she nuzzled and kissed the droneling affectionately wherever she could reach, causing the droneling to lightly kick her legs. After some time, J suddenly stopped tickling the girl as she went limp in her arms.

"What just happened? What did this child do?" J asked herself and looked towards N.

"I told you! It's like she hypnotized us!"

J huffed out of frustration as she realized what this meant - they had accepted the droneling into their squad as their own. It made sense, considering it was almost mating season for them and, after finding their mate, they would seek out a shell for their new baby. Since there were no baby shells available, they had chosen option two: adoption.

"What do we do now?" N asked, tilting his head at J.

"I don't care. You can keep her though," J said, throwing Uzi back to N.

"Wait, really? Thank you, J! Come on, little buddy, let me show you to V!" N smiled as he flew back towards the cage, with J following suit, knowing that she'll have to deal with a very confused and possibly angry V.

Meanwhile, the crowd died down as the two flew back into their respective cages. Nori was the first to snap back out of it as she broke free from the other workers' hold. She and Khan turned to face the employee, who flinched at the sudden movement. They couldn't blame the two for their reaction either; it wasn't every day that a disassembly drone takes off with your kid and decides not to kill them.

Nori grabbed the staff member by the collar and violently shook them, yelling, "What. Was. That?!! Where are they taking my baby?! What are they going to do to her?!! Why didn't the Disassembly Drones kill her?! Aren't they monsters?!!"

Nori was about to spew out more questions before Khan reached out to firmly but gently grabbed her shoulder.

"Nori, calm down! You're going to hurt them at this point!" Khan pleaded

Nori lets the poor worker go as they tried to recollect themselves. Once they did, they straighten themselves up to look at the couple.

“Phew, I think I know why and where they took your child.”

Nori and Khan perked up as they looked at the worker. They turned around and started to walk towards the staff only door.

“Follow me.”

-Meanwhile in the cages…-

N had arrived at the cages, where all the DDs that the arena had were kept. Each cage housed a squad of drones to prevent them from feeling lonely. However, there were exceptions to this, such as mates and rivals.

On the left side of the room, V could be seen cleaning herself inside a cage. She appeared rather bored. N quickly flown over and entered the cage.

"V! You won't believe what happened!" N exclaimed happily as he landed near his mate.

V looked up from her work, wearing a lazy smile. "Did ya finally manage to beat J in a fight?"

"Well, about that—" Before N had a chance to explain, J interrupted as she nudged N to make some space for herself in the cage.

"No, he didn't. However, there was an incident. A droneling managed to get inside the ring."

V became interested at the news, her bored expression turning into one of malice as her sharp fangs became visible. She sat up to listen attentively.

"Oh? Did ya put the brat out of its misery? Tear it apart in front of the crowd?"

"Worse..."

N proudly showed Uzi to V, just as he had done with J.

"She's been accepted into the squad!" N exclaimed victoriously.

V's eyes widened as she jumped to her feet. Of all the things that could have happened today, this was not on V's list.

“What?!” V exclaimed

"Here! Hold her for a bit too!"

N quickly plopped the droneling into V's arms, snapping her out of the initial shock.

"A kid?! N, what were you thinking?! J, Why didn't you stop him?!" V angrily asked as she glares at their leader, who only shrugged her shoulders.

She crossed her arms before looking away, a faint yellow blush of embarrassment visible in the corner of her visor.

"I...don't know, to be honest. That thing has a weird charm."

"Not you too, J," V whined.

"Guess I'll have to take care of this tiny pathetic excuse of a worker myself. More snacks for me!"

She lowered her head to look at the child, hissing and baring her fangs at the droneling. However, the droneling did not react. When you've had at least two disassembly drones trying to eat you, you kinda get used to it. V looked at Uzi in surprise before baring her fangs again, attempting to elicit a flinch from her. But once again, she didn't flinch. If anything, it only fascinated her more.

“Ugh, screw it! I’m eating this kid!”

V opens her mouth in preparation of eating the droneling. After doing a quick calculation, V strikes the droneling on the stomach. Uzi instantly shrieks with laughter.

"Ahahahahahahah! Nohot again!! Hahahahaha! Plehehease!!"

The child laughs gleefully as V kisses and munches all over the her belly. V abruptly stops and stares at the droneling, like she just got out of a trance.

J walks near V with a smug grin.

“I thought you were gonna eat her.” J teased earning a small punch in the arm

"S-Shut it..” V grumbled

"So, does that mean we can keep her?" N eagerly asks V, waiting for her response.

V hesitates before silently nodding her head in agreement. N excitedly grabs both the female disassembly drone and Uzi, twirling them around and earning a squeal from the little one.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you V! We can finally raise a family!" N exclaims as he nuzzles his mate.

V looks down at the droneling, who looks back up at her. She thinks about N's words and realizes that they had given up on ever having a child. The thought that this small, purple worker could be theirs feels like a dream, a weird one, but one she doesn't mind.

"Yeah, I guess," V smiles warmly as she hugs the droneling alongside N.

J rolls her eyes and walks to her usual corner, not wanting to witness the sight.

"Gross."

The moment was cut short as N and V perked up at a sound outside of the enclosure. Knowing who it was, N quickly placed Uzi under his wing while V went back to cleaning her claws, acting as if nothing had happened before the door opened up.

"This way. Please keep in mind not to touch any of the cages," the staff member instructed as they entered alongside the two parents. Nori and Khan looked around themselves. The thought of giant cages filled with deadly Disassembly Drones alone would give a worker a heart attack, but to see them raise their heads and look at you with hungry eyes was a terrifying experience.

Khan shuddered as he treaded closely to the group. Eventually, they made it to one of the cages, which seemed to be empty. Nori leaned forward to see if she could spot any of the disassembly drones that took her baby, only for the employee to block her with their hand.

“Don’t lean too close, miss. That’s how other workers get eaten,” the employee warned. “They could be at the back. They love dark places, especially when they sleep.”

The employee grabbed a long stick before dragging the metal tip over the bars

"Come on! Rise and shine, you three!"

The group hears a groan as they notice movement in the shadows. Soon, they see three Disassembly Drones approaching them, all lining up near the bars of their cage.

"Alright, guys, no more playing around. Where's the droneling you took?"

The trio looks at the worker before quickly turning their heads away, doing a pretty horrible job of pretending to be clueless.

"Guys, this isn't funny anymore. Give her back now."

They tilt their heads at the worker, still trying to act clueless. Suddenly, N's wing twitches a bit, then it twitches some more. That was strange. The employee focuses on the male worker's wings before realizing they were a bit misshapen. There is only one explanation as to why they were shaped like that.

"Designation N."

N jolts a bit as he looks over.

"What do you have there?" the staff points to his wing, where a big bulge can be seen, shaking a bit.

N looks at it, then back at the worker. N looks around nervously, pretending he didn't see it.

"Serial Designation N, let the child go. Now."

N stares at the worker, and the worker stares back at him. Neither of them move. As if they were engaged in a silent battle. Eventually, N looks away, turns around, walks over to his corner, and takes Uzi out of his wings. He hugs her tightly as he sits down with his back to the employee.

"Hey! You better give that droneling back right now!" the staff fumes, only for N's tail to wag angrily at him.

"Don't make me use the shock collar!"

N growls at them, his grip on the droneling becoming tighter yet still gentle on the child. Uzi looks at her "captor" before turning her head to look at her parents.

"Hey N? Can you let me go, please? I wanna go back to Mom and Dad," Uzi asks softly, tugging at N's sleeve.

N looks down at the child with disbelief. She wants to go back to her mom and dad? Why? Didn't they leave her for dead? Why would she want to go back to those horrible drones? Besides, she has a new family now, with Mama V, Papa N, and Auntie J, of course. They finally have the child they so desperately wanted, and he won't let anyone take her away so easily.

N looks over to where the group of workers was. He tries to glare at them, but his eyes widen at what he sees. He doesn't see horrible monsters that left their offspring to die. No, he sees a mother and a father with worried expressions.

N looks back at Uzi, chittering softly before biting the back straps of her overalls and carrying her near the bars. V snarls at him, as if telling him to stop, but he communicates with her, making his mate look at the ground. They both made their way towards the bars before N lets Uzi go.

The moment she is let down, Nori immediately wraps her arms around her daughter.

“Oh my baby! You’re okay!” Nori rejoices in relief.

"Don't you ever do that again, Uzi! We thought we'd never see you again!" Khan says as he joins in on the hug.

Uzi hugs her parents back tightly as they kiss and cradle her like she'll disappear the moment they let her go.

“Now please tell me, machine gun, what possessed you to do such a thing?" Nori asks tiredly.

"Daisy fell into the arena and I couldn't leave her behind! I'm sorry," Uzi explained as she lowered her head in shame.

"I know you wanted to save her, but what you did wasn't a very responsible thing. Next time you lose your toy, let us or another adult know. Okay?" Khan smiled as he put a hand on Uzi's shoulder gently.

"Okay, Dad!"

The employee sighed a breath of relief, glad that the kid was alright and that they didn't have to deal with two wealthy parents suing the place as they opened the door back to the stadium.

"We're glad that your kid is alright, Mr. and Mrs. Doorman. But we have to go now."

"Most certainly! Come on, little machine gun, let's get away from these dangerous beasts!" Khan said as he grabbed ahold of Uzi's tiny hand.

As the family began to walk towards the exit, Uzi suddenly stopped in her tracks, causing the three adults to halt and look at her.

"Uzi? Aren't you coming?" Nori asked.

"I want to say goodbye to my friends," Uzi replied.

"Your friends? Where are they?" Khan inquired.

Uzi turned and pointed to the cage she had been in just minutes ago.

"There."

The adults took a moment to realize who Uzi was referring to.

"Oh no! Absolutely not! We are not risking your life again!" Nori exclaimed, but stopped upon seeing Uzi lower her head in sadness.

They weren't harming the girl in the first place, it wouldn't hurt if she said goodbye.

"Ugh, just make it quick, okay? And stay outside of the cage," Nori instructed.

Uzi perked up, silently thanking her mother before turning around and running back to the cage. N and V, seeing that their droneling was returning, got as close as possible to the bars before lying on their bellies to be at the droneling's level. Uzi then grabbed their hands and squeezed them as a way to hug them goodbye.

"Bye N, bye V, bye J. I'll miss you," Uzi said.

"Come on, Uzi, we have to go," Nori called.

"Okay, Mama! I'll see you guys again one day!"

She waved goodbye as she ran up to Nori before she picked the droneling up and walked away. N whined as the door finally closes.

-Later on…-

"...and V has this, um, super cool face she makes that's super scary-looking, but she's the sweetest drone ever!" Uzi beamed as she tried to imitate the face V made.

"She does? You don't say!" Nori smiled, listening to her daughter's story.

"Yeah! And, and N was... so warm... and... comfy..." Uzi didn't even finish her sentence before she dozed off.

Nori chuckled before tucking the covers over Uzi and adjusting the toy cow so that it wouldn't slip from her grasp. She gave a kiss on the visor for the night before closing the door to discuss the situation that happened earlier with Khan, wondering if they should let her back in the stadium. Their voices faded as they walked away from the droneling's room.

Suddenly, tapping could be heard from the window, causing Uzi to stir and wake up. She rubbed her eyes as she looked at the glass pane, seeing a large, bright yellow X. Her optics lit up as she knew who it was.

"N!"

⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆

The end :)

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pinkrelish · 6 months

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I know many people though the romantic relationship aspect in FOI was unnecessary, and whilst I partially agree with that, I also kinda liked it because it was some of the only time in the book we got to see Eddie happy.

As you said this actually a pretty sad book and Eddie spends most if his time in it anxious or angry, so seeing any happy moments weaved in there made me happy too.

so, i'm gonna use this as a jumping point to talk about my take on the paige plot line. this is just my interpretation, and if you read the book differently, then that's your take. our views are shaped by our individual life experiences, and those factors influence the lens which we digest media in the context that it is given. if you don't agree, then that's your experience.

that is to say—

i felt bad for paige for most of it. eddie kinda sucks lol.

i hesitate to even call it romance because that has a certain connotation, and as someone who almost exclusively reads and writes romance, very little about their relationship comes across as romantic to me.

to build context, at the beginning of the book schneiderhan makes a nod* at a popular fanfic trope: girls using eddie because they want to know what it's like to 'get with the freak'. he says he doesn't mind this because "he's not looking to be anyone's boyfriend anyway," and this self-reflection rung true to me.

eddie's initial attraction to paige stems from 1) her being pretty, 2) she treats him like a person and not a "munson," and importantly, 3) she could get him infront of an important record producer.

in his monologues where he's visualizing his future and what he's looking forward to: being a rock hero, hellfire, getting money from his dad's scheme, california... he never names her. in fact, there's several opportunities for him to think about her, but he doesn't. she's a vehicle for two of those dreams, yet he forgets her. i'm a big romantic softy, so there were two times in particular it felt deliberate he didn't mention her when he thought about what he was excited for in the future, and it kind of stung ngl. he describes how happiness washes over him from the way she looks at him, and when they're together (in a sexual context) he remarks in his head about how he wants it to last forever, but it's like once she's off the page, she's gone.

at one point he runs inner commentary about how he never saw a future for himself where he'd do the whole meeting-someone's-parents thing, so he defaults to what he sees in romance movies. he opens the van door for paige and helps her inside. he gets flowers and expensive chocolates for her mom when he's invited over for dinner. but he rarely like... talks to paige about anything that's not related to the record deal, or what she's doing in town lmao. we as an audience barely learn anything about her. and maybe that's because it's the plot line in the book the least, or because the book itself is short, but *shrug*.

they clearly both like each other, that much is clear. he gets nervous around her, it's sweet. but it was equally clear from my interpretation that she likes him more than he likes her, and while they're both using each other (him for the record deal, her to move up in her industry's hierarchy by proving to her boss that she can provide him with a rockstar in the making), their relationship is very shallow and just sex, especially on his part. "not looking to be anybody's boyfriend."

i don't know if all that sums into it being unnecessary because i personally appreciate and pour over any context we're given in how he would treat potential romantic partners, but it did make me feel bad for paige since by the final reveal at the end of the book, it comes across like she invested more into the "relationship" than he did, and his last interaction with her probably felt extra shitty, even if both of them hesitated referring to each other as anything more than a friend or future roommate.

if anyone's not reading the book because they don't want to read about eddie falling in love with another girl, don't worry, it's not that deep for either of them lmao.

/* i don't know if the nod is intentional, but i've also used popular fandom tropes ("reader comes to eddie wanting weed, but is out of money and pays for it with sex") in my own work and thought it was a neat inclusion.

#flight of icarus #flight of icarus spoilers #eddie munson

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am-i-the-asshole-official · 10 months

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AITA for telling the truth about punching my stepson?

I am a 29 year old gay trans man. I recently married my husband (51M) and have been trying to bond with my stepson (21M). My husband raised my stepson alone from when he was 10 when my husband's ex-wife stepped out of the picture, and they are very close. He didn't start dating again until about 5 years ago and didn't realize he was attracted to men until a few years ago. He and his son lived in a conservative area until his son went off to college, and his son was kind of confused and upset about his father dating men, and when he found out I was trans he said some hurtful things which gave our relationship a rocky start. He's been much better but our relationship has always been a little awkward and stilted.

He's a big straight cis guy- like he was a linebacker in high school, and was planning on joining a frat until my husband, who is a worrier, talked him out of it and I'm a fat gay trans nerd. We have pretty much nothing in common and he didn't like that his dad was dating a man let alone a trans man who's only 8 years older than him. Between COVID and his college we also haven't spent much time together.

In February my husband and I got married and moved closer to the city where my stepson is in school. He was living on campus when we got married and is living with some friends during the summer, but he does laundry at our house and comes over for dinner at least once a week. We've been trying to get to know each other but it's awkward. My husband really really wants us to be closer and has tried to come up with activities we all enjoy to do together so it'll be less awkward.

He likes sports and martial arts and I did aikido as a kid for weeb reasons so I offered to take us to a beginner martial arts class and to take him and his friends out to dinner sometimes because they're college students and I work in computer programming, and though I have going out with friends money now, I remember the appeal of free food in college.

He took me up on the class and I thought things were going well but then one week he took me up on the food thing and his friends were uncomfortable because I'm 29 years old and he introduced me as his stepdad and they were what I would describe as playfully trans and homophobic. I brushed it off because it's a weird situation and i figured they were trying to diffuse the tension.

The next week when we got to class one of his friends was there. He and his friend spent the class hanging out with each other and ignoring me which hurt but I tried to brush it off.

When we got to sparring towards the end of class I was paired with my stepson and so we were sparring normally.

Full disclosure I've taken a few self defense classes and have been assaulted. This is not an excuse but it is the reason for the next bit.

My stepson's friend was goading us while we were sparring and stepped a little too close which knocked us both off our game and when my stepson went in for a normal grab, I freaked out a little and fully decked him in a totally illegal move. The second it happened I stepped away and started apologizing like crazy.

My stepson's nose was bleeding and the instructor was immediately right there to help him. My stepson said it was fine and laughed it off and said he was just bummed he would have to sit out the rest of class but he'd come up with a good story to tell girls and it would get him dates.

The friend also apologized for getting too close.

The instructor said he had been about to call for us to stop because we were too close to other people and he could see that I had panicked and that it would be okay because everyone signed waivers, but I should probably hold off sparring for now and we'd talk about what set me off so it wouldn't happen again. He was really nice about it, apparently he teaches self defense to survivors and recognized my reaction.

My stepson and I sat out the rest of class and I apologized a few more times and he kept brushing it off before he finally snapped and said it was fine because I punch like a girl anyway. He then got a ride with his friend.

When I got home I immediately went to my husband to tell him what happened and apologize and ask what he thought I should do to fix the situation. When I got to my husband he said that my son had already called him and told him everything and that neither he nor my stepson were upset with me. That these things happen and I shouldn't blame myself. I asked how I should make it up to my stepson and my husband said i didn't need to do anything and something like accidents happen or something. I just kind of let it go and decided to see how things went the next time I saw my stepson.

The next time my stepson came over, it became apparent that my stepson had lied to my husband about what happened. My husband believed that "some anxious chick" from the class had been the one to freak out and punch my stepson.

I wanted to be honest with my husband but I didn't want to upset my stepson and between the "punch like a girl" and the "some anxious chick" I felt like there's something more going on with why he lied to my husband. I wanted to talk to my stepson about it but he's been ignoring me since telling me that I punch like a girl.

My stepson ignored me and I avoided talking about the whole situation to my husband for about 10 days. It was causing me constant guilt and anxiety but I really wanted to talk to my stepson first.

Last night my husband mentioned that my stepson's bruise is finally completely gone and I broke down and told him everything. He was upset with both his son and me. He said that he could understand me accidentally hitting his son but keeping it from him made him feel like it was malicious. He said he needed time to process, so we didn't really talk about it, or at all after that. Between me punching his kid and lying and his son also lying and blaming a woman for it, my husband is mad at both of us, as apparently his son calling me a 'woman' to upset my husband has been a thing.

Evidently he called my stepson about it because when my stepson came by the house to get his laundry today, he was furious with me for "narcing on us" and allowing his dad to "blow things out of proportion."

I know lying in the first place was bad, but aita for telling my husband the truth after my stepson and I had seemingly agreed to keep it secret, especially without talking to my stepson first?

What are these acronyms?

#aita #am i the asshole

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spriteofmushrooms · 5 months

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Gonna be honest, I just saw a SJ Stan bitching about JC being a horrible person and I can’t help but wonder if they have them flipped? I love SJ, but he was definitely a horrible person and all the traits they’re describing are ones JC actually has. But they were also saying LWJ should cut LXC out of his life because he allowed genocide and complaining that YQY was a bad person so I think I can safely dismiss their opinion.

First, you're always allowed to ignore people who hate Jiang Cheng and feel, for whatever reason, that you need to know this. (Unless they're your friend, in which case you should be like me pawing at my friend Salem's chat window, saying please please please be niceys to Yue Qingyuan, he has a whole entire brain damage cave!! while Salem rolls his eyes.)

Second, I think a lot of people want their favorites to not be complicit in the various war crimes of mdzs. Wen Qing ruled a territory during the occupation; Wei Wuxian tortured dozens and killed hundreds, if not thousands. Lan Wangji didn't speak up for the Wen remnants, but he was perfectly capable of saying Wei Wuxian wasn't disrespectful of Jiang Cheng (lmao) in the same meeting. Lan Xichen, head of a weakened GusuLan, at best deferred to Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangshan about placing the Wen survivors in the camp; yet he at least seemed willing to be persuaded about Wen Ning and Wen Qing before the avalanche that was post-Sunshot Chifeng-zun descended and Jin Guangshan took back the advantage.

Other than Mu Qing who has never done anything wrong ever in his life, every character in MXTX novels is fairly gray. Which is why I propose that each character must battle all of the others to prove once and for all who is the morally superior gay representation. Here is the scoring rubric:

killed nameless cultivators: 1 point/dozen

hurt Jiang Cheng's feelings: 100 points

torture (regular): 1 point

torture (misogynistic): 20 points

bullied Jin Ling: 20 points

be Jin Zixun: 1,000 points

ruined Nie Huaisang's treasured nonsense: 10 points

killed your dad: nil

killed kitties: 50 points

kept Nie Mingjue's head around (regular): 10 points

kept Nie Mingjue's head around (romantic): minus infinity points

participate in or benefit from a society that reinforces harmful hierarchies, unlike our modern societies which are all so good: 1,000,000 points

#pallas.rtf #mdzs #hi anon

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vacantgodling · 2 months

Text

right, sexualities of all my MAIN characters from ALL my wips (as i can best describe them)

i'm leaving out rouge ocs like stellan or lauchlan just cuz they don't have a story they're just vibing lol. i'm also leaving out ones where i genuinely don't know yet like itri or seamus.

hyacinthus shrapnel (paramour) -> gay but extremely picky. he was wholly uninterested in sexuality and sex AT ALL until amon

amon (paramour) -> gay and he’s being very whorish about it

lavendula calderon (requiem for the monochrome) -> bisexual but hasn’t really been able to explore her attraction to non-men until the story starts.

erecia (requiem for the monochrome) -> straight-lesbian. she’s butch & troibemme (nb in this universe) but would consider herself bigender she/he in our terminology and fully considers herself both a man and a woman at the same time. she would honestly prefer the label straight-lesbian more than sapphic bc she’s not a woman all the time and that speaks to her experience more than anything.

narcissus spokes (prim & provocative) -> aro-graysexual (sex and romance positive). it’s something she comes to discover throughout her narrative. she doesn’t really experience or feel romance or desire for sex in a traditional way; she desires being wanted so she wants those things for herself but she doesn’t experience the actual attraction herself. she didn’t realize it bc on paper before her divorce, she didn’t have to question any of it—being with myrtus and being casually intimate but never hot and heavy seriously never bothered her. once he leaves though, through meeting new friends (i’m cooking) and generally going through it grants her new perspective.

tagetes gunn (empire) -> aroace (kink positive). the only attraction they have is to power.

kirsi sunniva (alizath) -> bisexual, with a preference for mascs

quill (teardrops of the gods) -> bisexual, with a preference for femmes

darren de leon (vampires don't take roadtrips) -> bisexual with a preference for mascs. he actually thought he was gay for most of his life until he turned like 14 and then he realized "oh, girls are kinda hot too"

julissa vaughn (donut wip) -> bisexual & polyamorous. the dream ending of this wip is her, joaquin, andres, saul and daisy ending up in a quintouple but alas.

noi randiche (noi, alone) -> nblm. they're nonbinary and they like men so. they don't really like labels anyway, but if they had to describe it that's what they'd say.

jenna magboo (jenna the reaper / jenna the witch king) -> bi-ace lesbian. she and carlos are in a qpr basically but in terms of fleeting romantic feelings she'd align more with lesbian (all of her 'crushes' have been women or femme-aligning but she doesn't experience attraction That strongly) but she also doesn't think she's had enough experience to say she's not bi also. lesbian is an important label to her especially because both of her mothers are lesbian, but she also knows she's young and likes the complexity of her labels.

carlos carvalho (jenna the reaper / jenna the witch king) -> aroace (sex/romance repulsed). in a qpr and is a caretaker of jenna - though when i say they're in a qpr its a very unspoken thing between them. like, jenna's whole goal is to become a witch and then make carlos her familiar so they're never separated, so i think that's very explicit about what they are to each other pff.

n blackburn (dead rites) -> the way that n barely registers his sexuality bc he's married to his work LMAOOOO. he'd say that he's pan, it really has more to do with the mental connection than physical attraction for him so anything is fair game (but again... married to his work actually)

beau bellerose (dead rites) -> gay gay homosexual gay

jihan (supernatural dads) -> pan, he's too old to have a preference and he's very open to experimenting.

hue rvynwell (supernatural dads) -> gay and he definitely had a crisis about it when he was growing up. however in his family it was such a nonissue LMAO they were like "why the hell would we care about that just make sure you have a kid" and whaddya know, he had 2!

piper fairwind (tcol) -> queer probably but she doesn't really think about any of that. if she were in our world, labels would be like the most meaningless shit to her LMAO.

san dearborn (tcol) -> aro-queer. romance is just not something she can wrap her head around however she does get into a... teammate with benefits relationship in book 2 that i think is funny as fuck.

deux undershield (tcol) -> literally the first cishet character to appear on this list LMAO

forte symphonia (tcol) -> bisexual

clear brightendale (tcol) -> gay and he's hiding So Deep in the closet he needs someone to tell him its ok to come out lmaooo (aka: literally everyone)

di absyna (lukewarm rejection) -> gay but at what cost (his strict religious parents being generally horrible is one cost pff)

toph (lukewarm rejection) -> bisexual and a menace, but mostly attracted to mascs.

nyseah nicoletti (nondisclosure) -> she's trans heteroflexible basically. she's mostly attracted to guys but she also definitely cares more about a connection than anything else so she's open to exploring. (also she's pff married to my partner they love her LMAO)

donte macbride (nondisclosure) -> gay but more than being gay, he's fucking exhausted.

alona springwell (nondisclosure) -> the second cishet to appear on this list LMAO.

dagmar (celestial weddings) -> being mspec and polyamorous is literally just the default sexuality of the world of celestial weddings so yeeee.

graves (the graves we dug) -> FAGGOT COWBOY YEEHAW. pff but yeah he's gay. and sad.

dove (the graves we dug) -> another faggot cowboy lmao he's gay.

calvin im (purple haze) -> the first cishet dude on this list

jake deluna (purple haze) -> bisexual but he has a rough time coming to terms with this.

nevaeh (god eater) -> tbh i don't think nevaeh even knows what sexuality is (being a beacon of paradise is a very isolating lot in life) but i think they're probably gray across the board. the idea of romance or sex isn't really something they have much of a concept in their brain yet but they're curious about it.

little bear (god eater) -> mspec polyamorous; he doesn't really have time for relationships most of the time but he's definitely open to being ridden by anyone who wants to give it a go.

taj (god eater) -> pan and very in... some sort of codependent infatuation with thei.

thei (god eater) -> pan and tired. in a codependency relationship thing with taj.

lennon rhapsody granger (gothica) -> a surprise cishet appears.

aurora o'rion (gothica) -> bisexual and a whore about it

morrigan briarcos (gothica) -> gay and longsuffering. lennon is his (1) exception.

chidori jonson (train master chidori) -> just generally considers himself queer :)

nyoka (the virgin of mt heredosa) -> demi. its verin or bust.

verin (the virgin of mt heredosa) -> mspec but he's a centuries old god so like the concept of sexuality is mostly funny to him. he likes what he likes.

red (red death and the oracle's favor) -> aroace (sex repulsed bc of trauma). her and hel are in a qpr and i'm obsessed with them and their relationship

hel (red death and the oracle's favor) -> gay but loves red more than he loves dick and that's saying something. he doesn't expect her to say it back or feel the same as him but she cares about him in her own way and he's extremely not normal about it. he also wants to jump arden's bones and Did.

arden (red death and the oracle's favor) -> gay but he can't be gay and the king so he's very closeted. not unaccepting of it but he definitely is not talking about it and only allows himself to indulge with hel under the cover of darkness.

ranger pellish (sixteen candles) -> aro-bisexual and Very sex positive. he's such a slut and he lives by that. him and nan are basically a qpr.

nanette rosenfeld (sixteen candles) -> lesbian but she & range are inseperable and she's definitely given him the strap on many occasion to make him shut the hell up.

tuker hayes (sixteen candles) -> disaster bi with a 13 year long crush on vani he's hopeless.

vanilla vega (sixteen candles) -> demi-pansexual <3

roger grant (sixteen candles) -> probably not straight but is he willing to admit that to himself right now? absolutely not :DDDD

marvin (marvin & linda) -> sexuality doesn't matter because the company is more important (probably gay but yknow. his identity is kind of irrelevant to him)

linda / stephen (marvin & linda) -> mspec but marvin's the first person he's had a connection with on a romantic level.

prosper morning (the white shirts) -> hasn't thought about it too hard, but he definitely thinks marin is attractive and he Hates That a lot.

jane morning (the white shirts) -> she hasn't thought about it before so unknown

marin (the white shirts) -> gay asf

noh bell (noble) -> gay gay homosexual gay space super solider teehee.

peri (peri & dandy) -> outside of dandy, most lifetimes he's demi-gay. but he's really only ever attracted to dandy

dandy (peri & dandy) -> outside of dandy he's pan but he's also only ever looking for peri and only sleeps with people who have "peri energy" (whatever the hell that means lmao)

utah (broken clouds) -> fagggggggggggggggggg

gator (broken clouds) -> faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggg

slug (broken clouds) -> literally they don't know or care about any of that.

sjaak de witte (btaf) -> if he were in modern times, he'd be bisexual probably. and suffering.

biscella (btaf) -> another surprise cishet but i think in modern times she'd also probably be bi i just don't think in the canon verse she had the thought or bandwidth to explore her attraction to women (much to azelie's sadness)

#dude idk what to tag this as PFF #character stats #ig #idk

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