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#why not just sign the book itself
silverislander · 11 months
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ok i just finally finished lagoon. ohhh my god i am so excited to discuss this in class
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#i have been thinking abt it So Much.#who gets to be the protagonist and why!! why is it always americans why is it white people why is it PEOPLE at all. why not fish#maybe a bat or a spider or a ROAD has the most fascinating inner life on earth and we would never fucking know#the way we humans (and esp white people) have a habit of crushing things without understanding how special they ever were#this isnt even just on a plot/character level its in the LANGUAGE of the book. pidgin english as a tool to show class/connections!!#and bc this class is postcolonial lit i just KNOW were gettin into all of that#its SO good dude. its such a good book#i also just thought all the nigerian mythology was super fucking cool even if i dont know much abt it#i knew vaguely abt mami wata and ijele i think. and anansi but anansi isnt really in the book#levi.txt#also just as a smaller thing: i didnt know much abt nigeria in general and its always cool to see new places represented in books#ive never even been close to lagos!! but i can tell the author loves it sm and sees the beauty in it#just. as a huge arachnophobe this book is literally narrated by a massive spider and im endorsing it. thats smth in itself hgfjdkhgfd#i have a lot of feelings abt it 👍#anyway. enjoy the infodump i will not apologize#next book for the same class is midnights children by salman rushdie which also sounds super interesting!!#one of the girls in my writing class last year was indian and her stories talking abt it were always great? so thats a good sign#i dont know loads abt india either but im so excited to see it in this book and learn more
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seeing a lot of videos that are like “I didn’t know babies couldn’t have water” so here’s an incomplete list of things you need to know before having a baby
- the obvious, they can’t have water bc milk is incredibly high in water already so excess water leads to over hydration
- babies cannot have honey until 1
- if ur breastfeeding your kid and saving excess milk, make sure you label what you pumped in the morning vs at night bc your body produces different melatonin levels throughout the day and giving your baby daytime milk at night can make them more alert and fuck up their sleep schedule
- idk why ppl keep saying this but swaddling your babies or getting them those baby straight jacket things is not abuse. It chills them out cuz it reminds them of the womb
- babies have a dandruff like buildup on their head called cradle cap, and it’s very easy to deal with and remove with just some baby shampoo, a gentle scrub brush (MADE FOR BABIES!!) and a comb. It does need to be removed tho cuz it can be very painful after a while. This can also continue to happen late into toddlerhood it’s normal
- you have to clean out the creases of your baby’s skin and hands and feet they WILL collect dust😭😭
- you cannot bathe your baby until their umbilical cord naturally falls off. Use a warm damp rag until then
- tummy time is actually very important
- your baby might have a misshapen head at first (not all the time but sometimes) this will either sort itself out or they’ll need a corrective helmet ask your doctor
- I wouldn’t recommend having your baby leave the house very much until they’re at least 6 months old, especially if they’re born near cold and flu season cuz the common cold can kill a newborn
- you’re not an awful horrible person for having postpartum depression and it’s always a million times better to let your baby cry a few minutes longer than normal while you regain your composure than to freak out and give ur kid shaken baby syndrome
- you’re not an awful horrible person for giving your baby formula milk either
- don’t put shoes on your baby it’ll compromise their toe box and balance
- babies put every single thing in their mouths
- the easiest way to burp a baby is to hold them straight up (spine straight) and hold their head a bit higher
- always support their head they barely have necks
- if your baby fights away food, fights tummy time, vomits every single time you burp them, is gaining or losing an unreasonable amount of weight at a time, wheezes after eating, or goes red after eating, chances are they’re probably allergic to the type of milk they’re eating (again ask a doctor but these are just some signs it’s not just colic)
- they will wobble a lot when learning to do things but you gotta fight the urge to help them every single time cuz they gotta learn
- they’re not always spitting out baby food cuz they don’t like it they just don’t know how to eat. Like they don’t know how to push food down they only know how to stick their tongue out so be patient
- babies craniums are broken up into three parts at first that later fuse together, this is to help make birthing easier but it results in a small EXTREMELY sensitive spot in the top of their head that has no protection. This puts their brain at a high risk. Always protect their soft spot
- read to your baby!! Get cute bright colorful sensory books with sight words and read them to your baby it makes such a huge difference in their educational growth and will help them acquire a love for reading early on. And talk to them never shut up just say whatever comes to mind all the time this will strengthen their vocabulary growth also.
- babies poop like a lot. A lot. an unreasonable amount. Bring back up clothes and more diapers than you think
- no pillows or stuffies in the crib and only use a muslin blanket unless it’s especially cold to prevent suffocation
- babies kick reflexively until they’re out of their newborn scrunch (they stay womb shaped for a while) and if your baby is crying and pushing at the swaddle try letting them flail around for a minute
- consoling your baby is not spoiling them ! They need comfort and they will learn to self soothe on their own
- singing lullabies actually works, they can recognize your voice a consistent place of comfort from the womb and the cadence of lullabies is literally engineered to create a calm headspace
- for the love of god do not get boring ass beige toys. Colors are important for their neurological development
- babies are very responsive to praise from a young age so be as supportive of them as you can
- babies get constipated a lot and you have to do like tummy massages to help ease their pain the easiest way is to lay them on their backs and hold one foot in each hand, kick their feet like bicycles, scrunch up, and then stretch their legs out
- holding them on your hip too much will not cause bow legged-ness if your baby is bow legged that was always gonna happen
- they drool so so much and you have to get bibs for them so they don’t get chest eczema
- don’t use scented products on their skin cuz their skin is sooo much thinner than ours
- when your baby first starts sitting on their own never walk away from them without setting up a nest of pillows and blankets around them. Even minor head trauma can mess them up sometimes
- this one is kinda morbid and scary but sometimes babies just die out of nowhere and it’s no one’s fault or anything it’s called sudden infantile death syndrome(SIDS) and it’s about 1.3k deaths on average per year in America so not super common but still very real. 90% of these deaths happen during the first four months however edit: apparently it’s bc of an enzyme deficiency which at the very least you can take steps to try and prevent
- smoking and drinking during pregnancy WILL affect your baby and your breast milk and also might contribute to SIDS cases
- babies sometimes have a big red mark on them somewhere called a stork bite immediately after birth but typically it goes away
- babies can’t see very well for a while after birth and they’re VERY wobbly so they’ll typically bonk their head into your chest and face a lot while trying to support themselves
- female babies might have smth similar to a period the first few days after birth, this is because of the hormone transfer that happens during the birthing process and the days leading up to it
- male babies get random erections for the first few days after birth(hormone transfer again) literally do not be weird about this it’s a baby
- things like weaning your baby onto solid foods, potty training, weaning off pacifiers etc, can actually be directed by the baby and will happen naturally will minimal guidance from the parent(some guidance is still necessary) although I would do individual research into baby led weaning for food to prevent choking
- get those chewy feeding pouches to help with weaning
- the most random things will scare the hell out of your baby don’t take it personal 😭
- baby carriers are life savers (tulas are one of my favorites)
- once babies hit toddlerhood they’re tougher than you think, and a lot of their reaction is based on YOURS. they’re always going to be looking to you for how to react to a situation. Remain calm and if they’re ok they’ll calm down but if they’re genuinely hurt they’ll keep crying
- babies will most likely get ridiculously attached to an inanimate object and you have to keep this thing intact at all costs until they’re old enough to abandon it or they will throw a FIT. I got a lemur plushie from a zoo once and every single one of the kids has bonded their soul with it until about 6 years old and once a month I have to stitch him back up
- don’t compare yourself to other parents. Maybe your kid isnt getting grass fed wild caught north Atlantic cheerios but at least they’re fed. If your kid is alive and healthy and happy you’re doing a good job
- you will need 3 car seats, an infant seat, a grow with me toddler seat, and a booster seat
- getting a good diaper bag is a MUST
- the hair a baby is born with will most likely all fall out or they’ll get a bald spot on the back of their head where they sleep cuz their hair is so fragile and thin but once it grows back it grows back thick
- get like 20 muslin blankets so you always have a backup when the main ones are covered in spit up
- the babies grip IS stronger than yours (keep your hair up and keep pets away best you can)
- your best bet for your teething baby is a pacifier you can put your finger in so you can massage their gums and some chewing toys numbing cream can be dangerous and should be used sparingly
- go ahead and come to terms with the fact you’re gonna have to use a Frida Baby to manually remove snot
- babies can get hair and thread wrapped around their toes and fingers that can cut off their circulation try to make a habit of checking
- don’t hit your kid please it’s nothing but trauma and fucked up coping mechanisms from there pls empathize with your child they’re a person too
- be careful not to pull too hard on their arms and legs(like during play or holding their hand while they walk) and NEVER pick them up by their hands this will very easily cause dislocation
- they might have a little tooth like callous on their lip from their pacifier. This does not hurt them and it will go away but it may hurt during breastfeeding
- breastfeeding will make your boobs different sizes
Yeag that’s all I can think of rn but yk i Will add as I remember stuff ppl are also adding things I forgot in the tags in case you’d like to look thru that as well <3
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torbooks · 16 days
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"Warning Signs Your Machines Are Trying to Kill You!" by TJ Klune
(Legally, I’m required to tell you that when smart phones first became popular, I bought one and then asked for the address of the app store because I thought it was a physical location I had to go to in order to download apps and not something already on your phone. Also, I was recently told I speak like an old person so as a warning, there will not be any slang you youths typically hear, especially on Tumblr. Any slang I’ve learned in the last five years has been against my will. I still don’t know what FOMO means, and I don’t care.)
1. Oh no! You and your family are trying to enjoy a movie night, but Overlord Prime (With Free Shipping) wants a sacrifice at the altar of their god, BeeZos. Should this happen, do not attempt to give Overlord Prime (With Free Shipping) a cantaloupe with googly-eyes on it and say that it is your baby. Overlord Prime (With Free Shipping) knows the difference between fruit and children. Instead, ask the machine to order dog food, and it will forget about eating humans for a little while.
2. If you own a very fancy vehicle that can drive itself, always make sure to carry a brick. That way, when the car locks you inside and attempts to drive you off a cliff into a gas station, you can break the window using the brick. You will then have to jump out, but make sure you do so in time so you can watch the wicked-ass explosion when the car hits the gas station, and you can revel in your victory over your car.
3. This one will hurt. I’m sorry, but it’s true. Chances are, you’re reading this on your phone right this second. To be safe, after you’ve finished reading this post and have clicked on the affiliated links to purchase my books, you should throw your phone into a volcano and then move to South Dakota where there are no machines, only wind and cows. That way, when everyone else gets the 5GZombieVirus that people on Twitter (I’m not calling it the other thing, shut up) seem to think is real, you’ll be safe with your cows on a windy day.
4. Get rid of your air fryer. Don’t ask me why, just do it. Red flags all around. Danger, danger.
5. Do you know of the Clapper? That thing first launched in the late 20th century (I wrote it that way to make me feel old) where the commercials showed cranky old people unable to reach their light switches, so they got a thing called a Clapper that turns your lights on and off when you clap? Guess what? Those will be the first things to try and kill you. If you love your gram-gram, save her from the Clapper. When she asks why you are destroying it with an ax, tell gram-gram it’s because you love her.
6. Do you live in a smart home? The kind where everything is connected to the internet, including your refrigerator? The refrigerator that holds your perishable foods? And oh, would you look at that: how many ice cubes have you kicked under it rather than picking them up when they fall to the floor? A dozen? A million? The refrigerator remembers. And it will spoil your food in seconds. What then? What are you going to eat? Canned food? Not if the refrigerator falls on top of you!
Unfortunately for you, this is where it must end. I hope this has given you enough information to help you survive the inevitable. If you do not heed my warnings, well. Who cares. I’m not in charge of you. Do whatever you want. Just don’t come complaining to me when gram-gram gets the clap.
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dreamescapeswriting · 16 days
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Contracted Love ~ MYG
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WORD COUNT: 7.1K
GENRE: CEO AU, marriage contracts, blackmailing, fake dating, fake marriage, falling love and realising you’re scared, (might actually be my fav piece)
PAIRING: Yoongi X Fem!Reader
⤜Copyright: © DreamEscapesWriting - March 2024
⤜MASTERLIST
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As Yoongi began to walk through the bustling heart of the city he couldn't stop his mind from wandering back from the meeting he had just left and he didn't know whether to laugh or cry at what had happened.
It had been his grandfather's will reading, something that heartbreaking in and of itself but what was getting to Yoongi more was the stipulation that came along with his portion of the will. 
"It is not my wish for you to end up like me, old, alone and afraid of love."
Was that the piece of paper read, his grandfather was giving him strict orders to follow if he had any chance of getting his grandfather's portion of the company he owned and he needed it.
There was no way it could go to his father's side of the family, the vultures as his grandfather called them. They only hung around him long enough to know that they were going to be put into the will and didn't want to know his grandfather any other time. But it was all stupid. In order to collect his portion he had to be married and have a child all within a year.
A man who had hardly dated before was supposed to married and have a child within twelve months if he wanted any chance of keeping his company alive. Now Yoongi could have sworn he heard the ticking of a clock in the back of his mind as a constant reminder that he hadn't got much time.
"Please, I promise I can get it for you by the end of the week if you just give me some more time!" A voice pleaded, interrupting his thoughts and making him freeze on the sidewalk wondering what was unfolding in front of him.
"I've heard this a million times, Yn, I'm sick of hearing it." A male said, angrily staring down at you as you whimpered a little. He was your landlord Richard and he had just served you with an eviction notice for your business.
"Pages & Aromoa's will be a hit in no time and you'll have all the money I owe you." You sniffled but Richard handed you the piece of red paper and walked away, ignoring your begging and driving off.
"Fucking cunt," You hissed before heading inside of the door.
Yoongi stared up at the cafe sign it was basically falling apart but it was easily readable. The brick walls of the cafe had patches of Ivy clinging to the surface as if trying to breathe life into the ageing structure. The windows were slightly grim but offered a glimpse into the warmth inside that awaited anyone walking by. 
The cafe was nestled between two giant skyscrapers, one of which belonged to Yoongi but he'd never even noticed the cafe before. Sighing to himself he wondered if this was the cafe his grandfather had been boasting about before he had died and he found himself walking inside. The bell above the door sounded as he did so but you were nowhere to be seen.
"I'll be just a minute," Your voice called out. Despite the outside appearance of the building, Yoongi was pleasantly surprised when he walked inside. The interior was a sanctuary of tranquillity and refinement. Polished hardwood floors gleamed under the soft glow of vintage bulbs that were casting a warm ambience in the cafe. The perfect place to hide away and work or even read which was something that clearly happened here.
There were shelves lining the walls, stretched from floor to ceiling, the books all looked used and loved. Plush armchairs and cosy reading nooks were all over the place, offering a place for someone to lose themselves in the pages of a good book or work in silence. It was obvious why his grandfather had loved this place and had been talking about it for months.
"Stupid, machine." Yoongi heard you grumbling as you finally came up from behind a counter and smiled warmly in his direction. The smile that sent a warmth throughout his chest he suddenly felt guilty about having.
"What can I get you? And please, don't say coffee because the press is broken and the machine won't work," You pleaded with him, Yoongi's mouth opened to say something but he found himself unable to speak, struck by something he didn't understand. His chest was fluttering and his stomach was in knots, he didn't know what was happening. 
"Oh! Are you deaf? I know some sign language but I can write stuff down if it's easier." Before Yoongi had a chance to protest you were beginning to sign to him, something he didn't even understand himself but he was pretty sure you'd gotten it wrong.
"Can I get some tea?" He didn't know what was going on with his stomach but his grandfather always told him that tea solved most issues. Something warm to settle a raging stomach.
"Sure! I have a whole selction-" You were about to list off the extensive list you had when Yoongi shook his head,
"Early grey would be fine, with Milk."
"To go?" You arched a brow at him, most people that came in dressed the way he was got all of their orders to go. You knew the type he was, a businessman, too busy to learn the name of the place they were in but were loyal to it, it was nice.
"Erm," Yoongi glanced around and then down at his watch. He wasn't due back at work for another hour or so,
"I'll stay," He smiled at you and you nodded, pointing around the shop for him to sit anywhere he wanted. It wasn't like it was going to get busy anytime soon and your regular customer you'd had for a few months had suddenly stopped coming recently.
"Sure, make yourself comfortable." You gestured around the room and Yoongi stayed frozen in place,
"Don't you need my name for the order?" Yoongi countered you smirked a little at him.
"Because it'll get lost in the sea of customers?" You asked sarcastically, laughing nervously at the end,
"I guess that's true." He chuckles a little, and for the first time in a long time it feels like a genuine laugh from him, something he hadn't done for a long time
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"He died?" Your voice was so sympathetic as soon as Yoongi told you about his grandfather, Rath, who had been your most loyal and regular customer. The two of you had been discussing your business for a while and you'd mentioned to Yoongi about having to close down soon if you weren't picking up in business.
"I wondered why he stopped coming by," You slowly sank down in the armchair opposite Yoongi and he smiled sadly down at the cup of tea in his hands. 
"Were you close to my grandfather?" You weren't close with the man but he'd been coming in every day it felt like you were friends.
"I wouldn't say close but we did talk a lot whenever he was here, he loved you." You smiled, Rath had spoken so much about Yoongi that you felt as though you knew him but he hadn't been at all what you were expecting. 
You'd expected some small, nerdy-looking guy but Yoongi was the opposite, he was built well, dressed in the finest of suits and looked as though he could be in the pages of magazines.
"I have a proposition for you." He suddenly said. Yoongi wasn't blind, he could see the business was going under and he knew you needed him as much as he needed you.
"Which is?" You laughed a little, looking up at the time and then back to Yoongi. The two of you had been sat talking for almost two hours now and still not a single other person had come in, which hadn't gone unnoticed by Yoongi, who was already concocting a plan in his mind.
"I need to get married." He said bluntly.
"And I need your help to do it." You held back the urge to laugh as you stared at him, you weren't sure what his grandfather had told him but you didn't know anyone in the market at the minute.
"Unfortunately I'm not sure I'm your girl, I can't help."
"But you can. You see, I have a lot of money and you need a lot of money." You knew that already, the Min family were richer than rich, one of the richest families in the world.
"What makes you think I NEED money?" You were trying to play it close to your chest, but it was true. You were desperate for money, your coffee machines were broken and you were behind on four months worth of rent.
"Yn, let's be real, your business is going under and I can help. I can keep you afloat or make you a huge success, whatever you want I can do that." As amazing as that sounded you still didn't know anyone that would be willing to just randomly get married to him,
"But I don't know anyone that wants to be married." You shook your head but Yoongi smirked at you,
"You can marry me," The words registered in your brain and you bit back the urge to laugh in his face.
"Are you insane?" You added a nervous laugh at the end and stood up, moving away from where he was sitting but he was quick to follow you.
"I have a lot of influence, I can easily make this place well known." He told you with a giant smile, your hands nervously tugged at the cleaning rag in your hand and you stared at him. 
"Just for marrying you?" 
"Just marrying me. All fake, no one would have to know we're not really together," Shit like this didn't happen in real life, only in books and really bad film adaptations, there had to be a catch. 
"What do you get out of this? Why do you need a wife so badly?" Was this something he did on a regular? Ask random women to marry him and then never follow through with all of his promises.
"If I get married, I can collect my grandfather's part of the company but I need a wife." He was going to ignore the child part until absolutely necessary, he was sure there was a way out of that.
"Why wouldn't he leave it to you?" You frowned, Rath had seemed so sure of Yoongi, you were positive he would have left his Grandson something. 
"He doesn't want me to end up alone," Yoongi admitted, your heart breaking a little as you remembered Rath mentioning he wished he'd never divorced Yoongi's grandmother,
"Oh."
"You'd get your business up and running, booming, I'd get half of the company away from my vultures of a family and everyone will be happy." You'd heard stories of the other side of Yoongi's family, stories from Rath and things you'd read about in the media.
"Okay...But there have to be some rules in place...A contract?"
"Agreed," Yoongi glanced down at his watch and bit his lip, he was already late for a meeting but that didn't matter.
"Come up to my office tonight, give your name to security and they'll bring you up. We'll work out a contract and hash out all of the details." He smiled warmly at you and you somehow believed him that all of this was going to work.
"My business will be fixed if I do this, right?"
"I promise." He breathed out before rushing out of the door, your heart racing at the thought of all of this becoming true. You glanced down at your outfit before cursing yourself, you were dressed in clothes with holes and your apron was torn to pieces.
"New outfit," You mumbled, heading to the door and locking it up. If you were going to go into business with Yoongi then you wanted to look the part. 
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"Come in," Yoongi called as he heard a small tapping at his office door, the day had gone on for longer than he'd liked and he was looking forward to writing out the contract and heading home for the night. 
"Mr Min, Yn is here." His assistant announced before shutting the door, Yoongi slowly glanced up from his desk and his eyes almost popped out of his head.
He had been expecting you in the same scraps of clothes you had worn this morning but instead, you were dressed in a black pencil skirt and a red silk top that was unbuttoned to show just enough cleavage.
"Is this okay? It's the only thing I had left from my office days," You laughed nervously when you noticed him staring at you a little longer than he had done that morning.
"It's-It's erm, perfect." His voice stuttered and cracked as he stared at you. He had no idea that you could look this way and now he suddenly felt as though he was out of his depth. 
"Please sit," He gestured to the seat in front of his desk before grabbing two bottles of water and sitting back down. By now you'd gotten out a worn leather-bond book from your bag and smiled.
"Let's get straight to it," You said, your tone businesslike yet hidden with a little humour. Yoongi smiled to himself, preparing his own notepad.
"We need some rules in place, so nothing is blurred along the way." He stated simply.
"Your business will be my number one priority during all of this. We'll sit down with a bookkeeper and organise your bills as well as figure out anything that's owed." You suddenly felt your chest tighten, you were in a massive amount of debt. Yoongi had already gone into research mode when he got home and knew everything you needed to pay off.
"T-That might be a lot. Are you sure you're up for it?" You hated that you were in so much debt, when you'd ventured out alone to own your own place you'd been so sure it would be great you could pay it back in no time.
"No issue, I assure you, I didn't become the CEO Of Min Media but shying away from challenges." Your debt wouldn't even cause a dent in his savings but he wasn't going to tell you that and make you feel bad about it.
"That means a lot...Thank you," You smiled warmly, the smile sent his stomach into knots once again, he really wanted to see someone about that.
"We need to keep everything strictly professional." You finally stated, looking up from your notepad and back at Yoongi who was, once again, staring at you.
"Agreed." He jotted it down on the notepad.
"Secondly, we can't tell anyone it's not real. It's imperative to me we keep everything hidden. We keep up a genuine illusion to appease my family and the shareholders." He told you, if anyone found out this was all fake he'd most likely lose his shareholdings as well as be the laughingstock of the media world.
"Agreed." You wrote it down, and Yoongi eyed you up. You'd been quiet about your family finding out and it worried him a little. He didn't want you to go around telling anyone it was fake, it would only take one slip-up for the world to know.
"What about your family?"
"What about them?" You asked, staring up at him with a blank expression on your face, Yoongi frowned.
"You can't tell them the truth." He reminded you and you nodded, your lips in a line as you shrugged your shoulders a little.
"Not a problem, I haven't spoken to them in almost four years since I went out on my own to own a cafe."
"Understood. We must present as a united front," He stared at you. His heart felt heavy at the thought of your family ignoring you for following your dreams. 
"We will have to attend social events together, support each other publicly and appear as a happy married couple at all times." You nodded at him.
"I can handle that." It was no big deal, you'd get to dress fancy for a while and it would be fun,
"Living arrangements?" Yoongi wrote down and then stared at you,
"Well, I currently have a place in the lower part of Seoul, you're more than welcome to come and live with me," You teased only to be met with widened eyes.
"That was a joke Yoongi," You clarified with a small laugh,
"You can move in with me." He stated plainly, you frowned at him. As much as you hated your place you weren't sure moving in with him was the best idea.
"Is it necessary though?"
"Yn, once we're seen together you'll never get peace...People will want to know why a soon-to-be-married couple are living separately." You knew he was right, there would be too many questions and you didn't want to have to deal with them,
"Okay."
"I'll arrange a moving van for you tomorrow." He smiled, writing down on a sticky note to remind himself once the two of you were done.
"Can I suggest one more?"
"Sure." He looked up at you, expecting something about asking to be paid, or for more than you were getting out of it. All of which he was willing to do if it meant getting what he needed out of you.
"No falling in love. It's a business arrangement and any romantic feelings that may develop should be ignored." Yoongi was taken back but nodded his head at you. 
"Of course. We have a deal." He smiled shaking your hand across the table.
With a sense of determination, you added a final clause to your contract: Yoongi would take over the financial management of Pages & Aromas, ensuring its stability and prosperity while also shouldering the burden of its debts.
"We will be announcing our marriage this weekend, it'll be held here. In the meantime, I'll pay your rent for the cafe," He stated as you both signed along the pieces of paper, Yoongi took them both into his grasp and filed them in his drawer his eyes lingering over the clause about not falling in love.
"I'd like it if you didn't work for a few months if that's okay?" He suggested, staring at you as you frowned.
"We can fix up the shop a little, have it redone to your specifications and then announce it as a grand opening." 
"What am I supposed to do in the meantime?"
"You can do whatever you want, money is no issue."
"It is for me."
"We'll be married, what's mine...is yours," He stated before laying down a black card in front of you.
"Yoongi, it's already enough you're helping my business I can't take your money too." The statement was shocking, everyone Yoongi knew was always after his money, it was why he'd never dated in the past.
"Fine. But please keep it, you can use it as an emergency card, or if you need an outfit for an event...it's yours," He told you as you flipped the card over, already finding your name inscribed on it, had he been so sure about all of it since this morning?
"Okay. Fine."
"I'll have Alan drive you home and I'll see you tomorrow at my place." He smiled warmly at you as you got up from the chair, feeling a little overwhelmed with everything but nodding your head.
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With a sense of nervousness mingled with excitement, you stepped into Yoongi's luxurious penthouse apartment. Your final box had been taken up by a group of men and you were unsure of what you were supposed to do now. You walked through the door, slipping off your shoes before your eyes widened at the opulence that surrounded you. The spacious living area was adorned with sleek modern furniture and tasteful artwork while floor-to-ceiling windows offered sweeping views of the city skyline below. You could practically see all of Seoul from up here, how did he get anything done? You knew you'd find yourself people-watching more than you should.
Taking a deep breath to steady your nerves, you set about unpacking your belongings, your mind racing with thoughts of the new chapter that lay ahead. As you sorted through boxes and arranged your stuff in their designated places, you couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place in such a lavish environment.
"Mr Min will be late this evening, he said to make yourself at home," Alan, who had driven you home the night previous, said with a warm smile on his face. But how were you supposed to do that? You didn't know what you were and weren't allowed to do or even where to go. Did he have rooms off-limits to you? More questions flooded your mind but as the afternoon waned into evening, you found solace in the familiar routine of preparing dinner, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables and the sizzle of food cooking on the stove grounding you in the present moment.
You'd always loved cooking, you were hungry and determined to make a good impression on Yoongi. Even going as far as to make your famous cake no one could say no to it.
By the time Yoongi arrived home, the apartment was filled with the tantalizing scent of home-cooked food and freshly baked treats. Stepping through the door, he was greeted by the sight of you bustling about the kitchen, a warm smile gracing your lips.
"Welcome home," You said, your voice infused with genuine warmth, something Yoongi hadn't had the pleasure of hearing in years. His eyes lit up with surprise and appreciation as he took in the scene before him. 
"You've been busy," he remarked, a note of amusement in his voice as he watched you carefully. You shrugged modestly, a warm feeling spreading onto your cheeks. 
"I wanted to do something nice for you. Dinner will be ready soon, and I made cake." Yoongi's smile widened as he crossed the room to envelop you in a grateful hug.
"Thank you, Yn. You didn't have to do all this." You were in shock at the hug at first, your heart thumping as you tried not to overthink it. He was just grateful for the food. You smiled a little, returning the embrace, a sense of contentment settling over you. 
"I know. But I wanted to." You admit before going to set everything down on the table ready to eat. 
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It had been almost a week since the news had broke that you and Yoongi were going to be married and he'd been right. People followed you EVERYWHERE. You'd gone grocery shopping two nights after the news was released and you'd been followed by men with cameras, all of them screaming questions at you. Luckily you and Yoongi had already come up with a story for you both, something easy to remember. You'd met because of his grandfather and it had almost been love at first sight. 
Tonight though you were at a restaurant together, your hands linked on the table as you stared lovingly at one another. All of it feels a little too real for you. 
"Tell me something about you that I wouldn't find in a magazine or news article." You begged Yoongi. Since moving in with him you'd done extensive research on him, wanting to be prepared in case any of his crazy family members tried to doubt the two of you. 
Yoongi stared at you, hesitating for a moment as he thought about it. He was torn between the desire to open up to you and betraying your agreement but the look in your eyes made it hard to resist. 
"Well, I've always loved astronomy," He confessed, his eye staring down at the glass feeling suddenly vulnerable.
"There's something about the vastness of the universe that puts everything into perspective." Your eyes lit up with interest, finally, something about him that wasn't run-of-the-mill CEO shit.
"That's beautiful," You whispered, 
"I've always been drawn to the stars as well." You admit, the two of you getting lost in conversation and completely forgetting about the many people snapping photos of you together. Yoongi let himself open up to you more, finding himself falling in a freefall for you. His head reminded him of the agreement you'd made together, no falling in love and he couldn't risk jeopardizing everything. 
"Why haven't you spoken to your family?" He suddenly found himself asking over dessert, your fork freezing midway to your mouth as your throat suddenly ran dry.
"They decided they didn't want me to ruin their family name,"
"But you were following your dreams, shouldn't that be something they were proud of you for doing?" He didn't understand how someone couldn't support the person they loved in everything that they did. 
"The Score family don't follow dreams, they crush them," Your voice was flat and dry as you placed your fork down.
"Score? As in-"
"Lawyers, the best in the business." You hissed out, you hated that all of this was being bought up but you owed it to Yoongi to tell him the truth.
"I don't speak to them, biologically I'm their daughter but legally I'm not."
"You were emancipated?" He watched you closely and you nodded your head,
"As soon as I left the company I did it myself," You admit with a smile on your face, you were proud of what you'd done. Being a lawyer had never been your dream and if the people that had raised you had it their way you'd still be another cog in the inner workings of their awful company.
"Believe me Yoongi, they have nothing to do with me-" His hand was on top of yours, rubbing over your skin in a soothing motion.
"It wouldn't bother me if they were still in your life." He promises, a weight being lifted from your chest as you let out a happy sigh.
The two of you continued to talk all night long, discovering things each other you hadn't known before and it was starting to feel like a true friendship was forming.
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Months began to fly by as you and Yoongi worked on your fake relationship and countless parties you attended together, business and personal, but tonight was the one you were most nervous about. You were pacing around in the living room of the apartment waiting for Yoongi to come down and meet you. Your hands nervously played with the purse you were holding, the prospect of meeting his family tonight looming over your head like a dark cloud. 
The door to the living room opened and Yoongi stepped inside, freezing when he saw you pacing around but he couldn't take his eyes off you. You were in a stunning floor-length gown, crimson colour to match his tie but it clung to your body perfectly, seeing you turned his blood to fire. You paced away from him giving him the perfect view of the back of the gown, which had a crisscrossing strap at the back, the fabric shimmering and glowing with every step you took.
"I don't know if I can do this." You admit to Yoongi once you notice him there. You'd been faking it with everyone and everyone believed you so far but were his family going to be so easy to convince?
"Your family...they're going to see right through me." Your voice trembled with uncertainty and Yoongi smiled weakly walking over to you. He was nervous himself but he wasn't going to admit it to you.
"Yn, you're stronger than you think." He told you, his hand gently reaching out and rubbing your arm.
"We'll get through tonight, together." He had no doubt the two of you could convince his family you were together, to be honest, he had a hard time convincing himself it wasn't real. 
"What if they ask about our relationship and I cock the story up? What if they see through me?" He smiled down at you, running his hand over your cheek.
"We'll handle it, Yn. I won't let anything happen to you," And he meant it, if anything were to ever happen to you he knew he'd never survive it. 
After months of spending every second by your side, he felt himself falling harder and harder in love with you until the point where everything was blurred except for you. All he cared about was a future with you. His words were like a lifeline pulling you back from the edge of panic, you took in a deep breath and forced yourself to focus on everything again. 
"And if they don't believe us? What happens to me?" You asked, your voice tinged with apprehension.
"I'll make sure your business is taken care of, I'll not let anything happen to you but for now, let's focus on getting through tonight together." He whispers, kissing your hand softly as you feel a spark running through your veins. No matter what challenges lay ahead, you knew that as long as you faced them together, you could conquer anything that stood in your way. And with that realization, the weight of the world seemed to lift from your shoulders, replaced by a glimmer of hope.
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As the two of you made your way through the entrance, all eyes turned to greet you, your presence as a couple commanding attention amidst the sea of glamorous attendees. 
"They're staring." You uttered to Yoongi as he smirked, his arm wrapped around your waist as the two of you walked together, your steps synchronized in harmony. Heads turned, smiles were exchanged and greetings were offered as you passed by people. 
"How could they not? You look like you stepped out of a magazine, you look beautiful." It wasn't the first compliment that Yoongi had ever paid you, in fact, you'd grown used to the compliments he'd give to you all the time. Including the small hugs and kisses the two of you would share even if you were in public, it was clear lines were starting to blur but you weren't entirely sure you minded anymore.
"Look, it's Min Yoongi and his fiancée," Someone whispered, their voice tinged with awe. 
"They're a stunning couple." Her date said back to her, their eyes trailing over you both as you moved through the crowd. 
"Let's give them something to talk about," Yoongi whispered but before you had a chance to ask what he was talking about he was taking you over to the dance floor. 
His hand rested gently on your waist, guiding you with a tender pull as you began to move around the dance floor together, the rest of the world fading into the background. 
Your movements were slow and deliberate, each steps a silent conversation between you as you swayed to the rhythm of the music. Your heart raced with every beat, your breath catching in your throat as you allowed yourself to be swept up by the magic of the moment.
"You look beautiful," Yoongi whispered, your eyes locking as you stared at one another.
"You said that already," You mumbled nervously as he smirked to himself, moving in time with you as you fell back into a comfortable silence. Not a single word needed to be uttered as you knew what was happening to you, you were falling in love with him too fast and everything was falling apart around you. You continued to dance together, neither of you daring to speak the words that lingered in the back of your head. Knowing that acknowledging your love would shatter the delicate illusion you'd worked so hard to maintain.
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"So this is the lovely Yn." You turned your head to face Juliain, Yoongi's father and Yoongi wrapped his arm tighter around your waist.
"Lovely dance the two of you did, your mother made me dance shortly after." He chuckles softly but Yoongi remains deadpan and unreadable, his grip on you tightening. You'd heard about Julilan from both Rath and Yoongi and you knew the man was bad news, a slimeball only after money.
"Julilan. Lovely to see you, shame you didn't make it to grandfather's funeral, it was a lovely service." Yoongi said coldly, your eyes staring up at him. Julian had refused to go to the funeral but had gone to the reading of the will, only to see what he was entitled to. 
"I have no doubt, you always knew how to throw a party." Julian laughed but your heart shattered, Rath had been an amazing man and to insinuate that a party was held for his dying instead of a grand funeral boiled your blood.
"Party? A man died-"
"Hush. You don't speak unless spoken to." Julian said in a dismissive tone, your mouth dropping open as you couldn't believe the man in front of you. 
"With all due respect, sir, I am not a decoration on Yoongi's arm I am his Fiancée," You spoke clearly but Julian turned to look at his son who was now red in the face,
"I see she has no manners or concept of brains. Where did you pick her up? A brothel?" Your stomach dropped as you looked down at yourself, was he implying you looked like a whore? The woman who had dressed you tonight told you that you'd looked elegant.
"Don't." Yoongi seethed through gritted teeth,
"Women should be seen and not heard. Act like the trophy wife you are meant to be." Julian was in your face but within seconds he was shoved away by Yoongi, a smirk playing on his father's lips as he realised he was getting under his skin.
"Don't speak to my wife like that." He ordered but you pulled at his arm, you could already see people starting to stare and Yoongi didn't need the bad press.
"You're not married yet. Are you really going to cause a scene over a woman? Behave." He hissed at him, you stared at him as you waited for him to insult him one last time.
"Still just a child." He muttered, about to walk away when you finally found your voice once more.
"A child who has done more than you'll ever accomplish in your life." You hissed out at him, earning a smirk from Yoongi, he had to admit he was proud of you for not backing down from him.
"Why you little-" A hand was raised in the air but Yoongi caught it, shoving his father away from you.
"I see why you hate the man." You mumbled as Yoongi checked on you, his eyes softening once he saw you were okay.
"If he'd hurt you just then." It didn't bear to think about, he was angry, blood-curdling as he thought about the way his father had gone to strike you. 
"He didn't." You whispered to him, your hand rubbing his back softly but it did nothing to calm him down right now.
"I'd kill him."
"Yoongi." You pleaded with him, but he was lost in his own anger.
"He's a disgusting piece of shit and I would have killed him." You stepped in front of him, your eyes finding his as he stared down at you in shock,
"But then I'd have no one to watch the stars with," You whispered only for his whole body to relax and he nodded slowly at you.
"Let's get some food and go out on the balcony, we can go and look at the stars and pretend Julian isn't even here," You offered to him.
Yoongi ventured off to fetch some food and you found yourself alone in the gala, looking around at everyone who was dancing together or mingling. This world was something you'd never thought you'd fit into before but after spending so much time in it, it almost felt like home.
"Ah, Yn dear, there you are." You slowly turned around to see Mia, Rath's ex-wife making her way to you with a giant smile on her face.
"I've been meaning to have a word with you," She said as she reached you, her voice gentle and a welcoming contrast compared to her son.
"Of course, Mrs Min. Is everything alright?" You eyed her up as she smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. 
"No one's called me that in years, call me Mia." She begged, you nodded at her and slowly made your way out onto the balcony to talk better together.
"I wanted to first tell you how happy I am that Evan has found someone like you." Your eyes widened in surprise, your heart fluttering at the unexpected praise.
"T-Thank you, Mia. That means a lot to me." Mia reached out to pat your hand affectionately.
"You know, I've seen the way he looks at you. It reminds me of the way Rath used to look at me." Your breath caught in your throat at the implication of her words.
"I...I'm not sure what you mean." She chuckled softly at you,
"Oh, my dear, don't be so modest. It's written all over his face- He loves you, and I couldn't be happier for the both of you, even if you were faking it at first." You smiled weakly, your heart pounding in your chest as you struggled to process everything you'd just heard. Yoongi loved you - truly, deeply and unequivocally and that sent a surge of panic through you.
"Rath would have adored seeing you both together," Mia added before giving you an envelope.
"In my side of the will I was to give this to the beautiful girl from the cafe, now I assume that's you." You stared down at the envelope and nodded, quickly placing it into your bag to look at another time, when you weren't so stressed. 
"I-I have to go," You rushed out, panic taking over you as you began to hurry through the crowded hall. Your mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear, you loved him too but there was no way you could do this. You raced around a corner when you collided with Yoongi, sending you both sprawling to the floor.
"Yn, what's wrong?" Concern was etched in his features as he reached out to steady you. Your breathing turned tagged as you struggled to compose yourself, slowly standing up.
"I...I need to talk to you," Your voice barely came out above a whisper but Yoongi nodded, leading you to a nearby alcove away from prying eyes.
"What is it, Yn? You're shaking." He reached out to touch you and you took in a deep breath, words tumbling out in a rush as you fought to make sense of everything.
"I just spoke to your grandmother, and she...she said that you love me, Yoongi. And...I...I don't know what to do." Yoongi's expression softened as he reached out to cup your trembling hands in his, his touch sending a shiver of warmth coursing through you.
"Yn, listen to me. I know this is overwhelming but you need to understand something...you belong here with me," You stared up at him as he didn't deny falling for you, tears welling up in your eyes as you shook your head.
"I ran away from this world."
"And now you're back but I promise it'll be nothing like your family's world." He breathed out as you stared at him, his eyes boring into you,
"You belong here, with me."
` "What if you suddenly decide I'm not good enough for you? What if I can't give you everything you deserve?" Yoongi brushed a gentle thumb across your cheek, wiping away a tear.
"You're everything I need, Yn. Your love, your strength, your unwavering support - it's more than I could ever hope for. And as long as we have each other, we can face whatever comes our way." Tears began to melt away as you stared at him.
"I love you, Yoongi." You whispered, the words feeling like a weight was taken right off our chest.
"I love you, Yn, Always." He whispered. 
With a soft sigh, he closed the distance between you and you leaned in slowly to him. It felt like an eternity until your lips met in a tender kiss, time seemed to stand still as you savoured the sweetness of the moment, your hearts beating in harmony as you finally surrendered to the pull of love. It was a kiss so full of tenderness and longing, of hope and promise. 
When you pulled away your foreheads touched and you giggled a little.
"Let's go home, I wanna show you how much I really love you," He winks, as you squeal a little taking his hand and practically dragging him out of the party.
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Months Later 
"CEO'S Expecting: Min Yoongi and Min Yn Announce Pregnancy, Anticipate The New Heir To The Legacy?" You read out the title of the "Webber Files" newspaper and stared over at Yoongi with a blank expression.
"I see why their paper sucks," You grumbled, folding it up and staring at your husband who hadn't been able to take his eyes off you.
"Don't look at me like that, the last time you looked at me like that, this happened!" You stated, pointing down at your baby bump and whining at him.
"But we had fun," He wiggled his eyebrows at you and sat down beside you on the sofa, the two of you curling up together on a lazy Saturday morning.
"We did," You giggled as he ran his hand over your bump, smiling happily to himself. Not long after you found out you were expecting Yoongi told you the other stipulation about getting his grandfather's portion of the company and that was a child but you couldn't have been happier it was happening.
"Julian will flip a lid." You laughed at the thought of his father finding out about his son having a child but more importantly, you couldn't wait for him to figure out he was getting nothing in the will besides a small shop in the middle of nowhere.
"Oh, I meant to say. Gran asked if you'd looked into the envelope yet. Whatever that means," He frowns and you reach out for your bag, opening it up to find the envelope still sitting there.
As you took it out and opened it you couldn't believe what you were reading.
"By now I assume Yoongi and yourself are together and knowing My Mia she would have given this to you at the appropriate time, but enclosed are the deeds to your cafe. All yours, all paid for, as well as the number to my lawyer who will arrange for you to inherit some money as an investment to you and your dream.
Best Wishes,
Rath,"
You and Yoongi stared at one another, laughing a little as you realised Rath had been planning your get-together for a very long time.
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theemissuniverse · 5 months
Text
MK 1 MEN REALIZE YOU’RE TOUCH STARVED
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SUMMARY : Basically they’ve been super busy so they hadn’t been worried about sex until they realize how needy you really are. Fem reader.
WARNINGS : (MDNI)! praise, unsafe p in v, riding, cumming, some other stuff I probably forgot
MASTERLIST
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LIU KANG
You were practically starving for intimacy. Your boyfriend, Liu Kang had his hands full with Earthrealm itself and you couldn’t even help him.
Liu Kang had forbid you to get involved in Earthrealm business because in the previous timeline, when Raiden brought you in it you had died. So, he wanted you to continue your normal life.
Though, Liu Kang made sure you were a worthy fighter just by the chance that maybe one of his enemies would try and hurt you. You would know how to defend yourself.
It had been weeks, close to a month. Liu Kang was there emotionally but was not there physically. You knew he was busy but god, did you think he wasn’t attracted to you anymore.
You were reading your book in the living room when you heard the door open. You didn’t bother to look up because you knew it was Liu Kang.
Liu Kang locked the door behind him. “Good evening, my love.” He walked over to you and gave you a kiss on the head. “How was your day?”
“Great until you got here.”
You were a very sarcastic individual so Liu Kang just took it as a sign that you were being sarcastic. Liu Kang sat beside you. “Did you eat today?”
Trying not to be annoyed was hard but you were so frustrated that you couldn’t hold it in. You slammed your book shut and got up from the couch. “I can’t even read a book in my own home.” You marched to your room.
Liu Kang now understood you were angry at him. He just didn’t understand why.
When you walked in the room, you shut the door and locked it. Then you turned around and there you faced the Fire God himself. You jumped back, startled. “I hate when you do that.”
“(Y/N), if I’ve done something wrong then you need to open up. We talked about this.”
That was true. Liu Kang did talk to you about you opening up more to him and communicating with him. It was just hard for you because you never really liked talking about your feelings. Especially embarrassing ones.
You sighed and placed the book on your dresser. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so mean to you. I’m just…frustrated.”
Liu Kang gently took your hands in his. “Whatever it is, we can face it together. Tell me what has you so frustrated.”
You bit your lip, not wanting to even look at him. “It’s just…you haven’t really…” You trailed off. Lucky and unlucky for you, Liu Kang was a patient man and he waited for you to say it. “You know…and I just feel touch starved.”
Liu Kang now understood what you meant and he could only smile. “I’m sorry, my love. I did not mean to. I am God and because I’ve been alive for so long, I don’t really have the physical needs as you do.” He brought you closer to his warmth. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t take care of you.” Liu Kang gave you a sweet kiss on the lips. “Next time, just ask.”
You smiled shyly. “It’s embarrassing to ask…”
“You should feel comfortable to ask me.”
“Well technically you’re the one that made me so uncomfortable, creator so who’s really at fault here? So ha!”
Liu Kang shook his head and gave you a kiss on the forehead. “You, my one and only, are so strange.”
You were in a panting mess. Liu Kang was on top of you while you laid on your back. Your moans were uncontrollable and you were mad at him again for making you wait so long to feel like this.
Liu Kang watched you pant and he was mad at himself that he made you wait so long to feel this good.
Having sex with a god was always more pleasurable because well, he was a god. It was so much easier to get you to cum. It only took three minutes. Sometimes even two.
“Keep going, love. You’re almost there.” Liu Kang told you.
You made short breaths out as you were close to your release. You felt all around Liu Kang’s chest trying to hold onto something. “Oh, god. Oh Liu. I can’t.”
Liu Kang kissed your lips. He knew that sex with him was ten times more pleasure able than if he were human. “Breathe in and out, my love.” He watched as you took some breaths in and out. He caressed the left side of your face. “You’re doing so good.”
You felt your release close. “I’m so close. Please.”
“I got you.” Liu Kang held onto your thighs and continued to go at his slow and hard pace. “Cum on me, my love.”
You felt the wave of your orgasm wash all over you. Liu Kang didn’t stop until you had came over him completely.
He pulled out of you. Then leaned down to kiss you on your lips. His lips then went to your neck and your shoulder. “Never make me wait that long again.” You told him.
Liu Kang chuckled against kissing your skin. “I won’t, lovely.”
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JOHNNY CAGE
You never thought in your life span that you would crave for Johnny Cage but you did. He was your boyfriend now so you should’ve been used to the feeling.
But it had been a whole week. A week that Johnny did not have intimacy with you which you found to be extremely weird. I mean you two would have sex at least five times a week so you could not believe he wasn’t on you.
You had to be the stay at home girlfriend while he made his new movie. You couldn’t even stand being around him anymore because that’s how touch starved you were.
But you were not going to initiate it because he always initiated it and you were not going to give him the satisfaction of how badly you wanted him.
You couldn’t hide your attitude towards him.
You finished making dinner. Johnny was back from work. “Babe! I’m back! It actually was better than yesterday.” He came into the kitchen and set his things on the counter.
Johnny came up behind you and hugged you. He kissed your cheek. “Damn you look hot cooking.”
Yup. You couldn’t hold your attitude back. You pushed his arms off of you. “Clearly, I don’t.” You mumbled under your breath.
He heard you though. He was confused. Of course you were. You were the hottest girl he knew. “What are you talking about, babe?”
You walked away from the stove and got out plates. You set them on the counter. “There’s dinner. I’m gonna take a nap.”
You walked into the bedroom and were about to close the door behind you but Johnny was too fast for you.
Johnny forced the door open and you rolled your eyes at him. You started walking over towards the bed, fixing the sheets while he stood in the doorway. “What’s up with you? Did I do something?”
“It’s what you didn’t do.”
Johnny looked at you completely confused. You were mad that he didn’t do something? “Baby, you gotta help me out here because I’m lost.”
You angrily folded the sheets before turning to look at him. “Are you cheating on me?”
Johnny’s eyes went wide at the accusation. “What?” He stepped closer in the room to close some of the distance. “(Y/N), I’m not cheating on you. What could possibly make you think that?”
You scoffed at him and you turned your attention back on the bed. “I highly doubt that thee Johnny Cage can go a week without having sex.”
That’s when Johnny put the puzzle pieces together. He laughed a little. “Babe, seriously?” He came up behind you and wrapped his arms around you. “Aw, I knew you wanted some of this Johnny Cage.”
You rolled your eyes and pushed him off of you. “No. I don’t. I’m just stating it’s weird.”
“(Y/N), I’ve just been busy with the movie. Nothing weird has been going on. I promise.” He went back behind you and wrapped his arms once again around you. He started to kiss your neck. “If you wanted me, you could’ve just said something.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because that’s embarrassing.”
Johnny turned you around so you were facing him. He gave you an amused look. “Oh? So it’s embarrassing when I ask you all the time?”
You crossed your arms at him. “That’s different. You’re a man.”
“(Y/N). Just get your sexy ass in the bed.”
He watched you as you could barely ride him. It amused him a little. You were begging to have him but you were in too much pleasure to ride him the way you wanted.
Johnny didn’t have his hands on you as he wanted to see how far you could go without needing any help.
It wasn’t long.
“Oh my god. Johnny, I can’t.”
“You wanted this babe. You gotta ride me yourself.” He said smugly. He rubbed your nipples a little causing you to moan. “You tell me you love me though and I’ll help you.”
“I love you. I love you so much. Please. It feels too good.”
Johnny chuckled and grabbed onto your hips. He then started to move you up and down at a good fast pace. You weren’t doing any work. “I love you too, baby.”
You moaned loudly feeling your clit constantly hit him over and over again. “Yes. Please.”
Johnny let out a grunt at the new pace and your moans combined. “Damn I missed this.” His right hand traveled lower to smack your ass and then went back to your hip. “I’m never missing out on this again.”
Your hands were on his chest as you rode him. You felt yourself starting to inch close to your release. “I’m almost there. Oh shit. Yes.”
“Come on, baby. Cum on me. You can do it.”
His words made you lose it. You threw your head back. “I’m cumming. Oh god, Johnny.”
Johnny groaned as he felt you cum on him. He helped your ride out your entire orgasm. “There you go. I knew you could do it.”
You tried to control your panting as you sat on him. You didn’t make him pull out on you.
When he saw this, he rubbed your hips gently. “You alright, babe?”
You nodded. You leaned to kiss him on the lips and then you went back to riding his dick again. He moaned. “I want more.”
Johnny had no complaints.
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RAIDEN
With Raiden being Earthrealm’s champion it made him quite busy. You didn’t like it. He didn’t have any time for you and you were getting quite touch starved. It had been two weeks.
You were even more pissed when you found out that he was in Outworld helping Princess Kitana with something. Oh, that enraged you.
You were jealous. I mean, Kitana was a princess and you were just some Earthrealmer. You couldn’t really compete with that.
Washing the dishes, Raiden walked into the house. “I’m so glad to be home.” He walked to where you were at and kissed you on the cheek. “Hello, my heart.” He started to rub your back soothingly. “I missed you.”
“Go miss Kitana.” You told him bluntly and pushed him off of you.
He looked at you very confused. Raiden turned off the water and forced you to look at him. “What are you talking about, (Y/N)?”
You sighed a little, feeling bad that you were rude to him. “Nothing.”
“Is something troubling you? You know you can always talk to me.”
You bit your lip, slightly embarrassed at what you were going to say. “It’s just…you haven’t been around to…” Raiden waited patiently to hear you. “Make love with me and I feel like all your attention is on Kitana.”
“Oh, my heart.” Raiden lifted your chin up and gave you a kiss on the lips. “Trust me, I would spend all my time with you if I could but Lord Liu Kang has me going on missions that pertain to Outworld.” Raiden started to kiss your neck with sweet kisses. “I would make love to you every day if I could.”
You sighed happily at the kisses that were being placed on your neck. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so snippy with you.”
Raiden shook his head as he faced you. “You’re frustrated. I understand. Allow me to make you feel better.”
Raiden was eating you out as you laid on your back, his head between your thighs. You tugged on his hair. He licked all the right places and sucked on your clit greedily.
You moaned loudly. His hands were on your thighs and he continued to eat you out like you were his last meal. One thing about Raiden was that he knew how to eat pussy.
“Raiden. Yes. Oh god.”
He lifted his head from your pussy and licked his fingers. He then placed the fingers on your clit and started to rub it in circles.
You moaned louder and played with your breasts. Raiden watched you and licked his lips as he saw you throw your head back.
Raiden leaned over and kissed you on the lips, making you taste yourself. He wasn’t really a big tongue kisser but when he was horny, Raiden was the best tongue kisser in the world.
He licked the bottom of your lip before licking all over in the inside of your mouth. You moaned and tried to use your own tongue but when you did, Raiden wrapped his lips around it and sucked all over it.
You moaned incoherent nonsense and Raiden pulled away. “You look so pretty like this.”
The circles on your clit didn’t stop. You rubbed all over his chest. “Raiden please. I’m so close.”
When you said that, Raiden kissed you one last time. “I can’t wait to taste all of you in my mouth.”
Raiden went back between your legs and ate you out again. You moaned at the harsh licks and the way he sucked on your clit at a steady pace.
“Raiden. Oh god. Raiden. I’m cumming.”
He ate you out through out the entirety of your orgasm. Even to the point when you were done. You tried to push him off of you. “Too sensitive.”
Raiden came up from pussy and kissed you on your breasts. “Come on, love. You can’t give me one more?”
You couldn’t help but give in to Raiden’s words. You nodded and he smiled before going back down on you.
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squish--squash · 8 months
Text
I'm rewatching Good Omens, and noticed something in the first episode that has left me spiraling into a theory.
It's in the scene when Hastur and Ligur are handing Adam over to Crowley. Hastur asks Crowley to sign something beforehand, and:
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I thought it was a scribble the first time I watched it bc I was trying to figure out what was going on. But it's not a scribble.
It's not a 'C' either, for 'Crowley' It's not a 'A' or 'J' either, for the rest of his name.
It's an 'L'. It gets hard to see as he's finishing it, but it's the letter 'L'
This is how you write a capital 'L' in cursive:
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you swoop up and to the right, drop down, swoop left, and finish on the right.
and Crowley does this with his signature:
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here's him beginning the letter, swooping up and to the right
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Then he moves down,
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loops to the left,
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And finishes it as he moves back towards the right (and at this point, the complete letter is hard to make out. It's why I thought it was a scribble the first time I watched this episode)
Crowley's signature on the document Hastur makes him sign before delivering the Antichrist to start Armageddon, something that is arguably one of the most important things hell wants to document, is an 'L'.
WHY?
Why not a 'C', for Crowley, the name he currently goes by? Hastur and Ligur confirm the name itself earlier in the same scene ("What's he calling himself up here these days?"/"Crowley.")
Well, if going by what he claims in a later s1 episode that "Crowley" is his last name (Anthony J. Crowley), it would make sense for one of his initials to be put there.
Except it doesn't, because "Crowley" is not his real name. it's not the name he began with, the one he had as an angel.
So then, what would this name be? What would be a name for an angel, who is now a demon? A demon who was there to tempt eve, as a snake, into eating the forbidden fruit. Someone that brought the stars, and light, to the universe. A name that begins with the letter 'L'.
There's one I can think of that matches, and that name is Lucifer.
"But Squish!" I know some of y'all will comment, "What about that line Crowley said in episode 5? He mentions Lucifer, so it can't be him!"
In episode 5, Crowley says the following: "I never asked to be a demon. I was just minding my own business one day and then...oh, lookie here, it's Lucifer and the guys! Oh, hey, the food hadn't been that good lately. I didn't have anything on for the rest of that afternoon. Next thing, I'm doing a million-light-year dive into a pool of boiling sulphur."
Crowley also says in the second episode: "I didn't mean to fall. I just hung out with the wrong people."
A lot of people believe that it's implied that when Crowley said this, it meant he met Lucifer and hung out with him. But when he says it, it sounds like he's mockingly quoting someone else, talking to him.
The "Lucifer and the guys!" might've been directed to Crowley, using his name. This would match that line from a previous episode, "hung out with the wrong people."
"But Squish!" I know some of y'all will comment after reading that, "What about Satan? Lucifer is Satan, and Crowley isn't Satan!"
And neither is Beelzebub. Fun fact, by the way: One of the many names for The Devil, Satan himself, is Beelzebub. But Beelzebub is a whole different character. So why can't Lucifer be a whole different character too? After all, many people still argue to this day that Lucifer and Satan aren't one and the same...
Also, here's something interesting:
Crowley is the only character in the tv series that has mentioned Lucifer, and it was in that line I mentioned earlier. Lucifer is also mentioned once, in the book, but by Shadwell, mishearing Newt's last name as "Lucifer" instead of "Pulsifer". And Satan? In both the book and the tv show, he is never called another name other than "Satan", usually followed by his fancy and long title. His description in the book's "DRAMATIS PERSONAE" is literally "fallen angel; the adversary". No Lucifer.
And how about this:
Crowley was the one who started the universe, we see that at the beginning of season 2. He was the first one, to our knowledge, to say "let there be light." "Lucifer" means "light-bringer" Crowley was the snake that tempted eve into eating the apple in the garden of eve. We see this in the beginning of episode one. Many claim Lucifer was the one who did that. Crowley fell because he asked questions about how the universe should be run, after seeing its creation and being so proud of it. Many claim Lucifer's big sin that sent him falling was his pride stemming from his beauty causing him to revolt; eerily similar to Crowley asking questions after watching the beautiful universe he helped plan be born and growing protective after learning it was going to get shut down so early in its lifetime, isn't it? Crowley was a powerful angel. This is heavily implied in season 2, with the tiny joint-miracle he and Aziraphale made being as powerful as an archangel's. He has the ability to mask his presence powerful enough to fool Uriel, Michael, and Gabriel (the only other character we've seen have that kind of masking power was the Metatron, who Crowley was also the first to recognize). When going through records with Muriel, they claim only very high-ranking angels have clearance to look through the records of Gabriel, an archangel so powerful he single-handedly had the power to stop "Armageddon 2" from being put into plan; Crowley is able to access them. And Lucifer? Often described as having been a very powerful angel.
Lucifer is such an important name, such an important character, in the theologies surrounding Good Omens. So, where is he? Why has he only been mentioned seriously once, by Crowley?
The answer could be this, simple and short: Because he is Crowley.
EDIT:
I dug up the book. It's been a while since I read it (I honestly don't remember much from the book) and here's what it has to say about Crowley's signature...
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"Your real name."
.........
HELLO?
EDIT 2:
I found this post from Neil Gaiman's blog. The wording is confusing me, and I can't tell if this debunks or supports the theory..
What Neil Gaiman says is "That was the angel Lucifer. He doesn't exist any more. Now there's just Satan, the adversary." which might throw this entire thing out of the window, but the thing is: he never said Satan used to be Lucifer. He just said Lucifer doesn't exist anymore, but Satan does.
Furthermore, the person who first asked a question asks more questions, two of them: 1. Is Satan what's left of Lucifer after he fell and stopped existing, and 2. If so, does that mean there was an angel that existed that then fell and turned into crowley?
Neil Gaiman's answer is "As far as Crowley is concerned, the Angel that he was no longer exists. (And his name as an Angel wasn’t Crawley or Crowley.)"
He doesn't confirm or deny anything about Satan in that. All he said was "the Angel that he was no longer exists" and that Crowley's angel name wasn't his demon name.
Huh. Funny. He's saying angel!crowley no longer exists, when he just revealed that Lucifer "doesn't exist any more." Either there's a connection here, or I'm going insane.
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thvhoe · 9 months
Text
SUGAR | JJK
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PAIRING: Boxer Jungkook x Ballerina Reader
GENRE: ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP, BOXIG AU, DANCE AU, FLUFF, SMUT, ANGST
WARNINGS: abusive parents, drugs, Jungkook breaking in 💀, cursing, they're complete opposites, cringe nicknames, annoying fangirl?, reader is so awkward, polar opposites dynamics, emo boy Jk, inexperienced reader
WORDS: 10k
SYNOPSIS:
In a society where Jeon Jungkook epitomizes every parent's worst nightmare thanks to his tattooed body and rebellious personality, he crosses paths with someone who seems to be his exact opposite. Your paths crossing seems unlikely, as if the universe itself had never planned for your destinies to be intertwined. But in between shared late nights and lighthearted teasing. Your sanctuary is love.
A/n: ty to all the anons that sent me reassuring asks while I wrote this, this wouldn't be half as good without your help <3 321go
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To say youre utterly drained was the least, today has been an absolute whirlwind of exhaustion. Mrs. Chuu, with her 'great' dedication, pushed you to your limits, demanding three times the effort you usually put in, all because the judges are set to arrive in only two days.
The pressure was on, leaving you in a mess of jittery nerves. Yet, Mrs. Chuu promised you that if you continue with such determination, there's simply no way they won't qualify you.
You find yourself on the brink of collapsing, yearning for a moment of absolute nothing, ready for some sweet sleep when-
"L/n Y/n, what did your father just tell me?" Your mother barges into your room, fury in her eyes as she disregards any sign of knocking.
Your innocent and confused eyes lift from the book you were immersed in up until now, and you hurriedly adjust your glasses sitting up, "Um, Mom, what's wrong?" you ask, unsure of what caused her anger this time.
"Don't act stupid, young lady. Your rebellious behavior has gone too far. You dared to visit that beach again, didn't you?" she shakes her head, her hands firmly planted on her hips, and her gaze piercing into yours.
"One of the housekeepers saw sand on your sandals! Haven't I repeatedly told you to stay away from that place?" she scolds with a loud voice.
"Take this as your final warning, Y/n L/n. I swear, if you don't change your behaviour, I'll ground you until the end of auditions!" She scolds finger pointing at you accusingly.
"oh and one last thing" she says before leaving your room "if you dont pass them, consider yourself grounded for the next year" And with those strict words, she exits your room, leaving you sitting on your bed with wide eyes.
Sighing, you close your book, your mood now down the drain.
You sit in silence, the rhythmic pitter patter of raindrops against the window giving you a strange comfort that your parents never seemed capable of delivering.
Your bottom lip unconsciously pouts, a small tear making its way down your cheek as you walk over to your big window, settling on a soft pillow placed there for moments like these.
Leaning against the windowpane, you look outside, eyes fixed on the darkened streets illuminated by the occasional passing cars.
Living in proximity to the beach meant that your street was relatively quiet, with only a few houses in the area.
Lost in your thoughts, you absentmindedly draw a heart on the foggy window, adding a smiley face because why not?
You bite your lip, as you think about the small kiss you shared with Jungkook yesterday, a swarm of butterflies dancing in your stomach.
There was just something about him that made you feel understood, even though you barely knew each other, you felt a connection to him, a sense of comfort in his presence. He had this crazy ability to perceive when something bothered you, as if internal alarm clocks rang in his mind whenever you felt sad or upset–
Ding
Jungkook🥰: r u up?
Today 11:27 pm
Your eyes widen in surprise as you read his text, and you instinctively remove your glasses, needing to rub your eyes to ensure you're not caught in one of your dreams. It feels almost unreal that just moments ago, you were lost in thoughts of him, and now, here he was; texting you.
You pinch yourself softly, a small gasp escaping your lips as you rub your arm.
With trembling fingers, you type out a response, your heart pounding in your chest. "Jungkook, I can't believe you texted me. I was just thinking about you!" You whisper to yourself, smiling, rereading your text, sending it with a small tap on your phone.
You: Yes, can't sleep 😵‍💫
Today 11:32 pm
Sitting by the window, the storm outside seems to copy the amount of emotions within you.
You never knew a person could make you feel the way Jungkook makes you feel.
Jungkook🥰: cool, look down
Today 11:37
With a heavy heart, you switch off your phone, choosing not to respond to the text from him. Confusion lingers in the air as you gaze out the window, expecting nothing more than the sight of a few trees and the occasional flower. But the universe has other plans in store for you today, as you find yourself locking eyes with none other than Jeon Jungkook himself, leaving you speechless.
"What...?" you whisper shocked, the words escaping your lips almost immediately. Your breath hitches as you carefully open your window, letting a rush of cold air flow in.
In a mix of surprise and concern, you can't help but whisper-yell at him, "What are you doing here? What if my parents see you?"
A mischievous glint dances in Jungkook's eyes as he meets your worried gaze, a playful smirk on his lips.
His presence alone seems to challenge all logic, yet his eyes draw you in, leaving you a giggling mess when you turn away from the window for a second.
Soon enough, another message vibrates through your phone.
Jungkook🥰: you gonna let me in or what?
Today 11:45
Slightly shaking your head at him through the window you pout mouthing "I cant"
But in true Jungkook fashion, his persistence knows no boundaries and without hesitation, he climbs up the towering tree that stands just outside our window, determined to see you tonight. With every passing second, your eyes grow wider until he finally finds himself on your cosy, little balcony now staring at you eye to eye with the biggest grin "Hello sugar, missed me?"
For a moment, you find yourself unable to believe his presence in your room, unable to tear your eyes away from him–Jungkook smirks as he gazes at you in your sweet pink pajamas, with your hair flowing freely and not an ounce of makeup on your face, he can't help but think you look absolutely adorable.
Closing the distance between you, he reaches out to touch your cheek, but you quickly slap his hand away, shaking your head back to reality, your voice filled with panic. "You have to leave," you plead.
"If my mother catches you here, she'll freak out, and I'll never hear the end of it." Desperate to protect yourself and him, vecause you knew your mom wouldn't hesitate to call the cops on him, you push him back towards the balcony.
But Jungkook raises his hands in surrender, a mischievous shine in his eyes. "Hey, hey," he chuckles, striding over to your door and locking it with a quick motion. "See? Problem solved." His carefree attitude only ruffles your feathers as you shake your head with wide eyes.
"No, Jungkook, I'm so serious. You have to leave, like now. This is not a game," you reason, begging he'll understand. However, Jungkook remains unbothered, acting as if hed done this 1000 times before, walking over once more and taking a seat on your bed, just in front of you.
"Calm down, sugar," he teases with a smirk, his hand reaching out to your hip, drawing you closer and giving it a squeeze "The only light on in this entire house is in your room. Your parents are probably fast asleep. Besides, I missed you," he confesses, his tongue plays with his lipring as he stares at you, thumb brushing up and down your side.
You exhale gently, feeling a sense of relief wash over you as you softly place your hand over his bigger one, halting his movements. "You're quite stubborn," you remark, fighting back a smile as you direct your gaze downward.
"And so are you, sugar," he replies with a smirk, rising to his feet and making his way to a small bag he had hidden from you until now.
"Huh?" you tilt your head in confusion. "Snacks? Why?" you inquire, your mouth watering as he unveils a packet of your ALL-time favorite treat—strawberry marshmallows.
"Because you and I," he gestures between the two of you, "are going to hang out tonight." He makes you giggle "You mentioned earlier that you don't have to wake up too early tomorrow, so maybe we can stay up a little longer and talk?" His tone takes a complete 180 from his earlier teasing one.
You bite your lip, contemplating his question. He was right—you had class at noon, not at the ass crack of dawn like always—so technically... ugh, fine, you decide, nodding and settling down on the plush carpet, patting the space in front of you for him to join.
"Wait," you halt him, pointing to his Balenciaga stompers that he often wore when you saw each other. You loved them.
"Take off your shoes first," you demand, a touch of playfull authority in your voice.
"As you wish, ma'am," he chuckles, slipping off his shoes and then taking a seat in front of you, extending a packet of sweets your way. "You're absolutely insufferable, Jeon," you shake your head in playful exasperation, but can't help but savur a bite of the sweet goodness.
"So, what's on your mind?" he asks, taking a bite himself and leaning back, propping himself up with his palms as he raises an eyebrow and fixes his eyes on you.
You shrug carelessly. "Everything's alright, normal," you reply, biting your lip and grabbing another marshmallow.
His dark eyes narrow as he sits up straighter, edging his face closer to yours. "You're lying," he states, a hint of tease in his voice. "I don't know why, but I can always tell when you're lying to me, sugar," he smirks, raising an eyebrow. "Or am I wrong? Are you not lying right now?" His tone eager for you to confess the truth.
You stare at him for a moment, contemplating whether it's worth opening up, but finally, you give in. "My mom found out I've been sneaking out to see you," you admit, watching as his eyes widen in surprise.
But before he can react, you interrupt him, clarifying, "Well, she doesn't know about you specifically. She just knows I've been going out to the beach." You continue explaining, "It's nothing new to her. I used to go there a lot as a kid, and I've only recently started going again."
Disappointment fills your voice as you add, "She scolded me a lot earlier." You bite your lip "I hate when she does that."
Jungkook's gaze softens, his hand gently intertwining with yours. "Y/n," he says, waiting for your attention.
"Y/n," he repeats when you don't immediately respond. "Look at me, sugar," he says tenderly, cradling your face in his hand. "Hey, it's okay," he reassures you. "Your mom... she's not the nicest person, is she?" he asks, causing your eyes to widen.
"Don't-" You start, but Jungkook interrupts, "I'm right, sugar. She's horrible to you in every possible way." He speaks with a raised brow. "You... you're so accustomed to it that you just... take it," he continues, his voice softening "you don't deserve that"
"Can we not talk about this right now?" you ask, fidgeting with your fingers, your eyes pleading for him to replace the topic with something else.
When he nods in understanding, you let out a deep exhale, grateful for the temporary switch "Nice room you've got here," he smirks, glancing around. "It's very... pink," he tries to compliment, earning a playful punch on his chest from you.
"I like it this way," you pout in offense. Jungkook simply nods, a smile playing across his lips as he scans the room and spots your collection of trophies.
"Are those all yours?" he asks, gesturing towards them and you nod proudly, a sparkle in your eyes. "Yeah, they're older though. My parents keep the newer ones downstairs," you explain. "Most of them are from when I was 12," you continue, a sense of nostalgia creeping into your voice. "That's when I was winning most of the competitions," you say, a proud smile spreading across your face.
"Mhm," Jungkook nods, his smile widening. "You must be proud of yourself, then," he asks, turning his gaze back to you.
"I am," you reply, beaming. "But winning... it's nothing special to me anymore. I do it for my parents. If it were up to me..." you look for the right words. "I love ballet, you know," you say, your voice softening. "It's fun, but if it were solely for my own fun, I would do it as a hobby no competitions," you explain. "It can get tiring sometimes," you add, observing Jungkook's attentive expression as he listens carefully.
"Is that why you fought with your mom that day?" Jungkook carefully asks, and you just nod "yeah"
Sighing, you take another piece of candy, observing as Jungkook stands up and approaches your collection of prizes, carefully looking at them. He reads out your full name, "Y/n m/n l/n," and playfully raises an eyebrow at you. "Cute"
You respond with a laugh and walk over to him, grabbing the first trophy you ever won and proudly presenting it to him. It was a small plastic trophy, one that your parents had told you throw away years ago because they considered it worthless.
"I won this when I was only 2," you chuckle, raising the trophy. "Technically, I didn't win it alone; everyone who participated received one. But, yeah," you giggle. "I don't recall much about that day since I was... well, you know... only 2 years old."
"That's really cute," he comments, his eyes twinkling with adorationt. "You should definitely keep it" He lets out a light-hearted laugh, casually brushing his hand through his sleek, black hair, which reveals his mindblowingly beautiful full sleeve of tattoos
"Did that hurt?" you suddenly change the subject, pointing at his arm.
"Did what hurt?" he asks, slightly confused. "Your tattoos," you clarify, gesturing towards the inked up part of his arm. "You have a lot. Did they hurt?" you inquire with curiosity. Jungkook just shrugs. "The first ones, yeah. Now, when I get new ones, it's pretty mild," he explains, his voice casual. "Why? Do you like them?" he teases, a mischievous smirk spreading on his face.
"They're so pretty," you say, your hand hesitating in mid-air as you look at Jungkook with wide, hopeful eyes. "Can I...can I touch them?" you ask, a hint of uncertainty in your voice.
"Go ahead," Jungkook smiles and stretches out his arm, encouraging you.
"They won't feel any different from normal skin, though," he adds, easing your curiosity.
Carefully, fearing you might hurt him, you begin to graze your fingertips over his tattoos.
You gasp ag the closeness between the two of you becomes apparent as you notice your noses almost touching. Feeling a sudden rush of uncertainty, you quickly avert your eyes and clear your throat. Returning to your seat and leaning against your makeup desk to create some distance.
Jungkook follows a moment after, but the silence between you feels off.
"Hey, Jungkook," you finally break the silence, locking eyes with him.
He nods, tilting his head against the wall, his gaze fixed on you.
"Are we... friends?" you ask, your voice laced with awkwardness.
Jungkook sighs, cracking a smile.
"Do you want to be?" He asks, raising an eyebrow with a hint of smugness. "Do you want to be friends with me, sugar?" His question lingers in the air, and as you meet his gaze, your mind races.
Did you want to be friends with Jungkook, or did you desire something more? The memory of your shared kiss resurfaces, adding another layer of uneasiness to your thoughts.
But before you can respond, a sudden, harsh banging on your door interrupts the moment. "Y/n L/n, what are you still doing up?!" Your mom yells through the door.
Startled, you stutter "mom I-" but she cuts you off. "And why are you talking? Is there someone in there with you?!" Desperately, she attempts to open the door, but it remains locked thanks to Jungkook.
Wide-eyed, you turn to him, hastily gathering his stuff and guiding him towards the balcony were he climbed in from.
Panic rises in you as you whisper-yell, "You have to leave."
He begins to protest, his voice filled with confusion. "Why? Let me just hide in your bathroom until your mom leaves. We can-." However, your mother's voice cuts through the air once again. "Y/n L/n, I'm getting the spare keys!" Her determination visible leaving little time for debate or strategic planning.
With a tear of pure stress falling down your cheek, you plead Jungkook, desperation obvious your eyes. "Jungkook, please," you beg, "you dont get it-" gently you push him away. "Leave."
"Jesus, Y/n, calm down," he argues, his voice filled with urgency, as he gently grabs your face, wiping away your tears. "Trust me, okay?" He pleads, his eyes searching for yours. "Let me handle this." And with those words, he swiftly pushes his bag under your bed, his movements quick and easy.
Then walking over to your walk-in closet, giving you a confident wink, before your mother enters the room with the spare key in her hand.
As she steps in, her hands firmly on her hips, your mother scoffs. "You've become quite the rebellious young girl," she shakes her head disapprovingly. "What did I say about staying up past midnight? It'll give you eyebags. No one wants to see a ballerina with eyebags," she scoffs, her gaze sweeping across the room.
"Who were you talking to?" she asks, raising an eyebrow. Your heart races as you whisper, "Myself. I was reading a book and got too into it. I'm sorry. I'll go to bed now." Bowing respectfully, you sit down on your bed, forcing a smile for her. "It won't happen again, I promise."
Your mother gazes at you for a moment longer. But as she sniffs the air, sensing a weird mix of sweat and perfume lingering in the room, panic wells up in you. "It smells like a man in here," she purses her lips.
"I was practicing some of Mrs. Chuus' choreography," you manage to smile slightly. "I promise, Mom, I wasn't doing anything bad." You hold your breath, hoping she'll believe you.
And somehow, against the odds, she does, finally leaving the room after saying "you stress me out so much lately, im gonna get wrinkles", allowing you to breathe out a sigh of relief.
Jungkook's voice broke the silence once he made sure your mom was gone, filling the room with his beautiful deep voice. "Wow, your mom's a witch," he exclaimed, emerging from your closet, in his hands, he held your none other than your beloved Cinderella blanket, a cute memory from your childhood. With an arched brow, he playfully teased you, holding ut up.
Whispering anxiously, you asked, "Did you go through my things?" Your heart raced as you swiftly snatched the blanket, hurriedly throwing it on your bed.
"That blanket is special. Mrs. Lin gave it to me on my 12th birthday when I was little." You couldn't help but explain, pouting.
A gentle chuckle escaped him as speaks, "I see,"
"Listen, sugar, why don't I give you some space for now? How about we meet at the beach tomorrow?" He suggests leaning against your wall he smirks.
As you gather Jungkook's belongings from beneath your bed handing them back to him, you eagerly agree, "Deal."
A warm smile graced Jungkook's face as he replied, "Great." Taking out the package of marshmallows from his bag, handing it to you. "Keep them," he insisted making you smile.
His touch is softer than usual as he lifted your chin with his thumb and index finger. Leaning in, he placed a soft, affectionate kiss on your forehead, leaving your cheeks blushing.
"See ya tomorrow," he murmured, a smirk lingering on his lips. "See you tomorrow, Jungkook." You nodded, your voice barely audible as you whispered.
Jungkook🥰: good night, sugar
Today 1 am
You go to bed smiling that night.
-
Jungkook found himself back in the boxing ring the very next day, preparing for an upcoming match with a tempting $10,000 cash prize.
"Jk, you're lost in thought, man. What's the issue?" Jungkook's trainer asked, hitting him on the back playfully and ruffling his hair.
"It's that girl he's seeing," Yeji chimed in, the self-proclaimed leader of Jungkook's fan club. She always seemed to be everywhere he was. "Shut the fuck up, Y," Jungkook hissed, his frustration evident. "I don't get pressed over a girl." He shook his head and delivered another powerful punch to the boxing bag.
But Jungkook's coach Bang, couldn't stop teasing him further. "Are you sure? You look like you haven't gotten your dick sucked in ages," he joked, earning himself a sharp glare from the younger one and the vibe in the gym grew shifted tenser as everyone waited for Jungkook's reaction.
"Everyone. Shut the fuck up," Jungkook snapped, his voice filled with irritation. "I didn't come here to fucking talk. If that's what you all want to do, then I'm gonna look for a place that leaves me in peace."
With those words, Jungkook grabbed his gym bag and stormed out of the training facility, leaving his coach, trainer, and fellow boxers stunned and speechless. They watched in disbelief as their star fighter, walked away in the midst of his training.
"Hey Jeon wait up, what about practise-" Bang yells after him
"Fuck practise I need a cig" are Jungkooks final words before ultimately leaving
Meanwhile, outside the gym, Jungkook took deep breaths, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside his head. He knew he had to find a way to regain his focus and concentrate on his training, fuck, why were you on his mind 24/7?
Determining to clear his mind, Jungkook found himself racing through the streets on his harley, seeking solace in the familiarity of the city. Each turn brought him further away from the distractions, and closer to a sense of inner peace.
Eventually, he ended up at the same beach you always hung out at, giving him a sense of peace he yearned for. Jungkook settled on a bench beneath a sprawling tree, its leaves gently falling down with the wind.
"It's that girl he's seeing,"
"Are you sure? You look like you haven't gotten your dick sucked in ages,"
"Fuck man" he groans throwing his helmet into the sand.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow across the beach, Jungkook closed his eyes and let his mind drift away. The sound of your laughter from yesterday not leaving his mind for a second.
"Stop living in my mind," he groans, shaking his head as if that would make you go away.
"I love ballet, you know,"
"It's fun, but if it were solely for my own fun, I would do it as a hobby no competitions,"
"It can get tiring sometimes,"
Your words echoed through his mind, they played on a continuous loop, tugging at his heartstrings, urging him to figure his own emotions. Why did he care so deeply? After all, you were just a girl, seemingly ordinary in every way. There was no special allure surrounding you, nothing overly sexy that would typically draw him in. Yet, there he sat, burdened with his own emotions.
Jungkook found himself lost in a sea of confusion.
The ocean before him, its waves crashing against the shore with a rhythmic consistency. The breeze, carrying a slight chill, felt like it whispered secrets in his ear, as if urging him to figure out why you'd taken hold of his heart.
"I can't get you out of my head," he murmured softly to himself, the words barely escaping his lips.
Your conversations, though normal, carried an undertone of depth and sincerity that had never caught his interest before you. He'd never talk about the things he talks about with you with other people. It was this simplicity, this unfiltered expression of who you were, that made him fall.
Lost in his mind, Jungkook lets the cool air calm his nerves of seeing you. He wanst this nervous yesterday. But he was more nervous yesterday than the day before that.
With every passing moment, his anticipation grew. The prospect of seeing you again made him happy, its like you were about to become his new addiction.
Glancing at his watch, Jungkook realized that he had approximately 45 more minutes until your arrival. The passing of time sparked an idea in him—a small, maybe cute plan that might give him some solace from the whirlwind of emotions that was his minda.
Jungkook🥰: when r u done with practice?
Today 17:15
He plays with his lipring a second before he sees your reply.
Y/n🐠: in around 15 minutes, why? ☺️
Today 17:15
He smiles at your message, knowing you were probably making the same face as the emoji in front of him.
-
"I don't recall granting permission for phone usage during my classes," Mrs. Chuu remarks, startling you as she speaks from behind.
Scared, you quickly bow and switch off your phone, swiftly returning to your position, ready to follow her instructions again. Mrs. Chuu nods in acknowledgement, moving back to the centre of the ballet practice room. Through the mirror, her eyes linger on you, "You know, Y/n, I've mentioned my daughter to you before, haven't I?" As she corrects your posture, you nod at her statement while she helps you in stretching your leg.
Curiously, she adds, "Even though she's now 27, I still remember the time when she had her first crush."
Her words make you raise your eyebrows in surprise. "What-"
Sensing your reaction, Mrs. Chuu quickly interrupts, "I wasnt finished yet." Pausing momentarily, she continues, "Lately, it seems like your mind is elsewhere, and I'm almost certain it has something to do with a boy, dear." With a gentle smile, she taps your other leg, prompting to do the same movement.
You find yourself wide-eyed and shocked, realizing that she knew.
Filled with fear, you gaze at her but she reassures you, "Oh, dear, there's no need to worry. Crushes, boys, and first kisses are all part of growing up. It's perfectly normal at your age." Mrs. Chuu carefully examines your posture, adjusting your arm slightly. "Just make sure you're focused when the judges arrive. Have a pleasant remainder of the day. You may now head home," she concludes the class with these words, leaving you breathless. She. knew.
"So, who's this mysterious guy that has you beaming like that, Miss L/n?" Mrs. Chuu asks with genuine curiosity.
As you take a sip of water and catch her staring through the mirror, a smile graces your lips. Swiftly taking off your ballet shoes, you reply, "His name is Jungkook. I met him a few days ago, and he's just... a dream." Letting out a contented sigh, you can't help but wear a smile of pure hapiness, gathering your belongings and sliding your bag over your shoulder.
"Does your mother know?" Mrs. Chuu raises an eyebrow, her expression curious yet stern. Feeling a sudden twinge of nervousness, you gulp and shake your head, basically saying that your mother is not aware of Jungkook's existence at all.
"Good," Mrs. Chuu responds with a reassuring smile, her eyes conveying a shared secret. "I wouldn't want anything slipping past my lips that shouldn't be said. Have a wonderful evening, enjoy your date, and I'll see you at the same time tomorrow." Her parting words leave you confused
As you walk out of the grand ballet building, a sense of bewilderment washes over you. "Wait, how did she know I was going on a date?" you mumble to yourself under your breath, searching for Mr. Lin's car amidst the huge parking spot.
-
Kicking some rocks and taking another drag of his cigarette, Jungkook strolled along the beach, feeling the salty breeze on his face. The sun was slowly descending by now, casting a warm golden shine over the waves. It was now 6 pm, and as he wandered along the shore, Jungkook couldn't help but let his mind drift to you. You were supposed to arrive any minute now, and a mixture of anticipation and nervousness tugged at his heart.
Smirking mischievously, you watch as Jungkook walks around the beach, shaking your head disapprovingly at his smoking habit, but despite your disapproval, you can't help but find his carefree personality...cute?
With a small smile tugging on your lips, you decide to approach him as quietly as possible, planning to scare him at the perfect moment.
Just as you're about to do so, you let out a playful laugh, causing Jungkook to jump in surprise. "That's revenge for last time," you shrug giggling, unable to resist poking his tummy and feeling a blush creep onto your cheeks when Jungkook doesn't immediately return the laughter.
"Hey, that's not cool," he groans, his gaze shifting from his now soaked shoes, which had lightly hit the water for a moment when he stepped into the ocean, to meet your apologetic wide eyes.
Panic sets in as you realize you might have upset him. "I'm sorry," you quickly apologize, genuine concern clear in your voice. However, before you can fully apologise, Jungkook's teasing smirk reappears, and he swiftly grabs your waist, hoisting you over his shoulder as he carries you towards your usual spot on the beach.
"I was just kidding, sugar. You're so easy to tease," he laughs, finally letting you down gently by the rocks.
He immediately takes off his jacket and places it around your shoulders, his eyes filled with love. "It's gonna get cold," he says softly.
Still pouting, you playfully smack his chest, "You're mean." You pause, crossing your arms and sticking out your lower lip in an exaggerated pout. "Don't do that ever again. I actually thought I upset you for a second," you say, your voice filled with a bit of playful whining.
"You could never upset me. I was just teasing ya"
Leaning into his touch, appreciating the warmth of his hands against your cheeks you reply softly "Okay," your pout fading away. "Just remember, payback is always a possibility, so bettee watch your back," you tease
Jungkook sighs, his eyes sparkling with affection. "I'll keep that in mind," he chuckles. With the sun beginning to set, the two of you settle into your usual spot, enjoying each other's company
"How was practice?" you ask Jungkook, leaning against his shoulder to close your eyes for some much-needed rest.
"I didn't go," he replies with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I went, but then I left again. My coach was pissing me the fuck off," he sighs, frustration evident in his tone.
Placing his hand on your waist, pulling you closer as if seeking comfort from your embrace.
You giggle softly, your voice filled with affection. "I wish I could do that sometimes. It must have been nice for you, though. You deserve some rest, Jungkook," you say, sincerity in your voice. "You work so hard" you add, looking up into his eyes. In that moment, it feels as if the entire world fades away, leaving just the two of you in your own little bubble.
Clearing his throat, Jungkook looks away, his cheeks tinted with a faint blush. You raise a playful eyebrow, but decide to let it slide for now, focusing on the waves instead.
"So, I was thinking," Jungkook begins, his voice filled with determination. "Since you told me you don't go out much, maybe we should go get some ice cream. There's a place pretty close by," he suggests, nodding in the direction of the place nearby.
You hum in contemplation, genuinely interested. "Is it good? I've never had ice cream before," you confess, feeling a slight wave of embarrassment wash over you.
"You haven't?" Jungkook's eyes widen in surprise and confusion. "How the fuck have you never tried ice cream?" He laughs
A small shrug escapes your shoulders as you reply, unaware by missed opportunities in your life. "Well, I guess you can't crave stuff you haven't tried before. I never had the opportunity to go out with friends and do all that stuff," you explain, your tone carrying a tinge of carelessness.
"Let's change that," Jungkook's determination is obvious as he stands up, pulling you gently to your feet. "You'll love the strawberry flavor," he adds, a warm smile gracing his features as he intertwines his fingers with yours. "Let's go have some fun."
As you walk hand in hand, the warm summer breeze tousles your hair making Jungkook tease you even more. It feels like a perfect evening, made just for the two of you
Arriving at the ice cream parlor, you're greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly made waffle cones and the colorful display of various flavors.
You're amazed by the choices, unable to decide which one to try first.
Jungkook chuckles, amused by your excitement. His hand pulls you closer, squeezing your hip as he speaks "Don't worry. I'll help you choose," he says, stepping up to the counter with a caring glimmer in his eyes.
"We'll have a scoop of strawberry, a scoop of vanilla, and a scoop of marshmallow"
You watch as the employee scoops the ice cream, placing it on the cones with precision. The sight of the creamy swirls mames your mouth water, your anticipation growing with each passing second as you lightly bite your lip.
You watch as Jungkook pays for it, attempting to interject and offer to split the cost, but he insists on treating you. "Don't worry about it, sugar. I like treating you," he teases, a playful glint in his eyes as he hands you the ice cream cone. You can't help but blush feeling a warmth spread through your entire body.
"Woah," you mutter in awe, staring at the huge ice cream before you. The colors of white and pink reflect on your blushing cheeks and unbeknownst to you, a small smile graces Jungkooks face as he snaps a picture on his phone, quickly turning it off and taking your hand, leading you on a cute walk down the street until you reach a little park.
"Try it," he encourages, motioning towards the melting ice cream.
Nodding with excitement, you bring the cone to your lips and take a delicate lick. A delightful hum escapes your lips as the strawberry flavor reaches your tongue. "Wow," you gasp in amazement. "This is so good. Why haven't I had this before?" You pout playfully before taking another eager bite.
Jungkook chuckles at your reaction, "nice you like it," he says, a softness in his voice as he watches you.
"Try it"
And he gladly accepts, taking the ice cream from your hand and a contented smile spreads across his face. "You're right," he agrees. "It's good"
With the ice cream now slightly less melty, you continue your walk through the park, hand in hand.
As you walk, Jungkook leads you to a cute spot beneath a cherry blossom tree.
Taking off his hoodie, he places it on the grass, motioning you to sit on it. "Oh, I don't want to get it dirty, though." You hesitate, but Jungkook is quick to interrupt you. "Come on, I can always wash it."
Nodding you sit beside him, ice cream almost done.
Jungkook's heart races as you scoot closer to him, your proximity making his breath quicken. He watches with adoration as you lick away at your ice cream, your big eyes observing a stray cat that wanders by.
A soft chuckle escapes your mouth, drawing his eyes thoughts back to reality.
"My mom almost took my phone this morning," you laugh, glancing at him. His eyebrows raise in surprise. "Really?"
"But I told her I needed it in case Mrs. Chuu needed me for something," you proudly state, a mischievous twinkle in your eyes. "Look at you, making me a rebel," you tease him, taking the last bites of your ice cream.
"Don't blame me," he jokes defensive "It's not my fault you can't live without me anymore."
You pause, the vibe shifting as your laughter quiets down. "Yeah," you begin, "I mean, I'm much happier ever since I met you. It's nice to go out and not be stuck at home," you confess, "I'm glad I met you, Jungkook. I really am," you say, turning to him with a genuine smile.
However, as your words of appreciation reach Jungkook's ears, his expression turns cold. A frown tugs at your lips, and you're about to ask him what's wrong when he interrupts you, laughing bitterly.
"You just..." he shakes his head, scoffing at himself. "You just don't know what you do to me, Y/n," he says.
Confusion settles in, and you whisper, "What?"
Jungkook stares you down, his gaze intense "I was waiting all day for this," he begins, "I had everything planned," he continues, his words pouring out in a rush.
You're now even more confused, trying to piece everything together "Jungkook, I..." you begin to speak, but he stops you,frustration evident in his tone.
"I was going to ask you about your day, walk by the beach, get you ice cream, kiss you...," he rambles, his words overlapping. "But now I'm just sitting here like an idiot, making heart eyes at you," he scoffs, "It's pathetic."
Silence hangs in the air, and you're left speechless by his confession. Slowly, you reach out, placing a gentle hand on his arm.
"Jungkook, it's not pathetic," you say softly, your voice filled with sincerity. "I appreciate everything you've done for me ever. Your feelings are valid, and you don't have to hide them from me."
He looks at you, his gaze softening as he absorbs your words. The tension between you eases, replaced with understanding. He takes a deep breath, his features relaxing.
"I just really fucking like you" he admits, looking into your eyes.
A shy smile forms on your face as you look down, feeling too many emotions all at once.
"I like you, sugar, and I wanna..." His voice trailed off, a small pleading glint in his eyes as he paused to firmly grasp your chin, tilting your head up to meet his gaze. The touch was firm, his thumb and index finger showing off a hint of dominance, as if he was used to taking control. "And I wanna kiss you so fucking bad right now," he confessed.
You couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. With closed eyes, you leaned in closer, enjoying the anticipation that hung in the air. The mere thought of submitting to him and kissing him sent shivers down your spine.
"I like you too," you murmured. And with those words hanging in the air, he wasted no time. His lips crashed into yours, it was a passionate and much needed kiss, filled with a hunger. His tongue swept across your lip, demanding entry, and you couldn't resist the temptation.
When you finally broke apart, breathless and slightly out of it, his piercing eyes looked into yours. "I want to be with you," he admitted, his voice husky, his hand, tatted and rough, cupped your blushing cheek, a big contrast to the tenderness it held.
Biting your lip, you met his gaze, you were well aware of his reputation, the dangerous fights he got in. But something about his unapologetic authenticity drew you in.
With a surge of neediness, you nodded, "Yes," you whispered. You were willing to risk it all for a taste of the wild temptation he promised.
A devilish amirk spread across his face, a hint of triumph in his eyes. He knew he had won you over, breaking through your soft skin with his rough edges "Be my girl, then," he smiled.
You met his gaze and nodded. "Yes," you were ready to embrace the chaos and danger that came with being with him.
"Oh fuck" his hand on your face softened even more as looked at you, now all his, kissing your lips once more, as if sealing your relationship.
In that moment, you knew you were diving headfirst into trouble if your parents were to ever find out
But that was a problem future you would have to handle.
Series masterpost
Plot credit to all my lovely anons🥺🩷
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@kooliv @sexymenandcuteanimals101 @tatyhend @idontevenknow75 @dunixxd @saweetspoiled @codeinebelle @telepathytae @faepurity @koobsessed @jooniesxbby @bebejungkook @sxtaep @janedukiesworld @outro-kook @grasstrainerjoonie @ziko @jungshook7 @zerocge @dodoneck @beahonomo @jiimtaee @nervoustyphoonpersona @fan-ati--c @koobsessed @nucleo-bang-tan @sincerelyflora @lil-sracha @sweetonkookieandtae @exactlygreatcoffee @hoseokteardrop @aeonianamour @chaelvrx @genkima @gamer-carat @seokjinspinkslipper @kelsyx33 @loveejkk
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goobtopia · 3 months
Text
crime and punishment [farleigh start]
!! 18+ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT !!
based on this request
summary: after a dinner party at saltburn you confront your long time friend, farleigh, about his odd behavior surrounding felix’s new friend from oxford.
warnings: 18+, SMUT, f!reader, (kinda) p*rn without plot, kissing, praise kink, mentions of p in v sex, thigh riding, nipple play, dom!farleigh, wealthy reader, mention of bullying, swearing, farleigh is both mean and whiny you’ve been warned
[requests are open]
☆ masterlist ☆
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“Are you gonna tell me what’s wrong or keep giving me the silent treatment?” You crossed your arms in the entryway of Farleigh’s room. He refused to look up from his Dostoevsky summer reading or give you any kind of acknowledgment.
You sighed, finally entering the room so you could sit at the edge of his bed making sure to shut the door behind you. With you facing him and your legs tucked under your body, he obviously couldn’t focus on the passage enough to continue reading so he sighed, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” This was classic Farleigh, so upset or so angry that he’d just shut it down instead. It was something of a compliment you guessed, when Farleigh didn’t care to hurt anyone with his words informed by his loathing his insults were quick and harsh. I once watched him send Gavey crying in the quad after spilling coffee on his lecture notes and heard he was in and out of the school counseler’s office after that.
“If this is about earlier…” You trailed off, unknowingly hitting the nail on the head for Farleigh and you jumped when his hard cover book made a deafening crack as it closed. “No, why would I be upset about earlier? It’s not like everyone has been up Oliver’s ass all semester, so much so that you take his side and make me look like a jackass in front of everybody.” He was calm, spoke in a sickly sweet voice as the book was discarded near his pillows.
You never pulled punches with Farleigh, he knew this, which is why he shouldn’t have been so surprised when you defended your actions, “Farleigh you made yourself look like an ass, like when everyone stopped laughing because it was literally painful to watch.” He ran a hand over his khaki colored corduroy pants, his fingers adorned with expensive silver rings, as he rested his ear against his shoulder. A sign he was licking his wounds after you walked out to check on Oliver leaving him alone to sing the rest of his shitty song.
“You get so… prideful around him, like you’re trying to prove something. I’ve never seen you like this.” The way Farleigh kept attacking Oliver was far from his usual pettiness, no Farleigh was always quick but even the butt of his jokes would find themselves laughing about it eventually. Here it was like he was taking everything just a step too far, you didn’t understand how Oliver got under his skin so badly.
Sure, he didn’t come from your world but it wasn’t like he was being a nuisance, there was no reason in your mind to embarrass him by picking a song for him that Farleigh was sure Oliver didn’t know. “Well, he’s a fucking creep. He’s sneaking around with Venetia and he’s cozying up to you lately, he had you using his lap as a couch coushin in there.” He looked disgusted by the thought.
You hadn’t thought anything of it honestly, if Venetia was settled in her brother’s lap in a platonic fashion you figured it was all in the spirit of the night. The closeness and camaraderie we found amongst yourselves in these nights, that was like tradition to you. “Farleigh…” You trailed in a tone reeking of disappointment in one of your best friends, “What? You don’t think so?” He quipped.
Your silence spoke for itself and he scoffed, “Well then you’re a fucking idiot.” Your voice, while not loud, cut through the air like a knife, “Hey. You do not speak to me like that.” You pointed your finger, straightening your back out. Next thing you know he’s pinning you down by your thighs, using this new leverage to lean into your face.
“What are you gonna do about it? Run and tell poor little orphan Ollie?” He nodded, silently coaxing an answer from you. “You’re being mean Farleigh.” You whisper, showing weakness for a moment not even thinking about the fact your friend doesn’t ever touch you like this. Somehow, it’s the least of your worries.
With a heaving chest he looks down at your lips, focusing in on them as they draw into a tight line with the silence. “I wouldn’t be so mean if you hadn’t been,” His tongue runs over his bottom lip. “…misbehaving.” You lost the ability to breathe for a moment, suddenly forced to face the lines that were most definitely being crossed. This was uncharted territory for the both of you.
One hand came up to your face, pressing his thumb lightly into the center of your chin making sure to slowly bring it up and gauge your reaction. His knuckle hooked over your bottom lip until the pad of his thumb grazed the wetness of your tongue. You closed your mouth around it instantly, earning a groan from the tall boy towering over you.
Swiftly he removed himself, pocketing his hands under your thighs and throwing your weight on top of his so you were open for him across the thick muscle of his leg. “You gonna be good for me?” You nodded, bracing yourself on his shoulders. “Yes, I am.” You said without hesitation, some new fire ignited you craved to fuel.
You were pulled by the nape of your neck to meet his lips in a fervent kiss pressing your whole body against his. Lips slid against each other as they danced in harmony, tongues exploring one another as you began grinding your hips against him hoping to relieve some of the pressure building in your core.
His free hand locked onto your hip to stall any movement as he pulled away from you, “Take it easy babe, just let me touch you.” You could’ve melted right there, his hand traveled up your nightgown and grazed over the seam on the side of your panties. “Oh really?” He sounded almost proud in his surprise at your lack of pants.
He explored further, reaching up to your right breast and grazing his nail against your nipple. Your hips stuttered involuntarily, amusement written on his face as he watched your face screw in pleasure. “F-fuck” Your voice cracked, feeling that stimulation go straight to your core.
“You gonna let me have a taste?” He pouted, twisting the nipple in between his fingers leaving you breathless and desperate for more. “Yes, fuck, please just put your mouth on me.” You whined, and Farleigh didn’t need to be asked twice. Your gown was ripped from your body leaving you in just a little pair of panties and nothing aside from your stark nakedness.
Of course, he had to take a moment to admire your body, so soft and beautiful, like unwrapping a gift he’s always yearned for. “Farleigh, please.” Your voice sounded pathetic almost, but you were worried if either one of you paused for too long you’d come to your senses and stop. And empty fear seeing as it would probably take an act of god to seperate the two of you at this moment.
“Shut up, I wanna see what you’ve been hiding from me all these years.” His hands explored practically every inch of you, his eyes grazing against your stomach, your breasts, you thighs. He couldn’t stop imagining what your hips might look like settled on top of his own, stuffed to the brim with his cock.
He couldn’t wait anymore, he unbuckled his silver and black belt, letting it hit the floor somewhere before jimmying them halfway off all with you in his lap. Now your sex was making indirect contact with a small sliver of his skin between his boxers and pants. “I’m gonna spend some time with these,” He began to explain, giving each breast a squeeze. “But you’re gonna get off on my thigh before I do anything else. Understand?” You nodded with confidence, hiding your dissapointment in him. All you wanted was for him to be inside you, tending to that most sensitive part of you and he was making you do it yourself.
But you could give him a show, make him so insatiable he’d have no choice but to turn you over and fuck you after seeing the way you grind into that muscle. “Yes, I understand. I’ll be good for you.” You cooed in your most sultry voice. It must’ve been an effective plan because his head dipped to tend to you almost instantly.
With lips and teeth scratching against the sensitive skin of your nipple, you felt like you were going crazy. You didn’t need to be reminded of you task because your hips did all the work for you at the feeling he provided. It was like your breasts had a direct line to your clit, making any friction against it double in intensity.
Your hips weren’t thrashing against him by any means but you were still racing to reach that high, something Farleigh helped along by bouncing his thigh against you. Farleigh switched breasts, leaving a free hand to guide your motions along him in frustration. “God I can’t wait to fuck you.” He humbled against your chest, “Been so good for me, haven’t you? My good girl.”
You barely registered the words, not that it would’ve changed anything. If being Farleigh’s good girl meant pleasure like this you didn’t care.
You were getting closer, mumbling harder as you threw your head back in pleasure. Farleigh could barely make out any of your words besides: fuck, please, so close; he guessed he didn’t need the details. He grabbed the middle fabric of your panties, pulling them to the side so your clit was bare and began to catch onto Farleigh’s boxers, creating a new devilish form of friction against that bundle of nerves.
“I’m gonna cum.” Your voice was light and broken. It had come embarrassingly fast but with Farleigh’s tongue flicking against the second most sensitive bundle of nerves, there was no way you could’ve helped it. No doubt it was boosting Farleigh’s ego, something that was far from necessary.
He lifted his head, keeping one hand aimed at the pleasure points on your chest, “Look at me. I wanna see that look in your eyes.” You sped up, keeping eyes contact with him as your jaw felt slack and that impossibly tight knot in your core finally broke, letting pleasure avalanche over your senses. Farleigh kept on you with that look of amusement at how quickly you came undone through his own manipulation.
You sadly clenched around nothing as your legs shook a bit and you slowly rode out the high, not wanting to keep the same pace now that you were so sensitive. Farleigh pulled you into another kiss, this one deeper but more sensual than before. There was no rush now, neither of was going anywhere.
“Fuck you’re never leaving this bed.” He confessed between kisses, promising you this wasn’t just a one-off thing. “Not until I’m finished with you.”
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silkjade · 3 months
Text
STILL WITH HEARTS BEATING
alhaitham x reader ⤀ warnings: gn!reader, insecurity issues, fear of vulnerability, hurt/comfort, selfship coded a/n: a vent drabble, so everything is super self indulgent + reader is based on me lol
“tell me atlas. what is heavier: the world or its people’s hearts?” — darshana suresh
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although he prefers to keep his nose buried in a book, alhaitham is still as perceptive as ever, taking note of all the minuscule changes in your demeanor, even whilst you don a mask to stifle your woes.
he sees it first in the wistful sighs scattered amongst your too calm breaths, in your crafted smile, too practiced to be natural, and the strained words that fall too heavily out your lips, each in a race to prove that everything is normal and fine—that any anomalous behavior might only be the ramifications of an exhausting day.
your name rolls so naturally off his tongue, as he reaches out to you, catching your wrist before you can disappear into the bedroom and sleep away your swallowed emotions.
“are you alright?”
he asks out of courtesy, but to him, the signs are clear as day: the sharp inhale and slow exhale as you rally to fabricate another facade, chin tilted just a smidge too high as you turn to face him, dull eyes glistening with the remnants of unshed tears, forced to retreat by the winged flutter of your lashes.
to him, the signs are clear as day that you are not, that you are only putting on a brave face, something which he finds odd within the threshold of your shared home.
“just tired is all,” you reply, speaking in half truths. after all, it's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when all you wish to do, is to curl into yourself and rot into your bed.
you flash him a quick smile, small and devoid of warmth; a lame imposter to the very one he’s grown so terribly fond of.
he repeats your name, this time softer, brows knitted with equal parts skepticism and concern at your empty words. filled with even emptier spirit, he notes.
nonchalant, rehearsed, refined—and yet, he can hear the melancholia that spills into your tone. see the downward twitch of your lead-laden lips and the watery shift of your eyes as you avert your gaze in self-consciousness.
“you don’t have to hide from me,” he murmurs, and you want to believe him, want to believe that you’re brave enough to lay down your defenses, that you can trust him to hold your porcelain heart in his hands without threat of endangerment.
you open your mouth to speak, but not a sound comes out as the words turn to bile in your throat. to swallow the bitter liquid, or to spit your heart out and lay it bare for him to see. for alhaitham, who is more than just an akademiya giant, but a cornerstone of sumeru itself: brilliant and brave, kind in spite of his unconventional displays. the sun who shines by the heat of his own radiance.
his moon, he calls you. and yet the moon does not glow; the moon whose only light is a reflection of the sun.
you purse your lips, internally willing yourself to believe that these tears will not spill. it'd be egregious—like coughing up blood when you too have a reputation to uphold, a certain presence to be perceived. for even the moon, who shines by grace of borrowed light, is steadfast in its quiet elegance.
“it’s fine,” you insist, “really.” it’s heavy under the weight of your pride, but at least your heart is safe here in your chest, isolated and tucked away.
you push until he relents, relaxing his grip around your wrist. good, you think, he's given up. but then why does it so painfully squeeze your heart in a way you cannot convey—like a hair-lined fracture upon your brittle bones.
but alhaitham is no fool; he intends to prove he’d catch you before you can shatter, freeing your wrist, only so that he might pull you into his arms instead. there is no shortage to the vast infinity of words he can say, but matters of the heart have never been his forte… and so he hopes that his actions might speak more profoundly than his words.
the sudden impact blows your eyes wide with surprise, tears already threatening to spill from the solace of just his embrace. there are no sounds other than his steady heart and even breaths, no scent besides the faded woody fragrance of his cologne. it's safe here, cocooned in his arms, and you think that for a moment, perhaps everything is and will be fine.
you relax against him, basking in his warmth, as you rest into the crook of his neck, absentmindedly staring at the patterns on the floor.
“you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to,” he whispers, “but please don’t hide from me.”
your hands, pressed flush against his chest, curl into themselves, relieved that he cannot see the tears welling in your eyes. he does, however, feel that first crystalline droplet that slides freely down your cheeks, melting into the fabric of his clothes as more follow. alhaitham runs his fingers through your hair, while his other hand hugs you by the small of your back, holding you ever closer. the occasional sob racks your body, silent and reluctant, but it’s a start.
a heart is a complex web of earnest emotions, floridly woven into secrets he cannot fault you for keeping locked away in a vault. perhaps one day, you’d rely on him, let him in to share the burden. and if he should be so lucky, perhaps you'd deem him worthy to be your home, so that you might rest with him, without armor. as for now, he’ll gladly cushion your fall, give you a soft place to land.
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in the night’s dark embrace, the moon’s milky light paints patterns through the stained glass window of your bedroom, and behind you, your lover’s arms stay wrapped around your waist, holding you close beneath the blankets.
“… alhaitham?” your voice is delicate, spun from silk amidst the quiet of the night.
“hmm?” he peaks an eye open at the unfamiliar use of his full name.
“if I ask you something, do you promise to answer honestly?”
“I don’t see any reason not to.” The low vibrations of his tone tickles your skin as he replies with a kiss to your shoulder.
“am I…,” you hesitate, voice wavering as you contemplate whether words whispered into the wind might write itself into stone. “am I… enough for you?”
the seconds seem to stand still, as if all the world and even the sky itself, were holding its breath in bated anticipation.
finally, a creak cuts through the silence as the bed shifts alongside alhaitham, who now hovers over you, his body and arms trapping you in between. the intensity of his gaze prompts you to look away, but he reaches for your chin, holding you gently so that you have nowhere to look, save for his technicolored eyes.
enough for him? is that what you were upset about? what a shame, he thinks.
“If you could only see what I see,” he murmurs, with a kiss to your forehead. his moon, his stars, his entire night sky, who guides him in the dark.
“intelligent, intuitive, independent,” he murmurs, kissing along your jaw, and down your neck in between each word. “outspoken and fiercely strong. beautiful, capable of anything…”
alhaitham glances up, only satisfied once the insecurity is dispelled from your features, replaced by an absolute reassurance.
"… which I knew from the moment you made me fall completely in love with you."
he peppers your face with little kisses, and you can’t help but let out a soft laugh, almost embarrassed. “haitham…”
alhaitham pauses at your first genuine smile of the night. “I mean every word. you’re more than enough, just as you are. and no one should be able to take that away from you, so…”
he rolls back into bed, pulling you with him as he goes, so that you might drift to sleep with your head rested atop his chest, listening to the steady tune of his heart, as it sings to you in your dreams.
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a/n2: this was actually vry therapeutic but i did not intend for it to get this long, and so i m a bit embarrassed (don’t perceive) however if u have made it this far, as always, thank u for reading ♡
© silkjade — do not steal, plagiarize, translate or repost any content onto any other platform
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snuggerudsz · 6 months
Text
NAP TIME AND BABY FEVER l QH43
SUMMARY: Quinn comes home to his wife and children napping, and it leads to a very important talk.
PAIRING: Quinn Hughes x Fem!Reader
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hi!! I'm on such a Quinn phase always right now. And dad!Quinn actually owns my heart, so I needed to write some more for him. I don't know why the kids are always sleeping when I write these, but I have more dad!Quinn coming out soon, pinky promise. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this. Likes and reblogs are always welcomed. Thank you for reading!!! <3333
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The house was silent when Quinn got home. It was peaceful and quiet. That’s never a good sign with children, he thought, worried. If there’s one thing having children taught Quinn Hughes it is that silence is never a good sign. Upon entering the house, he felt immediately unsettled, his eyes darting around, searching for the little ones, who usually came running into his arms, celebrating his return as if he hadn’t left only a few hours ago. 
The defenseman left his equipment bag in the foyer, throwing his keys on the table and hastily taking off his shoes, hurrying up the stairs, looking for a sign of life from his wife and children. Worried, Quinn was skipping steps. He goes into your shared room immediately feeling his heart full. Quinn opened the door to the bedroom quietly and saw his wife, sleeping peacefully in the middle with their two children, Oliver and Aurora, snuggled up against her body. He looked over, a soft smile on his face, mentally wondering how was it possible to live such a good life, surrounded by so much love. Sometimes Quinn still couldn't believe this was his life. Not even his wildest dreams would come close to reality.
He hesitated for a moment, watching the peaceful picture before him. Taking a deep breath, he slowly stepped into the room, carefully made his way over to the bed, and knelt down, carefully brushing a strand of hair from your face. Quinn got up, preparing to turn away and let them rest when you stirred awake, sleepy eyes fluttering open. A bit confused, you quickly took in your surroundings, your gaze finding your husband's. You smiled up at him sleepily and beckoned him closer, doing your best to not wake up the children.
Holding out his hand, Quinn helped you get up without disrupting the two kids. You smiled at him gratefully as he guided the both of you out of the bedroom.
You and Quinn tiptoe downstairs to the kitchen, sitting at the table, drinking some tea. Quinn told you about his day, sharing the stories of the rink, the fun of living out his dreams, and also the hardships of being the captain; you talk about your day at home, telling him about the kids and about how far you've already gotten in the writing of your new book. The two of you stay there, laughing and joking as the afternoon sun casts golden light across the room.
Quinn looked at you with a loving gaze. He could feel a wave of emotion rush through him. Having that sweet moment with you, after seeing you and the children huddled up together had filled him with a longing he couldn't quite explain. He had thought about it before, but never seriously. Now, though, he couldn't help but imagine another kid. Another little one, the perfect mix of the both of you. The thought itself made him smile.
“What do you think about having another baby?” Quinn questioned suddenly, breaking the silence.
“Are you thinking about it?” You answer, looking back at your husband, waiting for his answer.
It’d be an utter lie to say you hadn’t thought about it, truth be told. Both of the kids had friends with baby siblings and you could feel the want for another one deep inside you, missing the baby days. Besides, the sight of Quinn with his teammates' babies always made your mind go blank, full of sinful thoughts. 
“I just,” The defenseman starts, unsurely, “I wouldn't be against having another kid if you're up for it.” He said shyly, almost afraid of your response.
You smiled softly, eyes sparkling in the light of the kitchen. Leaning in, you've kissed him sweetly, voice warm and affectionate, slightly flirty. “I'd love to have another baby with you, Mr. Hughes”
Quinn grinned, eyes full of relief and surprise at his wife's answer. “There’s no one else I’d rather be the mother of my children, Mrs. Hughes,” He answers, the same flirty tone you’d used.
He rises from the table, pulling you with him. He held you close, sharing a few more kisses. They stood in the kitchen, the same kitchen where they had shared so many memories together, holding each other and dreaming about the possibilities that lay ahead of them. They both knew that their family was about to get a little bigger, and they couldn't wait. The room was filled with a different kind of joy, one that was shared between two people who loved each other deeply and were excited for the future.
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strawbeerossi · 6 months
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Backyard Shenanigans
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Pairing: Gender Neutral!Reader x Spencer Reid
Description: When David Rossi is away for some book related event, you convince Spencer to sneak into his backyard with you to take a dip in the pool
Content/Warnings: Casually breaking the law, fun banter with Spencer, sub!Spencer, handjob, minor praise kink, they get caught after the fact
Word Count: 1.7K
Kinktober Day Six: Pool Sex
Navigation || Kinktober Masterlist || AO3
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“I don’t think this is a good idea.” Spencer stuttered as he glanced around nervously, trailing behind you while you held his wrist. “I think you’re being paranoid.” You hummed in return. Breaking into David Rossi’s backyard couldn’t be that hard, could it?
Dave was currently away for some book signing, leaving the pool in the backyard fully open for anyone who decided to use it. That’s why you were dragging Spencer with you, the moonlight illuminating the streets as you both ran together. 
“I’m not! W-What if Rossi has cameras?!” 
“Then we will smile and wave at him while we use his pool, duh. We both know he won’t be able to get mad at us.” She stated while the two eventually approached the house, well, mansion, in question. “There is no way we are getting over that privacy fence.” Spencer chimed in. 
Ugh. Anything to try and run away to go home.
“Give me a boost. I can unlock the door to the fence inside.” He had no choice in the matter as your hand was resting against his shoulder, the male awkwardly leaning down before cupping his hands. “Just don’t break something. I will not hesitate to run and leave you there.” He grumbled. With your hands on the top of the wooden fence, you’d slid your way over. You managed to take a tumble, underestimating your cat like reflexes but you were fine. Just a bruised ego. 
He didn’t wish you harm but part of Spencer hoped you hurt yourself, giving him the chance to run and leave you to explain just why you were in David’s backyard. Unfortunately for him, the sound of a latch being lifted had alerted him. “I told you that I could do it. Now get in here.” 
“We are gonna get arrested for breaking and entering.”
“I didn’t break anything, can’t arrest us for just entering a backyard.”
“Right..”
As soon as you’d gotten Spencer inside the backyard, you were quickly latching the gate again while facing him. “Alright. Now let’s swim.” You grinned, your hands moving to unbutton your shirt while the male in front of you was flabbergasted. “What are you doing?!” 
“What? I can’t swim in my clothes. Come on, Reid. I thought you were some big brained genius. You can swim in your outfit if you want but I’m not ruining mine.” You spoke in a simple tone while getting the button up you had on off before tossing it to the side, tugging your shorts down your legs soon after. 
Spencer was at a loss for words, mouth wide open as his gaze was fixed on your body that was half exposed to him right now. The thought of your underwear being the only thing separating the rest of you from him, it had unholy thoughts crossing his mind. He could feel a heat rushing to his cheeks, slowly rubbing the back of his neck as soon as he had to drag his attention away from you. 
“Come on, don’t be a baby!” You groaned while heading over to your partner in crime for the night as you were letting your hand mess with his vest. “I know you are probably embarrassed but I promise that I’m not gonna judge you. Let’s just do something fun! Besides, I think we will have the ultimate bragging rights at the office.” You mused. 
There was no doubt you’d be telling everyone at the office about this. You managed to get away with sneaking into Rossi’s yard! That was an accomplishment within itself.
“F-fine. Only because I want Morgan to see that I’m capable of doing something like this.” He grumbled, making you smile widely as you were letting your arms shoot over your head in victory. “Yes! Okay, I’m gonna get in.” You announce, sitting on the edge of the pool while dipping your feet into the water. “Oh my god.” You shivered while just taking the plunge, pushing your body into the freezing cold water. The faster you got adjusted, the faster you would be able to mess with Reid by splashing him and being a menace.
Spencer had watched you throw yourself into the water while swallowing a lump in his throat. This wasn’t something he’s done. Swimming in his underwear is just like being in a swimsuit though, right? 
He was moving to push his slacks down his legs before heading over to lay the clothes he’d taken off on a lounge chair. He was really going to do this. “Jump in!” Your voice urged while he was looking at you with raised eyebrows. “Isn’t it cold? Why would I jump?” The question didn’t warrant a response, instead making you climb out of the pool while standing beside him. “We are jumping together.” The sight of your skin dripping with chlorinated water had him clearing his throat.
Just think of something else. Baseball.
“Are we? Cause I didn’t sign up for-” However he was cut off as your hands shoved him into the water, a laugh leaving your lips as he was falling into the deep end of the pool, a big splash hitting you in the process. Seeing him resurface had you putting a hand up to your mouth to laugh. “Y/N!” He groaned while brushing his hair back from his face while you were jumping back into the water, in turn causing a huge splash to hit him in the face.
“Sorry.” You laughed, noticing the pout on his face as he looked in your direction, his wet hair being pushed back from his face soon after. “You didn’t have to push me in.” He grumbled, causing another laugh to escape your lips as you shrugged. “Would you have jumped in?” 
“Fair enough.” He puffed, your hands moving to rest on his shoulders in preparation to dunk him under the chlorinated water.
Spencer could feel his breath caught in his throat as he could feel the warmth radiating off of your body even in the cold water, the mere idea of having any inch of your bare skin against his had waves of electricity coursing through all two hundred and six of his bones. His face was flushed, the idea of even the slightest touch overpowering his many ways to avoid getting hard.
There was no hiding it as you pushed him under the water, feeling his hard cock graze your leg the minute he went under. Your cheeks were hot the minute he came back up, mouth parted slightly. “Are you- Are you hard right now?” 
“W-what?!” Spencer squeaked. You’d caught him. Fuck. “I-I.. No! Why would you think that?”
“Because you aren’t very good at hiding it!” Your voice was a higher octave, yet you still stayed put. “I’m sorry.” The man was humiliated, which wasn’t what you wanted in the slightest. You’d had a lot of fun tonight, you didn’t want an awkward encounter to ruin the relationship you two had.
“You don’t have to be sorry.” Even though the privacy fence covered everything, you were glancing around the backyard anyway. “Do you uh.. Do you want help with it?” 
The question nearly knocked the wind out of Spencer. “In the pool??” He asked, face now a deep shade of red while he bit his inner cheek. 
“Nobody will know.” You added on soon after while offering a smile, arms around his shoulders as you made an effort to pull yourself closer. You weren’t expecting this in the slightest when you made plans tonight but hey, that’s the beauty of life.
After a tense silence, Spencer was the one to take that first leap, his lips crashing into yours. It was rushed, desperate. He needed you, he knew that much. As you reciprocated the feverish kiss, it wasn’t long until your hand was sliding between your bodies. “You’re sure that you want this?” The words were muffled against his lips considering he just would not let you pull away. 
“I do. I do. Please..” He whined, hips lightly bucking as your hand was resting the prominent bulge in the underwear he’d gotten in with. Hearing him beg sent a round of arousal through your body, head nodding as you were letting your hand gently slide down the waistband. This rush of confidence was new for you, for sure. Regardless, you had your hand slowly wrapping around his hard cock, hand slowly pumping along the shaft that was standing at full attention. 
Spencer’s eyes were squeezed shut, mouth agape as a series of shallow breaths and whines were escaping his lips. “Ah~” He shivered, your hand moving faster under the water as you leaned forward to press a few soft kisses against his neck, loving the way his body reacted to the smallest of touches. It was like he’d been deprived of touch for years.
Then again, he was a sweet and awkward little thing so you figured it made sense he wasn’t exactly getting touched as much as he’d like.
As your hand dragged along his cock, you lifted your head from the crook of his neck to take in every reaction.”Does it feel good Spencer?” It was an obvious question but you so desperately needed to hear that whiny voice. 
“Y-yes.” His voice was breathy, cheeks red as he bucked his hips into your hand while letting his head fall against your shoulder, face nuzzling in your neck. “I-I’m gonna-” He panted against your skin, making you squeeze the base of his cock before picking up the pace of your hand. 
You knew he was far gone the moment he bit down on your shoulder to suppress a cry, however it didn’t really muffle much as he was cumming from your touch. “There we go.. Good job.” You cooed, hand slowly slowing down before your hand was pulled from his boxers.
However the time was short lived whenever you felt the light of the back porch turn on, both of you nearly having a heart attack as you both turned around. “What the hell are you both doing in my backyard?” 
“Swimming.” You and Spencer both rushed to speak, faces bright red. 
“I’m gonna pretend like I didn’t see you both and give you time to get out of my backyard. Don’t let me catch you sneaking in here again.” David grunted while narrowing his eyes at the both of you. “You’re getting billed for when I get this pool cleaned as well.” He huffed, turning around to go back inside.
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tripleyeeet · 6 months
Text
GUARD DOG (11)
SUMMARY: During the aftermath of your confession, you and Astarion navigate your feelings.
PAIRING: Astarion & Female Reader
WORD COUNT: 3,982
WARNINGS: Spoilers for Act 2, canon typical violence, brief mentions of past abuse.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi, I made my Saturday schedule with a few hours to spare. :') Also, update: I'm going to be closing my tag list on Monday. I have a lot of people signed up and it's becoming a bit overwhelming to keep track of over time so if you've been thinking about joining do it while you still can!
CHAPTER LIST / MASTERLIST / NEXT CHAPTER
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You feel like a ghost, drifting from one experience to the next —your body moving as needed while your mind wanders, failing to grasp the fact that you’re already rooted inside of Moonrise Towers.
Blinking hard at such a realization, you find yourself scanning the secluded office you and the party suddenly occupy, feeling the fog of your mind slowly begin to lift, remembering why you’re here. Why Ketheric Thorm has somehow allowed you to explore the contents of his subject’s office. 
He needs you to get the relic. Not that you know exactly what that is. Considering he doesn’t trust you yet, all you know is that after you’ve gathered supplies you’re meant to go to the mausoleum to find it. Along with a man named Balthazar who’s gone missing. The same man whose office you now find yourself looting. 
Moving through the space as quietly as possible, you notice quickly that all around there are stacks of books, creating this sort of claustrophobic space you have to steady your breath against. Deep within your chest, you can feel the past anxiety of the day bubbling up within your throat as you take it all in, threatening to spill just as Wyll clears his throat, telling you to hurry up so that Z’rell doesn’t get suspicious.
At the mention of Ketheric’s disciple —an orc woman you met earlier— you swallow hard and nod, allowing the fog to resurface as you wander towards a nearby desk, exploring the contents of the tabletop with narrowed eyes. Across it, all the usual items sit: various notebooks, an ink bottle with a well-used quill, a couple of decorative knick knacks here and there. However, there’s also a skull that sits at the top right edge, piquing your interest enough to reach out and grab it, testing out the weight.
“Death enthusiast or necromancer?” 
As if on cue, Astarion slithers up to your side, pulling out various tools from his pocket before kneeling on the ground, turning his attention to the desk drawer. 
Almost immediately you reply with necromancer, but unlike him, there isn’t a flirtatious tone that coats your words. Instead, there’s just exhaustive sadness, prompting his eyes to flicker up momentarily as he pushes the hook into the keyhole. 
“Care to elaborate?”
You shrug and run your finger around the eye socket of the skull, tracing the edge with distraction —feeling your mind continue to distance itself from the task at hand as your gaze grows fuzzy.
It’s a sensation that suddenly makes you remember the events of earlier. The ones where you foolishly confessed your feelings only to receive no such reciprocation. A feeling that weighs you down without warning, covering you in a layer of anxious smog that sticks to your skin, reminding you that you’re mad at him. Frustrated and disappointed —a version of yourself that makes you wish you could be anywhere else so that you could process your feelings.
Because you haven’t had time to, yet. Thanks to Shadowheart’s interruption, all you’ve been left with is questions. Inquiries so intense that between fighting the convoy for the lantern and arriving at the steps of Moonrise, you’ve managed to drive yourself over the edge. 
Breathing in, you can feel how heavy it’s made you. How, as Astarion remains knelt beside you, trying his best to avoid your gaze but ultimately failing to do so, makes you want to plummet into the earth in a heap of tears.
“I’m going to take a look in the other room,” you tell him then, giving yourself a moment of reprieve as you place the skull back onto the desk and make your way to the door. Once there, you reach for the handle and freeze in place, releasing a shaky plume of air before you swallow hard and push it open, allowing it to close until Astarion’s hand shoots out to grab it. 
“I’ll give you a hand.”
Standing near the entrance, you open your mouth to respond but ultimately fail to come up with anything that isn’t mean-spirited, prompting you to instead frown and turn on your heel, moving towards the farthest bookcase you can find. Immediately after that, you attempt to tune out his presence completely, opting to sift through the catalogue of books before you, searching for some sort of clue. Perhaps a book on the Shadowlands themselves or something to do with the undead —anything to distract your mind from Astarion’s movements as he explores the room, eventually turning to face you. 
“I assume you want to talk about earlier.”
You do but not right now, so instead of responding you roll your eyes and grab the first book you see, opening it up to find a series of familiar-looking symbols gracing the page.
At first, they merely look like some sort of intricate design. The way each figure curls in odd ways, drawing your eye to the complicated graph in the centre. Then your mind clicks into place and you’re suddenly blinking back the fog, forcing your mind to focus on the translations written below each image, realizing what they are. 
They’re Infernal letters. The language of the Hells clearly displayed in front of you, reminding you of Astarion’s scars as you look up to scan him, watching him reach for a nearby book. 
“Listen, darling, I know you’re angry with me but—“
Without even thinking, you shush him loudly, moving towards his frame. “Take off your shirt.”
He drops his jaw open in shock, laughing in slight confusion. “I beg your pardon? Take off my shirt?” His eyes are wide as he continues to stare, quickly discovering that you’re serious as he tosses the aforementioned book aside. “You’re aware our compatriots are just beyond this door, correct? Or have you suddenly gone mad with lust and failed to remember?” 
You scrunch up your face, shaking your head. “Ew, Astarion. No, not like that.”
He shoots you a look of relief before quickly backtracking and narrowing his eyes. “I’m sorry —what d’you mean ew?” 
His sudden offence makes you scoff and motion to the open page in front of you, forcing him to notice the symbols. “These look like your scars, don’t they? The ones on your back.” 
There’s a moment of silence that stirs between you then. As Astarion reaches for the page, gently brushing his fingers over yours while leaning in, you swallow hard and try not to think of before. Of the unrequited statement that still lingers between you, ripping you apart while he somehow remains fine. 
Standing there, drinking in the great interest that befalls his face, you find it incredibly hard not to reach out and shake him in that moment. To grip him by the collar and demand answers despite knowing there are far more important things at hand. For example, the fact that, on top of the already complicated infiltration mission, you’re now required to go on this little treasure hunt. One that will most likely have dangerous consequences if you manage to fail. 
Meaning, the last thing you should be thinking about is how Astarion still hasn’t bothered to respond to your confession.
“Did that bastard seriously carve Infernal into my flesh?” He looks disgusted as he glances up at you, his brows knitted towards the centre of his face while you offer your sympathies. 
“I guess so.” 
Swearing under his breath, he takes a step back, immediately moving his hands to pop open the leathers of his armour, ignoring the way you press your lips together nervously. 
“You know he spent the entire night doing it,” he says then, moving his hands across the many fastenings, shaking his head at the memory. “For hours I laid bare beneath him, enduring the pain of his blasted knife —and for what? So he could further brand me as his own? Make even more claim to a helpless slave.” 
You frown at his words, hearing the ache of his voice crack inside your ears as you take a step forward, listening to him huff and toss his leathers onto the floor before taking off his undershirt.
“Wasn’t it enough to merely strip me of my rights? To starve me as I filled him up each night.” 
A part of you wants to tell him no. That nothing Cazador did to him would ever be enough. But then you hear the breath that escapes his chest —the tremors of its wake hitting your fingers as you tentatively grip his shoulder, feeling the strain of his muscles tense beneath your touch. 
“We don’t have to do this right now,” you tell him, forcing your thumb further into his flesh with careful precision, feeling him melt. “We can take the book and come back to it.”  
Immediately, he scoffs in response, craning his neck towards you just as the door creaks open, revealing a very shocked looking Gale who freezes at the doorway. 
“I uh… I recognize that I’m interrupting something. However, might I suggest the two of you perhaps don’t do this right now?”
Releasing Astarion from your grasp, you take a step back and close the book in your hand. “May I suggest knocking, maybe?” 
Gale snorts and raises his hands in innocence. “Perhaps you’re right. My apologies. I promise I’m not here to make a fuss. Just here to remind you that while you’re attempting to bed one another in quite literally the worst location we’ve experienced thus far, the rest of us are out here dealing with the constant reminder of our impending doom.” 
Smiling sarcastically, Gale then motions to Astarion who smiles back and reaches for his clothes. “And here I was thinking of inviting you to our little party.”
“Appreciate it. I’ll have to decline though on account of the fact that both of you frighten me and frankly, I’m not one for sharing.” 
“Hm. Too bad.” Astarion pouts, prompting you to sigh in embarrassment, pressing the book in your hands against your forehead.
“Yes, well, anyway. The rest of us are going to split up and take a look around. Feel free to join us?”
His last sentence is phrased as a question but you know deep down it’s more of a command, telling you to stop, so you do. Nodding your head in response, the two of you then watch him leave before turning to the other, releasing shared heavy breaths as Astarion continues to redress. 
“Stupid wizard.” 
Despite the grin that erupts across your face, you realize then that focusing on anything other than the task at hand is dangerous. That, even though you want the answers to all the questions floating inside your head, the only thing you should be focusing on is Ketheric Thorm and the hidden relic that Balthazar failed to collect.
You shouldn’t be thinking of yourselves. At least, not in the way your mind wants to. Instead of emotions, it should be focused on survival. On the steps needed to ensure your safety to get to all the parts you actually want.
“He’s right you know —about doing this another time.” You tap the cover of the book and see Astarion roll his eyes, moving his hands to readjust the top layer of his armour with a sigh. 
“I understand that but—“
Before he can finish, your hand finds his chest, pressing it softly. “We’ll figure it out, okay? I promise. Just give it time.”
Deep down you know it’s a difficult thing to ask. Considering Astarion’s spent the majority of his life waiting already, you’re well aware of the lack of patience he’s developed. How, his sliver of freedom thanks to the Illithid has granted him the ability to become easily irritated by time. 
Unsurprisingly, since you’ve known him, he’s always been prone to bouts of restlessness. Whenever he’s forced to wait there’s often a scowl that presents itself across his face, growing with each passing moment until he eventually explodes. Because of this, when you look at him with desperate eyes, watching the way he twitches and shifts, you’re more than anxious. You’re downright terrified. Lost to a grouping of thoughts that tell you he most likely hates you for asking. 
“I promise the moment we have time, I’ll spend every waking hour trying to translate this for you,” you tell him. Hoping and praying that just this once he’ll understand that waiting is the right thing to do and not a lie you tell him to gain his trust. 
“Can we even afford to wait, though?”
You look at him like you don’t know the answer, sliding your hand upwards to play with his collar. “At this rate, we might just have to take that chance. You heard so yourself, Gale and the others are already planning to depart. We can’t fall behind and further risk our chance of surviving this.” 
He knows you're right. You can tell by the way his jaw clenches and he looks away, trying to suppress the frustrations. 
“I know I already said it before but I do love you. Truly. I’d do anything to make you happy but right now keeping you safe is my number one priority and if that means delaying said happiness, so be it.” 
After that, there’s a moment of silence that hits. One that’s filled with avoided glances and heavy sighs —all of which come from Astarion as he struggles to accept your words. 
At first, it fills you with regret, realizing the way you phrased yourself probably sounds a bit insensitive. But then you see that familiar smirk begin to curl across his lips, pulling upwards with a scoff as he playfully shoves you away. 
“Fine. I’ll wait. But not because you told me to.”
“Of course.” 
“I’m serious. You’re not the boss of me. I can do whatever I please. You just happen to make an effective argument. Plus, you’re rather convincing when you’re professing your undying love for me.” 
“Shut up.” Pushing him back in annoyance, you shake your head and step through the doorway, moving through the office until you’re out in the hall again, glancing around as you pack away the book. “What supplies do we need anyway?”
“Potions, definitely. Perhaps some arrows or elixirs. I know Gale wanted some spell scrolls but after the stunt he pulled earlier I refuse to get him any.”
You fake pout in his direction as you both begin to walk with no destination in mind. “Aw, is somebody sad that the wizard didn’t accept his sexual invitation?”
“Hardly. That man wouldn’t know an orgasm from a sneeze.”
Suppressing the urge to laugh, you offer an unknowing shrug. “I don’t know. You don’t bed a goddess and not have the dexterity to please a woman.”
Scoffing, Astarion turns towards a random doorway, giving you a curious look before you nod your head, prompting him to open the door. “Please, the man pales in dexterous endeavours compared to me.” 
“Hm. Maybe. Perhaps I’ll ask him for a hand one day. Maybe do a little experimentation?”
As you smirk in his direction there’s a feeling of normalcy that hits. Slowly but surely it fills you up with that familiar warmth, reminding you of the reason you first fell for Astarion in the first place. Somehow he has this unwavering ability to make you grin through the darkness. To distract you from the hellish fear that nips at your feet each time you step into dangerous territory. 
Compared to everyone else he’s the closest thing you’ve had to a friend. And now that you’re joking back and forth, grinning as he stares at you in fake shock thanks to your statement, you begin to accept that his response no longer matters. That you’ve made your peace with it, knowing he’s still there, comforting you in all the ways you need as you walk further into the room, noticing a white-haired woman standing in the corner.  
Upon taking another step she turns from the worktable in front of her, raising a brow at the two of you before fully turning around with a grin. “Ah, the True Soul.” Moving forward, she then extends her hand towards you but fails to meet your gaze once she notices Astarion’s nose begin to turn up, causing you to frown. “I’m Araj Oblodra, trader in blood and the sanguineous arts.” 
Taking her hand, you feel an unwanted heat hit your palm, making you look down as you peel away, offering your name before motioning to Astarion. “This is—“
“A vampire spawn,” she interrupts with interest, leaning towards him with crossed arms and curious eyes. “What an absolute pleasure.”
Both of you share an awkward glance that doesn’t go unnoticed. Despite that though, she barely bats an eye as she offers her hand again, this time to Astarion who clears his throat and shakes his head. “Astarion… sorry I don’t… touch.”
At first, she seems a bit disappointed but then such feelings are quickly erased when she turns her attention back to you, revealing another grin as she drops her hand. “I assume you’re faring well around Moonrise?”
“If by fairing you mean struggling to find a decent potion seller then yes.” 
She clicks her tongue in understanding, turning towards the worktable behind her to grab a vial unprompted. “Perhaps I could be of service then? As long as you’re willing, of course.”
“Willing?” You raise your brow, watching her twist the vile between her fingers with a smirk. 
“I happen to trade in blood,” she explains. “And the potions that can be wrung from it. Obviously considering such details it’s ideal that I earn the consent of my customers. Otherwise who knows what kind of havoc might occur. Hence the willingness.”
“Hm, now nice of you to offer the bare minimum,” Astarion comments, making you narrow your eyes in confusion, wondering what’s suddenly got him so on edge.
“Yes well, if you’d humour me with a drop or two of your blood I could whip up something truly potent for the both of us.”
Immediately there’s a wariness that sets in at the mention of sharing. Overall, it feels as if there’s something off about her. Maybe it’s the way she carries herself or the instant distrust you sense from Astarion as he stands beside you, tensing up with every passing moment you spend talking to her. Either or, you take both as a sign of caution, taking a moment to collect your thoughts as you glance around to view her workspace, noticing various needles and vials, haphazardly filled with liquids you can only assume to be her customer’s blood. 
“Not sure I like the idea of weaponizing my blood, to be honest.” Offering her a polite smile, you see her kindness falter in response, replacing it with an air of curiosity. 
“I can assure you it’s safe,” she says. “Nothing more than a pinprick but obviously if you aren’t keen perhaps we can discuss other matters.” 
As she speaks her gaze focuses on Astarion once again, her lids half-closing in such a lusty way you find your chest brimming with something bordering between anger and jealousy —enveloping you in hatred.  
“Your spawn, for example.”
The way she says it feels like she’s insinuating a sense of ownership. As if Astarion’s your pet or something equally disgusting. Angrily, it makes you scrunch up your face and turn towards him, sharing a look of displeasure before ultimately turning back to scowl. “You’re aware he’s his own person, right?” 
She laughs dryly. “I’m sure he believes that.” 
“Yes, he does. Because it’s true.”
After that she’s silent for a moment, taking in your words. Allowing them to sift within the air as each of you stare at one another, trying to figure out how to proceed even though you know you’re already done. 
Unable to entertain the lack of sense, you move your hand to Astarion’s arm, feeling him tense beneath your grasp. Then you awaken your tadpole to contact his, feeling the creature shift against the corner of your eye. 
Can we leave, please?
Before he can make the effort to listen to your words, Araj is already speaking again, telling you stories of her childhood and how, even then, she wished to be bitten by a vampire, prompting the two of you to stop.
“I’m sorry. You want to be bitten?” Astarion says in disbelief, watching her nod and take a step closer, sharing her interest further. 
“To feel your life’s blood slipping away? To dance on the edge between life and death?
She looks at him longingly as she speaks, telling him then that she’d want nothing more than to feel the icy sting of his teeth against her flesh, making you scoff in disgust even though you know all too well what it feels like. How addictive it can be to let your mind drift away as you're sucked dry. 
“I’ll even compensate you if you like.”
“Compensate me?” Astarion laughs. “Darling, I’m sorry but my talents cannot be bought.”
“Not even for a potion of legendary power?” she muses. 
Immediately, he shakes his head. “Hm, afraid not.”
Her tone shifts then, frustrations filling her every pore as she looks towards you but motions to him. “You might want to talk some sense into your spawn, you know. I don’t offer such rarities lightly.”
You catch Astarion open his mouth to respond, but before he can you’re already stepping forward, inserting yourself into Araj’s space with such powerful aggression, pressing your knife to her throat. 
“Are you always this dense?”
Suddenly aware of the consequences of her actions, she lets out a shaky breath and eyes Astarion, her expression filling with desperation as you press the blade further into her flesh, using your other hand to force her to look at you. “You’re aware of the meaning, yes? Of the word no?”
Instead of answering she just groans at you, angling her head upwards to try and distance herself from the knife, forcing you to tighten your hold. “Oh, you don’t? Well, allow me to enlighten you then.” 
For a moment you pause, grinning wickedly at the fear within her eyes. Taking in the change of demeanour as you twist the edge of your blade away, huffing as you release her all at once, watching her gasp. 
“It means he doesn’t want to suck your fucking throat. Just as I don’t want to kill you… at least, not here.” 
Sensing the truth within your words, Araj gives you a careful nod and retreats, reaching to grip her tender neck as you put away your blade and scowl one final time. 
As you do Astarion looks at you with wide eyes, barely responding when you grab his arm and lead him back out of the room, swearing angrily under your breath when you slam the door behind you. 
“Well, that was an eventual moment.” 
You can’t help but laugh and lean forward once you realize you’re alone again, resting your forehead against his shoulder in slight embarrassment. “Sorry. I just…”
His hand loops around your shoulders before you can even think to pull away, forcing you into his chest as he laughs and kisses your head, granting you a moment of peace within his hold. “Don’t be. It’s quite enjoyable seeing you like that.”
“All deranged?” you mumble against his chest. 
“Protective,” he corrects. “In fact, I find it quite flattering seeing you puffed up, ready to kill for me.”
You snort and wrap your arms around his waist, pulling him even closer. “Like I said, it’s because I love you.” 
“Yes, well…” Pausing to clear his throat, you feel his hand stroke the top of your head, slowly moving down towards the back of your neck before repeating the process —doing it several times before he ultimately releases a heavy breath. “I love you too, darling. Thank you.”  
-
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bsverryin · 7 months
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: ̗̀➛ Grumpy X Sunshine trope with HSR men.
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Who?
╰┈➤ Jing yuan, Gepard, Dan Heng, Blade
Situation?
╰┈➤ Who's the grumpy and the sunshine in your relationship.
✎ HEADCANONS ONLY!! I missed writing and I love blade so much I wanna cry 🥹🥹 I'm gonna be v busy really soon so I'll probably just write to warm up thank you so much for 100+ followers hruajdja it feels surreal to get followers by writing it makes me so happy thank youuu I appreciate it 🫶 Cannot assure you of perfect grammar, enjoy !
: ̗̀➛ JING YUAN
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Jing yuan is the sunshine, you're the grumpy. Until now, you still haven't figured why Jing yuan loves you so much despite your grumpy attitude.
There are times where he says "I love you" when you're in a bad mood and you never say it back, of course you won't say It first any other time or moment. It's always true when other people gossip about how Jing yuan is the only person who can handle you because you're not good with his people because of your grumpy attitude.
When you're being grumpy with other people he'll squeeze your hand and give you an innocent smile trying to give you a sign to be nice. Other people are well-aware of your attitude because they would always try to talk to you about the general, but most of the time you'll respond by giving them a death glare or rolling your eyes but when you're with Jing yuan and then they ask you the same question, you'll sigh and say how much you love your lover.
: ̗̀➛ DAN HENG
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Dan heng is the grumpy, you're the sunshine. How can he not be the grumpy type when you're always teasing him about almost everything? It's only natural for him to sigh all the time, be quiet, give you side eyes when you're talking to him.
Dan heng acts like he's not interested but you really kept him deeply invested, he can't survive a day without hearing you whine or even talk. He plays with your hair when he's bored and you're reading a book.
He can't get enough of you, not all the time he is grumpy. Dan heng has a soft side for you and every night he'd sneak out of his bed to go in your room just because he misses you a little extra today, he'd never say that instead he says "I just want to spend the night with you." then he'll sleep peacefully in your chest. There are times where you end up getting caught by the other astral express member sleeping together, Dan heng kept quiet (trying his best to hide his smile) whenever you talk about how it felt really safe and comfortable around him with the other members.
: ̗̀➛ GEPARD
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Gepard is the sunshine, you're the grumpy. He thinks that your grumpy attitude is really cute instead of annoying, he loves joking around with you because you'd give him death glares and sometimes pinching his arms.
Gepard loves seeing you smile, he tries his best to not keep you grumpy (he doesn't know that you have a soft side for him) You'd tell him that it's impossible for you to not be grumpy when everyone else is annoying excluding him. He'd laugh and respond with compliments like "you're beautiful" and you're not even talking about that.
Everyone thinks that Gepard is really nice and so they thought that his lover SHOULD be nice too but then when they get to know you as gepard's lover they ended up being disappointed and think that gepard deserves better, it was because you didn't have a great attitude. Gepard isn't the type to stand back and just listen, he'll confront them and tell them that they clearly haven't seen your good side and that you're a really beautiful person inside and out, you'd smile whenever he defends you and he feels the happiest when he sees you smile like that.
: ̗̀➛ BLADE
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Blade is the grumpy, you're the sunshine. Blade being the grumpy is expected, He's not trying to be the grumpy type. He is the word grumpy itself.
for blade, showing emotions is not that important in a relationship and being together is already enough but he'll never forgive himself if he makes you quiet or sad because he loves it when you're talking whether it's a gossip or you're just telling him some funny stories about yourself, you'd never fail to make him smile or laugh whenever you do.
There's always a situation where you try to make him call you sweet common relationship nicknames like my love or baby. You'd tell him pick-up lines and he'd always fall for it, he sighs and replies with "That's a good one, little brat" That was what he ended up calling you for the rest of your relationship. It was much better to have this kind of relationship with him where you're both wild and free. Even if he's grumpy most of the time, you don't have to worry when problems occur because he'll do all the work to maintain the relationship and make you happy in his own ways.
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dreaming-medium · 5 months
Text
Bad Day - Bang Chan Drabble
Summary: Reader has a terrible day; one of those days where everything goes wrong. Luckily, her boyfriend is there to wipe the stress away with some well deserved hugs.
Word Count: 2.2k
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Punch after punch after punch after punch lands on your soul today. Every single time you turned around, another horrible situation would present itself.
You’ve been sick for two and half weeks now. The sore throat would come and go, but you weren’t able to sleep without propping two pillows under your head. This morning when you woke up, your voice was completely gone.
The empty space next to you in bed certainly doesn’t help either. Chan has been gone for a work trip for two weeks now. He wasn’t due home for another two more.
Work has been its own animal to take care of. It was your first job after graduating, so you were at the bottom of the totem pole. Each higher up suddenly felt the need to burden you with any difficult projects they didn’t feel like taking care of themselves.
“I don’t think this is something I was trained on,” you tried to say to one of the more older workers. The huge stack of papers was so heavy in your hands. “These calculations would take me—“
“Just do it, Y/N,” he said before closing the door to the conference room you were standing alone in.
You had just watched that coworker’s boss tell him to do it. But nope, he dumped it on you.
On top of that, you were also tasked with training the new guy even though you’ve only been here for nine months.
And this guy made it his personal mission to make your job even harder. The way he would go from not knowing anything to being a complete know-it-all within two sentences made your blood boil.
But it’s fine. It’s totally fine, you can handle this.
Then, someone ate your lunch out of the fridge even though your name was clearly written on it. Your lunch break was so short that there was no way you could run out to get something else.
It was raining so hard as you jogged to your car through the parking lot. Every spot in the parking garage was taken this morning so you had to use the satellite lot ten minutes away.
Your clothes were drenched by the time you got into your car and slammed the door shut.
Fumbling with the keys, you shoved them into the ignition and started your car. The heat immediately kicked on and you sat there for an extra couple of minutes, warming your frozen fingers in front of the vents.
A book from one of your favorite authors came out today. You were going to pass the store on your way home, why not stop and buy a copy? It certainly would help with the day you were having.
The drive to the store was silent. You didn’t even turn the radio on. If you’re being honest, you didn’t think you could handle sound.
People were everywhere in the bookstore.
You walked in and looked around for the new book. There were signs and posters everywhere that announced the book. Where was it?
“If you’re looking for the new Kingdom book we sold out this morning.” A worker says to you softly.
A small part of you dies.
You politely nod to the worker and leave.
It’s ridiculous how you feel the tears building behind your eyes.
It’s fine. It’s fine. You’re overreacting. It’s totally fine. You’ll just buy a copy on your Kindle. You didn’t even need a physical copy, right?
Your fingers fumble with your keys and you drop onto the ground. They splash right into a puddle.
It’s fine, it’s fine.
Swallowing painfully, you wince at your sore throat and gather your things to get back in the car.
You’ll go home and watch TV.
“It’s Friday,” you whisper to yourself in the car to try and calm down. “It’s treat day, why not stop for a coffee?”
Every Friday you would buy yourself a coffee. ‘Treat Day’ is what you dubbed it as. It slowly became a tradition with you and your friends.
Chan used to always reload your coffee rewards app with his own money without telling you.
A sad smile tugs at your face while you drive to the coffee shop. God, what you wouldn’t give to see him right now.
The tension in your shoulders is so bad you think your shoulders are level with your ears.
After getting your coffee, you drive all the way home to your apartment complex.
Right before you turn into the lot, a car decides to come out of nowhere and cuts you off. You cut the wheel and slam on the brakes to avoid them.
Your coffee launches out of the cup holder and spills all over your lap.
“Fuck!” You curse and try to focus on the road. “Fuck fuck!”
At least it was iced coffee and you’re not burned. Right? Silver lining?
You’re at your limit. Your sanity is teetering.
Parking in your designated spot, you trudge into the large building.
The weight of the day still sits so heavy on your shoulders. Now your lap was soaked with coffee.
A package sits underneath the complex’s mailboxes. It’s ruined and crushed. The ‘FRAGILE’ sticker is gnarled up.
“No,” you sigh and look closer at it.
Yep, it’s yours. The new dishwear set you ordered came in.
When you lift the package you hear all the pieces shift around. It’s just a box of broken ceramic at this point.
Tighter and tighter your throat gets.
Slowly, you trudge up to your floor. Because, of course, the elevator is broken. Of course it is. Why would the elevator work today?
Just as you get your keys out to open your door, your shitty neighbor comes outside.
“Oh god, Y/N, you look horrible.” He says loudly.
You turn and look at him with tears already brimming in your eyes.
No sign of compassion crosses his face, instead, he laughs. He laughs right in your fucking face.
“No wonder I haven’t seen Chan around. He finally came to his senses, eh?”
Your jaw drops open.
“God, pull yourself together.”
Your neighbor picks up his newspaper from the doormat and goes back into his unit without another word.
For a long moment, you just stand there. Your clothes and hair still soaking wet and clinging to your skin, work bag and purse slung over your shoulder, box of broken plates and bowls in your arms.
Inside your body, you felt yourself finally snap. You felt your anger and frustration hit it’s limit.
Your look of surprise quickly morphs into one of seething rage. Lips pulling in a sneer, you rip open your door and stomp inside, slamming it shut behind you.
Dropping everything you own at the door, including the box of glass, you let out a muffled scream.
The box bursts open and glass shards go everywhere. They skitter across the floor and cover the wood in a dangerous mine field.
A moment of silence passes.
You lose it.
You drop to your knees and cradle your face while angry, hot tears stream down your cheeks.
Wails leave your lips as the weight of the day finally takes it’s toll.
On any normal day, you would be able to handle these things individually, but all at once? You just couldn’t deal with it anymore.
“Y/N?!” A voice calls out from the other end of the hallway.
Your head snaps up and you see your boyfriend standing there with a look of horror on his face.
“Chan,” you croak out.
His eyes frantically look around at the scene in front of him. Your disgruntled state surrounded by broken glass.
He’s here? He’s back?
“Y/N, are you okay? What happened? Are you hurt?”
He tries to walk closer but then he realizes he’s also surrounded by broken glass.
“Chan.” Is all your able to say again before the sobs come out even harder. Your entire body wracks with them, chest sputtering as you try to breathe between cries.
His face twists up in anguish.
“S-Stay there! Don’t move, I’m gunna get a dust pan, okay? I’ll be right back, babygirl. Don’t move.”
He continues to say things over and over to you while running to get what he needs.
“I’m here, baby. You’re okay, right? You’re home and safe, Y/N.”
You bury your face in your hands again and continue to cry. His words reach you, but they do nothing to quell the emotions.
Before you could fall further into this headspace, two warm, strong arms wrap around you and pull you into an even warmer body.
“I’m right here, honey, I’m here. You’re okay.” Chan whispers into your hair. He pulls you onto his lap and holds you close.
His comforting scent envelops you everywhere.
Chan rocks back and forth while holding you.
“You’re okay,” he says over and over into your hair. “You’re home now, I’m here, Channie’s here.”
Your face buried into his shoulder, hands gripping his shirt tightly
“What happened, baby?” He asks gently.
You cry harder.
“I’m so sick,” you cry into his shirt. “People keep taking advantage of me at work, I had to park ten minutes away in the rain. Someone ate my lunch. I dropped my keys in a puddle, the new book sold out, I spilled my coffee everywhere. Then fucking 304 across the hall tells me how horrible I look.”
You motion outwards at the glass all over the floor still. “And how do you like our new dishes?”
Even in the middle of a mental breakdown, you still crack a joke.
Saying it all makes you cry even harder. At this point, Chan’s shirt is soaked with your tears.
He continues to hold you as tight as he could. Not once does he tell you to stop crying, instead he carefully scoots and leans against the wall, cradling your body on his lap.
Chan rocks back and forth, pressing kisses into the crown of your hair as you cry your heart out.
His one hand rubs slow circles on your back while the other pets the back of your hair.
Low hums come from his throat. Chan lays his cheek on top of your head and keeps you close to his chest.
“It’s okay, babygirl,” he coos. “You’re home now. You’re with me now.”
“Thank god you’re home,” you hiccup and clutch his shirt closer to you.
“My spidey-senses were tingling,” he jokes in a hushed tone.
You manage to chuckle through your tears.
“My babygirl needed me.”
You’ve always been so happy go lucky, the glass was always half full with you. You always looked on the bright side of everything. If anything bad happened, it always just rolled off your back.
It was one of the main reasons he fell for you.
Chan has never seen you as bad as you were on your knees in the entryway, it shook him to his core.
Another long kiss is pressed to your head.
Slowly, your sobs calm down. Your throat still hoarse and sore from before has only gotten marginally worse.
Sniffling, you sit up away from Chan.
“‘M sorry I got your shirt all gross.”
Chan laughs in spite of everything. Both of his strong hands cup your cheeks for you to look him in the eye.
His chin dips down to your level so he can stare right at you. Those gorgeous brown eyes sparkle at you.
“I’m not upset about my shirt, Y/N,” he says gently. “I’m only worried about my sunshine. It’s not every day you cry, baby.”
“Everything just happened at once.” Chan’s thumbs wipe away the tears on your cheeks. “I tried to keep it together but our neighbor verbally berating me was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Chan tuts and brushes your hair behind your ear.
“Let’s throw eggs at his door,” he jokes.
He pulls a laugh from you.
“There’s my favorite smile.” He coos. It makes your smile even brighter. You sniffle again, and look down sheepishly.
Chan lifts your chin up with his thumb and forefinger. “Hey baby,” he grabs your attention. “How about this: you go shower off the day, I’m going to clean all this up and order our favorite takeout for dinner. I even stopped on my way home and got two pints of ice cream before.”
“Mint chocolate chip?” You ask softly.
“Of course I got your nasty toothpaste ice cream.” He pinches your cheek teasingly.
You giggle and lean away from his hand.
“Come on, babygirl.”
Before he does anything else, Chan leans forward and presses a long, warm kiss to your forehead.
Both of your eyes close at the comforting feeling it brings. After he kisses your forehead, Chan leans down and kisses both of your cheeks.
His warm lips then press to your nose and then finally to your lips.
It’s a long, sensual, loving kiss. Both of your mouths slipping over one another in a dance.
You sigh happily into the kiss. Chan’s mouth smiles against your own. It’s contagious, you can’t help but mirror the grin with our own.
In the end, you both look like smiling fools wrapped up in one another’s presence.
Chan scoops you up carefully and stands up from the floor, making sure to avoid any stray shards of glass.
“I’m going to take good care of you, my honey.” He coos and presses another kiss to your forehead. “Your bad day ends here.”
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dduane · 6 months
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Judging books by their covers
Having spent the morning reading the notes on this post (and reading them, and reading them...), I realized I really needed to get to grips with a piece of work I'd been avoiding.
Some of you may remember me mentioning that the Young Wizards website's longtime ISP went out of business suddenly in July, necessitating the site's hasty relocation to a new home. In the process a lot of its internal URLs ceased to operate correctly, meaning that files weren't displaying. (As I was quickly reminded when looking for the original David Wiesner art for So You Want To Be A Wizard at 01:30 last night.)
Anyway, I just wound up spending the day rescanning book covers for the Young Wizards publication history page, and was reminded of some favorites while getting the work done. (And a note for the interested: if there's any particular cover from an English-language edition of the YW books that interests you, or you think the sight of one might jog your memory somehow, that page is where you'll find the images. Use the tabs under the header image to take you through the history of publishers and artists.)
Meanwhile, being reminded of what happened to the covers for So You Want To... alone is both funny and a bit sobering. Styles change, formats change, art directors change. Sometimes the covers get a lot better, and sometimes they, uh, don't. Look at the difference in styles alone among these, for example.
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Most of the time the writer gets to take what they're given, and like it. Sometimes, though, they get to give advice.
Here, for example, is one time that happened.
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This is for the UK hardcover of the first of the Feline Wizards books. The artist, Mick Posen, is a cat person... and he insisted on having pictures of the cats who inspired the NY worldgating team before he started painting. Just look at these three, especially Rhiow there in the foreground. Is this a hero, or what? :)
Here's one that caused a little controversy.
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The question of the day: Is Nita wearing anything? And if so, what?
The art won Greg Swearingen a silver Spectrum Award for that Deep Wizardry painting. But he and my then-editor on the series, Michael Stearns, apparently got into it a little regarding a conflict between the text and the necessities of painting a YA cover. If I remember correctly, I think Greg was holding out for "She's not wearing anything in the text in this situation, she just turned human again after changing back from being a whale, she shouldn't be wearing anything here!" and Michael was saying "But the parents, what if we freak out the parents...!" ...Eventually it seems like some kind of compromise was achieved. Swirly light = magic, or something. (shrug) Not my problem. It's a lovely cover.
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About this one I have, well, mixed feelings. At this end of time, the art looks clunky. Yet this is also my first bestseller. When the SF Book Club published this omnibus, Support Your Local Wizard quickly set records as their single most-requested item of all time for new members just signing up. Its print run ran to more than 250,000 copies, and it remained constantly in print until the Book Club itself ended.
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I've always been fond of this one for Deep Wizardry, and also of the one the artist, Neal McPheeters, did for the Dell Yearling and Dell mass market paperback editions of So You Want To... . There's a solid quality to both of them, but the second one in particular, that appeals to me.
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(For those in the notes on that other post who reacted immediately to Kit's antenna: This is one of the reasons why it features—along with one of Nita's wands from the rowan tree Liused—on all the covers of the revised/updated Young Wizards New Millennium Editions. I've seen a lot of memories jogged by its appearance.)
...Do I have a favorite favorite one of all these covers? As usual, it's hard to pick. But I have to admit that I smile, at the moment, when looking at this one—Greg Swearingen’s art again—since in a couple of weeks it'll be the fortieth anniversary of So You Want To Be A Wizard's publication.
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We'll see what the publisher does for the fiftieth. :)
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flanaganfilm · 1 year
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Hello and Howdy Mr. Mike Flanagan! I'm excited to see you here on our humble hellsite. I have so much to say and ask about your netflix shows but for the moment, I want to ask about Doctor Sleep because I enjoyed that movie immensely - it filled me with a pleasant sense of dread, which possibly makes no sense, or a lot of sense.
What was that creative process like? Reconciling book and movie canons, following Kubrick's legacy, working with Ewan and Rebecca and Zahn and everyone else. I'm obsessed with King adaptations and I'm just fascinated with Doctor Sleep.
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Alright! Buckle up for yet another long read.
Thank you for your question, and for this opportunity to go back and talk about DOCTOR SLEEP. It's a very special film to me, and a very special time in my life as well.
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It all started with a general meeting with Jon Berg at Warner Bros.
The meeting itself started pretty wild - Adrien Brody walked out of the office as I was waiting to go in. Jon introduced us and we chatted for a few minutes, and I was a little out of whack for the rest of the meeting because I had a very potent "wow that was Adrien Brody" buzz going.
We were meant to talk about DC Comics and see if there was anything to do there. I was really hoping to chat about a horror-slanted Clayface movie, and about my favorite superhero: Superman.
Neither conversation went very far. I had just finished GERALD'S GAME, and Jon was a King fan, so he asked about the production. And then he asked if I'd ever read Warners' script for DOCTOR SLEEP.
I had. In fact, I had tried very hard to get a meeting at the studio when the book was first published. Warners owned the rights to DOCTOR SLEEP outright - it was part of their deal going all the way back to THE SHINING - so they immediately began looking into movie options when the book was published. Akiva Goldsman had written a script, and it was one of the first projects I asked about when I signed with WME as a client years before. "That isn't going anywhere," they told me. "I don't think that movie gets made."
They had tried to get me the meeting anyway, but no one at Warners responded. I never got in the room.
But now, here I was. What did I have to lose at this point?
"I did read it," I said. "I'd take a different approach." Jon sat back and smiled. "I love the book, Rose is one of the great villains of all time," he said. I agreed. He probed. "What's wrong with the script?"
"I don't think it follows the book closely enough."
"What would you do?"
"I'd do the book. Streamline it, combine some characters, and you'd have to rethink the True Knot a bit. But otherwise, just do the book. As long as it's a three-hander between Danny, Abra and Rose it'll work. With one big asterisk."
"What's that?"
"I think you have to bring back the hotel. Kubrick's hotel, I mean."
Jon smiled wider. "Yeah, it's a bummer the hotel burned down. King goes out of his way at the start of the book to emphasize that - no Overlook, look no further."
This was my biggest gripe with the book.
I said "When I read the book, all I could see was Kubrick's hotel. I think you do the book as close as you possibly can, until the big fight at the end. Instead of it taking place in an empty field, let it be in the hotel."
Jon: "Do you think King will be upset if you change his ending? You know how feels about THE SHINING, right?"
Me: "What if we gave him THAT ending? What if we let Danny have Jack's ending? Jack sacrificed himself to save his family and destroy the Overlook - why not let Danny do that? Change the ending, sure, but give him the ending Kubrick denied him."
We shook hands, and I called my producing partner Trevor Macy to tell him it was a good general, but nothing was coming out of my DC meeting. By the time I'd made it back to my car, though, Jon had reached out to Stephen King and asked if he'd be interested in me taking a swing at it. Steve, who had enjoyed GERALD'S GAME, said yes.
I was immediately petrified when the call came in that they might want to engage me on a rewrite of DOCTOR SLEEP, with a directorial attachment. I'd have to rewrite the script from scratch, and I kind of felt like they were calling my bluff. But the deal was made and quite suddenly I was adapting DOCTOR SLEEP.
First order of business was to make King aware of what I intended to do. I had just established a tentative relationship with my hero over GERALD'S GAME, and the last thing - the very last thing in the world I ever wanted - was to upset him. We weren't in direct communication, we spoke through agents and emails at this point - but I had to make him aware of the Overlook thing.
I put together a proposal that outlined what I wanted to do - use Kubrick's visual language, and keep the Overlook standing as a setting for the final battle. The initial feedback we got was "no." King really, really didn't like Kubrick's film, and his priority was to adapt DOCTOR SLEEP - not to revisit THE SHINING.
I told him that if he didn't want me to do it, I wouldn't - I'd walk away from the movie before I made something he hated. But as a last ditch effort, I said "imagine the Overlook, decrepit and rotten. And imagine Dan Torrance having walk in to 'wake it up,' the lights coming on above his head as he walks the halls. He finds his way to the Gold Room. To the familiar bar, where an empty glass is waiting for him. And we see a familiar bartender ready to pour for him, saying 'good evening Mister Torrance.' What if that bartender is his father?"
After a bit of a delay, King got back to us. "Do it," he said.
Writing the script was tough. I immediately felt like I had stepped into a very unsafe space. "This is going to piss everybody off," I figured. Kubrick fans would be livid that the movie was being made. King fans might be angry that Kubrick's imagery was being homaged. There was no way to please everyone, so I set about writing the movie I wanted to see most.
It was a slightly nauseous feeling that would stay with me until the movie came out.
I sat down to write with a hardcover copy of DOCTOR SLEEP to my right, and a hardcover copy of THE SHINING to my left. I read both cover to cover, sticking post-its throughout the pages with ideas, or flagging lines of dialogue (or even prose) that I wanted to protect. I managed to put together a basic outline for the movie, which was intimidating and sprawling.
I finally finished the draft and sent it off to Warner Bros. and King at the same time. I was shooting THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE at the time, and thought it would take a long while and a few more iterations before SLEEP would go anywhere, if it ever did.
Warner Bros. shocked us all by coming back with a green light. I've been told that it was one of the fastest green lights in the recent history of the studio, and I believe it.
It happened so fast, in fact, that Steve hadn't read the script yet. I got an email from him on a Friday saying "I read the first half, and I absolutely love it - my son's getting married, so I'll pick it up in a week or so and finish it, but great so far!" I was nauseous... because I knew everything that King was likely to hate was in the second half.
When he finally did finish reading it, about a week later, he reached out and said:
"I think it's really good. In my experience, this is the kind of script studios don't make, because it's TOO good. Hopefully I'm wrong. But no matter how it turns out, thanks for treating me so well. - Steve"
I had the distinct pleasure of being able to write him back and tell him that Warner Bros. had just greenlit the movie. And we were off to the races.
The pressure was enormous. They were spending a lot of money on this movie, and because of the insane box office success of IT: CHAPTER ONE, expectations were very high.
We were given access to Kubrick's blueprints for the Overlook hotel set, which were still held at Warner Bros. While we set about rebuilding the sets, our attention turned to casting.
For Dan, we met with a handful of actors: Dan Stevens, Chris Evans, Matt Smith, and Jeremy Renner all came in to chat about the movie. But Ewan McGregor, who himself was eight years sober (just like Dan), was the obvious choice. "Let's not talk about the Shining yet," he said. "I want to talk about recovery." He was the guy.
For Rose the Hat, we talked with several actresses, including Anne Hathaway, Nicole Kidman, and my dear friend Karen Gillan - but Rebecca Ferguson knocked our socks off on a 90-minute zoom meeting, and the part was hers.
Finding Abra Stone was more difficult - we auditioned more than 900 girls for the part. We'd narrowed it down to a half-dozen very promising and successful young actresses, including Lulu Wilson (who I'd worked with several times before and adore), but Kyliegh Curran's self-tape audition rose to the very top of the pile. Ewan flew to Atlanta to read with our final picks, and when Kyliegh - who lived 15 minutes from our office, was local casting, and had never booked a job before - finished reading, he turned to us and said "I mean it's her, right?" It absolutely was.
When we cast her, we invited her back to the office after school one day to get oriented. The crew was so excited for her that they decorated the production office in her honor.
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As the rest of the cast fell in, we started doing our camera tests and getting excited about what we were putting together. My feeling over overwhelming nausea only got stronger.
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We started shooting in September of 2018. The shoot was long, but never exhausting. The cast and crew were uniformly pleasant and happy to be there, and after the soul-crushing slog that had been THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, it was a relief to enjoy working again.
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Kate was pregnant with our daughter Theo at the time. She visited as much as she could, but finally couldn't travel any more. Being away from Kate and our son Cody was hard, but I'm so grateful that we got to share some time on set together.
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All things considered, this was a smooth shoot. But something happened for me while we were making it that would change the course of my life forever.
See, THE SHINING is about alcoholism. King wrote it while in the throes of his own addiction, and it is a novel about the anxiety he felt about what he could potentially do to his family if left unchecked. It's one of the reasons he was so upset with Kubrick's adaptation - all of that was taken away. This is a profoundly personal story for King.
When he wrote DOCTOR SLEEP, he was decades sober. The story of DOCTOR SLEEP is the story of recovery. This was something that Ewan knew very well, and why he was perfect for the part. He knew what the journey felt like. He wasn't alone - there were a number of cast and crew members on this shoot that were sober. In fact, just about all of the actors who played main characters were sober. I was still drinking at the time, though it had already become obviously problematic in my life, I hadn't taken any meaningful steps to change it.
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This photograph was taken on 10/12/2018. This was taken on the day I got sober. I quit cold turkey, in the middle of production. I was clinging to vices at the time. Note not only the cigarette in my hand (I was smoking almost 2 packs a day), but the ash tray that had been rigged to the top of my viewfinder by the camera department. (I don't smoke anymore either, just about four years without cigs as well... and I still miss them.)
I had been writing about addiction for a decade. It was all over my work, going all the way back to ABSENTIA. I didn't realize just how much I was writing about myself, and I still can't believe it took me this long.
I vividly recall writing the scene between Dan and Jack at the bar. My wife pointed out to me after the fact that she could see it then, that something was changing in me when it came to drinking. Something was waking up, and I was processing a desperate need to sober up. That scene represents an internal conversation that is profoundly personal to me. It's still my favorite scene of the movie.
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I've been sober now for over 4 years. DOCTOR SLEEP helped me finally make that decision. I finished the shoot sober, and came home to my life with a lot of uncertainty and insecurity. But with the unflinching support of my incredible wife, and some amazing friends, my life started to really blossom. It was pretty immediately evident that this was one of the best decisions I'll ever make.
Meanwhile, though, I had to finish DOCTOR SLEEP.
I LOVED the movie we'd made, but I was still terrified of what King would think of it - not to mention Kubrick's estate.
When we finished the cut, I flew to Bangor to screen the finished film for Steve. It was the first I'd meet him in person, and one of the most insanely exciting and humbling days of my life.
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We watched the movie together, and I was acutely aware of each and every little reaction he had throughout.
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(With Trevor Macy, my producing partner at Intrepid)
When the show as over, Steve turned to me and said "You did a beautiful job." And ultimately, he added that this film had made him warm up to the Kubrick movie as well.
A week later, we heard from Kubrick's estate that they had also loved the movie.
With King's blessing, and Kubrick's family, I felt that nausea finally subside. I said to Kate, "that's it. That's all that matters. Doesn't matter if the movie crashes and burns - we already won the important battle."
And then, the movie crashed and burned.
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A group of us went to see it opening night at Arclight Hollywood (my favorite theater). We were just about the only people there. And I knew immediately that we were going to have a bad weekend.
The movie didn't perform very well. Warner Bros. was disappointed, and ended up scrapping the Dick Hallorann movie we were planning, as well as the Overlook Hotel prequel.
I was pretty crest-fallen. I'd spent years tossing and turning over whether audiences would be divided between the King and Kubrick camps. I'd been petrified that they'd be furious, venomous, run me out on a rail... I'd never considered that they'd be utterly disinterested. Apathy wasn't even on my radar.
Steve called me the Monday after opening weekend with some words of encouragement. "I remember when THE SHINING bombed," he said. "And SHAWSHANK. Give it some time. It'll find its audience. It's a really good movie."
That has turned out to be true. While it didn't set the world on fire theatrically, the movie has over-performed on VOD and streaming. And when Warner Bros. released the Directors Cut (I'm still so grateful that they did that), it popped even more.
So yes, to answer your question - the pressures were enormous. I hope this paints a little picture of what it was like. The biggest gift I got out of it, though, was sobriety.
I reached out to King a year later, on my first sober birthday. I hadn't told him I was sober, but it felt like time to do it. I got to thank him. "I never told you this, but I sobered up while we were shooting DOCTOR SLEEP, and I don't think I would have done it without your words. Living in that story, and marinading in the concepts of recovery and redemption made it possible. I just want to thank you."
He wrote back his congratulations, and then mentioned "as it happens, I'm off to celebrate 30 years myself. It only gets better and better."
And he is absolutely right.
DOCTOR SLEEP was the perfect project for me after the nightmare that was HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE. I fell in love with making movies again. And I found a new and wonderful gear for my life. It has only made everything better - my marriage, my work, my experience walking around on planet earth. I'm so grateful for it.
When I think of DOCTOR SLEEP, I think of Ewan sitting at the bar and looking at the glass in his hand. "Man takes a drink, drink takes a drink... and then the drink takes the man. Ain't it so, dad."
Ewan understood those words better than I did when I typed them into the script. I understand them much better now.
There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not profoundly grateful for my time at the Overlook. And for myriad of ways my life has been changed because of it.
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