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herlv3r · 3 months

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tip toe

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。..・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。..・。.

୨୧ synopsis: as le sserafim’s comeback had just released, your girlfriend is extremely busy with promotions and is under strict supervision. her managers have clearly warned you to stay away for the time being, but is that really going to stop you?

୨୧ pairing: gf!chaewon x fem!reader

୨୧ genre: fluff

୨୧ a/n: stream fimmies new mini album or else i WILL hunt you down

you grip on your fimbong as anticipation builds up in you like you’re about to explode. sitting in front of your tv, the screen counts down from its final minute. as the countdown nears its end, you can’t help but to stand up, adrenaline filling your veins.

even though your girlfriend already spoiled you their new song, you can’t help the excitement as if you’re hearing it for the first time all over again.

memories begin rushing in from when she first auditioned for woollim entertainment, then her time with izone, and finally le sserafim. you were there with her every step of the way. to say how proud you are is really an understatement.

your eyes gleam seeing chaewon’s outstanding visuals. and hearing her sing through the screen blesses your ears. how’d you get so lucky with her?

your phone rings violently as a call from chaewon comes through. answering it, a soft voice warms your ears.

“babe did you watch?!?” excitement is evident in her tone. you giggle at her question when it’s obvious you did. “of course i did! i wouldn’t miss even a second of it.”

you hear her small laugh amidst the busy background. “okay i gotta prepare for the showcase. i love you and i miss you.” your stomach fills with butterflies hearing those words escape her mouth. “good luck! i’ll be cheering for you.”

every comeback is always filled with busy schedules and strict rules. you can’t even remember the last time you’ve held her in your arms. you know dating a kpop idol comes with an unspoken requirement of being patient but you long for her.

the last time you attempted to see her during promotions got you banned from stepping in their dorms. as much as you want to see her, you have to do what’s best for your girlfriend.

hours past since the showcase and you haven’t heard anything from chaewon ever since. slumping in your seat, your brows drew together thinking heavily on what she could be doing at the moment.

suddenly a text notification causes your phone to vibrate. “i want to see you. pick me up at my dorm?” that burst of adrenaline comes rushing back to you, as you read word by word. excitedly getting up and gathering everything you need, you rush out the door without looking back.

who cares if you get banned again, it's worth the risk. after all, it's her personal request. how can you pass on something like that?

pulling up to her dorm, you hurriedly park and skipped your way to her room. once reaching her floor, you make eye contact with chaewon, her eyes widen in shock. the dumb smile on your face is quickly replaced with a terrified expression after realizing she's talking to her manager.

making the fastest u-turn in your life, you rush back down the stairs nearly tripping in the process. panting for air, you arrive back at the lobby searching for a place to hide.

several minutes past and you've finally calmed down. that was a close call you thought. as you slowly peek over your hiding place, a hard slap stings your head. looking back to see who it was, you're met with chewon glaring down at you. without saying a word, the expression on her face clearly says, "you're such a dumbass."

swiftly standing up, you engulf her in your arms as you squeeze the air out of her. "chaechae i missed you!!" in response, she pinches your waist causing you to squeal and back away.

attempting to rub the pain away, you look at her in confusion. why is she so violent today? has she finally lost it?

"god that was a close call. if my manager saw you first then our whole sneaking out plan is over." you swear you can see steam escaping from the top of her head as she complains.

tilting your head down, a sly smile forms on your lips. "but he didn't see me, so it's all good." she scoffs at you, rolling her eyes and taking your hand in hers. "come on let's go before we get caught." she drags you behind her as she sneakily makes her way back to your car.

you've been aimlessly driving for the past couple of minutes, unsure if chaewon even notices. you weren't expecting a spontaneous hang out today, so you were severely unprepared.

you're terrible at hiding things from her especially with the occasional side eyes you've been giving. she eventually catches on to you.

"how about a convenience store run, just like old times?" pursing your lips you glance at her as if you already had that thought. "pfft, yeah i was already heading there."

"but you just missed the turn..." staring at you, she furrows her eyebrows. "babe i can't see, it's dark out here." out of habit she smacks your arm causing you to swerve a little bit. too busy laughing uncontrollably to even notice.

arriving at the parking lot, you instruct chaewon to stay in the car hoping to avoid any unwanted attention.

walking in the store, you can't help but feel a little guilty. it's such a big day for chaewon but the only thing you can give her is cheap food. still, it's no excuse to not try to make the best out of the night.

making your way down several isles you surprisingly bump into chaewon already picking out items. stopping in your tracks, you cross your arms and tap your feet in disbelief. you cough deliberately, attempting to gain her attention.

"pfft, what?" she doesn't even bother looking at you. "what do you mean, 'what'?" slowly approaching her, you snatch the kimbap she was holding. quickly turning her head, she raises a brow.

"babe you're such a hypocrite. you got mad at me earlier for almost getting caught but look at you now." she snatches the kimbap back from your grasp. "it's okay, i'm covered up good."

finally acknowledging your disappointed look, she squeezes your cheeks. "baby i'm sorry. i'll be careful." giving in to her soft touch, you let it slide. how can you possibly get mad at her?

luckily you were able to leave without anyone recognizing your girlfriend. you wouldn't know what to do if someone did.

getting in the drivers seat, you're hit with realization of not knowing where to go next. resting your head on the steering wheel, you release an exasperated sigh as you struggle to think of a destination.

"make a right turn and take the next exit."

shooting your head up, you stare at the gps. confused as to why it spoke. your gaze shifts back and forth between chaewon and the route displayed on the car's screen, wondering if she had anything to do with it.

chaewon smiles as she comfortably sinks in her seat, "just drive baby." you study her expression, suspicious of her little scheme. "mhm... should i trust you?" the blank expression sitting on her face hints at you to just go without question. you nod in defeat and turned on the engine.

for what seemed like 30 minutes, you're starting to doubt your gps when it leads you to an isolated road. the only source of light that's surrounding you is the brightness of your headlights. it's like you're in a horror movie where you encounter an eerie girl standing on the side of the road.

an uneasy feeling in your stomach begins to stir just by thinking about it. you quickly glace at chaewon whose face is as pale as snow. "you good? you don't usually look as white." she grips on to her thighs and swallows hard. "why wouldn't i be? hehe..."

you knew what she felt at the moment. she's scared shitless. your heart starts to beat . "hey you can't be scared?! because i'm scared... we can't both be scared!"

her grasp transfers from her thigh to your shirt. "girl, just drive!" you immediately step on the gas without a second thought.

"you have arrived. your destination should be on the left." pulling up to a secluded area, a single bench facing a cliff sits under a soft lit lamp post. not creepy at all...

"welp, ladies first," you laugh awkwardly as you unlock the doors. she shook her head in disagreement. "what, you can't do that! you took me here." you lifted an eyebrow and crossed your arms.

"don't make me go out there first, please baby," the look in chaewon’s eyes has you completely entranced. heat rushes to your face, staining it red. it took you a moment to form a response. “you’re a coward,” you murmured.

you push your car door open and hopped out. stepping foot on the rocky ground, the cool evening breeze sends shivers down your spine. you felt vulnerable being outside the walls of your car. in a snap you hurriedly ran to the other side to open the door for your girlfriend.

chaewon steps out and gently pats your cheeks as a thanks. “okay come with me.” she interlocks your fingers, leaving you no choice but to follow.

as you slowly approach the edge of the cliff, the view of the city lights comes into sight, leaving you mesmerized. who knew such a place existed that overlooks the city. chaewon lets go of your hand, letting you take in the scenery.

gawking for too long, you didn’t even notice the feeling of fear had completely washed away. discovering chaewon’s slipped away from your side, you promptly turned around only to see her resting on the bench behind you. she pats the empty space beside her gesturing you to sit down.

“so how’d you know about this place?” you drop your weight on the old wooden material. chaewon shifts closer to you and rests her head on your shoulder.

“i used to come here a lot with my grandma. we’d clear our heads and just talk.” you’re left speechless as you figure out where this is heading. “i wanted to share it with you for awhile now.” your heart softens at her words, realizing you occupy a special place in her heart.

you chuckle as you start playing with her hair, "thank you."

you both sit in comfortable silence just admiring the night sky. after a short while, you felt chaewon's grip on your hand loosen. turning your head to look at her, her eyes completely closed as her chest rises and falls.

looking at the time, it's nearing 1 in the morning. she must be exhausted after such a busy day. you can't even imagine what she'll have to go through later.

you lightly squeeze her, attempting to not startle her. "baby let's take you home yeah?" she groans in response with her eyes still glued shut.

crouching down, you force her to get on your back. you carried her back to the car and gently placed her in the passenger seat. you slowly walked back to the drivers side, taking in the view one last time. bringing her back here for your anniversary would be lovely, you thought.

as you comfortably sunk in your seat, you removed your jacket and wrapped it around chaewon's small figure. she shifts in her spot, turning in your direction giving you a tired smile.

"i'm sorry, did i wake you?" you rub her cheek with your thumb. she timidly shakes her head no.

"if i had known you'd take me here, i would've prepared much more." she chuckles at your statement. "don't be silly, being here with you is more than enough." shutting her eyes again, she falls back asleep. releasing a satisfied hum, you start the engine once again.

the streetlights illuminated the quiet streets and cars sat empty in parking lots. parking in front of her building, you sat there admiring how peaceful and cute she looked.

you shook her softly, "chaewonie we’re here." she yawns heavily and stretches in her seat. rubbing her cheeks, she slowly opens her eyes taking in her surroundings. taking hold of her soft hand, you walk her inside.

arriving at her front door, she turns to you with her head down. "i don't want you to leave... stay with me a little longer?" she tightly clutches on the hem of your shirt. "please?"

without warning, the door bursts open revealing a fully awake eunchae. she looks at you and chaewon cringing. "damn guys it's late. wrap it up please."

"isn't it past your bed time?" chaewon lifts a brow. eunchae crosses her arms as she leans against the door frame. "do you want me to rat you out."

chaewon's eyes widen at eunchae's response. lifting a fist in the air, she makes a threatening gesture. "i'm your leader, you can't tell me what to do." she pushes eunchae back inside, shutting the door at her face.

rubbing your eyes, you can't help but laugh at their interaction. "what's so funny?" she nudges you. tucking her hair behind her ear, you sigh in contentment. "you're so cute, you know that?" she shyly giggles at your compliment.

wrapping her arms around your waist, she pulls you into her embrace. "well you better go in before she comes back out." moving her hands from your waist to your neck, she brings you in and pecks your lips.

a stupid grin forms on the corner of your lip, "do it again." she laughs at your request. connecting your lips once again, it lasts longer this time. her hands explore your back, drawing you even closer. this is what you longed for.

"maybe i should stay for a bit," you whisper into the kiss. pulling away chuckling, she punches your shoulder. "shut up and go home."

opening the door, she finds eunchae waiting, mocking her with kissy faces. "omg eunchae! didn't i tell you to go to sleep?!" you can hear eunchae hysterically laughing on the other side as she makes a run for her room.

your girlfriend turns back to you, pinching the bridge of her nose. "ugh, kids..."

"text me when you get home and as soon as you wake up. i love you and drive safe. good night my lover girl~" peeking throught the small gap of her door she gives you a cheeky smile.

"i love you too. good night~" leaning in, you shut the door for her.

#le sserafim #le sserafim x reader #kim chaewon #kim chaewon x reader #wlw #kpop #kim chaewon imagines #le sserafim imagines #lsrfm #gxg fluff #gxg scenarios #kpop fanfic

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chiqelatasblog · 1 month

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In the Middle Of the Night🌙

-> Ao3 link is here.

-> Part One is here.

Pairings : Bi-Han/ Sub-Zero x You, Kuai Liang/ Scorpion x You, Tomas Vrbada/ Smoke x You

Author’s Note: Hey there everyone! First of all, I’m beyond excited by the interest you’ve shown in my fic. Thank you so much! I poured all my love into this chapter, and I’m incredibly proud of the result. This bad boy clocks in at over 10k words, so buckle up and enjoy the ride! Happy reading!

I summoned you, please come to me,

Don’t bury thoughts that you really want.

I fill you up, drink from my cup,

Within me lies what you really want.

CHAPTER TWO : TOMAS

Tomas had always harbored a discomfort with darkness.

One vivid childhood memory was the time he and his twin sister sneaked out of the house to fish by the creek. They had visited this place with their mother many times before, surrounded by tall grasses and dense trees lining the riverbanks. In addition to fishing, they splashed in the stream as the spring weather warmed the water, engaging in playful water fights and skipping stones. However, they had not anticipated the difficulty of finding their way home after nightfall. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed until the sun vanished, leaving behind only faint orange rays. Amidst the sounds of creatures in the dark and the dim moonlight, Tomas found himself more frightened than ever. Seeking refuge beneath the shelter of a towering oak tree, he and his twin waited anxiously for the morning light without daring to blink.

Another poignant memory was his first night after being adopted by the Lin Kuei following the tragic loss of his parents. Given a room of his own within the clan’s compound, it marked a stark contrast to the cramped quarter he shared with his sister at home—a small room with a cold-leaking window and a wooden floor that creaked with every step. Despite the spaciousness of his new accommodations, the room only served to accentuate his overwhelming sense of loneliness. Confusion, fear, and sorrow weighed heavily upon him, compounded by the haunting memories of his family’s demise. The image of his mother’s final gaze, the sound of her voice uttering his name as she drew her last breath, remained painfully fresh in Tomas’s mind. Standing alone in the darkness, he hesitated to emerge from the refuge of his hidden position, fearing the harsh reality that awaited him—a reality that felt more like a terrible nightmare than the truth.

Later that same night, Kuai Liang, the son of the grandmaster, whom Tomas had only glimpsed out of the corner of his eye and estimated to be a few years older than himself, sought him out. Tomas never expected anyone to visit his room, especially someone whose language, lifestyle, and appearance were so foreign to him. Despite being a complete stranger, Kuai Liang persisted in his efforts to communicate with him.

Over the years, Tomas had learned to leave the past behind and devote himself to the Lin Kuei with unwavering respect and loyalty. He seized every opportunity for growth, not limiting himself to combat training alone. In addition to mastering multiple languages, he immersed himself in various fields of knowledge, receiving specialized education ranging from geography to mathematics. Inspired by his brothers, Tomas aspired to become a formidable assassin, striving to emulate their strength and steadfastness. His determination to bridge the gap and prove himself led him to seek training in magic from clan elders. Before long, he mastered the art of smoke magic, earning his code name in the process.

As time passed, Tomas emerged as one of Lin Kuei’s most skilled assassins, earning the respect and admiration of his peers. Though differences still lingered between him and his brothers, they no longer served as barriers; instead, they became markers of individual experiences and growth. Tomas gained renown for his stealth and speed during missions, aided by his mastery of the smoke magic for concealment. Yet, he also understood the value of leveraging shadows for support. Through discipline and practice, he learned to embrace the darkness, transforming his fear into a potent weapon.

Until Quan Chi sealed him and his brothers inside the book…

Tomas couldn’t recall the last time he had been free. It must have been ages ago. While he had anticipated the relief of escaping, the reality proved disorienting. After spending so long confined within the book’s pages, reentering the world was akin to landing on an alien planet. Colors seemed brighter, sensations felt unfamiliar, and even the taste of things seemed strange.

It had only been a day or two since they emerged from the book’s depths. During that time, Tomas had been reluctant to close his eyes, fearing a return to the vast darkness that had engulfed him for so long. In the book, there was only emptiness—a void that left him disoriented and disconnected from time and reality. The experience had shattered his ability to cope with darkness; although it was bad to have a new master, he would prefer this situation to eternal darkness.

Inside the book, the only connection to the outside world was through sounds, which provided a vague sense of the passage of time. Now, sitting in the living room, an overwhelming surge of pent-up energy coursed through him. He longed to move, to run, to stretch his limbs freely. Yet, his heightened senses left him feeling overwhelmed by the outside world. It was as if everything had become too much to bear at once, triggering a cascade of emotions.

Such experiences were not uncommon when they remained dormant for extended periods. It took several days for them to readjust. Kuai Liang, in particular, struggled with the transition. His pyromancer abilities meant his metabolism was faster than both him and Bi-Han’s, making the initial days a nightmare as he grappled with an accumulation of pent-up energy. Bi-Han fared better in comparison, his cryomancer abilities allowing him to maintain control despite the prolonged dormancy.

“Are you all right?” Tomas inquired, glancing at his brother who sat a little distance away. Drops of sweat glistened on Kuai Liang’s forehead, his face flushed. His usually dark hair, kept in a bun, was now disheveled, with tufts of hair glued to his skin due to sweat. Despite his typically bronze skin, it appeared pale under the strain of his condition, a deep frown creased his brow, accentuating the thick veins that bulged on his neck from the tension of his clenched jaw. He spoke in a muffled voice, his fists tightly gripping the cushion beneath him.

“It’s more intense compared to the previous ones. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to cope.” Kuai Liang muttered, his voice strained.

“You should lie down on the sofa,” Tomas suggested, rising from his seat and closing the distance between them in an instant. “Standing like this isn’t good for you. Let me help.”

“I’m fine,” Kuai Liang insisted stubbornly, his words almost a hiss through clenched teeth. “It’ll pass soon.”

“We both know it’ll take a few days,” Tomas reasoned gently. “Come on, lie down and stop being so stubborn. You need to rest.”

“I’ve been inactive enough already from being trapped in that damn book.”

“And now you need to rest so your body can recover.”

“Is everything all right?” Your soft voice floated from the entrance of the room, drawing Tomas’s attention. You stood there in an old plush robe, your legs and feet bare beneath your long nightgown. The bandages he wrapped around your legs from the first night they emerged from the book still in place. Like him, your face was colorless, and the purple rings under your eyes betrayed the sleeplessness you shared with them.

“Kuai Liang?” Bi-Han’s sudden appearance next to you, like a dark, silent shadow, caused you to jump in place with a start. Tomas observed your startled reaction, your eyes reflecting fear at Bi-Han’s sudden presence. Since they emerged from the book, they had noticed your agitated demeanor and your constant efforts to maintain a clear distance from them. It was evident in every gesture that you had yet to adapt to the situation and were still struggling to accept what was happening.

As Bi-Han approached them with purposeful strides, he rested his hand on his brother’s forehead, from which a thin, cold smoke wafted. Upon contact, a sizzling sound filled the room as cold and heat met. Kuai Liang’s eyes closed with a slight sense of relief, his tense posture relaxing slightly. Bi-Han’s expression remained stern.

“You’re burning,” Bi-Han remarked, his dark gaze fixed on his brother. “How long has he been like this?”

“For about half an hour, he suddenly relapsed. When he insists on not resting—”

“Nonsense. We both know you’re not going to get through this without lying down somewhere, Kuai Liang. Don’t be stubborn and do as you’re told.”

“What’s going on?” You hesitantly approached them, your anxious eyes shifting between Kuai Liang, who was breathing rapidly and starting to sweat profusely, and the two brothers. “Is he ill?”

As Bi-Han gave you a piercing, stern look, you stumbled back a step. Tomas felt a surge of anger at his brother’s harsh demeanor. Bi-Han had always been somewhat rude and obstinate; as the grandmaster before being trapped in the book, he was accustomed to looking down on others, being condescending, and considering everyone except the Lin Kuei as worthless. This attitude had persisted over the years, even when they served various masters of the book.

Many masters had attempted to break his demeanor and relished in the opportunity, but when they realized Bi-Han could not be tamed, both he and Kuai Liang were held accountable for his actions. That was when Bi-Han had to learn to control his sharp tongue and condescending gaze. But when it comes to you, you seem different from the masters who came and went. You were an ordinary person, with neither unusual strength nor fighting skills to suggest you knew how to protect yourself.

Tomas had scrutinized you closely the first day he emerged from the book and quickly formed a profile. Your physique seemed too delicate to be that of a warrior, and your gaze exuded kindness and compassion. The fact that you didn’t assert any authority over them indicated you might be harmless. While he hesitated to fully embrace this belief, it often proved true when reality differed from their initial assumptions. This made Bi-Han’s treatment of you seem inappropriate and cruel.

“Kuai Liang is a pyromancer, master,” Tomas interjected, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them. “When he’s unable to release his power for an extended period, it accumulates inside him, causing sensory overload and physical strain.”

As Tomas explained in simpler terms, given your unfamiliarity with their world, another layer of concern clouded your expression.

“Oh, I see. That sounds truly awful. Does the same situation apply to you?”

Bi-Han had been on the verge of making a rude remark once again, but Tomas acted swiftly to prevent him from further upsetting you. “No, our powers and metabolic rates vary among us.”

“Then is there anything I can do for Kuai Liang? I have antipyretics and painkillers; perhaps they might help.”

“Are you daft, woman? We’re dealing with a man whose metabolism is four times faster than normal. Do you think mere drugs will affect him?”

“I-I just wanted to help.”

“You’d be of greater help by not interfering,”

The moment Bi-Han hurled the words at you with a tongue as sharp as a knife, Tomas watched you swallow silently and your eyes glistened with tears for a moment. His chest ached with a slight pain for you, whom he had never known; you stood so vulnerable and small in front of them. But you collected your composure quickly, surprising him, squaring your shoulders and lifting your head.

“He can sleep in my bed until he’s better. It’ll be more comfortable than the couch. Can you move him there?”

***

After they carried Kuai Liang to your room and Bi-Han pulled a chair next to him, settling in, Tomas returned to the living room with you.

“He hates me.” you muttered in a hoarse voice.

“He hates everyone.” Tomas replied, realizing you were referring to Bi-Han. With a pillow tucked under one arm and a not-too-thick, pink-purple patterned blanket in the other, you prepared the makeshift bed on the couch.

With a sigh, you settled onto the end of the couch, which Kuai Liang had been using as a bed for the past few days. While he and Kuai Liang shared the living room, Bi-Han had taken refuge in your study. Your house was quite small, and Tomas had initially doubted whether they could all fit in here.

“If I hadn’t been protected by the book, he would have torn me in half already, wouldn’t he?”

“It can’t be said that he gets along well with strangers,” Tomas replied politely. “He needs time, master.” As the last word slipped from his lips in the usual manner, he observed your gentle expression falter, your lips pressing together into a straight line. He knew you disliked being addressed that way, but after years of habit, it was difficult for him to remove it from his vocabulary. His body ached with a twinge of pain for disobeying your request once again—a never-ending side effect of the curse. They had to obey their masters unconditionally, and if they did not, and this situation persisted, their suffering increased exponentially.

“Tomas, please don’t call me that. I am not your master, and it makes me very uncomfortable every time you address me as such.”

“I’m sorry,” Tomas murmured in a low voice, avoiding your gaze as he stared out at the nighttime landscape of tall buildings and colorful lights beyond the window. “It’s just a habit.”

“There’s no need to apologize. I just want you to know that there are no distinct classes between us. We are equals.” You leaned back against the armrest, pulling your knees toward your stomach and wrapping your arms around yourself. “It’s very strange. I haven’t slept a wink since yesterday, and yet I still don’t feel like I can sleep.”

When Tomas turned his gaze back to you, he noticed your tired eyes staring into emptiness. He could imagine how surreal and overwhelming the unfolding events must have sounded from your perspective. Moreover, sharing your home with three unfamiliar, burly men, and constantly feeling on edge because of Bi-Han, must have added to your nerves.

“So do I.” Tomas replied after a moment, joining you. “I’ve been inside the book for so long that it’s hard to believe I’m out now.”

“If you don’t mind, may I ask how long you’ve been there?”

“What year is it?” He asked.

“Two thousand twenty-four.”

“Then it has been nearly two years since we last emerged.”

Your eyes widened in horror at his response.

“Two years? That’s terrible! What have you been doing all this time in the book? Is there any way you can pass the time?”

The question sounded so innocent to Tomas’s ears that he almost wanted to laugh. It was the first time he had encountered a master like you—a master who, despite having the power to use them as mere tools, condoned Bi-Han’s rude behavior and tried to create a small comfort zone to help Kuai Liang through the process. Even though you knew the power you held over them, you chose not to exploit it fully. If you had wanted to, you could have expelled Bi-Han, and even him and Kuai Liang, from your home. After all, they had no choice but to obey your orders if they wished to avoid excruciating pain.

They hadn’t revealed this detail to you yet, as it was too valuable and represented one of their greatest vulnerabilities. However, whether you were aware of this information or not didn’t change the truth. By opening your home to them and engaging in conversation with Tomas, you were trying to understand the situation despite the risks involved. He doubted every now and then, as you seemed so sincere. You cannot act all the time, can you? As he was a professional in reading people, he couldn’t be entirely sure about you.

“No, we can only wait until our new master reads the words in the book,” Tomas explained.

“How so?” Your eyes widened slightly. “Can’t you do anything?”

“No, except for waiting in the dark, we can only sometimes hear voices coming from outside the book. This helps us understand where we are, and sometimes even the year.”

“God, this is—this is so cruel… How have you been able to maintain your sanity until today? This is officially torture.”

He also pondered the answer to this question himself. If he had been sealed inside that book alone, Tomas doubted he would be capable of forming coherent sentences right now. It would be a miracle if he could even speak.

“My brothers… Without them, it would have been inevitable that I would have lost my mind,” he admitted through clenched teeth. “But sometimes even that is not enough. That’s why we pressured you to read the book when you found it.”

“I thought I was going to die of fear at that moment,” you confessed in a low voice, cheeks slightly flushed, as you turned away from him and focused on your clasped hands. “But I’m glad I made you get out of there after hearing what you’ve told me. I hope I can help you break this curse as well.”

Tomas remained silent, grappling with uncertainty about the sincerity of your words. They had encountered similar displays of kindness before. In the past, there was a master they believed to be compassionate and well-intentioned, who had convinced them to lower their guards and give their trust a chance. They had fallen for gentle touches, pleas instead of commands, sweet compliments, and precious gifts. Even Bi-Han, typically skeptical, had thought that previous master was different.

But they were mistaken. They soon discovered that everything she did was merely a facade to gain their trust and manipulate them, raising their hopes only to shatter them. They had sworn never to trust again after that betrayal. As long as they were trapped in the book, they would always have a master, and their relationships would remain purely transactional.

Tomas had learned the hard way not to put faith in anyone. So your words held little weight for him. Each of them represented a month, and when they returned to the book three months later, you would be out of their lives. It seemed foolish to invest in a bond for something that would soon disappear.

‘’Tomas? Are you okay? You’ve become quiet,” you asked, noticing his distant expression.

Hearing your voice, Tomas snapped out of his thoughts and looked at you. “I have a lot on my mind. My thoughts are too loud,” he confessed with a tight smile.

“I have a solution that might help. Since neither of us has had any sleep,” you suggested, rising from your seat and making your way to the kitchen, which was adjacent to the living room. Tomas felt a twinge of curiosity as he watched you move. ‘’I hope you like chocolate.’’

“What are you going to do?”

“Hot chocolate. Sweet things are always good for stress. I think we both need some relaxation and serotonin,” you explained, retrieving two mugs from the kitchen cabinet and placing them on the counter. As you continued to prepare the hot chocolate, you asked, “Do you want to watch a movie?”

Tomas repeated the question as if to confirm that he had heard you correctly. “A movie?”

“Yes,” you affirmed cheerfully, without glancing at him, as you arranged the ingredients on the counter. “I like to watch something on Netflix when I can’t sleep. It helps distract my mind.”

“Netflix?” Tomas queried, unfamiliar with the term. As you briefly explained what Netflix was, Tomas observed you moving around the kitchen with a sweet smile, pouring steaming hot chocolate into the mugs and adorning them with white toppings resembling candy. He was familiar with the concept of movies, but his upbringing with the Lin Kuei left little room for leisure activities, such as watching television or electronic devices. Thus, while he understood the concept of movies, he had never encountered anything related to them until now.

“We can watch something that won’t require too much thought,” you suggested as you placed the mugs on the coffee table in front of them. Retrieving your laptop from a nearby spot, you positioned it on your lap and adjusted the screen so that Tomas could see. “Here, you can browse the movies from here.”

Tomas curiously scanned through the films from various categories displayed on the screen. There were so many options that he found it difficult to decide which one to choose, unsure of what would be the right choice.

“How about action?” you proposed, attempting to assist him. Your understanding expression conveyed that you recognized his struggle to make a choice. “We could watch Johnny Cage’s movies. The Ninja Mime movie series is legendary! What do you think? If you don’t like it, we can explore other options, of course.”

When Tomas agreed, your smile grew, and you placed the laptop in the center of the coffee table for both of you to see. As you leaned down to switch off the nearby lamp, he impulsively reached out and grabbed your wrist, causing a small, sweet electric sensation to pass between them. You both shared a momentary pause, as if sensing something peculiar, and Tomas noticed the sound of your interrupted breathing. What the hell was that? Tomas had never felt anything like this before.

“Tomas? Is something wrong?” you asked, your concern evident in your voice.

Tomas tried to ignore the tender feeling as he quickly released your wrist, as if it had burned him. Despite facing numerous sorcerers and warriors without fear, you, with your delicate demeanor, seemed more fragile to him, easily susceptible to harm even without the protection of the book.

“Could the light stay on?” he requested hoarsely, instantly noticing the understanding in your eyes, realizing the underlying reason for his question.

“Of course. Is it alright if we share the seat until the movie ends? There’s no other way for me to see the screen.”

Tomas found it strange that you asked, considering it was your home. You didn’t need his permission to use your own belongings.

“This is already your couch.” Tomas replied, showing his confusion.

“You’re also my guest. I want you to feel comfortable, not like you’re on edge,” you explained. Surprised by your response, Tomas nodded in agreement instead of verbally responding. “Great! Then I’ll start the movie. Come on, start drinking the hot chocolate before it gets cold. Your marshmallows are about to melt.”

Following your instructions, Tomas picked up a yellowish-white ceramic mug with daisy and bee patterns and took a sip of the steaming, incredibly fragrant drink. The sweet liquid danced on his taste buds, flooding his mouth with an unparalleled delight. It had been an eternity since he had savored something so delicious and sweet, a rare treat that he hadn’t experienced in years. Closing his eyes in bliss, he relished every moment of it.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it,” Tomas replied honestly.

“Really?” Your face lit up with a huge, almost radiant smile, and Tomas once again felt that sweet ache in his chest, far from painful. “I’m glad to hear that! If you want more, don’t hesitate to tell me. I still have plenty of chocolates in the cupboard.”

After your words, when the movie started, Tomas watched you eagerly settle on the end of the seat and sip your hot chocolate out of the corner of his eye. Despite the seat not being too large, there was a noticeable distance between you; someone thinner could have squeezed in between with a little effort. Although Tomas still couldn’t quite decipher your intentions, he turned his attention to the film after stealing a few glances at you, and slowly felt his troubled thoughts quiet down, his overly active senses beginning to relax.

Settling more comfortably on the couch, he took another sip of the hot chocolate you had made. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something like this for him. Usually, the situation would be the opposite—he would serve someone, fulfilling their wishes and desires. Now, it felt strange and unfamiliar to him to drink the beverage you had offered without expecting anything in return, as if you would later chastise him for such naivety. However, that never happened. Instead, you were completely engrossed in the film, occasionally giggling at the jokes inaudibly. Your smile, perhaps even sweeter than the hot chocolate he was drinking, had a warmth that made one want to hear your voice again.

Despite being occasionally distracted by your voice, Tomas found himself unexpectedly enjoying the movie. The action scenes were realistic, the jokes humorous, and the flow of the film simple yet intriguing. During one of the fight scenes, Tomas mumbled, “He fights well.”

“Isn’t he? He’s also a master of martial arts. All of these scenes were shot without the use of stunts. That’s why I have a lot of respect for the work he does. He’s one of the few actors I’d like to meet.” you remarked as you popped a half-melted marshmallow into your mouth, causing Tomas to watch your soft lips open and close on your fingers. He felt a warmth again, but this time it was burning and dangerous rather than sweet. He shifted in his seat as if trying to shake off the feeling.

“Do you want to watch the second one too?” you asked after finishing chewing. Tomas responded in a muffled voice. “I can’t deny that I’m interested.”

“Wonderful! I’ll refresh our drinks then. Wait here, I’ll be right back.”

Tomas rose once more, feeling uneasy about being served by you again, as you asked nothing of him. As he approached, you were just about to open the milk lid when you looked up, meeting his gaze with inquisitive eyes.

“Did you want something?”

“Tell me what I should do, please,” Tomas said through clenched teeth. How long would you leave him in this state of uncertainty, without giving him any orders? This unfamiliarity, persisting for days, was making him nervous. It was vastly different from the structured system he was accustomed to.

“I am not your master, Tomas,” you responded calmly, looking into his eyes, your voice gentle yet firm. “You are your own person. I will not give you orders, neither now nor later.”

“This is wrong,” Tomas said akin to a snarl, his voice sounding foreign even to himself. Even before an assassin, he was a hunter, and now, he felt more trapped than ever as he still couldn’t grapple with your rules. Do you even have rules? “Something is always expected.”

“This situation doesn’t apply here. I can see that you don’t trust and believe in me, and I don’t blame you for that,” you said, your face filled with a sadness Tomas couldn’t comprehend, your gaze softening even further. “Tomas, please try to believe that I’m sincere in what I’m saying. I do not demand anything from you, and I will not. You are free to act as you want, make your own decisions and choices.”

“Why?” Tomas questioned.

Why were you being so kind?

“Because it’s the right and humane thing to do,” you said simply, without hesitation. Then, you turned your attention to the task at hand. “Now, how many marshmallows do you want? I think I can put at least six on top.”

Did you realize the power you held in your hands? A word from you could compel action. But it seemed like you didn’t even care about this power; instead, you focused on trivial details about the second movie you were going to watch.

Once you had assembled a small mountain of marshmallows on the mug and handed it to him, Tomas accepted it in silence and settled back into the seat with you to resume the movie. He felt oddly content in a way. Though part of him still awaited the unveiling of the mask he thought you wore, he found some solace in the simplicity and normalcy of the current situation. Even though he had forgotten what it felt like, experiencing it again now stirred a mix of emotions within him, difficult to define.

While watching the movie, it was your harmless chats that occasionally provided small pieces of information about the actor or the movie, though it usually remained one-sided. Tomas lost track of how many movies you watched that night, ceasing to count after the second film. As soft yellow lights appeared and the sky began to brighten, he realized that an entire night had passed watching movies. Stretching his muscles, which had stiffened from remaining in the same position for so long, he turned his neck from right to left. When he glanced back at you, he saw that you were quietly curled up in your corner, fast asleep.

You had your arms crossed over the armrest of the chair, using them as a makeshift pillow for your head. Your mouth was slightly ajar, and the gentle rise and fall of your chest indicated deep sleep. Bathed in the morning sunlight, a peaceful expression graced your face.Tomas felt relieved watching you, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, akin to lying on a calm sea.

On one hand, he was surprised that you felt comfortable enough to sleep next to him. You likely couldn’t resist the fatigue any longer and succumbed to it. Tomas couldn’t help but notice how vulnerable you looked, despite not wanting to admit it. You appeared delicate enough to be easily hurt.

Careful not to disturb you, Tomas pulled a blanket up to your shoulders, ensuring you were completely covered. As he did so, Bi-Han appeared at the entrance of the living room, his expression as cold and discontented as ever.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Bi-Han demanded.

“You’ll wake her up,” Said Tomas, in a voice that sounded like a whisper, slightly scolding. Carefully getting up from where he was sitting, he made his way to his brother’s side, his shoulders tense and his posture upright. He changed the subject directly, not allowing Bi-Han to scold him further. “How is Kuai Liang?”

“It’s bad, but he’ll pull through. He’s unconscious right now; I don’t think he’ll wake up for a while.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen him this bad.”

“We stayed in the book for too long this time,” Bi-Han growled hoarsely, his voice tinged with wildness. Clenching his fists at his sides, his eyebrows furrowed deeply, and his gaze darkened. Tomas could feel the cold emanating from him, chilling his skin like a winter wind. “This cramped place is suffocating me. I’m going out to explore. Take care of Kuai Liang.”

As Bi-Han stormed out of the house without waiting for a reply, Tomas sighed and headed for the room where Kuai Liang was staying, ignoring his weary eyes due to insomnia. Opening the door slightly, he peered inside and saw his brother lying motionless on the bed. Stepping into the room and closing the door quitely behind him, Tomas prepared to tend to his brother.

Although he felt a twinge of guilt for intruding into your private space by entering your bedroom, Tomas didn’t dwell on it much, knowing that you had opened this place up for their use like any other part of the house. After opening the window to let in some fresh air, Tomas couldn’t resist looking around curiously. Your room, like the rest of the house, was small, with a closet and a standing mirror in one corner, and a bookcase filled to the brim with books and pictures scattered haphazardly on the shelves in another corner.

Approaching the bookcase, Tomas found some books filled with confusing information about computers and programming, which he couldn’t quite comprehend. Was this your interest? After glancing at a few of them, his attention was drawn to the photos. Some were framed, while others were hung around the shelves with wicker ropes. The photos depicted people with wide, friendly smiles, along with various landscapes. In the photos, you appeared pleasant, happy, and cheerful, almost laughing in the eyes.

Tomas frowned slightly as he picked up a frame that caught his attention. He hadn’t seen such an expression on your face since they came out of the book; instead, you seemed agitated, with traces of fear in your eyes. He wished he could see you with that same expression from the photos; laughing seemed to suit you, exuding a pure aura that inspired trust. Maybe you truly were like the person in the photos… maybe—

Shaking his head, Tomas tried to dispel the thoughts and returned the frame to its place. He then sat on the chair pulled to the right side of the bed and looked at Kuai Liang. His brother looked worse than he had ever seen him before—his bronze face even paler than the day before, sweat glistening on his skin, chest heaving with rapid breaths, and a contracted expression indicating distress.

Tomas changed the cloth on Kuai Liang’s forehead and listened to his audible breathing, occasionally wheezing softly. Though he wished he could offer his brother some relief, there was little they could do in such circumstances. Kuai Liang had to fight this battle alone and regain control. Tomas watched him for a long time, his hand resting on his chin as he became lost in thought.

It was the sounds emanating from the kitchen that snapped him out of his reverie. Thinking that Bi-Han might have returned, he left the room and found you sipping coffee while cooking something on the stove. When you noticed his presence, you turned around, raising the mug in your hand with a sincere smile as you greeted him.

“Good morning. Did you get any sleep?”

“Not really,” Tomas admitted.

The smile on your face faltered slightly. “Hmm, so the movies didn’t do the trick. Fortunately, I have more remedies up my sleeve. I bought some herbal teas and aromatherapy candles a while ago. We can give them a try tonight,” you suggested with a cheerful tone, taking another sip of your coffee. Before returning to your cooking, you asked curiously. “How is your brother?”

“He’s sleeping. He’s not well, but he’s a strong and stubborn man. I’m sure he’ll recover soon,” Tomas replied.

“I’m glad to hear that. Bi-Han didn’t want me to help, but I made some porridge for Kuai Liang. I hope he won’t be upset with me. Of course, if you think he will be, we can keep it between us. Eating can be difficult when you’re sick, so I thought some comfort food might help him,” you explained, gesturing to the pot on the stove. “I’ve also prepared something for you. Have a seat. You drink coffee, right?”

Once again surprised by your thoughtfulness, Tomas couldn’t tear his gaze away from you as you served him pancakes smothered with a generous amount of maple syrup, a plate of perfectly crisped bacon and eggs cooked to perfection, and a steaming mug of coffee, its aroma wafting through the air and tantalizing his senses.

“Is Bi-Han awake too? I saved some for him.”

“He went out to explore. I don’t think he’ll be back before noon,” Tomas replied, still eyeing the food before him, unsure of where to start. Despite knowing he could eat without waiting for your command, it was difficult to break the years-long habit of awaiting orders. You must have noticed this detail, as you called out to him in a soft voice.

“You should eat before it gets cold, Tomas. You may not enjoy it as much later,” you said gently.

Tomas, relieved, filled his fork with food and began to eat his breakfast with great pleasure, savoring each piece slowly as it settled warmly in his stomach. As he ate, he noticed you quietly watching him while sipping your coffee from the bench you leaned against.

“I hope I didn’t burn the egg,” you remarked after a while. Tomas shook his head, indicating ‘No’ since his mouth was full. After a sip of coffee, he managed to give a straight answer.

“Everything is quite delicious, maste—thank you.” he said, correcting himself at the last moment. A warm smile settled on your face, exposing your teeth, reminiscent of the photos he had seen. Despite your simple appearance in a loosely tied robe and a nightgown, you radiated natural beauty and warmth, filling Tomas with a sense of comfort he hadn’t dared to believe.

“I’m glad to hear that,” you chirped like a bird. “Because I almost burned it while I was taking care of the porridge. I kept breakfast simple since I wasn’t sure what you liked.’’ While taking another sip of coffee, you sat down a little further away, collapsing into one of the chairs placed around the kitchen island. “There is a local library very close to here. I have to stop by there for half an hour. There are some books I want to look at. Do you want to come with me? I think coming out after being in the book will make you feel better.”

Tomas’ body immediately contracted with tension, almost instinctively. He was curious about how much the outside world had changed, but on the one hand, he was not ready to encounter innovations, re-enter among people, noise, and much more. His senses were still at a hyper level, and that fidgety feeling swirling inside him had not calmed down yet.

“Perhaps some other time. Besides, I don’t want to leave Kuai Liang alone like this,” Tomas replied.

“Oh, you’re right. It was a rude question on my part,” you admitted, taking another sip of your coffee before looking at Tomas with curious yet deceptive eyes. Tomas met your gaze and asked after swallowing the food in his mouth, “You want to ask something, am I right?”

“There’s just one thing I’m curious about. But I don’t think it’s right to ask.”

One edge of Tomas’s lip curled upwards; he was starting to like the way you were approaching more and more. You were treating him like a human being rather than an object, and he’d forgotten how that made him feel.

‘’You can ask, it’s okay,’’ he encouraged.

‘’Your hair… Is this your original color?’’

An unexpected chuckle spilled from Tomas’ lips. It seemed funny and innocent enough to make his heart ache that you chose this when there were tons of questions you could ask.

‘‘No, it’s that color because of the smoke magic. Its previous color was brown.’’

‘’Smoke magic? Do you have the power like the others?’’

“Yes.’’

You took a breath with excitement; Tomas could have sworn your eyes were shining.

‘‘Will you show it to me?’’

Tomas let go of the mug he was holding with another smirk that he couldn’t stop, and thanks to the thin, gray cloud of smoke rising from his fingers, he made the mug float in the air. While your eyes opened wide, you took a sharp breath and stared at the floating mug in amazement, and Tomas took great pleasure in watching your reaction.

‘’This is incredible! What else can you do?’’

‘’I can be invisible.’’

‘’No way!’’ You said it in an incredulous voice. Tomas raised an eyebrow, gave you a sarcastic look, and then made his body invisible, watching you keep your mouth open with amazement. Your reaction was so sweet that Tomas laughed out loud this time, and when he made his body visible again, you looked at him with big eyes for a few seconds as if he had grown out a second head.

‘‘That was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. You’re incredible!’’ Against your obvious compliment, Tomas’s heart misfired once again, and he felt his cheeks getting hot. Not knowing what to say, as you kept talking excitedly, he squeezed a big mouthful morsel in his mouth before saying something ridiculous. ‘‘It must be great to have such a talent. You can even go to North Korea without anyone hearing a sound.’’

Tomas barely swallowed the morsel in his mouth and looked at you with a manner that showed he didn’t understand why you could want such a thing.

‘‘Why would you want to go there?’’

‘‘Out of curiosity, of course.’’ After giving him a little look with your flushed cheeks, you cleared your throat with an artificial cough. ‘’There’s something else I’m curious about.’’

‘’Are you going to ask why I don’t resemble my brothers in appearance?’’

‘’No, actually, I was going to ask why Kuai Liang said ‘Earthrealm’ that night. The other one is a personal question; it wouldn’t be right for me to ask you to explain.’’

Even so, when you were talking to him like that, Tomas felt the need to explain to you. He decided to sit back in his chair and calmly tell you everything from the beginning, so that he could make you understand the world you’ve fallen into a little better and make sense of it, maybe so that you could also start feeling safer around them. After all, you were going to be together for three months, and no one knew better than him how exhausting it was to be constantly on edge, both physically and mentally.

‘‘I am not their brother by blood; I am adopted,’’ Tomas said simply. ‘’Before I became a part of Lin Kuei, I had my mother and twin sister; we were hunters. We made our living by selling the meat and fur of the animals we hunted, until one day we hunted in the wrong territory. There was an accident.’’ As Tomas slowly began to tell you about his life, he was surprised at how easily the words fell from his lips. Normally, he was a closed box to someone he didn’t know; he wouldn’t open his past easily, but something in you was preventing him from doing so.

‘‘I am so sorry for your loss.’’ It was impossible not to hear the sadness and sincerity in your voice; your gaze had an expression that showed that you were really sorry for his loss. One hand was hesitantly raised, then Tomas did not pull or push his hand away when you placed your hand on his hand, quite delicately, indicating that he could easily get out of your grip if he wanted to. Your touch defined you; it was warm and reassuring, and it also made him realize how much he really needed it.

‘‘Thank you,’’ said Tomas, involuntarily. With his thumb, he gently stroked the top of your hand as a token of his gratitude. When he started to retell where he left off, you were listening to him with great attention. You didn’t interrupt for once; your facial expression was lit up with a warm expression, sometimes sad, sometimes showing that you were proud of his achievements. After briefly mentioning his past, when he came to the question you asked, he actually mentioned that there is more than one world, the details of Lin Kuei’s purpose, creature from other worlds, and gods. While listening to what you were saying with great interest, Tomas was starting to enjoy watching your expression more and more.

"It turns out that I've been sleeping under a rock all this time.’’ You said, gasping in amazement. ‘’So you're superheroes, are you?’’

Tomas chuckled at your comparison.

‘’It was an overly generous comparison. It would be more accurate to say protector than superhero; we served under the orders of Lord Liu Kang to protect Earthrealm from external dangers.’’

“Lord Liu Kang… He was the one who was the Fire God, wasn’t he?’’

‘‘Yes, that’s him.’’

‘’I can’t believe it, God, huh?” You were like a little girl sitting on the edge of a chair, warmed up with excitement, cheeks flushed as if you held a huge candy in your hand. ‘‘No wonder Bi-Han got mad at me when I accidentally branded you as blood lust murderers. After what you said, my own life suddenly seemed very… simple.’’

Tomas reached for his now cold coffee, hiding his laughter. ‘’I’d like to hear it.’’ He said, trusting in the small, fragile bond established between you through the conversation.

‘’Well, what I’m going to tell you may not sound as cool as yours. I graduated from the software engineering department last year, I was working as a programmer at a game company until a few days ago, but I lost the job.’’

‘‘I’m sorry to hear that.’’ Tomas said in a genuine voice. You shrugged your shoulders as if it were all right, but your face had fallen a little, revealing what was going through your mind.

‘‘Don’t worry, I wasn’t happy working there anyway, it was more about making money. Actually, my dream is to one day secure a partnership with one of the big companies by releasing my own game, but when you face the real world, you realize it’s not that simple. No one wants to partner with a novice; someone without a background. Plus, I haven’t found any inspiration for my so-called game yet anyway.’’

Leaning one hand on your chin, your face fell with a mix of unhappiness and a hint of pessimism. Tomas felt a strong need to console you and put a smile back on your face.

‘‘It doesn’t sound impossible.’’ He said with a smile. ‘’Besides, it’s their loss that they’ve lost a talented woman like you.’’

Watching your cheeks flush with his compliment filled Tomas with pride and an irresistible desire for more. As you shyly murmured a small ‘’Thank you’’, Tomas heard the front door open. While his body reflexively tensed, his muscles were ready and alert until he saw who was coming.

When Bi-Han’s imposing body appeared at the entrance, you stood up, moving before him.

‘’Bi-Han! Welcome, we were having breakfast. Are you hungry? I’ve saved something for you too.’’

‘’I’m none of your concern.’’ Bi-Han’s words cut yours short, and within seconds, the smile vanished from your face, shattering the warmth Tomas had worked to foster, and you retreated into your former guarded and distant demeanor. ‘’I remember I told you to take care of Kuai Liang.’’

‘‘His condition hasn’t changed since you left, brother.’’ Tomas responded in kind, his words adding to the escalating tension between them. Sensing the growing unease, you delicately cleared your throat, subtly redirecting both their attention.

‘’I’d better go to the library, as always you can use the things in the house as you like. Tomas, if you want to watch something on Netflix, please don’t hesitate to use it.’’ With your head bowed, you left the room after finishing your words quietly, leaving Tomas and Bi-Han alone.

Tomas ended up near Bi-Han, taking a hard breath. ‘’Why are you acting like this? She’s done nothing but help us so far.’’

‘’And did you believe it?’’ Bi-Han’s voice was thick and authoritative, sounding incredibly deep. “You’re still very naive, Tomas.’’

‘’If you can’t choose your words carefully, can’t you at least pay a little more attention to your intonation? You’re scaring her.’’

‘’And why should I care? As long as the book exists, there will always be a master, and that woman is no different from the others. You have to understand, Tomas, it would just be foolish to trust anyone but each other, especially when you have such tremendous power in your hands. Don’t get your hopes up.’’

Tomas wanted to oppose him, but unfortunately, although Bi-Han spoke with his usual brutality, he was right on one point; as long as the master-slave relationship existed, it carried a power that could easily deconstruct the delicate trust established despite everything. An order that would come out of one’s lips was enough to take away their consent.

After Tomas stayed silent, Bi-Han approached him, his intense gaze lingering for a moment before shifting to the food simmering on the stove.

‘’What is this?’’ Opening the lid curiously, he looked at what was inside. ‘’Did you do it?’’

‘’No, she prepared the porridge so that Kuai Liang could eat comfortably.’’

With his answer, one of the muscles in Bi-Han’s jaw twitched.

‘’I told her to not interfere.’’

‘’She may not be the person we thought, Bi-Han.’’ Said Tomas, there was an opposition in his voice that he didn’t understand where it was coming from. ‘’Tell me, which master has prepared breakfast or something similar for us before?’’

‘’Stop calling them masters!’’ Although Bi-Han turned to him angrily with furious eyes and stood in front of him as if he were a mountain of intimidation, Tomas did not allow him to intimidate him. He wanted him to hear what he was thinking.

‘’I’m not saying we should trust her, but you know as well as I do that she hasn’t done anything to deserve your cruel approach so far. She wants us to be comfortable in his house, she even gave Kuai Liang her bedroom, just to help him in the healing process. She tried to set us free the very first moment we came out of the book-‘’

‘’This is not the first time we have encountered this situation.’’ Bi-Han interjected once again. “At some point, she’ll be compelled to give us orders. I wonder if you’ll still defend her then.”

***

It’s been a few hours since you returned from the library. Throughout your time there, you remained engrossed in the books you brought back, occasionally scribbling something in your notebook and muttering to yourself. Finally, Tomas approached, more curious about your activities than the movie he was watching. When you lifted your head from among the books at his approach, you asked, ‘’The movie didn’t catch your attention?’’

‘’Frankly, I was more interested in what you were doing. You’ve been sitting there for hours, doesn’t your neck hurt?’’

As you tested his words by moving your neck, a hint of pain crossed your face, accompanied by a soft whimper. ‘’Ouch, you were right. My neck is terribly stiff.’’

Offering to help, Tomas raised his hands in the air, gesturing to massage your neck. ‘’If you want?’’

‘’If it’s all right with you, please,’’ you responded, your voice a blend of shyness and gratitude. As Tomas took his place behind you and began massaging your shoulders and neck, he felt a strange electric current once again. Your skin felt soft and tender between his calloused fingers, and he couldn’t help but notice the clean and beautiful scent emanating from you, enveloping him in a sweet warmth. Slowly, your stiffened body began to unravel and relax under his touch. Curious about your reading material, Tomas inquired, ‘‘May I ask what you are reading?’

‘‘I’m doing research. These books contain a ton of information about witchcraft, spells, and curses. I thought maybe there might be some useful information in it for your situation.’’

‘’Have you been looking at these for hours?’’ Tomas asked incredulously.

With a simple ‘’Yes,’’ you innocently confirmed. As Tomas watched you turn another page, he felt a familiar ache in his heart. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was for understanding and kindness. Every movement, every word, every soft look and smile you shared seemed to weave into Tomas’ soul, confirming his growing certainty that you were unlike anyone he had ever met before.

‘’You must be tired, thank you, Tomas, that’s enough,’’ When you spoke from the book without raising your head, Tomas reluctantly withdrew his hands, even though he didn’t want to. Touching you like this felt nice; it was a rare sensation to interact with another body of his own accord, free from orders. Moreover, it was confined to a simple touch without fulfilling desires, a sensation he had almost forgotten. It also made him feel powerful, as it was an action he took by his own decision, highlighting the profound impact of a simple gesture on him.

“May I accompany you?” Tomas asked.

“Of course, you don’t even need to ask. You can look at whatever you want, and if you want to have a drink, you know where they are,” you replied, smiling at him. Tomas opted to brew herbal tea for the both of them. He carefully poured the freshly boiled water into two mugs before selecting green tea bags to steep in each one. As he settled next to you, he glanced at what you had written.

“Have you found anything yet?”

“To be honest, not really,” you admitted, reaching for the mug he offered. With a sigh, you glanced wearily over the open books. “Salt baths, incense, and natural stones have been mentioned, but these seem more for balancing energy. I haven’t come across anything about how to deal with black magic yet.”

“Don’t push yourself for our sake.”

“What? What do you mean?” You looked at him with furrowed eyebrows, a slight hint of frustration in your expression, urging him to explain.

“The demon who cursed us, Quan Chi, is a master of black magic and is cruel as well. You’re not the first person to promise to help us; I’ve seen this scenario before. I don’t think the solution is found in these books, so you shouldn’t burden yourself too much searching for answers you may not find. Our past attempts to break the curse only led to more suffering, it only led to disappointment and despair.”

Your eyebrows furrowed further in response, and though your expression darkened, your eyes betrayed a hurt that softened your features.

“I can understand why you’re hesitant to trust given your past experiences, and it infuriates me to think that others have exploited you in this way.’’ you asserted, your tone tinged with emotion. ‘’While the solution may not be found in these books, we won’t know unless we try, Tomas. I refuse to simply stand by and watch as time slips away and you’re forced back into that book. Our paths have crossed for some reason, and I will help you as much as my means allow. I understand that trusting again is daunting, even frightening, but I’m asking you to give it a chance.”

‘Only a fool would hope,’ Bi-Han’s words from years ago echoed in Tomas’s mind. It was easier to believe that you were playing some kind of game than to trust. But, on the other hand, it was undeniable that there was a hint of truth in your words. If you had a different purpose, you wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble or greeted Bi-Han’s rude words with silence. Even though you knew the power you had over them, you were always careful about the words you used, afraid to abuse it and put them in a difficult situation. Tomas didn’t want to make the same mistake again. He had been in that book for ten years and had seen and experienced a lot. He could navigate the familiar order, knowing the rules and what to expect. But this situation was different.

Maybe after a few days, you would change your mind and want to take advantage of this opportunity that fell into your lap. You might be overwhelmed while searching for a solution, realizing it wasn’t a problem you had to solve, or you might grow tired of them invading your home. The possibilities were endless. Despite this, Tomas still didn’t know what would be left of himself if he chose to trust again, only for it to end badly.

“Tomas?” Your soft voice pulled him out of his thoughts, and he met your worried gaze. “Are you all right? If what I said made you feel uncomfortable, I’m sorry.”

Your words, whispered gently, stirred the dilemma Tomas found himself in. It was too early for him to make a decision, as he didn’t even know you properly. Yet, there was a part of him that wanted to believe in you. Despite all the challenges he had faced, you were the first master he wanted to give a chance to after all these years. But he avoided saying it, not wanting to give you the power to manipulate him. As much as he wanted to give you a chance, the part of him that longed to escape from this situation and the complex emotions you evoked in him was more dominant.

“I’m fine, it’s okay,” Tomas replied, brushing off your concern. “I want to take a look at this book.”

As Tomas changed the subject and reached for one of the books in front of him, you eyed him one more time then resumed your reading quietly, allowing him the space to process his thoughts.

A serene silence enveloped the room, punctuated only by the rain outside tapping against the window, the gentle rustling of paper, and the occasional exchange of words between you. Tomas found himself once again enveloped in the same sense of peace he had felt while watching the movie with you last night. It was a rare feeling, one that he hadn’t experienced since being sealed within the book—time spent according to his own will, without orders or prohibitions.

As you sat back after having a snack and took a deep breath, Tomas’s attention was drawn to you like a magnet. Although he had been pretending to focus on the books in front of him, he found himself increasingly intrigued by observing you. Your facial expressions were as transparent as the pages of the books, and Tomas couldn’t help but watch you intently, captivated by your every movement and expression.

“It’s getting late,” you remarked with a tired smile, stifling a yawn with the back of your hand. “Are you feeling sleepy yet?”

“Not really,” Tomas replied honestly, though the idea of closing his eyes lingered in the corner of his mind. Despite having spent close to two years inside the book and therefore doing nothing, he couldn’t shake off the effects of insomnia. Trained to be a perfect assassin, he was accustomed to enduring extreme challenges beyond those faced by ordinary human. However, beneath the facade of strength and resilience, he was still human and had basic needs like everyone else. This included the need for sleep, a fundamental requirement that even his demanding training couldn’t negate.

“We could try lighting these candles, what do you think?” you suggested gently. “I also have another idea that might help, but we need to move to the couch for it.”

“I’m fine here, thank you,” Tomas replied, his voice betraying a hint of tension. You glanced at him, as if trying to discern what was bothering him, and placed a hand over his, giving it a gentle squeeze. Tomas felt his resistance waver at the contact, the part of him that craved connection stirring to life once again.

“Let’s give it a try, and if it doesn’t work, I promise not to insist.” you said softly.

Tomas wanted to refuse your offer, but he couldn’t resist your comforting smile and reassuring words any longer. “Alright,” With a sigh, he rose from his chair and settled into a corner of the couch, while you searched for candles in the room. As you lit a candle and placed it on the coffee table, dimming the other lights, Tomas’s body tensed instinctively.

“The smell will spread soon—Tomas?” Though he felt your weight settle into the seat beside him, Tomas couldn’t bring himself to turn and look at you. His eyes scanned every dimly lit corner of the room, searching for the perfect escape route. His muscles were tense, rendering him immobile like a statue, and his breath seemed to freeze in his lungs, causing his chest to barely rise and fall. His hunter instincts stirred to life, hazy with the need to survive, to prevent shadows from drawing near him as if they harbored fatal threats. Memories of his days as a hunter flickered in his mind, images of tracking prey through dense forests and navigating treacherous terrain. It was a life defined by instinct and survival, skills honed through years of relentless pursuit. Even now, those instincts remained sharp, guiding his every move in this unfamiliar setting.

“Tomas, what’s wrong?” you asked, concern evident in your voice.

“It’s dark,” Tomas managed to utter, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t like the darkness. It reminds me of the time I spent in the book.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I completely forgot! Just wait here, I’ll take care of it right away.” you responded, moving to get up. But Tomas stopped you abruptly, his fingers closing around your wrist with an iron grip. Though his hold may have been too tight, he felt powerless to loosen it, trapped in the conflict between fight or flight. His muscles tensed like coiled springs, his focus hazy with panic, aggravated and feeling more vulnerable than ever his instincts screaming at him to do something.

“Don’t go,” Tomas said, surprised at how foreign and commanding his own voice sounded. Though he intended it as a request, it came out more like an order. His voice was hoarse and strained, and he wasn’t even sure if you could hear him clearly.

“Okay, okay, I’m not going anywhere,” you assured him calmly, radiating a confidence that suggested you knew exactly what to do. “Tomas, it’s okay. Look at me.”

Your words cut through his panicked mind like a knife, and though his body remained tense, he obeyed, attempting to slow his breathing and regain his focus.

“Tomas,” you said softly, placing a hand on his cheek. He flinched at first, his body tensed more than before, ready to strike. If the circumstances had been different and he had seen you as a threat, he would have already broken your wrist because of this move. But you were no threat; your touch brought an unexpected sense of relief, like a balm to his frayed nerves. “Come on, turn your face to me. It’s okay.”

Though your hand rested gently on his cheek, you exerted no pressure, leaving the choice entirely up to Tomas. Slowly, hesitantly, he turned his head to face you, meeting your warm smile.

“That’s it, you’re safe. They’re just shadows. There’s no one here who can hurt you,” you reassured him, stroking his cheek gently. As he gazed into your soft, comforting eyes, Tomas felt the urge to fight slowly ebb away under your touch and gaze.

Along with your soothing words, Tomas allowed himself to be guided, feeling as though he were a stuffed rag doll after the sudden surge of adrenaline. His head came to rest on your legs, though he couldn’t quite decipher how he had ended up in this position. His muscles felt heavy, as if he were underwater, and his senses dulled, making it difficult to perceive movements and even more so to choose your words. All he could do was inhale the subtle scent of chamomile emanating from the candle and focus on the sensation your fingers created on his skin.

“It’s okay… Tomas… You won’t get hurt again… I’m here, I’ll keep you safe…” you murmured softly. Tomas wanted to laugh at your words, which he could only catch in pieces. How could you shield them? You had no power or ability, yet, your expression of wanting to safeguard these men, twice your size and skilled in taking lives, stirred something within Tomas. Despite the lingering adrenaline, he felt a wave of calmness wash over him, like a gentle ray of light caressing him. He found himself leaning into your touch, seeking comfort in the gentle caress of your fingers against his hair. Truly, you were unlike anyone he had ever met before, and it would be unfair to pretend otherwise.

As you gently stroked his hair, Tomas felt his body grow heavier, his eyelids drooping halfway. Despite a wave of panic at feeling so powerless and vulnerable, your words reassured him.

“I’m here, and I’ll be here when you wake up. Don’t worry, Tomas. You’re safe. You’re not in the book. You’re here in my house, next to me. Can you feel my touch?”

As your fingers continued to run through his short hair, Tomas succumbed to the weight pressing down on him, feeling as though he were being completely submerged underwater. His body went lax, not even having the power to lift a finger. Every muscle seemed to surrender to the fatigue, and he found himself unable to muster the slightest resistance. With a gasp, his eyes closed, enveloping him in the darkness of his own exhaustion.

***

When the light hit Tomas’s face, he initially frowned and attempted to shield his eyes by turning his head to the side. However, as the light persisted, his eyebrows furrowed even more, and a displeased expression formed on his lips. In response, a sweet giggle reached his ears, prompting him to open his eyes quickly. There, he was met with your image, and for a moment, he simply stared at you like a fool. Your greeting, delivered in a calm and soft voice reminiscent of the morning sun, warmed him from within.

“Good morning,” you said with a kind smile. “Did you sleep well?”

Confusion clouded Tomas’s mind. Sleep? Did he really sleep last night? He remembered his body aching but couldn’t recall falling asleep, his mind retracing the events of the previous night. The last thing he remembered was the delicate sensation of your fingers in his hair. Still resting his head on your lap, Tomas’s cheeks warmed as he managed a small “Yes,” filled with disbelief. Your smile widened at his response.

“I’m glad to hear that,” you replied. With your hand still resting gently among his short silver hair, Tomas marveled at how natural the moment felt. Your presence brought him peace, as if you had always been there just waiting for him to find it, and there was something undeniably addictive about it. It was as though the chaos and uncertainty of his past had been momentarily suspended, replaced by a soothing tranquility he had longed for without even realizing it. In your company, the weight of his past seemed to lift, leaving behind a sense of clarity and hope that he hadn’t felt in years. For the first time in a long while, Tomas allowed himself to simply be, basking in the warmth of your touch and the serenity of the moment.

“You didn’t sleep?” he asked.

“No, I stayed awake because I was worried about you having another attack,” you confessed.

As Tomas’s cheeks flushed with shame, your unwavering concern only deepened the impact you had on him. Your words ignited within him a desire to shield and safeguard you. No one had ever approached him with such genuine kindness before. You were truly a kind-hearted and innocent person, evoking so many forgotten emotions within him. It was a feeling so unfamiliar and rare for him, he found himself instinctively wanting to protect you from any harm in that moment, unable to bear the thought of you suffering in any way. In his life, he had never felt this protective over someone in such a short amount of time. It was a fierce and raw instinct, almost primal in nature. Even he himself couldn’t fully grasp or comprehend this feeling.

“Thank you,” he said, lifting his head from your lap and reaching to touch your cheek. You smiled, leaning into his touch, and replied, “No big deal.” As Tomas gently stroked your soft, dreamy skin, he felt an alien sensation he hadn’t experienced in years. Could it be… happiness? The last time he had felt such pure joy was when he and his sister found a piece of glass they thought was a precious stone, believing it would improve their income. Looking at you now, he was transported back to that moment, reliving the feeling exactly.

His body rested and fit, and in the morning light illuminating the room, you looked more beautiful than ever in his eyes. Your presence felt like a remedy to his damaged body and mind, something he never expected but needed.

As he gently pulled you towards him, his touch so light that you could have easily slipped away, you didn’t resist. Your lips were soft, your breath warm, and as your lips met his with a sweet sigh, Tomas felt the walls he had built to resist crumbling. The sensation of your lips against his sent an electrifying jolt through him, every touch igniting a warmth in his chest that seemed to spread to every corner of his being. Each moment of it felt like an eternity, every brush of your lips against his sending waves of longing coursing through him. The kiss was delicate and soft, each movement cautious yet filled with desire. Tomas feared disrupting the moment, afraid to harm you as he savored the intoxicating sweetness of your scent mingled with the warmth of the morning light against his back.

Perhaps it was a foolish move, one that would invite reproachful glances from his brothers, especially Bi-Han, but it was worth experiencing this feeling. He wanted to trust—this moment, your words, you. It was a basic and burning need. Tomas had never fully believed in the promise that light comes after darkness, but in your presence, you made it seem believable, like there could be more. Your body nestled between his arms felt right, as if you were meant to be there, and he had finally found his way home. In that moment of kissing you, Tomas felt a sense of completeness wash over him.

He had never liked the dark, but with you by his side, it didn’t seem so daunting to face it anymore.

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maya1525 · 29 days

Text

SUCK ~ & ~ F*CK 😋🍾

✩ Featuring Gojo Satoru ✩

18+MDNI

Pairing✩࿐Fem!Reader X Gojo Satoru

WARNINGS✩࿐Fem!Reader giving oral, unprotected vaginal sex, rough sex, cream pie, sex in front of others, language, cursed technique usage during sex

Word count✩࿐1.8k

Summary✩࿐This is based on my original post: SUCK ~ GUESS ~ F*CK. But you know ahead of time whose dick is in your slutty mouth. Gojo drew the Jack of Diamonds♦️

A/N✩࿐I had fun incorporating Satoru’s zero gravity technique in Kissing Practice and that inspired me to do it again! He obviously had to show you off in the air. Writing his dirty talk made me get all flustered 😩 Feedback is highly appreciated, I love reading your comments! 😙💖

“The game is quite simple.” Gojo stated in a matter-of-fact tone, “You’re going to be blindfolded and will have to guess which man's dick is in your mouth. If you guess incorrectly, the man gets to choose which position to fuck you in. If you guess correctly, then you get to choose the position. To keep things interesting, you’ll suck dick for three minutes and get fucked for seven.”

You nodded your understanding as you sat on the large and cushy futon in Gojo’s apartment. He had planned on fucking you alone tonight, but your boyfriends wanted in on the action, plus they thought it would be a good idea to invite two of their friends, Mechamaru and Noritoshi.

You felt your cheeks warm up with excitement, never in your life, you’ve felt so deeply desired before. Everyone’s eyes were on you, especially because you wore a revealing teddy one-piece. Satoru bought it for you, and it complimented your figure perfectly. He even put a stunning custom collar on you, with a diamond-covered ‘S’ on it.

You couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed to be this exposed in front of Noritoshi and Mechamaru. You were familiar with both of these men, but you were still getting used to human Mechamaru. Muta was on the leaner side compared to your boyfriends, he had sharp features and a large and noticeable scar on his upper cheek. While Kamo on the other hand always seemed like a strong and serious leader among his comrades. The thought that he yearned for you just as much as your boyfriends made you wonder what he would be like when he fucked you. The thought made you anticipate his turn.

While you thought about those two men, your eyes were subconsciously drawn to both of them. Noritoshi sat on the far side of the sectional, his heated gaze stared you down hungrily. Beside him sat your boyfriend Megumi with a starved look in his midnight blue eyes. Next sat Itadori, he eyed you with such desperation, that it looked as if he was going to jump off the couch any second to get to you. Next to him sat Satoru smugly, his eyes gleamed playfully in your direction. Beside him was Muta, he eyed shyly with a faint blush on his face. To his left sat Yuuta and Inumaki, Toge was leaning into the couch comfortably, his violet-colored eyes sparkling over your stunning body with admiration and Yuuta had a similar look of awe on his face.

“Ok Y/n, I’m going to put this on you if you’re ready,” Satoru murmured, his gorgeous blue eyes gleaming down at you, while he wrapped his black blindfold around your eyes.

You were shocked at how you couldn’t even see small streams of light through it. You had always assumed that it was sheer fabric and that Gojo could slightly see through it, but you were mistaken. Satoru’s amazing Six Eyes technique is one to behold, he certainly is the strongest jujitsu sorcerer.

“OK, now that her eyes are covered, I’m going to hand each of you a playing card. Whoever draws the highest card gets to go first.” Satoru explained nonchalantly, as the sound of him shuffling the cards expertly made itself known in your ears.

After a short moment of listening to each man shift on the couch to get their card, Gojo spoke. “Now let’s reveal our cards.” You heard a few small sighs of excitement from some of the men, and you also heard some hisses of displeasure, assuming that they would have to wait a while until their turn.

Soon enough, you heard the familiar sound of someone undoing their pants right in front of your face, and quickly after you felt the warm and firm feeling of a dick asking to enter your wet mouth. You obliged and greeted him with soft and sweet licks. You trailed your tongue all over him, making sure not to miss a single part of his shaft. You nuzzled your face down to his balls and guided them into your sultry mouth one at a time. While doing this, you could hear his quiet sighs of delight.

His dick seemed to feel hotter the more you worked on him. You brought your mouth to the head of his shaft and worked your way further onto him, the head of his penis hit the back of your throat rather quickly. You curiously brought your hand up his length to see how much more of him wasn’t able to fit in your mouth. You were surprised at this man's size, you could easily jerk him off into your mouth at his impressive length. He felt all too familiar…

You pulled yourself away from him and swiftly changed your position on the futon. Now your back was against the comfortable cushions, you angled your torso up slightly so you were able to rest on your elbows. You angled your head back and opened your mouth, as ready as ever. He’ll be able to fit down your throat easier now. This man eagerly inched his dick into your mouth and down your throat, now you were able to fit him entirely down your throat. Panic bubbled up inside of you, due to the lack of air you were able to take in. But you’ve done this before, and you knew you could handle it, so you calmed yourself and alternated between sucking and breathing.

Gojo looked down at your sexy little body in approval. He could see the outline of his dick in your throat and it made the collar he gave you look even sluttier. To Satoru, your appearance was that of a magnificent goddess. Every time the two of you made eye contact, he’d hold his gaze slightly longer and secretly memorize every beautiful detail about you.

You felt his large hand caress your jaw and neck lovingly, but this was more like sweet torture due to his massive size. His fingers trailed down to the bulge of his penis in your throat, and then he fondled your tits teasingly. Earning a muffled sigh of delight to come from your throat and around his cock. Due to gravity, you could feel your drool drip from your mouth, to around your nose and onto the blindfold.

Suddenly the quiet and familiar sound of the alarm went off nearby. He reluctantly pulled himself out of your tight and pleasant throat. You could never forget a dick this size, you knew who exactly was in your mouth, “Satoru.” You croaked out hoarsely, due to your throat being stretched out.

You felt warm fingers lower his blindfold from your eyes, and you were greeted by Gojo’s charming smile, “You guessed it. Now how do you wanna take your prize?”

“I want you to fuck me in the air.” A split second of surprise flashed across your teacher's face but was quickly covered by a hungry smile.

“As you wish.”

With that being said, you were immediately floating in the air alongside Gojo. The both of you hovered over the futon so that everyone could see what he’d do to you. He pulled you into his broad chest and guided your body over his lower region. You were able to feel his sprung dick press against your slick cunt. He hastily removed his shirt and smashed his lips onto yours. His tongue teased yours while you felt his hands grip your waist securely.

“I wish I had more time to tease and enjoy you, but we’ll have to make this a bit brief.” Satoru groaned into your ear as he burrowed his extra large dick in your pussy.

Being claimed so suddenly made you moan out in a mixture of pain and pleasure. “Ahh- I missed you!” You blurted, causing you to blush at your confession.

Gojo smirked slyly at the hot and bothered expression you wore, “Mmh, that’s a good girl, missing daddy’s dick, like you’re supposed to.”

Satoru smiled at you wickedly, while he effortlessly bounced you on his rod with such brutal force. Each time his cock was fully inside you, small whimpers and moans would be forced out of your lips. Your adorable pleas rang like music in Gojo’s ears, he relished in the fact of fucking you so scrumptiously in front of the other guys. As a matter of fact, why not put on a show?

Gojo briskly flipped you around, and now you were facing all of the other males in the room. You heard him reach into his pocket and to your shock he attached a leash to the collar he gave you. He pulled the leash taught so your airway was slightly constricted. Satoru’s speed and force increased as he pounded himself deep inside you. Each stroke of his cock sent waves of ecstasy throughout your body, you felt drunk off his dick.

Everyone got a more than perfect view of their teacher's exceptionally lengthy rod, stretching out your wet little snatch. It was an incredible sight to behold. Sure enough, you noticed that each male had sprung and horny dicks, pleading to leave the confines of their pants. Even Mechamaru and Noritoshi were hard again.

Gojo sneakily brought his right hand down to your crotch and began to rub your clit in an overstimulating way. Your body melted at his touch and your pussy dampened uncontrollably, as if a pipe had sprung a leak.

“You’re such a little slut, getting so wet for me while I fuck you in front of your boyfriends. That turn you on, babe?” Satoru murmured in the crook of your neck, then biting down gently. His sultry mouth on your sensitive skin caused you to arch your back with ecstasy. His teasing fingers on your clit, became too much to handle. You were pushed over the edge and drenched his dick in your release as a heavenly moan spilled from your lips.

“Mmh, yeah cum for me baby,” Gojo growled lowly, he could feel his orgasm coming on. Each thrust of his dick felt more powerful than the last, he lost himself in your tight and slippery cunt. His cum erupted inside of you vigorously, you were able to feel the copious amount of liquid shoot into abundantly. He bounced you on his dick, making sure to milk every drop out of him.

A nearby timer went off, notifying both of you that Satoru’s turn was up. Gojo sighed and popped his dick out of you, as soon as he exited your pussy, you immediately felt empty without him. To your surprise, none of your teacher's seed spilled from you, he must’ve shot his load extra deep in you.

Satoru lowered you down to the futon with his technique and helped cover your eyes with his blindfold. He sat himself back on the couch with a lazy smile on his face. Damn, he could never get tired of you.

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trentsgirl · 5 months

Text

— 🐻‍❄️ ⋆⭒˚｡⋆

⟡ summary: what the request says.

⟡ content: fluff, seven hundred words, clingy and needy trent, marcel doing the talking and tyler just being there, some part is suggestive but no smut, kissing.

⟡ notes: thank you for the request:)

⟡ streaming: infurnami by steve lacy.

⟡ masterlist, request.

“i really miss you,” trent whispered, pulling you close and embracing you from behind, his arms encircling your waist as he pressed his chest against your back.

“baby, we've been together the whole day,” you responded, carefully arranging the last of the pancakes onto a plate.

since trent had invited you to spend christmas with his family, it was expected that you would be preoccupied with them.

it wasn’t surprising that his family instantly warmed up to you, given your sense of humor, intelligence, and ability to hold engaging conversations.

he just hadn’t anticipated that you would be spending so much time with them.

“i know, but...” trent said, planting a gentle kiss on the back of your neck before expressing his concerns. “i just haven’t had any alone time with you. every time I try to kiss you, they're always around. and my brothers are so trying to take you away from me.”

as you finished preparing the pancakes, you turned to face trent. seeing his pouting lips and the adorable puppy eyes he gave you, your heart melted at the sight.

“baby, they’re not taking me away from you,” you reassured firmly. “your brothers just want me to feel welcomed. there’s no need to be jealous.”

“i’m not jealous.” trent insisted, and you gave him an unimpressed look as his actions and thoughts told a different story.

while trent genuinely wanted you to have a strong bond with his family and enjoyed seeing you comfortable and happy around them, he couldn’t help but feel a hint of annoyance when his brothers received a significant amount of your attention instead of him.

well, perhaps he was a little jealous, but he would never admit to it.

“okayy,” you said playfully, linking your arms around his neck. “since we’re leaving tomorrow, how about i let you do whatever you want to me once we get home, to make up for the lost time.”

trent’s eyes gleamed with mischief, a smug smile forming on his lips. he had been longing to touch you properly all week, his desire growing by each second.

he began to imagine all the things he could do to you, and they were all far from anything innocent.

“deal.” he nodded.

he then leaned down, eagerly pressing his lips against yours, feeling a surge of thrill. he drew you closer by gripping your hips tightly, his neediness evident.

as his tongue slipped into your mouth, prompting a soft moan from you, trent’s brother’s entered the kitchen, curious about the promised pancakes.

“seriously, guys, please. not in front of the pancakes,” marcel grumbled as he walked over, with tyler trailing behind, the two wearing ridiculous christmas sweatshirts.

trent withdrew his hands from under your shirt, where they had slipped during your make out session, and turned towards his brothers, visibly annoyed by the interruption.

“it’s called affection, you muppet. ever heard of that?” trent retorted, rolling his eyes as he leaned against the counter next to you.

marcel decided to ignore his brother’s comment and walked over to the pancakes on the counter. however, he grimaced when he saw whatever was on that plate.

“y/n, i don't want to be offensive since you’re going to be my sister-in-law soon, but what exactly is that?” marcel asked, his disgust evident in his tone.

tyler slid his phone into his pocket and came over to take a look and almost couldn’t contain his laughter at the sight.

“pancakes...?” you responded, feeling confused.

“it’s… black.” marcel deadpanned, while tyler gave you a bewildered look as if to say ‘what on earth is that?’

you let out an annoyed huff. despite warning the boys that your baking skills were not the best, they still insisted that you make the pancakes since they were too lazy to get up from the couch.

“well, then it’s a sad attempt of a pancake then,” you retorted.

“very sad.” trent murmured under his breath, although you still caught his comment and lightly hit him on the arm.

“you know what, you boys should just leave,” you said firmly, and they immediately began to whine, offering countless apologies. “no, no, no. you can’t even appreciate my pancakes or effort!”

“y/n, sweetheart, those aren’t pancakes. they’re pure evil!” marcel exclaimed, escorted out the kitchen by trent so he could continue his make out session with you.

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iwantedtoforgetyou · 7 months

Text

Smokey Library, Benedict Bridgeton

Relationship: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Word Count: 1.1k

Summary: You encounter Benedict Bridgerton smoking in the library and choose to join him. What could possibly go awry?

"You're aware that habit is destined to be your demise someday?" Benedict muttered a self-curse under his breath upon hearing that familiar voice—your voice.

He had been darting between rooms, attempting to elude the watchful gaze of his family's friends, and you were the last person he anticipated encountering that evening. Yet, oddly, he felt an unexpected longing for your clever remarks.

Your mere presence.

Leaning against the closest bookshelf, he rested his head against the wood, never taking his eyes off you as you approached. A cigarette dangled from his lips.

With swift precision, you plucked the cigarette from his mouth and took a drag for yourself.

Benedict grinned. "I thought you said this habit would be the death of me?"

You smiled, exhaling a stream of smoke from the corner of your mouth, and Benedict discovered himself gazing at you more intensely than ever before.

More intently than he had ever looked at any woman in his entire life.

"Not your kind of gathering?" You nodded toward the door, where the distant sounds of music and conversation filtered through.

He dipped his head slightly, his gaze narrowing as he regarded you.

"You're well aware of the response to that," he stated.

He longed for the sensation of a cigarette between his lips, the smoky flavor filling his lungs.

Yet, he remained steadfast in keeping his attention fixed on the enchanting woman before him, smoke gracefully billowing from your mouth.

"Why are you here?" He prodded, leaning closer to you.

You drew another drag from the cigarette, casting a glance back at the door.

"My mother," was your succinct response, and that was enough for Benedict to understand.

Your mother had been incessantly pressuring you to find a suitable partner for months, and it had escalated significantly in the past few weeks.

The entire town had become well aware of your mother's desperation, with the Bridgertons especially privy to it.

As you inhaled the cigarette smoke, feeling its lightness coat your throat and exit through your nose, a sudden, sharp pain flared in your ribcage.

Overwhelmed earlier, you hadn't noticed the pain, but now it consumed your thoughts.

Swiftly, you handed the cigarette to Benedict and began fumbling with the strings at your back. Benedict watched, perplexed, as he extinguished the cigarette in an ashtray nearby.

"Need some assistance?" he quipped, a smirk on his face.

Your eyes met, momentarily distracting you from the stabbing ache in your ribcage. But with a deep breath, the pain resurfaced.

Without a word, you turned toward the door. Benedict straightened up from the bookshelf and gently started to undo the strings of your corset.

The air around you grew heavy and tense, and the only sound that filled the room was the steady thump of your heart.

His hands meticulously loosened each string, gradually relieving the pressure of the corset. You closed your eyes, savoring the freedom and the touch of another person.

The hands of Benedict Bridgerton.

He cleared his throat before speaking. "Is that better?"

Turning around slowly, you became acutely aware of your proximity to him. Your eyes traced over his face, taking in every detail that had eluded you during your childhood.

"Much better," you whispered.

A smile graced his lips at the sound of your relief, and he welcomed the closeness between you.

He had never imagined himself yearning for the girl he had known for years. Craving her laughter, her smile, and her red-stained lips.

He yearned to kiss those lips.

"Y/N," he murmured, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"Benedict," you replied, your voice infused with a hint of reverence.

He had never been particularly fond of his own name, but when it passed through your lips, he developed a newfound appreciation for it.

“Benedict," you repeated, this time with more fervor.

Quickly, he raised both hands, pulling your face towards his, and your lips met with a forceful collision.

The flavors of smoke and alcohol melded within your mouths.

His hand fell away from your face, and it began to explore the exposed fabric left bare by your corset.

You let out a moan that only encouraged him to proceed, as his hands moved lower, reaching your buttocks and squeezing them firmly.

You both started to move, and in no time, Benedict had you pressed firmly against the bookshelf.

His hands explored every contour of your body, yearning for more. Meanwhile, your own hands were entangled in his hair, pulling and tugging gently.

Another moan escaped your lips just before the sound of the door interrupted.

Benedict swiftly moved away, pretending to browse the bookcase.

"Mr. Bridgerton, your mother is requesting you," a younger boy chimed in, a grin stretching from ear to ear.

You couldn't help but smile in return. "Tell her I'll be right there," Benedict replied, adjusting his shirt.

The boy dashed out of the room, the door closing with a loud click.

You remained in place, observing Benedict as he haphazardly fixed his shirt and smoothed his hair.

A smile remained on your lips, and the memory of his touch lingered.

Benedict sensed your smile and paused briefly in front of you before leaving the room.

“Until next time," he said, his grin wide. He leaned in quickly, kissing you lightly at first, but your response deepened the kiss.

"I must go," he whispered into the kiss, and you groaned softly against his lips.

He pulled away slowly, leaning in for one more lingering kiss. “Goodbye, Y/N." he said while exiting the door, winking at you as he left.

#fanfiction #wattpad #writerscommunity #bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton angst #smut #bridgerton smut #benedict bridgerton fanfiction #benedict bridgerton x y/n #benedict bridgerton imagine #bridgerton imagines #bridgerton fluff #bridgerton angst

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miguelswifey04 · 9 months

Note

Miguel and reader getting SUPER emotional because it's their daughter's qinceanera! Their little baby is growing up so fast, they remember when she was barely walking!

yess omg i wish i had my quinceañera :(

miguel o’hara x spouse! reader (fluff)

celebrating your daughter’s quinceañera

the day had finally arrived — your daughter's quinceañera. it was a bittersweet moment, filled with equal parts pride and nostalgia. miguel and you couldn't help but reflect on how quickly time had passed, reminiscing about the days when your daughter was just a small, curious child exploring the world on wobbly legs.

as you both stood by her side, watching her twirl in her elegant gown, emotions overwhelmed you. tears welled up in your eyes, brimming with a mix of joy and a tinge of sadness. it felt like yesterday when you held her in your arms, and now she was stepping into young adulthood.

miguel, usually composed and collected, couldn't hide the emotions that shook his voice as he whispered, "she’s growing up so fast, mi cielo. it feels like just yesterday she was learning to walk." you nodded, feeling the lump in your throat as well. "i remember her first steps, her first words. it feels like a lifetime ago."

as the celebrations continued, you both stole glances at each other, sharing the weight of your emotions. every time your daughter smiled, danced, or laughed with her friends, it was a reminder of the incredible person she had become. and through it all, you couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe and gratitude.

during the father-daughter dance, miguel held your daughter close, his eyes welling up with tears of pride. the music swayed, matching the rhythm of his heart as he whispered words of love and encouragement, promising to always be there for her.

in that moment, time stood still. the world around you blurred as you watched the bond between father and daughter deepen, an unbreakable connection etched into their souls. miguel’s love and nurturing had shaped her into a confident, compassionate young woman, ready to face the world.

as the night drew to a close, and the two of you watched your daughter exchange smiles and laughter with her loved ones, you knew that this milestone was just the beginning of an incredible journey for her. and though it brought a pang of nostalgia, you felt a renewed sense of hope, knowing that she would carry the love, values, and strength you had instilled in her.

with the quinceañera celebrations winding down, miguel wrapped his arm around you, drawing you in for a tender embrace. in the depths of his eyes, you saw mirrored the love, pride, and a hint of melancholy you felt in your own heart.

“our little girl is growing up," he murmured, his voice filled with a mixture of joy and longing.

you nodded, tears streaming down your cheeks. "yes, but no matter how old she gets, she'll always be our baby. and we'll be here to support and guide her every step of the way."

in that moment, as you leaned against each other, you found solace in the knowledge that together, as a unified force of love and support, you would always be there for your daughter. and as you looked ahead into the future, you cherished the memories of her childhood and eagerly anticipated the new adventures that awaited her.

tags 🏷️!! @kairiscorner @astro1bloom @obi-mom-kenobi @meeom @sabcandoit @emiemiemiii

#spiderman atsv #spider man: across the spider verse #miguel o'hara #atsv x reader #miguel o’hara x reader #🌱 lin writes #miguel spiderman #miguel o’hara x y/n #lin’s asks #♡´･ᴗ･`♡ lin answers #miguel o’hara x gn reader #miguel o’hara fluff #miguel o’hara imagine #miguel o’hara x spouse! reader #quinceañera

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lynetianya · 8 months

Text

Love Broadcast [ Ryujin X Reader ]

When Y/N unexpectedly appears during Ryujin's live Instagram session and kisses her, their well-guarded secret is exposed.

GENRE : Fluff

TYPE : One Shot

Ryujin's heart fluttered with excitement as she settled into her cozy corner of the studio, ready to connect with her loyal fans. Her phone was propped up, Instagram's live broadcast ready to bring her face to thousands of screens around the world. The anticipation was palpable.

"Hey, MIDZY!" Ryujin greeted with her signature grin as the live stream began. "It's been a minute since we last hung out like this. I've missed you all!"

The chat exploded with love and greetings, fans from all corners of the globe pouring their hearts out to her. Ryujin couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for their unwavering support.

As the Q&A session commenced, Ryujin answered questions about her music, her life as an idol, and the bond she shared with her fellow ITZY members. The questions kept coming, and Ryujin was more than happy to oblige, eager to share her thoughts and experiences.

Meanwhile, you had quietly entered the room looking for something. You timing, however, couldn't have been worse. After you get what you looking for. Completely unaware that Ryujin was in the middle of a live stream, you moved closer to her and gently planted a kiss on Ryujin's forehead, followed by a sweet peck on her cheek.

"Love you Ryu~" you whispered, you voice filled with affection before you quietly slipped out of the room.

Ryujin was taken aback, her cheeks flushed, and her heart racing from the unexpected display of love. The chat was now exploding with comments, fans frantically typing away, expressing their surprise and delight at the intimate moment they had just witnessed.

"Who was that cutie that kissed you?" one fan queried.

"OMG! Spill the tea, sis!" another chimed in.

Ryujin blinked in disbelief but knew she couldn't lie to her fans, who meant the world to her. "That was my lover" she confessed, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and pride.

The chat erupted once more, this time with messages of support and excitement. Ryujin had kept her relationship with you a secret from the world, but now it was time to make it official. She took a deep breath and decided to share the news. "Actually, Y/N and I have been together for a while now, and I couldn't be happier!"

The chat went wild with celebration, and Ryujin found herself inundated with questions about her relationship with Y/N. She smiled as she began to answer them one by one, taking her fans on a journey through their love story.

Hours passed, and the live stream drew to a close. Ryujin thanked her fans for their unwavering support and promised to share more about her relationship with Y/N in the future. She signed off with a heartfelt message of love and gratitude, feeling closer to her fans than ever before.

As she closed her phone, Ryujin couldn't help but smile. She had shared an intimate moment with her fans, and their acceptance of her love filled her with warmth. The world now knew about her relationship with you, and she was excited to embark on this new chapter of their love story, hand in hand with the person who had stolen her heart.

END

My Masterlist

#ryujin x reader #ryujin x you #ryujin fluff #ryujin fanfic #itzy fluff #itzy fanfic #ryujin #ryujin itzy #ryujin imagines #kpop oneshots #kpop imagines

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star-wars-writing · 4 months

Text

In Sickness and in health

Story written for the @codywanbingo @swfandomevents

the prompt I used: Nursing back to health.

Now the story:

In the heart of Coruscant, as the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, the Jedi Temple stood majestic and serene. Its towering spires, once silent witnesses to the echoes of war, now basked in the light of a peaceful era. The galaxy, having weathered the storms of the Clone Wars, embraced a newfound tranquility, a hard-earned reprieve from years of conflict.

Within the Temple's venerable walls, the air hummed with a gentle, almost musical calm. The hallways, adorned with ancient Jedi artifacts and symbols of the Force, resonated with a quiet, harmonious energy. This was a time of healing, of rebuilding, a time when the Jedi Order, the guardians of peace and justice, turned their focus inward, nurturing the delicate balance they had fought so fiercely to restore.

The integration of the clones, the brave soldiers of the Republic, into the daily life of the Temple marked a poignant shift in the Order's history. These warriors, once defined by their roles in the grand theater of war, now walked the peaceful corridors as brothers and sisters in arms. Some had chosen to accompany the Jedi they had served alongside during the tumultuous days of battle, their bonds forged in the crucible of war now evolving into deep, enduring friendships. Others explored new paths within the Jedi Corps, lending their unique skills and perspectives to various roles - from Temple guards to instructors for the younglings, each finding their place in this new chapter of the Order's legacy.

In the Council Chamber, high above the sprawling city, the Jedi Masters convened, their presence a tapestry of the Order's wisdom and strength. Among them sat Obi-Wan Kenobi, a figure of quiet dignity and thoughtful resolve. His eyes, carrying the depth of experience and the gentle touch of empathy, reflected the morning light that streamed through the tall windows.

Beside him, the esteemed members of the Council, each a pillar of the Jedi philosophy, engaged in thoughtful discourse. Master Plo Koon, his keen insight as profound as the depths of his Kel Dor heritage; Mace Windu, his presence commanding yet tempered with a deep understanding of the Force; Kit Fisto, his Nautolan grace and jovial nature a reminder of the diversity within the Order.

Together, they discussed the future, contemplating the path the Jedi would tread in this era of peace. The conversations were reflective, considering not just the protection of the galaxy, but the growth of the Order, the nurturing of young Padawans, and the exploration of the deeper mysteries of the Force.

Obi-Wan listened, his thoughts often drifting to the wider implications of their decisions, the impact on the countless lives across the galaxy. Yet, part of his mind lingered elsewhere, on a presence that had become a cornerstone of his own life - Commander Cody.

Cody, who had stood by him through the darkest hours of the war, had become more than a comrade. In this new era, where the rigid doctrines of the past were being reevaluated, their friendship had blossomed into something deeper, a connection that transcended the usual boundaries of Jedi detachment.

As the Council meeting drew to a close, Obi-Wan's thoughts were with Cody, anticipating the quiet moments they would share, away from the responsibilities of the Council and the weight of their past.

In the serenity of the Jedi Temple, amidst the timeless halls echoing with the wisdom of the ages, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Commander Cody had crafted a life together, a testament to the enduring peace they had both fought valiantly for. Their shared quarters, a harmonious blend of the Jedi's contemplative simplicity and the soldier's pragmatic touch, stood as a sanctuary where titles and ranks were left at the door.

Cody's transition from the battlefields to the tranquil corridors of the Temple was marked by a profound shift in his role. Alongside his brother Rex, he had taken on the responsibility of instructing not just the young Padawans but also the cadets freshly arrived from Kamino. These young recruits, the next generation of those who once formed the backbone of the Republic's army, were now being raised and educated within the Temple's nurturing environment.

The presence of these cadets within the Temple's walls was a new concept, one that symbolized the evolving nature of the Jedi Order in this era of peace. Cody, with his firsthand experience of the Clone Wars and his natural leadership abilities, was a pivotal figure in this integration. He brought to these young minds a blend of tactical knowledge and life lessons, instilling in them values of loyalty, courage, and integrity.

For the Padawans and cadets alike, Cody and Rex were living links to their heritage, figures who embodied the history they had only read about in their studies. Their teachings were practical, often taking place in the training grounds where simulated exercises and real-world scenarios brought to life the principles of strategy and teamwork.

Obi-Wan, in this new chapter of his life, found solace and fulfillment in the quiet joys of domesticity shared with Cody. The burdens of war, which had once weighed heavily upon his shoulders, seemed to lift in the comfort of their companionship. Their evenings were often spent in quiet conversation, sometimes joined by Rex when his duties with Ahsoka allowed. These moments, filled with laughter and shared memories, were a stark contrast to the solitude of the Jedi Masters' usual existence.

The couple's bond was a subtle dance of understanding and respect, visible in their shared glances during council meetings, or in the way Obi-Wan's hand would find Cody's as they walked through the Temple gardens. Their relationship was a silent declaration of the changes that had come to pass, of a world where the lines that once divided Jedi and clone had blurred into irrelevance.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the corridors of the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan Kenobi returned to the quarters he shared with Cody, his thoughts still echoing with the day's council deliberations. Pushing open the door, he expected to find Cody, perhaps reading or preparing their evening meal, the usual domestic routines that had become cherished pillars of their life together.

Instead, he was met with an unusual silence, a stillness that prickled his senses with unease. The room was dimly lit, the only light emanating from the small lamp on the side table. His eyes quickly adjusted to the dimness, and he saw Cody lying on the couch, his body wrapped in a blanket, shivering despite the warm temperature of the room.

"Cody?" Obi-Wan's voice was tinged with concern as he approached. The sight before him was disconcerting; Cody, always the embodiment of strength and resilience, now appeared vulnerable, his usually stoic demeanor replaced by a visible discomfort.

As Obi-Wan neared, he reached out with the Force, instinctively seeking to understand Cody's condition. What he felt through their bond startled him — a tangible sense of misery and physical malaise emanating from Cody. It was unusual, for Cody had always possessed strong mental shields, a necessity forged in the crucible of war.

"Cody, what's wrong?" Obi-Wan asked, kneeling beside the couch, his hand gently resting on Cody's forehead. It was burning hot to the touch, a clear indicator of fever.

"Just a bit under the weather, I guess," Cody replied weakly, attempting a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. His voice was hoarse, each word seemingly an effort.

Obi-Wan's brow furrowed in concern. Cody's attempt to downplay his condition was typical of his stoic nature, but the Force did not lie. The tremors that ran through Cody's body, the pallor of his skin, and the strained look in his eyes spoke volumes.

"Let me get you to the medbay," Obi-Wan suggested, already calculating the fastest way to get medical help.

"No, no... I'll be fine here. Just need to rest," Cody insisted, his words punctuated by a fit of coughing that seemed to rack his entire body.

Obi-Wan hesitated, torn between Cody's wishes and his own concern for Cody's well-being. He knew the importance of respecting Cody's autonomy, yet the alarm bells ringing in his Jedi instincts urged him to act.

"Cody, you're burning up. This is more than just a minor ailment," Obi-Wan pressed, his voice laced with worry. He placed a gentle hand on Cody's shoulder, feeling the tension coiled within.

Cody looked up at Obi-Wan, his eyes conveying a mix of gratitude and stubborn resolve. "I don't want to cause a fuss, Obi-Wan. I've been through worse," he said, trying to muster a semblance of his usual strength.

Obi-Wan sighed softly, reading the underlying fear in Cody's gaze — the fear of vulnerability, of being a burden. He understood then that what Cody needed most was not the sterile environment of the medbay, but the comfort and reassurance of their home, of his presence.

"All right," Obi-Wan conceded, his decision made. "But I'm here for you, every step of the way. You're not alone in this, Cody."

As he settled beside Cody, offering his warmth and the gentle, healing touch of the Force.

With gentle yet firm movements, Obi-Wan helped Cody into their bed, arranging the pillows to prop him up comfortably. Cody, whose pride often made him reluctant to show weakness, acquiesced with a tired sigh, the lines of discomfort etched on his face. He lay there, a stark contrast to his usual robust self, his breathing shallow and labored.

Obi-Wan's gaze lingered on Cody, a storm of emotions swirling within him. Concern was at the forefront, mixed with a sense of helplessness that was foreign to the seasoned Jedi. He knew he needed to act, to do more than what his limited medical knowledge allowed.

Stepping away from the bedside, he moved to the corner of the room where a small communicator rested. As he reached out to activate it, he was acutely aware of the contradiction in his actions. He, who had always preached self-reliance and the Jedi's philosophy of detachment, now found himself grappling with the overwhelming urge to protect and care for Cody. It was a humbling realization, a testament to the depth of his feelings.

The communicator flickered to life, and soon, Bones' familiar face appeared on the screen. The medic, who had served with them during the war and was now working under Master Vokara Che in the Temple's healing halls, was a sight for sore eyes.

"Bones, I need your help," Obi-Wan began, his voice betraying his underlying anxiety.

"Obi-Wan? What's wrong?" Bones' expression shifted from surprise to concern. He had always been perceptive, able to read the unspoken distress in others, a skill honed on the battlefields.

"It's Cody. He's fallen ill, and it's beyond my ability to treat," Obi-Wan explained, his eyes flickering back to where Cody lay. "I wouldn't ask if it weren't serious."

"Say no more, General. I'll be right there," Bones replied promptly, his use of Obi-Wan's wartime title reflecting the gravity of the situation.

As Obi-Wan ended the call, he felt a twinge of guilt for his hypocrisy. He knew, deep down, that if their roles were reversed, he would have insisted on Cody not fussing over him. Yet here he was, doing exactly that. It was a contradiction he was willing to accept, his concern for Cody outweighing his own principles.

Returning to Cody's side, Obi-Wan took his hand, offering a silent stream of comfort through their touch. Cody's eyes fluttered open, meeting Obi-Wan's gaze with a mixture of gratitude and mild reproach.

"You didn't have to call anyone, Obi-Wan. I'll be fine," Cody murmured, his voice a shadow of its usual firmness.

Obi-Wan offered a small, rueful smile. "I know you're strong, Cody. But sometimes, even the strongest among us need help. Bones will know what to do."

Cody's gaze softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. He knew arguing was futile; Obi-Wan's concern was as stubborn as it was endearing.

As the stillness of the room enveloped them, Obi-Wan stood, his movements quiet and deliberate. He moved to the fresher, retrieving a flannel. Soaking it in cold water, he wrung it out carefully, his mind a tempest of thoughts and worries. Returning to Cody's side, he gently placed the damp cloth on Cody's forehead. The coolness of the flannel was a small comfort, but Obi-Wan hoped it would bring some relief to the fever that had taken hold of Cody's strong body.

The clones, engineered for strength and resilience, were not often felled by illness. Their robust constitutions were one of the many marvels of their creation, a testament to the ingenuity that had birthed them. This reality only deepened Obi-Wan's concern. Illness in someone as inherently robust as Cody was rare, and it unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

Cody, sensing Obi-Wan's unease, managed a weak smile. "Always the caretaker, huh, Obi-Wan?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Obi-Wan returned the smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes, clouded as they were with worry. "Someone has to look after you, Commander," he replied softly, his hand brushing back a strand of hair from Cody's sweat-dampened forehead.

"You know, I'm not used to being on this side of things," Cody said, his gaze drifting towards the ceiling. "Always thought I'd be the last one standing."

Obi-Wan's heart clenched at the words, a poignant reminder of the countless battles they had faced together, where the fragility of life had been all too apparent. "We've both seen enough to know life has its own plans, Cody. But you're not alone in this fight," he assured him, his voice firm with conviction.

Cody's eyes met Obi-Wan's, and in them, Obi-Wan saw a mixture of gratitude and a trace of the soldier's innate fear of being seen as weak. "I never thought I'd be glad to be wrong," Cody admitted, the ghost of his usual humor flickering in his eyes.

The sound of the door chime sliced through the stillness of the quarters, heralding Bones' arrival. Obi-Wan stood, a mix of apprehension and relief stirring within him. As the door slid open, Bones stepped in, carrying the air of seasoned professionalism tempered with an underlying current of concern, a medical bag in his grip.

"General Kenobi, Commander Cody," Bones greeted, his eyes swiftly appraising Cody's condition from the doorway. "I hear we're having a bit of a medical evasion again?"

Cody, despite his evident discomfort, managed a weak smirk. "Old habits, Bones."

Bones approached the bed, his movements efficient but not without a gentle touch. He began checking Cody's vitals, his practiced hands betraying no hint of the frustration they had often felt during the war, chasing after these two whenever they evaded medical check-ups after battles.

Obi-Wan watched silently, the memories of those hectic days flooding back. Both he and Cody had been notorious for avoiding the medbay, often needing to be dragged there by Bones for treatment. It was a trait born out of necessity and stubbornness, a soldier's and a Jedi's shared disdain for showing weakness.

Cody, trying to sit up, winced slightly. "I'm fine, really. It's just a small fever," he insisted, echoing the many times he had downplayed his injuries in the past.

Bones, unfazed by Cody's protest, gently but firmly pushed him back down. "Commander, you might have evaded me on the battlefield, but in here, I call the shots. Let's not make this a battle, shall we?"

Cody relented, albeit reluctantly, settling back against the pillows. Obi-Wan could sense the internal struggle within Cody, the ingrained soldier's instinct to never appear vulnerable, to always be battle-ready.

After a thorough examination, Bones straightened up, his expression relaxing. "It's the flu, nothing more. It's been going around the Temple. Even with your engineered resilience, you're not immune to everything, Commander."

The tension that had held Obi-Wan in its grip began to ease. "Just rest and care, then?" he asked, needing to hear the course of action.

"Exactly that. Rest, fluids, and some TLC," Bones confirmed, preparing to leave the necessary medications on the bedside table. "He'll be back on his feet in no time."

As Bones made his way out, he turned back with a knowing look. "And no sneaking out, either of you. I know your tricks."

Once alone again, Obi-Wan settled beside Cody, a small smile playing on his lips at the familiar banter. "Seems we can't fool Bones," he said.

Cody chuckled weakly. "Never could."

Obi-Wan's gaze softened as he looked at Cody, this man who had been his comrade in arms and was now his partner in life. "I'll take care of you, Cody. Just like I promised."

Cody's eyes met Obi-Wan's, a depth of trust and affection shining in them. "I know," he whispered, his hand finding Obi-Wan's.

In the quiet of their room, as the evening deepened around them, Obi-Wan held Cody's hand, a silent guardian in the stillness of the night. The Force hummed softly around them, a comforting reminder that in this moment, all was as it should be.

As night enveloped the Temple, a cloak of silence settled over the quarters shared by Obi-Wan and Cody. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast gentle shadows across the room, creating an island of calm in the vastness of Coruscant’s nighttime tapestry. Throughout the night, Obi-Wan remained vigilantly at Cody's side, his concern etched in the lines of his face, illuminated by the dim light.

Every so often, Obi-Wan would rise, his movements a quiet dance of care and concern. He would refresh the flannel on Cody's forehead, the cool cloth a small but significant comfort against the fever's relentless heat. Each time, he watched Cody's face for any sign of relief, any hint that the fever might be breaking.

Cody, caught in the grip of the flu, shifted restlessly under the sheets. At times, he shivered uncontrollably, his body fighting the invisible battle against the illness. Then, moments later, he would throw off the covers, the fever spiking to the point where even the light fabric was too much.

During one of these restless moments, Cody’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Obi-Wan’s gaze. "Obi-Wan, you should go, stay with ashoka or with Rex ... I don’t want you getting sick because of me," he murmured, his voice tinged with worry.

Obi-Wan offered a gentle, reassuring smile, his hand finding Cody's in the darkness. "I'm exactly where I need to be, Cody. I won't leave your side."

"But the Council, your duties..." Cody’s words trailed off, a frown of concern creasing his brow.

"The Council will understand. You are my priority now," Obi-Wan replied softly, his voice resolute. The Force flowed around them, a soothing presence that comforted Obi-Wan as much as it did Cody.

Cody, too weak to argue further, simply nodded, his eyes closing once again as he succumbed to the exhaustion wrought by the illness. Obi-Wan watched over him, a silent sentinel in the quiet room. His thoughts drifted to the countless battles they had faced, the many times they had each been the other's protector. Now, in this battle against illness, Obi-Wan found a different kind of strength – the strength to care, to nurture, to simply be there for the person who meant more to him than any title or duty.

Throughout the night, Obi-Wan continued his vigilant care. He soothed Cody’s fevered brow, whispered words of comfort, and held his hand, a steady presence in the face of uncertainty. The bond they shared, forged in the fires of war and solidified in the peace that followed, was a beacon of light in the darkness, a reminder that even in vulnerability, there was strength.

As the first light of dawn crept through the window, casting a soft, diffused glow into the room, a sense of relief slowly began to unfurl within Obi-Wan. The long night had passed, each hour marked by his unwavering vigil beside Cody. Now, with the new day, came a welcome change – the fever that had gripped Cody so fiercely seemed to have finally broken.

Cody, his face still pale but no longer flushed with the heat of illness, stirred weakly under the sheets. Obi-Wan, who had dozed off in the chair beside the bed, awoke at the slightest movement. His eyes, heavy with the remnants of a sleepless night, focused on Cody with a mix of concern and hope.

"How are you feeling?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice soft, the worry of the night still lingering in its timbre.

"Better," Cody rasped, his voice a shadow of its usual strength. "The fever's gone, I think."

Obi-Wan's hand found Cody's forehead, confirming the absence of the feverish heat that had been so persistent. A sigh of relief escaped him, the tension that had coiled in his chest easing at last. "That's good to hear. Very good."

Cody attempted to sit up, his movements sluggish, the ordeal of the past night having taken its toll. Obi-Wan was immediately at his side, offering a supporting arm. "Let's take it slow," he cautioned, his eyes scanning Cody for any sign of lingering weakness.

With Obi-Wan's help, Cody swung his legs over the side of the bed, pausing for a moment to gather his strength. The simple act of sitting up left him breathless, a stark reminder of the flu's impact on his normally robust physique.

"I think I can manage a shower," Cody said, determination edging his voice. It was a small milestone, a step towards reclaiming his strength and independence.

"Alright, but I'm right here if you need me," Obi-Wan assured him, his tone leaving no room for argument. He helped Cody to his feet, keeping a firm but gentle grip on his arm. Together, they made their way to the refresher, Obi-Wan's support unwavering with every step.

In the refresher, Obi-Wan steadied Cody as he undressed, his movements careful and mindful of Cody's weakened state. The steam from the warm shower filled the small space, a comforting embrace against the morning chill.

As Cody stepped into the shower, leaning heavily against the wall for support, Obi-Wan remained just outside, ready to assist if needed. The sound of the water was a soothing backdrop to their quiet morning, a symbol of renewal and recovery.

A few days had passed since Cody's bout with the flu, days that had slowly returned a sense of normalcy to their quarters. Cody, now mostly recovered, moved around the kitchen with a renewed vigor, the clatter of pots and the aroma of cooking filling the space with warmth.

As he stirred the simmering pot on the stove, he glanced towards the door, anticipating Obi-Wan's return from the Council meeting. The sound of the door sliding open drew his attention, and he turned, a greeting ready on his lips.

The words died away, however, as he saw Obi-Wan step inside, a noticeable pallor on his face. His steps were heavy, weighed down by an unusual fatigue, and a sheen of sweat glistened on his brow. The Jedi Master's cough, rough and persistent, echoed in the otherwise quiet room.

"Obi-Wan?" Cody's voice was laced with concern as he moved towards him, setting aside the wooden spoon.

Obi-Wan managed a weak smile, an attempt to dispel Cody's worry. "It's nothing, just a bit of a cough," he said, though the effort of speaking seemed to take a toll on him.

Cody raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth turning up in a wry smile despite his concern. "Looks like you should have listened to me and stayed with Rex. Now you've got the flu too."

"I didn't want to leave you alone," Obi-Wan replied, his voice barely above a whisper as he leaned against the wall for support.

Cody's expression softened, the teasing tone giving way to one of affectionate concern. "Stubborn Jedi," he murmured, helping Obi-Wan to sit down at the table. "Let me take care of you now."

As Obi-Wan settled into the chair, his body surrendering to the fatigue, he looked up at Cody, his blue eyes conveying a mix of gratitude and apology. "I suppose I'm not the best patient," he admitted, a hint of ruefulness in his voice.

"You're the worst," Cody agreed, but the fondness in his voice belied his words. He fetched a glass of water, placing it gently in front of Obi-Wan. "But I've got you, just like you had me."

#commander cody #obi wan kenobi #codywan #codywanbingo #clone bones

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thunderstroked · 2 months

Text

Poof! Zap!

TIMING: early december. LOCATION: emerald oasis. PARTIES: @gossipsnake & @thunderstroked SUMMARY: anita gives mona a fright and she retaliates, but quickly backs down. CONTENT: none!

The fox ran as fast as she could, slipping beneath flora and underbrush, eager to escape the shutter of the camera behind her. She wasn’t sure why she bothered trapezing the woods, even off the normalized path. All humans were the same– they wanted to see things they didn’t deserve. She could hear their weighted footsteps behind her, eager to follow the abnormal fox to her hiding place. Unlucky for them, she had no intention of leading them anywhere close to something of actual importance. The fox rounded the small clearing, dipping below the brush. Chest heaving, she sent a ball of fox fire from her tail, sending it directly towards the individual with the rather large camera hanging around his neck.

His eyes glazed over and he began to focus on the ball of blue fire in front of his face. At first, she was mildly worried he might reach out and try to touch it, but instead he diligently followed it in the opposite direction. Grateful for the distraction, the fox crept from underneath her hiding place and slipped out of the clearing, towards the emerald oasis where she could at least catch her breath for a bit. She gained nothing from being there; had heard the stories and its history, but knew that she would not be able to draw any actual energy from it. That wasn’t really her schtick, and it wasn’t something she wanted to do. If there were spirits, long forgotten, however, she would find them. What she hadn’t anticipated was a snake-like woman. She froze in her tracks, eyes glinting amber in the stream of light that pooled at the base of the cove.

___

The oasis beneath Gatlin Fields had become a favorite spot of the lamia as soon as she had discovered it. She didn’t even really care about its supposedly magical properties, Anita just loved having a place that she could go during any season and simply sit and be in her lamia form. It was dangerous for her to stay scaley for too long once the temperatures began to drop. But in the Emerald Oasis? In there she could swim in warm waters and lay beneath tropical plants for hours.

Those who knew about the spot were mostly used to supernatural things. Many of the farmers who came to drop withering crops off needed the magic of the oasis too much to question the presence of strange creatures within it. That day, however, it seemed that Anita wasn’t the only creature around. Both the coloring of the fox-like creature and the presence of a second tail drew Anita’s attention as she saw it move towards the cove. Curiosity called her to move closer to the other being, and it didn’t take long until they were face to face.

“I come in peace,” the lamia said in her best alien impression. “Ahh, sorry no, I don’t actually talk like that. Could you imagine? Gross” she said, switching to her real voice. She knew enough about other shifters to suspect this might be a kitsune, but she was also not disillusioned enough to think she knew every species of creature out there, and the coloring of the creature was not like something she had seen before.

___

The woman spoke and the fox found her fur standing on end. This town was full of things she’d never encountered, and while she didn’t know what the person in front of her was, there was something beautiful about her, but in the same breath, haunting. She couldn’t put her finger on it– or in this case, paw. A wheeze left the fox, both in response to the snake-woman’s joke, and her own, despite the fact that the woman could not understand why she would have that reaction to begin with.

The woman was eyeing her and the fox found discomfort in the attention. She glanced around, immediately looking for a possible way out of this situation, but wondered if she’d make it very far. She couldn’t remember the name of what the woman was, but knew to be wary. The only way to communicate would be to shift, but what would happen if she did that?

Without thinking, an orb of fire shot from her tail, trailing to where the woman stood, catching the base of her tail. The smell made the fox winced and she stumbled backwards, hackles rising.

_____

Anita couldn’t get a good sense as to what the other being was thinking. If it was responding to her attempts at conversation it was lost on her. Could it not talk? Anita did know that not all shifters could speak in their alternate form which seemed like such a pity. It could also be, of course, that this was an entirely different creature altogether. Either way, Anita was quite captivated. She loved seeing the differing beauty in the world around her, and this was a beauty she had never encountered before.

“Do you live down here?” It seemed unlikely that it lived in the oasis without Anita having seen it before, but life was full of unpredictable possibilities. Instead of there being any response, though, Anita was met with a blazing orb. As she watched it travel the distance between the two she felt mesmerized. That feeling faded rather quickly when it hit the end of her tail, the impact causing an involuntary rattle right before the lamia let out a cry at the intensity of the fiery pain.

“Oh my god! I was being so nice! What the fuck…” with a quick movement, Anita slithered away from the fox and stuck her burning scales into the stream of water nearby. When she looked back over towards the creature, its hair was raised. She hadn’t intended to get into any altercations today, but Anita was not the kind to not fight back against a threat. After a deep breath, Anita removed her tail from the water and pulled the rest of her body down towards the ground, letting the tall plantlife provide her cover.

_______

I was being so nice!

That was true. The fox’s survival instincts had reared their ugly head– a means to cause distraction, or at the very least cause a catastrophe out of something that could have been dealt with with civility, whatever that looked like between a gumiho and a snake-woman. She hated that the name was escaping her, but it wasn’t her fault that she didn’t know everything under the shifter umbrella by what it was called! She was a gumiho, for fuck’s sake.

Her sister’s voice sounded in her head, if you would just stop and listen!

The snake-woman was retreating towards the pool of water, tail dipped in for some kind of relief. If she could speak the way she was now, she would apologize, but the thought left her as soon as the woman disappeared beneath the plant life. The fox had no intention of setting this place ablaze– it seemed too important for something so silly, especially because the woman had been nice to her to begin with, but the threat of inaction was like a loud siren in her head, warning bells ringing, telling her if she didn’t do something, she’d end up as a meal. Call it prey mentality, or whatever.

The fox looked around, desperate to see if she could spot the creature slithering through the plant life that was stretched across the floor of the cavern. Now would be the time to shift back and explain herself if she wanted to live, she realized.

In a puff of smoke, Mona replaced the fox and she held out her hands, turning in a small circle as she wasn’t sure where the woman would come from next. An orb of foxfire lit her palm and she held it steady. “I’m sorry, okay? You’re a snake, I’m a fox– it’s circle of life, yeah? Always in my head, always gotta be afraid of the bigger thing. I didn’t mean to.”

Even as she laid there, a literal snake in the grass, Anita was a bit torn on how to deal with the creature who had just seriously scorched her scales. Sure, she regularly killed people for far less but she also thought the creature was quite interesting. She’d never seen anything like it before and it seemed like a waste to just eat it so quickly. Not staying in one spot for long, she moved through the tropical cover while keeping her attention on the fox.

Her scales weren’t meant for this kind of environment though and the green she sported was not as camouflage as it would have been in the Mojave. Instead of running away, however, the fox stood its ground. Maybe it had understood what she had said even though they had not responded. Before Anita could speculate any longer, and almost as though it was a cheesy magic trick, the fox disappeared and a woman appeared. A rather beautiful one at that.

In response to the reveal, the lamia moved her head above the line of foliage so she could be seen. “You’re a shifter,” she said matter-of-factly. “You know, normally foxes are considered bigger than snakes,” that was obviously not the case in their situation though. There was still a pang of caution that rang through her head, but Anita decided to make a similar gesture of good faith. “Give me a second,” she said, moving to grab a pack she left nearby with a large oversized t-shirt and shorts.

As she pulled them out of the bag, Anita allowed herself to transform into her human form. Unlike the fox, her transformation did not come with clothes included.

The woman spoke and Mona felt relief flood through her. She wasn’t sure if being a shifter would be enough for this woman to not make a snack out of her, but she hoped so. Then again, she’d been the one to shoot first, technically speaking. “A gumiho, yes.” Mona’s fingers flexed at her sides, deep brown eyes unmoving from the scales that were now singed. She felt bad, and she would definitely apologize.

At her comment, the gumiho let out a laugh of her own. “You know, that’s usually how it is, right? Still not fond of getting in a toe to toe match, though. Can’t do much about venom.” She wasn’t sure if Maine had any poisonous snakes, but she wasn’t going to take her chances, especially after being faced with something like this. Who knew what else was lingering in the shadows of Wicked’s Rest?

The woman slithered, quite comically, to a pack left to to the side of where she was standing. She hadn’t ever seen anything like it, the way he scales receded, the way the body morphed into something else, into something more human. She didn’t know a lot about lamia, but she knew that they were not a natural born thing. Still, it shouldn’t matter to her. Mona cleared her throat after a moment. “I’m sorry again, it’s a force of habit. I’m sure you can understand?” She tried to see if the singe of the woman’s tail had translated to her legs. “Do you– I can pay for your doctor’s visit, if you want.”

“Gumiho,” Anita repeated, “I can’t say I’m familiar with that name. I’ve come across some fox shifters before… though not quite like you.” There was something that always sparked a bit of excitement in Anita when she came across something new, or more accurately, new to her. She liked to think that curiosity and excitement was part of what set her apart from humans. Instead of fearing something strange, something different or unknown, she always welcomed it. “Not all snakes have venom,” she countered with a shrug not addressing the fact that she certainly was a venomous snake.

After shifting into her less intimidating form, Anita quickly threw on the clothes she had from her bag before she slowly moved closer to the other woman again - hesitantly keeping a bit more distance between the two than she did when she had more natural protection. Especially since the burn stung substantially more across her ankles and calf than it did across her tail. “You get attacked a lot or just naturally skittish? Seems like one of the two, maybe a combination of both, would be the case if your habit is to attack first and ask questions later.” She let the comment sit for a second before clarifying her stance. “Not that I necessarily take issue with that approach. In the right circumstances.”

“That’s not necessary. Not gonna need a doctor.” Not that Anita would have taken the assistance even if she had needed one. “How do you do that?” Hands gesturing in a manner to mirror the puff of smoke that had appeared when the gumiho had transformed, “Appearing with your clothes on and everything, I mean. Hell of a lot more convenient than having to carry around a change of clothes almost all the time. Is that something innate in your species?”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment, because in my eyes, it is one.” She knew that her form wasn’t exactly what others had in mind when they thought of a kitsune. It all came down to the fact that she’d been electrocuted and she knew that, but sometimes, people thought to ask if she had dyed herself. Those were the people she didn’t mind leaving with a little more bristly static. Mona raised a brow. She hadn’t considered that not all snakes had venom, but if she were being honest, she didn’t know a lot about them to begin with. She wasn’t exactly a snake’s biggest fan, regardless if it was supernaturally inclined or not.

In place of that of which she’d been so afraid of was a quite normal looking woman– though, definitely beautiful. “Most of what I attack don’t have the means to introduce themselves, or defend themselves.” She was more of a runner than she was a fighter, but today proved the opposite. “You can’t blame me for being scared, can you? I don’t think that’s very fair.” It was fair, because the woman was the one with the burn on her leg.

“Well, if you change your mind…” Mona offered a small, but hesitant smile. She wasn’t sure what else to say here, but then the woman was asking her how she reappeared with her clothes and she let out a laugh. “That? That’s just how… I’m not really sure. I know that other shifters get the high of indecent exposure, but we– gumiho, we always just appear back with our clothes on.” She had asked at one point, but never got a straight answer. “I’m sure it’s in a book somewhere. One that I haven’t read.” She shrugged, as if it were simple. “I guess it has to do something with our shifting isn’t… necessarily animalistic? It’s more magic than anything.”

“It was a compliment,” Anita responded with a soft smile, not having even considered that being told you were unique could have come across as anything but a compliment. Even though she longed for more Lamia in town there was a sort of pride in being a unique being, different from most others around her. Even the other lamia she had come across in town weren’t Mojave like she was. She couldn’t help but wonder if this woman had been made to feel othered by her unique appearance.

“And what do you usually attack?” The statement was intriguing as was the one that followed. Most people who were quick to attack weren’t also quick to admit feeling scared. Humans must not be their preferred meal if they usually went for things that couldn’t speak or put up much of a fight. Small prey, that had to mean. “I would never fault someone for feeling fear upon coming across me. I would think anyone who didn’t feel that way was a fool. Like I said, I don’t really take issue with the attack first approach. Just don’t prefer to be the one being attacked, naturally.”

Anita was glad that the conversation was taking a more humorous turn, finding the sound of the gumiho’s laughter to be just as lovely as she was. “It’s not really a choice. Magic may have made me this way but there isn’t much else about it that is magical. I’d love to just reappear in my regular clothes, would save me so much money on tailoring and replacement clothes. Plus, sometimes it’s just too cold to have all your goodies out in the middle of the woods.” Anita, somewhat tentatively, took a few steps closer to the fellow shifter. “I find the differences in how people like us, people who shift, to be truly fascinating. When you say your shifting isn’t as animalistic… do you not feel connected to who you are in the natural form?” Despite all their similarities, those who shifted were certainly their own species, each with their own way of shifting and their own unique limitations.

“Well, I appreciate the compliment then.” Mona stood across from the woman, gaze trailing over the distance that the tail had once appeared over. It wasn’t easy to forget that there were others like her, just in different… instances. She felt as though she had the right to be afraid– giant snake versus small fox just didn’t pan out in the way that she figured would be beneficial to her plight. But the woman seemed more so intrigued than actually hungry, and for that, Mona was thankful.

“Squirrels.” She paused, frowning, “sometimes we do what we have to do.” She wasn’t the kind of being that’d fight for the sake of fighting, but she’d fight for survival if she had to. Mona figured she’d made that particularly clear, given their current situation. “I can’t say I don’t understand that. I feel like that’s perfectly acceptable, not wanting to be burned.” A part of her felt guilty, now that she was speaking to the woman she’d sent her foxfire towards. In the moment, she’d been so sure it was the right move. Now, she was curious as to whether or not it’d be held against her.

“I’ve heard of werewolves who use spandex. Maybe that’s a market you can enter.” She had no clue if that actually worked or not, but figured it might be better for somebody who had actual control over themselves. “Imagine a snake like yourself in a tutu.” She gestured vaguely towards the woman, “then again, it might not make people afraid of you.” Mona forced herself to relax, even as the woman approached her. She wasn’t going to be hurt, the brunette had already confirmed that. “I feel connected to it, it’s always a part of me, even right now, despite the lack of fur.” Mona crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s different for everyone, I guess. Some people find themselves… looking to be in tune with their abilities, rather than being a fox, itself.” There were dozens of legends of how kitsune had come to be, none of which ever felt right to her. “It’s innate, I suppose.”

The thought of this fox chasing squirrels around was rather amusing. Anita wondered if the sight of her chasing her own prey would be amusing to anyone. “Girl’s gotta eat,” she said with a slight shrug. Justifying having to eat live prey was never something Anita was interested in doing. Sure, there were a lot of things that Anita did that were violent but she did not often associate the pure act of sustaining herself as a violent one.

“Imagining it,” Anita said with a wide grin and a soft laugh. “Loving it. Gonna make it happen.” To her the image of a massive rattlesnake wearing a sensible yet stylish tutu was genuinely hilarious but she had a feeling that the average person wouldn’t be unafraid of her just because she had on some ruffles. “I know what you mean, about feeling connected.” These were the conversations she loved to have with fellow shifters, getting a sense of how they interacted with their duality. “I’m always the rattlesnake. It’s not just a connection, it’s who I am. Maybe it’s by virtue of being born like this, growing up intertwined, but this isn’t me,” she gestured generally at her human form. “That was.”

Even though they were protected by the underground caves of the oasis they were in, Anita could hear the sounds of someone not too far away. And while her afternoon lounge in the warmth of the inexplicable tropical oasis had been cut short by the arrival of the kitsune, the lamia did have places to be. “See you around, foxy lady,” she said with a smirk before grabbing her things and making her way around the other woman as she headed towards the surface. “Maybe one day we can exchange stories instead of scorch marks.”

#para: poof! zap!#para: anita #wickedswriting

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