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bts-0t-7 · 6 months

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So What? | MYG | Chapter 1

Pair: Hybrid Cat Yoongi x F Reader

Summary: Running from a past that foreshadows him, Yoongi is adamant about ever turning back to his human counterpart form, in hopes that nobody would recognise him and take him away. You worked at a cafe with your best friend. As a more-than-normal day seemed to go by, you discovered something amidst your housing block. Perhaps - just perhaps, the nighttime is where the angels arrive.

Genre: Angst, Fluff, Hybrid, non-idol au

Warnings: Contains explicit language, abuse

WC: 2K

Taglist: @bearr02 @svnbangtansworld @vintageoldfashion @rkivemaar

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Carrying your body home after a full day shift at the café is always the hardest part of your work. The worst thing is that it was raining today.

"Man, it seriously can't get any worse than this already."

You were walking to your apartment from the nearest bus stop when you heard skitting across the road and paused. It was forty-five minutes to midnight and living next to a park made the lights in the area dim. That totally did not help the rising panic within.

“Hello?” You called out. “Nobody? Okay.”

You continued uphill as you constantly looked around, body and mind on high alert. As you walked closer and closer to your apartment building, the hissing got louder. You stopped dead in your tracks, rain harshly hitting the umbrella as you frantically tried to locate the noise. The flight and fight response in you is more towards the latter. Your eyes connected with two moonlit ones, staring back at you as if they knew where your soul was.

“Hi, kitty.” It hissed. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?" You tried coaxing it up with you. "It's raining hard, it’s better if you go under the building.”

You stood under the rain, getting soaked as you tried to coax it from under the car. You wouldn't have believed that you were redoing this on a brain-damaging day, still seem to have patience for a cat. It hissed and moved back when your hand went closer to it. You squatted there for a good fifteen minutes when you groaned and got up from your spot, pants and bag completely wet from the rain. You reached out your hand as a last offer, “Come on sweet pea, please?”

You used your best baby voice. The cat refuses to move from the spot it has pressed itself against.

"Fine. Maybe you don't want to leave me standing here." You have another look. "But when I leave, go under there," Pointing at the shelter of the apartment building. "It's dryer and warmer there. Night, kitty."

You went into the apartment building and took the lift up to the twenty-seventh floor. You brought out your keys as they clanged loudly against the metal gates. One foot in, you looked around your apartment, climbed the countertop, and took a plastic bowl off the shelf.

He's either going to be there or not going to be there.

You decided to take the plunge and filled the bowl with warm water - not too warm but not too cold. A flash of light shines through your house before the loud boom of thunder vibrates the walls. You hurried back down to the parking lot, afraid that the cat would be scared of the noise.

That's stupid. It's stray, it's used to it. But… It doesn't mean it isn't scared.

You carefully went back down to where the vehicle the cat was at but all you found was an empty space. Alarmed, you stood there, calling out for the black cat as if it could understand that it was being called. Only when you registered that the water in the bowl started to get cold did you leave to go back into your warm home with a heavy heart, hoping that the kitty at least found a dry spot before the rain got heavier in the night.

Yoongi never had the plan to be caught by any humans the day he left that horrid place. He survived on the streets, stealing food from vendors, and eating late-night snacks, but overall, he was fine as a cat. He survived as a cat and he has vowed that he would live like one for the rest of his life.

Until you came along.

He smelled you from a mile away. He was at the bin stealing off the last bits of leftover chicken that the hawker centre vendors had thrown away when he smelt you. He never stayed in one place for too long or the animal control would take him. But Yoongi stayed there for three days now. Three whole days and nights, scenting you, seeing you. But he never intended to be found out.

The rain started to pour when he was chewing off the last bits of his dinner. He scurried away to the nearest vehicle, crawling under to shield himself from the rain. People don’t normally like animals under the apartment buildings and it would be a too obvious place for him to be at.

“Hello?” He heard you call out. He scented your fear and kept still, not wanting to be caught. But as you neared the vehicle that he was under, he started to hiss loudly, animal instincts taking over to be alarmed and fight and all costs. You stood still again, now eyes turning to where he was and making contact with yours.

He stilled.

“Hi, kitty.” You called out to him, hands reaching nearer under the vehicle to try and pet him. He hissed out loudly and pressed himself even more against the tyres of the car. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?" You smelled heavenly to him, like tangerine and chocolate. He didn’t want you to leave but he didn’t want to be caught.

You tried your very best but he knew he wasn’t going to budge, not while you’re here at least.

“Maybe you don't want to leave with me standing here." Yes - "But when I leave, go under there," No - "It's dryer and warmer there. Night, kitty." Good night.

No way in hell is he going to go under the apartment blocks especially when he will be too exposed. You never once looked back as you walked into your building.

Maybe I should really go somewhere else to sleep tonight.

The rain started to get heavier, soaking almost half his body under the car. Yoongi walked out, rain splattering on his fur, spreading the blood down to his shin. He winced. Maybe fighting for the food just now wasn’t a good idea. Just as he started to limp away, lightning struck and thunder boomed, making him flinch and run to the trash bins located outside the apartment blocks. He slithered his way in there.

Hmm, dry enough for now.

He fell asleep just as he heard, “Kitty? Kitty! Kitty, where are you?”

You wake up to the sound of the alarm blaring through the house and turn over to grab the phone, turning it off so that it doesn’t sound again. Just as you were about to fall back asleep, your neighbours downstairs started shouting, waking you up.

You groaned. “What the hell. Fine, fine, I’m up.”

You vigorously tried to rub the sleep off of your face and headed to the washroom. You walked out of the washroom with a toothbrush stuck in your mouth as you took the kettle to boil some water. Rummaging through the cupboard for something to eat was the hard part. Being out at work means that the drawers in your house are almost empty. You sighed as you found some crackers in the refrigerator. You took a bowl and filled it with crackers and bread cookies.

As toothpaste started leaking out of your mouth, you hurriedly ran to the washroom to continue washing up. The coffee was simply made and placed beside the bowl of crackers and phones. You readied the vacuum and pail of water needed to clean the house.

You had a strict line-up when it came to Saturday cleaning. All drawers, shelves, and countertops are to be cleaned first. Followed by the carpets being vacuumed. Then, the floors will be vacuumed and moped - twice per room to make sure there is not a speck of dust. After that everything is washed and kept back to their original positions and the basins and toilets are next.

Usually by then, you are too exhausted to be bothered to clean it in any way, just making sure that everything is scrubbed - from top to bottom. Okay, yeah, maybe you do have a slight cleanliness problem. But you absolutely dislike it when the house gets too dusty as it makes you sneeze a lot. Though, cleaning itself is a workout but thankfully, you often finish just before lunch.

You crashed down onto the sofa after cleaning. “Ugh, today is exhausting.” You flung an arm over your forehead. You got up to get your phone from the dining table and adjusted your spectacles properly over the bridge of your nose. Deciding to be lazy today, you ordered in McDonald’s. As you deemed yourself well-rested enough, you got up with a huff and headed to take a shower.

Just as you were about to blow dry your hair, the doorbell rang and you hurriedly made your way over with keys in hand. Your stomach was finally grumbling for some food to grind in its system and you were pretty sure that by now, it was already eating itself. Just as you reached the small water fountain placed in the living room, a few steps away from your room, you realised that there was a ball of black-something.

That ball of black-something was indeed a cat and it looked as if it was a deer - or well, cat - caught in the headlights. Its pupils enlarged as one of its paws was paused midway in the air as if it just stopped from taking another step. The doorbell rang again, efficiently snapping the both of you out of your stupors.

“Coming!” You shouted as the cat scurried under your sofa. You thanked the delivery man for the food and quickly shut the door.

“Kitty? Is that you?” You placed the food on the top of the shoe rack, crouching down, head on the floor, trying to communicate with the cat that just - somehow, maybe flew? - into your house.

No response. As the both of you stared at each other in absolute silence, you somehow knew that it was indeed the cat you saw last night. You weren’t sure of the cat’s coat colour as it was dark in the night, but under the afternoon light, it seemed to be matted and had blood streaks on it. You could clearly see it from where you crouched down but did not move closer to it, learning from last night that it doesn’t like close contact.

Your stomach grumbles loudly. You sighed, getting up from your odd position on the floor and went to the kitchen. You were halfway through your own lunch when you decided to feed him. You got up from your chair, opened a can of soft food and poured it into an aluminium bowl as well as filling the top with a spoonful of kibbles. Then you mixed warm water in another and placed both bowls at the left edge of the sofa, hoping that the cat under there would be tempted to come out to eat with your back faced away from him. The noises from the bowls approved of the action.

Yoongi was hungry - starving. He couldn’t be bothered by what type of food you gave him, as long as you gave him food. He munched on the shredded chicken which was surprisingly nice with the extra crunch of the fish kibbles. He was hesitant at first, wondering if he should leave from under the sofa but the food was too tempting to waste.

The first bite down could have him crying. He didn’t have such high-quality food, human or cat food, for a really long time. The last time he had that was with one of his nicer owners. They were like family - he gets good stuff if he is a good kitty - until everything went to hell. He never intended to be caught but since he was already here, why not eat and then go?

Yes, yes that sounded like a good plan. A very good plan.

Except that plan never went as said.

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sunmoonjune · 2 years

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masterlist

an updated collection of the works of sunmoonjune. all works belong to sunmoonjune. do not copy, translate, or repost any of my works. I will no longer be updating the previous masterlist! I just needed a chance of pace to get back on track :))

*please regard the warnings at the beginning of each fic! they are very important - please remember that you curate your own internet experience, so take heed to any and all warnings*

previous masterlist

petrichor

a stray kids and ateez supernatural universe!

choose your own adventure masterlist

in this masterlist, you’ll be guided to pick your first adventure: through the door of rising suns and rays of light or the door of starry skies and a midnight moon?

once you pick your door, there will be links to the fics in each universe in the masterpost of the specific kingdom: the kingdom of dawn (ateez) and the kingdom of night (stray kids)

there is lots of lore for each universe in these pieces!

stray kids

oneshots

primordial: poly!ot8 stray kids x fem!reader [sea gods au, soulmate au]

[preview]

synopsis:��“Oh no,” the deep voice spoke hushedly, “we cannot destroy something that has loved us so beautifully.”

warnings: suggestive content! minors dni!! mentions of death, drowning injury, blood, poly relationships including member x member, swearing

rating: mature [due to suggestive content]

word count: 12.3k

storm clouds at midnight: poly!ot8 stray kids x fem! reader [werewolf au, soulmate au]

synopsis: moving to a little woodside town, you discover a deep bond that connects you to eight wolves who reside in the forest aside your cottage. soon after your first meeting, you give into the enchanting magical connection and accept the pack leader’s challenge: if any of the wolves can catch you, you'll accept the mating bond (a silly proposal, considering you have long since accepted the connection)

warnings: intense suggestive content (not explicit smut, but damn well close) [minors dni!!], predator/prey, chasing, blood, injury, vulgar language, cursing, biting, choking

rating: extremely mature! [minors pls do not interact!]

word count: 26.3k

↳ untitled drabble: poly!ot8 stray kids x fem!reader [storm clouds! universe]

hyunjin, minho, chan, felix based

synopsis: musings about hyunjin and his hair-tie stealing tendencies

warnings: gets a little raunchy -- minors please dni! suggestive content and cursing

↳ moonlit inferno: poly! ot8 stray kids x fem!reader [storm clouds! universe]

synopsis: the wolf pack muses upon the mating chases that have occurred since your courting process finished. one resulted in your favor, the other in their own. while planning their tactic to win the next, they’re interrupted by your call with someone they had not expected.

warnings: suggestive content!! predator/prey, chasing, cursing, vulgar language, choking, teasing, biting, minors please do not interact with this piece (you will get blocked!)

rating: mature! [minors dni]

word count: 10k

ateez

series

like the moon: poly!ot8 ateez x fem! oc!reader

*disclaimer: I tag the reader as an /oc/ just in case, but the reader here isn’t really an oc - she has a nickname and a backstory (as well as family figures), but she does not have any distinguishing features besides her scars and enough hair to tie rings into -- anything else is not mentioned so it’s still a reader insert, I just wanted to clarify for anyone who is confused! *

one: the trial

two: a familiar face

three: puncture

four: honey

five: hatred

six: an anchor in storming seas

seven: angel

eight: reconciliation

nine: common ground

ten: new start

eleven: too slow

twelve: gone

thirteen: flames relit

fourteen: home

fifteen: safe

sixteen: my hongjoong

seventeen: magpies

synopsis: it’s finally the day of your trial. you’ve been waiting for this day for years. will you succeed and become a warrior your clan can finally be proud of? or will you fail, and be banished from the village forever?

warnings: graphic depictions of past torture, past abuse, gore, injury, death, threats, fighting, reader is nonverbal for much of this fic, previous familial abuse [this fic can be considered triggering in many aspects, pls be cautious and heed the warnings at the beginning of each chapter!]

rating: mature

word count: 160k

status: in progress

↳ extra lore! some extra detail on her mask

↳ extra lore! the semiotics of a long bow: a glimpse into the symbols seonghwa carves into his longbow

↳ spring tides: a like the moon oneshot

synopsis: the ateez clan celebrate your birthday <3

warnings: vague mentions of eating disorder, death and torture, scars, ptsd, very fluffy! a lot of comfort! not so dark this time xD I did not proofread this :D

rating: teen

word count: 14.1k

oneshots

dewdrops at dawn: poly!ot8 ateez x fem! reader [demon au, soulmate au] [petrichor! universe]

synopsis: you’ve never really believed in angels, or anything of the sort, but in a last ditch effort to escape a grave situation – you find yourself to praying for someone - anyone - to come help you.

“wow, you would not believe how fast angels are! I had to fight like six of them to answer your call!”

warnings: creepy men, implied chubby!reader, social anxiety, implied neurodivergency, cursing, being followed, drunk assholes, blood, death, minor gore, intense sexual themes [minors dni!!], heavy suggestive content

rating: mature [minors dni!]

word count: 17.2k

mist at daybreak: poly!ot8 ateez x fem! reader [demon au, soulmate au] [petrichor! universe]

[preview]

synopsis: a one shot to continue dewdrops at dawn.

as you officially settle into life in Hell, a few problems arise. the first comes in the form of nightmares - or memories, you suppose - memories of your death. images of blood and tears, the sight of your grieving mates, and the weak plea of a promise are all you can see.

“forever, angel.” he promises, voice weak as tears muddle his vision. “forever. I promise.”

warnings: blood, death, cursing, mourning, suggestive content, mentions of vomit

rating: mature [minors dni]

word count: 5.7k [preview]

jujutsu kaisen

series

house-elves & moondew: poly!satosugu x fem!reader [hogwarts au]

chapter one

synopsis: “you must be some wizard,” Suguru huffs softly, a warm smile gracing his features as his dark eyes drift over you. his chest sings with a giddy lightness, feeling the butterflies in his stomach turn when a little grin pulls at your features.

when you tilt your head in confusion, Satoru continues for his partner. “You’ve bewitched us,” he murmurs softly, voice warm and husky as he leans close, “body and soul - without even uttering a single spell.”

warnings: social anxiety, reader has implied trauma, violence, injury, blood, death, death eaters, heavy suggestive content [minors dni!!], cursing

rating: mature [minors dni!]

word count: 15k

status: ongoing

oneshots

in their loving hands: poly!satosugu x fem!reader [mafia au, kindergarten teacher au]

synopsis: you’re a hard working kindergarten teacher, just trying to earn enough money to move out of your run-down apartment. everything is normal, or as much as it can be, until two men drop their daughters off in your kindergarten classroom. Nanako and Mimiko quickly become two of your favorite students, and their unreasonably attractive fathers have nothing to do with it - you promise!

warnings: blood, death, cursing, mentions of cheating, insecurity, being followed/chased, being attacked, mentions of sexual content!

rating: mature

word count: 18.8k

gods and monsters: poly!satosugu x fem!reader [pacific rim au]

synopsis: six years after you lose your jaeger co-pilot, the Marshall finds you working on the coastal wall; he’s adamant you return to your station, but you can’t imagine piloting a jaeger with anyone who isn’t your brother. when you’re talked into returning to base, you’re met with the world’s two best jaeger pilots.

warnings: blood, death, gore, cursing, mounters, past trauma, reader has a brother, fighting, angst, heavy suggestive content [minors dni!]

rating: mature [minors dni!]

word count: 27.6k

raspberry leaves: poly!satosugu x fem!reader [jjk au] [family!au]

synopsis: reader has severe period cramps in the middle of the night and hides in the bathroom to try to deal with her agony. geto wakes to your figure missing in bed and worries. how can he help your pain?

warnings: periods, severe cramp, painkillers, fainting, mentions of vomiting, cursing, fathers!gojo and geto, megumi tsumiki nanako and mimiko are your kids :D

rating: teen

word count: 12.5k

works in progress

*these are works that are currently being drafted - fics will only be added to this list if they have portions written!*

kpop groups

mist at daybreak: poly!ot8 ateez x fem!reader [dewdrops at dawn universe]

thunder at twilight: poly!ot8 stray kids x fem!reader [stormclouds at midnight universe]

planned

all of my stars: poly!satosugu x fem!reader [jujutsu universe, geto doesn’t defect, happy!au lol]

our own constellations: poly!ot8 stray kids x fem!reader [primordial universe]

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stardragongalaxy · 3 months

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Moonlit Prince

☆Synopsis: Seonghwa and you always meet this time of year, but what will change when he has a proposal in waiting?

☆Characters/pairing: Prince Seonghwa x gn reader

☆Genre: Fluff, Angst, slight bit of horror

☆Au/Trope: Supernatural, Friends to lovers

☆Word Count: 1047

☆Warnings: Implied Smut, Blood, injuries are mentioned

☆Rating: 18+ mdni because this is an adult space.

☆A/N: (optional): This is part of the @cultofdionysusnet winter event! I had fun on this one and I hope you enjoy!! Apologies its been a while since I've posted. Life had other plans so I'll be around more ^^ This is part 1 of what I want to make bigger. Let's see how it fairs though.

Taglist: @abiaswreck @sanjoongie @anyamaris (dm to be added or removed, but it's been a while)

It had come once a year that you had taken your vacation in the mountains in a star gazing cabin. It was also a time that your longest night comes and you end up meeting someone named Seonghwa each year to spend time with each other. It turned into a tradition to see him this night where he was strongest and it kept you on your toes of when and where he appeared. The same night was predictable, but he was not. In fact he has appeared multiple ways and sometimes it scared you, but he was respectful enough, apologizing that he started to announce himself so he wouldn't scare you.

This year, you awaited him to see what kind of tricks he'd come up with. It was however late and you started to worry until you heard knocking at your door. You found yourself getting up quickly heading to the door. Upon opening it, your eyes widened seeing Seonghwa covered in black blood holding his side, his hand on the doorframe and breathing heavily. You didn't hesitate to bring him inside, having some medical experience and closing the door stopping the cold air coming in then reaching to the couch as you heard him hiss in pain. You knew he was holding back when you looked up seeing his eyes closed and screwed shut after grazing the injured area.

“Be right back” you whispered rushing to get the medical supplies, towels, and a basin of water and returning quickly. He saw what you had and watched cautiously as you were careful. He held back when he could, but yelped and cried out when he couldn't do so. You apologized each time and tried talking to distract him seeing it wasn't as deep. With steady hands you carefully and slightly loosened the wrappings to his torso. You helped him move to a more comfortable place which was a chair the reclined, helping him lay back with a pillow and a quilt.

“Thank you. I was late fighting a monster just to see you” He started feeling tiredness hit him.

“Rest and you can explain when you are well enough. I'll wake you when I finish cooking” you spoke with understanding and calm wanting to help. In all the years you both grew on each other despite not having constant contact, but it's also understandable being from separate places. This was also a safe haven for you both.

You started crushing herbs to a paste with water and other ingredients to put on his wounds after he'd wake up making you start cooking so he could eat and heal faster. He always seemed to heal faster under the moonlight when you saw any cuts before, mainly when he helped you cook and accidentally cut his hand when he wasn't paying attention, only catching a glimpse of his unusual color of blood when he was cleaning the wound and it healed quickly leaving no scar behind.

You focused on cooking and kept the stew on a low heat to keep it warm. You looked over at him seeing his sleeping form resting peacefully. The only indication of him being with you is the rising and falling of his breathing that kept your mind at enough ease to not go into a panick. Enough that he was there recently this year giving you excitement to meet again and maybe, just maybe in realization that you had fallen for him. However, you didn't think he felt the same that you didn't say anything nor did you think the situation called for it.

His coughing caught your attention to come out of the kitchen to check on him. Seonghwa sat up in pain to sit up which caused you alarm to help him, but relieved he was awake.

“Just let me know when you need help, but food is ready if you feel up to eating” You spoke being calm as you could be. Seonghwa swallowed and nodded in agreement.

“Thank you. I am hungry”

“Coming right up. I'll bring it to you” You offered knowing he hated staying in one place for too long, but it was nessesary for him for the time being. You filled the two bowls and set it on a rolling table bringing it to him so you could eat together. He smiled seeing you take a seat by him as you ate together. He complimented your cooking and make conversation, feeling his side healing faster with what spices and herbs you put into the soup.

“We've been friends for years now, but.. what if we could be something more” he bit his lip watching your reaction. You lifted your head looking at him.

“I do like you more than a friend, but how would we go about this? We live in different worlds” You questioned, being straightforward wanting this to work, but wondering how it would.

“We can compromise then. I don't want to lose someone like you” he said holding your hand with warmth. You smiled in return pulling the curtains apart as the moonlight was brought through the window.

You felt pressure on your hand as Seonghwa cried out, arching his back under the moonlight which made you gasp out. Seonghwa sat up as his wounds healed, but balled up as wings ripped out of his back, black down to silver in color, silver eyes looking at you with fear. Something that made your heart shatter as you hugged him that made him gasp in surprise. Why would he fear, did he think you'd hate him?

“I don't fear you Seonghwa. I love you no matter who you are and I accept your proposal” You whispered as Seonghwa hugged you closer as tears hit your neck.

“Thank you” he whispered with a cracking voice as you ran your fingers through his hair, letting him calm down. You sat down in awe seeing him completely healed and his otherworldly form. He looked ethereal under the glow of the moon that his hand caught you off guard, caressing your cheek. “Then let's make it official, hm?” He whispered looking into your eyes.

“I'd like that” You whispered back, ready for the long night and what romance and adventures awaited you both tonight and into the future.

#cultofdionysusnet #wonderlandnet #pirateeznet #mfu net #ateez #ateez x reader #seonghwa #ateez scenarios #park seonghwa #ateez fanfic #ateez imagines #seonghwa scenarios

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b4b3tte · 10 months

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hi!! i Found out you have an accent like me!! So Ryan!ken x fem!reader who has an accent?! Can be any thx stink ‼️

꒰ ⊹ ˚ Summary — Ken with female reader that has a French accent <3

Pairing — Gosling!Ken X Fem!Reader

Contains of — Just you guys bonding and a kiss at the end

Note — I loved writing this and I hope you enjoyed it!! Thanks for reading <33

In the vibrant world of Barbie, Ken found himself captivated by the allure of a fascinating young woman named Y/n. She was a type of beauty you rarely found. with sparkling eyes and a charming French accent that enchanted everyone she met. Ken, always open to new experiences, couldn't resist the chance to get to know her better .

One sunny afternoon, Ken mustered up the courage to ask You on a date. He planned a romantic outing at a quaint French café nestled on a cobblestoned street in Your town. As they sat at a cozy table, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of freshly baked croissants, Ken couldn't help but admire your graceful demeanor and the way your accent added an extra layer of charm to your guys conversation.

"you know y/n your accent is very cool, I really haven’t heard anything like it before " Ken remarked, a genuine smile playing on his lips.

You blush at the comment not sure if it was showing but you certainly felt a rise of heat going through your face" thank you Ken, your very sweet "

As you guys enjoyed the café au lait and shared a plate of delicate macarons, You and Ken delved into y’all’s passions and dreams. You spoke passionately about your love for (your passion), while Ken shared his adoration for the beach obviously. your guys shared interests sparked a deeper connection between you two, transcending language barriers.

Days turned into weeks, and your love blossomed like the vibrant gardens of Versailles. Ken found himself falling more and more in love with you and your French accent, which had become an integral part of your identity. He adored the way your words danced with elegance and painted pictures in his mind.

Sometimes he struggled to understand what words you were saying but matter of fact he enjoyed it, he loved hearing you repeat words over and over again that just meant he got to enjoy your beautiful accent, it was something he can listen to all day

One evening, as you guys wandered through a moonlit park, you looked up at Ken with a certain look in your eyes ( YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING 😏) . "Ken I’ve been thinking a lot…about us and you’ve made me really happy the past months and I would like for us to be something more..like boyfriend and gir- “

Ken smiled and he absolutely knew what you were gonna say, and he wasn’t gonna waste this moment of kissing you, he adores hearing you speak with such elegance but he had to kiss you before anything, after so long of looking and feeling the desire to kiss those lips he finally did it

In that tender moment, Ken took your hand and leaned in for a kiss. Your guys lips met, and for a brief second, time stood still. Kens love, entwined with the beauty of your accent, created a symphony of emotions that filled their hearts with joy.

As your guys relationship continued to flourish, You and ken embraced the richness of your guys cultural background, one plastic and one French

as you two explored the art galleries of Paris, picnicked by the Seine, and even attempted to cook traditional French cuisine together, with your accent guiding him through the recipes, it just created a more deeper and gorgeous bond

Your love story, woven with the threads of a French accent, became a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of connection. you and ken reveled in y’all’s shared adventures, ken voice blending harmoniously with yours, as you and ken embraced each day with love, laughter, and the magic of your unique bond.

THANKS FOR READING!!!! I hoped you liked it, it is 3:52 am and I’m really tired I’m sorry if the grammar is wrong and If this is shitty, deeply sorry hopefully this was good quality!! And give me more requests!! Don’t be shy to ask

#x reader #fanfic #female reader #headcanons #nameisbb3tte #b4b3ttee #barbie #ken barbie #ken x y/n #ken x barbie #ken x reader #ken x fem reader #ken ryan gosling #ryan gosling ken x reader #ryan gosling #ryan gosling ken #the barbie movie #barbie x ken #barbie x reader

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abibliophobiaa · 1 year

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Talking in Your Sleep

- eddie munson x afab!reader; 80s summer slasher au.

(Coming 6/25/2023)

Preview below the cut… 🛶🏕️

——

The door opens and you really shouldn’t be surprised to see Eddie. Eddie’s standing there in a Metallica tank top, the sides cut for a larger hole, revealing the smattering of ink across his form. Heart clenching, you rise to your feet as Chrissy opens the door further and urges him into the open space, your arms circling his waist as he draws you flush against his chest. A hand rests on the nape of your neck, the other rubbing a slow circle between your shoulder blades.

Chrissy whistles a tune unfamiliar as she makes her way back to her bed, kicking her feet up on a pillow. Feeling your cheeks warm, you step back, mindful of your company. Circling your palm in his own, you drag him onto the front step of your cabin, taking in the glow of the moonlight up above. Wings of fireflies bat around you, their glowing bulbs flickering around the lamp hanging on the porch, a moonlit song only they know.

“I wanted to check up on you,” he says once the screen door is shut behind him, palm coming to rest on your cheek. “He’s an asshole. With that whole Henry Creel bullshit.”

“I’m okay,” you promise, leaning up to press your lips to his. “Don’t wanna talk about him.”

“Think Chrissy will let me stay tonight?” he murmurs, forehead pressing to yours. His nose slides down the bridge of yours, prods at your cheek until your lips twitch into a smile. His teeth flash with his grin at that. “There she is.”

“You're on duty,” you remind him, though the idea is tempting.

Summer before being Eddie’s girlfriend was one thing, your first summer as his girlfriend is another. Separation feels daunting. The craving to be near is stronger now than ever before.

“The little gremlins can survive one night with Steve.”

“Eddie…” He buries his face against your shoulder, swaying you left to right in his arms. “Thanks for coming. But I promise I’m fine. Plus, I think I actually made a new friend tonight.”

“You and Cunningham, hmm?”

“She’s…she’s actually really nice.”

“I’m glad.” His head shifts, lips pressing into your neck until you wriggle and writhe in his arms, earning a chuckle out of the man. “I’ll miss you. Maybe you’ll come visit me in my dreams.”

“You’re such a sap, Munson.” Nose wrinkling, you reach up to comb at the curls tickling your cheek. “Who knew?”

“There are exceptions to every rule.”

You grin, heart fluttering away in your chest as he takes a step back and makes his way down the stairs leading to your cabin. There are three words that bubble on your lips, three words you’ve never shared with anyone before. And it’s fitting they form for this man, this person.

But it’s not time. Not yet. So instead you lean your elbows onto the railing and blow him a kiss, snorting as he dramatically smacks it against his chest and falls backward into a heap on the forest floor below.

“Go, shoo,” you tease, giggling as he rolls over and pushes himself onto all fours, shaking out his hair.

“You wound me, sweetheart.”

Three words.

Not now.

“Goodnight, Ed.”

He grins. Waves.

Three beautiful words.

But you have all the time in the world anyway; there’s no rush.

“Goodnight.”

——

#lunaloveseddie #eddie munson x reader #Eddie munson x you #eddie munson x fem!reader

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sakkiichi · 11 months

Text

BETTER THAN REVENGE.

you and your ex ended on bad terms. you want revenge. your annoying best friend might be the answer.

ft. Childe x gn! reader.

cw/genre: romance, fake dating, friends to lovers, mild angst, fluff, modern/college au, very brief mention of alcohol consumption.

word count: 2.6k.

i dreamt about this idea months ago, and i thought my first genshin crush’s birthday would be a good day to write it hehe. happy birthday ajax <3

What did you ever see in that asshole, you will never know.

You hate him. Of that, you are certain.

You really tried to put effort into your relationship, made time for him, prioritized him.

It seemed to always go unreturned.

And that much is made clear tonight, the sight of him making out with someone else at this party you don’t even know why you decided to attend, being the last straw.

“We’re done, you jerk.” Are the words you spat at him, throwing the remnants of your drink at your now ex-boyfriend.

You regret it now. Having wasted half a drink, that is.

The music blasting through the speakers is soon replaced by crickets chirping and the night wind ruffling through the trees. You spare a glance at the moon above. Full, its rays seemingly lighting up a liquid silver trail leading to you.

“Leaving so soon?” A familiar, and, might you add, annoying at times, voice questions.

Well, at least it’s better than hearing your ex, you muse to yourself, as you turn around to face your friend.

His ocean blue eyes glimmer in the summer starlight rain, matching the color of his baby blue t-shirt.

A smile makes it to your face. You always loved to steal that one when you had sleepovers.

“Nothing gold can stay, am I right, Ajax?” You retort, a mirthless grin plastered on your moonlit features.

Your friend takes a few steps forward, coming to stand next to you, shoulder playfully bumping against yours.

“I’d rather you stayed, though.” He says, a melancholy smile tugging at his lips.

You close your eyes, a sigh escaping you into the night.

“Let’s just say… I’ve had enough for tonight.” You mutter, exhaustion beginning to catch up to you.

“Anything happen?” Childe asks, ginger strands swaying around his face in the warm zephyr.

You bark a dry laugh, yet all you feel running through your veins is boiling anger.

“Well, I saw that asshole kissing someone else.” You cross your arms over your chest. “So I made it clear we’re done. I also wasted half my drink on that shithead when I spilled it on his face.” You tilt your head to the side. “Pity, that cocktail was much more worth it than him.” You add, matter of factly.

Ajax chuckles. He always liked your unapologetic remarks.

“You really did that?” He laughs. It’s nice, sincere. Then: “He didn’t deserve you anyway.”

“Eh, probably not.” You shrug. “I just really want to piss him off now.”

“Oh?” Your friend’s usually dull marine eyes light up in amusement. “Any ideas?”

“Huh, not yet…” You ponder, worrying your thumbnail between your teeth.

Childe levels his gaze with yours, that impish grin meaning he was up to no good not unlike the edge of the moon above.

“Date me.” He smirks, just like that.

And at that moment, you’re too aware of the heat rising to your cheeks, of the wild pounding of your heart against your ribcage, of the constellations of freckles dotting the bridge of Ajax’s nose. “You know, just as show, to spite him.”

And perhaps it’s the sweet intoxication of your half drunk cocktail, or the way a lake of stardust seems reflected in his eyes, but you find your pinky linked with his before you have half the mind to back off.

“Deal.”

—

On hindsight, perhaps you were impulsive.

Was it really a good idea to involve your best friend in this game of spite?

Readjusting your bag on your shoulder, you walk to your first period class.

Students, some more sleepy than others mill around campus, a collage of headphones on, hands busy on screens and chit chat filling the early morning air.

“Morning, babe.” Are the first words directed at you today, followed by a chaste kiss to your cheek.

“Ajax…” You whisper-shout, frowning, face warming up. “You know you just need to pretend.”

“I’m very aware of that.” He whispers, lips brushing the shell of your ear, as his voice lowers a little more. “He’s looking, sweetheart.”

Despite your quickened heartbeat, a devilish grin makes it to your features, arms wrapping around your best friend temporarily turned “boyfriend”.

“Ajax!” You coo, sweetly. “I had missed you so much! Ah! How am I going to endure six hours of class without seeing you?”

The redhead embraces you, arms tightening around your waist, dangerously close to your hipbones. His face buries in the crook of your neck, nuzzling into you, lovingly.

“Good, he just stormed off.” He murmurs, giving your waist a reassuring squeeze.

You smile brightly, luminous eyes meeting his crinkled up ones.

His hand slides into yours, pressing it reassuringly, before you two part, promising to meet afterwards.

Oddly enough, when you sit at the back of the seminar, six hours feel like an eternity.

But, like all things, your classes come to an end, eventually.

Mindlessly scrolling through your phone, you leave the building.

It’s weird, this sensation, though.

You’ve been close with Childe for years, you’ve hugged countless times, slept at each other’s place just as many.

So, why now? Why did you feel all jittery and giddy at his subtle touches just earlier?

Perhaps you’re still shaken from your breakup, as much as you can’t stand your ex.

“Hey there, pretty.”

You look up from your phone to be met with the colors of oceans and sunrises, Ajax’s grinning face centimeters away from yours.

“Childe.” You bluntly greet him. It’s unfair how the early evening sun kisses his skin just right, the light dusting of freckles over his nose and cheeks reminding you of the stars that soon will start decorating the sky. You clear your throat, then:

“You know we just need to look like we’re dating, right? I thought I’d made myself clear.” You don’t know if your statement is more directed at him or at yourself.

“I know,” the ginger smiles, falling in step by your side. “But we need to make it look convincing, don’t we?” He winks, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

“You’re insufferable, as always.” You grumble.

And yet, despite no one really being around at the moment, you make no effort to push the man away. And you definitely don’t complain when he switches to your other side, hand lingering on the small of your back, so that you take the innermost half of the sidewalk, away from the cars.

If someone were to ask, however, no, you certainly are not leaning into Ajax’s comforting hold.

—

A few more weeks go by, with most of your free time spent with your “fake boyfriend.”

And as much as you’ve always cherished him, despite his, at times, obnoxious nature, you certainly are confused right now.

What is it you feel for him? You like these newfound moments of shared tenderness between the two, so much that you wish they weren’t fabricated sometimes… What would it be like to love someone truly? To have someone love you?

What do his lips taste like? You wonder, as you have a few more sips of your iced peach juice.

You shake your head. No, you definitely did not think that. Must be the heat, messing with your head, surely.

However, willing fantasy or not, it turns out fate had indeed planned for you to indulge in your cravings.

The door of the establishment opens, the small bell above it signaling the entrance of another customer.

“[Y/n?]” Ajax calls, from the sit across you.

You tilt your head to the side, your redhead friend’s eyes focused on something behind you.

“Yeah?”

“Kiss me.”

“What?” You almost shout, the sound dying down to a whisper the moment his thumb brushes over your lower lip.

“Do you trust me?” He smirks.

“Yes, but-“

“You said yes.” Are Childe’s words before leaning in.

To say he was a good kisser would be an understatement.

His lips on yours feel like a roaring ocean, notes of spearmint and sunshine contained in the secret message in a bottle the waves of him carry. Ajax’s calloused hands cup your jaw, ruddy locks of hair tickling you when he angles his head to the side to deepen the kiss.

You wish this was real.

But would it really be a crime to play your part right now?

Your fingers tangle in his tangerine hued strands, slightly tugging at them as you bring him closer to you.

You don’t care if this is swimming against the current, if you did drown right now, you would go happy.

But because he’d be damned before he let you drown, your best friend pulls away, allowing air back into your lungs.

That’s the very best goddamn kiss you’ve ever been given.

But, alas, sometimes you think “stupid” should be Ajax’s middle name.

When you glance his way, he keeps looking at something beyond you, that shit eating smirk plastered on the lips you want to kiss again.

When you spare a peek over your shoulder, you spot him. Your ex, sitting with some girl, his face ashen as he looks in your direction.

So that’s all this was.

You should have figured, you chide yourself as you fiddle with the straw of your juice.

If you had payed attention, however, you would have noticed a pair of starry blue eyes not leaving you.

—

And after that arrives the day you realize you are screwed.

This was all just supposed to be a make believe charade, not you actually falling for your friend.

Because you can’t deny it anymore; whatever it is Ajax is to you now, it goes way past platonic.

You can’t let these feelings be known. Ever.

But how are you supposed to ignore all of his sweet gestures? His tender touches when holding your hand; the way he remembers your favorite ice cream, smoothie and coffee orders; how he brings you lunch when he ends up cooking too much for his siblings; or the way not only are you stealing his t-shirts on nights you fall asleep at each other’s rooms, but how he now drapes his hoodie over your shoulders, the night breeze uncharacteristically chilly for this time of year.

And that kiss. That goddamn kiss.

And perhaps your last breakup scarred you more than you let on; or maybe you love Ajax too much to keep up this lie with him. But before you can think twice, the words are out of your lips, glacial shards of a broken dream on a midsummer’s night:

“Ajax? Let’s stop doing this.”

Those eyes of his that sparkled in sapphire hues dim again at your statement.

He searches for your gaze, but you won’t look at him.

“Why? Something wrong?” Childe tries for his usual carefree tone, but you know better; the hurt and strained fear in the words he doesn’t speak are clear as day to you.

“Yes! I mean no! I mean…” You sigh. “I don’t think it makes sense anymore.”

In reality, what doesn’t make sense is pretending this relationship of yours is just for show. But you can’t let him know that.

“Got cold feet?” Your friend, or whatever he is now, asks, oceanic gaze glazed over, not a single star reflected in it when he stares skyward.

‘If only you could know’. Is the sentence you don’t let out through bitten lips.

Instead you offer:

“I don’t think this makes sense anymore.” Unconsciously, you adjust his hoodie a little tighter around your figure. “I just- I think I’ve gotten the revenge I wanted. I… I don’t know, I just want to hang out with you again, but honestly, not like this, not for an audience…”

You stop walking, standing a few paces before him.

“We don’t have to do any of this for the public, you know.” Your friend, crush, partner in crime? assures, shortening the distance between you with his long strides.

“But we do.” You sadly whisper, averting your eyes to the side. You can feel wetness pooling on them. Great, just what you needed. “I… I don’t want more fabricated romantic moments, I’ve had enough of love that was never anything to begin with before.” You humorlessly add. “I just, I want the next time I kiss someone or hold their hand… I want it to be real, for it to mean something… and I can’t keep stealing moments like these from you either, Childe.”

Salty droplets start to dye the grey pavement as you keep your eyes glued to it. Everything feels so complicated, so messy…

“I know this was your idea but… I can’t keep-“

“What makes you think it wasn’t real?” Familiar calloused fingers caress your cheeks, gathering the starless wetness sliding down them. “What makes you think you were stealing these moments from me?” Strong arms envelop you, akin to the early morning rays dancing over gentle waves lapping at the seashore. “It was my idea, right? You said it yourself. Why do you think that was?”

“I don’t know!” You sob into his chest. “I guess you were looking for fun, or you wanted to help me…” You wonder, voice a breath away from becoming fragments of a shattered snowglobe.

Ajax chuckles, soft. His hold on you tightens a little. Then:

“You know, sometimes you can be so dumb, [Y/n].” He utters, tone devoid of his usual teasing. “It was my plan, on that you are right.” His hands rest on your shoulders, as he pulls away to look at you. “But I guess now would be a good time to tell you why.” He shifts his weight on his feet, an unusual dusting of pink creeping up his neck caught by the streetlights. “Truth is, I was scared to, well, ask you out normally, I was scared of you saying no. When you started dating him, I hated him, but I hated myself more, for not having been able to prevent it. You looked unhappy.” He shoves his hands in his pants’ pockets. “So I don’t know, I figured maybe if we pretended, we’d keep it up for a while, or maybe if I was lucky, you’d really fall for me… kinda dense, right?”

You sniff, a smile tugging at your lips despite your cries.

“Yeah, definitely stupid.” You laugh softly, through the tears. “But effective.” You admit, glossy eyes searching for the molten northern stars in his stare.

“Wait, so you actually fell-?”

“Ajax. Kiss me. For real this time.” You plead, clutching the front of his baby blue t-shirt, urging him closer to you.

“What makes you think it wasn’t for real the first time?” He smirks, as his lips link with yours for the second time.

Your arms loop around his neck, his hands digging on the flesh of your lower waist, his palms a searing wave under your shirt. Childe’s kiss tastes of fireworks reflected over a still ocean, the quiet of the minutes before midnight in stark contradiction to the wild drumming of your infatuated heart. You stand on your tiptoes, desperately meeting his tidal wave at its zenith, the caress of the blossoming moon above and Ajax’s tongue swiping over your swollen lips sending shivers down your spine.

The clock strikes twelve, and a beeping sound interrupts the reverie.

Grumbling, you fish your phone out of your borrowed jacket’s pocket.

“00:00

Thursday, July 20th.

Ajax’s bday !! <3”

Your lit up screen reads.

You both let out a chuckle.

“Hey, Childe?” You call him. “Make a wish.”

“I don’t need to.” Constellations are reflected in his azure gaze, lovestruck with images of you dancing amongst them, the smile on his face dopey and entranced.

“Let me give you another present, then.” You tell him, pulling him close again. “Happy birthday, Ajax.” You breathe, as his hands hook under your thighs and your lips crash together again, no onlookers but the moon and stars this time.

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redfurrycat · 1 month

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🤠🩰🎤🎶🐓Musicians, Singers & Dancers Fic Recs🐓🎶🎤🩰🤠

(Pic credits: GP - MT)

Check the Top Gun Masterlist post for the latest updated version. 💕

Ao3 Authors: Coconutcordiale, Dalearden, Hangmanbradshaw, Haridwar, LulaluzHazel, Multifandommonster, Perishablealex, Road1985, SunMonTue, Tearsricochets, ToukoJalorda003, Trinipedia, Vahosi, Youlookgood.

> Music & Dancing within the Top Gun Verse {🤠🐓} > Actors & Celebrities {🤠🐓}

the happy daggers band AU by multifandommonster

in the morning, when you wrap me up {G}

“I’ll make sure to keep up the complimentary breakfast,” he jokes back. “Gonna give me five stars?” “I’ll give you whatever you want if you keep pouring the coffee,” Jake replies, turning in Bradley’s arms until their noses touch. “I have the GQ shoot today. Probably won’t be home until late.”

kiss you too hard and follow you west {T}

Bradley’s shirt is drenched and his hair sticks to his forehead, sweat dripping into his eyes and ears still ringing, breath coming in uneven ragged pants. He can feel the patchy flush spread across his neck– knows without a doubt that the sheer amount of exertion has left his eyes red and his cheeks splotchy. Jake never takes his eyes off him.

pay for my coffee and leave (before the sun rises again) by haridwar {T}

chance encounters in a diner at 2 am

let me put on a show by dalearden {E}

Stripper Bradley falls hard for Navy pilot Jake. The trouble is, he doesn't realize it until after a series of hook-ups following which Jake has already disappeared from his life, seemingly never to return.

I Don't Wanna Live Through This Comedown - Top Gun AU [Jake "Hangman" Seresin/Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw] by Road1985, trinipedia {E}

Meet Bradley, a struggling musician working at a strip club to cover medical expenses. Then meet Jake, who joined the Army in a desperate attempt to atone for his muddy past of drug abuse and get back the respect of his family. They couldn't be more different, but their needs are the same, so they agree to marry solely for military benefits. However, when tragedy strikes, the line between real and pretend begins to blur.

takin' my heart out (of its zone of comfort) by tearsricochets {T}

Javy, who is still holding on to Bradley like they’re best friends, shakes his head. “Sorry, boss man, I walked all over set. This Tanner dude just isn’t here.” Who the fuck is Tanner? He tries to convey this question to Javy with his eyes, but the actor is not paying a lick of attention to him. He’s looking at the man in front of them, who is instead looking at Bradley like the brunette is the sole cause of every problem in his life right now. “Then who the hell is this guy?” As of finally noticing their boss was no longer pacing in front of them, or that he was suddenly getting louder in tone, Natasha and her friend look up at the new additions of their group. Bradley pretends not to notice the blonde taking an appreciative look at him, but he’s a simple man and absolutely preening under the attention. “This is Bradley,” he gives a meek way to the man burning holes in his head. “And he’s going to fill in as my other half today.” “Excuse me?” He’s going to what? OR: the one in which Bradley is not an actor, but he is going to film a music video for the hot singer

Shimmering Beautiful In The Moonlit Glow by perishablealex {E}

Bradshaw nods and Jake swallows. He begins to slide his hand down from Bradley’s ribcage, gliding over the muscles of his abs, inhaling sharply when he feels the other man’s breath catch. His hand continues pressing onto the hot skin, brushing over the ridge of Bradley’s hips before it finishes its path, sliding to the man’s inner thigh. Holding up the leg, mouth next to Bradley’s ear, he breathes, “There.” Or: The Ballet AU

Cambiaste un Ferrari por un Twingo by LulaluzHazel {T}

Jake Seresin is a famous songwriter in a long-term relationship. He has been living in Barcelona for the past five years living the most romantic and beautiful dream. Until one slip from his partner reveals on National TV the dream is not a dream and Jake has been cheated on for the past year and a half. Heartbroken, he doesn't know to function, until his younger sister suggests he could do a song with one of the most controversial DJs and producers to 'vent' and start healing. A music producer he doesn't respect much. But he knows that between both of them, they can put out a song that will follow the Fucker who played with his heart like that.

blue memories by coconutcordiale {E}

Taking a deep breath, Jake tries not to lose his nerve, summons the last bit of anger and discontent that’s been simmering for nearly a year now. “I want a divorce.” Bradley blinks from his spot on the annoyingly stylish chair next to the bed. Rolls the rocks glass of whiskey in his hands slowly before answering. “Okay.” + aka the musician bradley au

muse by youlookgood {T}

Lately, it's like the spark that would keep driving Bradley forward each night, the fire on his fingertips hot and blazing just like the sweet burn of the drink that comes between and after sets, has been snuffed out. He sees his half-steady gig work and instead of a semblance of comfort and that sun-bright thrill, he feels... ...a little empty. Then, "Can I get you another?"

You and Me, We Got Big Reputations (the fame AUs) by hangmanbradshaw

Love (Suite Love) {T}

Jake never thought he'd leave a pop concert with a public crush. Bradley was on vocal rest. Really, he was.

takes one to know one {E}

He decided to go for broke. “I could handle you.” Jake’s eyes sparked. That smirk on his face grew. “My, my, Bradshaw. That a threat or a promise?” “Depends.” “On?” He shrugged. “On what you want it to be.” Or, rival popstars Jake & Bradley have been circling each other for years. Add in a supposed romance with star QB Javy Machado, a SNL appearance, PR, and Jake throwing down a challenge...and things get interesting.

I've loved you three summers now, honey, but I want 'em all {M}

Jake's been singing songs about himself for longer than he knows, but in the end, he finds out singing songs about Bradley is so much better. Or Writing love songs is hard until it isn't (the musician/producer AU)

Songs of Ballads and Lullabies (Always Revered for Their Adoration) by ToukoJalorda003 {M}

Of all the things that Bradley had wanted most, creating a name for himself was one of them. And given that his friends and he were set to create one of the most iconic rock bands in recent years, he would do anything to keep it that way. Except that Hangman was there, too. That was bad enough - particularly when the guy kept getting on his nerves. Dealing with those put together was going to be…a challenge, to put it lightly.

suburban legends ✈ by vahosi

we were born to be suburban legends {G}

we were born to be the pawn in every lover's game {_}

Take more chances, dance more dances by SunMonTue {E}

Meet!Cute with Jake as the best man at Natasha and Javy's wedding and Bradley is the instructor teaching them how to dance...

#Musicians Singers & Dancers Recs List #hangster #sereshaw #hangaroo #bradley rooster bradshaw x jake hangman seresin #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #🐈red🐈furry🐈cat🐈tag🐈

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choicesficwriterscreations · 5 months

Text

Thank you to our creators who have submitted their Top 5 fics of 2023! I know this is a terribly difficult task. After all, I did it myself! But I've always felt this list was the more important of the two - it's not about the numbers; it's about the works that nourished their creator's souls and brought them joy. So, thanks to each of you for sharing with us! Links to all stories can be found below the break!

@aallotarenunelma ✒️

Moonlit Hearts (IL/ID Crossover/AU) - Original Characters

Childhood Memories (ILW) - Lincoln McQuoid x NB!MC

Close to the Flame (ILW) - Lincoln McQuoid x NB!MC

Another Sun Will Rise (ILITW) - Dan Pierce x MC

Indigo Blood (ID) - Cas Harlow x MC

@angelasscribbles ✒️

The DeFacto Queen (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake x MC, Liam x MC

A Fervid Fixation (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake Walker x MC

The Dark Kingdom (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake x MC, Liam x MC

In Your Room Masterlist (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake Walker x Leo Rys

Laws End (TRR) Ⓜ️- Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys x MC

@baldwinboy5ive 🎨and ✒️

Aerin Prison Visit (BOLAS) 🎨- Aerin Valleros x F!MC

The Right Path (BOLAS) ✒️- Aerin Valleros x F!MC

Name on the Wall (BOLAS) ✒️- Aerin Valleros x F!MC

Bye-Bye Baldur (BOLAS) 🎨- Aerin Valleros

Aerin x Raine Fanart (BOLAS) 🎨- Aerin Valeros x MC

@cariantha ✒️

All He Wanted (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Hey Stranger (OH) Ⓜ️ - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

For You, I Will (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

War & Peace (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

A Solid Strategy (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

@coffeeheartaddict2 ✒️

Everybody Hurts Sometimes, Ch. 7 Ⓜ️(OH) - Ethan Ramsey, MC

Love in all Forms (OH) - Ethan Ramsey, F!OC, Tobias Carrick

Power to Overcome (OH) - F!MC, Aurora Emery

Everybody Hurts Sometimes, Ch. 15 Ⓜ️(OH) - Ethan Ramsey, etc.

Desire Ⓜ️(OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

@inlocusmads ✒️

Past Lives (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Music for the Lost (and Found) (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

The Feverish Itch (Guinevere) - Guinevere, Queen Artura, F!Lancelot

Cross Your Heart and Set it Ablaze (COP) Trystan Thorne x F~!MC

The Bow That Burned Bright (BOLAS) - F!Elf!MC, Kade

@jerzwriter ✒️

A Mother's Journal Ⓜ️(WTD) - Eli Sipes

What's Forever For Ⓜ️(OH/AU) - Tobias Carrick, F!MC

Breathe Again (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

A Bit Dark (OH) - F!MC x F!OC

I Do, Me Too (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

@ladylamrian ✒️

Welcome to the World of Night (NB) - NB Side Characters

A Meeting in Wyoming (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

Towards the Future (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

Duty & Pleasure (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC

Sweet & Tender Hearts (NB) - Original Characters

@liaromancewriter ✒️

La Vie Avec Toi (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, Sienna Trinh x M!OC

Late Shift (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

The Reluctant Valentine (OH) - Sienna Trinh x M!OC

When the Clock Strikes Twelve (OH/AU) - Sienna Trinh x M!OC

Breaking News (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

@moominofthevalley ✒️

The Haunting, Part 1 (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Turpentine (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

The Girl With the Glass (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

I Will (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Future Days (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

@peonierose ✒️

Wildflower (OH) - Keiki Lahela x M!OC

Kintsugi (OH) - Original Characters

Summer's Kiss (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC

I'm a Sucker for You (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC

Rose All Day (OH) - Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela, OCs

@stars-are-within-me ✒️

The Rain (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

Reflections (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros

A Day Off (COP) - Trystan Thorne x MC

In the Gray (COP) - Eveline Goncharov, Maksim Thorne, etc.

The Lonely Prince (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros x MC

@storyofmychoices ✒️

Shadows & Deceptions: A Royal Murder Mystery (Crossover/AU)

Can I Have This Dance? (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC

Shadows of Hope (BOLAS) - Mal Volari x F!MC

The Quest for Daenarya (BOLAS) - Mal Volari x F!MC

Dealing with a Narcissist (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

@tessa-liam ✒️

Smoke & Mirrors, Ch. 11 Ⓜ️(TRR) - Liam Rys x MC

Cappadocia Ⓜ️ (TRR) - Liam Rys x MC

Marabelle, Ch. 2 Ⓜ️ (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

Turning the Page, Ch. 5 Ⓜ️ (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC

Ti Amo Molto Ⓜ️ (TRR) - Liam Rys x MC

@trappedinfanfiction ✒️

Fast Break, Epilogue (OH/AU) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

What's in a Name? (COP) - Trystan Thorne

Crossroads Ⓜ️(OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

By Your Side (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

A New Neighbor (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC

@zealouscanonindeer ✒️

Dangerous Games Ⓜ️ (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Naughty & Nice (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Like Whom? (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Roots (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Drunken Nights (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

#choices fic writers creations #creator top 5 #playchoices #choices stories you play #it lives anthology #immortal desires #the royal romance #blades of light and shadow #open heart #crimes of passion #guinevere #wake the dead #nightbound #choices fanfic #choices fanart #playchoices fanfic #playchoices fanart #long post

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critter-core · 8 months

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Mothatello has a fic now lolol

With permission from @onejellyfishplease , I have finally made the fic for my moth donatello au lol

It's called Moonlit By The Moths, and I think it's cool so you should totally read it uwu

Pacing may have ended up being a tiny bit slow at the start but I know that once I get into the regular flow for it the chapters will be better soon...

So yeah, anybody who randomly sees this and wants context, Donnie gets mutated into a moth, inspired by this fic found in Jelly's blog above! It's a super cool fic and you should check it out too if you like the moth fic that this post's mainly talking about.

#rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #tmnt #donatello #moonlit au #rise moonlit au #mothatello au #moth au

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wangxianficfinder · 10 months

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Mythical / Supernatural WangXian

~*~

The Beast of Gusu series by Netrixie (T&M, 212k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Wolf WWX, Slow Burn, Fluff and Angst, Eventual Happy Ending)

impossible to stay away, impossible to stay by dragongirlG, Sixlayerhouse (sixlayerhouse) (E, 34k, WangXian, Inspired by The Shape of Water (2017), Modern China, Chinese Mythology & Folklore, Fairy Tale Elements, Jiaoren LWJ, Mercreature LWJ, Hurt/Comfort, Captivity, LWJ Whump, Chronic Pain, Blood and Injury, Classism, Ableism, Depression, Interspecies Relationship(s), Good Sibling JC, Angst with a Happy Ending, Embedded Images, Footnotes)

💖 The Way You Tremble by themunchking (E, 6k, wangxian, murder husbands, vampires, blood, violence, supernatural elements)

you’re a bird in the water / i’m a fish on the ground by plonk (Not Rated, 8k, WangXian, Merpeople, Canon Era)

one good thing by Yuu_chi (T, 26k, wangian, modern, ghost wwx, fluff & angst, happy ending, alarming number of rabbits, Podfic available)

medium blues by darkterrible (E, 193k, WangXian, Modern AU, Horror, Spooky, Opposites Attract, Fluff and Angst, Gore, Ghosts, Necromancy, Mojo’s post)

never love an anchor by tardigradeschool (T, 31k, WangXian, Selkies, No Powers, Historical, Hurt/Comfort, Depression, Pining, Angst, Happy Ending, The Inherent Eroticism of the Sea, PTSD, Presumed Dead, Drowning)

The Shape of Your Love (is Horny) by Vamillepudding (T, 25k, WangXian, Urban Fantasy, Getting Together, Romantic Comedy, WWX is Bad at Being a Demon, LWJ is definitely a Monsterfucker)

Howling by MimiSpearmint (E, 40k, WangXian, Modern with Magic, Mortal Instruments Fusion, Horror, Eldritch, Domestic Fluff, Single Parent WWX, Witchcraft, Getting Together, shifter!lwj, yllz!wwx, Intercrural Sex, Hand Jobs, Angst with a Happy Ending, Switch WangXian, a bit of a degradation kink, anti-STI sex talismans, Anal Sex, Oral Sex)

this moonlit heart is home by Selenay (M, 10k, wangxian, modern, werecat WWX, crack treated seriously, happy ending, feelings realization, friends to lovers, podfic available)

sink your teeth by ariskamalt (E, 6k, wangxian, modern, fantasy au, werewolf LWJ, fluff & smut, werewolf sex, established relationship, blood, offscreen werewolf monstering aka eating people)

誰謂河廣、一葦杭之 | who says the river is wide (or, Lan Fangji) series by astronicht (E, 18k, wangxian, vampire au, human/vampire relationship, meet-cute, blood drinking, wangxian’s ming dynasty/italian renaissance travel log, frottage, consensual somnophilia, vampire LWJ, kidnapping, historical geometry, hurt/comfort)

the cow says moo, the chicken says squawk, and the demon beast of yiling says by Dragonskye (T, 57k, wangxian, animal transformation, angst w/ happy ending, beauty and the beast fusion, falling in love, hurt/comfort, secret identity, pining)

The Sun Will Rise Series by vespertineflora (E, 129k, WangXian, Fantasy, Fairy Tale Elements, Human/Monster Romance, Tentacle Sex, vine sex, Monster LWJ, Human WWX, Mildly Dubious Consent, Consensual Non-Consent, Slow Romance, Happy Ending, Edgeplay, Hand Jobs, Anal Sex, First Time, Multiple Orgasms, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, WWX Has a Rape/Non-Con Kink, Light Bondage, Light Masochism, Overstimulation, BAMF WWX, Stabbing, Near Death, Poisoning, Protective LWJ, Aphrodisiacs, Falling In Love, Drunken Kissing, Sex Pollen, Subspace, Multiple Penetration, Love Confessions, full body restraint, Emotional Sex, Reincarnation)

a thousand hills, no birds in flight | 千山鳥飛絕 by defractum (nyargles) (E, 26k, WangXian, Mythology, Canon-Typical Violence, Canon adjacent setting, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort)

#Wangxian Fic Rec #The Untamed #wangxian #MDZS #wangxianficfinder compilation post #long post

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hetalianskywalker · 1 month

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Day 7: Scavenged

Pairing: Mer Denal x Reader

Summary: A scavenger stumbles upon a different kind of treasure.

Author’s Note: Denal is the clone with blue tear streaks on his helmet from the first two seasons of clone wars. To any other Denal fan out there! Here is my contribution for I could not find a single x reader of this man. Also, I kept thinking about the show Poldark while writing this one.

Warnings: Some blood and vaguely talking about wounds. Some cursing.

Word Count: 961

Prompt: While exploring the wreckage of a huge storm, Character A finds a mermaid on the beach, bleeding and unconscious. Naturally, Character A takes them home and puts them in their bathtub; Character A hopes that they can heal this mermaid back to health. Character B is that mermaid, and the last thing that they remember is being tossed by a huge wave. Waking up, Character B is surprised to find that their wounds have bandaged and Character A is watching them anxiously.

Prompt Mermaid in the Bathtub AU by auideas.

You were a wrecker or, as most referred to you, a scavenger. Before the authorities could arrive on sight, you took as many valuables from crashed ships on the beach as you could. The war had done a lot to keep you better fed than ever before so it was well worth the risk.

A bleeding Mer clone was not part of the agenda. He is bleeding out into the sand and shallow water, unconscious and slowly breathing. His beautiful blue and white fin shimmers in the moonlit water. He’s going to die.

Before you can really think it through, you secure your stolen goods to your back and slowly pick him up. He’s heavy, but you’ve heaved heavier across the sand. Once you see the coast is clear, you are racing for your home, thankful for the rising tide washing away your footprints.

‘What are you doing?’ You mentally scream at yourself. ‘You are a Separatist! You live on a Separatist island. Leave him!’ But you can’t. You don’t know why, but you can’t.

Finally, you run through the front door of your isolated home and kick it closed behind you. You almost collapse right there, but the smell of blood and sea water pushes you onward. You pant as you slowly make your way to the bathtub with the end of his massive fin trailing along the floor. Gently, you set him in before quickly getting your supply of bacta potions.

You work for over an hour patching up as much as you can before filling the tub halfway. The pistol wounds in his left shoulder and right side are nasty, but at least the amo had passed all the way through. However, without a bacta bath, it would take a long time for those shoulder and torso muscles to heal. You flop down on the bathroom floor and just watch him breathe. There is a Mer clone in your tub. Maker, there is a Mer clone in your bathtub.

The last thing Denal can remember is Cad Bane shooting him before falling overboard and being tossed around by a huge wave. He grumbles as he slowly opens his eyes; his body hurt, but not as bad as he expected. His vision swims a little as he moves to sit up more. The pain from his gunshot wounds almost makes him scream, but he grits his teeth. He shuts his eyes tight, wishing it away.

After a minute, he tries to at least look around and finds the world far more still. The first thing he notices is that he’s still in Mer form and in a bathtub. As he looks himself over, he’s more than surprised to find his wounds are already wrapped, but now the question is who wrapped them.

He slowly glances around the room, taking no chances that the spinning sensation will come back. Finally, his blue eyes land on your anxious ones; you both just sit there and look at each other.

With all the insanity of keeping him alive, you now truely look at him. You had seen pictures of Mer clones before, but this man was slightly different. While he had the standard short hair, a pair of blue eyes looked at you curiously. Two thin blue lines were tattooed like a tear trail from the center of each lower eyelid to his jaw. He’s undeniably handsome, but the sharp teeth and claws unnerve you.

“Thank you.” His voice is raspy and he gives you a pained smile, barely holding himself together. The sheer amount of pain he must be in finally clicks.

“H-hold on.” You slowly get up and before grabbing some pain reliever and something to drink. He happily takes it and chugs the water down. It’s quiet for a moment as you both stare at one another.

“I’m Denal.” You smile and give your name in turn. “What happened?”

“I found you in the remains of a ship wreck. This is a Separatist island so you got lucky I found you first.” Denal lets out a sigh in annoyance at his situation and you bite the inside of your cheek not to laugh at him. It’s not that your taking any joy in this; annoyance, like this was only a great inconvenience , just completely caught you off guard. “What happened in the battle?”

“Cad Bane happened.” He ground out before running a hand down his face. “He needed my armor to escape so he knocked me out before putting me in his clothes. He then shot me and… I fell.”

“Stars. That’s fucked up.”

“No doubt of that.” Denal laughed before coughing. You quickly grab the cup again and hand it to him when he’s done.

“Why are you helping me?” His voice was a bit clearer as he set down the empty cup.

“You needed and still need help.” He blinks and cocks his head. “I couldn’t leave you to die.”

“But…”

“Just rest. You can figure out how to leave later.”

“I can shift to…” You shake your head.

“Moving your head is a battle. Your human form can wait. Just focus on making it through the night.” Denal slowly nods, giving in.

What neither of you knew was Denal would stay with you there the rest of the war. It was hard hiding him from the authorities, but his companionship was more than worth it. He felt guilty not going back to Rex and the 501st; however, there wasn’t a way for him to get off the island undetected.

With the news of an ended war and occupying imperials coming, you cast your lot in with Denal and the Mer. You both left for Mandalore before conquering boots hit the beach you once found him on.

#star wars #the clones wars #clone trooper denal #denal x reader #mermay #rare clone x reader #mermaid au

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rabbitenn · 7 months

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CRESCENT RISE.

Beneath the pale smile of a rising moon, an unlikely savior comes to your aid.

ft. vampire Yaotome Gaku x gn! reader.

cw/genre: halloween special, fantasy au, meet cute (kinda?).

the second installment for the halloween series based on spooky night is here ! I hope everyone enjoys <3

Behind you, yells and hurried steps close in.

Every other sound of the outside world is swallowed up by your labored breathing and the muddy snow crunching under your feet.

Run. Run, run, run, is the word resonating inside your mind.

You should’ve run sooner.

Maybe then you could have avoided this predicament.

Why did you even try to befriend a vampire in the first place? Of course, you don’t agree on them being hunted but you should have figured it wouldn’t all be smooth sailing.

Now you’ve been bitten.

And the hunters are out for blood.

The frigid night air is searing with every breath, a metallic tang coating your tongue with each exhale.

You have to keep running, no matter where, just away from them.

Alas, fate had other plans for you.

Before you can react, you stumble, your ankle spraining as you collide with the cold hard ground.

At the end of the lane, you can already clearly see the horde of vampire hunters speeding towards you.

You’re done for.

You’re going to die here.

Then, in a sudden gale of moonlight and snowy air, the breath is knocked out of you.

You find yourself staring at the place where you had been lying a second ago from a distance, a small hill between you and your pursuers.

Then you register your situation.

Strong arms are holding your waist, pulling you downwards to keep you hidden.

You turn around in the stranger’s embrace to thank your savior.

And your eyes widen in shock.

Before you can say anything, however, pale hands ending in crimson claws cover your mouth.

The man looks at you with a serious expression, his slate hued eyes piercing, almost pinning you to the spot.

His free hand signals to his lips with a finger, an indication for you to stop squirming and be quiet.

Silvery locks of hair fall over one of his shoulders, catching the moonrays that filter through the decaying trees.

Then you notice the pale tips of his pointy ears.

A vampire.

And he has saved you.

“Let’s go, guys. They’re not here!” You hear the men that were chasing you turn tail, the sound of their ominous steps receding out of the forest.

Your savior carefully retracts his hand from your lips, those sharp eyes of his not quite leaving you.

“You should be more careful.” He utters, pulling the collar of your coat slightly to the side, inspecting the swelling of the reddened bite.

You pull away.

“How did you even…? Who are you? Why did you save me? I mean, thank you, but… Well, unless you’re going to use me as… you know, your personal blood supply.”

He lets out a laugh, to your astonishment.

When he next sets his gaze on you, you can’t help but think his expression looks… kind, soft, even.

“You humans have some funny ideas.” He lets out, chuckling.

“Can you blame me?” You shoot back. “One of your kind just bit me, that’s why I got into that mess to begin with.”

He regards you for a moment, his expression pensive.

“Well, as you can see, not all of us are like that.” He stands up. “And to answer your question, my name is Gaku. I saved you because I don’t think it’s fair for anyone to be chased like that.”

You get up from your crouching position too.

“Thank you…”

“Don’t thank me.” He scuffs his boot on the moonlit snow. “By the way… Do you have anywhere to go now?”

Your eyes widen, cheeks heating up in shame.

No, you have nowhere to go now. It’s not like you can show up at your village again so casually after the altercation that just took place.

“I do not…” You mumble, averting your eyes.

“Then would you… Is it okay to…” Is it you or is he blushing? It’s cute, you think. “Would you like to come to my place?”

You ponder it for a second. What harm is there at this point?

“Okay.” You agree, shrugging.

—

His place.

He should have said his palace.

Beneath the moonlit midnight, a fortress of dark stone stands.

Bushes brimming with bright carmine roses surround its inner walls, the sweet scent scattering with the petals swaying in the nocturnal breeze. A carpet of soft viridian grass bends under your steps when you enter the grounds.

How this place remains untouched by the unforgiving winter is beyond you. As far as you were aware, vampires didn’t possess this kind of magic.

Was really all your knowledge based on misconceptions?

If you had paid more attention to your companion, instead of your surroundings, you would have realized he hasn’t taken his eyes off of you.

“I take it you like it?” Is the question he whispers beneath the edge of a moon speckled in carmine.

You start, too lost admiring the garden to notice his presence.

“It’s beautiful…” You confess, fingertips brushing against the garnet petals.

A tender smile. Then:

“You can stay for as long as you want to, or need to.”

You tilt your head to the side, your gaze focused on his tall figure and the way the ruby accents of his attire compliment him perfectly.

“Really…?” You let out, breath hitching when you feel those long claws cold against the side of your neck.

“Yes.” He delicately pulls your hair aside. “Your wound… It’s infected…”

You flinch, a sharp pain sending jolts down your spine from the spot where you were bitten.

“Please, stay until it heals, at the very least.” Gaku pleads.

And you don’t know if it’s the softness of his voice or the earnest look in his eyes, but you just can’t say no to him.

“Alright.” Comes your reply, as you put a reassuring hand on his arm.

“So… uh-I…” The vampire begins, a dusting of cerise, not unlike the garden surrounding you two, definitely on his cheeks now. “You- I… should bandage the bite for you.”

You laugh. Here you are, at some hot vampire’s castle while he looks absolutely flustered asking if he can help you dress your wound.

“You’re adorable.” You sigh, as your laughter dies down.

Now it’s yourself who covers your mouth with your hands, as you stare into Gaku’s widened gaze that reflects the arched moon above.

Did you really just blurt that out loud?

“I- I’m sorr-“

“Hh... Thank you…”

You both say in unison.

A giggle leaves your lips again, yours and Gaku’s eyes meeting below the crescent’s gaze.

In the balmy rose scented night, your savior offers you another one of his gentle smiles, his sharp fangs catching the light of the starry firmament above.

Yes, you’ll definitely be staying for a while.

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andromeda4004 · 9 months

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Share it Sunday - Rebecca AU

I'm planning to start publishing this in about a month, and since I made great progress on it yesterday, here's a taste of the opening soliloquy. If you're familiar with du Maurier's Rebecca, I am changing a few major points of the plot, but still drawing heavily on some of the key points of the novel, including the first person perspective from an unidentified female narrator...

Last night I dreamt (more under the cut)

Last night I dreamt I went to Sanderley again. It has been many years since I left that place – I shall not call it home – and yet at times my mind does drift back there upon a sleeping tide and wash me ashore where I used to dwell. In my dream I come, as it seems, from nowhere, upon the night-time gatehouse and that long, disorienting drive, with not a thought but the pull to move onwards, inwards, through. I part the gates, their white paint flaking, though they are caught up in vines and drag across undergrowth, and the gravel beyond is narrowed from a driveway to a meandering path through the woods, the route obscured here and there by a sprawl of shrubbery or the sudden upstart of a sapling, sprouting where once the car would run. The woods go on and on, and I go with them, first walking, then running, then flying, as one does in dreams, along what remains of the path, dark ahead and enclosed above, until finally the trees give way to the opalescence of the rhododendrons, blooming at the height of their powers, despite all else having gone to ruin. They rise steep to either side of me, the sweet domesticated perennials grown monstrous, twenty feet, thirty feet, forty feet high, and covered every inch in flowers, ghostly white in the moonlight of my imagining. I remember the scent even now, something spicy-sweet and indefinable; indefatigable. The inescapable scent of Sanderley in springtime.

It lingers even as I break free, finally, of the plants which choke the driveway and I spill out onto the lawns above the house. That view, it always challenged me, should I admire first the gardens, or the sea or Sanderley itself? Even in my dream, I cannot focus, cannot choose; after the homogeneity of dark trees then pale flowers, there is suddenly too much variety to see. But of course it is Sanderley, always, that demands my attention, though the moonlight skitters beautifully across the wavecrests beyond. The broad north-east face of the house stares back towards me, two unbroken rows of perfect matched windows that reminded me always of a set of teeth, locked in a gritted grin. And bordering each window-frame that ostentatious golden finish which caught the light so prettily in the dawn, but stands out brassy now in my moonlit dream, the only point of colour in my sight. There is something awful – in the sense of awe-filled – in its great mass of stone, and glass, and glorious history. Sanderley is undeniable. Sanderley simply is.

And as I come upon the house itself, I feel again that hope, that same, strange hope that dogged my footsteps always in those days; boundless, groundless hope that a wisdom greater than my own would guide me to a purpose. When first I saw Sanderley with my waking eyes, I had thought I’d found it, that purpose; when last I saw Sanderley, I knew myself better, and I had no longer any need for hope. I had certainty.

My dreaming eyes, however, they look across the years and miles and see Sanderley as it must be by now. The ivy beginning to clog the stonework, the windows cracked and broken here and there, the soot stains where the fire broke free. I move, without any sense of effort, around the building, to the terrace which faces the sloping gardens and the distant cliffs, where the driveway ends in a white portico and wide steps, now grubby and forgotten, and the perfect formal gardens overflow their box hedges. Such a shame. Someone ought to care for this place, I think in my dream. Although it shall not be me.

____

I would love to hear thoughts and speculations, since many of you voted for me to spend time on this. I'm planning to post the story through October and November.

#good omens fanfiction #good omens au #good omens fanfic #ineffable wives #Share it Sunday #shareitsunday #good omens fanfic wip

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isaut · 5 months

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𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒕 𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒔 𝑰𝑰 —kazuha x reader. follow up to this. part of of 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆. (a southern au)

with a hot dog balanced in his hand, kazuha scrolls through his phone until he finds the facetime app. he lifts his head to check the time on the dimly lit oven clock, noticing that it wasn’t too late. 10:30 wasn’t that late in the evening.

so he hits the call button, takes a bite of his hot dog, uses his tongue to swipe up some condiments that landed on his lip. the party is still raging- alan jackson can be heard reverberating through the walls form the speaker outside.

you answer on the second ring, so you must not be too mad at him. kazuha smiles, and with his voice twanged from exposure to his friends and beer, gives you a drawled: "hello, gorgeous."

you're in bed, he can recognize the headboard and the pimple patches on your face.

"what do you want?" you huff.

"just wanted to talk to you," kazuha says, "i realized somethin.'"

"what, that you're in love with someone else?"

"no, no, no, that i'm in love with you. listen- listen- i've been unable to stop thinkin' about you. listen to this." he swipes off of facetime, and your video floats to the top right of his phone screen. he pulls up his notes app, and opens what he was looking for. "ember in the ash, can a spark rise, rekindle warmth? i miss you so much."

you roll your eyes. "forget it, kazuha."

"no! no! i have more. moonlit memory, aching hand seeks where yours touched then. i'll love you better."

you swallow the butterflies that are trying to creep from your stomach to your heart to your brain. "kazuha, you're drunk."

"i'm not drunk! i've just been. i've been missing you. this party doesn't feel right without you here."

"what're you doin?" comes a voice from the sliding door.

kazuha takes another bite of his hot dog. mustard and ketchup get onto his lip. his eyes are wide, as he meets beidou's.

"'m on the phone."

"you better not be pissin' off that person."

kazuha takes an exaggerated glance at the phone screen before back to beidou. "but i love 'em."

"call me in the morning if you still feel like this, douchebag," you say, hanging up the call.

kazuha grins at beidou. "did you hear that? they called me a douchebag. must means they still love me."

"yeah, yeah. sure. c'mon, yer friend just got here and i want him to do a keg stand."

"i'll be right there," kazuha says, taking another bite of his hot dog. he takes a screenshot of the last haiku in his notes, and fires it off to you in a text.

from: kazuha (10:43)

ILL LOVE U RIGHT THIS TOME

#TEEHEE #kazuha x reader #southern au #by ophelia

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stayandot8 · 10 months

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Chapter Three- Part One: Heaven's Grief

series summary: this one is a little different than anything else I've written. An AU where the members work in a bar with my MC, no idols among them. It's also going to be on the longer side. The fluffy Chris we know and love is nowhere to be found. He's broodier, moodier, and has jokes up the wazoo. So buckle up, kitties. This one's gonna be good 😏.

inspo: the song by Fall Out Boy.

Genre: i'm not really sure tbh

Relationship type: ???

Important Contents: bar setting, so mentions of alcohol, chris is a lowkey-highkey dick, swearing as usual

a/n: Sorry this took so long, my loves. If you read, thank you. I hope this was worth the reallyfuckinglong wait.

WC: 10.1k

Last part l Next part I masterlist

If I was being honest, I didn’t sleep at all that night. I tried, I really did. But it was all I could do to not think about everything that had just happened. It was on constant replay in my mind, reliving those lips on mine, the way he held me against him, it was all so much to take in. From being at odds with each other to this, it was so new. Something I never thought to explore and yet, here I was, hours away from doing just that. I thought of my list of concerns about what this would mean not just for us, but for everyone around us. What would the rest of the boys think? If we kept it quiet, would they even notice? Would Minho? Would he care?

You know he would. It was an obvious answer. And if we decided to move forward, he should be told. Together, though. We should tell him together.

I spent the rest of the moonlit night writing down any concerns or questions that came to mind and when the sun started rising, I couldn’t contain myself any longer. I picked out the cutest jeans I had along with a black top that may have helped my boobs pop just a little. I smiled to myself and I slipped on my Vans and grabbed my bag to leave.

The drive downtown to Felix’s bakery was longer than it would have been if I hadn’t missed so many turns. There was too much running through my brain to truly focus on where I was going. I was lucky I didn’t cause an accident. But when I finally parked, I couldn’t help my eye roll as my mouth involuntarily turned upwards.

“Have you been here all night?” My voice groggy but light, giving away my butterflies at seeing Chris sitting at one of the outdoor tables. He snapped his head up at the sound and grinned as he stood up to greet me.

“No, I just couldn’t sleep.” He walked up just close enough to encourage any touch I may initiate, waiting for my go-ahead. I bumped his shoulder lightly.

“Me neither, actually.” I lead the way around the few people out on the streets to the front door of the cafe. Chris rushed from behind to open the door, stepping to the side to place his hand on the small of my back as I walked by. I did my best to pretend not to feel the icy cold when he dropped it. The bell ringing as the door closed caused a flour-covered Felix to rush out from his back room in his pink apron to greet the new customers.

“Hi! Welcome to- Oh, it's just you guys.” His face dropped to a new neutral expression he saved just for friends, then shifted into one of confusion. “Wait, why-”

“Felix, honey, can we talk in the back for a second?” I waved Chris to sit at the usual table I occupied and shoved Felix to the back before he could object.

“You know I get suspicious when you call me that. It makes me nervous.” Felix grabbed a towel from his work station and started wiping his hands as he turned to look me up and down. “Why are both of you here? Together? What’s going on?” The look he was sporting was way too serious for this early in the morning.

“Felix, there’s something I need to tell you.” His face didn’t change, waiting expectantly. “And I’m only telling you this because you know how to keep a secret and this is remaining a secret for now. Okay?” He nodded. “Me and Chris are here to talk about the possibility of a relationship between us.” I waited for the realization to hit him, for some kind of inkling that he heard me. But those big doe eyes just stared at me, still waiting for something so I continued. “This literally just happened last night so we haven’t told anyone at the restaurant yet. You’re the first one.”

“And?” He wiped his hands further on his apron before grabbing some oven mitts and walking over to the industrial oven to take out his breakfast loaves. That confused me more.

“Honestly I was expecting a bigger reaction from you. Why aren’t you more shocked?” I stuck out a hand to rest on the counter while placing the other on my hip while I waited for him to turn his attention back to me.

“You think you're the only one in that situation that came to me with their feelings? I’ve been waiting for weeks for one of you to break, Jesus.” He tossed his mitts to the side, the heat from the loaf pans radiating into the air. His cheeks were flushed from the heat of the oven, making him look cuter than normal and making me forget my own confusion. I shook my head to return to the present.

“You mean to tell me that he’s been coming in here too? To talk about me?” My heart fluttered at the idea of that beautiful man in this place talking about me. Maybe the heat of the oven was getting to me too. I felt it on my own cheeks now.

“Oh please. Here, take these.” He handed me two plates with fresh banana bread slices. “And go get to talking so you can stop talking to me about it. Go. Go!” He shooed me out of the back room, grabbing those mitts to swat me with if necessary. I scurried away, plates in hand to sit at my usual table, a new guest sitting in front of me.

That damned morning sun cast a soft orange glow across the room, bathing Chris in almost an angelic halo. His shining eyes were even more so when they saw me coming his way. I had never had anyone look at me quite like that before, like I carried all of his happiness within me. My swallow was thick. I had to look away for a moment so I wouldn’t go blind. I placed one plate in front of him and sat across the table.

“Fresh bread from the master himself. Don’t try to pay for it though, he’ll yell at you until you leave.” Chris chuckled, nodding as he broke off a piece and dropped it into his mouth. His eyes went wide.

“Holy fuck, that’s good.” I nodded slowly.

“That’s why we sell his stuff. He’s the best baker in town. What he should do is hire more help around here. It’s just him.” I broke off a piece of my own slice and let the heavenly warmth lure me into heaven for a momentum savoring the taste. I sighed before opening my eyes to see Chris watching me eat. “What?”

“Nothing.” He said to his piece, trying to hide his grin. He took another piece off. “Alright. Go ahead and take out that list that I know you have and we can go through it together.” I slowly shook my head but retrieved my list anyways.

“You wait until you need something and one of my lists saves you. See who’s complaining then.” I unfolded the paper, scanning it over once more. I tried not to let the tremor in my hands show too much. “Well, first thing’s first: the boys. Obviously, we have to tell Minho because, let’s face it, he’ll find out eventually. And I think it’ll be better if it comes from us. You know how he can get.” Chris nodded as he chewed.

“I agree we should tell him, but not until we know for sure.”

“I can agree to that.” I mentally checked it off. “What about the others? Do we need to tell them?” He watched his plate, carefully thinking.

“Unless they guess, I’m not telling them. You know they’ll just taunt us the whole time.”

“That’s true. I can see Han now.” And I could. See how he would yell at the top of his lungs something super embarrassing while the dining room was full of guests. Or Hyunjin making kissing noises in my ear while I was cleaning something. “Yeah, let’s wait on that one. Unless it comes up, let’s not tell them directly.” Chris nodded again and watched me take another bite. “If you don’t stop staring at me, I’ll think I have something on my face.”

“You don’t, I promise. I would tell you.” I raised my eyebrow at him and quickly wiped my mouth with a napkin.while eyeing him with narrowed eyes.

“Moving on.” I said while waiting for his laughter to subside. “First date. I’m telling you this now so that you can decide if you want to back out.” I connected my fingers as I counted off my expectations. “You’re picking me up. You’re paying for the first one, but I believe in equality. You get one, I’ll get the next and so on. If you’re paying, you’re picking the place. If I’m paying, I’m picking. Unless there’s somewhere we really want to try or something we want to do, sound good?”

“My mother raised me as such, so yes. Sounds good.” You could’ve knocked me over with a breath when he smiled. I didn’t realize how much I had grown to care for it.

“Okay, great.” I couldn’t help but smile back. “Next.” I looked down at my list, my eyes going straight to the bottom. I remembered debating whether to bring it up at all, deciding it was vital. “About that thing I caught you doing.” He smiled dropped immediately and his eyes shuttered from that open invitation to closed tight. He quickly looked around to scope out the surroundings while he waited. “You can’t be doing that.”

“I haven’t been. Living with Minho has stopped that from being an option. You saw to that.”

“I know. But I just wanted to make sure because I can’t be with someone like that. I can’t be scared of what you’re doing when you’re not with me. I don’t want to find you dead somewhere and not know why or how or who to go after. But if you say you’re done, then I believe you. I won’t question it further.” It was his turn to avoid my eyes, his now empty plate the point of focus. I leaned down to try and catch his eye. “One day, I’d like to hear that story.”

“And one day, I might tell you.” It would be a matter of trust and time, then. He would open up eventually, I just had to be patient. And I would be. For now.

My phone buzzed in my pocket at the same time Chris’s did on the table.

“Text from Minho.” Chris said.

“‘Meeting in 15. Be there or miss the fun.’ What in the fuck?” Felix emerged from the back room once more, sporting the same confused look I was sure both Chris and I were.

“Any idea what this is about?” He called in his deep voice.

“Not sure.” I called back as we each grabbed our things.”But if it includes you, it ought to be good.” Felix posted the sign on his door saying he was temporarily closed and locked the door behind us.

The restaurant had a peaceful quality to it when it was fully closed like this. Before the hustle of people came in to disrupt it, the quiet of what I knew could be a symphony of chaos was gratifying. The silent buzzing of the ice machine and humming of the upper vent was as quiet as it could get. Sometimes when a shift was particularly busy, I would simply sit in the silence after I was done with the closing paperwork. I cherished it when I could. It was a rare calm.

The sun waxing into it’s position higher in the sky, I was surprised more of our staff wasn’t late. Well, not really. Han, Felix, Chris, and I walked into the room to see Changbin and Minho talking quietly into their phones. Seungmin was resting his head on his arms, eyes closed with soft snores emitting from him. Hyunjin and Jeongin were the only ones missing.

The younger burst through the door with three minutes to spare, his face flushed and his hair disheveled. Changbin hung up whatever conversation he was having to tease him. He never missed a chance to do so.

“Didn’t even have time to brush your hair?” He whisper-shouted. He ruffled the younger boy's hair even more, earning a groan from Jeongin. “Innie, you know better than this. I raised you better.” Jeongin squirmed out from under him.

“I know, I know.” He tried desperately running his fingers through his hair to repair whatever damage had been done.

“Geez, Innie. Didn’t I tell you to always bring a brush with you everywhere?” Hyunjin appeared out of nowhere with a brush in hand and was holding it out to him. Jeongin took it and hurriedly ran it through his locks. All of my boys in casual clothes was a sight to behold, usually at least one of them was in work attire. But they were each dressed like they normally would be, in some variation of denim, slacks, sweaters, tanks, and tshirts. It felt like a family meeting of sorts.

“Someone wake up Seungmin before I do.” Minho strolled back to the group, his hands now in his pockets. I searched for any sign of what this meeting could be about, but his face gave nothing away. All I could gather was that he wasn’t angry, which was always good. As Hyunjin roused Seungmin awake, we all gathered around Minho like ducklings, each taking seats around him. Chris grabbed a seat next to me, brushing our knees together as we sat. I snuck him a glance before we all turned to him. Once Minho was sure he had all of our attention, he began again. “I just got off the phone with my father, who has just told me that we have had a record-breaking year sales-wise and he would like to reward everyone for their hard work over the past few years. So, he has bought us a very nice, very fancy, four-day beach vacation, starting today.” Whoops and yells of joy rang through the empty room, bouncing off the walls and echoing around us. Some of the boys were hugging each other, others were clapping each other on the back, it was a nice ruckus to see. All I could do was smile while I looked back to Minho, who couldn’t hide his own pride in his team.

I knew his father wouldn’t have come to this conclusion on his own. Minho didn’t like to express it outwardly, but this was as much his family as his actual one. Sometimes, I thought even more so. He cared about each of us like we were his own. He fought for us when it was needed and had our backs when it wasn’t. He trusted us and encouraged the best from us without even knowing it. This was as much his gift to us as his father’s.

Minho called for quiet. “I haven’t even told you the best part.” That pride I had seen had been replaced with something else, something more sinister. “You all have an hour to pack and be back here or you’re getting left behind. Go!” The scrambling to leave was pure chaos, everyone trying to get out the doors at the same time. I stayed put as everyone left, waiting for the rush to calm until there was only myself and Minho left. He was sitting quietly, now letting his softness out since everyone was gone. I stood to follow the rest to leave but something stopped me from opening the door. I turned back to Minho.

“How much convincing did it take?” He didn’t look away from his phone, but his smile remained.

“More than it should have, but they’ve earned it. They work hard so it’s about time.” He finally realized I wasn’t moving. “You better go start packing, I know how long you can take.”

“You wouldn’t leave me behind.” It was meant to be serious, but came out more breathy and high-pitched than I meant. He glanced at me from beneath his brows, like he certainly would. I tilted my head with a smirk. He relented with a breathy laugh and returned to his phone, bringing his finger to his lips and waved me off.

Exactly fifty-eight minutes later, all nine of us were standing around the parking lot, baggage scattered around the gravel. Debating who would travel with whom for the two hour car ride, the discussion was going a whole lot of nowhere. Han was whining that he didn’t want to ride with Changbin, who was cackling and dragging him off towards his vehicle with frightening strength. Felix, being the softy he was, bounced towards the two with his freshly-dyed hair fluffing out in the wind and volunteered to ride with them. Han pursed his lips and crossed his arms and eventually followed Felix into the awaiting car. Minho was leaning against his own, waiting for everyone else to figure out where they were riding while checking his watch every so often. Hyunjin was sitting in the passenger seat while Seungmin was climbing into the back before Minho could protest. Jeongin was the last one to decide, standing between all of the vehicles, his head bouncing from one to the next before deciding Minho’s car was the safest.

“You guys take all the time you need, I’m driving myself in case you lot annoy me to the point where I want to come home.” I strolled over to Minho, who sent me the address with a wink. I typed it into my maps and opened my car door to slide inside, my tshirt and jean shorts catching the eye of someone who scanned me up and down as he oh so casually made his way over to my car, eyes going left and right to see if anyone would find him and call him out.

Chris flung his bag in my backseat and slid into my passenger side seat before anyone could notice, quickly picking up his phone to give the appearance that he’d been there the whole time. He flipped his hat backwards to heighten the effect.

“Oh would you look at that?” He said nonchalantly, face still buried in his phone. “I seem to have found myself in your car. Oh well. Guess I’m riding with you.” A slow smirk grew on those plush lips as he continued to scroll, a matching one on mine as I took up the wheel. Car after car rolled out of the parking lot as we followed them out onto the interstate. A comfortable silence fell over us as he took over my speakers, filling it with his own music taste. I hadn’t been able to get the thought of his music setup out of my head since we helped him unpack at Minho’s, how complex the setup had seemed. It looked as if he had been gathering equipment for a while, gaining enough knowledge to know what was the best quality.

“Trade one secret talent for another?” I wiggled my eyebrows at him. He looked at me like I had suggested we crash the car. Then slowly, he shrugged his shoulders with a small smile.

“Fine, but you’re going first.”

“Alright, but the only rule is you can’t look at me or else I’ll lose my nerve.” I let my nervous laughter escape me. I glanced over just in time to see his nod of agreement, his eyes sparkling in interest. “Give me your phone.” He dropped it in my outstretched hand and I pulled up the music app, going straight for my favorite show tune of the moment. The beginning piano keys paired with the familiar percussions of What Baking Can Do from the musical Waitress soundtrack boomed through the speakers. I settled into the familiar headspace I had when I sang, letting the music come through me and pretended I was alone so the threat of nerves wouldn’t threaten my voice. It rarely worked but it was worth a shot. Chris just stared at his hands, unmoving as the tune progressed. It was like he could focus on nothing else while it played, his other senses shutting down as he put all his effort into listening. He listened with his whole body it seemed, every part of him still.

When the song ended, I could only watch the street in front of me, my heartbeat a drum in my chest. It was a thick silence. A small voice that was not mine broke it.

“Am I allowed to look at you now?” I snickered.

“Yes but I make no promises that I’ll be able to do the same.” I hit the steering wheel for emphasis.

“You can really sing.” It was one of those voices he had where you could hear the smile even without looking at him. The flush of blood to my face was immediate.

“Your turn. Lay it on me.” Taken aback at my sudden turn on him, his open grin shifted to one that didn’t reach all the way across his lips. He nodded and returned to his phone, his thumb scrolling through whatever he was doing until a repeating piano key rang through.

“Same rule applies to you. Don’t you dare look at me.” He said, holding up a finger in warning.

“Okay.” The upturned corners of my mouth slowly started to sink as a lilting voice hit my ears. It sounded vaguely familiar, that voice. The lyrics were so sad, playing into the notes of the piano so fluidly. How could I forget? The day you lied to me. The lyrics hit me like water splashed on my face. The overwhelming sadness in what was being laid out in front of me was like a weight settling into my chest and I suddenly understood some of the pain he had been carrying around was all he had to hold onto and this was his way of letting it go, letting it free. His voice was ethereal, his high notes forcing every emotion to the surface.

As the end of the piano faded out, I was speechless. It was as though Chris had told me more than just one secret just now, more than just a passion project he was working on. It felt like a peak into his soul, what drove him and why. It was up to me to decipher just how exactly it affected me but the pieces of the puzzle were there. He would hand them to me, one by one. Eventually. I cleared my throat.

“I don’t have any words.”

“That bad, huh?” He gave me a sheepish smile. I shook my head so quickly my ponytail whacked my neck multiple times.

“No Chris, not at all. It was like…” I tried to put the emotions into words, finding it harder when he was waiting. “It felt like you. I feel like I just got a peek into your mind for the first time. Have you ever shown that to anyone?” He shook his head, keeping his eyes down.

“You’re the first.”

“Oh wow.” I sat fully back in my seat, trying to get oxygen back to my lungs, my brain so I could form coherent thoughts again. “Thank you. For that.”

“Thanks for wanting to hear it.” More silence as the road passed under us.

“Have you ever been to the beach?” He put his phone in his lap and adjusted himself so he was staring out the window without straining himself. He sighed.

“I grew up near one actually. My mom would take me and my sisters all the time. I would go with friends when I was young.” I couldn’t quite see his face as he spoke, but the shift in his tone was enough for me to guess what kind of memories it brought up. “I would love coming home with sand in my shoes. The post-beach shower when you’ve been in the sun all day? There’s really nothing like it. Putting on a fresh pair of comfortable clothes too, my mom cooking dinner and my sisters watching TV…” He trailed off, leaving me lost in his memories too. I could see it, him in his cutoff t shirt watching his family be themselves. It was a nice picture. “I miss them. A lot.”

It was the first time he had mentioned his family in the present. Every other time had been in the past, recalling a memory or dream of some kind. He inhaled sharply.

“Is there a way you could visit? I’m sure they’d love to see you.” It took everything in me to keep my eyes on the road, my hand itching to grab his in comfort. He turned away from the passing scenery to angle his body towards me.

“I don’t know where they went. They’re off, safe somewhere I hope. I’ve thought about reaching out but everytime I pull up a message box, I lose my nerve and close it again. Over and over, again and again. Year after year.” My arm moved of its own accord as I felt it grab his fingers and lock them. He moved his opposite hand over mine and encased it between his.

“It’s okay, we don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready.” I gave him my best comforting smile. His eyes were beginning to sparkle, the kind of glint when you’re tearing up.

“I want to be ready. I want to tell you everything.”

“But you’re not. And it’s okay. We’ll get there, don’t worry. There’s no rush.” I squeezed his hand. He squeezed right back.

“Thank you.” He brought my hand to his lips and held it there for a few seconds. I couldn’t help the flush this time either. I felt the reaction to let go shoot down my arm but he was having none of it as he held tighter.

“We should probably discuss what we’re going to do about this weekend. If you can’t keep your hands to yourself, they’re going to get suspicious.” I nudged his knee with my knuckle, earning a laugh.

“I say as long as we can keep our interactions friendly, there shouldn’t be a problem. But that does push our date back until we get back, which is an awfully long time to wait.” I pursed my lips, thinking.

“Hmm. Yes, indeed it is.”

“Unless I’m allowed to find a quiet moment on this trip to officially ask you to be mine…” A shiver ran down my spine. This man wants me to be his. A cautious grin spread on both of our faces. If I was able to look into his eyes, really look into them, I would’ve been able to see the sincerity in which he meant those words. He would make me his whether he had a moment or not..

“If you can find the perfect moment, I’ll say yes. But it has to be perfect. Okay?” I heard a hushed ‘yes whisper-shouted in victory and beamed.

Hours and pointless, laughter-filled conversations later, we each received the group text from Minho stating the conditions of our arrival. We each would receive our own key, which we would return upon departure. Failure to do so would result in a fee and a ‘serious talking to’ from Changbin. Respecting the property was a must, including but not limited to excessive partying, broken items, or damage to the pool and/or hot tub. Failure to comply would result in a fee and a ‘bitching out’ from Minho.

“Looks like we’re definitely reaching beach city.” I said. After hours of passing nothing but trees and winding roads, we finally came upon a small town with pastels and different hues of beige lumps for houses, all ranging from single shacks to sand castles in their own right. They all were characterized with their own charms, a garden of rose bushes in front of one, surfboards leaning against most of them.

“Do you surf?” I asked while I had the thought.

“I used to. I haven’t in years though. I was never good at it.”

“Of course you do.” I said under my breath, the hint of yearning in his voice not lost on me. He seemed good at everything he did, never forthright with his skill though. It had this subtle power of making you want to root for him, no matter what the condition.

The houses were lined along the gravel road on each side, the ocean not too far off. Within walking distance if anyone desired to do so, but far enough that they would be safe from the high tide. Flashes of lime green and yellow houses caught my eye as I drove down the long street, myself and Chris each looking at our respective sides. I recognized Minho's and Changbin’s cars in the distance in front of us, leading the way. Palm trees scattered along each way only added to the cheerful demeanor of the town and with the sun shining so brightly high in the blue, it was shaping up to be a beautiful day for such an occasion.

“I never asked you. Have you ever been to the beach?” He asked while still watching each house pass by.

“Only a few times. I promised myself I would live in a beach house when I was a kid.”

“Ha! I said the same thing.” He squeaked out another laugh. The familiar cars in front of us turned and disappeared behind a cove of trees lining a paved driveway, even more winding and eventually coming up to a gate where the other two cars were parked in front of and the rest of the gang were standing and stretching around them. Minho was punching some numbers into a keypad on a metal pole in front of the elaborate gated way, gold rods interconnecting to keep out strangers. The gate stood before a circular driveway that stood before a tall, three-story house with white railing alongside the middle floor. There was a built-in section off to the side, open for the elements to be enjoyed. The stairs leading up to the front door were painted white, narrowing the closer to the house you got. The black shutters on the windows complimented the gray paint on the house nicely, making for a classic look without taking away from the nature surrounding it. The black metal fence peeked out from the back, hiding what could only be a backyard big enough for the impending shenanigans to come. The house loomed before us, a haven from the outside world and far enough away from everything else that everyone could go as nuts as they wanted to.

Minho coughed very loudly to chase the clammor away and regain the attention as the gates swung inside for us to enter. The chatter died down as we all turned to Minho for further instructions.

“I’m handing out the keys before we get in because once we’re in there, I don’t want to see any of you until dinner. This house is big enough that I should be able to get my wish.” Minho went around to each of us, staring directly into each person’s eyes as he handed them out. “Any damage done to this place will result in the repairs coming out of your own pockets. If it doesn’t need repairing, I don’t want to hear about it. Now be gone.” Most of the boys ran up the twenty or so steps to the front door in a race to claim the best bedroom. Some of them went through the opening in the gate to see what awaited us in the backyard. I just watched them all run around like teenagers, the yelling and shouts of excitement coming from inside and outside.

When all that remained was myself and Minho, we each grabbed our own luggage from our respective cars and dragged it up the stairs.

“What’re the dinner plans?” He smirked at me.

“I’m planning on holding a tournament and the loser has to go grocery shopping for us all.” I nodded, amusement taking over my features. As we entered the main floor, my jaw dropped.

The opening room was enormous. Open floor plan with a kitchen in the back corner, a door to the open attachment I noticed earlier had an outdoor eating area and a grill that I’m sure would be occupied come dinner time. An island sat in the middle, marble countertops lining the walls with the dark wooden cabinets above. The fridge was a double-doored mountain that was tucked into its place in the wall, just jutting out enough for us to access it. If I turned my head further right, I could see the huge indoor dining table, enough to seat ten and making it a perfect fit for all of us. The windows on the walls shone on the worn tabletop, showing the years of wear and tear and proving the space was lived in. The chairs were perfectly in place, showing the others hadn’t messed with it yet.

Turning my head to my left to the open lounging area was when my already opened mouth fell all the way down. The soft light green walls wrote the perfect invitation to cool off in the area, the dark wood framed couches and white cushions adding to the air of comfort. The plus white rug was centered in the middle of the room, outlined by the matching smaller couch and end tables in each corner. Everything was facing the huge television mounted on the wall with every gaming system on trend since the early 1990s sitting beneath it on the low table, waiting to be used. A karaoke machine was amongst them, and I knew who would be the first to pick up the mic.

The pool table was occupied by Chris and Changbin, already setting up the balls for a game for who got the bigger room downstairs. The other ruckus was coming from either set of stairs, shouting and expletives coming from just about everywhere. I followed the string of waterscapes downstairs rather than the shell drawings leading upwards. The walk down was short without my suitcase behind me, unknowingly leaving it behind me as I lowered down to the scene in front of me.

It was a huge basement game room, complete with, what I was told, two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Each room had a trundle bed, sleeping options available for two in the room if needed. The walls were in the same shade of green the living room was, the dark black rattan couches tucked away into a small corner. No one seemed to be paying much attention to who was coming down though, too busy playing the old Pac-man game and Street Fighter stations in the corner or the basketball set-up close by. Hyunjin was cheering Jeongin on at Pac-man and Minho had taken over Street Fighter, quiet compared to Hyunjin’s loud cheering. Han was shooting baskets to his heart’s content as I walked over to him to inform him of my discovery. His eyes shot open and his brows upwards.

“Where is it?!” He shouted, bolting up the stairs now towards the karaoke machine. “How did I miss it?!”

I chuckled, watching his little legs run as fast as they could before the music playing at full volume masked Hyunjin’s cheers, even when he was a foot away from my ears. I looked back over to Innie, who was completely consumed by his game, his tongue poking out between his teeth. His concentration was admirable sometimes. I glanced around the room, taking in the rest of the room and all it had to offer before going back upstairs to the music and Han’s very loud voice.

The sunlight was peeking in through the sliding doors, left open just a crack as more voices were coming in. I followed them out to see Felix and Seungmin in a small hot tub, big enough for a few people. The thought struck me that if all of us were to attempt to get in, it would definitely be a tight squeeze. Some people might even have to sit on the edges.

“How are you guys not boiling up in the heat?” I asked, my brows raised.

“The heat takes a minute. Now it’s just lukewarm water with jets.” Seungmin replied, eyes never opening with his head resting on the side, facing the burning sun. Felix was across from him in a similar position.

“Okay, well, don’t forget sunscreen or you’ll roast like a chicken.” I poked back through the way I came out, Felix’s ‘thank you, MOM!’ making me shake my head and smile.

Back inside, Chris and Changin had paused their game to watch Han’s performance, intermittently laughing when he did something funny. Which was always. I couldn’t help but notice Chris’s eyes disappearing while he watched Han sing. He looked relaxed for the first time since he started with us. His hat was still backwards, probably so that he could see to shoot the cue balls straight but now, it was for watching Han do anything and everything to keep them looking at him. I stood and watched him for a second, leaning against the sliding doors behind me as Jeongin appeared from downstairs.

“I heard singing and I came up.”

“And?” I teased. Jeongin gave me a knowing look and came closer to whisper to me.

“And Hyunjin kicked me off when I lost.” I nodded.

“You guys have fun with this, I’m going to see where the biggest bedroom is and steal it. Jeongin nodded and I grabbed my bag and headed up the stairs where it was quiet.

These stairs were softer, carpeting leading the way from the hardwood floors below. The stairs ended with a long hallway with several doors on each side, each leading to a bedroom with a different color theme. The first door on my left had a bunk bed and bathed in navy blue. Pictures of Sailboats littered the walls and a dark wood dresser stood beside a small closet with a small lamp on top. The room diagonal to that on on my right was cascaded in yellow, with a queen size bed in the middle. No dresser, but a TV on the wall and a closet tucked in the corner. I made a mental note about this room and moved on to the next. A large King sized bed was in the pink-painted room next door, complete with a flowery comforter on the top and pink and white pillows. This room had two dressers and no closet, with a small television propped on top of the closest to the bed. The last room was a light blue just like the first, bunk beds and no TV. I knew that would cause a problem later, which would have some very funny consequences.

The last few doors were full bathrooms, totaling three. There would be plenty of beds but the bathrooms would have to be shared. Good thing these boys were so used to sharing…

The screen door at the very end of the hall led to the porch outside, where old wooden rocking chairs were placed to look at the ocean and the streets not-that-far off. It was a perfect getaway. Minho’s feather found a great place, although I wasn’t sure it was him who found it after all. Minho had a way of knowing things that he shouldn’t. It was a secret talent of his. The breeze touched my cheek, gently bringing the smell of the water with it. I had to close my eyes and take it all in. Having a moment to myself, I was able to finally go through my thoughts and how I felt about the one person who was on my mind constantly.

How come he finally snapped? What was it about that moment that compelled him to tell me his true feelings? It wasn’t like he never had the chance before. There had been… moments. But I assured he was just trying to get to know me? Could those have been when he was trying to show me how he felt? There was so much to try and decipher with him. But for now, that could wait until we got back into the city. I took down my hair to let it breathe in the air and took one last look at the scenery before going inside to claim the yellow bedroom for myself.

It wasn’t until I heard the stomps soften on the carpet while I was unpacking that everyone else had the same thought I had. Different clamors happening in each room, fights over the bunk beds, which drawers they would get, and so on. Jeongin popped his head into my room and looked around, eyes wide.

“You were smart to get up here first. Although with you being the only girl, I’m sure everyone else would’ve given you your own room anyways.”

“Who’s fighting out there?” I walked over to the doorway towards the commotion to see Han and Chanbin on the top and bottom bunks of the dark blue room while Hyunjin and Seungmin debated with Felix over who got the top bunk down the hall. Hyunjin had his eyes closed on the bottom, interjecting everytim Seungmin would say something.

“I’ll just cuddle up to Hyunjin then.” Felix’s blue head dove for Hyunjin, who’s eyes flashed open just in time to see him coming and scream. A few kicks of the blanket and grumbles, Felix’s head was attached to Hyunjin’s shoulder and Hyunjin’s face had dropped into a set expression, begrudgingly accepting what was happening. Seungmin had climbed on the top bunk and settled.

“You guys know there’s beds downstairs, right?” They blinked back at me, bewildered that I dare suggest such a thing. I threw my hands up in defense and backed out slowly to investigate further down the hall.

Minho had taken over the pink room with the biggest bed, his bag open and spread out to claim his territory and literally growling at anyone who dared come more than two steps into the room. Chris and Changbin were looking at all the occupied rooms and turned to each other.

“Looks like we’ve got the downstairs all to ourselves.” Changbin clapped him on the shoulder as Chris gave me a knowing look that seemed to say ‘you got a room to yourself?’ I just shrugged and smirked at him. He shot one back, having the same thought.

“If everyone is done fighting over sleeping arrangements that you all know will change over the course of the next few days, meet downstairs!” I shouted and headed down the stairs, closing the door to my room behind me. Some followed, some didn’t. It was a funny picture actually, like a mother duck and her ducklings crossing the road.

We fanned out in the sitting area, waiting for the rest of them to follow and take their own bags to the rooms they had chosen. When everyone had done so and gathered in the sitting area on the middle floor, Minho stood in front of them like he was ready to present something to a room full of business colleagues.

“We’re having a tournament downstairs for dinner. Loser buys and shops for groceries for the whole weekend and takes one victim with them.” He looked around for any objection, finding none, and went downstairs.

“Minho, what are we playing?” Han asked, the echoes bouncing off the walls of the stairwell.

“Basketball.” Minho responded without turning, finding the bottom floor and heading straight for the propped game in the corner.

“But I’m no good at sports…” Han grumbled. “Why can’t we do the karaoke machine instead?” He finished under his breath. Chris clapped his shoulder.

“Don’t you worry, little buddy. There has to be someone worse than you.” I could only picture the eye Han was giving him.

“Alright losers. Line up. Any order, I don’t care. Stop pushing him, Changbin.” Hyunjin stepped up first and with all the elegance and grace he had stored in his skinny little body, he sunk it right in. Everyone ooohh’d and ahhh’d appropriately as he walked away with a very cocky smile. I flicked his forehead as he passed me.

“Stop that.” I joked. “You’ll get a big head.”

“I got it in first try!” He whined, holding his hands to his forehead. “No fair.”

Jeongin went next, missing and looking at Minho nervously.

“You haven’t lost yet. We still need to see who else misses.” Minho’s words reassured him and he went back in line. Changbin sunk his, as did Chris. Seungmin missed and looked at Jeongin.

“We can go together, I don’t mind.” Jeongin looked hopeful to have a willing victim.

Minho went next and sunk it in, going back to leaning on the wall to watch everyone. I was next. I blamed my sweaty hands and the multitude of eyes looking at me for how badly I missed at such a close range, and I went to stand with the rest of the losers. Han, to his and everyone else’s surprise, made his shot. He turned, an equally shocked expression on all of our faces, his mixed with delight. His arms flung up in the air and he paraded down the line, collecting high fives from all of us. Felix missed his shot, shrugged, and stood with the rest of us, queuing up to go again. Jeongin fiddled with the ball, looking nervous. Minho watched him.

“Do I have to cook too?” Minho shook his head. Jeongin breathed a sigh of relief and sunk the ball. A huge smile spread across his face as he joined the winners, more high fives going around. Seungmin shot again and missed. He turned back, looking more annoyed than anything. Felix took his turn next and made it. He danced to the other side of winners. I looked at Seungmin.

“Minnie? Will you come with me when I lose?” He smiled at me and nodded. I stared down the menacing hoop with a net, took another breath, and made the shot. My mouth fell open. “Since you said yes, I’ll say yes too.” I let Seungmin look at the others before volunteering to go with him. He shook me off.

“No, you stay with the heathens. I’m taking Hyunjin since he wanted to be cocky about it.” All the boys turned to see Hyunjin’s shocked face and bursted out laughing. Seungmin did the smart thing and took off up the stairs before Hyunjin started chasing after him, passing by in a blur of blonde hair.

“Kim Seungmin, you will pay for this!”

After the two boys left with a laundry list of groceries to get, the others spread back out to explore the house for themselves. I went to the back yard, complete with a small pool and a soccer goal. The trees provided just enough shade to cover the pool from the beating of the sun. A small shed in the back equipped with what I could only assure to be pool floaties and maintenance things. After about three seconds of contemplation, I rushed back to my haven upstairs to put on the only swimsuit I owned. A plain black two-piece with simple straps going over my shoulders was all the appeal I could muster, knowing the boys around me (except one) had seen me in it before. That didn’t help the feeling of slight anxiety as I pulled the bottoms on and grabbed a big tshirt to walk around in and rushed back to the pool, Jeongin and Felix asking where I was going from their spot at the pool table.

“There’s a pool outside! Come on!” They glanced at each other and raced to put their suits on as well. I opened the door leading to the back and walked down the matching stairs to the grass waiting for me at the bottom, trekking through it to dip my toe into the water. It was just the perfect balance of cool for anyone wanting to jump in. The breeze wafting, casting a chill on my skin despite the warm summer air. I was just about to walk down the ladder when I heard a screech behind me and feet rushing on the grass. A flash of blue and blonde hair, the two boys grabbed their legs to their chest, and shouted “Cannonball!”

“Felix!” I shouted, bracing my rms before my face to stop whatever I could. Of course it was useless. My mouth fell open at them both, shock still evident. My tongue poked through my cheek, the smirk growing. “You both are gonna get it now.” I dashed for the shed five feet away and flung open the doors to find that I was right. Deflated floaties littered the floor as well as old crates of… There. I grabbed one and hid it behind my back, moving as slowly as I could nearer to the water without bringing attention to myself. I lowered the water gun to the water to fill it, and aimed at that blue head. I hit him square in the back of his wet head.

“Ah!” His hand flung to the back of his head, spinning to find where the surprise attack came from. We locked eyes, both of us smiling.

The yells echoed throughout the house, causing the rest of the boys to see what all the ruckus was about. Seeing the water fight that started caused a flurry of them running back inside to get their own suits and they emerged, one by one. Changbin asked where I got the water gun and I pointed him in the direction of the house and I took what cover I could behind the childrens playhouse. Teams were selected and lines were drawn. Friend turned on friend.

It wasn’t pretty.

Hours later, showered and clothed, I had brought the boys to repair their temporarily burned bridges and put on a movie. Felix had started a cuddle-puddle, all the boys had piled on top of themselves and refused to get up, even with the extra seats I brought them. Sometimes it was a nice reminder how close they had become, how much of a family we all had grown to be. Moreso a family than my actual family. And I knew most of them would say the same.

Chris had found himself on the outskirts of the pile, begrudgingly having Han’s head on his arm and eyes glued to the movie. From my place on the comfy chair, I was able to look at them, really look at all of them. The faces I knew as well as my own, and the one I was getting to know.

His face was blank when he was concentrating. And when he concentrated a little too hard, his lips would purse ever so slightly. His eyes would twinkle at whatever he was looking at, and I wondered what he looked like when he made music. The song he showed me still rang through my mind, itching to look deeper into the lyrics and the sadness behind them. If I thought harder about them, the sadder they became. It brought the question to the forefront. What happened to you? Who hurt you? The longer I had these thoughts, the more I watched him. He seemed relaxed. No trace of anything dark beneath that dark curly hair. He must have felt my gaze on him, because he turned his head just enough to see me. His face softened, a slight smile gracing his features. I shook my head, knowing that someone would catch us locking eyes. I nudged my head back to the television and followed my own gaze, feeling the sear of his eyes on my cheek as I tried my best not to look back at him. My resistance didn’t last long. When I looked back, his smile had grown wider.

This boy will be the death of me…

My thoughts were interrupted by the return of Seungmin and Hyunjin, bags in hand.

“More in the car. If you want anything from them, help us unload.” Heading Hyunjin’s warning, we all picked ourselves up from underneath the blankets and trudged outside, grabbing bags.

“If I had known I would be doing any kind of manual labor, I would’ve stayed home.”

“Han, this barely qualifies as manual labor.” Minho was quick to retort. “And we all know you would’ve blown up all of our phones if we left you behind, BEGGING us to stop and pick you up.”

“‘You guyyyss!! This isn’t fair!’” Changbin pitched his voice up. “‘Come back!’ That’s what you would say and you know it!” Laughter drowned out Han’s whiny protests, insisting he ‘ so does NOT sound like that’ as he followed everyone else up the front stairs.

Dinner was as much chaos as it could’ve been. Changbin got stuck doing dishes, grumbling at the sink. SO much so that he had convinced Chris to help him. I had drifted into the hot tub, letting my back rest on the waterproof cushions lined along the sides. The stars had been particularly bright tonight, and I had found my constellation, even way out here. That little piece of home that seemed to follow me everywhere I went. It was a comfort.

I was brought out of my head with the opening and closing of the sliding door. Felix had come out to join me, back in his suit from before.

“Room for one more?”

“Of course.”

He gently lowered himself across from me, careful not to splash around. When he was settled, he looked down at his hands, pruning from the constant submersion of the day. He seemed quiet. I scanned his face, searching.

“Felix?” He looked up, the low hum of the jets loud in our ears. He sighed. His voice was low, to keep it away from prying ears.

“I just want you to be careful. I don’t know what I would do if he hurt you. I like him, I really do. But just know that I’ll be watching him.” His words of comfort brought a smile to my face.

“You’re always looking out for me, aren’t you, Lixie?” He was serious as he nodded. As lightly as I tried to make it, I felt the gravity of his emotions in his words. I didn’t break his gaze. I nodded, thanking him for his watchful eye. He finally smiled back at me, just in time to be distracted by Minho opening the door and climbing in beside me.

“Ahhhhhh.” He sighed and settled in, closing his eyes in relaxation.

“Careful, Minho. The owners will notice if the whole hot tub is missing.” He contorted his face, wordlessly moving his lips. I smacked his arm, making him giggle.

Hyunjin was peeling Minnie’s arms off of him when they came out.

“Get off of me, you’re clingier than plastic wrap.”

“Don’t act like you don’t secretly love it.”

“Seungmin, I will stuff your pillow with leaves tonight. Get away from me.”

Hyunjin sat on my other side and filled his pressed hands with water, threatening it in Seungmin’s direction. Minnie held up his arms and sat across from him on the ledge, calves in the water while the rest of his body was out. Chris came out with Han in tow.

“You would tell me if my voice sounded like that, wouldn’t you?” Chris was fighting a smile, nodding his head in doing whatever he could to get him to focus on anything else. Hyunjin pulled Han down beside him, Han hissing at the sudden shock to his system with the hot water. Chris picked a spot beside Felix, sitting on the edge of the tub and quickly eyed me. His eyes stopped for a second too long on my exposed neckline before flickering back up to my face. My arms shot up to cover as much of myself as I thought I could, giving him the most incredulous look I could muster. He had the decency to look slightly embarrassed.

I picked up my phone from the space behind Minho and sent a text.

Me: Whatcha lookin at?

Chris: …busted.

I giggled to myself. My thumbs were hovering over the keyboard when another text appeared.

Chris: Water’s never been so cruel

I shook my head again. Bringing my eyes back to the group, I couldn’t help finding him looking back at me. I wagged my finger at him, small movements so no one would sense it. He was smiling at me, warmer than the water I was chest-deep in. I’d never seen someone’s eyes shine like that. Especially looking at me. No one had looked at me like that before.

Changbin had finished the dishes and was now climbing into the center of the tub, splashing everyone and bringing our attention back to the group. We all had a good laugh at his antics and the night passed on with subtle glances and a racing heartbeat.

Retiring to my room was met with protests and attempts at convincing me to stay.

“Come on, you’ll miss Jeongin getting his ass whooped at Pac-Man!”

“As much fun as that sounds, Hyunjin, I think this mother needs her beauty rest. Think of it this way: I get sleep and a break from all of you for a few hours, and I don’t have to kill you tomorrow. How does that sound?”

I walked away to a few grumbles, laughing and shaking my head once more. I savored the quiet of the house, the creaking of the stairs as I climbed. I shut my door and changed into my pants and big shirt again, determined to force my heart to slow down before I could fall asleep. All my thoughts were of him, the way he kept glancing my way, how my body would react to him, my pulse quickening. If I had any shot of sleeping tonight, I needed to distract myself properly. I shuffled through the shows on TV, found a classic and let it play. I watched until I couldn’t fight my eyelids anymore.

I was in and out, the light on the bedside table keeping me out of a deep sleep. I thought I had dreamed of my door opening, but the creaks were too familiar. I fluttered my eyes open to see Chris shutting my door, his back turned to me.

“What do you think you’re doing?” My voice was heavy with sleep, not coming out in full force.

“Changbin snores like a lawn mower. You can hear throughout the whole floor. I’ll be out of here before everyone else wakes up.” His sheepish smile told me he was going out on a limb, trying his luck upstairs. With me.

“This doesn’t mean I’m letting you in my bed! Sleep on the floor. There’s more blankets in the closet.” He pouted, glancing from the closet back to me, back to the closet. “Ugh. Fine.” I flung the comforter open, letting him in. “But only because I’m cold.”

He practically danced over towards the bed before snuggling in. I turned my back towards him, not letting him see the grin begging to be let out.

“Well, if you’re cold, then I should help with that.” He flicked off the light and scooted closer, making the bed dip the closer he got. “You know, because I’m such a nice guy.”

“Oh, you’re such a nice guy, huh? Yeah, okay.” My laughs came out more as scoffs.Then out of nowhere, strong arms, arms I had seen and imagined against my will, snaked around my waist. My back hit his chest as he closed the open space, and his body hit me like a heat wave and lulled me into the best sleep I’d had in years. No energy left to read into what he meant by this action, or any of his actions of the day. None left to think about what this could mean. Just body heat and a comfort I had never known.

Until I heard through the distance of my subconscious a creak of my bedroom door. I fought the sunlight coming in through the window until I couldn’t and opened my eyes. Chris’s arms were still around me, his faint snores close to my ears. It took a minute for my still-sleeping brain to realize that the door creak I heard hadn’t been in my dream. My neck moved to see Minho, hand still on the doorknob, staring at Chris’s arm.

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