#{But today's topic of discussion is drinking blood.}

[brain-rot-central]

Sonnet of the Lone Cardinal, Ch. 3

A/N: Thank you all for your patience. She's finally here.

Word count: 3.5k Rating: M (nothing sexual; mostly topics that may be uncomfortable) Pairing: Ascended Astarion/Fem!Tav Warnings: 18+; Mentions of murder, violence, death, blood, gore (very minor), blood drinking, sexual acts. Angst, alcohol consumption.

Summary: Tav and Shadowheart finally reunite for a simple lunch date. Their discussion turns toward Astarion, and a particularly unsettling event.

Chapter track: Cry - Cigarettes After Sex

♥ Previous Chapter ♥ Next Chapter ♥ Link to Ao3

Dawn breaks over the horizon. The subtle stirrings of a city coming to life once more fill the streets. Maids and matrons pat down their mats just beyond their front doors. Street vendors begin setting up their carts. A young boy with a satchel carrying copies of the Gazette goes from home to home delivering the day’s latest print.

Tav kneels before her front window, watching the street below. A few days have passed since her meeting with Jaheira. Astarion hasn't been to see her; the longest stretch of time between visits since they began their ordeal. She fully expected a visit last night. However, he never came. She hates admitting it to herself, but she feels a shallow pit in her stomach beginning to form having gone without him for so long.

Standing up, Tav closes the window and brings herself into the washroom to prepare for the day ahead. An old friend has requested a lunch date; she hasn’t seen Shadowheart for many months, and owes her dearest friend an audience.

Tav pours the carafe of water into the wash basin, dipping a cloth into the water before bringing it to her face. Studying the various soaps and creams she has lined along the shelf, she chooses one of nettlebark, smelling of citrus and pine forests. This scent is one of her favorites, and she’s relieved she can still find comfort within the smell. Scents are still a trigger for her nausea at this stage in her pregnancy. The usually tempting smell of breakfast wafting about the air of the city turns her stomach upright, now. Tav has found that if she holds off eating until mid-morning, she's in the clear. 

Yet… odd cravings have begun. 

For instance, she's since gone back to the butcher's, profusely apologetic to poor Gideon. Of course, the kind soul that he is, he was nothing but understanding and even offered her a few rations free of charge. Tav politely declined his offer, yet as she stared into the display cases full of various raw meats, she found herself practically bewitched by the sight. Rich, bloody beef; cut straight from the animal. She recalls how intensely saliva pooled within her mouth staring at the provisions. Tasting the metallic twang of the blood on her tongue, swallowing thickly as Gideon returned with her order.

Patting her face dry with a small towel, Tav returns into the main room and begins rummaging through her dresser for the day's outfit. The midnight blue bottle Jaheira gave her sits atop the dresser. Tav considers the potion every morning, but quickly declines as her heart aches at the thought. 

She believes the weather to be rather warm today, so she settles on an airy, light blue sundress and a wide brimmed hat. The gray scarf she recently bought matches perfectly as she stands before her mirror, assembling the ensemble. 

The ghost of scars catches her eyes as she adjusts the scarf around her neck. They're light enough; most wouldn't notice, though to her, they blare. Permanent gifts from her months-long affair with Astarion during their journey to defeat the Absolute. His bite was always a clean one, never marring her tanned skin. Two faint fang marks are all that remain, Tav taking the index and middle fingers of one hand to press lightly over the imprinted flesh as she lifts her chin.

Lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub.

The rhythmic beating of her heart can be felt beneath her fingertips as she pushes slightly into the artery. Accurate, Tav notes, a shiver running down her spine. She makes quick adjustments to the scarf and grabs her hat off the edge of her bed, placing it atop her head. 

Returning to the mirror, Tav smiles approvingly at her reflection as she gives herself a final glance over. The dress is loose enough that it hides the new softness of her body, something she's thankful for. Curiously, she places her hands over her stomach, pushing the fabric of the dress down and under the small swell of her lower abdomen. A pleased laugh escapes her lips while admiring the sight.

Tav turns her body from side to side, tracing the movement with her eyes. Her breasts now fill the top of the garment. The deep plunge of the dress’s neckline displays her new cleavage in a flattering manner. Feeling suddenly bare, Tav unwraps the scarf from around her neck, repositioning it lays across her chest like a bandana. Better. A bit more modest.

The satisfaction doesn’t last very long as she thinks of Shadowheart. How can she tell her? Will she tell her? While Shadowheart has never been anything but supportive, Tav worries how she may respond to news of her pregnancy. Tav is not ready for the backlash and potential lecture her best friend would give her, hearing Shadowheart's scolding voice echo within her mind. 

You cried over him for months! Tav envisions clearly, sour facial expressions and all. How many times did you come to me distraught in the middle of the night? Only to end up like this?

If the conversation doesn’t occur naturally, Tav decides on not discussing it. Not yet.

Swallowing past the sudden lump in her throat, Tav grabs her satchel from behind her main door, throwing it over her shoulder and across her chest. She inspects the contents quickly to ensure everything is present. Slipping her feet into brown sandals, she makes her way down the stairs to face the day ahead.

----------------------------------------------------

The morning is spent strolling around the park not far from her apartment. Tav recalls an altercation with Bhaal’s followers in this very park so many months ago. Today though, people are enjoying the sun and the company of one another. Lovers lay out on the grass, hands interlaced as they speak freely of their devotion to one another. A book club gathers in the middle of the park to discuss their latest obsession. Tav overhears bits and pieces of mixed conversations, finding comfort in the fact that life is slowly returning to normal for the citizens of Baldur's Gate.

The midmorning quickly slips into afternoon, and Tav begins her trek over toward the Elfsong to meet with Shadowheart. A few people nod in recognition as she passes by. “That's our hero!” they shout. “The savior of the city!” Tav smiles and bows graciously toward them, never quite comfortable with everyone suddenly knowing of her existence. Still, she is thankful for their praise and support.

Upon entering the Elfsong, Tav scans the tavern and quickly finds Shadowheart seated at a booth along the wall. Their eyes meet, Shadowheart waving her over with a warm smile on her face. “There you are!” she exclaims as Tav draws closer. “My goodness, I feel as if it's been ages!” The two women exchange a quick embrace, planting chaste kisses upon eachother's cheek.

“Good to see you again, Shadowheart,” Tav says as she settles into the booth. She removes her hat and scarf, placing both items on the cushion to her left.

Shadowheart soon joins her, taking a sip from her glass of wine. “Shall I ask for another glass?” she proposes, nodding to hers. “We could just order a bottle,” she quickly adds with a smirk.

“Oh, no, I'm quite fine,” Tav declines, a sharp twist in her abdomen forms at the thought. “Truth be told, I haven't had the best stomach, as of late.” Bile begins to rise in the back of her throat as a quick wave of nausea passes over her. She quickly swallows it back down.

Taking another sip from her glass, Shadowheart cocks her head to the side. “Truly? Why haven't you been to see me yet?”

“Not to worry,” waving a hand in reassurance. “I've been to a healer. All is well,” Tav replies with a liar’s smile.

All is not well. None of this is well.

Fortunately, Shadowheart takes the bait and quickly switches subjects. Waiting for service, they begin a pleasant conversation about resettling back into their lives. They speak of their new jobs and all other mundane activities of day-to-day life, sharing a few laughs between remarks as they pursue the menus in front of them.

The waitress takes their orders – Shadowheart keeps it light, ordering salad with grilled chicken; Tav orders a rare steak with potatoes and a side of vegetables. “Rare?” Shadowheart comments as soon as the waitress is out of earshot. “You hate all meat, unless it’s well done.”

She's right. Any hint of pink in Tav’s portion would go right back into the fire. “I-I've been trying new things lately,” Tav explains, rubbing her neck coyly. The cravings only seem to grow as the days pass, and she briefly wonders if it's a consequence of having a half-vampiric pregnancy.

Shadowheart raises a brow again, but fortunately does not pry further. The women then delve into a discussion regarding their old companions as they wait for their meals. Tav talks of her efforts to bolster the city watch with Wyll, now the Duke after his father's unfortunate death. Shadowheart speaks of Gale, who she notes has since opened a school of wizardry back in Waterdeep. Neither has heard much regarding the others, though they agree that they're most likely doing well.

Shadowheart wastes little time once their meals arrive, forking salad into her mouth. “So, have you heard from Astarion at all?” she asks casually after swallowing.

A shudder passes over Tav as she begins slicing into her steak. “No,” she feigns with eyes cast downward, “I-I have not.”

Gesturing toward Tav with her fork as she chews, Shadowheart swallows. “I read something interesting in the Gazette a few days ago,” she suggests.

“About him?” Tav questions, bringing a potato wedge to her mouth.

Shadowheart shakes her head in disapproval around a sip of wine. “Not in particular,” she clarifies. “They don't name him explicitly, though it made me think of him.”

Silence befalls the table as Tav awaits her companion to continue. She doesn't trust her voice enough at this point to offer more to their conversation now that Astarion is the topic at hand. Playing idly with the vegetables on her plate, she chooses a small piece of broccoli to bring up to her mouth. The heavy pull of dread is beginning to creep in, her chest tightening.

“They… mentioned an incident that occurred in the sewers but a tenday ago,” explains Shadowheart, a sour expression befitting her face. “Some sort of deal gone wrong.”

Tav looks up to meet Shadowheart's gaze, puzzled. “How exactly does that involve him?” she inquires.

“Well, that's just the thing,” Shadowheart continues, “those first on the scene mentioned five victims in total, all young males.” She interrupts herself to feed another forkful of salad into her mouth, swallowing before resuming, “They were all reported as being exsanguinated, though only three had their throats slashed.”

Tav swallows hard around another piece of steak, silently savoring the rare flavor washing over her tongue as she focuses her attention on Shadowheart. “And the other two?”

Shadowheart looks sheepishly around the bar, discomfort evident. She dips her head. “Tav, I know of your history with Astarion. I don't wish to speak ill of him out of respect for you.”

Tav's fist tightens around the knife in her left hand. The tightness in her chest has traveled up to her throat. Her heart pounds rapidly as she drinks from the glass of water within her right hand. “What of the others?” Tav insists, placing the glass back down on the table with force.

Eyes falling closed, Shadowheart sighs heavily. “The other two…” she begins, voice trailing off. She pulls in a deep breath. “Well, they're reported as having two pin marks on their necks.” She gestures to Tav's throat with a soft nod of her head. “...Not unlike the scars you bear.”

A prickling heat spreads across Tav’s face. A tenday ago? she speaks within her mind. Rather close to when she'd last seen Astarion. Tav recalls again how miffed he'd been that night; impatient and direct, wasting little time coaxing her down onto the bed.

She pushes around a chunk of potato on her plate, anxiety mounting. “What makes you think it was Astarion? It could have been a kobold, or a spider, or-”

“They were gone the next day,” interrupts Shadowheart, bluntly.

Tav’s heart nearly freezes. She locks eyes with Shadowheart. “Gone? What do you mean gone?” she asks frantically, furrowing her brow.

“Gone,” Shadowheart reiterates, raising the wine glass to her lips again. “When the investigators returned the following day alongside the medical examiner, only the three with the knife wounds remained.” She pulls a long drink from the glass. “The other two were nowhere to be found. As if they'd simply gotten up and walked away.”

Tav shivers, entire body twitching with the thought. “T-that doesn't mean it's Astarion, Shadowheart. It could be-”

“Could be what? Another vampire?” suggests Shadowheart, sarcastically. “I don't think Astarion would take kindly to someone else moving into his territory.” She sighs, clicking her tongue. “I'm sorry to say it, Tav, but it sounds an awful lot like him.”

The sounds of the tavern flood Tav’s ears. Her vision narrows to a single pinpoint, the edges of her vision growing fuzzy. She leans back in her seat and closes her eyes. “We don't know that,” Tav states, trying desperately to calm the wild beating of her heart. “We don't know what happened.” She shakes her head, slowly opening her eyes. “We won't know until the case is settled.”

“Why do you still defend him?” asks Shadowheart bluntly, mouth pulling into a displeased pout. “Surely you remember how badly he hurt you. Why continue to defend him at all?”

The question echoes in her mind. Why does she defend him? The man is a monster; an abomination, as Jaheira had called his child. Tav knows not who he’s become. Small glimpses of the man he once was shine through now and again, mostly when they argue. The stubborn selfishness of him reveals itself, inevitably bleeding into raw passion once she works at him enough. It almost makes her feel at home in his arms, albeit for a few hours.

“He wouldn't, Shadowheart. It's not like him…” Tav says, quietly. She's unsure if she believes it or if she's lying in an effort to convince herself that it's true. She's suddenly lost her appetite, pushing the plate of food away from her.

Shadowheart is quiet for some time, eyes cast down at the table. “Well,” she says, cutting through the silence, “let's hope he's as innocent as you say.”

Silence stretches across the table before the two women agree to shift the conversation elsewhere. They inevitably tie up their gathering, sharing an embrace and chaste kisses to the cheeks once again. They vow to meet the following week, and head out on their way.

Walking back toward her apartment, Tav's stomach begins to sour as she thinks over her conversation with Shadowheart. Vivid images of Astarion sinking his fangs into the necks of the alleged victims flood her mind's eye. She feels a tingling sensation over her own scars as she imagined how they must have felt. Could he have really done such a thing? The sounds of the city are almost absent from her ears as she ponders the question.

“Wait a minute,” she speaks aloud, freezing in place. Her eyes are cast down to the cobblestone street below as her heart fills with horror. Her mouth dries quickly, choking as she tries to breathe.

The last night she'd seen Astarion coincides almost exactly with the timeline of the murders within the sewers. If the report is true, then Astarion's enthusiasm that night wasn't solely due to want, necessarily. Tav dips into a small alley between two buildings, leaning against the brick wall as her knees grow weak.

No, his insistence was not due to missing her. It was attributed to blood-fueled lust, a state Tav has seen him in a number of times. She clasps a hand over her mouth as a sob suddenly racks her chest. Her whole body shakes as the horrific realization sinks deep into her bones. The puzzle aligns near perfectly as the thought continues to blossom.

Astarion had come to her bed after draining two people dry. He didn't spend time on their typical foreplay because he couldn't. Tav knows the power mortal blood has over him, and she doubts the ascension has changed that. She recalls how it all but possesses his thoughts, his feelings, and his body, enslaved by the sheer power of unbridled desire running through him.

Lurching forward, she begins to dry heave; a million thoughts race across her mind. He couldn't have done this on purpose, could he? He wouldn't. There's simply no way he would. Denial clouds her thoughts as saliva drips freely from her open mouth, gathering it together to spit upon the floor. Holding a hand to her stomach she rises, leaning her temple against the cool brick of the wall next to her. She closes her eyes, trying to calm her excitement with slow, deep breaths.

“No innocents; you have my word.”

Astarion's past promise to her rings loudly in her ears. It was from this promise their almost nightly affair to keep him well-fed began. Tav tries desperately to block out the memories of what would transpire after their sessions; how could she have not noticed? All the signs were there.

Because he didn't drink from me.

Her stomach churns again and she rubs her hand in a circular motion above her navel. Her chest burns as she chokes back tears. What to do, now? Does she wait until his next visit to confront him? When will that be? The anticipation will burn a hole through her soul, she knows. But, what other option does she have? 

A small voice wrestles from within as she wipes her mouth with the back of a hand.

…Do I go to him?

The decision is made before the logical side of her mind can argue a rational point, her feet carrying her toward the Crimson Palace. She second guesses the choice; from some place within, a voice yells for her to reconsider. 

He'll tell me the truth, surely, she argues against her doubt. 

Right?

Aware that she's potentially putting herself in a grave position, Tav cannot rest until he tells her otherwise. She needs to hear from Astarion's own mouth that he didn't murder five people only to share her bed mere hours later. She needs to hear from him that he wouldn't do this, that he still abides by his promise to her, that her blood is all he's ever known.

“Why do I care so much?” Tav questions aloud to herself, practically running now toward the monastery. She shakes her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts; he will eventually drink the blood of others. If he is to create an army of spawn as he'd so claimed after the ritual, that would be the only way to do so.

They're no longer lovers; no longer deeply acquainted. They just sleep together, and she fell pregnant as a result. 

Why does she care so much?

Before long, Tav stands before the immaculate palace. Grand mahogany doors stand proudly at the building's entrance, adorned with intricate carvings along the wood. Black metal knockers depicting the faces of gargoyles signal a way in. Tav’s hand reaches instinctively around the bell of one, pulling up.

Before she can complete the knock, the door creaks open. A faint glow from a distant light source cracks through the opening of the door and Tav releases the handle, stepping back. She freezes in place, fully expecting the door to continue opening. Yet, it halts, remaining only slightly ajar. Stale air greets her nostrils and a shiver passes through her.

Silence suddenly engulfs her, the sounds of the city falling dormant. As she surveys the area around her, Tav notes no other presence out on the street for as far as the eye can see. Her ears pick up the soft sound of someone humming, and she determines its origin lies within the palace. 

An assimon carved into the middle of the marble trim along the heavy doors catches her attention as she looks up. Tav turns her head as she studies the figure; a young woman with long hair, eyes closed and wings outstretched as she holds a lance within one hand.

The humming from within the building turns into a tune and cuts through Tav’s daydream. She shakes her head briefly, regrouping. She can turn away now and forget this entire thing. Forget that this was even a thought that crossed her mind, leave, and no one would ever know she was here.

A quick flash of Astarion’s fangs piercing into skin flits across Tav’s vision. She winces. I simply must know, she reassures herself. Drawing in a deep breath, she steps forward.

Resting the flat of her palm against the door, Tav slowly pushes it open. The old metal and wood fuss loudly as the door gives way under the force of her hand. The faint glow of the light from within now pours out, illuminating the street behind her. With some hesitation, Tav steps over the threshold, disappearing into the palace.

#astarion #ascended astarion #bg3 astarion #fanfiction #astarion ancunin #astarion angst #astarion smut #astarion x female tav #astarion x tav #bg3

[tqmies]

REEL | Lee Jeno

Description. The annual camping trip that your friend group held every year was rapidly approaching. Jeno, dateless, enlists your help in catching him a date. If only it were that simple, but unfortunately, nothing is ever that simple.

Pairings. Lee Jeno x Female Reader (Slight Sungchan x Reader) 

Genre. Romance, Smut, Comedy

Warnings. Curses, Sexual jokes, Drinking, Unprotected Sex (Always wrap it before you tap it!) , Oral (F. and M. Receiving), Semi-public, Creampie.

Word count. 10K

Note: MINORS DNI! It makes me uncomfortable. Also this is my first time posting smut on this blog :) Please let me know how you all feel about it. PLEASE leave feedback I’m really nervous about this one hehe. Ok ok, enjoy!!

“IT’S ALL JUST A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT.” Were the first words that floated through the air.

“I agree, but the rest of us have already completed that right of passage.”

“Haechan goes through them like Pokemon cards.”

You walk into the scene, bewildered by what the boys are discussing. “Please don’t tell me you’re talking about virginity.” You gag.

“Pftt, virginity? Like Jeno can even get a girlfriend.” Jaemin responds, jabbing his finger towards the aforementioned boy. 

So that’s what this was about? This was always a popular topic of conversation with you guys. What could you say, he was an easy target.

Your friend, Lee Jeno, has had yet to have his first girlfriend. Now this isn’t a big deal, but seeing as he was friends with boys who have had at least nine girlfriends before, it definitely made him stand out. 

“Look I just don’t get why it’s a big deal.” Jeno reconciles. 

“You don’t get a lot of things. Like girlfriends.” Haechan says causing Mark to snicker. 

“Leave him alone.” You say, “Not everyone want’s to date half our town like you did.”

“Oh she got your ass!” Jaemin giggles.

“Shut up, you dated the other half.”

This throws Chenle into a fit of laughter, “You gonna let her talk to you like that? Personally if it was me-”

“Your girlfriend treats your dog better than you.” You warn. 

Chenle stops in his tracks as his jaw drops, he scoffs as he pretends to be hurt by your comment. 

“Damn, you’re out for blood today.” The group laughs again. 

“Oh no, she always gets like this when it comes to her little Jeno-weno.” Haechan teases, using a nickname that you hadn't called Jeno since you were kids.

You push him away as you scrunch your nose, “You guy’s are so annoying.”

“Yeah, yeah, you love us.” 

The boys delve into another conversation as you continue to think about the previous one.

I mean, you had wondered about it for a long time. Why didn’t Jeno have a girlfriend? He surely had the looks, not to mention how sweet the boy was. Though, you just chalked it up to him not being interested. He did just brush off every girl who tried to make advances. Maybe he wasn’t looking for anything.

You knew he pulled, he had his secret little hook-ups now and then, but he never was one to commit. The boys liked to deduce that it was the girls who just didn’t want to date Jeno, but you digress. 

Your attention is drawn back to the conversation when Jaemin mentions something about the camping trip that was approaching. It was a little trip you guys had planned every year, and for the past two it had been a success. Though, Jaemin being Jaemin, wanted to switch things up a bit.

“A couple’s camping trip?!” Mark had asked in disbelief. 

“Yeah think about it! Everyone comes in a pair, we share tents, and play games, and maybe even get some action.” Jaemin responds, wiggling his brows at the suggestive comment. 

“Gross, I’m not interested in hearing Haechan and his ‘girl of the week’ doing it in some tent.” You add on, because let’s be honest, his girls were rarely ever quiet. He was rarely ever quiet. 

“Why? You jealous? You know, all you have to do is ask.” He says, leaning closer to you as you put your palm to his face. Jeno looks at you two warily.

“In your dreams.” You state, removing your hand in disgust as he licks it. Punching him in the shoulder as you yell at how gross he is.

“She has a point though,” Renjun speaks up. “I’m not interested in having my tent next to Jaemin and that chick.”

“That chick has a name!” The aforementioned replies, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Not like we would know, you keep her locked up.” Chenle interjects.

“Rightfully so! She’d run for the hills if she knew you guys.”

“Yeah like you’re any better.”

This starts another little spurt of endless bickering as you roll your eyes.

“I just think it’s be weird, you know? To introduce like six new people to our group at once?” Mark comments, you and Renjun nodding your heads in agreement.

“Also it’s gonna be hard to find someone who’s down to go camping in the middle of the woods with a bunch of strangers.” You reason.

“Awe, scared you’re not going to find anyone?” Haechan smirks, the facial expression seeming to be permanently etched across his face.

“I’m more worried about Jeno over there.” You snicker, noticing the boy had been quiet.

“You too?” He groans, throwing his head back in defeat.

You just laugh, sure you’d always defend him. But you were definitely not above poking fun at Jeno every now and then.

After finishing your lunch and bidding the boys goodbye, you’re walking away when you hear your voice being called.

You turn to see Jeno following behind you as he makes it to your side. “Come to walk me to class?”

“Yes..” He starts. “and no.”

“Uh oh, what do you want?”

“Why do you assume I want something?”

“You always do,” You shrug. “That’s just how you are Lee.”

He frowns, “I need a favor.”

“No I won’t be your camp date.”

“Damn! Why not?” He pleads, he was so sure you’d agree. And he wasn’t too far off.

Sure, you’d love nothing more than to be cooped up in a tent with your hot friend, but that’d be crossing too many boundaries. So as nice as it sounded, you had to refuse.

“It’d be too weird.”

“How?”

“Cause we’re friends.”

“Geez, I’m not asking you to sleep with me. I’m just asking to share a tent and maybe like, I don’t know, sit by me? We sleep in the same room all the time.”

“And you just assume I don’t have someone I plan on bringing?” You ask, sporting a smirk.

“You do?”

Of course you don’t. Truth be told, you were so busy that you hadn’t dipped your foot in the dating waters for months. The only boys you ever even talked to were the ones in your friend group.

Though, you were nothing short of options. Surely you could pull some random boy along with you, just for the trip. One Instagram post and your direct messages would be flooded. 

“That’s for me to know, and for you to find out.” 

He just scoffs at your response before looking away, “What about Yoo Jimin?”

“What?”

“I should ask her to be my camp date.”

“There’s no way in hell! Yoo Jimin only goes for older guys. Like graduated guys.” You explain, opening the door to enter your classes building. 

“What? Really?”

“Yes, you’re telling me you really didn’t know that?” 

“No.. I mean, I just thought maybe she wasn’t interested in any guys here.”

“Geez Jeno, you really know nothing about girls.” 

“All you guys do is make fun of me! What about actually helping me?!” He explains, stomping his feet like a child. 

“Yeah, nothing could help you out there.” You sigh.

“Please help me! I’m begging!” 

“What?!” You raise a brow. 

“Help me get a date!”

“Why should I spend my precious time helping you?” You tease, knowing you didn't have much else to do. 

“Please?!” He begs, and you, with your horrible inability to resist, give in.

You tell him to meet you at his place after your last class of the day. Having no idea what was in store for you. And just like you said, you were at his place right on time.

Flopping onto his bed, you scroll through your phone as Jeno stares at you from his desk chair.

“What?” You say, placing your phone down as you raise a brow.

“I thought you were gonna help!” He whines, turning around in his swivel chair. 

“I am helping!” You defend. “I’m…I’m scoping Instagram for potential dates!”

“You’re a horrible liar.”

“Whatever,” You sign, turning your phone towards him.“Look, shes really pretty. She goes to our university too. Why don’t you try and message her.” 

Jeno looks very caught off guard, “That’s Yiren.” 

“Ok? She seems cool, she likes to travel, and she’s pretty!” You say, scrounging her profile intently.

“Looks aren’t everything.”

“Did you not hear everything I said before that?” You groan. “At least try.”

He nods, picking up his own phone and typing in her username. Going quiet for a couple minutes, he finally puts his phone down. “Okay, I messaged her.”

You squeal, “Now we wait!” 

He just smiles, “Wanna order some food?”

“I thought you’d never ask! I’ll pick a movie?” 

And so, after picking the scariest movie you could find, (And the heaviest blankets), you settle into the couch with your takeout box.

You two are engrossed in the film, when Jeno’s phone loudly dings.

Shuffling to sit up, you smile, “Is that her?”

The smile fades from your face as you read the message.

@_WangYerin: Ew...

You look dejectedly at Jeno.

“Yeah no, this is not gonna work.” He opens his mouth to speak again.

You interrupt him. “There’s plenty of fish in the sea. I’m sure we can find you one girl in time.”

-

“Jeno.”

“Yeah?”

“What the hell are you wearing?”

He looks down to his outfit, raising his brows in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Jeno, I don’t even know where to begin..” You pause, your eyes drawing over his clothing.

He was donned head to toe in fishing gear. Loose cargo shorts and a floral printed shirt. Completed with the floppy hat and reel. He looked like a tourist.

This was truly ridiculous. He was standing in your living room, dressed like he was in some swamp marsh in Florida. (Even then, he’d still be overdressed.) 

“There’s plenty of fish in the sea.” He references, wiggling his brows at you. Gesturing to his outfit, “Chicks dig this right?”

“What?!” You exclaim, your face donned with confusion. Is that what he thought girls liked? It took everything in you not to burst out laughing.

“I’m starting to think..” He trails, “That’s not what you meant.”

“You’re hopeless.” You announce, resting your palm against your chin. 

How were you going to fix this? Not to mention that you only had about two weeks to do it. “Ignoring the poor choice of outfit, let’s talk about something else.”

He just nods as you scrounge your brain, “So as you know, you don’t have the best reputation preceding woman..”

“What do you mean? I love woman!” He proclaims, as if he couldn’t believe what you were getting at.

You sigh, “If only they loved you.”

He scoffs before rolling his sleeves up, “Look at these bad boys. The ladies can’t resist.”

You swear your eyes could roll of your head. “Be real Jeno, it takes more than some muscles to get a girlfriend.”

“Damn.” Is all he says as he pulls his sleeves down. Trying to ignore your judging eyes.

“I’m starting to think this is damn near impossible.” You speak.

“You’ve barely even helped yet!” 

“And I’m already failing!”

Looking around your apartment, you feel as if a light bulb went off in your head. “We’re not going to get anything done in here. We need to be outside, scouting you some girls!” 

And with that, you grab his wrist and drag him out through the front door. Pointing at the keys in his pocket, “You drive, its the gentlemanly thing to do.”

“Yeah okay,” He scoffs, “You’re just lazy.”

He unlocks his car and you pile in, relieved to be in the passengers seat for once. “I could get used to this.” You speak, reclining your seat.

“Oh I didn’t know they could go back that far.” He says, genuine amazement donning his face. You cringe at his words.

“Are you kidding?” You laugh. “Don’t let Haechan hear you say that.”

“He already knows I get no action. I’m sure he won’t be surprised.” He grumbles.

“Okay, here’s another tip.” You announce, sitting up. “You need to have more confidence.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say I don’t.” 

“No I know, but girls love men who seem sure of themselves, you know? They don’t want someone who’s muddling around proclaiming they have no game.”

He takes you in your words but shakes his head, “I don’t know..”

“C’mon Jeno,” You say, turning to meet his eyes. “You’re young, you’re hot, you work out! And you’re super sweet. Not to mention you’re like crazy smart,” 

You continue on rambling as you fail to notice Jeno’s growing smirk. He was going to relish in every compliment that fell from your tongue. And surely tease you about it later.

You only stopped when you notice how quiet he got. 

“Hello? Earth to Jeno?” 

“I’m here,” He responds with a smile.

“You’re so annoying.” You roll your eyes.

“Where to?” He speaks, ignoring your comment. 

“The park! The one by campus. There’s always tons of people just hanging out there.” You proclaim. 

You always took note of the various groups that were there at all times of day. Studying or having a picnic, but you were sure you were going to run into at least one group of girls. And if they had any sense, they would eat Jeno up. 

As the sun starts to set on your day though, you realize they were definitely not eating Jeno up. In fact, every time Jeno approached a girl, they seemed to dodge it the other way. Half-assed excuses donning their lips, and that was if they were nice. Some of the girls just blatantly ignored him and continued on their way. 

Yet, Jeno didn’t let up. He didn’t even seem the slightest bit discouraged. 

Even as he got shot down by another girl. One claiming she ‘Wasn’t in the mood to get her heart broken.’ 

Though you digress, you knew that girl, she was in your Econ class. And if her on and off relationship with Choi Yeonjun was any indicator, she was just trying to save face. Or at least that’s what you told Jeno as you walked back to his car.

You knew what the girls thought about Jeno, likely that he was just trying to pick himself up a weekly girlfriend. They probably didn’t want anything to do with him. He had gained himself a reputation. 

Many girls pegged him to be a heart breaker, seeing as he rejected any girl who asked him out. But that was nothing personal, he just didn’t want to be a in relationship then. He didn’t mean anything by it, and he certainly didn’t want to hurt the girls. 

But not everyone is as understanding.

“Okay new plan,” You speak. “Neighboring university area!” 

“Huh?”

“Dude, everyone here like runs when they see you. Lets go somewhere where no one knows you!”

“Okay but if they don’t know me.. how will I get them to come camping with me?!”

He makes a valid point. 

You lean your head back into his seat and groan. Beating your brain, you decide to take a breather. “Lets go eat lunch, there we can converge a plan.”

“Why did you say that last part so weird?” He laughs. “Mad scientist vibes.”

“Shut up.” You retaliate, punching him in the arm. “Just for that, I get to pick where we eat.”

-

Shoving the roll into your mouth, you bask in the glorious taste. “This is so good.” 

“Slow down there, you might choke.”

“Okay mom.”

He laughs at your comment and stares at the menu, trying to get his order ready by the time the waiter comes by. 

“Jeno?” You hear, causing you to look up from the basket of bread you were admiring.

You’re met with a girl, probably around your age, smiling widely at Jeno.

“Sumin? Is that you?” He asks, returning a smile. 

You look between the two of them confusedly. You were sure she didn’t go to your university. How did Jeno know her? 

“Uh, This is Sumin. We met a couple years ago at camp.” He explains. Then going to introduce you to Sumin as his friend, to which you nod at, offering her a smile.

You suddenly reminded about when Jeno’s parents used to send him off to camp every summer back in high school. Rendering you to spend your summers full of Jaemin. You’re not sure why Jeno went anyways. Something about keeping him out of trouble. Though if there were girls as beautiful as Sumin there, you’re sure he got into more trouble. 

As you let them talk, you notice Sumin seems to be leaning into Jeno a lot. That’s like a surefire sign of attraction. 

Then a light bulb pops into your head. “Sumin, you two met at camp? You must like the outdoors and such then?” You interrupt.

“Oh yes!,” She smiles. “I loved sleeping under the stars, and kayaking! Oh, and the random games they used to make us play!” 

‘Well,” You start, looking at Jeno. Hoping he knew where you were going with this. “We’re actually going camping with a couple of friends soon.”

“Oh, really?” She says nodding.

You look to Jenos face, hoping to gauge a reaction. He doesn’t look uncomfortable or anything, so now was your chance.

“We actually are looking for a couple more people. You should join us!” 

The statement hangs in the air as she thinks, “Oh I don’t know, I can’t intrude!”

“No no, you wont be intruding! You can even share a tent with Jeno.” And you turn towards him, silently hoping he’d encourage her.

It seems he gets the hint. “Yeah, I don’t mind. It’ll be like old times.”

You smile. “Give her your number so she can ask about the details!”

Thank goodness you were here to help. He really did suck at this.

The two bid each other goodbye soon after, Sumin promising to text him later. You just grin widely at his success. “We found you a girl! And its only been a week!” 

He just stays quiet. “Hooray for us.” 

“Whats wrong?” You ask, finding his quietness odd. 

“I don’t know, Sumin’s nice.”

“But..?”

“No but’s, shes nice.” And with that the waiter arrives. Leaving that to be pushed to the back of your mind as you focus on what you’re going to order.

The plan was a success. That much was sure. Especially when you went and showed all your friends pictures of Sumin. You spilling how she looked more stunning in real life, and how Jeno would be bringing the prettiest girl to the event.

To which prompted Haechan to object, “Whatever, wait till you see my date.”

“Who are you bringing?” Mark perks up, genuinely curious. 

Haechan gestures towards you, throwing his arm over you shoulder. To which you aggressively shake off. “Nice try, find someone else.” 

“Why? It’s not like you have anyone to bring.” 

You stay quiet, smirking.

“You found someone?!” Haechan presses on. “Who is he?”

It’s a surprise, is what you say. 

They roll their eyes at you, not believing your words for one second, even as you press on that its true.

Though you know truthfully, you have yet to find anyone. You were so wrapped up in your determination to get Jeno a date that you had forgotten to get your own. In fact, today had been weird that you hadn't been with Jeno the whole day. You liked spending time with him. But now the focus was on you.

You had time though, so it’s not like you were worried.

Jeno doesn’t know why, but hes dying to know who you’re bringing. He’s also relieved to see that you’re not falling into Haechan’s advances. But whoever you’re bringing could be undoubtedly worse, so he tries not to get his hopes up.

“Oh also, Jaemin mentioned to me that we need to go shopping for supplies soon.” Mark states, looking down to put his fork back into the salad he was eating.

“I’m down, just let me know when.” You nod, shopping with the boys was always fun anyways. Even if it meant spending two and a half hours in a Bass Pro Shop.

“Yeah well make sure you ask your date if he has any particular request for food.” Renjun speaks, taking his attention off his food for a second. 

“I’ll do you one better, I’ll bring my date.”

Okay, maybe you shouldn't have said that. But what was with the boys and insinuating you didn’t have a date?

You were going to make them eat their words.

“Great, can’t wait to meet him.” Haechan smirks.

-

And just like you thought, it had come back to bite you.

Instead of having a week left, you now have to obtain a boy by this weekend. (And somehow drag him to a camping store with you.) 

So, out of defenses, you hesitantly asked your co-worker Sungchan.

You two were friends, having grown accustomed to long shifts together and defending each other from the occasional shitty costumer. Plus, you’d much rather take him then some random guy you caught on Tinder or Instagram.

“Camping? Is it like a weekend thing or?”

You nod, hoping he’ll agree.

“You want me to spend two of my precious days off, in the middle of the woods? With a bunch of strangers, bugs, and canned food?” 

Your shoulders deflate, pursing your mouth into a thin line. “Yes?”

“I’m down.”

“What? Really?”

“Yeah, sounds like an adventure.” He shrugs. 

You clap excitedly, “My precious Sungchan, you also have to come to Bass Pro Shop with me.”

He groans, “Whatever, I already agreed.”

And he makes good on his promise, picking you up from your place and coming to the store. 

Jaemins the only one there at the designated time, saying something about the others being on the way. So you just make small talk as the rest gradually arrive. Jaemins quick to fall into conversation with the other, which is a good sign.

Jeno and Haechan arrive together, the latter making a commotion of your date.

“So this is the one?” Haechan says, not-so-subtly scanning over Sungchan’s body.

“Quit checking him out!” You whine. Noting how Haechan was trying to feel up on Sungchans arms. Looking like he was about to snatch him for himself.

You weren’t dumb, you know Sungchan’s good looking, he’s never been shy about saying it either. And you can tell the boys were astounded he even showed, not to mention how undeniably attractive he was.

But you don’t expect him to get along with everyone so well. Thirty minutes in and he was already on Mark and Jaemin’s good side. The two aren’t particularly difficult to please, but you were surprised to see that he had won over Renjun and Chenle.

The rest of the boys got along with him fine, minus Jeno.

He was acting really weird about the whole thing. The least friendly to Sungchan, and just overall had a short fuse with him. He had probably sensed something off about him, which you found to be weird.

So in the middle of the fishing rod aisle,(You guys didn’t even need one), You pulled him aside from the rest of the group. Wanting to get down to the root of the problem, because you weren't the only one who had noticed. Jisung had even remarked how Jeno seemed to be in a bad mood, but he was talking to everyone else just fine, so it seemed Sungchan was the problem.

“Is everything ok?” You ask, eyes full of worry. “You’ve been shooting Sungchan dirty looks the whole time.”

He stays quiet, pretending to be interested in some product on the aisle end cap. “I don’t know what you mean.” 

“Don’t act stupid Jeno.” You warn, “What’s wrong?”

“Just not a fan of him.” He shrugs, turning to walk back towards the group. 

You just shake it off, it wasn’t you problem. Jeno was your friend yes, but if he was going to act indifferent about this, then so be it. You had your own things to worry about. 

Going back to Sungchan’s side, you tap his shoulder. He was listening to Mark ramble on about a fishing line, you once again point out how you don’t need any type of fishing gear. Mark just ignores you and starts shoving reels in Renjun’s face, much to the latter’s displeasure. 

“Your friends are cool.” Sungchan speaks, “They seem to like me.”

“Told you they were fun!” You tease, glad he was making a good first impression. If things kept going good, maybe you could invite Sungchan around more often. He did always mention that he’d like more friends. 

Jeno’s face sours as he watches from afar. You leaning into Sungchan, had you always been so touchy? He shakes his head and turns away.

About thirty minutes later, you’re all ready to head to checkout. Thankful you had another set of arms to help carry the cooler and sleeping bags you were buying. 

Placing the stuff down, you laugh. “This much for two days?”

“Haechan’s sleeping bag caught on fire last time, remember?” Chenle comments. You do remember, it was not pretty. 

Sungchan looks confused and you explain, recalling that Haechan was laying too close to the fire long after everyone else had gone to bed. Remembering that it wasn’t just him in the sleeping bag as well.. 

Haechan stops you from recanting the whole thing, saying how he’d beat you up if you boyfriend wasn’t right there. You scoff at the accusation and Sungchan laughs. But everyone catches on to how you two don’t outright deny it.

You weren’t thinking too much, not even noticing how neither of you had said no. Sungchan was cool, and sure you had thought of him that way before, but he was definitely not your boyfriend right now. You didn’t shy away from the prospect though, and it seemed like he didn’t either. 

Jeno’s brows furrow, you two were a thing? He thought you guys were just friends, he turns away, not wanting to look at you two any longer. He didn’t know why, but he felt somewhat possessive of you. And he definitely did not like Sungchan. 

You all walk out of the store, proud of your successful trip when Renjun suggests you all go out to dinner. You nervously smile, “Sungchan and I were actually planning to watch a movie at my place.” 

“Nice,” Haechan smiles, “Let’s meet at yours then!” 

You groan, and the others just teasingly smile at you, knowing that was not what you had meant. “As long as someones buying snacks cause I don’t have shit.”

“On it!” Jaemin responds, already in his car. 

That’s how you find yourselves all back at your place, an improper movie night to commence after Jisung and Chenle stop fighting over what movie to watch.

Heading to the kitchen for some chips, you’re met with only Jeno in there. Digging through a bag of Jolly Ranchers for his favorite. 

“I ate all the cherry ones.” You say, poking at his shoulders, knowing he loved those as much as you did.

He smiles, not responding. Until he pulls out one, a cherry one. You perk up at that, you thought you had eaten all of them ages ago.

“Oh, for me? Thanks.” Sarcasm donning your voice, but still going to reach for it anyways.

He snatches it back, “Go ask Sungchan for one.” Jealousy seemingly apparent in his voice, confusing you.

“You suck.” You state bluntly, until he unwraps the candy and places it in front of your mouth. 

“Want it?” He asks, gesturing it more towards you, eyebrows raised.

You narrow your eyes, “..Yes.”

“Open wide then.” 

You scrunch your nose, he wanted to feed it to you? ‘No thanks.” Is all you say before walking away.

But then you feel a hand clasp around your wrist, turning you back. Jeno stares at you blankly, then repeating. “I said open.”

Curiously, you open your mouth slightly. Just enough to get the candy. Jeno brings the cherry flavored candy to your lips. He smirks, grabbing your chin, he holds you in place. “Wider,” He commands, and you follow. 

He slips the candy in, along with two of his fingers, and you close your lips around them. He stares at you, and you look down at the floor. You had never seen this side of Jeno before, the Jeno you knew always carefree and smiling, far different from the one in front of you. You were a bit scared but you’d be lying if you said you weren’t a bit turned on.

With newly acquired confidence, you shove his fingers farther into your mouth. His eyes widen and you gag, the candy hitting the back of your throat. But you progress, slowly sliding your mouth off his fingers, releasing them with a pop.

Swirling the rest of the candy in your mouth, you smile. “Mm yummy.”

Though your hearts beating like crazy, shivering at the close proximity between you and Jeno. He walks forward, backing you into the counter. You two just stare at each other, and you swear he’s about to lean in. Until the sound of approaching footsteps is heard.

You and Jeno separate, you going back to your mission for chips and him to pour a glass of water. Trying to steady your nerves and not give away to the person what the two of you were doing.

Sungchan pokes his head into the area, “Hey we decided on a movie, I left you a spot next to me.”

You grin, “Okay, let’s go.”

Watching you leave the area with your hand around Sungchan’s bicep, Jeno wants to puke.

In fact, his urge to vomit only gets stronger as he continues to watch you cuddle up to the other boy all night. After the little display earlier, you still had the nerve to hang onto Sungchan? 

The movies a devastatingly long one, some of the boys filtering out before its even ended. Mark mutters something about how its getting late, wanting to leave before he passes out on your tiny love seat.

And just like that, only four of you remain. Jaemin’s strewn out on the floor, fast asleep, as is Sungchan on the arm of your sofa. You and Jeno are the only one’s still awake, though you’re unable to move as Sungchan constantly stirs in his sleep. 

The last thing you want to do is wake him, but his phone does just that. Vibrating in his pocket, he lazily opens his eyes. Seeing the time as well, he shoots up, “Shit, I have to go.” He says, eyes widening as he heads towards the front of your place, grabbing his jacket and searching for his shoes. 

He bids you goodbye and you make him promise to text you when he gets home safely, to which he agrees with a smile. “Have a good night.” He says, kissing your forehead before heading out the door. 

You grin at the kiss, watching as he makes his way out. 

Jaemin’s snoring knocks you out of your trance, closing the door behind you.

Jeno appears in the hall, “I can drag him home.” He suggests.

Shaking your head, you look over at him. He did seem rather comfortable on your floor. “He seems fine. I’ll get him a blanket.” 

Jeno nods and fishes for his keys on your counter. “It’s late, I’ll head out.”

“Jaemin’s staying, why don’t you just stay too?” You ask. It was a completely normal thing for the boys to stay over, they were all welcomed to any time. You know the others left just from desire to sleep comfortably in their own beds.

Jeno and Jaemin were no strangers to staying the night either, the three of you hung out often late into the night. You don’t know why Jeno was in a hurry to leave anyways, he would normally just agree to crash on your couch.

“I don’t know..” He trails. 

“Why not?” You sputter, confused as your patience for his attitude began to grow thin. “You’ve been acting weird all day! What’s got you all hot and bothered?!” 

“You really wanna know?” He asks, condescendingly. Like you should know what you did wrong. 

“Do I? Yes I would like to know what has had you being an asshole all day!”

He just laughs at that, only causing you to get more annoyed. Contemplating if to tell the truth or not, he watches you grow more impatient. 

“I just don’t like Sungchan.”

“Well no shit,” You throw your hands up. “You already told me!”

He shrugs in defeat, like it was no big deal he had been so rude to him.

“I just wanna know why!” You speak again.

“I could tell you.” He says, inching closer. “But I could show you a lot better.”

“What?” You’re cut off by Jeno pulling you into a kiss. Completely surprised by the turn of events, but you welcome it. His hands finding their way into your hair.

You pull away, “Jeno, what are we doing?” And you meant it. What was this sudden behavior? Would this ruin your friendship? Could you two be normal after this? Was he even going to go all the way?

“Tell me to stop.” He whispers indifferently. “Tell me you don’t want this.” 

“Jaemin’s in the living room.” You caution, scared to wake him, though you ignore Jenos statement. “But I want this.”

“Then we better take this to your room.” 

And the moment you nod in agreement, he pulls you away to your bedroom. You two stumbling as he attempts to kiss you on the way there. He closes the door behind you, pushing you against it as he meets your mouth again.

It’s messy and uncoordinated, his sheer desire for you taking over. Teeth clashing and tongues strewn. He pulls back from the kiss and begins fervently attacking your neck.

“Please Jeno,” You whine, aching for him to continue. “Need you.”

“To what?” He teases, lifting up from your neck.

You want to scream. Of course he was going to make you say it, this was Jeno you were talking to. And he truly wanted nothing more than to hear the words slip past your mouth.

“Touch me.” You beg, wishing he would cut it out with the teasing.

“Where?” He continues. Moving his hands down your body, “Here?”

You shake your head, “N-No.”

You grab his hand bravely and place it on the front of your pants. He begins rubbing you through your jeans, the fabric roughly brushing up against you.

“I wanna hear you say it.” He smiles, “That you want me to touch you. And not Sungchan.”

You roll your eyes, he was still on about this? Sungchan was the last thing on your mind right now, the first being your aching wetness and Jeno’s stubbornness to relieve it. 

“W-want,” You stutter as he begins to unzip your pants, “Want you to touch me.”

“Mhmm,” He nods. “Because you’re mine.”

You whimper at the contact of his hands rubbing you through your panties. Attempting to suppress a moan from falling past your lips. His possessiveness was such a turn on to you, and you didn’t even know why.

“So wet,” He comments, “Just from a little kissing. Are you sure I’m the one who’s never been in a relationship?”

Annoyed, you turn away blushing, “Shut up.”

Jeno just chuckles as you press against his shoulders, signaling for him to stop. “Wait, don’t wanna do it against the wall. Want to be on the bed.”

“So demanding.” 

And with that, he moves you to lay down on your bed. He beings kissing you again, tugging at the hem of your shirt and you raise your hands to let him remove it off you. Although you had taken note that Jeno was still fully clothed. 

“Not fair, you should take off your shirt.” You pout, and he rushes to take it off, revealing his chiseled body to you. You gawk at him in his shirtless glory, upset you hadn’t thought to see it sooner, well at least you were seeing it now.

“Close your mouth, you’ll catch flies.” He teases again, going to kiss you before you can spout some smart remark.

He recedes back, lowering himself down to be met with your dripping cunt. He slides your panties down, slowly pulling them off your ankles with his teeth. You prop yourself up on your elbows to see, and you had to admit, its hot.

Jeno nibbles on your thigh, eliciting a yelp from you before he starts rubbing his thumb over your folds. “All for me.” He smirks proudly. 

Sticking his tongue out, he licks a thin stripe on your clit, you letting out a loud string of moans. “Jeno- Please.” 

He moves to stick a finger in, you clenching harshly around it. 

“So tight.” He hisses, adding another finger in. Causing you to wail out in pleasure. It felt so good, you hadn’t been touched in a while. 

He continues like this, whispering praises into your ear as he seems indifferent, “You’re doing so well, sucking my fingers into this pretty cunt.”

You’re feeling the coil in your stomach, embarrassingly close to cumming at the brutal pace of his fingers inside you, when he slips them out. 

“Want you to cum on my tongue.” He explains before you can even protest.

Nodding, you’re met with his mouth back on your clit, his tongue harshly lapping against you. You unconsciously reach for his hair, pulling strongly on it, causing him to let out a moan against your heat. 

“Pull harder.” He demands, and you oblige. One hand in his hair and the other gripping your sheets. Your hips start to lift off the bed in pleasure, as he holds you down by your legs, your shaking form struggling to stay still. 

“Jeno, Please, please I’m so close,” You plead as he continues to eat you out like a starved man. 

“Do it baby, cum for me.” He assures, and you moan at his words. The affect he had on you was insane. You had never been so shaken up over getting head before.  

You reach your climax shortly after, a wave of white washing over you as you let out a final string of moans. Jeno’s movements barely even faltering as you finish on his face. 

He pulls away, moving to stand up and goes to wash his face in your connected bathroom. You’re a bit put off by his sudden change in mood, but you calm your breathing and start searching for your bottoms on the floor, as well as your shirt.

Jeno emerges from the bathroom and you silently hand him his shirt, when you notice he’s sporting a complete boner. 

“You look like you could use some help.” You announce, smirking. 

He shakes his head though, “I can take care of this at home.”

Huh? What was he talking about? 

“Let me return the favor.” You state, “I’m eager to please.” 

But he remains the same, “It’s fine.”

And he walks past you, opening the door out of your room. Leaving you more than just a little confused. Was he regretting what happened? Why wouldn’t he accept your offer to touch him? What kind of guy turns down head? 

You avoid eye contact. “Oh.. Ok. Have a safe trip home.”

You want the earth to crack open and swallow you whole. He nods and makes his way past a sleeping Jaemin and out your front door. 

Not wanting to be alone, you sit on the other couch opposite of your friend. 

That’s when he sits up. “You two are so gross.”

“You were awake?” You ask, mouth agape. 

“You guys woke me! Maybe try and keep it down next time!” He scolds, until he notices the look on your face. “Is something wrong? Did you not want to do it?”

You wave your hands, “No! No, I did. It’s just that when I offered to do something for him, he rejected me. I don’t know- I feel gross.”

He shakes his head, “Jeno’s like that, he doesn’t know how to express his feelings, I’m sorry he made you feel that way.”

You just nod, “Please don’t tell anyone about this.” And he agrees, swearing to not say a word, and you couldn’t have been more grateful. 

-

You ignore Jeno for the next couple of days, purposefully. Whether it was to save yourself from embarrassment, or from your feelings? You didn’t know.

You wish you hadn’t acted so carelessly, to let yourself get carried away in his bliss, knowing you could never have him in the way you wanted.

You were also unsure of how Jeno would react to being around you after that. You didn’t even know if you would be confident in your actions around him. Would you be able to look him in the eye? Or even worse, what if he had told your friends? What if Jaemin had, despite his swearing to secrecy? 

Haechan would be a nightmare.

But you push those thoughts to the back of your mind as Sungchan calls for your attention. You two were at your place, packing for the trip. Water bottles and his awful trail mix bars being shoved in your backpacks.

You were leaving today, you breathe in. A weekend you were looking forward to how now left you unsure. But if worse came to worse, Sungchan would be there.

Over the past couple of days, you had done a lot of thinking. Not just about you and Jeno, but about the other boys as well. 

You realized that you and Sungchan were nothing beyond a clingy pair of friends, and that’s all you felt for him, a sense of friendship. Whatever uncertainty you had was gone. You knew he didn’t make you feel the way Jeno did. And it wasn’t just because of the interaction either.

You had feelings for Jeno, that was certain. 

You assume you’ve had them for a while too, it wasn’t until you sat down and acknowledged that you would consider a relationship with him, did you realize. 

But it was all too much, too fast. 

Engaging in those activities with him, knowing he likely only saw you as a friend? Too much to bear. So you knew you had to keep your distance from him as far as possible. You knew these feelings were likely to pass too, you just had to wait it out. 

Because if there was something else you realized, it was that he didn’t feel the same. And why would he? You weren’t anything like the girls he’s gone for. You weren’t anything like Sumin. Not to mention his reluctance to let you touch him, (which was the root of your embarrassment), after he had eaten you out. You understood he just wanted to have a little fun with you, nothing more. 

Plus, if his past record of no girlfriends meant anything, it was that he couldn’t be bothered to be tied down. So you weren’t going to begin to feed into the delusional idea that he could be your boyfriend, it would only just end up hurting you that much more.

Sungchan pulls you from your thoughts as he announces its time to leave, and you smile. He helps you pack your things into the car and you two shake with enthusiasm during the entire thirty minute ride. Though you’re not looking forward to hiking the rest of the way to the campsite; A necessary evil.

Sungchan doesn’t complain too much though, smiling as he reads off the printed map for directions. You didn’t get much service out here, and you weren’t going to take any chances getting lost. 

It didn’t help that you two were late, noting that all your friends had arrived by the time you reached the sites with your tents and backpacks in tow. 

You see Jaemin and his girl sitting on logs, whispering something into each others ear as they giggle. Her legs resting over his lap. 

To their right is Renjun and Chenle arguing over something random, with their respective dates behind them, both looking extremely confused.

Mark is setting up a tent with his date, Jisung and his date helping them hold the poles steadily. Mark stumbling as he trips over one of the mounts.

Haechan emerges from his tent upon the others announcing your arrival, saying something about his date being passed out in their tent. 

Jeno and Sumin are no where to be found, and you try not to ask about it. 

Though, Jaemin approaches you the minute Sungchan leaves your side. “They went exploring. Whatever that means.” He speaks, and you don’t even have to ask him who he’s talking about. 

You just nod and ask him for a drink. “You’ve been here for five minutes!” He recoils, like he can’t believe you asked him that. 

“Well its unfair of you to expect me to tolerate Haechan for an entire weekend without a drink.” You tease, the aforementioned male coming to whine.

Sungchan returns with two drinks in hand, you thanking him as he passes you one. He then places his hand on the small of your back, the boys in front of you not missing a beat. 

“Woah, did you two hook up or something?” Haechan speaks, never one to censor himself.

“None of your business.” You mumble, though you know the two of you hadn't.

“Oo, don’t let Jeno see!” Jisung warns as he passes by.

“Jeno?” Sungchan perks up, “What about him?”

Haechan and Jaemin just look at the each other, “Nothing.”

And with that, the boys leave you and Sungchan. 

The two of you deciding to go sit on logs of your own before you have set up your own tent. The silences of the trees swaying overtaking you.

“So,” He starts. “You wanna sleep with me this weekend?”

You almost spit out your drink. “What?”

“We don’t have to!” He retracts. “I just figured.. maybe you’d want to?”

“Sung, we’re friends and we work together. Won’t this make things weird?”

“It doesn’t have to happen again if you don’t want it to. Just thought I’d put it out there.” He shrugs, like it was all so simple. “You’re hot, I’m hot. We’re both single. Both sexually frustrated. So why not?”

You look to the ground, “I don’t know..”

“Actually, I’m sorry I asked, I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

You didn’t feel pressured though, and Sungchan was somewhat right. You did invite him out here with a inkling of hope that maybe you could bed him. Who wouldn’t want to anyways? You hadn't had sex in a while, and your attractive friend was ready and willing. So what if you had feelings for Jeno? They would pass. You should have a little fun. Fuck it. 

“Okay,” You speak. “I’d like that.”

He smiles, “Perfect.”

You’re about to respond when you hear the crunching of leaves behind you, Jeno and Sumin emerging from the bushes, hand in hand. 

Were the two together? You feel your smile falter a bit before you look away, Jeno didn’t owe you anything. And you knew the type of guy he was, who was to say he was going to even commit to Sumin? 

“There you two are!” Renjun says walking towards them. “Thought you’d gotten ravaged by a bear!”

“Oh, Jeno ravaged something..” Haechan comments, suggestively. 

Jeno shakes his head at the insinuation, Sumin eyes flickering over to you. “Hey! You made it!” 

“Yes!” You say, moving to hug her. Then you notice her eyes landing on Sungchan, and she starts practically eye-fucking him proudly. And he looks somewhat into it? You see that Jeno notices too, as he wavers his attention. 

“This is Sungchan.” You say, as she moves to introduce herself to him. 

“I’m Sumin! Jeno’s friend.” 

The air grows heavy as she says that, Jeno looking dejected and everyone else looking confused. So they weren’t together then?

You just shrug, going to bother Mark and his date, who still can’t get the tent up. “Need help?”

Mark’s date looks at you in relief, “Please! Mark told his other friend that we could do it.. but we’re having a hard time..”

“I got you,” You speak, noticing something off. “He’s doing it wrong.”

Mark sighs, “Damn,” He looks down. “You had to call me out in front of my date. I’m gonna go tell Sungchan about the time you threw up in Renjun’s mouth.”

“Don’t you dare!” You say, moving to chase after Mark as he begins running in the opposite direction, tent long forgotten. “You’re lying!” 

“No I’m not! Haechan was there too!” 

“I was where?” Haechan yells, wondering what all the commotion is.

You and Mark stop, hands on your knees as you pant out. Tired from chasing the boy around in circles, you try and catch your breath. 

“Don’t,” Pant. “Listen,” Pant. “To him.”

“Remember that night we played spin the bottle?” Mark begins, still breathless.

The others begin to gather around, drawn to the scene by Haechans loud voice. “Yeah I do.” He starts. “When you and I kissed?”

“You what?!” Jaemin exclaims, “Wait, why was I not invited?”

“Haechan and I did not kiss!” Mark laughs, and you giggle, knowing full well that he was lying to save face.

Haechan shrugs, “Whatever you say.”

“The point is that Renjun got thrown up on.” 

Renjun cringes, “I don’t like to think about that.”

“Wait by who?” Jeno asks, not amused.

“By her!” Mark says, wagging his finger at you. “Damn near threw up in Renjun’s mouth, she pulled away just in time.”

“You kissed Renjun?” Jeno asks, surprise evident on his face. 

You ignore him, what was the big deal anyways? It was spin the bottle, you were all drunk, and it landed on you and Renjun. Who cares?

“Mark that happened months ago!” You protest, “I didn’t know my limits.”

“It should’ve been me!” Haechan whines, faking a wound to his chest.

“You wanted to get thrown up on? Or to kiss Renjun?” Mark asks, and it was definitely a necessary question but Haechan just flips him off as he walks away.

The others just laugh and you turn to walk away but are stopped by Jeno pulling you aside. He drags you a few steps into the trees, far enough from everyone else that you two could have a private conversation. 

“Who all have you kissed?” He asks. 

“Huh?” 

“Answer the question.”

“No, I don’t want to.” You state, confused on his attitude. “You’ve got some nerve to come over here and ask me that, considering how bitchy you’ve been.”

“Me? You’re the one who’s acting childish and ignoring me.”

“So what?” You spout. “And why do you care who I’ve kissed anyways?”

“I don’t.” He says, “I guess I just thought I was the first one of us to kiss you.”

“Oh,” You say, fire rising in your chest. “So that makes me worth less to you? Knowing I’ve kissed Mark, Renjun, and Jaemin before I kissed you?”

“No it doesn’t.” He replies. “But it does make me jealous.”

You scoff, “Jealous? You have no right, especially not after you left me all confused the other day! You made me feel like I did something wrong.”

“What are you talking about?” 

“You just walked out. Was I that disgusting that you didn’t want me to touch you? You made me feel like shit when you left like that. I don’t deserve to feel that way.” 

“Woah woah,” He stops you. “Back it up, disgusting? You’ve got it all wrong.”

“Well what was I supposed to think?”

He’s silent for a moment as he tries to think of what to say. “That’s not why I walked out. The truth is, I didn’t want you to feel pressured, and I felt like I was pushing boundaries and-”

“I said I wanted it, I wanted nothing more than to touch you after that and you just blew me off.” You state. “It’s like you pulled me in to just push me away.”

“I’m so sorry,” He apologies, “I had no idea you felt that way.”

“Jeno,” You start, here goes nothing. “I have to be transparent with you, okay?”

“Okay..” He trails.

You couldn’t do this anymore, you couldn’t pretend. 

“Please don’t lead me on anymore. I have feelings for you, and it hurts for you to act like this with me.” Your chest weighs heavy and you await his response.

“You have feelings for me?”

“Don’t make me say it again.” You mumble, unable to make eye contact with the male beside you. You had thought it was completely obvious.

“I do too.”

You look up at him, “What?”

“Why do you think I asked for your help in the first place?”

“Because you needed a date?” You ask, confused.

He smiles, “My plan was never to get another date. I was hoping maybe at the end, I could just ask you. But then we ran into Sumin, and you found Sungchan and it all happened so fast, I just lost hope.” 

“I’m jealous knowing that our other friends have kissed you before, because I always imagined I’d be the first. In a world where I wasn’t too much of a pussy to ask you out.” Jeno continues, crunching sticks beneath his feet. “Instead I thought this stupid idea could get me somewhere. I was an idiot to think you wouldn’t have a date in the palm of your hand awaiting your call.”

You stay silent as he gathers his thoughts. He leans against a tree, “I’ve never had a girlfriend because I’ve been waiting for you, all the guys know and that’s why the tease me.”

Your head is spinning, that was why? He didn’t date other girls because of you? This couldn’t be true, how had you not seen it all this time?

“Well, more like waiting for me to grow the balls to ask you out. ‘Cause the time never felt right. But now, seeing you with Sungchan, seeing the way he looks at you. It felt like if I didn’t do something now, I’d lose you. But I acted even worse, and I made you think I didn’t like you in the process. I’m sorry, I’ve acted like a total jerk, but I won’t you let you go another minute thinking I don’t want you.”

You’re speechless at his confession, everything made sense now. Why he was so reluctant with Sumin. Why he really didn’t like Sungchan. It all fell together.

“Jeno,” You smile. “Just kiss me.” 

And he does, but it’s different this time. It’s slow and passionate, like a kiss is supposed to be. It’s not messy and needy like before, no it’s the opposite.

But it felt right, it felt better. 

“Tell me honestly,” He says as he pulls away, going to stroke your hair. “Am I a better kisser than Jaemin?”

Mood ruined.

You hit his chest, “Are you serious? You finish kissing the life out of me and then you ask me that? Romance is dead.” 

He laughs, but you can tell he’s still awaiting your response. “In all fairness, I can’t really say. That night was embarrassing. I took his shirt off and then we cringed and vowed to never speak of it again.” 

“So you’re not in love with Renjun, Mark, or Jaemin?” He asks, for clarification. 

“No, I swear.” You tease. “You’re the only idiot I’m dumb enough to like. But who’s to say that you’re not in love with Sumin?” 

“Sumin? How much do you want to bet that her and Sungchan are hooking up right now.” Jeno asks, and you had completely forgot about Sungchan.

“Oh no! Sungchan!” 

“What?”

“Sungchan expected to come out here and get laid.” You pause, nervous of Jeno’s reaction. 

But he seems understanding. “I had the same agreement with Sumin.”

Before you can respond, his eyes widen. “But you’re not going to anymore right?”

“No!” Rolling your eyes you look away. Though you smirk as you tug on his belt loop. “But do you plan on letting me get your pants off tonight?”

“Wow, you’re horny.” 

“Shut up!” You pout, “Come on, lets go out there and hope that our dates decided they like each other more than us.” 

Jeno nods his head and follows suit, the two of you returning from the trees to find some of the boys building a fire. 

“It’s not even dark.” You quirk an eyebrow.

“No but Chenle has an app that says sunset is in an hour.” Jaemin responds. Poor boy never knows what’s going on. “Anyways, where are yall’s dates? I thought you were with them.”

“No?” Jeno questions, furrowing his eye brows. 

“Oh, well they disappeared like twenty minutes ago.” 

You and Jeno look at each other, mentally celebrating. You’re glad that Sungchan had found some way to get laid this weekend, maybe not in the way he expected but, a win is a win. “You two look suspicious, whats going on? Please try and keep it down if you two decide to get freaky again.”

Jeno looks shocked at that, “You know?”

“I was there, and you two weren’t exactly quiet.” Jaemin deadpans, nose scrunching as he recalls the nights events. “You were all ‘Mmm yes so tight.’ I wanted to die.”

Oh god, he had heard all that? Why didn’t Jeno look embarrassed? You wanted to melt.

“Well,” Jeno says, pulling you closer to him by your waist. “There’s more where that came from, maybe try and wear earplugs.”

Your face grows hot as Jaemin starts complaining, “So what, are you two together now or?”

And a glint of hope appears in your eyes, “I’d like to be your girlfriend, you know. Your first.” You tease.

Jeno grins, “And I’d love to be your boyfriend.”

Jaemin gags at the scene, “Quit being gross and come help me start this fire.”

Your now-boyfriend Jeno moves to help Jaemin, Haechan approaching the three of you. “Woo! I heard from back there! Congrats Jeno!”

Chuckling, Jeno looks over at you, proud to know that you were officially his.

Though Renjun approaches the scene, “What about the others? Sungchan and whats-her-name?” 

“Sumin.” You correct. “I don’t even know, they ran off apparently.”

“Wait, just to clarify.” Jeno speaks up. “We’re kicking them out of our tents right?”

“Duh.”

-

The night comes shortly after. All of you, including your former dates, gathered around the campfire. And you’re glad to see Sungchan looks smitten with Sumin, you shooting him a thumbs up as he sees Jeno’s hand on your thigh.

He knew the entire time, he wasn’t stupid, he was just waiting for the two of you to realize. 

Seems like you were the only one who didn’t know of Jeno’s feelings for you.

The boys steadily trickle out, retreating to the comfort of their tents. Tired and red eye looking, but as you hear noises out of Haechan’s tent, you know they’re doing anything but sleeping.

You and Jeno bid the others goodnight, him helping you up and into the tent he so graciously put up himself. 

You giggle as he attempts to slip into his sleeping bag, “You don’t actually plan on sleeping do you?”

He looks at you like a deer caught in the headlights. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” You say, grinning slyly. “You still haven’t let me see what’s under the belt, baby.”

To be honest, you were really turned on by Jeno right now. Especially now, upon finding out he sleeps shirtless, you needed him so bad. Your mind couldn’t even think straight with him like this.

You’re cut from your daze at a loud moan that rips through the air, presumably coming from another tent. “Freaks.” You scoff, acting like you’re different.

A smile happens upon Jeno’s face. “I bet we can be louder.”

Grinning back, you feel yourself getting wetter. “Challenge accepted.”

He starts kissing up on your neck, making your arousal leak out even more. You’re set in his lap, grinding against him, and you can feel him hard under you.

You had to get those sweats off. 

You were a little shaky undoing his pants, his cock pretty in the light. Long and with a bulging vein on the underside. You moan at the sight of it, not wanting to wait to get it inside you. 

And there’s not a single regret donning your tongue as you lap up Jeno’s thick cock. Precum was gathered at the base, pink and glistening. And it looked so good, too good even. 

He moans out in ecstasy, truly not caring who heard. He thought this was the hottest thing ever, he had dreamed of this for so long, and now he was allowing himself to have it. To revel in you and you pretty eyes that looked up at him as you gag around him. All of it was nearly enough to finish him.

“No no, stop. Don’t wanna cum yet.” He pleads, but you barely let up. His hands resting on your head, unconsciously pushing it down. Until he gains strength to pull you off, bringing you up to meet his mouth.  Jeno had waited too long for this for him to cum without being inside you first. 

He pulls you into a messy kiss, tongues clashing and saliva dripping out. He fondles your breasts through your shirt, then moves to pull at the hem.

“Off.” He begs, and you oblige. His mouth immediately lands on your nipple, latching his hand onto the other, twisting and sucking fervently. 

“S-So good.” You let out, loving the way he was treating you. But you were impatient, and you had enough of the teasing.

“Need you in me Jeno..” You whine, pouting as he ignores you. He stays how he is for a few more seconds until he releases you from his mouth. 

He quickly goes to remove his bottoms fully, as well as yours. And you felt your wetness pooling by the second. “I can’t wait anymore, need to fuck you.”

And you’re glad, as you watch him line up his pretty cock with your entrance, you were sure you could finish from the sight alone. 

“Fuck..” He moans out, throwing his head back in pleasure as he slips into you. Wet and warm, he never wants to leave. He bottoms out, tip hitting your cervix as he asks for permission to move and you nod your head, desperate. 

You loved the way he stretched you out, unable to hide the string of moans that left your mouth. He felt so good inside you as his tip kissed your g-spot with every thrust. 

He rubs his thumb on your clit as you moan even louder. “Yes! Don’t stop! Mm.”

“It’s always been you.” He chokes out. “Always wanted you under me like this.” And you can’t deny the heat that it sends straight to your core, causing you to clench around him. “Better than I could have imagined.”

He doesn’t let up, desire taking over him as he bullies his cock into your cunt at a brutal pace. He was truly unlike anyone you had ever been with before. 

He rubs his thumb on your clit as he thrusts into you, bringing you the most pleasure you’re sure you’ve felt in your life. 

He silences your moans with a kiss, swallowing them into his mouth. Your arms clawing at his back, which was sure to leave marks. He slows his thrusts and you can tell hes getting close. 

“It’s okay, I’m close too. Cum, cum inside.” 

His eyes widen as he hears your words, this was a dream come true. 

“I-” He sputters, shaking his head.

“I’m on the pill.” You interrupt. “Please Jeno, please, need your cum in me.”

You moan out that you’re close and he’s right behind you, spilling out his seed into you as you orgasm. Your climax coming on strongly, and you can feel your legs trembling. He bites his lip, grunting as he finishes as well, filling you to the brim. 

You and Jeno just heavily breathe, him laying on top you slightly before getting up to remove himself. If it were up to you though, you’d keep him in you all night. Though, Jeno was a man of good hygiene, first and foremost. 

You let out a wince as he slides out of you, the empty feeling settling over you. 

He grabs a water bottle and pours it into one of the towels in your tent, and you smile, thankful he was going to clean you up. He wipes around your sensitive areas and slips your bottoms on, you still out of breath. You get both of your clothes on and sorted, ready to sleep now.

You’re sharing a moment of silence when your tent starts shaking rapidly, the shadow of two people appearing as you realize its your friends messing with you.

“Could you two be any louder ?!”

“You’re disgusting!”

“Tent’s have thin walls, you know?!”

You just bury your face into Jeno’s chest, laughing at the commotion.

“Leave my girl and I alone!” Jeno shouts out playfully, caressing your head.

My girl?

You could get used to that. 

#nct #nct smut #nct imagines #nct fics #jeno fanfic #sunghcan #nct jeno #nct lee jeno #nct haechan #nct mark #nct dream #nct dream smut #nct dream fanfic #nct dream imagine #nct dream imagines #nct dream fanfiction #nct fanfiction #jeno fanfiction #lee jeno fanfiction #jeno lee #jeno lee fanfiction #lee jeno oneshot #lee jeno nct

[maria-ruta]

22. and 49. for all three! :D

I just DID NOT have time to sit and properly answer this, bc its such a big question for many characters! but today my classes are dismissed due to the storm so HERE WE GO

Ronya, Blueberry and Veronica!

22. What simple activity that most people do / can do scares your character?

Ronya - I'd say it was magic. Not like most people can do it but lot of people in fantasy setting can though. But throughout the game she had to put up with a lot of magical stuff and got involved too so she got used to... But something more mundane? I'd say getting to dentist or getting teeth removed or see others getting teeth removed or seeing removed teeth - puts her in big unease. That's because after Nabassu demon killed eveyone in her village, it was bringing her ripped out goblin teeth as a gift for some time, when she was sleeping. I think she still has trigger for that kind of thing

Blueberry - some kind of serious fancy dinners/tea parties where you have to be all polite, good manners etc make his stomach curl and sweat nervously. He remembers all kind of fancy danning he had to attend when he still was part of lumeris society and how many times he failed them missarably or just sat there silently, prettending he's not there. He is also bad at negotiating (even though now he has to do it sometimes)

Veronica - I have troubles thinking of something specific - it is a complex and interesting question... but its hard for me to think of anything

okay lets say - sunbathing ahahaha lol. but thats what HUMANS can easily do

I'm trying to think of something that would be simple activity for most vampires but not for Veronica and hm... She has tabo on drinking blood from kids and teens, but not because she's scared of them of course. But because she is scared to hurt them. She strictly feeds only on adults. Acidentally drinking kid's blood can put her in frenzy state

49. Would they eat something they find gross to be polite?

Ronya - No. hahaha

she would be like "urgh. I'm not eating that"

BUT if she specifically want to try to be polite

and she will not elaborate. X) (feat. bard Mao, character of my friend Kate, who knew the etiquette very well and was good at negotiations and such)

Blueberry - yeah he would, but he would look soooo missarable while doing so hahaha

like a pathetic kicked puppy

and if its some kind of fancy dinner too - oh well rip (look up the question and answer above lol)

Veronica - OHOHOHOO now thats an interesting topic to discuss! Overall - yes, Veronica is the type that would do that (also she's a people pleaser)

BUT! she is a vampire, and she doesn't have merit for eating food, like some of her vamp friends, like Charlie or Johny. So if she eats human food she will puke almost instantly (or would have to spend her blood energy to bear it). So she would avoid eating human food at any cost (she has so many made up excuses, from lying she has allergy or diet or recently visiting a dentist etc). BUT she doesn't find human food desgusting.. she still likes how it looks and smells - she just knows that its poisonos for her bc shes a vamp.

Though the question is specificall about eating something, that character finds disgusting - what could it be? In Veronica's case we are talking about blood. It's not a secret that packaged blood taste worse than FRESHHH one, but Veronica is used to drinking it from time to time, so she doesn't find it gross

What would she find gross and digusting though? The animal blood of course! She had to drink it few times I think, during her anarch phase, when she was traveling around usa - not only it tastes horrible, but she always felt bad for the animals too (to get at least one point of blood energy, vampire has to drink the whole animal's blood, obviously killing it)

So let's say Rene gave Veronica a mission to visit some other city and negotiate with some nosferatu from this city (Rene is the nosferatu with yellow crocodile eyes and crocodile scales, also he is the head of Veronica's coterie and in future he will become the prince of New Orleans, and Veronica's elysium is patronized by him too btw. He bought the building for it, and Veronica was renovating and furnituring it herself. I drew Rene here, here and here. He is also a character of my friend Kate haha)

And so Veronica comes to visit those nosferatus, and they offer her the best and most fresh rat blood they have (it's hard for nosferatu to hunt humans since they don't look too humane, and drinking animal blood is regular to most of them, since they also don't have as much problems with drinking it as other types of vampires).

This offer is also kind of a test to see how serious are Veronica's intention and aslo is a little bit of trolling bc it's fun to see if cute pretty toreador girl would do in such situation

But of course Veronica would accept the offer and drink it and even big chance that she would be able to hold a straight face during it (she isn't too worryied about it being poisonned or with something else bad added there because only an idiot would want to anger Rene tbh)

like

Veronica: mmm! such an interesting flavor too!

Nosferatu: of course! ^_^ we got those specimens just recently, from kindred who breeds them with a big blood lump growing on them! :D

Veronica: oh! how smart! very convinient "screaming inside her head"

Thank you for such great questions! here is a link to the whole questions list, in case anyone wanna ask more

#dnd #vtm #vampire the masquerade #toreador #SCUM AND VILLAINY #scifi #sci-fi #Ronya #bugbear #Blueberry #Veronica Sugar #my ocs #my art #ask #asks

[nora-kano-rokii]

TW!! Mentions of kidnapping and a bit of blood

Alhatiham x Kaveh angst

-----

"Kaveh. Kaveh listen to me."

The blonde was limp against his body, no words uttered from his mouth. Alhaitham strokes his hair softly, moving closer to him so that his words directly above his ears.

"Don't worry, Kaveh. We'll bring you back home. You're not with them anymore, you're safe. Hang on in there."

--

"How is he?"

"I don't know. He's just... completely devoid of anything. There's nothing wrong with him, physically. But he just won't talk. Or answer me. Or eat, drink. Any of that. It's like he's empty. I don't know how else to describe it." Tighnari shuffles a bit in his seat. Hair disarrayed from countless hours trying to help his friend has left him baffled at best.

"What do you mean? Surely it's something that can be fixed with some deep sleep, poor guy seems like he hasn’t slept in weeks." The General Mahamatra steps closer to their table of discussion. "It's a good thing we found him today, who knows what they'll do to him if we hadn't barged in"

"Do not talk about those bastards in front of me," Haitham glares at the floor, eyes darkening, "I'll make sure they face far heavier consequences."

"I'm not trying to shift the topic from Kaveh to them. I'm just saying, sleep and rest is probably what he needs right now." Cyno replied, taking a seat beside the botanist.

"I'm not an expert in the form of biology," Tighnari sighs, "but I don't think this is something I can fix without knowing what caused it. I'm going to need data from the interrogation or something."

Alhaitham's eyes seems to be in a trance. For the first time in a while, he wasn't sure what to do.

The job of being a Grand Sage did take a lot of time and attention away from Kaveh, but he didn't think it would come to a situation like this. He came home from work one day, and just... nothing. There was no one in their home. Not his roommate, no food on the table, and even his table that was filled with artwork is now empty.

There was no way he decided to move out on a whim, right?

Even if that was the case, where would Kaveh go?

Alhaitham made sure to make Kaveh treat this house as his own home. As /their/ own home. He made sure to make Kaveh know that this house also belongs to him, and he is always welcome to it.

But perhaps, his lack of presence made Kaveh's confidence in this knowledge waver. Anyhow, he didn't think much of it at the time. He figured Kaveh would've stayed with Tighnari at Gandharva Ville, like he usually does.

What he doesn't usually do is go missing for more than 5 days without notice.

The first clue he got was from Cyno, saying he hadn’t seen Kaveh even though he made regular trips to Gandharva Ville frequently that week.

"Then, he's not with Tighnari?"

"I haven't seen him anywhere. Nari didn't bring him up in any conversations either."

"Are you sure he didn't leave a note?"

Alhaitham shook his head, "There was nothing left in his room. Everything of his is either gone or in disarray. I thought he had left quickly."

"That's weird... even from Kaveh. I've never seen him like this." The General Mahamatra seems to be deep in thought. "I'll gather some information on this. Something tells me this has nothing to do with just a simple leave."

That conversation happened 2 weeks ago. Just today, they traveled across the desert to find a camp of Eremites holding Kaveh hostage.

Despite doing their best to avoid any type of conflict, it still ended with Alhaitham getting a broken arm. But that didn't matter.

His sins didn't matter. Nothing of him matters when his sunshine has lost all light in his eyes.

After trudging back to Gandharva Ville, all hope seems lost when Kaveh doesn't respond to anything. They had accidentally encountered a group of hostile fungi that gave Kaveh a bad injury. But then, they all noticed at the moment of impact, he didn't move.

He didn't yelp. Didn't cry. He just sat there. Staring at the fungi, then at his bruised and blooded arm, back at the fungi. And then just nothing.

He just spaced out.

After ruling it out as just exhaustion and lack of energy, the group continued, hoping it'll be a bit better after he's seated in a comfortable environment.

Seems like it didn't get better.

A deep sigh came out of the Grand Sage as he stood up for the door. Nari's ears perked up at the sudden motion. "Where are you going?"

"To get that data."

"You don't wanna see him first? Though I'm not sure what you could do with him right now."

"... I'll visit in a bit."

And with that, the door slammed a bit too harshly than as it's supposed to be.

A couple days later, Alhaitham came back to Gandharva Ville with a clipboard on hand. As he hands it to Tighnari, the botanist tries to ignore the tiny blood patches on random pages placed throughout the document.

"So, uh... What did you do to them?"

"None of anyone else's business," Alhaitham glared, "I'd like to see him now."

Tighnari sighs as he places the document on top of his research table, "Yeah, sure. Maybe you can coax something out of him. I don’t know how long I’ve tried, but hopefully you can do something about him."

No noise was made when they entered. No sight or greeting followed as they walked towards the bed. Occupying the bed was nothing like how Alhaitham imagined Kaveh would ever look like.

He looked terrible. He looked nothing like himself.

Nari gestured his head to Kaveh and left.

"...Hey" he spoke softly as he stood beside the bed.

No response.

"How have you been feeling?"

...

He sighs, "Kaveh, I know I might not be the person you want to see right now."

"I admit, everything is my fault." He takes Kaveh's limp hand and intertwines it with his. An attempt to comfort, and an attempt to confess his feelings.

Before he regrets not telling if the other doesn't survive.

He knew it was a bit too sudden to say something like this. And it wouldn’t be Kaveh’s ideal confession either. But he dreads the regret more than anything right now.

"I should've known," he continues, voice in a whisper, "I should've known something was wrong."

'I thought you've finally decided to leave. And I thought I was too harsh on you. I thought maybe... maybe you just had enough of me."

Carmine eyes did not drift away for the void it was seeing. Alhaitham decided to squeeze his roomate's hand to take his attention for a bit, but to no avail.

"Kaveh, I really care about you. Do not heed to whatever they said back in the desert. They don't know you. All they know is you're a smart way to gain money. They don't know who you are,"

A slight pause as Alhaitham tries to regulate his emotions.

"They don't know about the true Light of Kshahrewar and his creations. How brilliant he is. How he's the reason someone gets up everyday and lives life even though everything has changed."

"You're the reason someone smiles everyday. You and your little antics made someone laugh everyday. You and your laughter made someone fall in love with you."

"I wish I had better words and a better situation to tell this to you, Kaveh. But seeing as you are now..." he took note how the blonde still hasn't moved or speak the whole time, "I'm afraid I can't wait for that moment to happen any longer."

"It's better late than sorry, you know?"

Still no reply.

At that moment, all hope seems lost for Alhaitham. Is sunshine is long gone. The golden sparks in his eyes left, no more colors in his pale cheeks. The joyful person he once knew has left nothing but an empty husk that resembles the roommate he loves so dearly.

Alhaitham knew not to mess with facts. He believes in brain over heart. Science over feelings. His brain tells him that there is no more hope until Tighnari finishes analyzing the problem.

However, his heart tells him to continue and stay.

"I... really don't know how to tell you in any other way. Kaveh, if you can hear me, if you're still here," another squeeze of the hand, "I love you."

Alhaitham didn't know why he was hoping some sort of reaction of Kaveh. A glance, maybe. Or a soft spoken word. He had always imagined his confession to be heartwarming.

Not heartbreaking. He didn't confess to Kaveh, he just confessed to an empty puppet. Disappointed, he feels his heart shatter.

Alhaitham didn't know why. He'd never felt this emotional. There was always a logical explanation or fact to shove his feelings for another day. But for this one,

There simply was none. There was no denying that his heart does not beat for the same Kaveh anymore.

Deducing he has nothing left to do or say, he gave up on what his heart tells him and slowly let go of his hand.

"I'm sorry, Kaveh."

"I'm so sorry," Alhaitham knew there was so no use in saying sorry. "I'm sorry if i ever made you feel insecure,"

Why is he saying it?

"I'm sorry if I hadn't told you how beautiful you look everyday,"

Why can't he stop?

"I'm sorry if I ever scolded you too hard,"

It's useless, so utterly useless.

"I'm sorry I hadn't helped you in your time of need,"

Stop it!! It's pointless!!!

“I’m sorry I hadn’t told you that you have the best smile,”

STOP IT! STOP! WHY AREN’T YOU STOPPING?

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you I love you."

A tear fell and hit the bed.

Was that his? He isn't sure. His feelings are all over the place.

What WAS he supposed to feel? Sadness? Anger? Disappointment? Frustration? Guilt? Perhaps all of them.

Wiping his tear away, he decided it was time to leave. Forget about what his heart said. He’s a logical man and he should’ve left long ago. A sliver of hope? What a joke. He can clearly tell that Kaveh is probably long gone.

Then why is he still trying so hard to convince himself…?

Shaking his head, he decided to move away from the bed. As if it’ll help him get over these feelings. That’s what he thought.

That is, until he saw carmine eyes on him.

In an instant, all hope is refilled onto his heart. Walking slowly to the bed, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Kaveh?”

And as he walked closer, he noticed tears building up in beautiful eyes.

“Was…” his voice soft and weak, ”Was everything you said to me… true?”

“Yes.” Alhaitham still couldn’t believe what he was experiencing, ”Of course it’s true, my sunshine. I would never lie to you about these feelings of mine.”

A choked sob came out of the blonde, “They… they told me…” Tears welled up and started to spill.

Alhaitham quickly kneeled beside his bed and took his hands in his.

“They told me I was worthless…,” Kaveh starts to cry. It broke Alhaitham’s heart all over again. His sunshine isn’t supposed to cry, “They told me no one would come for me,”

“They told me that no one loved me. No one ever did. No one cared for me enough to come for me.”

“I’m sorry, Kaveh. I didn’t mean to take that long-“

“Nobody came. I waited, they waited, and when they knew, they’d tell me all those things again.”

“and again,”

“and again.”

Alhaitham carefully held Kaveh’s frail face and turned him towards him, as if he’s made of glass that would break under a single touch. “Kaveh,” he breathed, “I love you. Don’t let what anyone else says makes you forget that,”

“You’re not worthless. If that is the case, then why would they take you? My love, my sunshine, please,” Alhaitham brought his hand up and kissed each knuckle with all the love he can give.

“My beautiful padisarah. I love you. And I’ll never stop telling you that I do. If you want me to say it a hundred times, I’ll do it.”

“Haitham, please…” he sobbed, “you… really do?”

“I do.”

Kaveh couldn’t take it anymore as he lunged towards Alhaitham and hugged him. Hiding his face in the crook of Alhaitham’s neck, he sobbed and cried and wailed, clinging onto Alhaitham as if he’d lose him.

Alhaitham was taken aback, but nevertheless grateful that Kaveh has come back. The Kaveh that he knows and loves.

“My beautiful padisarah,” Alhaitham kissed his head, “I love you so.”

-End

----

This is the first fic ive written after a LOOONG time-!! Back in 2018 i was a writer in wattpad but then lost my account so k stopped writing. I'm trying to get back into it as to make fillers in between my EXTREMELY LONG DRAWING PROCESS so yall wont get bored at least :'D. This fic was first uploaded to Twitter, so if you like my stuff please do consider going there and following!! Thank you!!

#genshin impact #genshin #haikaveh angst #haikaveh fluff #haikaveh #alhaitham x kaveh #kaveh x alhaitham #genshin alhaitham #alhaitham #genshin impact kaveh #genshin kaveh

[mimilind]

A Magical Classmate - Part 3

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Reader

Rating: T

Chapter Word Count: 1900

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Next Part > ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

You attend a post-exam party and dance well into the night. You drink too much and Drake becomes chatty.

3. Circle of Friends

Flashing lights interrupted you and a police car appeared. When the cops began to question you about the incident you realized Drake had already left.

One policeman collected the knives as evidence, and when he put them in plastic bags you clearly saw there was no blood on either. 

Had you imagined the drop on Drake’s cufflink?

After taking your names, the cops drove away in the direction the bikers had gone. They said since nobody had been hurt, and the crooks hadn’t stolen anything, chances were slim it would amount to much unless they found them and could prove the knives were theirs.

On the way home, Catrine, Andreas and you talked about Drake. Where had he gone, and why?

“Perhaps he was afraid because he used karate on the bikers,” said Catrine. “I’m sure that’s illegal.”

“Not if done in self-defense,” Andreas objected.

“Maybe he didn’t know that.”

Neither of you knew where he lived or had his number, so there was no way to know. You hoped he had gotten home safely and that he was alright.

The next day, you were relieved to see him enter the lecture hall looking perfectly fine. Today his suit was dark gray with pinstripes.

“Where did you go yesterday?” Catrine asked. 

“Home. I was just very tired and figured you guys would be safe on your own with the police there and everything.” Before she could ask more, he changed topics and began to talk about something chemistry related and the upcoming midterm exams, and didn’t stop until the lecture began.

In the afternoon, he joined your lab station. “Do you need a lab partner?”

You nodded eagerly. “Yes, thank you.” You guessed he probably chose you to avoid an interrogation from Catrine, and made sure not to mention yesterday’s event in case you scared him away. 

During the lab, you looked closely at his hands. There was no blood on the cufflinks now, even a drop, and not a mark on either hand. When he wrote in his notebook you saw part of his palm, and noticed a thin, white line across one. An old scar and obviously nothing to do with the recent fight.

No, you must have been so shocked and scared your imagination played a trick on you.

The following days everyone spent studying vigorously in their respective homes, you included, and hence you didn’t see Drake again until after the last exam. You gathered outside, discussing the questions and trying to estimate whether you had made a decent result. You also discussed where to go that night for the traditional post-exam party.

Catrine as usual suggested the dentists’ pub, and after some talking back and forth it was settled. It was the cheapest place after all and one of the few student pubs that had a dance floor.

When you arrived, Drake was already at the bar with a gin and tonic in hand, talking to Catrine and another girl from class. This time he wore marginally less formal clothes: a black suit and no tie. 

You joined them with the intention to buy a cider when you saw a notice that tonight’s special was Red Bull and vodka for a very good price.

“Try it,” said the bartender. “You’ll be dancing all night.”

You liked the sound of that and bought one.  

It was strong, and not as good as pear cider, but it did invigorate you.

Martin and his new boyfriend arrived, and Andreas shortly afterwards.

“Let’s dance,” said Catrine and led the way. You emptied your drink and was about to follow when you saw Drake hadn’t left the bar.

“Won’t you come?”

He hesitated. “I don’t know the steps.”

“There are none.”

“No steps?”

“No, it’s not like a waltz or anything, we form a circle of friends and everyone just improvises.”

A gleam of interest appeared in his eyes. “A circle of friends? Alright then.”

You joined the circle and let the rhythm pull you along, swaying your body, moving your feet, doing all your favorite moves – the ones you had learned in front of the mirror a long time ago and knew made you look your best.  

Drake stood still at first, observing Martin like he took mental notes, then he began, moving with a natural grace you instantly envied, but you figured it was probably due to his martial arts training. He had picked the right person to imitate; Martin was the best dancer among you.

Drake’s fluid movements made your heart beat fast, and not only from the exertion of dancing. 

You took breaks to refill your drinks – more of the same for you – and with each one, the ambience became more cheerful. Drake looked like he had the time of his life, and you were glad for him; he normally was so serious.

The pub was crowded and you became warm and rosy. Soon everyone was in their t-shirts, except for Drake who for some reason always wore button shirts with long sleeves. But he opened the top buttons, exposing an enticing triangle of pale skin, accentuated by a thick silver chain around his neck. 

If only you could touch him.

You edged closer. “You dance well,” you said in his ear, raising your voice over the din.

“Beginner’s luck.” He grinned, then his eyes trailed over you. “Nice shirt.”

You felt a pleasant twinge. It was a tight garment that accentuated your figure – was he checking you out? The mere thought made your heart stutter.

You danced on and there was no limit to your energy. The Red Bull worked wonders. However, the next time you went to get one, you discovered you were out of money. Did you buy that many already?

“Want another?” Drake asked. He had followed you to the bar and leaned against it as if to steady himself. You were not the only one who were fast becoming more than tipsy.

“Sure!” You loved free stuff, drinks included.

You stumbled on the way back but Drake supported you. Despite your drunken state his touch gave you butterflies. 

More dancing. You sang along to the lyrics and he laughed at how out of tune you were. Not unkindly.

He opened another button and you admired the sight of more heated, dewy skin. He seemed to look at you too.

He bought you another drink.

The dance floor was becoming empty and Catrine and the others had disappeared. You didn’t know what the hour was and didn’t care.

More drinks. Drake and you slumped over the counter, giggling together at something you didn’t quite recall what it was.

You impulsively patted his cheek. “You’re such a nice guy.”

He smiled sentimentally. “Glad you think so. Used to be a bad guy.”

“Probably went around karateing people, yeah? Can imagine. Is karateing a word?”

“Dunno. What’s karate?”

“Your sport. That you used when we were attacked.”

“Right. Yeah, I went around karateing people and was pretty much a jerk. Want another drink?”

“Thanks. You were badass when you scared those bikers. I’m impressed.”

He grinned proudly. “Always was a decent duelist.”

You finished your drink and rested your cheek against the counter. Just relaxing a bit.

Suddenly you stood near the exit. The music had silenced and someone was sweeping the floor. How did you get there? Where was Drake?

A girl looked kindly at you. “Need help?”

“No, I’m fine,” you lied, struggling to walk steadily as you went out. The night air was cold and woke you up a bit. The world reeled.

You found your bike and fumbled with the lock, dropping the key twice. You felt sick and threw up in a flower patch. On the third try you managed to unlock the bike.

“Are you alright?” Drake sounded concerned.

Relief filled you, mingled with embarrassment. You hoped he didn’t see you vomit. “I’m fine. I thought you had gone?”

“I went out to pee.” 

His admission made you realize he was equally drunk as you. Chuckling, you climbed the bike and would have fallen if Drake hadn’t caught it.

“You shouldn’t ride this. Where do you live?”

“The other part of town. It’s alright.”

“Don’t; I have plenty of room and live nearby. You can crash at my place.”

Drunk or no, in a million years you wouldn’t have turned that offer down. “You sure? That’s nice of you.”

“I’m a nice guy. You said so.” He looked pleased at that.

You led the bike along with him.

“I had fun tonight,” he said. “More fun than… can’t recall when, actually. Must be way back.”

You yawned, glad for the bike to lean on. “Me too.” Then you had to stop and throw up again but Drake didn’t seem to mind. He held the bike until you were done.

You went on.

“Great thing, friends,” he resumed. “Never had them before. I mean, real ones. Decent ones. Ones who weren’t just tagging along because I was… who I was.”

“Mm-hm. You’re royalty then?” 

“Not quite. Well. I suppose you could say… kind of like royalty, where I come from. A good name. Old blood. That sort of thing.”

You weren’t used to this chatty version of Drake and wished your head had swum less so you could pay attention.

“Poor you,” you said. “Everyone needs friends.”

“Yeah.” He nodded with emphasis. “But don’t feel sorry for me. I was a jerk, like I said. I deserved all I got.”

“I don’t believe you. You’re too nice to be a jerk.” You tried to give him a hug but the bike was in the way so you settled with a friendly pat on his arm.

“Thanks.” He patted you back.

You were both smiling to yourselves when you continued. 

He stopped in front of an elegant gate. “We’re here now.”

“Right.” You stumbled on the marble stairs. Again he steadied you.

It was a beautiful apartment, very fitting for someone as neat and well-dressed as him. The combined kitchen and living room had a crystal chandelier hanging from a ceiling far above, and there was a persian rug on the floor.

You found the bathroom first of all and made good use of it. As you washed your face, the cold water sobered you a little. You couldn’t find any toothpaste so you tried to clean your mouth with just water.

When you returned, Drake had put a spare mattress with a green pillow and duvet next to his own bed – also with green sheets.

“You like green, eh?” You flopped down on the mattress, unabashedly easing your pants off. You usually slept in t-shirt and underwear.

“I do.” Drake did likewise and unbuttoned his shirt, exposing a white tank top.

The sight of him in only a tank top and underwear swiftly took away your sleepiness. He had such a perfect body. Why did he hide it?

“You should wear sleeveless more often,” you mumbled. “Suits you. Is that a tattoo?”

His cheeks colored and he put a hand over his forearm with a guilty expression. “Just an old… uh. Anyway, time to sleep. Night.” He quickly slipped under the sheets.

“Night,” you returned, burying your nose into the pillow. It smelled good. 

Before you knew it, you slept.

A/N:

Cue, awkward morning… 

This chapter may or may not be inspired by an actual event… the author admits to nothing and has no regrets. :)

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Next Part > ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

#draco malfoy #draco malfoy x reader #draco x reader #draco #harry potter #harry potter fanfiction #university setting #fanfiction #fluff #feel good #draco x you #draco malfoy is nice #muggle reader #tom felton #A Magical Classmate #Mimi Lind

[kostixs]

The reaction of Sturniolo triplets to the fact that you are doing self-harm.

(All reactions will be with the backstory of how they found out about it).

TW: Mentioning self-harm, hurting yourself, crying, screaming.

If you are somehow affected by this topic, please do not read it.

If you are hurting yourself in this or other way, contact a specialist.

Why did you start doing this?:

You've always been that ray of sunshine in any company. I always tried to help everyone around me, forgetting about myself. About the fact that I have enough problems myself.

And people started using these services. They got rid of you and gave you into the hands of others, as if you were an unnecessary thing.

You couldn't stand it, you wanted to do something, but you couldn't, just because you didn't have the guts.

That's when the first cuts appeared, and with them the pain began to go away. Not for long, but it was getting better.

And now, there were red marks on your perfectly thin and pale arms, hidden by the sleeves of sweaters and black shirts. You weren't wearing those funny T-shirts you bought on Amazon anymore. There were no shorts that you wore to skate, showing everyone your broken knees and scratches covered with funny plasters.

Something has changed very dramatically in you, and what He couldn't understand...

Nick Sturniolo♡

At one of your gatherings in his room, you desperately covered your wrists with your sleeves, trying not to move your hands much.

Nick looked at you strangely from time to time, but he didn't say anything.

When you went into the kitchen to get a jar of Root beer, a small box fell out of the pocket of your jacket, similar to a matchbox, but it was transparent, and in it Nick saw something that he did not want at all. A razor blade. There were drops of blood on one of them.

The horror froze in his eyes as you entered the room.

Your gaze fell on the place where Nick is looking and you tense up.

- Y/n...- he turns his blue eyes full of pain on you and you feel guilty.

- Nick, I am...- he silences you with his hugs. Tears flow from your eyes, and for the first time you feel the pain of the scars and cuts you have left. 

- Y/n, why?- Sturniolo sits you down on the bed, wrapped in a blanket and, picking up the blades, ran to make you warm cocoa, which you drink when you can't calm down. He comes and soothingly put you on your head, listening to how tired you are. He doesn't say anything, just smiles kindly, squeezing your hand.

He will have a heart-to-heart talk with you, listen to you and give you a couple of tips.

Matt Sturniolo☆

You and the Triplets filmed another car video where you discussed the audience's pets.

You weren't very talkative, which made Matt very tense. You usually act like Chris, but you know the measure. Sitting in the back seat, right behind the seat of the youngest triplet, you looked thoughtfully at your sneakers (by the way, you were not visible, because Chris was sitting sideways, covering you, or Nick was just spreading his arms too wide).

You nervously pull at the sleeve of your sweater, biting your lip until it bleeds, and then twitch from the fact that Nick accidentally hit you on the cheek while he was ranting about dogs and cats.

- Y/N, DAMN IT, I'm SORRY-you shake your head in different directions, saying it's okay, it doesn't hurt me, and Matt has a huge doubt about your mental health. You've never lied to him. He knew that you had anxiety problems too, he knew that you couldn't say no to people if they had problems, and he knew that you forgot about yourself.

An hour later, the video was shot, Matt removes the camera from the panel, giving it to Nick. It was decided that you would stay at Sturniolo's today because Matt was tired and you lived at the end of the street, and also because they were worried about you (mostly Matt).

- Y/n, can we talk when we get there?Matthew asks as Nick and Chris get out of the car to buy food.

- Of course, what kind of questions, Matt?- you try to smile as happily as possible, but Sturniolo doesn't believe you.

After 20 minutes of Nick and Chris quarreling, you finally arrive home. Matt comes out, immediately grabbing your hand. The guys look at you in surprise, but the older one contorts his face with displeasure.

- And who will help us?- but Matt waves it off, saying "later."

He gently helps you up the stairs and then pulls you into his room, closing the door behind you.

- What's going on, Y/n?- his eyes are running over your face, trying to find and understand at least something.

-I don't understand what you're talking about, Matthew-your voice sounds low and Sturniolo is straining.

"Show me your hands," Matt says firmly. You quickly shake your head in denial, and pull the sweater over your hands harder-Y/n..Show me your fucking hands.

You're still silent, with your eyes closed. The guy can't stand it and, grabbing your wrist, he pushed the sleeve of the jacket up.

Shock and pain froze in his eyes. He lowers your hand, noticing that you are shaking.

- Y/n...why are you...- he doesn't know how to find the right words, and his anxiety is already hitting his head. He didn't keep up. He didn't come when you needed help. He didn't help when you first started doing this. He noticed it late.

What if you had died? And if he hadn't noticed at all how you were covering your hands, and then he would have blamed himself for your death.

- Matt, I am...- tears are streaming from your eyes, and the average triplet is hugging you to her chest. He would have cried himself if you hadn't spoken, but now he's comforting you, not you. His white T-shirt is getting wet from your tears, it doesn't matter now.

- You could have told me earlier...I would help you, Y/n-his hoarse voice echoes in your head and you look up at him.

- I didn't want to bother with my problems, I thought I could handle it on my own-it's hard to talk, and tears choke you. The guy strokes his back in a circular motion, hugging the girl to him.

He cried himself because he couldn't protect you from yourself. From now on, he will be more attentive to you, and will also be open to you crying on his shoulder.

Chris Sturniolo♧

You've always had an easy conversation with Chris. You always understood his humor, which he appreciated very much (because he is very strange, as you know). But at some point, everything changed...You stopped laughing so much. There was no longer that native sparkle in your eyes, and Chris was on guard.

When you shot the video "Blind, Deaf, Mute" where you were cooking some kind of pie, your eyes were tightly but neatly tied with one of his bandanas. You heard Nick screaming, which made your head hurt and you put your hands in your ears, covering them. The sleeves of the hoodie went up and Christopher's gaze caught on your wrists. He gently grabs your hand, trying not to cause much pain and quickly leaves the frame, aggressively tearing the bandage from his mouth. Nick shouts something, but the guy waves it away. He leads you into the room, removing the bandana from your eyes while you stare at him in disbelief.

- Chris? What happened, we actually shot a video-he looks at you sternly, pacing the room, until finally he moves the gaming chair to the bed.

- Sit down-that's all he says, pointing to a chair. You don't contradict, you just obediently sit down, still not understanding anything.

He lands on the bed, moving the chair with you, blocking access to any movement with his feet.

"What the hell are you doing with cuts on your hands?"Chris asks too sharply. You freeze, forgetting how to breathe. He saw something he shouldn't have.

- Chris, I am....- you don't know what to say. The words stuck in my throat like a lump.

- Why the fuck do I find out that you're hurting yourself? Is it so hard to talk to me about what's bothering you?"he's looking you in the eye, point-blank. Which you were extremely afraid of. Such dear and warm blue eyes froze like steel-Really, you don't trust your boyfriend so much that you thought cutting was the best option? I'm not that bad.

After that, you start crying, choking on tears, while Sturniolo taps you on the shoulder with one hand, and you no longer feel resentment in his gaze. He looks at you warmly again, stroking your wrists with his other hand, whispering something.

He will treat even those cuts that have healed for a long time, saying that you are terribly stupid for not telling him about your problems right away.

my first huge work (translated from Russian) if you see any flaw, please let me know

#sturniolo triplets x reader #chris sturniolo x reader #matt sturniolo x reader #nick sturniolo

[sadviko-off]

1. What do they think about their home nation? How likely is it for their country to betray them?

For everyone! （。＾▽＾）/✨✨

1. What do they think about their home nation? How likely is it for their country to betray them?

SV and IL: Can we call our country a plot hole? We have a positive attitude towards our country, but there is little to say about it. It's sunny and fun, music plays often, the island of dreams. We can take a tour later.

(the chance that they will be betrayed is 0.5% due to their strange appearance, many thought that they were Satanists when they returned after building a new island, but the island knows that their lives depend on the results of the battles of these two, so everyone supports them and they love you, but if it turns out that they are involved in black trade, then the chance of betrayal will increase to 35% After all, this is still a terrible act)

Eragon: I can’t tell you all much… I value my country and would give my life for it… I don’t want to discuss it, sorry…

(the chance of being betrayed is 0% This guy loves his country, but doesn’t want to talk about it, he’s out of sorts, sorry)

Gorgon: I was born in an overly conservative country… the treatment of the people there was terrible… young people often died during spy missions… we were treated horribly… blackmailed… brainwashed… I don't remember half of my life… and I don't want to remember… this is my story old life… if it weren’t for Fluffy and SV, I would have stayed there… and maybe I would have died… My country betrayed me right after my birth… I consider Lily Island my home… I don’t want to remember this anymore…

(already betrayed by his homeland, the chance that he will be betrayed by Lily Island is 0%)

Fluffy: *took Gorgon by the paw to calm him down*

I love my country! It’s very nice and cozy there… *blushes* Everything is very unusual here////)… Living here, you won’t want to leave the country/////….

(the chance that he will be betrayed is 20%. Since he is sometimes too naive and a little stupid, the previous army took advantage of this and shamelessly used it for dirty pleasures. Later I will write in more detail about all the guys)

Sinbihan: There were no problems in my country, Fluffy and I came from the same island, but we didn’t know each other!) It’s a cool and very colorful country, I advise everyone to visit it! You will be received cordially and with joy, because you will be a long-awaited guest!) But be careful when mentioning warriors, we don’t really like this topic, but we respect soldiers and will not refuse a good-natured welcome)

(the chance of being betrayed is 60%. If they find out that he is a military man who kills victims for black sales, and is also not averse to drinking blood, this is a direct road to mistrust, the country will 100% consider such people dangerous and send him to jail. He should be careful on his missions, when he visits a country he has to hide bags of blood very well from prying eyes. Then why 60% and not 100%? He is from a rich family and it will be difficult for him to ruin his reputation in the eyes of his family and other people, they will count it gossip.)

Magnesia: Hmmm… My country?.. I love and respect it… It seems like nothing bad happened during my life… Life there has always been like a fairy tale…

(the chance of being betrayed… it’s hard to say, he is quiet and secretive, their people are good-natured, so most likely they will never betray him. This guy is not a wordy)

------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the question! ^ ^~❤

I'm looking forward to new questions!

sorry that there are few pictures today… I think that soon I will feel better so that the answers are brighter… I will be glad to continue the surveys)…

#squirrel and hedgehog #sah #squirrel and hedgehog oc #sah oc #squirrel and hedghehog au #sah au #my oc #my au #torhcs-j2 #TORHCS-J2 #sv #sad viko #commander sad viko #IL #invisible liquor #eragon #gorgon #flaffy #sinbihan #magnesia #my art #art #questions

[erenyuuta]

Ice & Fire - Chapter 8

Series Masterlist

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Glossary & Character List (contains spoilers)

Pairing: Eren Jaeger X Yuuta Okkotsu

Genre: Fantasy AU, romance, smut, angst, fluff, a crossover between Attack On Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, loosely based on Game of Thrones and Eragon

Series Summary: Yuuta Okkotsu, the kind-hearted firstborn prince of the kingdom of Nymeria, finds himself stranded on an island that had been thought to only exist in legend. It is there he meets the last of the Valyrians, a dragon-blood named Eren Jaeger. While their days on the island are happy, they can’t last forever. Yuuta has a duty as prince to his kingdom that he must fulfill, and it is this duty that ultimately tears them apart.

Content Warnings: BL/Yaoi, hybrids/monsters, magic/fantasy, infidelity, power imbalances, graphic depictions of violence and death, explicit sexual content (blow job, anal sex, rimming, cunnilingus, exhibitionism, monsterfucking, knotting, foot play, heat cycles, 69, cum-eating, spit play, deep-throating, double penetration, sadism, masochism, blood play/consumption, choking/asphyxiation kink, handjob, drunk sex, orgy), dub-con, non-con, virginity loss, drugs (alcohol), traumatic backstories, unrequited love, drowning, murder, suicide, yandere tropes, corruption arc, major character death. Dead Dove: Do not eat

Written by Aleks from @erenergic / @princess-jaeger and Kana from @ficsforeren / @sundaysundaes

Poster art by @/ellvrell on twitter, commissioned by Aleks ❤️

THE SWORN PROTECTOR

Snow falls over the expansive green land of Nymeria, coating the verdant hills and grassy plains like a blanket. Trees, once blooming with the pink petals of cherry blossoms, are bare save for the thin coating of white. The lakes and ponds that scatter the palace grounds are frozen over, waiting for the warmth that comes with the spring, though it is far a ways off. This year it is exceptionally cold—even before the winter solstice arrives, the frigid air from the north blows down upon the once verdurous lands, bringing early snowfall with it.

It is the first day of the tenth lunar month of the year, considered the month of good fortune. Today, the Nymerian council gathers for its monthly meeting, which usually convenes over trivial matters such as disputes over land, relations with the other five kingdoms, or providing funds for the crown’s endeavors. But this time, with the status of the King’s health, and Princess Rika’s recent sixteenth birthdate, a topic of utmost importance is being discussed amongst the Lords: naming the Nymerian heir to the throne.

The council consists of the King’s Hand, longtime faithful friend and closest advisor, Lord Kento Nanami; The Grand Maester, Lord Yoshinobu Gakuganji, whose wisdom in the fields of science and medicine has proven unmatched and invaluable to the crown; Lord Ijichi Kiyotaka, Master of Coin, who holds the crown’s purse within his hand; The Master of Ships, Lord Hiromi Higuruma, who commands the royal fleet, delegates warships, and handles their sea fares; Archmage Satoru Gojo, one of the most powerful mages in the Six Kingdoms and loyal servant to the crown; and the strongest knight in the realm, the sword and shield who leads the King’s armies in battle and is sworn to defend Nymeria with his life, the Lord Commander of The Watch and Nymeria’s knights, Toji Fushiguro.  

The members of the council sit around a table within the great hall of the palace, the men dressed in their most lavish robes  and armors, sharing the finest wines that Nymeria has to offer. Their drinks are poured by the silent but ever-faithful servants who stand at the sides of the room, eager to top off the men’s drinks at even half-empty.

Out of respect, the seat of the emperor stands vacant, placed below the Nymerian sigil—a head of a direwolf embossed in silver hung upon the wall. At the right sits Nanami, dressed in dark blue with gold embroideries, his blonde hair short and slicked back. He has fine features, with prominent cheekbones and a silent but commanding presence—a demeanor fit for the Hand of the King, as symbolized by the badge in the shape of a hand that lies pinned above his breast. He is the first to speak, and as always, gets straight down to business, skipping the pleasantries of a formal introduction.

“I am glad to see you all have arrived well and safe, despite the sudden cold storm. As you may have heard, with the recent coming-of-age of the princess, rumors have begun to circulate amongst the nobles of our kingdom, wondering whether or not she will be named the heir to the throne.”

Ijichi leans forward, a thin, tall man with short dark hair and a pair of lenses atop his prominent nose. The first thought in his mind is the unrest and rumors that would spread amongst the kingdom if their beloved princess was not named heir; Rika is regarded as the most beautiful princess in the realm—a precious jewel to her people, the youngest and sweetest child of the emperor. It would be a mistake to not name her the successor, as she is well-favored even amongst the peasantry. The princess is the last remaining Okkotsu, therefore there is no other option but to choose her for the next heir—as choosing a lesser noble by vote of the council would cause quite the scandal and even bring strife amongst those loyal to the Okkotsu family, a line which has held the throne for thirteen generations since the very inception of their kingdom. 

Ijichi places a hand on the table and looks directly over at Lord Nanami when he asks, “Why is the princess’s lineage coming into question? She is the only remaining child of the emperor. There should be no question as to whether she will succeed him. She is our only choice.”

Gakuganji, the eldest amongst the council, old enough to have been in the council of the previous Emperor Okkotsu, regarded as the wisest of the men, answers Ijichi. “We may replace her by vote, if it comes to it. The other five kingdoms all have a king at their seat. It would make us seem weak to replace our king with a young woman who has just but seen her sixteenth birthday. Nymeria has always been the strongest, the most prosperous—we need someone who can, at the very least, appear powerful before them.”

“You must not remember much about the princess,” Gojo pipes up from his end of the table. The white-haired man dressed in dark robes has his long legs folded quite rudely atop the table, though that is not out of the ordinary for the pompous mage. With his fingers interlaced above his abdomen, and a cheeky smile upon his lips, he rebuttals Gakuganji’s words. “She's always been a feisty one. She can keep up with those old fucks, easily.”

The Lord Commander beside him guffaws at his words, leaning back into his seat. “The powerful and awe-inspiring kingdom of Nymeria, led by a little girl. That would be interesting to see.”

“That little girl is your princess, Lord Commander,” Nanami says to Toji, his words on the verge of sounding like the barks of a protective dog. “Unless you have other leadership in mind.”

“We still don’t know what has happened to the king’s son, Lord Nanami. There is always a chance that—”

“Nonsense,” Hiromi interrupts him, always the voice of reason within the council. With Toji being the leader of the knights and soldiers, and Hiromi being the leader of their naval forces, there is always an unspoken air of competition between the men, one that carries even into the council room. “It has been six years since that boy disappeared. You would be a fool to believe he is anywhere other than the bottom of the sea.”

“Lords,” Nanami says sternly, chastising them before they can begin their usual bickering. “Until we are given any other proof, the princess is our only presumed heir. Unless there is any objection from the council, I will write to Seomor for her return to Nymeria.” Though Gakuganji and Higuruma look apprehensive, the remainder of the council nods accordingly to Nanami’s words. With no verbal objections, he continues, “Presuming the preparations will go smoothly, the princess will arrive after the snow has cleared in the spring, and be coronated by the fall. After she arrives, we can have her meet with suitors and find a suitable candidate for marriage.”

“Nanamin.” Nanami frowns at Gojo’s casual use of the nickname. “She just turned sixteen. Do you think she will agree to a rushed marriage? And the king is still alive, there is no reason to crown her so hastily.”

“That is a smart idea, Lord Nanami,” Gakuganji says, with a distasteful look sent Gojo’s way. “The Princess may be young and inexperienced, but if she is crowned with a lord at her side, hopefully even another prince, she will garner more respect from the remaining kingdoms. She would be treated as a woman, and less like a child.”

“I agree,” Hiromi nods, crossing his arms over his chest. “If we are to crown the princess, she should be wed. As is Nymerian tradition, an heir cannot be crowned king or queen without a spouse. If she is wed when she is crowned princess, she is guaranteed to be the next queen, strengthening her claim to the throne.”

Gojo clicks his tongue, muttering, “Such archaic, stupid rules,” below his breath. Only Toji, who sits beside him, hears such words. And though he agrees in part, he is more inclined to keep his head on his neck and not openly mock the traditions of the crown.  

“Very well, then,” Nanami nods, seeing no opposition from the men around him. “We will write for the princess’s return. By this time next year, Gods willing, she will be our crowned princess.”

***

Satoru Gojo steps outside after the council meeting, heading towards the stables to mount his horse and head back to his estate across the forest. As he walks, his feet making crunching noises as he treks through snow, he contemplates the position the princess has been put in now. Through no fault of her own, she must return home and be crowned princess, marry someone she doesn’t know, and take on the responsibilities of becoming queen, all within a matter of months. Gojo, having himself been thrust into the position of archmage after his father’s failures, feels somewhat of kinship for the young princess, understanding the weight of having to take on a position so suddenly.

For Gojo, it happened several years ago. The council, watching the king go mad because of the curse which afflicted him, consulted with his father, then the archmage of Nymeria. However, because the spell on the king was an act of witchcraft, the mage’s magic had no ability to break such a curse. Instead, the mage was only able to place the king’s mind to rest. The king now spends his days in bed, barely able to hold a conversation, much less being able to perform the role of king. Though his condition is secret to everyone else except the council and the king’s closest servants, Gojo’s father was still punished for his inability to cure the curse. He was ousted as archmage and replaced by Satoru. Both mages were exiled from the palace and sent back to their family estate as punishment, and though Gojo holds the title of archmage now, there is still that sting that comes with the memory of being his father’s replacement through no will of his own.

As he wades through his memories, Gojo runs into his favorite knight—Megumi Fushiguro, a young man of only seventeen years who had just recently been knighted by the King’s Hand for his valiant efforts as part of The Watch in a skirmish in a village to the north. The raven-haired boy walks through the snow with three direwolves in tow. Though Gojo is not a fan of the wolves, he certainly knows the three who accompany Megumi: Ghost, a white wolf who once belonged to the prince; Summer, a wolf with amber fur who belongs to the princess; and Gyokuken, Megumi's personal wolf who has bright yellow eyes and white fur that coats his front legs, snout, and belly, the remainder of his fur black as night. When Megumi is not away or busy with duties, the dogs follow him around, as they have always been close to him since he was a child.

But the wolves begin to snarl as soon as they pick up a hint of Gojo’s scent. Megumi’s face, previously impassive, turns to a scowl when he catches sight of the annoying mage.

“Megumin!” Gojo calls out with a smile, waving frantically toward the knight.

“Just when I was having a decent day,” Megumi mutters, a heavy sigh leaving his chest.

Gojo approaches the knight, and before the wolves can tear the head off his shoulders, Gojo wraps Megumi in a tight embrace. Megumi places zero effort into hugging him back.

“Master Gojo, please get off of me.”

“I haven’t seen you in weeks and this is how you greet me? Breaking my heart, Gumi,” Gojo replies, with an exaggerated sob at the end of his words.

“If you don’t let go of me I might just break your legs too.”

Gojo instantly releases the knight, creating some distance between them. “You know, I had some good news for you, but maybe I won’t tell you anymore since you’re being so mean to me.”

Megumi quirks a brow. “Good news? I doubt it.”

The three dogs at his sides bare their teeth as the mage leans closer to the knight. “Are you suuuure? What if I said it was about Princess Rika?”

At this, Megumi’s eyes widen. He turns his face to the side, avoiding the mage’s shit-eating grin. In the tiniest voice Gojo has ever heard from Megumi, Megumi asks, “What about the princess?”

“Nevermind, it seems like you don’t wanna know.” Gojo begins to turn around, biting his tongue to stop from chuckling. Megumi instantly grabs his collar, pulling him back.

“I… Just tell me,” Megumi sighs, tucking his eyes below his fringe. When Gojo turns back to face him, he sees Megumi’s face turning just the slightest tinge of pink, and it most certainly isn’t because of the cold.

“Well, I heard from a very secret source that the princess will be returning home in a few months.”

Megumi reaches up a hand to scratch at his own nape. “Is… Is that true? After so long?”

“I know you miss her dearly but don’t look too excited, Megu—”

“I am not,” he says, face ablaze. “I just—I was just thinking about how my… My sister will be back too, then.”

“And here I thought knights were sworn to always tell the truth,” Gojo snickers, waving a hand in the air dismissively.

Megumi slaps a firm hand against Gojo’s back, pushing him further towards the stables. “Shut up, you stupid mage.”

“You cannot lie to a mage who uses the Six Eyes, Gumi,” Gojo winks, to Megumi’s horror. “If you won’t be honest with me, at least be honest with yourself,” Gojo adds, his voice losing its mirth.

Megumi blinks at him, confused. “What are you talking about?”

At this, Gojo leans forward, and with two fingers he flicks the young knight’s forehead. Megumi sends him a glare. “Perhaps I’m not the only stupid one here.”

“What—”

Before Megumi can get his answer, Gojo plasters a smile once more on his face, crystal blue eyes shining bright amongst the falling snow. “I’ll see you around, Megumin. I’m freezing my ass out here. I’m heading home before the snowstorm gets worse.”

Megumi rubs at his forehead where Gojo had just flicked him, utterly confused by Gojo’s strange behavior. But besides that, happiness swells in his chest because finally, his princess and his sister will be returning home.

***

Princess Rika Orimoto heaves a heavy sigh, blinking wide brown eyes languidly as she stares out into the dark blue ocean outside her port-side window. In the distance, the coast is visible, meaning soon they will land upon shore. It has been many days of travel, both by land and aboard this ship, but that isn’t what plagues her mind nor what makes her heart feel heavy in her chest. As the sunlight glimmers over the waves before her, she can’t help but be reminded of the most precious person she had lost many years ago: her older brother, Yuuta.

Unlike that rainy day when the world around them was darkened with storm clouds and the water was tumultuous, this day the sky is a warm, clear blue, devoid of clouds and illuminated by the sun. It has been almost six years since the incident, yet Rika remembers it so vividly as if it had happened just the day before. For many years she had relived that day, the way she had screamed for him to stay, with her hand outstretched in a desperate attempt to keep him aboard the ship. But even in her dreams he never stays. His body always disappears beneath the waves, swallowed whole by the vengeful sea.

But after many years of nightmares and having hope that he would return, her thoughts changed. Besides her prayers to the Gods for his safe return, she prayed for her mother’s and Yuuta’s happiness in heaven, too. Perhaps maturity came with age, or perhaps it was acceptance of the awful truth she tried to deny, but after many years of hoping for him to be alive, she began to pray that he would be happy in death, too.

That is what Rika does now as she gazes into the ocean, a somber look on her face as she clasps her hands together in front of her face in prayer. 

“I hope you’re happy, Yuuta,” she whispers into her palms, her eyes fluttering shut as she speaks to the gods. “Please keep our mother company, if you’re up there… I miss you, brother.”

“Your Highness,” a cheerful voice interrupts her, stepping into her quarters. “We are landing at the southern Nymerian port now. It will be just a carriage ride to the palace after we disembark. Won’t be much longer until we’re home.”

Rika startles at the sound of her handmaiden’s voice, opening her eyes and dropping her hands to her sides. She turns away from the window, looking up at the brown-haired girl who stands at the door.

“Lady Tsumiki,” Rika nods in her direction. “I didn’t see you there.”

Tsumiki crosses the short distance from the chamber door, wrapping her fingers around Rika’s wrists. “Princess, you do not need to address me as a lady. Just Tsumiki is fine, you know this.”

Rika shakes her head. “Nonsense, your father served mine as his sworn protector. You’ve earned your title. You know this.”

Tsumiki knows, having been friends with Rika since they were children, that there is no sense in arguing with Princess Rika, a girl more stubborn than a mule. Tsumiki holds Rika’s palms within her own, her voice softening as she asks, “Are you all right, my lady? Fretting over your brother again, are you?”

“I know, I know,” Rika replies, casting her gaze down to her feet. “Six years without any word of him… It is foolish for me to hope.”

“It is not foolish, Your Highness. I would do the same for my own brother.” Tsumiki brings her palm to Rika’s cheek, a comforting gesture between friends. Her soft brown eyes peer into the sad browns that make the princess’s irises. “I just do not wish to see you in such pain, princess.”

“Perhaps I’ve just been thinking of him more lately…” Rika’s voice drifts off, contemplative.

“Is it because of your impending coronation, my lady?” Tsumiki retracts her hand, crossing her arms above her chest. Rika walks a few steps to the side, turning and sitting down on the bed in the room. She sighs and crosses her ankles, fidgeting with her hands on her lap.

“Yes,” she admits after some silence. Tsumiki follows her and sits on the bed at her side, turning to face the princess. Her gaze is warm, and the palm that she lands on Rika’s back is reassuring. “I’ve just recently turned sixteen—what do I know about ruling a kingdom? And worst of all, I’ll have to wed.”

 Tsumiki giggles as she sees Rika scrunch up her nose in disgust. She takes Rika’s hands into her own, speaking with conviction, “Princess, you would be the most amazing queen one day. You are headstrong and sympathetic to the people. You would fight for us, yet you would be just. And you are the most beautiful lady in all the six kingdoms. Any man would pay the highest dowry to marry you, my lady.”

“It is easy for you to say such things, Lady Tsumiki—your father is the Lord Commander, revered by all. You’re lucky you are not the daughter of The Mad King.” Rika chews her lip, remembering the words many have thrown at her throughout the last few years whenever she attended the gatherings of the upper class. There were more times than not that she was rejected by all the eligible noblemen in Seomor, rumors of her father’s madness hanging over her like a dark cloud. “It will be difficult to find a husband willing to marry into a cursed family.”

“Nymeria is the most powerful kingdom in the realm,” Tsumiki replies, leaning in closer to meet Rika’s pensive gaze. “And you’ve changed your title to Orimoto Rika, taking the name of your mother’s noble family. Though they aren’t Nymerian royalty, they are of high birth all the same. Your mother was able to marry a king, wasn’t she? You are a fine eligible maiden, Your Highness. The King’s Hand himself requested your presence once more in the kingdom. He knows you will easily find a match once you arrive.”

“I do not wish to think about getting married, truthfully,” the princess sighs. Changing the subject, she asks, “Did Lord Nanami say anything in regard to my father?”

Even after almost six years, she has not heard much about Emperor Okkotsu. Rika has spent the time since her departure from Nymeria with the maiden side of her family, the Orimotos, where she continued to be educated and raised as a princess within their lands in the kingdom of Seomor. Yet, they kept her in ignorance about her own kingdom, giving her very few updates about the state of her homeland besides telling her that the kingdom was peaceful. Therefore she doesn’t know what to expect now as her ship lands at the port of the country she hasn’t lived in for six years. She knows nothing of the palace, nor of her father. But she hopes the transition to palace life will be easy.

“He had written that your father awaits your return, princess. He did not say much more than that.”

Rika rolls her eyes. “Lord Nanami is always a man of few words. Well, I guess we will see what happens when we arrive at the palace.”

The ship stops moving just as Rika had spoken her words as if arriving at port on her command. 

“Seems that will be sooner than later, Your Highness.” Tsumiki rises from the bed, preparing to gather her and Rika’s belongings for their disembarkation.

Rika glances out her port-side window once more, a mix of emotions brewing within her chest. She takes a deep breath and rises from the bed, walking closer to the window to curl her fingers around its metal edge. She can see the port, the people rushing across the wooden pier going about their daily lives, and below them, pale blue waves crashing upon the beach. She’s on land once more, yet it doesn’t feel like home. It feels foreign to her, anxiety welling up in her chest.

“Yes… We’re almost home.”

***

Megumi Fushiguro rocks back and forth between the heels and toes of his feet, anxiously awaiting the princess’s arrival as he stands guard at the doors to the palace. It has been years since he’s seen Rika and his sister Tsumiki, as she had left the palace with the princess so suddenly six years ago when they had been sent away to the west. Despite becoming hardened by his knight’s training, Megumi still has a soft spot for Rika and for his sister, who had become the trusted lady to the princess just as his father is one of the king’s trusted men. Outwardly, he is as stoic as ever, but on the inside, his heart aches to see them again. He stands tall in his knight’s armor, the spring air warm but refreshing as the sun reflects off the silver metals that protect his body.

At Megumi’s left side is his faithful direwolf, Gyokuken, yawning as his fur is warmed by the spring sun. On his right side sits Summer, Rika’s direwolf, waiting just as impatiently as Megumi does for the princess and her entourage. She is as tall as Megumi’s waist, with beautiful brown fur that shimmers in the sunlight. Megumi absentmindedly strokes her fur behind her ears, the wolf lolling out her tongue and panting with excitement, drooling staining the fur on her chin.

“You must know that Rika’s coming home, huh, Summer?” Megumi says aloud, though he knows Summer doesn’t fully understand his words. The only ones who can communicate with the direwolves are the royal family, for the wolves have had such a bond for centuries with the descendants of Sugawara, Nymeria’s first emperor.

Megumi’s eyes are trained on the wolf’s fur, so when Summer suddenly begins to bark at the palace gates it startles him from his thoughts. He looks up and sees the carriage, drawn by horses and flocked by knights. Megumi retracts his hand from the wolf and stands at attention until the carriage comes up to the entrance. He steps forward, rushing to the carriage’s side to greet the arriving royal.

“Your Highness,” the young knight nods his head as he bows at the waist, one arm at his side, the other bent up with his palm over his chest. Rika stands from her seated position once the carriage has come to a stop, and looks out of the carriage, peering down at the knight with a questioning glance.

“Gumi, is that you?” She asks, a smile crawling up her face as she gazes at her childhood friend. She immediately takes note of his silver armor and tall stature—a complete change from the small raven-haired boy she knew six years ago. Though she knows from Tsumiki’s correspondence with him that Megumi had become a knight just the past fall, seeing him in person somehow makes it seem more real.

To Rika, Megumi is one of her most treasured childhood friends. He was nine, and Tsumiki eleven, when they met the Okkotsu prince and princess for the first time, introduced to each other by their fathers. While it was easy for Tsumiki to test the barriers of social status because of her extroverted and compassionate personality, Megumi was more intimidated by the younger princess and the ten-year-old prince. Although he was the son of a kingsguard, at the end of the day he was still a commoner, a mere boy in comparison to the siblings who would one day rule the land. Too afraid to anger or offend the young royals, Megumi was oftentimes very standoffish and curt with them but enjoyed their company all the same.

To Rika, Megumi is one of her most treasured childhood friends. They have been friends since they were young children, introduced to each other by their fathers. While it was easy for Tsumiki to test the barriers of social status because of her extroverted and compassionate personality, Megumi was more intimidated by the young royals. Although he was the son of a kingsguard, a title that conveys some elevation of status, at the end of the day he was still a commoner, a mere boy in comparison to the siblings who would one day rule the land. Too afraid to anger or offend them, Megumi was oftentimes very standoffish and curt with them but enjoyed their company all the same.

Looking over at Rika now, he finds himself surprised at how she has grown from a child to a young woman, bewitched by her beauty. People often called her the most beautiful princess in the realm—The Realm’s Delight—and he had wondered over the years if she was still as pretty as she was when he first knew her. But seeing her in person now outright stuns him. 

For a moment, his breath is caught in his chest and his jaw slacks as his green eyes, the brightest shade of verdelite, lock onto Rika’s chocolate brown. As Megumi rises from his bent position, he extends his hand out towards the carriage, waiting for Rika to place her palm within his own. Rika ignores it, jumping off the carriage and landing on her feet. Just as stubborn as always.

“Princess, please be careful—”

She envelops the raven-haired knight in a tight embrace, startling him. “I’m glad to see you, Gumi. I’ve heard you’re a knight now, huh?”

Rika pulls away and clamps her hands onto Megumi’s armored shoulders. Her stare bores into his face, making the young knight even more flustered than he already is. 

“Yes, Your Highness,” he replies, his body stiff as a board.

“Wow, and you’re so handsome now too,” Rika pinches his cheek with a bright smile. 

Once Rika lets go and looks up at him, Megumi’s mouth opens and closes, like a fish out of water. He wants to give her some kind of reply that can express his thoughts—perhaps how much he’s missed her, or how much she’s grown, how beautiful she looks… But before he can form the words, Rika looks over his shoulder and sees the brown direwolf that practically begs for her attention, whining with its tail creating dust as it thumps excitedly at the ground.

“Summer!” Rika exclaims, releasing Megumi and taking a few eager steps past him. Her direwolf charges up and into her arms, knocking her backward and licking at her face. Rika giggles as her back lands on the grass, her arms coming up to stroke the wolf’s fur. “Oh, I’ve missed you too, Summer.”

Tsumiki then steps down from the carriage, taking her brother’s hand as her feet land on the ground. 

“Pick up your jaw or you’ll catch flies, brother,” she teases, seeing how Megumi still stares at the princess in stunned silence. The blush on his face crawls to the tips of his ears but he’s too happy seeing his sister after so long to be mad at her for her taunting.

“Miki,” Megumi calls her name fondly, bringing his sister into his embrace. “I’m glad you’re both home safely. You’ve grown so much.”

“And you, Megumi, you’re so big now,” Tsumiki laughs, nuzzling into her brother’s chest. “What happened to my little brother?” When they were children, Tsumiki was taller than Megumi. Now, Megumi is a whole head taller than she is. 

“That’s Lieutenant Fushiguro to you,” he teases, separating from his sister to look over at the princess. 

Summer makes a noise, somewhat of a huff, and it makes Rika chuckle. “Is that so?” She asks, looking up in Megumi’s direction. Megumi returns her gaze, brows threaded in confusion, and she answers his unspoken question. “Summer says you really missed me, Gumi."

Megumi shoots a glare at the brown wolf, yet the crimson that paints his face doesn’t let up for a moment.

“Is it true, then?” Rika asks, the mirth fading from her voice. Tsumiki knowingly smiles at their exchange but says nothing. To her chagrin, Megumi and Rika have been separated for years and yet their relationship seems to pick up right where it had left off.

Megumi turns away, opting to stare at his feet. “No, not at all, I—“ He turns to his side and sees Gyokuken. “I definitely have not spoken about you, princess. Right, Gyokuken?” Gyokuken, who had been silently observing his master at his side, snorts at Megumi’s cowardice, shaking his head as he begins to walk towards the palace. Thanks for the backup, traitor.

“A-Anyway, Your Highness, we should head inside the palace,” he stutters.

Rika strokes Summer’s fur, asking, “What’s the rush? We just got home.”

“The King’s Hand has told me he wishes to see you at once.”

At this, Rika and Summer stand from the ground. Summer joins Gyokuken’s side as Rika dusts off her pale blue dress, brushing back the few loose strands of hair that had fallen from her braid when she fell to the ground. She knows better than to keep the most impatient man in the realm waiting. “Lead the way, then.”

***

As Rika walks through the palace following Megumi’s lead, Tsumiki on her left side, the pair of wolves on her right, she realizes just how little the palace has changed from her memory. The servants are still the same familiar faces from her childhood. The walk from the entrance to the royal chambers is engrained in her mind even after so many years, her feet carrying her over the thick carpets and marble floors as if by memory. The paintings of her ancestors that line the pale gold-trimmed walls are still the same. It’s how she knows to turn her eyes away from the very last portrait in the hall, the one which depicts the current emperor, her father.

“Welcome home, princess. Glad to see you have arrived safely,” she hears a deep voice say once they stop before the royal chancery.

When she looks up she sees the face of her father’s advisor, Lord Kento Nanami, welcoming her into the room. The reflection of his glasses hides his gaze from her, and with his typical stoic expression, it is hard to tell what feelings he has, if any at all. She opts to be polite with him, not knowing his intentions. “Good to see you again, Lord Nanami,” she says, performing a curtsey. 

Nanami’s gaze shoots to her companions, and a curt “leave us” is uttered past his lips as he ushers Rika to come further inside.

Tsumiki looks at Rika hesitantly, but Rika sends her a reassuring smile. “Go on ahead and spend some time with your brother, Lady Tsumiki. I’m sure you’ve missed him. I’ll be all right here. You know, royal business.”

Tsumiki bows, sharing a knowing glance with Rika. “Of course, my lady.”

As the door shuts on the two Fushiguros and the direwolves, Rika steps further inside. The room is still just as dark and cold as it once was, lined with bookshelves on its walls and a large window that overlooks the back gardens. A large wooden desk belonging to the king lies within steps of the doorway, and it is there that Nanami takes a seat. Rika follows, sitting in a plush upholstered seat across from him.

“Is everything all right, Lord Nanami? What about my father? Where is he?”

“That’s why I called you here, princess,” the lord replies. He turns in his seat, crossing his legs and leaning back as his gaze shifts to the window. Outside the gardens are teeming with life, the height of the spring in full effect. He takes a deep breath and sighs. “I’ve called you here to speak about your father.”

At this, Rika squirms in her seat. The last she had seen of her father was the night he had murdered her mother with his bare hands in a fit of madness. Although peace had finally reigned over Nymeria, war still waged in her father’s mind. She fears the worst, thinking perhaps her father is still mad. She nods in silent anticipation.

“Your father lies bedridden, weakened by his illness,” Nanami starts, awaiting Rika’s reaction. She simply nods pensively. “In your absence, I’ve been working on your father’s behalf. The other kingdoms do not know of his illness, which is why we did not tell you over letters in case any were to be intercepted. If the other kingdoms found out our king was weakened we would be vulnerable.” Rika nods, agreeing with his reasoning. “But now that you are sixteen, you are of age to rule. Once you marry and declare the intention to have an heir, we can crown you as queen. I apologize to put this upon you so soon but… with your brother’s death, you are the only descendant left of the emperor. And with the state of his health, we don’t know how long he has left.”

“I see…” she murmurs. She looks to her side, where another portrait framed with ornate gold designs hangs in the chancery. It depicts her father, dressed in his royal garb with a stern face yet a warm gaze, and her mother, as delicate and beautiful as a rose with a soft pink dress to match. She sees her younger self, a genuine smile with eyes like crescents while she wears a beautiful violet gown. And she sees her brother, with his clear sapphire eyes that radiate warmth and an earnest closed-lip smile, his arm around her shoulders despite his stiff and stuffy royal ornaments. 

I wish you were here, Yuuta, she thinks, locking eyes with his soft smile. You were meant to be king… not me. I’m not as strong as you are, nor as kind-hearted… Could I even come close? I’m afraid to face the world on my own when they hate us so much…

Rika doesn’t speak her thoughts aloud, instead fisting her hands onto the skirt of her dress and gritting her teeth. She’s afraid, so afraid to become the ruler of the most powerful, yet most hated kingdom in the realm. The stain of her father’s sins taints her reign before it even starts, and she knows it will be difficult to change her reputation. But if it were Yuuta, he would accept this responsibility without a second doubt. 

“Are you ready to declare your intention to find a suitor and become crowned queen, Your Highness? It will take some time to prepare but we can begin to look towards the lords and nobility of Nymeria—or outside the kingdom, if you desire. We can hold the coronation in a few months’ time.”

Rika’s eyes are still on the portrait that hangs on the wall. She knows her responsibility is to her kingdom and to the royal family, things she’s been told about since she was a child. Though when she was younger she would protest at the thought of fulfilling her duties as princess, over the years she has grown to understand that this is her birthright, whether she chooses to accept it gracefully or not. So she swallows her reservations and steels herself. With determination, she looks toward Nanami and nods.

“Yes, I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever is necessary to become queen.”

Lord Nanami nods, pleased with the princess who has returned to them from the west. When Rika had left, she was immature, perhaps some would say even a bit of a spoiled brat. But now she seems to be much more refined and dutiful, having matured some with age. Nanami stifles a smile, seeing the Princess stepping into her role.

Rika asks, “Lord Nanami?”

“Yes, princess?”

“May I see my father?”

“Of course.” Nanami rises from his seat and walks around the desk, extending out his arm for the princess. She lays her palm atop his clothed forearm. With one last glance at the portrait in the chancery, she nods before turning away. She puts on a brave face, walking alongside the King’s Hand, feeling somewhat empowered by the sight of her mother and brother’s smiles.

***

It has been only a fortnight since the princess’s arrival, but already the council has deemed it of importance to have her begin to enact her royal duties. After two weeks of reacquainting herself with the palace, its staff, her lessons, and the status of her kingdom, her first task is to choose a knight who will serve as her protector. In the six kingdoms, it is customary for a king and their heirs to select the knights who will be devoted to them throughout their service to the crown. Rika, now of age, is ready to make her choice.

She stands on the balcony above the Nymerian throne, a seat that has not seen use in the three years since her father has become bedridden. Beside her on her right stands the King’s Hand, Lord Nanami. On the left, the Lord Commander Toji Fushiguro, who has brought along his knights who are not yet pledged to any lords. The three of them stand tall at the forefront of the room, and below them are the select few that Rika has to choose from, bent upon one knee with heads bowed towards the floor.

Nanami motions toward the first knight in the row to step forward. The man is incredibly tall, perhaps even as tall as Master Gojo, with a large, broad frame and muscles that show prominently beneath his dark cloth uniform. His dark hair is pulled back into a knot behind his head, and he wears a large, dark scar over his left eye. He stands, steps closer toward the princess and her advisor, and shows a flashy smile up toward the balcony.

“Princess, this is Lieutenant Aoi Todo, of House Todo from the province of Norvos,” Nanami begins. “He has served in our ranks for many years, including as a young soldier in the war against Drican. He’s among the strongest of his ranks with many victorious battles and skirmishes throughout his service to the crown. He would make a fine knight for your defense, Your Grace.”

“Thank you for your service,” Rika says directly to Todo, with a soft smile and a nod.

“It would be an honor to serve you, princess,” Todo replies, standing straight. Todo wouldn’t dare admit it out loud, but he is confident despite his house being small. He believes he will be the one to obtain the position of the princess’s defender as he is the most experienced of the batch of knights standing in the throne room. Hell, even Toji believes Rika will choose the strongest knight, Todo, already mentally dismissing the remaining knights who stand before them.

After Todo reclaims his spot among the knights in line, bending the knee, the next to present himself before the princess is Kinji Hakari, a tall man with curled, short blonde hair and sun-kissed skin. The look on his face as he looks towards the princess and the King’s Hand is as confident as that of Todo’s. His name alone is worthy of being in close service to the crown, he believes.

Nanami leans close to the princess, to speak without being heard by the knight when he steps closer to them. “This is Lieutenant Kinji Hakari, of House Hakari from the capital city of Tyrosh. Though he does not have the experience of the previous knight, his house is quite wealthy and influential within the region. To offer him the position would appease their house, my lady.”

“I see,” she says, mostly under her breath. Rika knows the games of royalty and politics enough to know that granting Hakari the position would earn favor with his father, the Lord of Tyrosh, an incredibly important support to the crown’s funds. When Hakari offers her a smile and pledges to defend her honor, she sends him a smile in return with a nod of her head. “Thank you, lieutenant.”

Before another knight has his chance to step forward, Rika turns to Nanami, surprising him by lifting her hand to pause the show of knights. Though there are many more to choose from and parse through, Rika doesn’t need to hear anymore. They are all fine options, but she already walked into this room knowing who would be her choice.

“I wish for Lieutenant Megumi Fushiguro to be my knight.”

The clangs of dull swords and the footsteps of the knights, meandering about, cease. At the sound of her words, every man in the room gapes in shock.

“Princess,” Toji finally speaks up. Even he cannot mask his surprise. “Megumi? He was just knighted by the King’s Hand only six months ago, Your Grace.”

“Would a knight with more experience not suit you, princess? The young knight has seen battle only once, and even that was nothing but a skirmish.” Nanami adds.

Rika crosses her arms over her chest, looking out into the crowd of knights. Against the wall in the back of the room, among all the other knights who were available for selection, stands the young Fushiguro, frozen in his boots. He blinks at the princess in shock, unable to register what is happening.

But Rika’s voice calls out to him and that brings him out of his reverie. “Lieutenant Fushiguro, please step forward.”

With wobbly knees and shaky breaths, the knight cuts through the crowd and stands below the balcony, all eyes in the room trained on him. Todo and Hakari step aside, tongue in cheek as they incredulously glare at the young raven-haired boy.

“Princess, are you sure about this?” Toji asks, watching as his son bends at the knee before Rika. Megumi looks between his father and Rika, utterly confused, as this is an outcome he couldn’t have predicted even in his strangest dreams.

“There is no one in this room I trust with my life more than Megumi,” she replies, her gaze unwavering. When she looks down at Megumi, her smile is as intoxicating as it is bewitching.

Megumi’s eyes widen and his lip part, surprised by Rika’s words. Megumi feels a thousand emotions hit him at once, remembering the words that his father spoke to him years ago on the training grounds when he was just a soldier.

“That’s enough for today, Megumi. Take a rest.”

“I haven’t trained nearly enough. I’ll stay until I’m tired.”

“You’ll hurt yourself if you keep pushing so hard.”

“But father, I want to be a knight. I’ll have to train a thousand times harder to get there if I want to protect the royal family.”

Toji Fushiguro, the Lord Commander, watched his son swing and jab at a training block with his dull sword, alone after all the other soldiers had finished training for the day. Toji looked down at his young son with a disapproving look. “A knight? Absolutely not. It’s too dangerous for you.”

While it was true that being a soldier or a knight were positions that risked a man’s life, being close to the royal family was the riskiest of all. Assassination attempts, having to kill on command—death, death, death. That was all Toji came to learn as a kingsguard and that was the last kind of life he wanted for his son. Especially under the rule of Emperor Okkotsu, who during the war with Drican had become especially merciless. Toji feared that his son, if he were to become a knight and especially a kingsguard, would be forced to commit the kind of atrocities Toji had seen just a few years ago.

“But I made a promise,” Megumi replied, arms crossed over his bare chest glistening with sweat. “I intend to keep it.”

“To the princess?” Toji snorted in disbelief. “She’s probably forgotten all about it by now. She hasn’t even seen you in years.”

Megumi lifted his sword again, hands gripping tightly onto the hilt. “I don’t care. I gave her my word, and I intend to keep it. Whether she chooses me as her sworn protector or not, I’ll protect her.” Megumi remembered her smile, and thinks to himself: I’ll work as hard as it takes to protect that smile.

It is the same smile he sees now on the princess’s face. From his position below the balcony, he calls out to her, “Princess Rika, thank you for choosing me, Your Highness.”

“Who else would I have picked, Gumi?” She asks, her words tilting on teasing. Megumi flushes crimson as the princess addresses him so informally before his peers, masking his cobalt eyes with his dark fringe. But even so, a small grin forms on his lips.

“I am honored, princess,” Megumi says dutifully as he looks back up to meet his princess’s gaze. She sees the small smile that breaks on his lips and returns it with a brighter one of her own.

Though Nanami and Toji wish to protest her choice, ultimately it is her decision as the princess. When she feels them looking at her, she shoots them both a stern gaze as if to mute whatever words they had left on their tongues. 

“He may not be the infantry’s strongest knight,” she starts, speaking to the two men beside her. “But I believe that having one man you can trust is worth a hundred men, don’t you agree?”

Toji finds that at moments like these he sees in Rika traits that had once belonged to her father—passion, determination, grit. He thinks to himself: If the day ever comes, she will surely make a fine queen.

***

Where could she be? 

Megumi would never admit the extent of his worry out loud, but the heart that beats in his chest thrums frantically as he scours the palace for the princess. Why would she disappear so suddenly? And where’s Summer?

It’s only been just over a fortnight since her arrival, and already the princess is causing trouble for the young knight and her lady, Tsumiki. This spring morning, she avoided her lessons and the advisors, slipping away when Tsumiki had left the room to gather the princess’s breakfast. Tsumiki, upon noticing her disappearance, found Megumi and asked him to look for the princess, fearing the worst. Times may be somewhat peaceful now, but the kingdom has its enemies.

That’s what brings Megumi to his current search of the palace grounds. It’s only when Gyokuken leads him to the back of the palace, catching Rika’s scent, that he finds her. Behind the plush greenery of the palace gardens, he spots that familiar head of golden brown hair beneath the pink cherry blossom trees. The princess seems to be deep in thought, pacing back and forth. She wears a pale pink dress, her beauty rivaling the fresh spring blossoms around her, while her wolf naps lazily in the thick patch of grass in the shade. Gyokuken joins Summer, licking the brown wolf’s face before laying down beside her.

Megumi sighs in relief when he sees Rika, walking briskly to join her side. “Princess!”

Rika startles out of her concentration, before smiling at the approaching knight. “Good morning, Gumi.”

“Princess,” he huffs, out of breath as he stands tall before her. “Tsumiki sent me to find you. I should’ve known this would be the place you’d wander off to. At least tell me if you’d like me to escort you somewhere. I’m your knight now. It’s my duty, Your Highness.”

“I just wanted a place to think,” Rika shrugs. She crosses her arms over her chest and stares out over the stone wall into the pond, its waters clear and still, edges bordered by lily pads and deep blue lotus flowers. It’s the first time she’s come back to this lake in six years, and nostalgia grips her chest, making her feel weary. “We used to come here a lot when we were kids, remember?”

The corners of Megumi’s lips curl with fondness. “Yes. I remember you and Tsumiki used to make flower crowns for the dogs and chase them around until you’d force them to wear them.”

Rika smiles. “And you and Yuuta used to feed the puppies so many snacks they’d flop onto their bellies and fall asleep on your feet.” 

Megumi would laugh at the quip, but finds himself distracted by the way Rika’s normally shining, bright gaze is dulled. Her voice sounds worn, tired. 

“Are you all right, Princess?”

If Rika’s surprised by the way Megumi could tell her feelings right away, she doesn’t show it. She simply replies, a fondness in her voice, “I miss those days, Gumi.” Unspoken are the words she wishes to say: I miss Yuuta.

He knows that it’s Yuuta that she’s thinking about, as this spot was one of his favorite places on the palace grounds. He often used to sneak away and lay here beneath the trees beside his pet wolf, Ghost, to read books, sing songs, paint pictures, and daydream—to be a young boy when no one else was around to make him a prim and proper prince. Now that he’s gone, there’s an eerie stillness to the gardens, a void that has no hope of being filled.

Megumi stands beside her, and something in him tells him to reach out to her, to offer her comfort. He lifts his hand and places it atop her head, gently ruffling her hair. “We can’t be kids forever, Your Highness.”

“Rika,” she replies, looking up at the knight. “You can call me Rika, Gumi. Just like you used to.”

Megumi frowns. “I’m sorry, Princess, but I’m your knight now. I can’t refer to you so informally.”

“But I thought we were friends,” Rika pouts, her eyes wide and glistening, like a young puppy begging for scraps. “Do you call your fellow knights by their titles?”

“Only my father.”

“Then, drop the formalities for me too,” she asks. Rika wraps her fingers around Megumi’s wrists, surprising the knight. “Please?”

“As stubborn as always,” Megumi sighs, heat prickling his ears. “Just this once, Rika.”

She giggles, her grip on his wrist getting tighter. The sound of her laughter lifts Megumi’s spirits, knowing that he could bring a smile to the princess’s face.

“Well, you will have to get used to it, Gumi, since we’ll be spending so much time together.”

“Yes, I suppose as I am now your knight that we will.”

Rika releases her hold on Megumi’s hands as she stares into his eyes directly. Her chocolate brown eyes always look so sweet and honest, Megumi sometimes wonders if the warmth of her gaze would ever fade. 

“Megumi… What do you think about being my sworn protector?”

At this, Megumi chokes. He takes a small step back, stuttering, “W-What?!”

“What, you don’t want to be? I thought you promised you would.” Rika blinks up at him with an exaggerated pout.

“N-No, I—wait, yes, but—”

Rika laughs at his sputtering. “Good. You wouldn’t have been able to decline, anyway.”

“Rika,” Megumi calls her name incredulously. But besides surprise, happiness swells in his chest, knowing that Rika had remembered his childhood promise to be her pledged knight. “I may be your knight but… Why your sworn protector? You don’t even know yet if I’m suitable to protect you.”

Her two smaller hands encase his palm, and her serene smile fades into a look of determination. “I want you by my side, even if you were the weakest knight in the realm. I’d trust you with my life. There’s no one else I’d want beside me.”

Megumi simply blinks back at her, overwhelmed with emotions. It takes him a moment to come back to earth. He kneels before his princess, murmuring, “Thank you, Rika…”

Rika chuckles at the seriousness with which Megumi looks at her now. It reminds her of that time, that fateful summer years ago when she was not yet even ten years old and the war with Drican had just reached the borders of Nymeria, that Megumi had made the promise to her:

Rika, even as a young girl, was often one to sneak away from lectures to play, whether on her own or with her wolf pup, Summer. While the servants knew many of the places she would go to hide away throughout the palace, only Yuuta and the Fushiguro siblings were privy to her most secret hiding places. This summer morning was one such day when a nine-year-old Rika had snuck away, giving her servants the most nerve-wracking scare. Megumi overheard the commotion from the servants while walking the palace halls with Gyokuken and became worried over his princess’s safety. His short legs picked up the pace, with the young wolf Gyokuken following his steps, until they carried him to the gardens. Just as he had thought, the princess was there outside, picking flowers and placing them upon Summer’s ears.

“Rika!” He called out, and when Rika heard his voice, she turned to him with a smile.

“Gumi, what are you doing here?”

Megumi crossed the garden to the spot where Rika was sitting, hidden away behind a bush of rose flowers. He crouched down to her height, his breathing labored from his previous haste. Gyokuken sat somewhere behind him in the grass, basking in the summer sun.

“What are you doing here, princess? The servants are looking for you.”

“I promised Summer I’d make her a flower crown today,” Rika replied, cupping her small palms around the wolf pup’s snout. Summer huffed as Rika picked up the wolf’s face, angling it towards Megumi. The top of her brown head was covered in flower petals.“Doesn’t she look pretty?”

Megumi was not one to smile often, but the princess’s smile was contagious. He sat down across from her and the corners of his lips perked up just slightly as he nodded. 

“Yes, Summer looks pretty.”

“What about me, do you think I look pretty?” She asked, with an uncharacteristically shy smile.

“W-what are you talking about, princess,” Megumi sputtered at her sudden question, turning his head to avoid her stare.

The honorific made Rika’s smile turn to a frown, suddenly reminded of her grievances with her title. She grumbled, “Princess this, princess that.”

Megumi raised his brows. “You don’t like being a princess?”

“My mother said one day I’ll have to go to another kingdom and marry a prince… but I don’t want to.” She aggressively plucked the petals from the rose flower in her hand, sending the red petals fluttering to the ground. Megumi stayed silent, as he didn’t know how to reply to such a thing. He knew just as well as anyone else, even at his young age, that people like Rika were born with a duty that they could not get out of.

Rika continued to frown and pluck apart the flower until there was not a single petal left on its stem. She looked up at Megumi with her wide brown eyes and asked, “Hey, Gumi… Do you think maybe one day a princess like me could marry whoever she wanted to?”

Megumi, not one to indulge in such fantasies, sternly replied, “Of course not. A princess has to marry a prince. It’s always been that way.”

“But what if I have to marry a prince I don’t love? What if I want to be with a commoner, someone who isn’t nobility? Someone like you?”

Rika looked at Megumi expectantly; perhaps she believed that Megumi would be able to give her some comfort. Megumi instead froze on the spot, his little body feeling like it had turned to lead, simply blinking in disbelief at the princess. Was this her way of saying she liked him? Megumi instantly rebuked such an idea as quickly as he had thought it, not allowing himself to believe that it was possible.

“I-idiot, what are you talking about?!” He buried the bottom of his warmed face under his arms, hugging himself close to his knees. “You’re saying weird things, Rika.”

She pouted. “I wanna marry someone who I love, Gumi. It’s not fair.” 

Megumi could see that tears began to dampen her eyelashes, and the sight of her so upset made him want to comfort her. He reached over and ruffled her hair just as Yuuta always did, causing her to lift her head and gape in surprise.

“Y-you don’t even know what love is so… Just stop crying. You’re only nine, you dummy. Don’t worry so much about it. Let’s just go back inside. We’ll be late for lessons today.”

“I… I don’t want to go back yet, Gumi,” she protests weakly, rubbing her eyes with her fingers balled into fists. “Can we stay here a little more?”

“But my father says we shouldn’t play outside anymore. That it’s dangerous now.”

Rika frowned.“But we always play outside.”

“We’re at war now, princess. What if the bad men come and steal us away? You’re the princess, you shouldn’t be out here without a knight to protect you.”

“You worry too much. We have the wolves here,” Rika shrugged. She looked up at Megumi and added, “Plus, you’re here too. You’ll protect me, right, Gumi?”

“That’s what the knights are for, Rika. And my dad says I shouldn’t be one.”

“Your father is the king’s sworn protector. He’s the strongest knight in the whole kingdom. Why wouldn’t you be a knight too?”

Megumi looked down at his shoes pensively. “I told him I want to be a knight but… He says it's too dangerous.”

“Too dangerous? What, are you scared, Gumi?” Rika chided him. Her moods were oftentimes mercurial, already prioritizing teasing Megumi over the prior thoughts that had made her cry.

Megumi turned his head back up towards the princess, heat pooling at the tips of his ears. “N-no! I’m not scared!”

“Then, you should be a knight. I know you’d be a strong one like your father.”

“I don’t wanna be like my father,” Megumi protested, tongue in cheek.

“You don’t want to be a sworn protector? But what if I made you my sworn protector?” Rika looked at Megumi with an exaggeratedly pleading gaze, playing at his heartstrings.

As gullible as he is serious, Megumi took her words to heart. His eyes widened in surprise, a blush painting the apples of his cheeks. “You really want me to be your knight?”

“Yep! If you promise me you’ll be a knight, I’ll make you my sworn protector when we’re bigger. That way you’ll always get to be by my side.”

Megumi brought a finger up to scratch at his cheek as the princess placed another flower on her brown wolf’s head. “Why me, Princess? I… I don’t understand.”

“You’re important to me, Megumi. I trust you the most,” Rika declared, pulling one last flower from the bush. This time she turned to her side, and with a bright smile, she placed it on Megumi’s head between the strands of his spiky dark hair. He feigned an annoyed face in an effort to hide the happiness he felt at Rika’s words. His father didn’t want him to be a knight but if the princess asked him to, he’d try his damn hardest.

“Okay, Rika. I… I promise I’ll be your sworn protector.”

“You pinky promise?” She asked, holding up her smallest finger between them.

Megumi linked his pinky finger with hers, nodding. “Pinky promise.”

Looking down at Megumi now, the princess reaches up to her head, pulling off the hairpin that adorns her hair. “I think you’re missing something, Gumi.”

She giggles, the sweetest sound Megumi’s ever heard, when she leans down and smooths down the spikes in Megumi’s hair, clipping down his hair with the hairpin. The hairpin is gold with soft pink sakura flowers and reminds her of that time years ago when Megumi would let her place flowers in his hair. “Still looks as pretty as always.”

“Men aren’t supposed to be pretty,” he protests weakly. Megumi, still on his knee, looks down if only to avoid the princess’s gaze, scarlet splashed across his face. One of his hands comes up to his head, fingertips brushing over the metal pin in his hair. “Is this hairpin yours?”

“Think of it as a gift for the occasion.” Although she is partly joking, offering him one of her hairpins that she had bought overseas, she does think Megumi is being insanely cute now and that a little teasing would be fun. She takes both his hands in hers then, and adds, “It’s to commemorate your oath as my sworn protector.”

Though most knights and kingsguards only make oaths to the royals when they are knighted, Megumi has been waiting for years to finally pledge his life and loyalty to his princess. Not one to waste the opportunity, he pushes through the nervousness he feels and steels himself. He looks up to his princess, directly into the depth of her eyes, and makes his vow. 

“Princess Rika, it is my honor to be knighted as your sworn protector.” Rika’s teasing smile falters as she hears the conviction in his voice and sees the determination in his gaze. Megumi unsheathes his sword from its scabbard, laying it down on the ground before his princess. “Even when we were children, you were always the most courageous and kind-hearted lady I knew. It is my honor to lay down my sword for you. I will give my heart, soul, my life, whatever it is that I can, for you my lady. I swear it before the Gods.”

Rika kneels before her knight, digging her clothed knees into the ground, ignoring the dirt that sullies her dress. She brings her face level to Megumi’s. She doesn’t let go of his hands for a moment, and just as he was swayed by conviction, so is she, staring fixed into his deep green irises. 

“I vow that you will always be my most trusted protector,” Rika says, “Even if one day you are one day no longer my personal knight. You will always be a part of my family here in Nymeria. And you will always be one of my closest friends, Megumi. I will never do anything to sully your honor as a knight, nor ask anything of you that would cause you pain or distress. I will never be like my father. As long as you are sworn to me, I will value you and your life as you value mine.”

“Princess…” Megumi swallows the lump in his throat, bewitched by her smile. He never had expected Rika to also make a vow to him, and his heart races in his chest as he commits the words to memory. To be cherished and valued so highly by his lady… He feels so elated his body could burst at the seams. All the times he had worked so hard over the years, training his body and mind to become a knight despite his father’s discouragement—it was all worth it if it culminates in a moment like this, of being worthy of his princess’s vow.

Megumi rises to his feet, and with the princess’s hand still within his grasp, he helps her off the ground. Her smile fades to a soft gasp as Megumi brings her hand to his lips, placing a tender kiss on the back of her hand. His lips are soft and warm against her skin. And his eyelashes… so long and pretty as they flutter closed. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Rika, who is always so brazen and so bold with her tongue, turns into a stuttering fool, an uncharacteristic warmth rising to her rosy skin.

“Y-yes, well… You’re… You’re welcome.”

A soft gust of wind suddenly cuts through the air, rustling the trees and carrying pink petals off the branches. As Megumi and Rika stand bashfully before one another, a pink petal lands upon her fringe. Before she can remove it, Megumi reaches up with his free hand and removes the petal from her strands. When his fingertips brush against her face, the princess looks away.

Megumi’s gaze lands on her lips, though he’s not sure why he finds them so distracting. “Princess, I—”

“Princess Rika!” A woman’s voice calls out, one that is familiar to both of them: Tsumiki.

Megumi and Rika practically jump at the sound of her voice, the princess stepping back and creating some distance between herself and her knight. Even Summer and Gyokuken, who had fallen asleep during the entirety of Megumi and Rika’s exchange, pick up their heads and curiously look up at the maid. 

For a moment, Rika wonders what that strange feeling had been, as if she and Megumi had been on another planet entirely, but it’s quickly muffled down and stored away in the recess of her mind upon seeing her lady approaching.

“Lady Tsumiki… Fine morning, isn’t it?” Rika asks timidly, knowing she had escaped under Tsumiki’s watch.

“You had me quite worried there, princess,” Tsumiki scolds her, though there’s no bite behind her words. Truthfully, she had come upon Megumi and Rika some time ago and chose to stay hidden as she watched the pair exchange vows. She didn’t have the heart to interrupt such a tender moment between her brother and the princess. Plus, as she looks up at her brother, she giggles. He does look cute with the pin in his hair.

“I had Summer with me! And Gumi too,” the princess replies. “I was fine.”

“Well, let’s head back inside. You’re late for your calligraphy lesson, Your Highness.”

Megumi suppresses a smile as Rika rolls her eyes. “All right. Will I see you after your morning training, Lieutenant Fushiguro?”

The color on Megumi’s cheeks rivals that of the flower clip in his hair, the faintest tinge of pink, and he masks it with a short cough as he brings his fist up to cover the bottom of his face. Rika had never called him by his title before so directly, and though he wouldn’t admit it, it sounded quite lovely when she was the one to vocalize it. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Tsumiki sends her brother a knowing glance as the princess turns away and begins to walk back towards the palace, her direwolf following faithfully behind. “I see you’re getting well-acquainted with the princess again, Gumi.”

Megumi scratches the back of his neck. “I… I guess so, Miki.”

She places one of her palms on his cheek, cradling his face. Megumi doesn’t move a muscle, surprised by her gesture. “Just… be sure to guard your heart, brother. I’ll see you later.” She removes her hand as quickly as she had placed it, turning to follow after her princess. “Oh, and the hairpin suits you. Very pretty,” she adds with a chuckle before taking her leave.

Perhaps she is more perceptive than he is because Megumi has no idea what has just happened, absentmindedly rubbing at his cheek with questioning fingers. Now standing alone under the tree, he turns to his wolf Gyokuken, who looks up at him with what seems like an accusatory gaze.

“What?” Megumi asks aloud, bending down to pick up his sword. The wolf simply huffs as the knight places the sword back within its scabbard. But even with jabs from Tsumiki and his wolf, Megumi couldn’t be bothered to be gloomy, not when he had had such a precious moment with Rika. He smiles to himself, hairpin still faithfully lodged within his raven strands, as he heads back to the palace, his heart full of the encouraging words from his princess.

***

Tagging: @brujaovermoxy @erentoes @starry-supernova @itsalicewickedmcgee @jaeger-xo @whore4jean @broken-freedom @raechulashleigh @fqiryspit

Thank you for reading 🥰 If anyone would like to be added to the taglist let us know!

And a meme for you :)

#eren smut #yuta smut #yuta fluff #eren fluff #eren yeager smut #eren jaeger smut #yuta okkotsu smut #yuuta fluff #aot smut #snk smut #yuuta smut #jjk smut #jjk fluff #aot fluff #snk fluff #eren jaeger #eren yeager #yuuta okkotsu #ice & fire canon

[weight-loss-ok]

How Much Water Should You Drink? Hydration Matters

Greetings to all! Today, we’ll address the question of water consumption,- How much water should we drink?  Are there any myths or specific considerations? Let’s dive in. Water plays a very important role in our metabolism, you know that the human body is about 60-80% water, anyway, water, it’s very important. Therefore, the question arises- How much water should we drink?

Drink as Much as You Want

The answer is quite simple- drink as much as you want.  This is the minimum requirement—drink as much as you desire. Athletes may engage in dehydration practices before competitions or weigh-ins, although it’s important to note that such practices are highly detrimental to health. However, in everyday life, it is crucial to never let thirst prevail.

Hydrate to Your Heart’s Content

If your body needs three liters of water, drink three or even four liters. No one will tell you otherwise. Now, let’s discuss the upper limits. In my opinion, the average person weighing about 90 kilograms should consume at least two liters of water a day, preferably three or three and a half liters. However, if you’ve recently embarked on a new lifestyle, adopted intermittent fasting, or started exercising, the situation changes.

Water Consumption for Weight Loss and Exercise

Allow me to explain. When you start a new process in your body, such as starting a weight-loss journey or going to the gym, you start a new metabolic process. During this process, your body sheds its own tissues, which inevitably break down. The breakdown of tissues is somewhat associated with the detoxification of the body, as remnants are eliminated through natural means, including the filtration system of the kidneys and, to an extent, the stool. The more efficiently these waste products are eliminated, the better it is for your body.

Consequently, in the case of people starting a new life, seeking to lose weight, or exercising, I believe it is necessary to consume at least two liters of water. There is no strict upper limit—it is determined by your own sense of thirst.

Water Consumption with Meals

Now, let’s address the topic of when and what to drink with meals—whether to drink water while eating or immediately before or after meals. Here, the limitation pertains to temperature. I do not recommend drinking cold water, chilled water, or ice water within 15 minutes or 30-40 minutes of eating. Room temperature or warm water is perfectly fine. This is recommended in order to create optimal conditions for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Cold Drinks and Other Fluids

Throughout the rest of the day, you can confidently consume chilled or cool liquids, if you prefer, straight from the refrigerator.  However, these drinks must be pure water it is important to note. Juices, coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, and so on do not count as water consumption. If you like, for example, coffee or green tea and are not yet ready to give them up (remember that everything should be done gradually), keep in mind that these substances can act as natural diuretics.

In the case of coffee, some manufacturers even add substances that go beyond natural diuretics, essentially making it a diuretic in itself—a substance that promotes urine production. Therefore, if you consume coffee or tea, it leads to additional dehydration, implying that you should drink even more water.

Special Considerations for Training

When it comes to exercise, the rules for water consumption are slightly different. During the workout, there is increased sweating due to an increase in body temperature. This additional sweating can result in additional dehydration and thickening of the blood. Therefore, if you have any conditions that are worsened by blood thickenings, such as varicose veins or certain heart diseases, it becomes even more crucial to drink water during exercise. In the past, some theories suggested avoiding water during workouts, but this approach is strongly discouraged nowadays.

During exercise, it is essential to drink water and not restrict yourself. Drink water, drink as much as you can comfortably consume, so to speak, and getting rid of edema afterward, if you suddenly drank plenty of water for a month, would be a breeze, just one or two days. So, if you need to get in shape, it’s a piece of cake.

To prevent blood clotting and dehydration during exercise, I recommend drinking 1-1.5 liters of water during an hour of exercise and in small sips. The intensity of your workout will also influence your water consumption. If you transition from strength training to cardio exercises after an hour, continue to drink water during the cardio session as well. There is no strict limit to the amount of water you can consume during exercise.

Conclusion

So, these are the main considerations regarding water consumption. It is interesting to note that there are so many questions surrounding this topic. However, the key is to never experience thirst and drink as much water as you comfortably can. As for the upper limit, I believe that people weighing 80 to 100 kilograms should consume at least 2.5 liters of water per day.

Regarding temperature, avoid drinking cold water from the refrigerator 15 minutes before or 40 minutes after meals. Opt for warm or slightly warmer than room temperature water. During workouts, it is extremely important to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per hour of exercise, taking small sips. If you engage in cardio exercises after an hour, continue to drink water accordingly.

Lastly, as we age, our receptors responsible for the sense of satiety, thirst, and other sensations tend to dull. Therefore, it’s sometimes better to drink water before feeling thirsty. Although this is a debatable statement, I have observed positive results in both personal and consulting experiences.

Read my articles and ask questions. See you next time!

#diet #slimmingworld #fatburn #healthyfood #healthyliving #loseweight #healthyeating #nutrition

[aeoki]

Fist of the Shangri-la Idol - Movie Actor: Chapter 1

Location: In Front of ES Drink Stand Characters: Subaru, Hokuto, Makoto, Mao & Yuzuru Season: Spring

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< Two weeks earlier. An afternoon in late May. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤStraight after a recording for “BIG BANG” – breaktime at the ES drink stand. >

Mao: Alright. Good, looks like things are finally calming down.

Good thing there’s a set pattern every time we do “BIG BANG” – I’ve been able to go easy on my energy reserves.

Now, I’ll have more time to do other thin–

Subaru: Hey, don’t you think “BIG BANG” is kinda boring lately ‘cause it’s too typical?

Let’s do something that’s newer and more fun and exciting!

Hokuto: Right, I had the same thoughts too. That’s what “Trickstar” is all about, after all.

Mao: Hey, now… I won’t tell you to “stop” but you should at least pay attention to your surroundings and adjust your speed.

It’s fine though – That’s one of our good points, after all ♪

Makoto: D–Don’t agree so easily, Isara-kun! You can get like that sometimes, huh. Who’s gonna take the wheel if you step back from controlling this out-of-control train!?

Hokuto: That’s not a good example, Yuuki. We’ve always been earnestly running outside of the railway path others have set for us.

Makoto: Yeah, that’s exactly why I think that’s even worse! An out-of-control train that’s gone off the rails is definitely gonna end up crashing somewhere!

Subaru: A bright and shiny stream…☆

Makoto: Argh! I always wondered this before, but why do you always happily jump on me whenever I yell, Akehoshi-kun? Do you like me a bit too much or something!?

Hokuto: Hmm. I think it’s about time Yuuki loses oxygen, so let’s stop the skit here and talk about something serious.

Mao: Please do. …So, what do we wanna do? You guys don’t wanna do “BIG BANG” forever like this, right?

Hokuto: Of course not. We’ll always be doing the things that only we can do – As the winners of “SS”, we’re always open to new challengers.

Makoto: Uh, we should probably choose another command other than “fight” sometimes.

Frankly, the main purpose of “BIG BANG” is to battle it out with the unit that’s been invited on stage – it’s intense just like the name suggests.

We’ll get tired if we keep fighting all the time and I’d like some calm and peaceful work.

I know I’m mentioning this really late, but being an idol doesn’t mean you should fight all the time, right?

Hokuto: ? What are you talking about? The stage has always been a battlefield.

Mao: How can you be so hot-blooded? I guess it’s “fun because we win” but…

Oh.

Yuzuru: Hehe. You’re always quite lively, so it’s nice to see such a pleasant sight.

Subaru: Oh, it’s Fusshi~! Hey, hey~! King isn’t with you today?

Yuzuru: I cannot fathom why you would always think that dog is with me at all times, Akehoshi-sama…

But no animals are permitted within the ES premises. Perhaps it’s due to the hot weather, but even he dislikes going on walks.

Subaru: Ohh~... King’s a grandpa, huh. It’d be nice if he can live a long and healthy life – Tell him he can come play with Daikichi again.

Yuzuru: Of course. He won’t pass away immediately, but I shall let him know.

Mao: Let’s move on from this topic. Uhh, what business do you have with us, Yuzuru? Did you forget to tell me something about student council work?

Yuzuru: No no, if it was regarding the student council, I would tell you at school.

I’m here as a messenger of StarPro – I have welcoming news for you all.

Subaru: Huh? What welcoming news? Sounds interesting! Is it news like super ancient ruins have been discovered underneath the ES building or something!?

Yuzuru: If that were the case, I would appear rather flustered.

Hokuto: Hmm. If it’s something about our agency, then a message on “Hallhands” would suffice. Is it something important that must be discussed in person?

Yuzuru: No. It may not be right for me to decide whether it’s important or not, but I don’t think it is.

It’s simply because “Hallhands” falls under Ibara’s jurisdiction, so it cannot be well trusted.

And perhaps it’s because Hidaka-sama has a habit of completely ignoring Eichi-sama’s messages.

Or there is a chance for Hidaka-sama to delete the messages without ever reading them.

Therefore, just in case, I have come as a messenger.

With all due respect, I do think it would be good to read over work-related messages at least.

Hokuto: I–I know. I figured I’d still end up in a bad mood if I did, so I hesitate to open them.

Makoto: I’ve mentioned this before, but if you don’t like stuff like that, why don’t I take care of the messages for you all at once?

You don’t have to do everything just because you’re the leader, Hidaka-kun – You gotta have the right person for the right job ♪

Yuzuru: Indeed. However, I think it may be enjoyable to challenge yourself with unfamiliar tasks.

Muscles are formed after using them over and over, and a synapse is formed because you’re gaining unknown knowledge.

In this case, we’re talking about “that” ♪

Makoto: ……?

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →

#shangri-la

[chroniclingworlds]

Fluvictus

The evolution from land-dwelling predators to swimming titans wasn’t a straight shot. Unlike their more famous cousins the Lancetes, Fluvictus inhabit fresh and brackish water. Semi-aquatic, with powerful flippers and tails, they are exquisitely adapted to life in the water.

Flagtails

Pictured: the midland Flagtail, the most common species which inhabits the central portion of the river.

In the huge, slow-moving White River of Ejoa, a living fossil lurks. One of the first offshoots of the Fluvictus lineage, they have changed very little over the last 75 million years. Although we know the Fluvictus and Lancetes evolved from land-dwelling ancestors and modern Fluvictus such as River Tigers spend time on land, the Flagtails are almost fully aquatic. These cryptic animals only return to land to lay eggs, and are quite awkward out of the water. However, in their preferred habitat under the surface, they are surprisingly elegant and almost seem to “fly” around the murky waters. They have never been especially common, and today are quite rare in the wild. The highland and lowland species especially are considered endangered and the topic of releasing captive populations is being discussed to re-establish their presence throughout their historic territory.

River Tigers

Pictured: the striated river tiger, native to the Noxa River of Axane.

Living in rivers and lakes nearly worldwide, these aquatic predators lurk just beneath the surface to ambush prey with a stab of their serrated proboscis. They can be found venturing into saltwater as well, although they cannot live there full-time as they need to drink freshwater to survive. This could explain their worldwide distribution despite the limited ranges of the other two Fluvictus varieties; they simply swam to new continents, or perhaps got washed out to sea in a storm and found their way to the nearest landmass. Whatever the case, River Tigers are very successful predators and display a fascinating array of species. Large groups of them can be seen basking on the shores of rivers.

Icefish

Pictured: the short-nose Icefish, found in the Boreal River of southwestern Amki.

These strange creatures only live in Amki, but exactly how they arrived there is up for debate. Some believe their ancestors crossed the Xraa Sea during the last ice age and became isolated on the continent when water levels rose again, however, their DNA indicates they split off from other Fluvictus species around 60 million years ago, long before the last ice age. Whatever the case, these animals live in lakes and rivers across the frigid continent of Amki. Their bodies are blubbery to conserve heat and their blood contains a type of antifreeze that allows them to remain active even in winter. Their solid head-crest can break ice to allow them to reach air even as their rivers freeze. Feeding on whatever small animals they can catch, they lead a very slow and steady life. Despite their reputation of being a passive animal, they have been seen catching and feeding on the much faster Remmanites.

#planet varin #speculative biology

[writing-reaper]

Bound Through The Force

The Bad Batch x f!OC Mara

Description: In an attempt to connect more with the Bad Batch, Mara finds herself trying to communicate with them more. While discussing her past run in with the Jedi Shaak Ti, and avoiding revealing who she is, she finds she’s been poisoned.

Note: For the first few paragraphs the last note is a slight lie. Trauma first, fluff later. Also some made up stuff because I don’t feel like researching rn.

Warnings: mentions of child death, dead bodies, mentions of forced pregnancy, gore, depression, fluff, poisoning

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four |

Part Five | Part Six (here)

(Read more has been placed here due to the sensitive topics in the pre story, a dash lined will be marked for those who find any of the topics listed above uncomfortable)

“What more can you take from me? I have nothing.” Mara asks, the blade at her neck nothing more than an empty threat. She knew how they did things here. A cut to the throat was nothing to them without an audience.

“My dear, you shouldn’t have asked.” The elder laughs, her voice high pitched and croaky. The elder then used her blade as a walking stick, using it to aid her in kneeling down next to Mara’s ear. “You know very well that you had desirable traits, ones that we wanted more of in our children.”

Mara keeps her face still though her body is screaming, memories of the burning, the pain, the screams from her labors. Worst of all, the memories of the children she never even got to hold being taken away from her.

“They’re all gone.” The elder says before her harsh voice begins to laugh. For the first time in a long time, a tear slips from her eye.

“You’re all monsters.” Mara whispers, instantly regretting that decision as a small blade was pressed beside her eye and trail down to the edge of her cheekbone. Her warm blood slowly caresses her cheek as a small breathy whimper leaves her throat.

“One day, and perhaps not today, all like you shall be ridden and our society will take over this accursed planet. It’s a shame you won’t live to see it.” The elder states, rising to her feet once more, frail body trembling. “Perhaps that little girl, and all the others you decided to die saving, will.”

“You’re a coward.” Mara retorts, spitting on the elder’s foot. A hard wack came to her head and while it momentarily impaired her vision, she refused to crumble to the pain.

“And you are my little toy. It’s a shame your use has run out. You were so good.” The elder feigns sorrow. “We can always train another to be like you. Perhaps we’ll make them drink your blood. Take her away!”

Mara was lifted to her feet, she knew if she attacked the elder now she’d be killed immediately, forget being made an example. So, she let her body go limp to rest before she would be brought to the stand.

“We stand here today for the trial of Mara the Wyvern. From this day forward, Mara will be taking her mother’s name of exile. Mara Deoradhán has been charged with consulting with the enemy, embezzling prisoners, and disrespecting the elders of the Hye Society.” The young man posing as the prosecutor announces to the crowd. “The Hye Society finds Mara Deoradhán guilty on all accounts and will be executed.”

The executioner steps forward, a bloody blade in his hand from the last two people they had executed today. There was no real trial, the elders had made their decision to kill her and that’s what was going to happen.

‘I was told my mother abandoned me.’ Mara remembers, when she was old enough to realize how different her life was from the children she saw playing outside. ‘Yet, here I am with a name of exile given to my mother… if she were to have any name here she must’ve been known the elders.’

The realization sinks into her chest as the blood-rusted blade was set to her throat. She only had one chance now. One question in her mind that brought her determination back to her, a will she now held a couple pieces to.

The crowd roars as the blade rushes forward. Mara raises up her hands as a flow of energy passes through her and down through her fingertips. She hears a cry and her eyes open to find the sword had not landed in her throat, but rather within a random citizen in the crowd who had come to watch.

Mara wastes not a second as she slammed her foot down on the weak trap door beneath her. She lands on the rotting bodies of the victims from the last week. Now covered in blood and feeling slightly nauseous, she quickly leaves out the heavy wooden door.

She turns on the hose used to clean the room of blood to clean the blood off of herself. Hearing the approaching footsteps, she jumps up to the rafters, praying they’d hold her weight as she makes her way to the room they held her stuff in.

It wasn’t long till she was on the first supply ship leaving that horrible planet. Her file in her hands, the cream folder covered in little puddles of her tears. She looks up at a nearby crate, two words sticking out to her as her body goes limp from exhaustion.

“Ord Mantell”

———————————————————————

“So you pull this lever back and it shoots the ball up?” Mara restates in a questioning tone as Tech fixes the broken game. “And the goal is to get it into one of these holes up here, but not this one down here.”

“Simply speaking. It’s designed to slant downwards which makes it more difficult to score.” Tech explains.

“So people lose a credit just to shoot a ball that will inevitably roll to the bottom hole?” Mara questions, leaning back against the bar, her gaze tilted down to look at Tech who was laying in what looked like an uncomfortable position.

“Usually. It is possible to get in the goal but it takes a lot of practice and patience.” Tech answers. “Or, my favorite reason, mathematics.”

“Nerd.” Crosshair tsks, placing his toothpick back in his mouth. Mara’s lip twitches up at the small remark.

“Does Cid have you fixing stuff often?” Mara asks, knowing well that Cid will take advantage of anyone who’s willing to help her for less credits than it would actually take.

“She doesn’t even have to ask. He’s been dying to fix this thing since we first came here.” Crosshair answers, despite Tech’s small glare.

“I’m sure it’s fun to do things when you know how to do them. I’m certainly not smart enough to even make a lousy attempt to fix this.” She jokes, giving the machine another once over. “I have to say, this thing has certainly taken a beating, I’m surprised it broke now. There was someone here just last night trying to break the glass.”

“That explains the loose leg.” Tech answers, the table shaped game having almost fallen on him when he first got under it.

“Where are the others?” Mara asks, looking around, realizing that they had left.

“Supply run.” Mara nods in response, looking around once more at the empty bar.

“Either of you want a drink?”

“You gonna charge us?” Crosshair answers, raising a brow.

“I won’t tell if you don’t.” Mara answers with a small smile.

“You any good with shots?”

“Taking them or pouring them?”

“Both.”

“How long has this been going on?” Hunter asks, having returned to find Mara and Crosshair sitting across from each other as Cid lined up five more shots for the two of them.

“They’ve both done five shots. They started staring at each other after four. Of course, Crosshair was staring first then Mara looked at me and I just told her that that’s what he usually does.” Tech explains from the bar stool, drinking his own drink.

“And you’re just allowing this?” Hunter asks, looking over at Cid.

“What? I’m curious. Two stone faces seeing who can drink the other under the table, I’ve already got bets.” Cid answers, throwing her hands up in defense.

“Ah. There it is.” Echo sighs, knowing this had to have something to do with money.

“Crosshair’s got this down easy!” Wrecker chimes in with a laugh, having lost to him many times before.

“They both do.” Cid scoffs. “I’ll let them do twelve each and if neither of them tap out or fall as soon as they stand up, I’m cutting them off.”

“You should cut them off now. Haven’t known Mara for long, but if she’s as stubborn as Crosshair neither of them are breaking at 12.” Echo suggests.

“Alright. New game.” Cid walks up to the two. “These are the last five. Whoever can shoot these last five the fastest wins.”

“Fine by me. You?” Mara asks, nodding her head up.

“Whatever makes you lose faster.” Crosshair answers, not breaking his stare.

“Alright, 3, 2, 1— oook.” Cid counts them down, both of them grabbing their first shot at the same time.

The two shoot them down fast, Mara set her glasses down upside down, whereas Crosshair sat his right side up. Mara managed to get ahead by one and downed the fifth easily, setting that cup right side up.

“Haha… too easy.” Cid laughs, collecting the bets from the watching patrons. Crosshair glances at Cid with a glare then turned back to Mara who had her hand out.

“You’re a good shot.” Mara jokes with a wink. Crosshair rolls his eyes and shakes her hand, surprised when she pulled him closer, her voice now a whisper in his ear. “You’re too stiff. Good for a sniper, bad for a shooter. Relax your throat next time.”

Mara offers him another smile before collecting the shot glasses and walking behind the counter leaving Crosshair flustered and wide eyed.

“She sure beat you.”

“Shut up Wrecker.”

Hunter and Echo approach the bar as Mara washes the shot glasses. She finishes cleaning them and leaves them to dry as she turns to face the two.

“What can I do for you two?” Mara asks, that small smile still on her lips.

“We wanted to talk about the delivery.” Echo answers. Mara sighs, placing her hands on her hips.

“Alright. What do you want to know?” Mara sighs, brushing her hair back and rubbing her temple.

“I guess the most appropriate first question would be… if you’re alright?”

“I’m fine, what’s happened has happened, nothing I say will change that.” She answers but with much annoyance in her stance. “You know, you’ve learned much about me with all these questions you insist on asking and yet I know next to nothing about you. With all the talk about trust, you could point to any scar of mine and I’ll give you its story, but I only really know all your names.”

“Huh, guess I never thought about it like that.” Hunter answers, scratching the back of his head.

“Well… what do you want to know?” Echo asks, knowing she had a point. Mara pauses in her movements, she was just trying to make a point, she didn’t actually have any questions. That wasn’t because she didn’t care, she did but she had never been one to ask questions, mostly because she had always been punished for never doing so.

“I can’t say I have any.” She replies, setting the glass down. “I’m certain if there was something you wanted to me to know you’d tell me. It would be insensitive of me to ask about your injuries, I admire your tattoos, but you may regret them, and talking about the war may be triggering. I’d rather learn more about you in time, not all at once.”

“You think you’ll stay around that long?” He asks, knowing she’s spoken about leaving numerous times before.

“I don’t exactly have anywhere to go. If it comes to that point I’m certain I can find my way off planet. There’s always work somewhere, I’ve been stranded in many places before so I know how to get by. I was severely malnourished for most of my life until I met Cid, so I know how to manage, and I’m perfectly capable of defending myself.” Mara rattles off, sounding unbothered by the information.

“You know, I’m really starting to think there’s no need to ask you questions, you’re just going to relay something to us eventually.” Echo sighs placing a hand to his forehead.

“I’m sorry, I’m still not used to this.” Mara answers, brushing her hair back. She places the glasses on the counter and walks out from the bar and into the guest bathroom in an attempt to calm down. Why was this stressing her out? Who gives a shit what they think of her? It’s not like they know she’s killed thousands of people yet! “Maker, why did I get such a shit life?”

She lets out a sigh and fixes her hair, brushing it behind her ears and out from in front of her face. Finally, she steps out of the bathroom with cleaning supplies in her hands, having left them in there earlier when she was cleaning the bathrooms.

“I was a prisoner on Skako Minor for the Techno Union. Separatists took me from the wreckage of a ship at the Citadel and sold me to them. That’s how I got my mechanical prosthetics.” Echo explains to Mara, he felt it was the least he could do after seemingly upsetting her.

“That sounds bad, it is fortunate you are alive.” She answers, looking unsure about why he’d tell her this.

“You said you would prefer we tell you things without being asked.” Echo answers her unasked question. Mara nods her head, she wasn’t sure what to do with this information now or if she was supposed to do anything with this information.

“Yes.” She replies, nodding her head. “I’m certain the adjustment has been difficult. I can’t say the negative thoughts ever go away. I’m certain there are many things you have done to adjust to create a positive outlook.”

“Yeah… it’s definitely been difficult.” Echo answers solemnly, despite having not expected the more heart to heart conversation. “I also experienced severe malnourishment from the experience.”

“Did you have difficulty adjusting to eating?” Mara asks.

“Yeah, definitely weird after using a tube for so long.” Echo answers.

“It, personally, took me two years to get to a healthy weight. I still have difficulty at times eating full meals, but it’s not ordinary for this lifestyle anyway.” Mara informs, leaning against the counter slightly.

“Eating wasn’t too difficult to get used to again because of that. Rations have always never been enough for soldiers.”

“Definitely not for Wrecker.” Hunter adds, earning a chuckle from Echo.

“You got that right.”

“It’s good to have support from people who care about you. Shaak Ti and Nala Se helped me a lot in my recovery, even if they had only felt they owed it to me.” Mara comments off handedly.

“Why would they owe you?” Hunter questions, brows furrowed.

“They didn’t. Apparently I’d met Shaak Ti before. She had recognized me when she came to get intel from Cid. I had apparently saved her from some witches. My memory is hazy but I was sent to negotiate with them and things had turned south. At some point I had apparently shot down the ones that had cornered her. I don’t remember it, but she recognized my armor.” Mara explains, motioning to the stairs where her armor could be found. “I honestly found it strange that I’d do that. I was told the Jedi were bad people, people who hurt those who don’t do things the way they do. I learned fairly quickly that they were just projecting.”

“Who are ‘they’?” Echo questions, that same protective look he had on his face when Omega’s safety came to play. Hunter could see her body immediately tense up and hear her heartbeat quicken.

“I’m sorry I think I misspoke.” She quickly back pedals, placing a hand on her head with a small, coy smile. “Must be the alcohol.”

“You should probably sit down and drink some water.” Echo quickly suggests, that caring attitude Hunter found he had for everyone— despite his usual grumpy glare— shining through. “I know you said you’re at a healthy weight now, but I’m sure your alcohol tolerance isn’t what you make it seem and you drank those really fast—”

“Gosh.” Mara states, surprised by his sudden concern. Her cheeks flush red and her heartbeat picks up once more. “I-I’m certainly not that intoxicated but I appreciate the concern.”

She suddenly feels a heavy as her vision goes momentarily black. Suddenly a pair of strong arms are around her as her back was pressed to the man’s chest. Looking up, vision fuzzy, she sees Hunter’s concerned face. When she looks forward once more she finds Echo in front of her.

Mara refrains herself from reacting, despite her hazy vision she tells herself that she’s ok. Echo helps her to a booth and quickly goes to retrieve water.

“Maker, are you alright?” Hunter asks, brushing the hair out of her face to look at her eyes. They were clearly unfocused and trying to settle on his face.

“I’m fine.”

“What happened?!” Omega asks, running over to the table.

“Everything’s fine, love. Could you run upstairs and get me the small black bag?” Mara asks, to which Omega quickly nods and runs upstairs. A soft laugh leaves her lips and she raises her hand to her mouth. “He poisoned me.”

“What? Who—”

“But I scanned you over and everything was fine?” Tech fumbles pulling up the scan he had done yesterday on his datapad.

“He kissed me.” She sighs once more, this time sounding more annoyed. “I thought he was just trying to piss me off.”

“Mara. Focus on me. Do you know what kind of poison this is?” Echo questions.

“Do we even know if it’s actually poison?” Crosshair questions with a scoff, though concern seemed to be written on his face.

“Do not worry. It’s a slow acting sedative, the alcohol must’ve just sped up the process. It’s non lethal. If I don’t get the antidote in time I’ll just be asleep for three days.” She answers before she hears Omega running back down the stairs. “Thank you, Omega.”

Mara opens the bag and removes a pink liquid. She takes the water Echo had retrieved and poured some of the liquid in before drinking it swiftly. She grimaced as she closes off the liquid and puts it back in the bag.

“Your eyes still aren’t focused and your heart rate is slowly decreasing.” Hunter states firmly, looking into her eyes with a worried glare. The alcohol and poison acted as a euphoric drug, Mara had known this well but still words slipped from her lips.

“It’s very sweet that you’re concerned. But I assure you this is by no means lethal. I’m certain he was expecting to sedate all of us. If you remember in his jealous mind he believed I was at least with one of you.” Mara grips her head as the pain travels to her forehead. “Gosh, I was all rattled about that stupid kiss I hadn’t thought he would poison me. It’s funny, if I hadn’t drunken any alcohol I would’ve just been in a small coma for three days.”

“Maker, Mara, are you going to be alright?” Echo questions sounding more and more worried.

“I’ll be fine. I may pass out in a few minutes but if that happens I’m not that heavy and we all know Wrecker can pick me up easily. You can just take me to my mattress and when I wake up it’ll be like nothing happened.” Mara laughs once more, tears pricking her eyes as she suddenly begins leaning into Hunter. “Alcohol certainly makes it hurt more. Maker, I shouldn’t have let that stupid kiss bothering me.”

“You’re burning up.” Hunter informs, her skin felt like it was on fire. He could feel her head pressed hard against his chest as she grimaced. He could only hold her as she shook slightly.

“Oh yes.” She answers, her teeth chattering slightly. “I’m certain a cold shower would feel wonderful. I-I hate that you’re all seeing me like this.”

“No one’s judging you. We just want to make sure you’re alright.” Echo reassures. Hunter brushes some of the hair from her face and spots a trail of tears running down her cheek.

“I’ll help you upstairs.” Hunter states helping her to her feet. She could certainly walk fine, a little wobbly but she wasn’t shaking as she had been seconds ago.

“How could I let this happen?” She questions as their halfway up the stairs.

“Don’t blame yourself.” Hunter comforts taking her to her room with the blanketed double stacked mattress on the floor.

“Th-thank you.” Mara whispers as she lays down. Hunter retrieved from ice from the kitchen and helps her hold it to her forehead.

He stays with her as her body returns to its normal state. Mara was no longer burning up, shaking, and unfocused. She looked tired at the least, but in this moment Hunter didn’t care.

“Mara. You are going to tell me everything and you will not leave this bed until you do so.”

Taglist

@mybigfatspoonielife @gjrain20-starwars @goddess-of-congeniality @redpool @chxpsi

#star wars #the bad batch #tbb #tbb echo #tbb tech #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #tbb omega #tbb x oc #the bad batch x oc #bad batch x oc #oc #star wars tbb #Star Wars #trigger warning

[theartifxce]

good morning akiiiii [ its morning in my place lol ]

how are you doing ? i hope you feel a-okay

also oof, that new prompts were hurts

[ i feel like all of it could applied to johan tbh ]

but, if you were not busy would you please write these prompts ?

❛ their blood is on your hands. ❜ ❛ i wish i met you sooner. ❜ ❛ you’re as beautiful as the day i lost you. ❜

though, if you were busy, just take your time

im sorry that im putting request again on you, its just that, your writing and the way you portray johan is really good

well, anyway, hope you stay healthy and have a good day !!! >3

-Sincerely, your biggest admirer, Asami

OutofChara: LOL your photo has me laughing. I am alright. I hope you are well, sorry for getting these to you late. I was a bit confused...as to who was submitting these to Johan? Usually a specified character would say these lines to Johan and I'd response from that.

So for the sake of my confusion, I will have Anna speak these words to Johan and respond like that , if that is okay? 

If you’d rather have YOUR muse submit these to Johan like before, just let me know? 

ALSO JHFSJHDFGJK THANK YOU SO MUCH! 

❛ their blood is on your hands. ❜

He placed his hands behind his back, fingers intertwined together out of a force of habit as the hammer of her judgment fell upon him. His expression was unmoved, but his eyes were laced with the pools of anguish he carried since the day she rejected him at the hospital. Her once beautiful, innocent glowing eyes now stared at him with such pain and contempt that he felt them clawing away at his concrete heart.

 Although she was so close, after all these years he watched from a safe distance, Nina still felt so far away.  Her words weighed with her disdain and he could not feel the remorse she wished he would. Regret, empathy – those things were stripped from him long ago in that forsaken place. Instead of entertaining her topic of discussion, Johan greeted her with his nameless smile before saying, “Welcome back, Nina.”

❛ i wish i met you sooner. ❜

Fate would have it that of all people, she’d run directly into him at her local pub. He was watching her after all - she was drinking away her sorrows; or at least trying to. Nina’s face was flustered from the mosquitos she had been downing like they were juice. What he did not expect was for her to choose the seat beside him, especially when he chose to sit in the back corner of the bar. Their conversation started off casually; but then she began to pour her heart out. She confessed that she was there that night with her friends trying to fill the void in her heart. Her lack of memories took its toll today, her parents revealed that she had been adopted. Johan listened, attentively as he would have if he was still her beloved twin brother and offered her solace in the form of kind, thoughtful words. He validated her feelings instead of trivializing them like the rest of those around her. How could they understand the gravity behind losing pieces of yourself to the shadows of ones mind? 

“I wish I met you sooner.” She’d giggle with a forced smile - but he could see the threat of tears forming on her waterline. Her smile was so graceful and divine, Johan couldn’t help but smile back when she said, “You didn’t make me feel foolish for my feelings...thank you so much...” He knew she probably would not remember this moment or this night when morning came. But he allowed himself to sink into the fervor of the moment. “Your happiness above all should be important to those who love you. Never forget that.” He’d offer her a piece of solid advice. 

@asfixiafloral

❛ you’re as beautiful as the day i lost you. ❜

He cleaned the place of its filth – not a single human trafficker had been left alive. Geidlitz believed he could conquer the devil to do his bidding but he only invoked his wrath when they had taken his sister prisoner. They were foolish enough to kidnap her from her foster parents, killing them in the process. A decade away from her, hoping she would heal was lost and wasted in an instant. Humans were truly disgusting creatures. The mansion was silent in the dead of night. He knew Nina was on the third floor but he had to sweep every floor to make sure the vile excuse for human beings was dealt with. Once he got to the top floor, gingerly, he paced himself down the hallway, the wooden floors creaking beneath his feet. That was when he heard a yell that sent a cold chill into his bones. 

It was his sister screaming - but he kept himself stilled as he softly and slowly rested his hand on the door knob. He listened for voices, trying to distinguish how many were in there with her. Two male voices, far from the door; they were yelling extremities at her to get up and move. Johan waited patiently for them to move towards the door. When they got close enough he flung it open and swiftly pointed his gun and shot them both directly in the head. The last one to die had released the grip of Nina’s fistful of hair. She screamed looking at the bloodbath before her and quickly turned her frighten eyes to him. 

Hastily, she pulled herself backwards in an attempt to get away but her back was met with the wooden frame of the bed. Johan put his gun away and remained still for a moment, wondering on how he should approach her. With careful strides, he marched towards his sister and knelt down, trying to not intimidate her further by towering. He smiled gently like he always did when they were kids – the only gesture he’d save for her. Soft digits reached up and brushed aside the long strand of her that fell over her features and it stung when she trembled so violently against his touch. 

“I’m not here to hurt you, Nina.” He spoke softly as to not shatter her already broken state of mind.  He stared, waiting for her eyes to meet his. Once her beautiful blue orbs locked with his, he witnessed her reaction unfold; A glow of familiarity flickered in her azure irises. This was the first time in 10 years he had been this close to her. He tucked her hair behind her ear and brought his arm back to his side as he said tenderly, 

“You’re as beautiful as the day I lost you…”

#Johan Liebert #ask prompts #ic #answered #THANKS FOR SENDING THESE IN AHHH #Nina Fortner #aus

[best-sexologist-in-patna]

Primacy of Best Sexologist in Patna, Bihar for treatment of WPN | Dr. Sunil Dubey

Hello friends WPN discussed in today's topic is so important that most of the people will benefit after reading this article. They will feel comfortable because they will know that they have treatment, medication, and primary options for this Weak Penile Nerve (Urethra and Erectile Tissues).

WPN stands for Weak Penile Nerve which refers to the urethra and erectile tissues. Nowadays, most of the people complain that they have erectile dysfunction and their sexual desire is decreasing day by day. This WPN plays an important role in this sexual dysfunction. We will know this topic completely and Dr. Sunil Dubey, Top Sexologist in Patna will share his experience and treatment with us.

The world famous Dr. Sunil Dubey is working as a senior sexologist doctor, sexual medicine counselor, sexual therapist, and Ayurvedic medicine researcher in India. He is the first Indian sexologist doctor who is honored with lots of national and international awards at the same time. In fact, his achievements and contributions are priceless where Bharat Gaurav Award and Gold Medal show his positive impact and expertise of Ayurvedic medicine and sexology medical science specialist.

Regarding this sexual disease, he says that there are many reasons for erectile dysfunction in men. In today's time, most of the sexual patients are affected by this weak penile nerve which makes them inefficient in their sexual functions and activities.

The prime reasons of Weak Penile Nerves (WPN) are following:-

More than 70% of people are affected by erectile dysfunction due to multiple sclerosis. It is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders that affect young adults. Most people think that they have masturbated countless times and this sexual problem has caught up with them. Here, their ideas are correct, at least for some cases.

Dr. Sunil Dubey says that injury to the nerves or spinal cord, surgery to the pelvic area, and Peyronie's disease are responsible for this sexual disorder. He adds that Peyronie’s disease is caused by repeated penile injury typically during sexual activity or physical activity. In all these conditions, there are 100% chances of Weak Penile Nerves.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunctions in men:

This famous sexologist doctor in Bihar says that if we talk about the causes of erectile dysfunction, there are many reasons for it. In fact, one in 10 men are affected by a weak penile nerve and this is the cause of ED, but apart from this, there are other reasons also which cause this sexual dysfunction.

Certain Medicines:

Taking certain medications can affect blood flow, which can lead to ED in men. In this condition the person feels numbness in the penile due to the side effects of antidepressants.

Neurological Disorder:

Several neurological disorders can increase the risk of ED in men. In some neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, penile trauma, diabetes, prostate surgery, and stroke can cause of penile nerve damage.

Hypogonadism:

In this condition, the production and function of sexual hormone is diminished and this hormonal imbalance causes of ED.

Endocrine Disease:

A wide range of diseases, injuries, medications, and psychological issues can cause of erectile dysfunction. The names of some diseases are High Blood Pressure, Hormonal Imbalance, and Vascular Disorder. These are the cause of ED in men in different ages.

Hypertension: High Blood Pressure

Drinking and Smoking: High Cholesterol, Obesity

Heart Disease: Cardiovascular Disease

Anxiety & Depression: Relationship Issues

Apart from the above mentioned reasons, there are many other reasons that lead a person to erectile dysfunction sexual dysfunction. For the exact solution, the sexual patient needs to consult a sexologist doctor who can help him with all the methods of treatment.

Importance of Ayurveda and Sexology Medical Science Clinic- Dubey Clinic

With 60 years of people's trust, Dubey Clinic is the most trusted Ayurvedic clinic in India. It is also the first Ayurveda and Sexology Medical Science Clinic of Bihar where sexual patients from every corner of India come to this clinic in Patna for their treatment.

Dr. Sunil Dubey is the director and senior sexologist doctor of Dubey Clinic. He has the huge time of experience in this Ayurveda and Sexology medical science. He has successfully treated more than four lakhs of sexual patients of India and today's time, mostly people want to get their sexual treatment under him. He provides his treatment and medication privileges to all ages of sexual patients (married and unmarried people).

More than a hundred sexual patients contact this clinic over phone and some of them also take their appointment to come to the clinic. Dr. Sunil Dubey helps them all according to their sexual problems. More than fifty sexual patients are benefiting from Dubey Clinic every day. It is a historic Ayurvedic clinic of Bihar which has celebrated its diamond jubilee of 60 years of success. The primary goal of this clinic is to eliminate sexual problems from the lives of sexual patients.

If you are a sexual patient and want to live a healthy sexual life then you should consult Dubey Clinic. This clinic provides complete package of treatment and medicine for your sexual dysfunction through Ayurvedic medicine.

With best wishes:

Dubey Clinic

A certified clinic in India

Dr. Sunil Dubey, Gold Medalist Sexologist

B.A.M.S. (Ranchi) | M.R.S.H. (London) | Ph.D. in Ayurveda (USA)

Location: Dubey Market, Langar Toli, Chauraha, Patna - 04

Helpline No: [phone]; [phone]

#sexologist #bestsexologist #bestsexologistpatna #bihar #patna #bestsexologistdoctorpatna #bestsexologistbihar #bestsexologistdoctorbihar #bestsexologistnearme #dubeyclinic #drsunildubey #DubeyClinic #DrSunilDubey #dubeclinicpatna #health #healthcare #sexualhealth #medical #sexualeducation #famoussexologist #famoussexologistpatna #famoussexologistbihar #goldmedalist #goldmedalistsexologist #india #topsexologistpatna #mentalhealth #medicine #guptrogdoctor #guptrogdoctorpatna

[adamgant]

155: Is Ozempic worth the risk?

155: Is Ozempic worth the risk? https://ift.tt/drG4hin Talking about a huge topic today – is Ozempic worth the risk? I’m sharing my thoughts as an Integrative Health Practitioner and Women’s Fitness Specialist. Would I take Ozempic? Would I recommend it to clients? Here’s what we discuss in today’s episode: What is Ozempic and how does it work? Would I take Ozempic, or what would I use instead? Pros and cons and so much more!   Partners: I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA50 for $50 off. Join us for Fit Team! This is my online fitness community and you can try it free for 7 days. I love love love the meals from Sakara Life! Use this link and the code XOGINAH for 20% off their meal delivery and clean boutique items. This is something I do once a month as a lil treat to myself and the meals are always showstoppers. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP Level 1 here and my review of Level 2 here. I’m still obsessed with my sauna blanket. This is one of my favorite ways to relax and sweat it out. I find that it energizes me, helps with aches and pains, I sleep better on the days I use this, and it makes my skin glow. Link to check it out here. You can also use my discount FITNESSISTA15 for the PEMF Go Mat, which I use every day, and the red light face mask, which is a staple in my weekly skincare routine. Get 20% off Organifi with the code FITNESSISTA. I drink the green juice, red juice, gold, and Harmony! (Each day I might have something different, or have two different things. Everything I’ve tried is amazing.) I’m currently obsessed with the shilajit gummies! Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you.  The post 155: Is Ozempic worth the risk? appeared first on The Fitnessista. via The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/H5Wih06 March 07, 2024 at 06:47AM

#The Fitnessista

[rawdatabyp3]

Reevaluating the Role of Industry Expertise: Tradeoffs Between Specialization and Adaptation

In this week's episode of Raw Data, Rob takes the mic solo to dive into a riveting topic, sparked by Zach from our LinkedIn Steering Committee. The question at hand is a pivotal one in the rapidly evolving realms of analytics and AI: How essential is deep industry or domain knowledge in this tech-forward era? As we race through technological advancements, is there a shift in focus from the deep-rooted sector-specific expertise to a broader emphasis on adaptability and mastering new tech tools on the fly?

Rob delves into this debate, weighing the traditional value of domain expertise against the rising tide of tech fluency and the concept of Just-In-Time (JIT) training. He suggests we may be on the cusp of a significant transformation in professional expectations, where the agility to learn and implement new technologies swiftly could eclipse the longstanding reliance on industry-specific knowledge.

Further, Rob illuminates how platforms like Power BI are leveling the playing field, allowing professionals to transcend their industry silos and innovate in ways previously unimaginable. It's a discussion that not only broadens our understanding of the current tech landscape but also challenges our perceptions of what it means to be an expert in today's fast-paced world.

But this is just the beginning. Dive into the full discussion in this week's episode, and then join us over at the Raw Data by P3 Adaptive LinkedIn Steering Committee to share your own insights. Are you experiencing this shift towards tech adaptability over industry knowledge in your career? Let's continue the conversation, pooling our experiences and insights as we face these exciting changes together.

And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for new content delivered weekly!

Also in this episode:

I drink your milkshake – There Will Be Blood

Environmental Engineering Meets the Data Gene w/ MS MVP Alice Drummond

Timely Supply Chains and Double Data Genes, w/ Jon Perl

Check out this episode!

#Power BI #Business Intelligence #data #Excel #Microsoft #experts