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mint-yooxgi · 2 years

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Hotel California - Yandere!Demonic Entities!Ateez X Reader

Yandere AU & Demon AU - Based off of This ask and Hotel California by Eagles

Genre: Mature, Horror, Angst, Slight Humor

Pairing: Ateez X Reader (Yes, all 8 of them)

Words: 13,318

Warnings: One stabbing mention. Seonghwa gets a little handsy at one point. The boys are very horny for the OC. I make too many direct references to the song and its lyrics, don’t at me please. This is a Yandere story, it will contain themes such as stalking, violence, obsession, possessive natures, and just general overall creepiness and swearing. You have been warned.

A/n: You know, I never expect a simple Drabble to turn into this beast right here, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. Not gonna lie, this fic is a bit self-indulgent at certain parts, but what fic isn’t? Lmaoo anyways, I do not believe Ateez would ever act like this. This is just my interpretation of this particular Drabble request and the yandere archetype. I really hope you all like this one; feedback is greatly appreciated! Enjoy~ (Seriously though guys, please don’t let this flop haha)

Extra: The whole time I was writing this, I had a chubby!reader in mind, but I don’t explicitly describe anything that would indicate that so I don’t feel right tagging it as such. Just know it’s heavily implied, but anyone can read this!!

Mini Masterlist

Driving down the dark desert highway, cool wind whips through your hair. The sun has slowly been setting, its last few rays of light drifting over the land and casting shadows in their wake.

You've been on the road all day, having had the urge to take a spontaneous road trip by yourself. Work has been really hectic lately, so since you have the next three days off, you decided to use them to your advantage.

The only problem is, the last sign of civilization you passed was forty minutes down the road, and you're not quite sure when the next hotel, or even a place to stop for the evening might pop up. Luckily, within the next five minutes, it seems as if your thoughts have been answered, for a hotel appears in the distance.

Pulling into the parking lot, you eye the place skeptically. For a building right smack in the middle of the desert, it sure doesn't look like one. The bright stone walls practically shine beneath the light of the now risen full moon, the place looking more like a resort than anything. Hopefully it's not too expensive then.

Cutting the engine after rolling up the windows, you let out a long breath through your nose. Slowly, you step out of the car, rolling your neck all the while. Standing only makes you realize just how stiff your entire body is, stretching your arms and back out slightly before you slam the car door shut.

Oddly enough, there are no other cars in the parking lot, save for your own. Your brow furrows slightly as you make your way towards the front entrance. Though, you suppose it makes sense. You are in the middle of the desert.

Pushing open the door, you immediately feel the affects of the air conditioned lobby, your shoulders subconsciously relaxing as you step inside. Your eyes skim the name of the hotel as you enter- HALA HALA- it's modern design seeming to fit it well.

Walking up to the reception desk, you notice that no one seems to be in sight. Perhaps you missed someone on your way in, so you opt to turn around, giving the lobby a quick sweep with your eyes. Still, you fail to see anybody, so you turn back around. Maybe there’s a bell you can ring or something.

Your whole body jumps as you see a man now standing behind the counter, seemingly having appeared from nowhere. His split dyed black and blond hair is slicked back and a smile rests on his features.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He says. "My name is Hongjoong, and I'm the manager of this hotel here. How may we be of service?"

You blink, needing a moment to collect your thoughts before you're able to remember the reason why you're here.

"Oh, right." You chuckle, somewhat awkwardly. "How much is a single room for the weekend? Two nights in particular?"

"Hmm, let's see," Hongjoong hums, typing something into the computer in front of him. His eyes scan the screen, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're in luck. We're having a special this weekend only on our single rooms. Two nights for the price of one."

Your jaw nearly drops at the amount he tells you. "Seriously?"

"Of course." He smiles.

"Great." You say, shock still clear on your face at the outrageously low amount he's quoted you. "I'll take it."

"Perfect." Hongjoong purrs out, eyes becoming hooded as he gives you a quick once over.

Again, you blink, and as soon as you do, his expression is back to being chipper once more. Without another thought, you're reaching into your purse to pull out your credit card, handing it over to Hongjoong in the next moment.

It only takes him a few minutes to ring you up, handing you your card back in the next moment.

"If you have any bags, Wooyoung will be more than happy to help you with them." Hongjoong smiles at you yet again, to which you return.

Thanking him with a nod of your head, you take the keycard he hands you. A shiver runs down his spine as his fingers graze yours, but luckily, you do not seem to notice.

In the next moment, you go to turn around, coming face to face with yet another man who seemingly appears from thin air.

"Need any help with your bags?" The new male asks, completely oblivious to the startle he just gave you.

"Oh, uh," you stammer out a reply, eyes drifting to another man who now sits on one of the front couches reading a newspaper. You swear he snorts out a laugh at the scene that's just played out before him. Weird, you could have sworn there was no one else in the lobby before. "I think I'm okay, but thanks for the offer."

"Really, it's no problem at all." He insists, already following you out of the front doors and back to your car.

"No, really," you huff out a faint laugh, reaching into the front seat to grab your backpack. "I only have the one."

What you fail to see as you lean into your car, is the way Wooyoung eyes you up and down. Licking his lips, his gaze settles on your ass, thoughts already running wild with what he wants to do with you. Finally, you’re here.

Blinking to clear his thoughts as you pull yourself back out of your car, he grins. Before you can protest, he's slipping your backpack out of your hand and slinging it over his shoulder.

"After you." Wooyoung's eyes shine as he watches disbelief paint your features, followed slowly by acceptance.

Pride fills his chest as you begin to lead him back into the hotel and to your assigned room for the weekend. He can feel Yunho's eyes piercing into his back as he walks past with you in front, the jealousy clear as day within the older male's gaze. The sound of paper rustling from behind him has a smirk pulling on Wooyoung's lips.

Reaching your room, you go to unlock the door.

A gasp escapes your lips as you step through the threshold, and Wooyoung knows that he's going to have to share with his brothers later the memory of that beautiful awestruck expression painting your face. Only, in the next second, worry takes its place.

"I don't think your boss gave me the key to the right room." You say, eyes taking in the grandiose space. "This looks like the Presidential Suite."

"It is." Wooyoung hums, placing your backpack carefully onto the chair beside him once he fully steps into the room.

"This can't be right." You shake your head, moving to rush past him and back into the hall.

"You asked for the single room, didn't you?" He quirks a brow, stepping in front of you to block your path.

"I did, but-"

"Then this is the right room." He assures you. "It is what you payed for."

"I don't think it is," you say, sidestepping him and moving into the hallway.

You manage to make it all the way back to the lobby in no time, walking straight up to the reception desk to see if you can catch Hongjoong once more. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear to be anywhere in sight, nor does that man from earlier that had been sitting and reading the newspaper on the couch. Wooyoung has up and disappeared on you, too. You sigh.

"How may I help you?"

"Holy-" you startle, spinning around to see another unfamiliar man now standing behind the reception desk. Yet again, it's like he’s appeared out of thin air. You clear your throat. "Uh, is Hongjoong around? I need to speak with him."

"He's busy at the moment, unfortunately." The man smiles kindly at you. "I'm Seonghwa, the assistant manager. I'm more than happy to help if there's something wrong. What seems to be the problem?"

"Oh, uh, there's no problem, really," you clarify, a nervous pull to your lips. "I just think Hongjoong gave me the key to the wrong room."

"Did he?" Seonghwa hums, somewhat amusedly. He doesn't blame Hongjoong one bit. The poor male was probably too distracted by your beauty, and the fact that he was finally seeing you in person for the first time. "Let me check for you."

"Thanks, I really appreciate it." You smile, handing the key card to him over the counter. This time, it’s Seonghwa who shivers as his fingers brush your own. ”I think he accidentally gave me the card to the Presidential Suite or something."

Swiping the card through the reader, Seonghwa types a few things on the keyboard. A few moments later, he's placing the keycard back in front of you on the counter.

"No, everything's right on our end. That's the correct key." He informs you.

Your eyes widen, lips parting as clear disbelief takes over your features. "You're sure?”

"Positive." Seonghwa smiles, purposely sliding the card closer to you. "Our policy here is to always put our guests' pleasure above anything else. So really, your reaction to the room is the highest compliment you could give us."

"I- uh-" you blink, taken aback by his words. "Sure?" You don't quite know how to respond, but you take the keycard back, nonetheless. "Thanks."

"Of course." Seonghwa straightens the front of his blazer out, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "I live to serve."

Though he fails to add a key word to the end of his sentence. Most certainly does he live to serve, to please. Most importantly, though, he lives to serve and please you.

“Okay…" Brushing off his words, you turn back around, shooting him a subtle side eyed look at his last comment once he can no longer see your face.

Heading back to your room, you shake your head, muttering about how odd this place is. First, it's literally in the middle of nowhere. Secondly, the exterior and interior looks brand new, much too pristine for the likes of the desert. Third, you've barely seen another occupant in this hotel besides the staff and that one guy from earlier. Fourth, a single room means the equivalent of a Presidential Suite. And finally, the prices are apparently dirt cheap.

Seriously, just what is going on here?

Shaking your head to clear your thoughts once more, you reenter your room. Well, if you’ve technically payed for it, you might as well enjoy it.

Ten minutes later and you finally figure out how the jacuzzi tub works, allowing your body to sink into the frothing bubbles. The scent of lilac and honey drifts through the air, the complimentary soaps feeling fancier than anything you've ever experienced in your life.

Soaking in the tub for a bit, you allow yourself to relax, basking in the way the water seemingly eases the tension from your body. The only thing that could make this better would be a glass of wine, and maybe a massage, but that can wait for another time.

You close your eyes, letting your head fall back against the headrest as a content sigh leaves your lips. You haven't felt this relaxed in a long time.

Unbeknownst to you, a pair of lustful eyes watches from the shadows. More than anything, wanting desperately to join you. To truly help you relax, in any and every way you desire.

Once you're done, you're quick to dry off, changing into a fresh pair of clothes. Smiling at your reflection in the mirror, you wink at yourself, blowing a kiss in the next moment. You need to start appreciating yourself more. Besides, you look damn good, if you do say so yourself!

Immediately, a thud sounds from behind you, making your heart skip a beat in your chest. Whipping around, your eyes scan the bathroom, searching for anything that could have made that loud noise. Nothing seems out of place, so it doesn’t look like anything could have fallen.

Odd. If you didn't know any better, it almost sounded like someone ran into something, or even stubbed their toe.

You frown, shaking your head. You've had a long drive, and an even longer day. You're probably just imagining things. Besides, you could really use that drink now.

Making your way back towards the lobby, you wander aimlessly, not really sure where to go. You're sure this hotel has a bar somewhere, you're just not sure which direction it would be in. Luckily for you, a plaque that you hadn't noticed before on the wall points you in the direction that you're looking for.

Stepping into the bar area, once again you're taken aback by how empty the place is. Well, empty except for the lone man standing behind the counter wiping at a glass with a cloth in his hand.

Walking up to the counter, you sit down at one of the stools, returning the kind smile the bartender sends your way.

"What can I get for you, pretty one?" The man asks, placing the glass onto the counter in front of himself.

You look down at the pristine wood beneath your hands as a warmth blooms on your cheeks. "Surprise me."

The man takes a moment to observe you carefully, his lips twitching upwards at the corners from seeing the affect his words have on you.

"I know just the thing," he replies, already moving to grab all of the ingredients he'll need to make you a drink. Two minute later and he pushes the now full glass towards you. "Et voila."

"Wow," grabbing the glass with a wonder filled expression, you take a sip. "This is my favourite drink. You must be a mind reader!"

You fail to see the way his brow quirks ever so slightly at your words, his smile turning nervous in the blink of an eye. Just as quickly as the expression appears, it's gone.

"So, what has you here on a Friday night?" He leans against the counter, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to his elbows as he rests his forearms on the edge of the wood. "Lover got you down?"

Your eyes widen, and you're quick to shake your head. "Oh, no. Definitely not."

"Huh," he has to hide the pleased smirk that threatens to pull onto his lips as he confirms what he and his brothers have only hoped. This makes things so much easier. "That's hard to believe, given a pretty one like you."

For the second time this evening, pride swells in his chest at seeing the affect his words have on you.

"Thank you," you mutter, not quite used to men being this bold with you upfront. "You're very kind, uh-"

"Mingi." He replies. “Please. Call me Mingi."

"Well, Mingi," the way you say his name has a pleasant shiver running down his spine. "You're sweet."

The smile that radiates from him nearly knocks the breath out of you.

"Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you," he says, and his eyes flash. "Anything at all."

"Yeah, actually," you nod a few times, looking around the room as if you’re afraid of being overheard. "Be honest," you lean in slightly and he can feel his heart beginning to race in his chest, "is the room service here good?"

"Uh," his brain malfunctions as his eyes glance down to your lips, a completely different form of room service other than what you probably intend flitting through his mind. One which he and his brothers would be more than happy to provide for you.

He swallows the sudden dryness in his throat. Thank fuck you don't seem to notice.

"You know, since you probably have an in with the cooks cause you're the bartender, and all." Your voice manages to pull him back to reality, and out of his all too vivid thoughts of what kind of room service he could provide for you. "Anything you would recommend? I'm starving."

"Oh, if you're hungry, why didn't you just say so?" He chuckles. "I'll order something for you, and have them bring it over to you here."

"That'd be great, thanks!" You reply happily, taking another sip of your drink. "I don't have any food allergies, by the way. Well, except for lactose, but it's more of an irritant than anything. No heavy creams or full glasses of milk."

Mingi blinks at you, and your mouth parts, a heat once again rising up your neck and all the way up your face. You can't believe you just said all that. To a stranger, no less.

A smile spreads across his lips, "got it. Thanks for letting me know."

Of course, they all know everything about you. Well, not everything. Yet. Still, it means so much to him how open you already are with him. Mingi knew you'd be perfect for him, for all of them. This just proves it even more.

Heading over to the tablet that he's left at the end of the bar to place an order for you, Mingi's heart warms. Already, he and some of his brothers have been able to show you how well they can take care of you, how well they can provide for you. All so that you will become theirs. And you will be, all in due time. After all, once they have you in their sights, you’ll never be able to leave them again.

"Lucifer Morningstar!" Mingi curses as he rounds the corner of the counter, the thud echoing in your ears as his knee makes contact with the side of the bar.

"Oh my god! Are you okay?" Your eyes widen, watching as he hunches over, hands placed over his one knee as he balances on his opposite foot.

You fail to see the way his eyes flash for the briefest of moments at your own exclamation.

"Yeah," he lets out a breath, easing into one of the barstools beside him. "I'll be fine."

"Ouch," you wince, thinking of how hard he must have banged his knee to have exclaimed that loudly. Speaking of, his words echo through your head, and you cannot contain the laugh that escapes you. When you see him turn his attention from the tablet to look at you, you wave a hand apologetically in the air in front of you. "Sorry, I've just never heard anyone use that exclamation before. Usually, they swear, or say ‘Jesus Christ’, or something like that."

It's low, but you swear you hear a growl reverberate throughout the room.

"Oh," Mingi laughs awkwardly, a nervousness to his demeanour all of a sudden. "Yeah, it's just something my brothers and I always say instead of your typical exclamations."

"Huh," you nod, turning back to the drink still held in your hands. "Interesting."

Not even ten minutes later, another man is entering the bar area with a plate of steaming food in his hands. Jealousy flares within him as he sees you conversing so casually with his brother, a soft smile he's only ever dreamed about being directed towards him resting on your face.

You hardly notice the new presence in the room, but Mingi does, causing a smirk to subtly pull at his features. You're simply too busy conversing with him at the moment. That is, until movement out of the corner of your eye catches your attention.

"One freshly cooked meal for the lovely lady," the man says with a flirty smile as he places the plate of steaming food in front of you.

Thanking him politely, you're quick to turn back to Mingi once more. The men at this hotel certainly are something else.

"Okay, have we met before?" Your eyes narrow teasingly at the bartender who sits a few seats away from you. "Twice now you've made my favourite things."

"Hey now," the other man chimes in, a teasing lilt to his voice. "I was the one who cooked it. He didn't make squat."

He continues to stare at you, almost expectantly now, and you're quick to avert your gaze. Turning back to your food, you grab the fork that's been provided, and take a bite.

"Holy shit." You say once you've swallowed the food in your mouth. "This is incredible."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Lovely." The man replies, eyes shining with a certain fondness as he watches you eat what he’s prepared for you.

"Seriously, this is best dish of this that I��ve ever had," you say, placing another forkful into your mouth.

He chuckles, loving the way your praise has Mingi glaring dagger at him. Serves him right.

"Oh, where are my manners?" He tuts at himself. "My name is San, and I am very pleased to meet you."

Suddenly, your hand is in his, and he's bringing his lips down to place a gentle kiss onto your skin. Tingles erupt throughout his own body wherever he makes contact with yours, and he has to stop the rumble of contentment that builds within his chest from escaping.

Again, you're taken aback by his boldness, and you swear you see something in Mingi's eyes flash black as San does this. Only, when you blink, it's like nothing ever happened. Weird.

The next hour is spent with the both of them at the bar, simply conversing with each other. You can't count the amount of times they've successfully made you laugh, or even shy at some of the things they say, but they are.

Purposefully, each time one of them does something that has you reacting a certain way, the other is sure to do the same. There's no way they're letting each other one up them. That is, until Hongjoong is scolding them within their mind's link to knock it off.

All too soon for their liking, you're heading off to bed, much to their disappointment. It is late at night, and you have had a long day. Needless to say, it's starting to all catch up to you. You can feel the exhaustion beginning to claw at your mind.

Falling into the plush bed, you're practically out as soon as your head hits the pillows. Funny, you could have swore you saw something shift within the darkness of your room just before you closed your eyes. Only, you find you're too tired to care, quickly falling into the realm of your subconscious as sleep takes hold.

Within the confines of your room, two figures materialize from the shadows. Carefully, one moves to stand beside you while the other gently sits on the opposite side of the bed.

"I still can't believe that she’s here," Jongho says breathlessly, hand reaching out to caress the side of your face.

"Finally, we have her," Yunho replies, feeling as wonderstruck as Jongho right now.

You shift slightly, breath hitching in your throat.

They both freeze. Luckily, you don't seem to wake, allowing them to breathe a sigh of relief as they continue to watch over you as you sleep.

“She's so beautiful," Jongho watches you in awe, thumb stroking over the skin of your cheek as his heart soars in his chest.

Yunho hums his agreement, his eyes flashing briefly in the darkness. "Ours."

"Ours." Jongho confirms, a content smile pulling at his lips as his own eyes flash, watching over you like he always should. Like he always will be. From now, until forever.

Morning comes with bright light streaming in through the large windows, the sun's rays warming you as you stretch your body out on the bed. A yawn escapes your lips as you rub at your eyes. Sitting up, you throw off the covers, making your way to the bathroom to freshen up for the day.

One look outside the windows, and at your weather app, has a sigh escaping you. It's going to be awfully hot today, the sun shining unapologetically in the sky with few clouds drifting along. In the back of your mind, you begin to wonder what else there is to do in this hotel.

Opening the door to your room, you go to step into the hallway, only for your path to be blocked. Sitting there in front of you is a trolley, what appears to be an extravagant spread of food placed precariously before you. At least, you're hoping that that's what's beneath all these trays with metal food coverings on them.

Leaning out into the hall, you shift your head from side to side, attempting to see if this cart was meant for anyone else. When you don't see anyone around, you look back at the cart. This time, your eyes catch on a folded card placed just beside the small vase with a single red rose held within.

Picking up the note, you're quick to open it, seeing as it's addressed to you. You blink as you read the note over a few times, a soft smile painting your features, yet still surprised, nonetheless.

Please enjoy this complementary breakfast from us to you.

~ Your friends at HALA HALA

Rolling the cart into your room, you're quick to remove all of the coverings. The smell of your favourite breakfast foods greet you as you take in the fresh spread before you. Your jaw nearly drops, torn between thinking that this is incredible, and that something strange is going on here.

Oh well, at least you're getting free food out of this.

Once you're finished eating, you clean up as best you can and head downstairs for the day. A book rests in your hand, figuring that you can find someplace quiet to read and pass the time. Maybe you’ll even listen to music while you do so.

Reaching the lobby, you figure you can ask Hongjoong or Seonghwa where the best place to read in the hotel might be. Someplace that’s quiet. Someplace that’s comfortable. Luck seems to be on your side this morning, too, for you see both Hongjoong and Seonghwa standing behind the reception desk. They seem to be in a pretty heated discussion, their voices too low to hear even as you approach them. Once you get close enough, they're both turning to you with fond smiles on their faces. You didn't even know they saw you approaching.

"How can we help you, dear?" Seonghwa is the first to speak, meeting your gaze.

"Uh, a bit of a weird question, I know," you begin, somewhat nervously, "but where's the best place to get some reading done around here? You guys don't have a library, do you?"

Even though you say it jokingly, Hongjoong's response surprises you.

"We do," he hums, and seeing your mildly shocked expression, eyes widening and all, has a warmth flooding his veins. He knew he'd be able to impress you with the amount of time and effort they put into this place. "Unfortunately it's closed for cleaning today."

"Aw," your expression falls slightly, "darn."

"I would recommend our outdoor seating area beside the pool," Seonghwa motions a little ways off to the side, and you can see a set of glass doors leading to a courtyard of sorts. "It'll be warm today, so you can also benefit by taking a swim if you'd like.”

"Oh, no, I don't think I'll do any swimming," you shake your head.

At this, they both frown. Your words manage to pull them from their thoughts of holding you in their lap with their arms around you, their head resting on your shoulder as you read.

"Why not?" Before Seonghwa can stop himself, the question escapes him, and even the younger male beside him shoots him a look. Though, where yours is of confusion, Hongjoong's is of warning.

"This is really the best I have," you reply sheepishly, motioning down towards your outfit- a simple t-shirt and shorts- with a tilt of your head.

"Go ahead and at least dip your feet in." Hongjoong replies, softly assuring you with his next words. "No one will judge you here."

"Okay," you smile softly, "maybe I will, then."

Again, you thank the two men before you as you begin to head towards the glass doors Seonghwa pointed out to you.

Stepping through the archway, the heavy desert heat surrounds you immediately. You let out an exhale through your nose, taking in the sight of the tropical plants around you. There's a small path leading further into the courtyard and to the pool which you can see sitting right in the centre of it. At least there appears to be tons of shade. Just how you like it.

Setting yourself up in one of the plush outdoor chaises, you kick off your sandals.

Leaning back onto the comfortable pillows, you bring your feet up to rest on the cushion, keeping your knees bent so you can hold your book on your lap. You smile softly as a gentle breeze flits passed.

Opening your book, you begin to read.

Not even five minutes later, a man approaches you, a glass held in his hand. You tense, worried that something's about to happen considering you're the only one sitting outside by the pool. Or so it seems.

"Here, I thought you might like a glass of water," he smiles kindly at you as he hands you the glass. "You should stay hydrated in this heat."

"Oh," you reply, placing your book down momentarily so that you can take the glass of water he's offering to you. "Thank you."

"Damn, beat me to it already," another voice says from the opposite side of you, successfully managing to startle you as you hadn't heard anyone approaching. "That's our Yeosangie for you."

"Yunho," the man you've now learned is apparently Yeosangie says, his eyes narrowing slightly at the taller male, "what are you doing here?"

The man - Yunho - is one that you recognize form last night. He was the one reading the newspaper in the lobby.

"Seonghwa told me that our very special guest here was sitting by the pool, and that I should bring her some water to help keep her hydrated." He replies, and sure enough, you see another glass of water being held in his hand. "Like I said though, it looks like you beat me to it."

"One can never have too much water," you say, catching both of their attention, and snapping them out of the pointed looks they had just been sharing.

"Right you are, gorgeous," Yunho grins, handing you the second glass.

Your brows raise slightly at the name he calls you. Hell, it seems almost all of the male workers at this hotel have called you some variation of a nickname or pet name at some point or other. Needless to say, it's a bit odd; you aren’t used to this kind of attention.

"Anyways, I'm Yunho," he says with a grin, pointing over at the shorter male in the next moment, "and that grump over there is Yeosang. If you look over there," again, Yunho points in a specific direction, drawing your gaze to the two men that have appeared on the opposite side of the pool, "that's San and Jongho. Though, I heard you already met San last night."

You nod in response, noticing how the one you've recently been told is Jongho waves quite enthusiastically at you with a large smile on his face. You huff in amusement, lips quirking upwards as you send a polite wave back. If you didn't know any better, from the way the male averts his gaze in the next moment, you'd say that you've just made him blush.

"If you need anything, do not hesitate to let us know. " Yeosang draws your attention to him once more, a certain spark lighting behind his eyes. A spark which you do not understand, but the other males do. One that is practically begging for you to come to them, to seek them out for anything and everything you might need. Anything at all.

"Thanks," you smile. "I appreciate it."

Really, you'd just like to be left alone to read your book now in peace.

"Well, we'll leave you to read in peace now," Yunho grins, walking over and wrapping his arm around Yeosang's shoulders. “Enjoy.”

Blinking in shock, your whole body tenses. Okay, this is starting to get a bit freaky. It’s almost as if Yunho just read you mind.

Shaking your head slightly to clear your thoughts, you grab your book once more. No, that isn’t possible. You’re just overthinking things due to the stressful week of work you’ve just had. This is your chance to relax, and you have every intention to do so.

Opening your book once more, you begin to read.

Across from you, the four boys converge.

Jongho is still reeling from having you smile so brightly at him, and you waved back. Yeosang, on the other hand, crosses his arms, his eyes narrowing at the three males before him. Yunho watches you carefully from across the pool, his eyes subtly trailing over your form. Even San cannot help but drink in the exposed skin of your legs on full display, the sight of your bare thighs making his mouth water.

What each wouldn’t give to be between them right now…

“Control yourselves,” Yeosang hisses through his teeth, sending pointed looks towards San and Yunho, “the both of you.”

“Like you haven’t been thinking the exact same things since you saw them.” San rolls his eyes, keeping his voice low while Yunho just chuckles from beside him.

“At least I have some subtlety,” Yeosang huffs, annoyance clear on his face as he crosses his arms over his chest. “The decency to not have my thoughts project themselves into everyone else’s subconscious.”

Well, I for one, was rather enjoying the mental image of her lounging in that chair by the pool. Wooyoung’s voice echoes through all of their minds. I’d much rather be out there spending time with her, you lucky bastards. Instead, I’m stuck inside on cleaning duty.

Stop complaining. They can all practically hear Hongjoong roll his eyes. You’re the one who begged to be the one to tidy up her room.

That I did. Wooyoung hums. Really, you guys are missing out. Her scent is everywhere.

Now you’re just rubbing it in. Mingi sighs, and they can all hear the pout in his voice.

Oh, panties! Wooyoung cheers, and they all practically let out a groan in need. And they’ve been worn! Don’t mind if I ‘yes’.

Wooyoung. Seonghwa’s voice echoes through their heads, serving as a warning. That is, until they hear his next words. Save some for the rest of us, yeah?

You’re all despicable. Yeosang has to resist the urge to shake his head.

Says the one who was peeping on them having a bath last night. San adds, hiding his smirk behind his drink as he takes a sip.

Immediately, Yeosang’s cheeks flare, his harsh gaze landing on the aforementioned male. That’s different!

Relax. Yunho chuckles, leaning back in his own chaise as he watches you turn the next page of your book. So beautiful, and so oblivious to the desire swirling within each of them for you, and you alone.

We’ve all thought about it before. Jongho adds.

Well, some more than others. Hongjoong’s laugh reverberates through all of them. Let’s just make sure everything is ready for tonight. Then we can really have our fun.

Without hesitation, they all agree, and unbeknownst to you, four pairs of eyes turn to look at you from across the pool. You don’t even look up from your book. At least, not until movement catches your attention. Then, you cannot help the way your eyes widen, gaze flitting between the pages of your book and subtly attempting to check out the male making his way over to the edge of the pool.

"Put a shirt on, you heathen." Yeosang hisses at San. "You're making them uncomfortable.”

San simply quirks a brow, turning to face Yeosang in the next second. His expression says it all.

A smugness soon settles over his features as he feels your gaze trailing over the expanse of his back. The skin of which he knows would look even better if it were covered in your marks. He rolls his shoulders.

Turning back around, San watches you quickly avert your gaze, focussing a little too intently on the page you’re now on in your book. He smirks, slowly sitting at the edge of the pool so that he can lower himself in. Purposefully, he tenses the muscles in his arms as he sinks in, wanting- no, needing- your gaze on him. As soon as he feels your stare, he knows he’s captivated you once more.

See? See how toned his arms are? How well they would look wrapped around you, pulling you closer to him as he whispers sweet nothings into your ear? San bets you would sound so divine as he makes the sweetest love to you, but he knows that you’ll taste even better.

He doesn’t even need to probe your mind to know you’re thinking about him, too.

Okay, now you’re just showing off. Mingi whines.

Not my fault you got caught having to set up for tonight. San smirks, and he watches as you seemingly come back to reality, only to see that smug expression on his face.

You avert your gaze, embarrassed you got caught staring yet again. Reaching for one of the glasses of water on the table beside you, you suddenly feel your body going hot. All of these attractive men will be the death of you, you’re sure.

You fail to see the way their lips quirk upwards as a result.

Taking a sip of water, you feel yourself start to relax at the coldness that meets your tongue. Carefully, you tilt your head to the side, placing the cool of the glass onto the skin of your neck. You let out a content hum, eyes fluttering closed as a result. At least this is helping to cool you off.

Jongho swallows the sudden dryness in his throat, and he’s knows he’s not the only one affected by your actions. The sudden display of your neck as you tilt your head back, so open and vulnerable, is practically begging for them to have a taste of your delicate skin with their tongues. Perhaps a few bite marks would suffice as well…

Thoughts of tonight, and what is still yet to come fill Jongho’s head, and he can feel the anticipation eating him alive. Making you theirs could not come soon enough.

Speaking of… Hongjoong’s voice resounds through the younger’s head. Jongho, it’s time.

The other three watch as Jongho stands from his spot, beginning to slowly make his way over to you. There’s a sort of nervousness to his steps, one which they all understand. Your answer right now will depend on how the beginning of this afternoon and evening with them will begin.

Glancing up from the pages of your book, you notice Jongho now hovering near you.

“Do you mind if I sit with you?” A soft smile rests on his features as he meets your gaze, an air of nervousness surrounding him.

“Uh, sure.” You blink, quirking a brow at him in curiosity in the next second. “Those guys bothering you too much, or something?”

Even though you say it teasingly, Jongho lets out a chuckle, “you could say that.”

Slowly, and with each move deliberate, Jongho takes the seat directly beside you. It’s the closest he can get to you currently without sitting in the same chaise with you, and pulling you into his lap like he so badly wants to do.

Soon. He tells himself. He’ll be able to do that soon.

A few minutes pass by, and it kills him not to have your direct attention on him like his is so attuned to you. No, you’re still much more focussed on your book for the moment. That is, until your tongue clicks loudly, your book slamming closed once you place your bookmark carefully back inside.

“That bad, huh?” He jokes, one of his eyebrows raised in amusement as he looks at you.

“You don’t know the half of it,” you roll your eyes. “But it’s the last book in the series and I’ll be damned if I don’t see it to completion.”

“Why do you continue to read it if it’s that horrible?” Jongho’s head tilts, genuine curiosity shining in his eyes.

“Spite.” You reply immediately. “Pure spite.”

Jongho blinks, intrigued. “What’s it about?”

So you tell him, and fuck, if Jongho doesn’t fall harder for you right then and there. The passion in which you speak with, the fire he sees light behind your eyes as he watches you wave the book around in your hand, even going to far as to hit the cover a few times to emphasize your points, has him hanging on to every word.

You’re so captivating; mesmerizing to watch and listen to, that he doesn’t even realize just how much time has passed since he first came to sit beside you. Plus, he’s gotten to learn so much about you in such a short period of time. Ecstatic doesn’t even begin to describe how he’s feeling at the moment.

The only thing that would make this moment better would be if you agreed to what he’s about to ask you.

“Anyways, sorry for the long ass rant,” you apologize, somewhat sheepishly. “There’s just so much I could say about these books and this author.”

“Never feel like you should apologize for something you’re passionate about.” Comes his honest reply. “Especially not to me. I could listen to you talk for hours.”

Jongho’s words catch you by surprise, stunning you into a shy silence. In the back of your mind, his bluntness makes something within you question his words. You’ve only just met, and he’s being very forward. Still, his smile is kind, and it causes you to crack a small one of your own.

“Really, though,” he adds, a calculating look to his gaze now. One which you miss. “We’re hosting a special dinner tonight for everyone. You should join us.”

“Everyone at the hotel?” You question, a minor furrow to your brows.

“You could say that.” Jongho nods. “We’d really love it if you could attend.”

“How fancy are we talking here?”

Jongho smiles. You seem interested, and he could not be happier. “Wear you finest.”

“Oh.” Immediately, your expression falls. “I don’t think I’ll be able to attend, then. I’m afraid I don't have anything with me that’s appropriate for a dinner like that.”

“No need to worry,” Jongho assures you. “There’s a tailor’s shop that Seonghwa runs at the far end of the hotel. I’m sure there’s something there that you can wear for the evening.”

“That’s…” you try and find the right word. Suspicious. Convenient. “Interesting.”

“Great! We’ll be expecting you around eight.” Jongho stands, and it’s only now do you realize that the other three males have vacated the vicinity, leaving the two of you utterly alone. Something in his eyes flash, the smile that paints his lips serving to unnerve you slightly. “Don’t be late.”

Without another word, or even giving you the chance to respond, Jongho is leaving you to yourself by the pool.

Glancing around, you blink a few times, hardly able to wrap your head around not even seeing the others so much as leave. Checking the time, you see that it’s about halfway past two in the afternoon. Perhaps you should go check out this tailor’s place Jongho had mentioned earlier. The last thing you want to do is be stuck without an outfit for tonight, especially if they’re now expecting you for dinner.

A few minutes later, and after dropping off your book back to your room, you’re standing in front of the doors to the tailor shop. Taking a breath, you step inside.

Quite a spacious room greets you, fairly open concept in design with clothes scattered along the walls on different racks. They seem to be organized by type, and a part of you wonders if some of these clothes have been accidentally left behind or forgotten by previous patrons of the hotel.

The sound of a curtain sliding on a rail catches your attention, and your eyes are drawn to the back of the shop where Seonghwa seems to emerge from.

“Ah, there you are. I’ve been expecting you.” He smiles, and at your questioning look, he adds, “Jongho was just here to fill me in on what you need.”

“Uh,” there’s a certain drawl to the way he says those words that have your lips parting slightly. You clear your throat. “That was quick.”

“Come.” Seonghwa seemingly brushes off your statement, turning around to step back through the way he came. “I’ve got a few options you might like.”

Following him into the back of the shop, you realize that there’s a small fitting area with a large panelled mirror positioned around a raised circular stand. A dressing room rests just beside it, another curtain drawn in front of it for some semblance of privacy. To the opposite side of the mirror, a rack rests with eight different dresses hanging delicately on silk hangers.

The awe filled expression that rests on your face has his heart racing in his chest, a soft grin tugging at his lips. “Pick out your favourite, and then you can try it on.”

You step closer to the rack, hands ghosting the material of the gowns.

“Are you sure these aren’t too…” you hesitate, searching for the right word as you turn to meet his gaze, “extravagant for me?”

“If anything, none of them could ever do you justice.” His honest reply has a heat rising to your cheeks, and even though you turn to continue inspecting the dresses, you can feel his gaze piercing your back.

Saying nothing, your gaze lands on one dress in particular. Pulling it slightly out from the rack, you examine the lace material. The black colour which starts at the swooped neckline slowly transitions into a navy, until it fades into a royal blue at the very bottom of the floor length skirt. Plus, as an added bonus, there are lace sleeves which look as if they’ll reach all the way down your arms and to your wrists. You’ve never seen a dress more perfect for you, or that you’ve loved more at first glance.

“Do you like that one?” Seonghwa’s voice manages to pull you out of your own thoughts, an eagerness to his words. He knew he picked right when he grabbed that gown for you. The thought alone of you wearing it nearly sent him to his knees, and it’s in his favourite colours, too.

“I do.” You confirm with a hum, looking over the dress for another time.

There’s only one slight issue that you can see. The dress appears to be slightly form fitting, and you’re not sure how it may look on you.

“Well, go on then,” he encourages with a smile, motioning to the dressing room behind you. “Try it on.”

For a brief moment, you hesitate, your hand pausing halfway when you go to reach for the hanger. That is, until you decide that there’s really no harm in simply trying it on. If you don’t like it, there are several others you can choose from. Besides, the red one you see hanging right next to it is definitely not a bad second choice.

Gently, you remove the dress from the rack, stepping into the small dressing room in order to change. Fortunately for you, the dress seems to fit like a glove - having no issues slipping into it, and pulling the zipper up with ease. Unfortunately for you, there’s no mirrors in this little dressing room, which means you have to step outside in order to see how you look wearing the gown.

Really, in hind sight, you saw this coming. However, faced with the prospect of stepping out in a slightly form fitting gown in front of a man you don’t know, a handsome man who has complimented you, nonetheless, you find yourself feeling a bit self conscious. Perhaps this dress wasn’t the best choice after all. Still, you really do want to see how you look.

Taking a deep breath to steel your nerves, you slide the curtain open.

“Wow,” Seonghwa’s breath gets stolen right from his lungs as he sees you step out in his dress. His desire for you, which roars unashamedly beneath the surface of his skin, becomes the most difficult it’s even been to hold back. So much so, that he lets his eyes slip for the briefest of moment, the darkness swirling within.

Thank fuck you don’t seem to notice, too busy smoothing out the front of the material as worry seems to tug at your features.

“That bad, huh?” You grimace, fingers twitching at your sides as you stand there in front of the mirror, tense as anything. “I knew I shouldn’t have-“

“You look beautiful.” His raw voice- a few tones deeper than usual and on the verge of sounding strained- rumbles out from his chest.

So badly does he just want to walk over to you, rip that dress right off, and pull you into his arms as he pleases you in any and every way he knows how. He’s glad he blocked off his mind link with the others for this occasion, otherwise they’d receive his much too vivid thoughts about taking you up against the wall right now and claiming you as his like he’s always longed to do.

Besides, they wanted who’s dress you wore tonight at dinner to be a surprise.

Seonghwa’s lips part as he swallows the dryness in his throat, attempting to at least control his breathing to no avail. You really have no idea the effect you have on him, on all of them, do you?

Lifting your head to meet his gaze through the reflection of the mirror, you’re caught off guard by how dark his eyes have become. Even his breathing has gone irregular, his chest rising and falling dramatically with each inhale that he takes.

When you blink, you expect it to all just be your imagination. Only, this time, that does not seem to be the case. Seonghwa is still looking at you with those eyes when you reopen your own - dark eyes filled with an undeniable lust for you.

Slowly, Seonghwa begins to close the distance between the two of you, stalking towards you like a predator would its prey. You cannot help but freeze, eyes following his every movement as he comes to stand behind you. The way he places his hands tenderly onto your waist, holding onto you so gently, completely contrasts the darkness continuously swirling within his irises.

Tilting his head forward, Seonghwa presses the lower half of his face against your shoulder, placing his lips onto your bare skin. His eyes flutter closed, nose slowly trailing up the side of your neck as he shifts to breathe in your scent.

A shiver runs down your spine as you feel the ghost of his breath tickle you right below your ear. Your heart jumps into your throat.

Of all the words he could use to describe you right now - sinful, breathtaking, gorgeous, his - he finally settles on the perfect one.

“Divine.” He exhales, voice low as he leans forward to rest his head against your own.

Your breath hitches as you feel his grip tighten around your waist, fingers sinking into the softness of your skin as he scents you once more. The uncertainty he can sense coming off of you has him halting in his tracks, a sense of dread washing over him. He might have taken things a bit too far just now. You’re not even officially theirs yet.

He silently curses himself. What good is control when he apparently doesn’t seem to have any around you? You make him go crazy. You’re just so irresistible.

Feeling his grip slacken ever so slightly, you move to turn around in his arms. Only, when you twist your body to face him, he’s no longer standing behind you. Instead, he seems to be rummaging around in a box off to the side, not even looking at you.

Did you just imagine what just happened?

You shake your head. That can’t be possible. You aren’t that touched starved so as to imagine intimate scenarios with the first handsome man who gives you an ounce of attention. At least, you don’t think you are.

“Oh, are you finished looking over the dress?” Seonghwa hums, head lifting to meet your gaze. Straightening himself back up with a small smile on his face, you notice an elegant pair of shoes in his hands. “You’ve been staring at your refection for quite a while. Is everything okay?”

You blink. Did you really just zone out for the last few minutes?

“Yeah-” you clear your throat. “Yeah. Everything fine.”

“If you’re still not sure if you like the gown, why don’t you try it with these?” He offers you the shoes that he holds in his hand. “They should fit.”

“Oh,” you take the shoes from his outstretched hand, “thanks.”

It was only for a second, but his fingers grazed your own. Immediately he felt that all too familiar beast stirring within him, and after he had just managed to calm it down, too. His hands are still burning from being able to feel you beneath his touch.

Slipping the shoes onto your feet, you turn to your reflection once more. This time, a smile rests on your features as you take in your appearance. You really do look stunning.

“Are you really sure I can wear this tonight?” Your voice manages to call Seonghwa’s attention once more. “I mean, is it really okay if I borrow it?”

“Of course!” His answer is immediate, eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles at you. “In fact, why don’t you keep it? It looks far better on you than the hanger, anyways.”

Again, a warmth spreads itself across your cheeks as you glance away shyly. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure, Darling.” He hums, a fond look shining within his eyes. “Now, why don’t you change and I’ll wrap up that dress for you?”

“Alright,” you reply softly, already heading back into the little dressing room and sliding the curtain shut behind you.

In no time at all, you’re back into your regular clothes, gown resting on the hanger once more. You take a moment to admire the material again before exiting the dressing room, the dress draped over your arm.

Handing it over to Seonghwa, he places it into a carrying bag for you, careful not to damage the material. The sound of the zipper closing pulls you out of your thoughts, many of which you’ve been attempting to sort through in the past few minutes alone.

“If you need any help with your makeup, I’m sure Hongjoong would be more than happy to assist you.” Seonghwa tells you, handing you the bag with the gown held within.

“I didn’t know he could do makeup,” you hum, impressed. “That’s pretty cool. I think I’ll be okay, though.”

With a nod of his head and a final farewell until tonight, Seonghwa watches you leave the little tailor’s shop. His eyes follow you for as long as he can, and as soon as you disappear from his sight, a sigh is falling from his lips.

Running his fingers through his hair, he shakes his head.

You really have no idea what you do to him. To all of them. How long they’ve waited just to catch a glimpse of you in person, planning everything out perfectly down to each and every last minute. Nothing is going to stop them from finally claiming what they’ve all long since desired.

By the end of the night, you will be theirs.

Making it back to your room, you’re quick to step inside. Carefully, you hang the dress off to the side for later tonight, a soft smile tugging at your lips. Glancing at the time, you see a few hours have passed already, and your eyes nearly bulge out of your head.

There’s no way time should have moved that quickly! It should have only taken you an hour, maybe an hour and a half at most to have tried on that dress with Seonghwa. You could have swore it was only half passed two when you first made your way over there. So, how can it already be five o’clock?

You huff, shaking your head to clear your thoughts. Maybe you really are losing it. First, you’re missing seeing people that are apparently right in front of your eyes. Then, you keep swearing you’re hearing things, like that weird thump in the bathroom last night. Now, you’re pretty sure you’re starting to hallucinate things.

Perhaps it’s best if you leave this place after dinner tonight instead of in the morning like you originally planned. You would leave sooner, but they’re already expecting you for the evening, and you do not want to be rude. Especially given everything they’ve done and provided for you in the past twenty-four hours alone.

Either way, you just hope this evening passes quickly, and without a hitch.

An hour later and you begin to get ready for the evening. You’re just glad you remembered to pack your makeup bag. Once you’re finished, you still have a bit of time to spare, so you spend the remainder reading some more of your book while you wait. Around five to the hour, you head to the lobby.

Emerging from the hallway, you actually see someone standing in front of the reception desk wearing a finely tailored suit. You watch as the man turns around, and you come face to face with Yeosang whose eyes light up as soon as he sees you. You return his kind smile with a polite nod of your head.

“I’m here to escort you to dinner.” He says, extending an arm out to you. “Shall we?”

You loop your arm around his, “we shall.”

As Yeosang walks with you down a separate hall and to a section of the hotel you have yet to traverse, he revels at your touch. The feeling of your arm wrapped around his is like no other, skin tingling beneath the material of his suit wherever you touch. The whole time, he cannot help but steal glances at you from the corner of his eyes.

When he first saw you emerge from the hallway, his breath got caught in his throat. You look absolutely divine, even if you’re not wearing the dress he had picked out for you in hopes that you would wear it.

His jaw had twitched at that, slight irritation flooding his veins at the thought of you wearing Seonghwa’s gown tonight. Well, let’s see what the others make of it, and if they think the eldest might have influenced your decision as well.

After a solid minute of walking, in which you make idle smalltalk with Yeosang, you reach a set of intricately carved wooden doors. You marvel at both the size and design as they open, seemingly on their own, to reveal a finely decorated room. A room which looks much too small to house all of the guest that you were sure were going to be joining you for dinner.

A single table with nine place settings sits in the centre of the room, lit candles lining the middle.

Around the table, the other seven stand precariously placed throughout the room. Some converse with each other while a few others sip on the drinks they all seem to be holding in their hands. Each wears a finely tailored suit, wanting to look their absolute best for you.

As soon as those doors open, and they see you walking through the threshold being escorted by Yeosang, all of their focus immediately belongs to you.

Heartbeats accelerate all around, shivers running down a few of their spines as they take in the ethereal being that is you standing before them. Each man takes his time trailing his gaze over your body, drinking in the image that is you, and searing this moment into their memories for years to come.

Finally, after all of their planning, after all of their efforts and hard work, there you stand. Ready for their taking.

A few send pointed looks in Seonghwa’s direction at seeing the choice in dress you’re wearing, but they can deal with that later. Even if you are not wearing their own chosen gown for you, there is no denying your beauty.

Mingi is the first to seemingly snap out of the spell you’ve captivated them in at your arrival. Instantly, he’s appearing at your side, offering you a glass similar to all of theirs. You take it with a small nod in thanks, noticing how Yeosang already seems to be holding one of his own. You didn’t even notice him take one.

Taking a sip of your drink, your eyes search the room once more.

“Not to be rude, or presumptuous, or anything,” you begin, a look of mild confusion on your face, “but isn’t this dinner supposed to be for everyone staying at the hotel?”

“It is,” Hongjoong confirms, a gentle expression taking over his features. “Everyone is already here.”

He seriously cannot be telling you that you are their only guest at this hotel. It’s impossible.

“I know,” Yunho chuckles. “It’s hard to believe that you’re our only guest.”

There he goes again, seemingly reading your mind.

“Please,” Hongjoong motions to the table before you, “join us.”

A smile that you’re sure is meant to assure you appears on his face, only serving to unnerve you at the way his eyes lock onto your figure, watching your ever move.

Stepping towards the table, you see Seonghwa already pulling a chair out for you to sit in. Of course it would have to be the one right in the centre of the set of three.

Four chairs rest across from you, while two more sit at each head.

Slowly, you take your seat, allowing Seonghwa to tuck you in while thanking him politely.

As if they’ve done this countless times before, the eight men slide up to the table beside their own respective seats, moving fluidly as one to sit down. Hongjoong sits to your left while Seonghwa takes the seat to your right. Mingi sits at one head of the table, while San takes the other end. Across from you rests Yunho, Yeosang, Jongho, and Wooyoung in that order exactly, starting from your left.

You’re starting to think you stumbled upon a cult or something by accident.

Wooyoung has to cover up a snort of laughter just as he goes to take a sip of his drink, choking on the liquid in the next second. Jongho pats his back comfortingly.

“Are you alright?” Your brow furrows in concern as you look at the male across from you.

“Never better.” He clears his throat, offering you a cheeky grin in response.

In the next moment, Yunho is drawing your attention onto him as he asks you a question, a casual conversation soon starting between the nine of you. The more time you spend surrounded by these eight men, the more you start to relax. You don’t necessarily feel uncomfortable around them, it’s just the hotel that’s giving you such an ominous feeling.

Perhaps that’s where you go wrong.

It happens so suddenly, that you almost miss it. One second the place settings in front of you are empty, and the next, a steaming plate of food appears before your very eyes.

You startle in your seat, pressing yourself as far into the back of it as you can. With wide eyes, you stare down at your meal.

“Is something the matter?” Hongjoong asks, and you look up to find eight pairs of eyes all staring at you.

“Uh-” your voice catches in your throat, not quite sure how to describe the phenomenon that has just occurred in front of you.

“San worked very hard all evening on the meals,” Hongjoong adds, a glimmer in his eyes.

“I hope you enjoy!” Said man calls from just off to the side.

“Right,” you reply, somewhat warily. How can they all be acting like nothing abnormal just happened? “Thanks.”

Picking up your utensils, you clutch the steak knife tightly in your hand. Intently, you stare down at your food, half expecting your asparagus to come alive in the next second and start swishing from side to side like dragon tails.

“Go ahead,” Jongho catches your gaze from across the table, a piece of steak already speared on his fork and poised in the air halfway to his mouth. “Dig in.”

Immediately, you comply, worried you might appear rude for hesitating for so long before taking a bite of your meal. Softly, you chew the bite of your steak, the flavour melting on your tongue.

“Well?” San looks to you, almost expectantly.

“It’s delicious,” you reply, your whole demeanour calming as you see that look of joy take over his features. “Like always.”

“Our Sannie really knows how to cook,” Mingi says, a teasing lilt to his voice despite his praise.

“He’s the only one who won’t burn down the kitchen if left alone in one.” Yeosang replies, and you notice the way Mingi looks almost scandalized at his words.

“I would never!” He gasps dramatically.

The laugh that they all hear fall from your lips is like music to their ears.

The more they continue to bicker, the more you seem to ease back into your own comfort around them. You even go so far as to chime in here and there once again in the conversation, much to each of their pleasure, and relief in some cases. Just as you’re beginning to converse with Yunho, Jongho, and Yeosang about your favourite books, Wooyoung spares a glance around the table, locking gazes with the man sitting across from him.

So, are we going to discuss how our eldest here influenced our beloved to wear his dress? Wooyoung’s eyes narrow ever so subtly at the man before him.

Do you really think that little of me, brother? Seonghwa hums in response, quirking his brow slightly in challenge.

He’s not the only one suspicious of what your intentions were. San chimes in, resting his elbows on the table in front of him and clasping his hands beneath his chin, seeing as he’s finished his meal for the time being.

I had no influence over her decision what-so-ever. She made that choice all on her own. Seonghwa replies. It’s not my fault you all seem to lack taste.

Mingi chokes on his drink, blood rushing to the tips of his ears as annoyance floods his veins. At least you spare him a concerned glance, your inquiry into whether he’s okay or not immediately soothing his anger.

Watch it, Hwa. Hongjoong warns, sparing a glance at the male from the corner of his eyes, only to get enraptured by your excited expression in the next moment.

What happened in there, anyways? Yeosang adds without so much as breaking eye contact with you.

Wouldn’t you like to know? Seonghwa leans back slightly in his seat, a certain smugness surrounding him.

Yes. Jongho’s voice echoes through their heads. I think we’d all like to know that.

What did you do? Yunho asks, somewhat accusatory. He’s still suspicious that the eldest had something to do with which dress you picked for this evening, just as the rest of them are.

Fucking hell. Seonghwa lets out a small puff of air, low enough that you do not take notice. In a flash, Seonghwa is sharing his memories with the rest of them. Well, only certain aspects of them. There. Happy now?

No. Mingi grumbles. Now, I just feel worse.

Somehow knowing you were telling the truth makes my blood boil. Yeosang adds bitterly.

Can we not focus on how wonderful she looks instead? Jongho questions, a glint of awe shining in his eyes as he looks across the table at you while resting his head in the palm of his hand.

Has anyone thought to compliment her yet tonight? Hongjoong’s brow furrows only slightly as he doesn’t recall any of them showering you with any of the praise you deserve.

“By the way, I must say,” Wooyoung speaks, drawing your full, undivided attention towards him, “you look absolutely riveting this evening. That dress looks wondrous on you.”

“Oh, uh,” instantly, heat flares to your cheeks and your eyes go wide. A mental image of your little escapade, or rather, what you think you had simply imagined in that shop with Seonghwa flits through your mind. You blink, unaware of how the males around you all stiffen, the air in the room shifting in intensity. “Thank you.”

Park Seonghwa. The way Hongjoong drawls his name out has the elder male holding his breath in anticipation. Is there something you’d like to share with the rest of us?

Not particularly. Either Seonghwa is incredibly brave to continue hiding this from his brothers, or incredibly stupid. As soon as he feels seven mental spears probing at his mind, he knows it’s the latter.

A thwack resounds around the room as Yunho bangs his knee from beneath the table, the sound enough to make you jump.

“I thought we agreed not to touch her, to indulge in her until she was finally ours.” Hongjoong’s voice is low, ominous, as he stares right past you to the male directly to your right.

“You can’t blame me!” Seonghwa replies. “I know any of you would have done the same if given the chance. Don’t act so innocent here.”

Your eyes widen, heart hammering in your chest at his words. You have no idea what’s going on now, and you don’t think you want to stick around to find out.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Mingi warns, making eye contact with you just as the thought of fleeing crosses your mind.

“Okay, just what the hell is going on here?” Your voice draws all of their attention to you once more, and you end up shrinking back in your seat when you suddenly find yourself beneath the gazes of all eight men’s stares.

“There’s no point in keeping it from you any longer. You were bound to find out anyways, this is just not how we planned on telling you.” Hongjoong sighs, leaning back in his chair as he closes his eyes for a brief moment. “I’m sure you’ve noticed something’s amiss by now.”

“Tell me what?” Fear spikes within you. “That you guys are all part of some weird cult?”

Wooyoung, Yunho, San, and Mingi all burst out laughing at your words.

“You could say that,” Yeosang sighs. “It certainly feels like it sometimes.”

Your heartbeat rings in your ears.

“Stop that, you’re scaring her.” Jongho frowns.

Before you can say another word, someone is beating you to it.

“No, we’re not cultists.” Seonghwa sighs. “Though, I don’t think you’re going to feel much better learning what our true nature is.”

“Your ‘true nature’?” The furrow in your brow deepens, panic clear now on your features. “Don’t tell me you all think you’re vampires, or some shit like that.”

“Not quite,” San chuckles from the end of the table.

“More like demonic entities, if you will.” Again, that unnerving smile is back on Hongjoong’s features.

Your heart jumps into your throat. “You’re demons?”

“More or less,” Yunho shrugs casually, as if this is a conversation they have every day.

“No.” You state, placing a hand onto of the table to brace yourself with. “No. This isn’t possible.”

“Anything is possible, my dear,” Seonghwa grins. Truly, a chilling sight which sends a shiver right down your spine.

“This is insane.” You hiss, shaking your head as you stare at your hand placed on the table. Your fingers brush against something familiar.

“The first step towards sanity is embracing the insane.” Hongjoong replies, and you turn to see him stand from his chair.

“Do you really think that everything that’s happened to you within the past thirty-six hours has been natural?” Hongjoong cocks his head at you as he tilts your chair slightly to face him. “We have powers that you cannot even begin to comprehend, Love.”

You swallow the dryness in your throat. “I don’t believe you.”

“It wasn’t some random force that compelled you to take a road trip on your one weekend off,” Hongjoong grins, his eyes flashing black. “It was us.”

A gasp escapes you as his dark eyes lock onto yours. So you haven’t been imagining things. Their eyes really do shift black.

With your heartbeat ringing through your ears, you lean as far back in your seat as you can to get away from him. Your one hand still rests firmly on the table beside you, and you can feel the other’s eyes on you, watching your every move. Waiting with bated breath. For what, you’re not quite sure, but if they have strong powers, and what you’ve been experiencing- been assuming- is all true, then they can also read your mind. Your thoughts are no longer safely your own.

“What is it that you want from me, then?” You meet Hongjoong’s gaze, and you watch as it softens.

“I thought we all made that obvious by now,” he shares a quick glance with the males all sitting around the table, grins pulling onto all of their faces. “We just want you.”

“Me?” To say you’re caught off guard would be an understatement. “You mean you want my soul?”

“Sure, your soul would be nice.” Mingi nods.

“To have and to hold,” Jongho agrees with a nod of his own.

“To cherish and protect,” Wooyoung adds.

“To love and to care for.” San hums, taking another sip from his drink.

“Only if you give it to us willingly,” Seonghwa’s voice is surprisingly soft; tender.

“But never for us to take.” Yeosang shakes his head slightly, as if to emphasize his words.

“Or to keep.” Yunho assures you.

You spare a glance around you as best as you can, confusion clear in your eyes. “I don’t follow.”

“What we’re saying is,” Hongjoong takes a moment to meet your gaze, a tender look shining behind his irises as a smile tugs at the corner of his lips, “we want you. All of you. Mind, body, and soul.”

You can do nothing but stare at him, words failing you as your lips part. You swear your heart is about to burst with how intensely it thunders away in your chest.

“Of course, we would love it if you agreed to become ours willingly,” Hongjoong adds, and you can hear the underlying threat beneath his words. At the sense of fear that spikes within you, he’s quick to assure you. “I promise you that we would never hurt you.”

“We only want to love you,” Seonghwa adds softly.

“To cherish you,” Mingi breathes.

“To protect you,” San voices gently.

“To worship you,” Wooyoung says, voice barely above a whisper.

“To live out the rest of our lives together,” Yeosang’s breath catches slightly in his throat.

“To always be there for you,” Jongho nods his head assuringly in your direction.

“You are everything to us,” Yunho whispers, voice raw with the honesty of his words.

“So please,” Hongjoong draws your attention back to him, his forehead coming to rest against your own as he stares deeply into your eyes, “won’t you let us?”

A small silence settles over the nine of you as you allow their words to sink in. You can barely form any cohesive thoughts, sitting as still as you possibly can as you attempt to wrap you head around this turn of events. Never did you expect for this to happen.

Your lips part, and they all find themselves holding their breaths, greatly anticipating your answer.

“No.”

Hongjoong blinks. This time, it’s his turn to be stunned by your response, pulling away slightly in his shock. “No?”

“No.” You repeat, much firmer this time.

Before any of them can say anything, or even react for that matter, you’re stabbing Hongjoong with your steak knife and pushing him off of you. Standing from your seat with enough force to knock your chair off its balance, you send it toppling to the floor. Not even a moment later, you’re sprinting for the door and out of the dining room, fleeing down the hallway in which you first arrived from.

Your footsteps echo down the corridor as the eight men can only sit there, stunned for the moment at this turn of events. Well, that didn’t go at all how they had planned.

In the blink of an eye, San, Wooyoung, Mingi, and Yeosang have disappeared, chasing after you without a second thought.

“She stabbed me.” Hongjoong voices incredulously, disbelief clear on his face. “She stabbed me.”

“Yes, and?” Seonghwa quirks a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes as he watches Hongjoong pull the knife out of his shoulder, blood dripping onto the floor as he stares intently at the weapon in question. “How does that make you feel?”

“Honestly?” Hongjoong looks over at the older male, nodding his head slightly in awe. “Impressed and horny.”

“Come on,” Seonghwa rolls his eyes at his leader. “Let’s go get our girl.”

Nothing but the sound of the knife clattering to the ground echoes throughout the room as the remaining four of them teleport to where you managed to run off to. You didn’t get very far, only able to reach the lobby before the first half of their group found you. They had appeared in an instant, surrounding you on all sides, and preventing you from escaping. Your pleas to let you go fall on deaf ears.

As soon as you see the other four appear out of thin air, your panic rises. Any and all chance of escape that you had had just now becomes slim to none.

“That wasn’t very nice,” Hongjoong pouts. “And after all that we’ve done for you, too.”

“Just let me leave, and we can pretend that none of this ever happened.” Comes your reply, noting the way a small blotch of red stains the front of his shirt where the knife had pierced him.

“I don’t think you fully comprehend your situation right now,” Hongjoong shakes his head, tutting all the while. “I already told you. You’re ours, and we’re not going to let you go so easily.”

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” you explain, voice coming out much firmer than you thought it would. “I’m going to grab my bag from my room, and then I’m checking out of this godforsaken hotel. I’m going to get into my car, drive home, and none of you will ever see me again.”

“Sure, you can check out of here any time you’d like. This isn’t even a real place,” Hongjoong chuckles as he watches your expression fall, horror at the realization of what his words mean painting your features. “We tried to be reasonable, to give you a choice. Now, you’ll just have to accept the terms you’ve signed yourself up for. You’re ours, and you’re in our domain now, Love. You can never leave.”

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raining-dreams · 7 months

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Best Underrated Shows

Saving Me

Saving Me is about a lonely old guy who invents a time machine so he can go back to his child self and fix all his past mistakes. I learned about this show from this video titled Watch THIS instead of Hailey's On It by M!n!mal M!ss Art. Despite this video, I was still very excited to watch Hailey's On It. It seemed like a story with a cool premise and cute art style (and ultimately I do really like the show) But Hailey's On It wasn't gonna be out for weeks when I came across this video and this video really sold me on giving Saving Me a try. I never would have even heard of this show without that youtube video which would have been a real shame because Saving Me is fantastic! I hope this show reaches more people and I'm dying for a season 3!!!!!

House of Anubis

Mystery is my favorite genre and House of Anubis is chuck full of it. I used to be obsessed with this show back in high school. I had so much fun coming up with theories and live-blogging my thoughts and opinions about each new episode. Some of the acting & dialogue could be a little cringe sometimes but the story is just so good that it doesn't matter. I've heard that Het Huis Anubis (the Dutch version of the show that House of Anubis is based on) is even better, though I haven't gotten around to watching it yet.

Over the Garden Wall

Those of us who have seen Over the Garden Wall seem to agree that this show is amazing! Which makes it feel a little weird to call it underrated. But it seems like so few people have actually seen it. Maybe because it was a mini series, it couldn't reach the same level of popularity as other shows of similar quality. If you like Gravity Falls, you'll likely enjoy Over the Garden Wall as well. (Wirt is even voiced by the same guy who voiced Dipper!) I would highly recommend anyone that hasn't seen it already.

Dead End: Paranormal Park

I feel like it's pretty rare for animated series to exist in the horror genre for some reason. It truly is an untapped market. But if you love horror and animation, Dead End is the show for you! (Of course it's kid friendly horror since the target audience is children) The two main characters, Barney and Norma get jobs at a haunted park and work together to fight ghosts and demons. Dead End has a super cute animation style, in my opinion, and a very diverse set of characters. I encourage everyone to watch it!

Just Add Magic

Just Add Magic is based on a children's book by the same name. It's a show about three girls who love to cook and basically discover that they can use cooking to do magic. It's a pretty interesting take on how magic works in their universe. It's very fun to watch. All of the actors are also so talented! And one of those actors is Zach Callison (the voice of Steven Universe)!

The friendship between the trio is awe-inspiring! They have so much chemistry. It's a pretty fun watch.

The Last Kids On Earth

Based on a comic of the same name, this show is about a group of kids who have to survive on their own when a zombie apocalypse breaks out. And other various creatures start to threaten them (or even become their allies) It's basically a cute found family story. The premise is pretty simplistic but that's what I love about it. The animation style of The Last Kids On Earth is so beautiful as well!

I'm still waiting for a season 3!!!!!

Code Lyoko

I remember as a kid being aware of this show and thinking it looked kind of interesting (and I always loved the theme song!!) but I never ended up watching it back then because I let peer pressure get the better of me. I remember I met someone who brought up how much they loved the show. When I heard them express that interest, I was at first excited to ask them more but before I had the chance, everyone else started making fun of him for liking Code Lyoko.

I guess it was like the nerd show or something? I don't really know why it was considered cringe to like Code Lyoko but upon seeing my peers act this way, I decided I can't like Code Lyoko if I want to fit in. So, I avoided watching it. But earlier this year, when I was flipping through channels, they were showing old episodes of Code Lyoko! I was intrigued since I remembered it from childhood and thought I'd actually give it a chance this time. And it's actually a pretty good show! It can be slow at times but overall I enjoy it.

If you're like me and avoided watching this back then due to peer pressure, I highly recommend leaving that in the past and just letting yourself enjoy this show!!

Slugterra

Slugterra is honestly pretty similar to Pokemon, except it's slugs! And the entire series takes place underground. Basically, there's a whole underground world called Slugterra, home to slugs, trolls, moles, etc. And all the slugs have cool powers so the people collect & befriend slugs so they can use them as weapons ("slugslinging"). If you like Pokemon, you're sure to like Slugterra!

Detentionaire

I discovered Detentionaire randomly while I was searching through Amazon's library of cartoons. I was looking for a new show to watch and just stumbled upon this one. It looked pretty interesting and I was surprised to see it was a show from 2011. I don't know how I missed this show back then. Idk if maybe it only aired in Canada or something? (cuz it's a Canadian show) But anyways, Detentionaire is such an intriguing show where the main character, Lee, discovers some grand conspiracy and has to try to expose it to prove his innocence so he can get out of detention. It's such an interesting concept. And, as I mentioned earlier, mystery is my favor genre, so I had a lot of fun with this one.

The only problem though is, of course, it ends on a cliffhanger. The show got canceled before they had the chance to conclude the story in a satisfying way (or any type of way) so watch at your own risk.

Catscratch

I honestly don't even remember what this show was about but I do remember enjoying this show and being excited when I saw a new episode was out. I remember thinking it was so funny. I just don't think enough people know about this show.

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yril-writes · 10 months

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— OURS!

synopsis ; dating two people, is equal to troublesome and most importantly loud. Especially if they both crave attention at the same time.

scenario ; college modern au! where sukuna and yuuji are siblings! What is it like to have a date in a theme park with having two of your boyfriends argue at the dumbest things you could ever think of.

"You can't always go on dates with the two of us, you have to choose one!"

"Who do you like most? Me or Sukuna?"

type ; headcanon

include/s ; ryoumen sukuna & itadori yuuji as twin siblings!

pairing/s ; character/s x gn! reader

genre ; fluff, comedy and a mountain full of corn

Going on a theme park date especially having to bring both of them seems weird alright. People murmuring, prying eyes watching the three of you. Felt uncomfortable but you planned this for the both of them to get along!

At most all of the rides you get to only have one to sit with and both of them would always argue who gets to have you. And this happened in the bumper cars where both of them fought over you like a kid and you decided to have your own car leaving them both in a car with Yuuji driving and Sukuna sulking.

Not just that but when it comes to food there is a specific menu for couples the problem is there are three of you and only applicable for two people, still buying it Sukuna would immediately grab the other straw and hand it over you so that you are both seen like a sweet couple drinking on the same drink while leaving out Yuuji who is completely moping like a puppy in front of you both.

Every ride and food promos they would argue and have their turn and if they did making the other feel worse or jealous is what they are good at and you hated seeing them like that as if they don't really get along even though they are siblings.

"You can't always go on dates with the two of us, you have to choose one!" Sukuna yells at you as he scrunches his brows together, his arms crossed and even glared at Yuuji.

"Who do you like most? Me or Sukuna?" Yuuji follows up as he stares at you immensely desperate to know your answer it may not seem like it but Sukuna as well awaits for your answer.

In your eyes right now, you see two different breeds of dog wagging their tail as if waiting for a treat. But you couldn't bear the pressure they were giving off and it made you snap, telling them that you'll for a bathroom break.

You love them both and you can't just pick one over the other, it's as if having both of them completes what you have now and you are happy. Going out from the bathroom you decided to tell them what you had thought but you were stopped by a man, who clearly appears to be a stalker and a creep. He kept on pushing himself to you and the grip of his hand on your wrist is starting to hurt.

"LET GO OF ME!" struggling you were in a competition with this man who is firmly holding your wrists, you are feeling scared, panicked even you can feel how uneasy you are breathing. You hate this. (YUUJI! SUKUNA! HELP ME!) you could only scream their names in your head, as you shut both of your eyes.

Seconds later, you feel your wrist free from the man's grasp, opening both of your eyes two familiar broad backs greeted you and you were happy to see them both.

"What would you ever do without us?" Sukuna shrugs and lets out a disappointed sigh as he kicks the man currently laying down on the street. "Your wrists, it left a mark...its cool it down with some ice, it might leave a bruise..." Yuuji says in a gentle tone as he carefully touches your wrist, and gives you a smile to reassure you that everything is fine now.

"Sorry to disappoint you, buddy. But they belong to US, don't you dare put your filthy hands on her. Disgusting pig." the Itadori brothers looked at each other and blinked a few times because what happened just now is that they finished each other's sentences and they both felt their spine shiver at that moment.

a/n ; yes another both of them cause why the heck not! I'm quite obsessed with the both of them! ^^

taglist ; @sammushy @ryuuudesuwa @jasugoi @gcj-doesart

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hiiroamagisbestfriend · 1 year

Note

Ello there :D could I request going on a first date with Kohaku and Natsume both of them being separate pls :>

First Date Headcanons!

w/ Kohaku Oukawa & Natsume Sakasaki x GN! Reader

i actually tried so hard to make sure these were dates this time around

Warnings: Kohaku has a very small panic attack on his, but it gets resolved in like seconds. Otherwise it's all clear!

Kohaku Oukawa

✩ You'd probably be the one to ask Kohaku out. Not that he's shy or anything (okay, maybe a little) but because he doesn't really know much about dates and romance.

✩ Now, where would you take someone like that? Someplace where he can experience and try tons of new things? Why, the natural answer would be the amusement park of course!

✩ Whether it be rides, attractions, games, food, there's no shortage of new things to show him. He spent quite a lot of his life indoors or "working" after all.

✩ It also wouldn't hurt to let him experience crowded places, considering the friends he had growing up were either his Bon, or people online.

✩ Before the date, Kohaku had the brilliant idea to ask Aira for advice. Aira looked like he would be experienced in this field after all, with his constant talking of love and such.

✩ Obviously, Aira, having no experience himself; had no idea what to tell him, conjuring up all the knowledge he gathered from manga and fanfics to try and answer Kohaku properly.

✩ Just the standard stuff like offering to hold his hand if ever you were to get scared, or riding swan boats and other love themed rides.

✩ When the day finally came, Kohaku couldn't get a wink of sleep. He would never admit it, but he was quite excited. He spent a while trying to pick out clothes, wondering if something more casual and sporty would fit better than something more cool and romantic.

✩ Then he remembers he has no personal fashion sense at all, seeing as all his clothes were just stuff he got from looking up popular and trendy clothes. Well, at least they all looked good, especially on him.

✩ He'd arrive a good 2 hours or so earlier than you. Just standing around the entrance like a lost puppy. His eyes practically sparkling when he saw you walking towards him.

"Ah, you're already here! Sorry, did I make you wait long?" Kohaku shook his head like crazy, before reciting a line that he practiced with Aira beforehand.

"Nah, I just got here." Kohaku smirked internally, knowing that this should alleviate your nerves if you thought he had waited long.

The two of you got your tickets and a complementary map, before snapping a photo together near the entrance.

"Where do ya' wanna go first, (Y/N)?" He'd ask even though he already planned a whole itinerary beforehand. He values your opinion after all.

When you tell him that it's up to him, he would gladly take you by the hand and drag you towards the more popular rides. It's still early, so now's the best chance to get on them before lots of people show up.

✩ The very first ride he brought you to seemed like a very, very extreme roller coaster. His face visibly darkened when he saw all the loops and turns, but he decided to tough it out for you.

✩ When the two of you got on, his heart was already about to leap out of his chest. Sure he's a man used to these kinds of "life-threatening" scenarios, but it's different when you're beside him.

✩ Just as the roller coaster would start it's slow ascent, Kohaku would definitely start regretting his decision. His hands would start shaking and he'd find it harder to breathe.

✩ Right before the big drop though, he'd feel your hands on top of his, his eyes wandering to your face. You were looking him right in the eyes, as if you were trying to telepathically tell him:

Don't worry. I'll protect you.

✩ He'd feel about 30 times lighter after that. The feeling of being protected or cared for isn't something he was very used to, what with the life and job that he had.

✩ But before he knew it, the roller coaster dropped and he wasn't scared at all. Sure, he was screaming, but it was because he just felt so safe beside you that he could truly let himself relax and be vulnerable.

✩ He couldn't even care that he didn't get to act all cool like Aira instructed him to. He was just too goshdarn happy seeing you care for him this much.

✩ When you two got off the ride, he couldn't help but wrap you in a hug, only stopping when he realized you two were holding up a line.

✩ Still though, even after your hug was broken up, he had a firm grip on your hand. What you did back then was so simple, but it meant a lot to him, it really did.

✩ It was then he saw those game booths handing out cute plushies or toys, pointing at the stands before pulling you towards them.

Kohaku watches your eyes fixate on a prize. It seemed like a pretty big plushie of an animal you liked. With that, a fire was lit inside him, he was going to get that for you even if he had to use all his money for it.

"Ya' want that one, dontcha?" Kohaku couldn't help but smile too when you beamed at him while nodding like crazy. "Alright. Guess it's time for me to show ya' my cool side, yeah?" He feels a bit embarrassed saying it, but he did mean it.

✩ Cue a good 20 minutes of Kohaku getting absolutely wrecked at that shooting game. He'd think his skills would come in handy in a situation like this, but it seems even he's not strong enough for rigged amusement park games.

✩ His face was as pink as his hair at this point, losing confidence with each failed attempt, only to want to try again harder when he saw your expectant face.

"One more! I'll get it for sure next time!" Kohaku shouted out, before fishing his wallet for more money, only to have the grim realization that it was completely empty.

He'd turn to look at you, afraid that you'd be disappointed at him for failing this badly. He really messed up big time here did he? Not only did he not get you the plushie, now he's out of money that he could've spent for food or other stuff.

His eyes would get a bit misty before he feels your hand on top of his head, gently caressing it so that it wouldn't mess with the hair he spent an hour styling.

"You did great! It's a shame you couldn't get it, but you looked super cool holding that toy rifle!" Kohaku felt faint, he couldn't keep taking these critical hits to the heart. "Come on, cheer up! I saw some cute looking sweets over there, I'll go buy you some, so give me a smile!"

Kohaku couldn't even reply before you were the one dragging him somewhere. You really are so cool in his eyes. He's done nothing but blunders this entire date, couldn't there be something he can do to make your heart race for a change?

He sifted through the things he discussed with Aira before coming up blank. All the intricate plans they made, he'd probably mess up at this rate. How could he possibly make you as happy as you made him?

"Kohaku, you okay? You've got quite the face!" The man in question had a very puzzled face after all, thinking real hard on what he could possibly do. Oops, he should probably answer you.

"Ah, yeah. I was jus' thinking about how much I love ya'." He did not notice the big goofy grin on your face as it became tinted red, and maybe that was for the best.

Natsume Sakasaki

✩ Natsume would be the one to ask you out. For what you say? Well he called it a surprise, so you don't get to know.

✩ He just told you to get ready, and he'll come pick you up at your place. Not even telling you what kind of clothes to wear so that it'll truly be a surprise.

✩ That was already the first spell he cast on you, when a human doesn't know what's about to come, their mind starts exploring and creating answers for them. Natsume wanted you to feel so excited for this date that you'd fantasize about what it could be.

✩ Of course, he'd have to make sure things on his end were going great as well. If he disappointed you of all people he really would have no right calling himself a magician.

✩ When the time for the date came, you heard some soft knocks on your door. Opening it to see Natsume wearing a nice button up and pants with a matching tie. Hm, so it was a formal kind of date then.

✩ You wanted to go back and change to match with Natsume, but he'd just pull you in by the arm, a soft thud resounding as you bumped into his chest.

"You already look perfect, kitTEN." Natsume whispered into your ear before planting a kiss on your forehead. You couldn't help but get caught off guard, he sure plays hard and fast doesn't he? "Now then, shall we gO?"

He would lead you into a fancy looking car, opening the door for you and waiting for you to go in before he does. When the two of you are seated, the person behind the wheel that looked kind of like Tsumugi started to drive at a leisurely pace.

Time passes before you know it and the sun has already sunk when the two of you get dropped off at a nice looking park. Natsume takes you by the hand to an already set up picnic, with food and drinks that would cater to any cravings.

He signals for you to sit down before doing so himself, sitting opposite to you in the aptly sized blanket.

While the date was certainly romantic so far, it was quite simple in execution. It was Natsume that planned this whole thing, so you were kind of expecting it to be a bit more, how do you say this; out there?

As if he read your mind, Natsume tucked a hair behind your ear before speaking. "Worry not, kitTEN. The night has only just beGUN." He threw in a wink too, crafty bastard.

✩ Though he said that, the date seemed to progress as naturally as a picnic date would. The two of you eating and chatting about nothing important.

✩ Sure Natsume would throw in a cheeky remark or try to feed you something every now and then, but it was still just a sort of normal date?

✩ Of course this too, was simply a part of his spell. He had planned a very grand declaration of love after all, but he needs you to be just slightly disheartened before he puts his plan into action.

✩ Soon enough, it was fully night time and the stars had come with the moon to say their greetings to you two.

Seemingly out of thin air, Natsume pulled out a telescope. Motioning for you to peer into it. "Do you see iT?" The telescope was already positioned, showing you a constellation of three stars connected like a triangle.

It was a very pretty constellation, and the view of the night sky was honestly breathtaking enough to warrant this entire date.

"This constellation is called the summer triANGLE. It represents two lovers, Vega and Altair, that were seperated by the milky waY." That story made you a bit sad, being a romantic yourself. "Luckily, the other star, Deneb serves as the bridge for them to meeT."

You pulled away from the telescope after feeling a tap on your shoulder. Natsume put his hand behind your ear again, but this time procuring a cute pendant with a star on it. "My Vega, even if the universe intends on tearing us aPART. I will always, always find my way back to yoU."

He pulls out a similar looking pendant that he was hiding under his clothes, before putting the one in his hand around your neck. Natsume then closes the distance between you two, your faces inches away from each other.

He guides your hand to his pendant, before bringing yours closer to it, showing that the two of them connect when brought together. "This, I promise. With the thousand stars in the sky as my witness."

It seemed Natsume dropped his usual way of speaking, but you could probably let it slide this one time. How could you say no to him when his face looks so red as he recites these cheesy yet incredibly romantic lines?

"I love you, (Y/N)." Natsume smiled at you softly, before closing the distance between your lips.

AAAA done! hope these were to your liking anon ^^

#.✨.#enstars #oukawa kohaku #kohaku oukawa #oukawa kohaku x reader #kohaku oukawa x reader #natsume sakasaki #sakasaki natsume #natsume sakasaki x reader #sakasaki natsume x reader #enstars x reader

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ilovechuuy4 · 6 months

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Hi! Im kinda new to tumblr, sorry if I'm doing this wrong. Could you write nikolai helping a reader overcome a fear of heights? Any scenario is fine (amusement park, sky diving, bungee jumping, tightropes, etc), I just think helpful Kolya would be cute lol

A/N; really cute request:( I'm not sure how long this was sitting so I'm very sorry! I've been having no ideas along with having to go to the doctors a lot so it's being a but slow! I'm vry vry sorry!! But I really hope you like this

"It's okay my sweet, it's not scary.."

Nikolai Gogol x GN! Reader❦

It was a cool autumn evening and Nikolai, your boyfriend, had recommended going to a theme park for a date, but mainly he wanted to help you over come your fear. You fear of heights, this has just been a long fear of yours that nobody, not even family members, could help you face but that was Nikolai's goal today.

It took only a few minutes to get to the amusement park, y'all had payed the way in and started looking around, there were big roller coasters, fairs wheels, small kiddy rides, food booths etc. "Hey, sugar~ what do you want to do first, because I have a few things in mind?" Nikolai asked you with an excited smile. How excited the white haired clown was had made you smile, you had ways enjoyed being around him.

"Maybe let's go get some food? And then you could decide from there?" You recommendation brought a wider smile to Nikolais face as he takes your hand and drags you along to a food booth. "Alright, let's go let's go!" He said excitedly, he looked like a little kid at a candy store. While y'all ordered food, Nikolai was pondering on how to figure out how he was going to help you get over your fears.

Go on a roller coaster? No, that's way to intense, he didn't want to traumatize you. He glances around looking at the rides but all of them were horriblely fast roller coasters which brought an upsetting frown on his face. "Nikolai, dear, are you alright?" You ask, cocking an eyebrow.

Nikolai looks at you slightly caught off guard but then just nods. "Yea, I'm alright sorry if I worried you." He said this with a soft smile, reaching out, his fingers intertwined with yours. He looked down noticing the food had already arrived and you was eating, was he seriously that distracted? Wow. He glances around one last time and then spots the big, round glowing circle in the middle of the fair. His eyes practically sparkling.

He decided to eat before saying anything, so he picked up his fork and starting eating. After y'all had finished, he looked at you, yall's eyes locking. "My sweet, can I ask you a very important question?" He asked, his eyes full of love and affection. "Of course, yes darling?" You say with a smile. "I know you're a friar if height and I know this is asking for a lot but could we go on the faris wheel? I want to help you with your fear." He said this slowly, his voice laced with worry that youd get mad.

You thought about it for a minute before letting out an unsteady breath, then you spoke. "Alright, we can. But you're holding my hand!" You explain, your answer made Nikolai light up once more. "Oh! My sweet! I'm so happy! I promise I'll protect youu!~" He says this with a gleaming smile. He stands excitedly from the seat he was in and took your food trash, throwing it away.

"Alright let's go my dear!" He spoke excitedly, basically jumping up and down as he took your hand and gently pulled you to the faris wheel. You had a knot in your stomach as y'all got in line. You were scared, but as long as Nikolai was there, it would be okay. Slowly, but surely, y'all board the fairs wheel, you were sitting there trembling as it slowly rocked up.

Nikolai had worried eyes as he held both your hands tightly, his forehead pressed on yours as he looks into your eyes. "My sweet Y/N, it's alright don't worry I'm here." He spoke slowly and reassuringly, he was only worried for you nothing more nothing less. His thumb was gently rubbing your hand as the faris wheel went up and up. You slowly started panicking.

Nikolai quickly cups your face, rubbing your cheek slowly. "Honey, don't focus on anything but me, okay? You're safe with me I promise. I won't let anything bad happen to you." He was serious, he loved you dearly he wouldn't let anything or anyone hurt you, ever. Soft tears of fear but along with love filled your soft (e/c) eyes, your body still trembling. "I'm safe, okay. If you say I'm safe, I'm safe." You managed to stutter out, fumbling your words.

Nikolai pressed a soft kiss on your lip, rubbing off the tears that slowly seep down your cheeks. "Shh, it's okay my sweet, it's okay." He only lulled, pressing soft kisses on your cheeks and lips. You slowly calmed down but still scared, yet. Usually when people try getting you on things like this you don't say yes. This was different.

You felt so safe around Nikolai. He was your safe space, be always had a way to calm you down. Your head was in his chest down, his hand gently stoking your hair. "Shh, it's okay my sweet, it's not scary." He spoke slowly, pressing on last kiss on your hair.

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takiniteasynightcoreremix · 4 months

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magnus and toki and their surnames. tw needles

"So-- Wartooth. What is that, actually?"

"Dat's my name."

"Yeah, but what's your actual name?"

"Toki."

"But what's your last name?"

"Wartooth. Toki Wartooth."

If the ice cream cone in Magnus' hand was a knife he would have plunged it into Toki's dumb face. The two men were sitting outside of Edy's Ice Cream Parlor in the noxious bowels of SeaWorld, and Magnus had hit his threshold for overstimulation about half an hour ago. Still, with the fanatic determination of a man in pursuit of his life's mission, he was doing his best to keep Toki entertained and engaged in conversation, even as they took a brief reprieve from the chaos of the theme park in favour of enjoying some too-sugary dairy treats (Magnus' idea-- the thought of getting to stab Toki, even if only with an insulin needle, was about the only thing keeping him going, at this point).

Unfortunately Dethklok's rhythm guitarist had the creativity and intellect of, well, a rhythm guitarist, and Magnus' current attempts at conversation we're going approximately nowhere.

"Toki," Magnus said patiently, "You're Norwegian."

"Yeps."

"Wartooth is English."

"Yeps."

"So, if you are Norwegian, why do you have an English name?"

"You has an English names," Toki retorted. "Hammers-smiths, likes de guys what makes de hammers."

"My father was English. Were either of your parents English?"

"Nopes."

"Then why, when you're introduced, are you called Toki Wartooth?"

"Cause that's my last names."

Toki's brows were wrinkled, he was staring at Magnus as if Magnus were the idiot in this conversation. Magnus took a very deep breath. "Well, what are your parents' last name?" he asked.

"Wartooth," Toki said, with a hint of exasperation.

"Did you have English grandparents?"

"Nopes, dey's Norswegians too."

"Did you have any English ancestors."

"Nopes," Toki said, frowning thoughtfully. "My family's in de villages for… since de vikings I thinks."

"Your family has resided in the same village since the 1200s?"

"Yeps. Gots de big families tree in de church and everythings."

"And they were all named…"

"Wartooth!"

Magnus looked down at his own ice cream. He tried to imagine that a scoop of Toki's bloody post-torture brains was resting in the cup, but he was starting to seriously question whether Toki actually had any.

"It's a cool name, buddy," Magnus said with a smile, deciding to switch tactics. "And it's cool you know it goes back that far. Any idea where it comes from?"

"It's a vikingsk names," Toki said proudly, in a way that suggested he'd impressed Americans with this fact before. "Ol' Skupt Wartooth. He discovereds Swedens or some shits like dat."

"And when did Skupt… live?"

"I tolds you, de twelve hundreds."

"And his last name was Wartooth."

"Yeps."

"A Norse viking in the 1200s had the name-- the English name-- Wartooth."

Toki gave Magnus a skepical look. "Magnus, you's my pal, but you's not very smarts."

"I'm not--" Magnus almost began shouting. Almost. He reigned himself in, bit down hard on his tongue, took several deep breaths through his nose. Revenge was so near, so deliciously and tantalisingly within grasp, and he would not let Toki antagonise him into ruining his plan now. This was a test. Just a test. "… And what is your name on your birth certificate?"

"Toki Wartooth," Toki replied. "Cause dat's my name."

"Just to be clear. When you were born, your parents wrote that your name was Toki Wartooth."

"Whats? No, Charles wrotes dat."

"… Charles… Offdensen?"

"Yeah, de guy whats go me a birth certifskicate."

Magnus blinked. Toki blinked back at him. A group of children was screaming at the next table, a seagull was hovering near their feet in search of scraps.

Unaware of Magnus' despair, Toki shoved the rest of his ice cream cone into his mouth, and then started groping around his waistline, searching for something. "Gots to do my shots now," he murmured to himself in a sing-song, as if reciting instructions someone else had drilled into him. "Gots to has my insulins, or I falls asleep and gets eaten by de rats…"

"Here," Magnus said, rising to his feet, "You gave them to me, remember? Let me do that for you." Like hell he was going to miss his chance to stab Toki after this excruciating conversation.

The moronic, gullible, guileless, eminently stabbable Toki grinned at Magnus and settled back in his chair. "You can does it," he agreed. "You's a good friend, Magnus."

"I try."

"Even if you is kinda slows in de heads."

Magnus ignored him, preparing the needle. "There's a reason I'm asking, Toki," he said gently. "Can I tell you a story?"

"Oh, I loves a Magnus story!"

"Alright, here it goes. When Dethklok was first signed, we signed the contract with our stage names. You may know me as Hammersmith, but back then I was going by my stage name, Hammerstorm. Shirt up."

Toki obligingly pulled the bottom of his shirt up, revealing the entirety of his unfairly chiselled abdomen. Magnus moved over to his side, knelt on the hot ground. He peeled open an alcohol pad with his teeth and swabbed clean a patch of Toki's skin there, letting his fingers dig perhaps a little hard into the flesh-- guilty pleasure.

"Anyways, when Dethklok decided to kick me to the curb… you know, maybe I shouldn't be telling you this, it's not right to gossip about a man's band to his face."

"Tells me!"

Magnus picked the prepared needle from his shirt pocket. He could feel the parental figure of the screaming children watching him suspiciously, but this was Florida, it wouldn't be the first time the little brats would see someone shooting up at SeaWorld. "… When Dethklok kicked me to the curb, I found out that they'd played a little trick on me. See, since we hadn't used our legal names, we weren't part of the band. Not officially. I had no rights-- not to compensation, not to plead my case, not to anything."

"Wowee."

"Yeah, wowee. I was ruined." He jammed the needle hard into Toki's abdomen, imagining a knife. "Remember, always make sure your legal name goes on the contracts. Just in case. You know? … Just in case."

Toki didn't even flinch at the entry of the needle-- he had an insanely high pain tolerance, Magnus had learned. "Hammerstorm's a cools names," he said thoughtfully. "Maybe I calls you dat from nows on."

"Nah. Don't bother. That was a different time, a different me." Magnus stood, dropped the needle into the waste container that had come with the insulin kit, along with, once he used it to wipe his hands, the alcohol swab. He couldn't explain how this had become a regular part of their routine-- it just seemed to have become the norm between them, borne out of Toki's need to feel cared for and Magnus' need to ram sharp objects into people's fleshy bits.

Toki pulled his shirt back down and twisted to face Magnus. "Maybe you's should chooses a Norswegian names, since you's hates de English names so much. Likes-- Jeg er Magnus--" Toki had started in on his best Magnus impression, but then he paused, blinking. "… Hammerstorm. Ohs, jeg forstår! Det er norsk!"

"Det er norsk," Magnus agreed slowly, the language feeling clumsy in his mouth. He could understand enough to know Toki had been about to mock him, only to realise that the words 'hammer' and 'storm' remained unchanged in both his native and adopted tongues. Had Toki been about to translate Magnus' surname?

Which begged the question. Magnus paused, reaching back into the recesses of his mind, groping for the stock phrases drilled into him during Elementary Norwegian back in the shadowy depths of his childhood.

"… Hej, Toki," he began cautiously, struggling to form the words, "Hva heter du?"

Toki cocked his head. "Toki Víg-tönn," he said, just as slowly. "Jeg er Toki Víg-tönn."

"So it's Víg-tönn!" Magnus couldn't stop himself from shouting it. "Why didn't you just say that?"

"I did says it!" Toki said, distressed. "I says my name's Wartooth! Toki Wartooth! I tolds you!"

"You were translating your own name into English?"

"Why's you yellings at Toki!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry--" Magnus pinched the bridge of his nose. "Okay. Víg-tönn. What is that, Icelandic?"

"It's de old Norsk," said Toki despondently. His arms were crossed, he refused to look at Magnus.

"That's… cool. That's a pretty cool name. Old Norsk, huh."

"Yeps."

"I'm sorry for yelling at you."

Toki peeked back up at him, eyes narrowed. "And... apoglosecs for not believin's Toki."

"I'll make it up to you. Want to go see the penguins?"

Toki lunged to his feet and grabbed Magnus by the elbow, all trace of a bad mood dissipated. "Ooh, de penguins! Let's see de penguins! Comes on!"

Another conversation about Toki's life ended with a migraine. Magnus would never cease to wonder why he wanted to find his little prey item so interesting. Still, he was starting to recall bits of Norwegian from his childhood, and he was getting out of the house far more regularly these days.

And it was always nice to have a friend he could stab.

#this isnt very well written sorry :> im procrastinating #my fic

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beepsparks · 29 days

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Uhh random thoughts. Hosts and their fav attractions at the Disney parks bc Disney theme park attractions and history was a special interest of mine for 3 years (btw FUCK Disney obviously im just putting these hcs here bc despite its no longer a special interest I am still nerdy as hell about the theme parks specifically and I like to give characters favorite rides)

Cookie: this man seems like a thrill ride seeker. He will go on as many extreme rides as possible until he eventually has to go to the bathroom to throw up from motion sickness. I have the feel he’d like the Tower of Terror. He’d probably drag Schmitty on it despite Schmitty seems like the type to be absolutely TERRIFIED of drop rides. (He’ll go on anything else tho)

Buzz: okay call it obvious but Buzz Lightyear (and whatever the hell other name they give it istg it’s the same ride but they all have different names at every park). Tell me Buzz WOULDN’T like the LASER SHOOTER GAME RIDE. He probably thinks it’s cool as hell and would challenge others with beating his score. Nobody wins against Buzz.

Nate: this ride is defunct and no longer exists (unfortunately bc I think it’s awesome) but Extra-Terror-estrial Alien Encounter. Something tells me Nate’s weird little interest in conspiracy theories would lead to him liking the REALLY DARK lowkey horror attraction about a transportation device sending a violent alien into the room and characters getting attacked by it. (Btw if you don’t know what the ride is, look it up, its awesome) He’d probably take Buzz on this one and Buzz would be terrified with all the screaming from both the crowd being scared and the characters getting killed by the alien while Nate is having the time of his life lmao. Anyway, unfortunately since Alien Encounter no longer exists, I guess I’ll just say that Nate’s other favorite ride would be Rock N’ Roller Coaster. (Unfortunately, Buzz finds that ride too extreme for his liking as well so Buzz would NOT have fun getting dragged onto there by Nate)

Schmitty: without even thinking about The Lost Gold, I feel like he’d like Pirates of the Caribbean. Idk I Just get that vibe from him. That and he’d also probably like Soarin’ because he’d find it REALLY relaxing (the soft breeze the ride gives ya plus the calm movements and nice visuals and smells) can you tell I want Schmitty to have time to relax and be all chill yet. (Anyway projecting here but considering It’s a Small World is referenced TWICE in The Lost Gold, I headcanon Schmitty secretly likes the ride. It’s not his favorite but he likes it. Shhh I want the funny man to at least somewhat like my interests too)

Guy: Guy also seems like the type to like thrill rides as well (but he’d be able to TELL when hes getting motion sick unlike Cookie) but he also seems like the type to like rides with music that’d get at least somewhat stuck in his head, so while I can’t REALLY decide I guess the closest option is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, because it’s a roller coaster that has the chance to play one out of seven songs while the ride goes on. (Fun fact actually I’ve been on it before and it’s literally the only roller coaster I can stomach (i hate coasters) and it played Everybody Wants to Rule the World lmao)

Bonus, REDACTED: The Haunted Mansion. I think we can all agree on that. He’d be upset that the ghosts on the ride aren’t real, though.

#ydkj headcanons #you don’t know jack #ydkj #cookie masterson #josh schmitty schmitstinstein #schmitty #guy towers #buzz lippman #nate shapiro #headcanons #jackbox games #tmp redacted #tmp host

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daceydeath · 2 years

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Light in the Dark (Part 2)

Part 2 - You Have Got To Be Kidding Me...

Paring: Vampire Chan x Female Reader Word Count: 4.9k Genre: Romance, Vampire au, Angst, Fluff Warnings: Swearing, violent themes, supernatural themes, mentions of blood, past violence

You knew the fairy tales were true, you knew Oddinary beings existed but now you were going to learn that everything you knew was a lie or at the very least a half truth.

Your Saturday had ended quite well it hadn't been too busy and you had managed to make some expensive sales so it felt like you almost achieved something plus the attractive boy from the morning had been playing on your mind all day which was a pleasant distraction indeed. Locking up the bookstore you decided to go for a walk before heading back home the sun was still shining warmly and although the day had warmed up a little the air still felt refreshingly cool on your skin.

You walked towards the city park deciding you would take the river walk home to clear your mind and enjoy some fresh air. The parks around the city were always beautiful, filled with couples walking, people riding bikes, children playing and even some artists painting landscapes on occasion. Today appeared to be one of those occasions as several people had set up easels to paint their surroundings you paused at each one that you passed always happy to watch people creating art, even commenting on them if the artist looked friendly or noticed your presence. That was until you reached one more secluded artist surrounded by tall red maple trees near the gates you normally took home. His painting was breathtaking as beautiful as any of the classic works you would see in a national gallery so you had stopped in your tracks to marvel at it until he started chuckling at something he found amusing he turned to face you.

"You should take a picture it would last longer you know?" he smirked his eyes creasing into crescent moons as he looked towards you in a friendly yet teasing manner

"Maybe" you smiled shyly "I didn't mean to interrupt you, but you painting is beautiful"

"Only the painting?" His lips pouted flirtatiously, there was no denying he was incredibly attractive with long blonde hair and full lips but you could tell that he also knew he was attractive.

"Yes only the painting" you replied dryly pursing your lips before he barked out a loud laugh and grinned

"Ooh you have some spirit in you, that's good it makes you more interesting than we thought" He looked up towards the sky as it began to darken "unfortunately though it looks like my light has faded time to go home" busily packing up his art supplies and leaving before you could question him on whether he knew you or what he meant. His aura had been friendly but also familiar as though you had perhaps met him before but you were sure you would have remembered any interactions with a man as handsome as he was. He looked as though he had been carved from marble with his perfect features and tall slim build. But he had flirted with you and joked as though you were friends and on top of that what did he mean by "than we thought" who the hell was "we". You continued your walk out of the park and back into the suburbs where you lived feeling more frustrated the more you thought about it.

"You said what?" Felix eyes had widened almost comically as Hyunjin recounted his encounter with you in the park. He had come back to the townhouse earlier than any of them expected and in a better mood than any one would have anticipated from a simple day in the park. Settling lazily into one of the armchairs he had began regaling Felix and Jeongin with the events of his day smirking as he got to the part about you.

"Don't panic Lixie it's not like I harmed her in anyway I was just surprised with how much sass she has" his voice smooth and calm

"Chan still won't be happy about it. I mean at this point all of us will have spoken to her before he has" the youngest almost whispered knowing just how good Chan's hearing was.

"It's fine stop worrying little one" Hyunjin soothed patting his auburn hair softly "Chan will get there even if we have to push him along a little bit" A stern yet annoyed growl emanated from somewhere deeper in the house causing Hyunjin and Felix to giggle. They both had a point though and Chan couldn't deny it if he wanted to know more about you, and he definitely did want to get to know you, he would have to step up and take a chance.

Your grandmother could tell something was wrong with you the moment you entered the house your mood was off and you were distracted which from her point of view could have meant only one of two things demonic possession or you had a bad day. As you passed her quick test of muttering incantations over you as you boiled the kettle for tea you assumed that meant she would ask you about it over some, should be afternoon but is now evening, tea. You watched her puttering around the kitchen getting out her favorite porcelain tea cups and some leftover lavender madeleines that she had made the day before.

Currently your parents were away on another book sourcing trip they had been sending special orders back to you from various locations but you believed that currently they were somewhere in Eastern Europe trying to find more rare and interesting manuscripts and tomes. Each evening when you returned from the shop there were boxes to unpack and things to sort like what kind of books they even were or who wanted them to be sent for. Today was no different as two large boxes sat beside the kitchen table waiting to be opened as you sat across from her.

"My child what troubles you?" she smiled lovingly as she slowly poured some honey into your teacup. You watched almost hypnotized as the golden liquid dripped from the spoon.

"I had an encounter with a man in the park today it was a little odd" you started nibbling on the edge of one of the madeleines "Not bad odd just a bit strange he spoke as though he had met me before but I am sure we haven't and he said something which confused me but I may have just misheard him" your explanation left your grandmother silent as you both quietly sipped you tea and you began going through the boxes beside you.

"Is he a friend of your Mimi?" her voice was soft and kind causing you to release some of the stress for the day. "perhaps he has been to the shop?"

"No I would have remembered him, he was um.. very attractive not a face I would forget easily" taking another sip of tea your grandmother nodded sagely. Pulling out a few texts you knew you would need to take to the shop tomorrow you wrapped them in thick fabric and put them under your work bag.

"We will consult the leaves when you are done my dear see what they have to say about all this?" You sighed trying not to get annoyed with her as you watched her swirl her now empty cup to look at the herbs in the bottom "The omens are mixed my child, a grave decision awaits us all and it will be placed before you soon"

"You know I don't believe in Tasseomancy and besides this is herbal tea it wont give a 'proper' reading" you sighed while shaking you head and putting down the empty cup. You stood slowly and stretched think of a way out of any further discussion of divination. "I might just go read and have a bath if that is ok I'm not really hungry enough for a proper dinner"

"You know as well as anyone that magic and fairytales are true child why do pretend that it isn't?" Her voice was sharper now as she scrutinized you from across the table.

"I know Grandma but you and I we are just humans. Reading tea leaves, waving incense or muttering incantations does nothing we aren't Oddinaries" your tone becoming just as sharp as hers. You were tired, still frustrated and you didn't want to fight with her but sometimes you were too alike to prevent it.

"Are you so sure of that daughter of fate?" she muttered under her breath so lowly that you almost couldn't make it out "Go then. I'll be here if you need me and I will bring your sleep tea up later" Shooing you from the kitchen and she quickly snatched up your cup to look into it. As you made yourself scarce to her as quickly as you could before either of you said anything too harsh.

'Daughter of fate' was what she had always called you when you had gotten on her nerves or ignored whatever she was raving about. She had never explained the title and you had never asked since she also called your mother something similar when she was annoyed. But your guilt rose as you began running yourself a bath she had only been offering to help you it wasn't intended to be malicious or ill meaning it is just how she was. After 2 hours of relaxing in the hot water you got out and readied yourself for bed, knowing you had to swallow your pride and go back downstairs to apologize to her. She was still sitting at the kitchen table but instead of teacups and little cakes she was surrounded by the old tomes you had started sorting and herbs although she was still mumbling away to herself.

"Grandma, I'm sorry I upset you I had an unusual day and I shouldn't have snapped at you since it wasn't your fault" you hummed stepping behind her and wrapping your arms around her shoulders. You knew she was smiling as she reached up her wrinkled hand to pat the side of your face that wasn't pressed to her hair "Can I ask you a question Granma?"

"Anything my lovely if you ask I will answer" She answered honestly

"Why do you call me daughter of fate when you get mad at me?" you inquired softly releasing your grip on her and moving to sit in the chair beside her. Silence followed the question as she in turn swiveled in her chair to face you taking your hands in hers and kissing the backs of them.

"I wondered when providence would bring this question to you" she began nodding solemnly "It is due to your lineage my dear you, are a child that was fated to come to us one day, your mother knew it was a possibility that it would be her child just as her mother before her knew before her it is your birth title, your right or had you been born earlier your destiny."

"Grandma you are my mum's mum you do know that" You snickered at her fondly

"I am in fact not your mother's mother and I deem that to be where this lesson shall begin" Her eyes crinkled as she saw confusion colour your face immediately "I am not your grandmother by birth I am your grandmother by destiny. I am not a human as you have so emphatically believed child, I am, what used to be known as, a soothsayer I can see things, many things." Once again she paused as you gapped at this new information "I have the ability to live a long life, an exceptionally long life my child. I have been with your family for the last six hundred years protecting your bloodline from evils. Protecting you."

"Stop. Grandma. Stop. Are you feeling well? Are you really expecting me to believe you are almost immortal and are in fact not my Grandma??" Your mind was spinning as you stood quickly shaking her hands from yours to put one of them against her forehead to check if she was feverish. "I think that you need to rest Grandma, you really do" Worry had laced your voice but she only smiled serenely in return watching as you frowned again as she once again began to shoo you from her.

You climbed the stairs towards your bedroom perturbed by what she had said to you. In the morning you were going to have to try to contact your mother to discuss the fact that her mother had absolutely started losing her mind. Yes you understood that magic existed, so did Oddinaries, you had met many different types of them at the bookstore Fae Folk, Witches, Elves, Nymphs, a rather sweet considering their reputation Succubus, and even a few Warlocks so it stood to reason that beings could live for hundreds of years, or even be immortal, but if she was that old why had that been hidden your whole life it wasn't something to be ashamed of. After sitting yourself on your bed you began processing what she had told you when a soft knock at the door interrupted your thoughts.

"I have brought you some tea my child it will settle your mind to allow you to sleep" she murmured through the door the porcelain rattling as she placed cup and saucer on the floor. "Sleep well little one I will see you come morrow"

You opened the door slowly after a few minutes of waiting for her to leave the hall and go back downstairs as you didn't want another outlandish conversation with her. You sipped the tea slowly finding it the same as always soothing, calming and quickly making your eyelids heavy. Finishing your routine you slipped into your bed falling asleep almost as soon as your head hit the pillow.

Your dreams were vivid but fractured images of old ruins and forests mixed with swords, screaming and pools of blood. Confusing small visions that slowly became clearer to you as scenes that could be from a movie.

A woman who looked like your mother rain soaked and bloody screaming to others to run as she brandished her crossbow towards a man who was almost painfully pretty to look at but unimaginably angry baring his teeth as he ran towards her somehow avoiding every bolt she fired his way. Grabbing her by her throat he threw he through the air, as though she weighed little more than a feather, she crashed into a large stone pillar screaming in pain as she landed with obviously broken bones. His sinister laugh as he moved faster than lightning to grab her by the neck and silence her forever. The scene then morphed into daybreak a younger woman sobbing and begging for help at a small cottage in a clearing of an ancient looking forest the older women standing in the doorway looked like a younger version of your grandmother who held the younger woman helping her inside her eyes fierce and angry as she looked back towards the woods. You turned to see the face of a man you recognized from somewhere his handsome face framed with dark curls, his kind dark eyes stared back at the older women who nodded firmly before closing the door behind her.

You felt as though you were swimming in darkness before another scene started to materialize before your eyes like swirling mist. The same older woman was meeting with a group of men and women who donned leather armor over chainmail swords strapped to their hips some with daggers, bows or spears others with crossbows. Handing out golden pendants on leather straps for them to wear. Each one baring the symbol on your own necklace that you wore everyday. Words you couldn't comprehend as though they were being spoken in a foreign language but images as clear as day. It changed again to a village encircling a pair of warriors dressed in mail and black leather a Vega surrounded by branches and words you could not read embroidered onto their cloaks in red and embossed on a chest plate of the man his face badly scarred and arm bandaged as a blood soaked sack hand limply at his side.

Finally a handsome man, with plump lips, sharp jaw and kind brown eyes sitting on an armchair across from you. He voice honeyed and sure as he explained something to you that you couldn't focus on properly due to the warmth blooming in your chest and the heat settling in you stomach. Moving forward he knelt before you taking your hands in his sparking emotions so intense you almost couldn't breathe.

You awoke with a start blinking for a few moments before realizing you were still in your bed, still in your pajamas and that daybreak was close judging from the slight glow emanating from the beyond the horizon outside your window. You could still feel the heat between your legs but the warmth in your chest had been replaced with a dull ache. Groggily standing you made your way to the bathroom to start your day before looking at your phone to find a dozen messages from Mimi asking where you are and if you were mad at her because you were ignoring her. Checking the time you were confused to find that is was 6:24 am on Monday you had somehow missed Sunday completely. Panicked you quickly dressed before rushing downstairs to find your grandmother sitting and waiting for you in the kitchen.

"I did not anticipate for you to sleep through yester I brewed the tea too potent my child I apologies, but you look as if you have seen a specter so you must have had dreams of the past hopefully the distant past" She stated gently motioning for you to sit as she poured coffee into your cup looking you up and down.

"What did you do? Who was it I dreamt of?" You demanded almost harshly sitting and staring at her. Gulping the coffee she gave you to help with the dryness of your throat.

"The woman with the crossbow was the oldest of your forebears sisters she lived 700 years ago and she met her death in a vampiric attack you may have seen the creature responsible you may not have, it matters not. Your forbear came to me weeping begging for help she had met another of the vile creatures that had brought word of what had happened, whether in malice or not, he returned the corpse of her beloved sister. I, of course, helped in return for the simple task of her family helping to care for me as I aged and lost my abilities". She paused waiting to see if you would let her continue, you stared ahead processing her words knowing them to true deep down for how else would she have known what you had dreamt of.

"Seer's have the gift of nature magic that is how we are able to live long and see visions with age that gift fades I needed the assurance I would be cared for and she swore it in blood. I helped her with the forging of the pendants which each warrior would wear to help protect them from the evil that they would face, the same pendant you and your mother wear. The warriors were monster hunters they lived and died in the service of protection of all evils against mankind. You are descended from them you are a child of the hunters, a child of light in the darkness. It reads tenebrae finiantur in lucem the light will be ended by the light. It was their creed, their ethos, their duty." Sighing greatly she carefully pushed back her chair and stood to leave "I have always loved you deeply child you are as much mine as if you were born of my blood"

You sat silently pondering all she had said for almost an hour until a notification on your phone roused you from your thoughts seeing the time you stood numbly and walked to the front hall to collect your things you would have to open the store again today and hopefully you could speak to Mimi and sort out all of your thoughts.

You had walked the city way to work stopping to grab a very strong coffee and pastries for your breakfast before arriving at the bookstore far too early to consider opening it yet. Sitting behind the counter you made short work of the pastries before deciding to call Mimi. She wouldn't have started at her work place yet and would hopefully be able to talk to you for a little while and sort out what had happened in the last few days.

"Hello honey are you ok? I'm so sorry for everything!" Mimi blurted out as soon as she answered the phone on the second ring

"Hi Mimi, I'm fine please don't apologise I wasn't well and basically just slept all day yesterday" you explained tentatively you could hardly tell her that you pseudo grandmother had accidently overdosed you on some kind of magic tea to get you to have crazy vision dreams "But I would like to talk if you have time"

"Oh babes, for you always" she chirpped sweetly "I'm still at home so I have time for whatever you need"

"Thank you Mimi" you smiled before launching in to a slightly abbreviated and less intense version of everything that had happened since you shooed her off on Saturday morning. She asked more questions than you could answer and then to distract you when she thought you needed something else to think about she told you all about how her hook up Changbin had failed to call her and had barely even bothered to answer her texts before reminding you that men were stupid and to stay away from them. You ended the call feeling lighter than you had since the first conversation with your grandmother, groaning you stood stiffly to open the bookshops shutters and get ready for the day which you hoped would be fairly quiet giving you a chance to rummage around in the oldest tomes upstairs to find anything that might give you any reference to what you had dreamt about.

By the time lunchtime rolled around you were up to your elbows in dusty books and tomes reading everything you could on monster hunters, Oddinaries considered evil and medieval ideas about hunting. Slowly you were piecing together the tiniest scraps of information when the bell on the front door chimed letting you know someone was there. Dusting yourself off you quickly made your way to the front counter to see who it was.

Minho had promised Chan he would go and scope out the bookstore girl on Monday but what he really wanted was the grimoire he had asked to be brought in for him. So venturing out of the house he shared with the others he made his way through town to Hawthorne and Bramble in hopes of getting what he wanted and perhaps some more useful information about this stupid human the entire house seemed to be obsessed with. Entering the store he found himself alone standing in front of the counter waiting, you appeared from the staircase that lead to the rare books looking slightly messy with your sleeves pulled up to your elbows, dust all over your jeans and cardigan and hair pushed of your face in an lopsided looking ponytail.

"Can I help you sir" you smiled easily blinking at the purple haired man in front of you.

"Um. yes I wanted to know if an order I placed has arrived I was expecting it last week" He hummed almost trying to look friendly.

"Of course what name would it be under?" you asked opening the program on the tablet on the counter

"Lee" he answered shortly "Lee Minho" you nodded typing the name in and waiting for the page to load your brows knitting together as you read the results on the screen.

"Let me just check the tomes that came in last night" You smiled softly trying to not offend the man before you who you could tell was trying his hardest to be polite. You scampered to the far end of the store to pick up the stack that you had unpacked from home and hadn't yet looked at properly as you were too busy with you own personal mission.

"I can already tell it is the one with the dark green leather cover" He stated blandly watching you as you fumble with the books his patience was already thin at the realisation that you were just another boring human that would interrupt the calm of his home for the near future he snapped his fingers causing the books to lift from your arms and sort themselves on the counter. However Minho frowned when he noticed you gulp, he assumed hesitantly, before rejoining him at the counter. "Don't look so nervous I won't hurt you"

"I know, it would be rather stupid to considering we are the only one who can get you your books" You smiled again but with slightly more confidence "You also aren't the first Warlock to get mad at me either and probably won't be the last"

Minho smiled truly at your remark Hyunjin had been right you did have some sass when pushed the right way. Maybe you were not a complete waste of everyone's time. Maybe helping Chan out just this once wouldn't end up in a fucking disaster like it did every time he tried to help out his younger more impulsive brothers.

"Speaking of which are you one of those Warlocks who will look into magical matters? You know like a business?" You tried to sound confident but you were not sure he was going to buy it. This was going to be your best chance to ask a magic wielder instead of having to look through all the stores records to find one who may be willing to help you.

"Depends what kind of matter you mean? The necklace your wearing I can look into, how to make a love potion? No I don't do that sort of garbage although it is a lucrative trade" Minho mused gesturing towards your throat as you watched him with wide eyes

"How did you know about my necklace? It's not even showing" You knew you sounded surprised but you couldn't help it

"I can sense magical auras like talismans, old spells, artifacts that sort of thing, all Warlocks can, but if you like I can look into it for you as long as you are willing to come to me. I don't do magic tricks in lounge rooms for people to gawk at" he explained rapidly flicking his fingers to produce a think deep blue business card which he handed to you with a smirk.

"Thanks" You almost laughed at the dramatic action but took the card to look over, not looking up again until the door chimed signifying his exit from the shop. Beautiful silver calligraphy decorated the card 'Lee Minho, Warlock' humming to yourself you put the card into your phone case and went back upstairs to continue looking through books.

Minho made his way back to the house they all shared thinking how they would have to go about dealing with whatever the very strong spell on the necklace was. He had a sneaking suspicion it was some form of hiding or blocking spell that must have been created by an incredibly strong being. Stepping back through the front door he found himself surrounded by the familiar chaos of home, which was an odd concept for Minho he had never considered anywhere home until he met Chan, Hyunjin was painting in the parlor again, Changbin was working out somewhere and Jeongin and Seungmin could be heard giggling as they teased him. Chan was waiting trying to look casual as Felix and Han bounced around the room like children. All three sets of eyes though flew to him as he entered the library to put his grimoire on his desk.

"Soooo?" Han smirked

"Yeah what did you think of her? She's really pretty and nice right?" Felix added grinning Chan, however, just rolled his eye waiting for them to finish acting up.

"She's just a human" Minho shrugged at his friends, noticing the disappointment blooming on Felix's face "She is going to be coming here at some point though she wants me into something for her" he added almost absentmindedly

"She's coming here?" Changbin almost roared as he and the others all burst into the room as though they were not all standing in the adjoining room eavesdropping.

"Yes, she's now a client of mine so you will treat her exactly the same way you treat all my client's" He turned to the jumble of boys in the doorway point to each one separately "So no flirting, shouting, bouncing around like children, brooding or trying to freak her out" Hyunjin glared, Changbin rolled his eyes, Felix pouted, Seungmin scoffed and Jeongin scuffed his foot into the carpet as though they hadn't all just been exposed. Turning back to Chan Minho lifted his eyebrows challenging him to disagree causing the Vampire to laughed heartily.

"Will you need an assistant?" He grinned playfully knowing Minho was trying not to laugh too.

"Possibly, but only if you don't spend the entire time eye fucking her" He snarked cheekily causing the others to bust out in fits of giggles.

A/N Thank you for reading please reblog, comment or critique. I can't improve without your wonderful help. If you would like to added to the taglist please let me know.

Taglist: @lotus-dly @thegoddessharmony

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greekbros · 1 year

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"greek-Bros": Spared no Expense

*Ares has invited Apollo, Artemis and Dionysus to Themiscyra*

Ares: Well I hope you guys like it, dad's been complaining about me not being "productive" enough for a god so I've decided to show you what I have been working on for a few weeks now. Spared no Expense.

Apollo: Well that is fine and all but I must ask why us?

Ares: Well why ask Athena to do the work of three already competent and much more trustworthy gods am I right?

Artemis: This place is huge seriously what have you been doing this whole time? Also the fuck do you mean "spared no expense" we're gods, money is completely beneath us.

Dionysus: Duuuuuude hope you set up some farms around here this place has got some nice greens.

Apollo: Um Dionysus, I'm wondering mostly because that outfit of yours suits you but why are you wearing a black button up? And where did you get those sunglasses?

Dionysus: *dressed up like Ian Malcolm* No reason why?

Ares: *literally dressed up like John Hammond* Yeah Apollo seriously I thought you were about that whole "clothes can mean whatever you want them to mean" stuff.

Apollo: *a little huffed at that remark* well then.

Ares: Ah we're here. *Stops his chariot*

Apollo: *turns and looks in awe at the distance with the over dramatic yet relatable disbelief of someone who has seen a fucking dinosaur*

Artemis: *had picked up a huge pinecone earlier* Ares, this species of pinecone shouldn't be here, this hasn't been around since th-*Apollo gently turns her head and is in equal disbelief*

*literally sees an entire civilization of purely just women*

Apollo: ....that's....that's all women ....this is literally more women I could have ever imagined seeing in one place

Artemis: Holy shit this looks actually cool

Dionysus: *who's been in on this fucking project the whole* He did it, that crazy son of a bitch did it. *Thunder rolling in the distance because he accidentally called Hera a bitch*...oh boi.

Ares: hehehe, welcome to Themiscyra.

*Jurassic Park theme*

Apollo:..Ares how did you even achieve this also why are there no men around?

Artemis: and why is that something you want to know?

Apollo: because to sustain such a population even you had officially kidnapped thousands of women or that has to be some sort of source of procreation.

Ares: Heheh, I did it all by myself, I told I spared no expense.

Apollo: oh my chaos you asexually reproduced these women?

Ares: What the fuck NO you glittery nerd. Remember I had that falling out with Aph a few months back?

Apollo: yes.

Ares: Well, I sat on the beach, trying to make myself feel better and after I was done I was really chafed so I took a nap. After like 2 weeks I woke up and I saw a bunch a little mounds all over the beach and I heard a baby crying, I dug were the sound was coming from and someone had buried alive infant on the beach. However I put two and two together and well....I'm dad of like roughly 39768 Amazonians. *Gives that smile one would give when they don't know they have done something impossible*

Apollo:...you...masterbated on the beach....than....this?

Ares:...yeah kind of. Oh by the way be careful with some of them because I haven't taught every single one of them to be social enough to not immediate kill anyone who isn't me in this place so stick with me ok?

Artemis: well sounds like my kind of people.

Apollo:.....you.... ejaculated....all over a beach...and..

Ares: Look I spared no expense that's all I can tell you. The advanced and "organized society" thing they did that all by themselves and I'm very proud.

Apollo:...for gods sake man

Dionysus: fuck yeeeaaaah bruh. *Hi fives Ares*.

Apollo: well....at least things can't get any worse*

*everything went worse after the Amazonians saw Apollo and Dionysus and everything went to slightly shit*

Bouns Scene:

Dionysus: *after some how breaking his leg, he lays down with his bare chest out seductively* We need to call for dad maybe he can help.

Ares: No I can't let him know about this he's gonna lose his shit.

Apollo: OH YOU THINK?!?

Ares: Look NO ONE told your sociopathic twin to hostility takeover after the girls accepted her into the city as a leader. I am going to give a serious talking to.

#greek mythology #hellenistic #greek gods #greek posts #greek bros #greek myth memes #ares #dionysus #Apollo #Artemis

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the-goddess-of-mischief-writing · 2 years

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Blessed are the summer dresses

Oneshot summary; You met Ari for the first time a few months ago but your relationship has evolved quite a bit since then, but despite having gotten to know the man, you wouldn’t have thought a summer dress was such an excellent way to tease him.

Pairing: Ari Levinson x reader

Rating: Mature

CHAPTER NO/ONESHOT: Oneshot

Word; 4.5k

Warnings; fluff, suggestive themes (no smut tho)

Author; @the-goddess-of-mischief-writing

MAIN MASTERLIST

Waves lingering a foot above the ground. The sticky air coating every bit of your body in a -not even thin- sheen of sweat. Breezes that never cooled you from how heated the air was. Pick one, and all of them would lead to the same culprit that could make you suffer from heatstroke, the Sudan summer.

When you'd taken the first step out of the plane, it felt like walking into a sauna. The air was thick, burning in your nostrils before it warmed your insides as it wandered down to your lungs. It had gotten better when you'd stepped into the car you were supplied. Not thanks to the lack of AC, but when you began driving, you rolled down the windows. As well as having the air rush in and act like some kind of cooling, you were always just cars passing you and kicking up dust from getting a face full of sand. Thankfully, once you got out of the airports' busy areas and the main roads, there weren't many vehicles threatening to do so.

Not much caught your eye when you travelled to the resort you would be working and staying on. A blistering desert was practically your only view for the next hour until something rose in the distance, causing all your previous preconceptions and your first impression to disappear.

The closer you came, the more buildings popped up and the vaster the sea beyond them spanned out. You found yourself smiling, not believing this was the view you would be greeted by even when your superiors had informed you of the mission you were sent out on and what to expect.

When you pulled up to one of the side buildings, you stepped out of the vehicle, your gaze unable to be ripped from the glittering turquoise ocean that seemed so clear it put even the finest aquamarines to shame.

In the end, what ripped away your attention from the beach and the people enjoying the same view as you but up close was the man jogging up towards you alongside the building you'd parked by.

The sea breeze ruffled his hair and tugged at the blue fabric of his short-sleeved shirt. He was smiling and as he stopped before you, his brown hair was haphazardly pushed out of his face before stretching out a hand for you to shake.

"I guess you're the one I got informed would be joining us". The man's voice was deep and warm, a bit hurried if anything as if he'd more than jogged to greet you.

"Then you guessed right", you replied, unable to not mirror his smile before stretching forth your hand to introduce yourself by giving him your name.

"Pleasure to meet", his eyes shifted to the bag you balanced on your shoulder. "Here, let me take it". He didn't wait for your response before releasing your hand and taking a step forth, snaking his hand beneath the strap and relieving you of the bag's weight.

"No need to show me hospitality. I can manage", you attempted to object whilst holding onto the strap, so the bag hung in-between the two of you. Despite not bringing a big bag, you'd tried to fit as much as possible in it, never knowing how long you would stay. You didn't think the tall man standing before you wouldn't manage, so it was more about pride than anything. However, his stubbornness won over your pridefulness.

"It's in the blood now, after running this place", the man flashed you a smile -one that appeared pearly white from how his beard surrounded his pink lips- before playfully swatting your hand away and then, much like you thought, hauling the bag onto his shoulder without the slightest strain. As you shook your head, deciding not to fight him over the matter, he waved you to follow him.

Seconds earlier, you hadn't been able to rip your eyes from the view around you. But, after meeting the man you now trailed, you couldn't help yourself when your gaze flickered over his back, studying him.

He was broad, the shirt he wore stretching over his muscles. His hair brushed the collar, sometimes sweeping more to one side or the other from the breeze.

"The name's Ari, by the way". Your eyes snapped from his back muscles moving as he twisted to look over his shoulder to instead find his blue eyes. "And welcome to the Red Sea Diving resort".

Ah, the Red Sea Diving Resort, the double agent of buildings you'd now stayed at for the past two months. Everything besides the surroundings had been a rough diamond even when you arrived. And, even then, the team you joined had already been there for a month or two.

Although the resort itself had improved since then -not only thanks to you, even if you'd taken much of the responsibility to make the resort look more like what it covered as- the seaside establishment wasn't the most colourful thing in the area. The team you'd joined and now befriended was however.

They were a... unique group gathered for the mission. You'd gotten to read the briefings on the different members. And if anything, they lived up to those well when not in front of the tourists. Yet, the most colourful of them was Ari.

Ari Levinson, he'd caught you off guard that first day. Even the first week, you'd had a difficult time with him. Not because he changed entirely compared to how he first greeted you. No, he didn't become rude or bossy, despite being in charge of the operation you were running. What made you have a hard time acting professionally with him was that he didn't change one bit.

But after a few weeks, you gathered that the group you'd joined wasn't one of those stuck-up bores you'd met your fair share of times while working. It felt like a group of friends, nearly an odd family just happening to work within the same field.

You eased up and found that compared to other colleagues you'd worked with, you didn't simply do this because you had to, but because you wanted to.

Once you found how easy-going all the colourful people you now spent most of your days with, something special grew with Ari.

Because you never would've paired that personality to that man, something intrigued you with him. And, of course, you couldn't deny how your eyes lingered on the bear of a man when his attention wasn't on you. And when it was, you needed to push away a warmth that fancied enveloping your chest.

The longer you spent time around Ari, the more the fluttering sensation in your stomach and chest faded, but it didn't mean something else developed, nor that your eyes followed suit. You started analysing what you were feeling towards the man and despite that he was fun and shockingly easy to talk and laugh with, you didn't figure it out until the first mission.

You can't remember what happened, only how you were equally as shocked as when you met the man when he on missions turned into a completely different person.

The man you'd gotten to know as lighthearted turned into serious, intense and focused like only a man with his mission could be. It shed new light on the man you'd gotten to know. One which spurred you to be better in every sense of the way. But also highlighted how a small part of you worried about him on missions.

It gnawed at you, making you nearly throw caution to the wind as much as Ari did the longer you worked together. Somehow, it felt safer that way because if something happened, you knew you would be able to keep an eye out on him. Though that was also a thing, you never felt safer than when he was around. At least that was what you told yourself and the others when they asked what you searched for in the crowd on missions that cut it a bit too close. 'Good to have our bouncer around, you know', you would flash them a smile as you jokingly answered, eyes falling back to the crowd, not taking full breaths until you spotted him.

And sometimes... sometimes you wondered if Ari didn't do the same thing. Because every now and then, when your eyes began gliding over the crowd, he was already looking at you.

You never turned down spending time in Ari's company, nor did it seem like you were the only one doing it.

At first, you thought you just imagined things. Perhaps the brunette didn't seek your company, only happened to end up in the same car from or to a mission or the same group when you needed to pair up for the tourist entertainment classes. It was a big maybe. One that was crushed when Ari sought you out even when he didn't need to.

Those nights when neither of you had anything to manage, he would join you when you took a late-night drink or just sat outside while basking in the stillness of a nearing night. Simply the sea clucking and sometimes a few guests strolling along the beach and talking could be what disturbed the peace. Other times, when Ari was free and not you -which often happened when you managed the reception and took care of the newly arrived tourists- he would spend his free periods keeping you company.

"Hello, and welcome to the Red Sea Diving Resort". You welcome the last couple stepping up to the counter. The rest of those who'd arrived with the bus had already set off to their rooms.

"Hello", the two said in semi-unison. "We have a room booked for Johnson", the man continued. As you turned around with a nod, you threw Ari a glance where he leaned against the wall beside the counter, puffing on the cigarette he just had lightened. He met your eyes with a quirked brow and you shot him a glare, eyes falling to the roll he balanced between his fingers, the smoke it emitted curling in the air and into your nostrils. Without being able to say anything to him whilst the couple was waiting, you turned around after reaching for their room key.

"Have a lovely stay". Smiling at the pair, you handed over the key, the two thanking you before retreating. You waited for the two to be out of sight until you turned again and once you faced the bear of a man who'd joined you a few minutes ago, your eyes immediately found his again. "You know, the more of those you smoke, the closer you'll get to death, not the other way around".

Instead of replying, Ari flashed you a smile before taking a drag of smoke. One which he lightly blew in your direction on his exhale. Nose crinkling, your arms crossed over your chest as you leant on the countertop at the small of your back.

"I'm not hesitating on kicking you out if you do that again, Levinson", you threatened him.

Even if his initial reaction was a chuckle, he soon turned his lips into a pout. "You wouldn't do that to me. Would you, princess?"

You scoffed at the pet name before saying: "Don't call me that".

Before Ari could return with anything witty, you fittingly caught the sound of the next wave of guests arriving, urging you to turn around to greet them.

Ari had listened and never taunted you by blowing the smoke towards you again, instead exhaling it in the opposite direction. What he did, however, was continue to call you princess.

You knew he did it to rile you up, and you need to admit, to a beginning, he succeeded with that. Although, you got used to it over time. Enough, so that it almost felt weird hearing your name leave his mouth anywhere else but on formal occasions. And with you accepting the nickname, the teasing began.

It started innocent, but somewhere along the way, it turned... less so. What earlier only was remarks thrown at the other soon turned into flirtatious or suggestive ones. Usually, you tuned it down when the others were around, but you didn't think too highly of yourself and Ari to believe the others didn't notice.

There'd definitely been times you slipped into those conversations of remarks and whatnot way too comfortably. It could happen on the way home from missions when you both were too tired to think straighter than the road back to the resort or when you planned said missions. Even during the evenings when you didn't have alone at the resort -when the whole team was gathered- it could happen that you and Ari got too engrossed in your conversation.

You remember one of those times it had happened after a close call on a mission.

You'd just jumped into the truck, feeling sand rub against the skin on your thighs, lower back and practically everywhere it shouldn't. You'd needed to wait out the Sudanian military that had gotten intell that was just an hour or so off from the actual time you helped the refugees reach the boats awaiting them. It was only lucky you'd parked the trucks far away and walked the last distance since it meant you only needed to hide yourselves in the dunes surrounding the beach.

But now, with a trek back to the trucks after only god knows how many hours of waiting, everyone was tired and desired nothing else but to get back to the resort.

When Ari jumped into the driver's seat beside you, you didn't more than throw a glance in his direction.

Making yourself comfortable in your seat, you closed your eyes, picking up the opening and closing of the back door, signalling someone else also joined you.

"Don't fall asleep on me now, princess". You opened an eye as the truck rumbled to life, glancing at the blue-eyed man, who kept his gaze set forwards as he began the journey home.

"After having me buried in the sand for the last few hours, I think you can forgive me". You rebutted, closing your eye again. But not long after, you felt a finger repeatedly jab against your leg.

Eyes snapping open, your head swivelled towards Ari, who just about spared you a glance and smirk before his eyes were directed forwards again. "Both hands on the wheel, I would like to come home alive after tonight, thank you very much".

"And to do that, I need someone keeping me awake to not crash".

"Oh, I reckon you would be able to flip this truck the right way if that happened."

Ari spared you a quick glance before returning to watch the lit-up path ahead. "And why's that?"

"Because I know you think with your brawns rather than brain. So those muscles can't be all for show".

"If anyone's got a drink, I would like to cheers to that". You craned your neck and noticed that behind Ari, on one of the bench rows, Sammy was seated, head tilted back but still angled towards you.

"Perhaps you could've argued with me, but you can't if he agrees with me", you motioned to Ari's long-time friend and colleague while angling your body to face both men better.

After you'd spoken, you noticed how his gaze flickered upwards and couldn't but guess he looked at Sammy through the rearview mirror. "And here I thought you would have my back".

"With all the crazy bullshit you've dragged me through and the number of times I've tried to get through that thick skull of yours, I'm taking whoever's side that can make you listen".

You mouthed an exaggerated 'ha' Ari's way, one you knew saw from how his hand reached over and squeezed your thigh.

"Don't gloat", he began. "I know you come around to me and my antics eventually".

"If you say so, but if you say I should follow as you jump off a cliff, I'll make sure you land safely before doing so", you scoffed, glancing down at his hand that still rested on your leg.

"At least one of you has a brain", you heard Sammy huff. As your eyes found him, you noted how he adverted them. Although he'd been swift, you didn't miss where from they'd snapped away. Swallowing, you turned back to Ari, finding him looking at you again.

"You know what I meant, princess", he punctuated the nickname, not only with his voice but another press of his fingers against the flesh of your inner thigh.

"I do also understand that we'll end up in a ditch if you don't keep both hands on that steering wheel", you rebutted, shaking your leg to showcase that his right hand we're on the wrong spot whilst he still was in the driving seat.

"And what would I hit out here, hm?"

"If the two of you continue like this... me because I'm gonna throw myself in front of the truck", Sammy groaned from the backseat and you sent Ari a prompting glare, but the blue-eyed menace of a man simply let out a laugh as he patted your leg before slowly retracting his hand.

"Where are your thoughts, princess?" Though staring at the ocean, you hadn't seen Ari and the participants in his diving class emerging from it. But when he now jogged towards you and spoke, you snapped out of your thoughts.

"Nowhere special", you lied, stoving away the memories you'd reminisced on as he slowed and now walked towards where you leaned against one of the pillars by the main building. The sand beneath his feet didn't only coat them in white. It also made his moves slower and slightly less of a straight line. You couldn't help but smile at the scene, even if having witnessed it more than a few times when working practically on the beach.

"Is that smile for me?" You chuckled at his confidence as he came up to a stop before you.

"No, but it is for the way you walk. Have the germans already tired you out enough you needed a few midday cheer-me-ups?" You looked over his shoulder and the retreating group of people from his diving session.

"It's five o'clock somewhere", he shrugged with a smile and you responded with a short laugh, knowing he wouldn't drink for as long as he took care of the tourists. At least now, when you hadn't run into trouble for some time during missions, you thought so.

"Well, I hope you're clever enough to not drink in-between classes. I wouldn't fancy hauling your ass from the bottom of the ocean".

"If it means I get mouth to mouth with you, then I'll be running in three, two..."

"You fool", you laughed, pushing against his chest to stop his counting. You succeeded when he couldn't help but chuckle at you.

"Don't go around promising things you aren't willing to fulfil, princess", he winked at you, to which you arched an eyebrow.

"It's nothing but your imagination promising you things, Levinson".

"Is that so now?" He questioned you, one arm raising above his head to lean against the same pilar your shoulder rested against.

"Mhm", you hummed in response.

What you'd learned about Ari, besides the man being able to shift between appearing like a teddy and a grizzly, was that he was intense. And the way he was staring down at you now was just that.

His eyes bore into yours and you couldn't help a flush sensation travelling up your throat. Nor could you help cocking your head as your eyebrows rose and you sucked your lower lip between your teeth, silently questioning Ari what he was doing. However, instead of answering, his eyes flickered over your face until falling to where you gnawed at your lip. Ari's tongue rolled over his lower one and his chest rose before his gaze travelled upwards again.

When his eyes met yours, those blues you seemed to always get lost in were so different from the crystal waters not far away from where you stood. They were dark pools of something, more than probably reflecting what was crackling in the air between you.

However, everything it took to ruin the moment was a single drop of water. It originated from a strand of Ari's wet hair and fell onto your forehead.

Shying away from the small driblet and the following that perhaps could come, you found that Ari was already smiling down at you once you opened your eyes that instinctually had shut. You opened your mouth, but before anything left you, the man before you bent down slightly and shook his head, sending his hair and the water weighing it down flying.

"You're a downright dog Levinson!" You couldn't help but squeal as he jerked his head back and forth until possibly no excess water remained in his hair -nor beard, for that matter- but coated you in little drops. When he finally stopped, his hair was all over his face.

You couldn't help how your heart jumped when he looked up at you through his locks.

This is why you loved your banter as much as those silent moments when you just looked at each other. It showcased Ari's more boyish side. And something about it made your heart melt and coaxed a soft smile from you like it always did.

"Can you see anything underneath that?" You chuckled, extending a hand and combing back some of his hair to uncover his face. Instead of answering, he chuckled as he gave you a one-shouldered shrug before raising his hand to smoothen the rest of his hair backwards and behind his ears. Meanwhile, you dried off the sheen of water he'd covered your face in with the back of your hand.

When you once more looked up at the tall man leaning above you, it took a few seconds for his eyes to find yours. And, once he spoke, you understood why.

"This something new you bought, princess?" He nodded to the skirt and wrap-top you wore.

"Could think that, but no, just hid somewhere in my bag all his time", you said, looking down at the brown skirt with white polka dots and how the slit parted over your right leg from how you'd popped out your hip.

"Looks good on you either way", you ducked your head, mumbling a thank you as your fingers found and toyed with the loose ends of the knot tied at your front. "No need to get shy on me now", a finger hooked under your chin and your eyes were directed upwards only to be met by Ari's dazzling smile much closer than earlier, seeing how he'd dropped his arm from the pillar and taken a step forwards.

Despite his wetsuit cooling you down from how it dampened your skirt, you still felt too hot too quickly, spurring you to unhook your chin from his finger. "And no need to get me wet". You put a hand on Ari's chest, just below the part where he'd sipped down the top of his wetsuit. However, before you could push away and put a decent distance between you two and escape the intensity that once more slowly infiltrated the air, he snagged your hand in his.

"Maybe that's what I'm trying to do". Something glimmered in Ari's eyes as he said this and though your breath hitched on your inhale, on your exhale, you shook off the sensation vibrating in your bones to instead flash him a smile.

"Careful, Ari. I'm not a guest that leaves in a week".

"Wouldn't want your pretty face leaving any time soon, princess", he was quick to reply and though you bit the meat of your inner cheek to stop a smirk from curling your lips, there wasn't much you could do about how your stomach flipped.

"Well, sad to disappoint you, but you'll be the one who needs to leave". Ari's eyebrows scrunched and the grip around your wrist slackened enough so that your hand could drop to the zipper of his wetsuit. At his stunned expression, you couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Your class is gathering". As you closed his zipper and patted him on the chest, it seemed as if Ari finally caught up with you.

With a quick glance over his shoulder, the brunette cursed.

"What did I say", you mused, hands falling to the knot keeping your top together.

"I-". The bear of a man turned around and quickly cut himself off when seeing you. Although, it wasn't because his blue eyes found yours, but rather from how they fell to where your fingers had unfastened your top.

Ari growled your name in a warning, the sound something you would commit to memory. Even so, you let the two pieces of fabric that previously had been tied together fall from your fingers.

He reacted faster than you thought he would've because in one minute, you stood a foot away from Ari and in the next, his arms shot around your waist and pulled you against him.

Although, instead of being bashful at what you just did, you laughed as you collided with his muscular chest. And when you did, you know the man clutching you against him noticed why you had acted so boldly.

"Should I be flattered you would shield me to anyone else's eyes, Mr Levinson? Or is there something else that urged your action?" You laughed at the man who'd dropped his head just as if he wanted to see if he was right about you having worn something beneath your top, seeing that -much to his disappointment perhaps- you had. And it was when his eyes landed on the edge of your bikini you almost heard him close his eyes.

"Stop teasing me, princess", he groaned.

"Should you say", you giggled. "But if you excuse me, I'm going for a swim before I have a class of my own to instruct". You sang, tapping Ari's forearm so he would let you go.

Head rising, you noted how something brewed in his eyes. At first, you didn't think he would let you go, but then, nearly reluctantly, he let his arms fall.

You already missed the heavy weight they'd acted as around you, but knowing this could be your only chance to slip out from the lion's den, for now, you stepped around him with a smile playing on your lips.

You shrugged off the top as you walked away, deciding to keep it around your neck by snagging both ends in either hand. Although feeling something burn at the back of your head as you did, you looked behind you.

Unsurprisingly, you found Ari still standing where you left him, following you with his gaze. Something inside you warmed and made your smile broaden, to which you couldn't help but send him a wink, causing the last thing you saw before turning around again was how he shook his head.

#ari levinson x reader #ari levinson #red sea diving resort #ari x reader #ari x you #ari levinson x y/n #ari levinson fluff #fanfiction #fanfic #ari levinson fanfiction

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theriu · 8 months

Text

Day Two of River’s AMAZINGLY WEIRD, SURPRISINGLY COMPLETE DREAMS, apprantly. Note how they always seem to happen when I’ve woken up and made the (logical, poor) decision to go back to sleep for a bit.

Yesterday’s nap dream:

My family was on some sort of funky automated ride/theme park that took you into this big, crazy, super tall hotel, and it was kind of like a giant loopy mystery game. Only I “died” via a volleyball net before we even got to the hotel (dream me was really unclear if I actually died or if the ride operators claimed I “died” as part of the game rules, and awake me is no less sure).

Somehow I get left behind by the massive elevator, which goes up a few floors at a time and then you can explore but once it goes up it won’t come back down, and I guess there aren’t stairs? Not sure how, but me and some others got back down to the ground floor and then bargained a ride up from one of the employees on the cleaning crew (she had like one of those window washing platforms on wires, but indoors). Then it turned into a whole quest to get to the top and to solve the mystery of this weird hotel that I guess people have been getting stuck in and that breaks some laws of time and space.

When we do get to the top, we end up being sent back in time (which was very grayscale), and this clock or something is beeping an alarm, and I hurl it out a window. I think what happened is someone brought this clock back in time, and its existence and the events set in motion by its alarm going off right then caused a rift in time that resulted in the weird hotel coming into being, like a paradox. Destroying the clock unraveled the hotel’s existence, and I ended up back at the point before my family would have gone in the trip, but the hotel was gone and they didn’t know anything about it. So I guess whether I actually or figuratively died from that dumb volleyball net being strung over the ride course and snagging my head as we passed is a moot point now.

Last night/this morning’s dream:

I’m at this very fancy water park and arcade with my sister, likely inspired by my recent mini vacation to an indoor water park. I mostly remember the part where we were supposed to be leaving, and as is typical for me, everything was slowing me down. I lost some of my steampunk gear, our hotel room had a weird puddle in one corner that contained some live snails and an actual lizard (which I failed to catch), my sister left without me but my Grandma is having a good time and not ready to leave uet, and some GUY came up declaring his LOVE for me and I’m like “Who even are you?!”

Turns out he had been pretending to be two OTHER guys so of course I didnt recognize him, but he decided he loved me. Even almost followed me into the bathroom to talk about it but I yelled at him to not even dare and he skittered off.

BUT THEN, there are these alien bug monsters everywhere! And it turns out that the guy who thinks he loves me is actually an alien bonded to a human who was trying to help his host do this symbiotic bonding they can do (instead of the alien just taking over), but it wasn’t working because he didn’t have authorization (I guess his homeworld only picks 3-5 people for the process at a time), so he doesn’t have the right chemicals to complete the process.

And I guess he was a little addled in his desperation and thought I could help somehow?! I continued to make it clear that no, he was NOT in love with me and I did NOT return his affections, but I would fight the aliens trying to take over and forcibly bond with humans, and he would have to help me. Somehow we had cool mech suits and I was really good and just took out a bunch of gross aliens. We found that the little tentacly symbiotes were hiding in these cute rubbery pokemon dolls I’d seen earlier in the dream arcade, but they must have been scared of us, because when we yelled at the people picking them up, the aliens didnt just jump on their heads. We ended up gathering all the little tentacly sea urchin looking things into a pillowcase. And the alien/human duo who helped me somehow got the stuff he needed (maybe he ate one of the aliens…which is rather terrible if so). But yeah, that’s how I guess I saved the world or at least this resort from an alien invasion!

#dreams #this took me so long to write out #not least because tumblr’s post editor deleted huge chunks of my text #great job thmblr #anyhoo #aliens #mysteries #arcades #river dreams #river rambles

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all-the-things-2020 · 4 months

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All Our Future Prospects - Chapter Eleven

Summary: Claire’s time on Galadon grows short, but she and Ezra argue over something that could change his life.

Rating: PG-13

“Fuck.” Claire very rarely swore, and even then it was usually a much milder curse, but she could think of no other word that so succinctly fit the situation. She stared at the terminal screen, even though she knew the information on it would not magically change.

She glanced at the chronometer in the corner of the screen. She only had a few minutes before she’d need to leave to meet Cee and Ezra for dinner. Pushing the terminal firmly back into the table top, she went into the lavatory and splashed a bit of cold water on her face, hoping it would brighten her up a bit. She looked wan and knew that one of them would pick up on it almost immediately. Cee was amazingly perceptive for a teenager, and Ezra was … well, Ezra. She sighed. Maybe walking briskly to the school gates would bring some liveliness back to her face.

Cee was lounging against the fence, chatting with Hester. Claire greeted both girls brightly, but she saw Cee’s eyes narrow a bit. With Hester there, however, Cee held her tongue, and they commiserated about the humidity in the air that was wreaking havoc with everyone’s hair, regardless of texture. When Ezra appeared around the corner, Hester gave Cee a fist bump and went back into the school grounds.

“It was nice of her to wait with you,” Claire ventured. Cee was watching her face closely.

“Yeah, she’s pretty cool,” Cee said lightly. “We don’t have any classes together so I never would have met her if she wasn’t dating Dex.”

Ezra was taking his sweet time reaching them. Any other day, he would have quickened his step to reach them sooner, but today he seemed to be simply strolling along, enjoying the sight of the clouds that swept slowly across the sky. Just as Cee started to open her mouth, concern written all over her face, Claire called out to him, “Ezra! Stop dawdling and get over here. We’re starving!”

That brought a mischievous grin to his face and he stopped several yards away, his fist planted firmly against his hip, arm akimbo as he defiantly arched an eyebrow at her. “You can’t order me about, little owl,” he declared. “I am a sovereign citizen of the galaxy, beholden to no one and captain of my own fate.”

Cee rolled her eyes and Claire relaxed a little. Once the two of them started verbally sparring, the focus would be off of her, at least for a little while.

“This is no time for poetry, Ez,” Cee called out. “Claire’s right. We’re hungry and you’re taking too long. You’re outvoted.”

“And when was this declared a democracy?” Ezra asked as he closed the gap between them. He playfully shoved Cee’s shoulder before leaning in to kiss Claire gently on the cheek.

“I thought you were a fan of democracy,” Cee countered. “Down with the oligarchy and all that.”

“Ah, but when I am the one in charge, democracy doesn’t seem like such a good idea,” Ezra said.

Cee laughed. “You’re in charge? Who decided that?”

“I did, of course,” Ezra said. “And whatever happened to respecting your elders?”

“So you admit you’re old,” Cee riposted.

Claire shook her head. They were in rare form this evening, and she was glad of it. She might be able to get through dinner without having to bring down their mood with her unpleasant news.

*****************************************************************

They sat on the steps outside the museum, eating tacos from a vendor who always set up in the pocket park next door on Friday nights. Each week, she played a different variety of heritage music, to fit the theme of that night’s menu. This time, it was authentic cumbias to accompany carne asada made from gruffalo meat.

“Have you ever had real beef?” Cee asked after swallowing a mouthful of taco.

Claire shook her head. “No. We only had synthetic meat where I grew up.” She seemed subdued, but Ezra knew better than to press her right now.

“I had the pleasure once,” he said. “I was on a transport ship, working my way from one place to another, and a corporation dignitary was onboard. Brought his own staff and supplies, like one of those kings or noblemen back in the ancient days who travelled with their whole household. He held a birthday party for his assistant, with steak and baked potatoes with real butter and everything. I was assigned to clean up the dining room afterwards and someone had left a few bites of steak on their plate. We were supposed to put any food waste into the composting bucket, for processing, but I couldn’t resist.” He closed his eyes, remembering the taste and texture of the meat even after all those years. He smiled. “Synthbeef is a pale shadow compared to the delight of that steak. I can see why humans domesticated the cow, for it is the most delicious thing I ever tasted.”

Unlike chickens and pigs, which were relatively easy to raise on board ships and in terraformed colonies, cows required too much space and were only to be found back on Earth itself. It must have cost the corp dig a fortune to bring fresh beef along just for a birthday party, and normally Ezra would have thumbed his nose at such conspicuous consumption, but had he not done so, Ezra would never have gotten to taste the fabled delicacy.

“Well, at least gruffalo are ugly,” Cee said, picking up her fourth taco. “Cows look too pretty to eat.”

Claire smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. She’d only eaten one taco, when she usually gave Cee a run for her money devouring them. Ezra leaned across her and stole one from her plate, and she didn’t move. He dropped it back onto the plate and took her hand. “Okay, what’s going on?,” he asked quietly.

“Yeah,” Cee chimed in, her own taco quickly forgotten. “Something’s wrong. I could tell as soon as I saw you tonight.”

Claire set her plate aside and stared down at her hands, which were already fidgeting. Ezra carefully laid his hand on top of hers to still them. “Tell us,” he said.

“I got a communication from FlanCorp,” she said. “With details of my next job rotation. And the date I need to report back to Paddington.”

Ezra nodded. “We knew this was coming,” he began, but she shook her head and went on.

“That wasn’t a surprise,” she said slowly. “But … I checked the transport schedules and the transport arrives the day after my report time. Which is also my departure date on the corp shuttle, so I can’t miss it.” She closed her eyes. “Which means I have to take an earlier transport and get to Paddington about a week early.”

Ezra started to open his mouth to assure her that a week’s difference was not that much, but he saw her lip start to tremble. “It leaves next week,” she said.

Cee looked like someone had punched her in the stomach, and Ezra didn’t feel much better. They had been expecting a little over three more weeks with Claire. A moment ago that had been cut down to two, but that was still far enough in the future to be ignored for the moment. But a week? That was real.

Cee wrapped her arms around Claire and they both began quietly sobbing. He silently lamented the lack of two good arms as he longed to hug them both tightly to him, but had to settle for an awkward one-armed gesture, the stump of his right arm straining to protect his family from grief.

“It’ll be okay,” he said weakly.

“No, it won’t,” Cee said fiercely. “It was never going to be okay. It’s tragic, Ez. It’s sad and fucked up and …” She buried her head in Claire’s shoulder and cried in earnest. He didn’t bother to correct her language. It was what they were all thinking.

“I know, I know,” Claire said, smoothing Cee’s hair. “I wish I had more time with you, both of you, but … it’s just life.”

“It’s corp life,” Ezra said, unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice. “Real life lets you have choices.”

Claire shot him a look. “My parents didn’t have many choices,” she said firmly. “They never signed a contract and they were still at the mercy of the whims of the corporations. So don’t blame this all on my contract, Ezra.”

He nodded. “I’m sorry,” he said softly.

She smiled weakly. “I know. We’re all upset.”

“Yeah,” Cee said against Claire’s damp shoulder. “I’m sorry for swearing.”

“Don’t be,” Claire said. “You should have heard me when I realized I’d have to leave early.”

“You swore?” Cee sat up, her grief momentarily forgotten in the wonder at Claire uttering a bad word.

“Like a sailor,” Claire said solemnly. “I will not repeat it now because Ezra would never forgive me for corrupting his tender little birdie.”

Cee rolled her eyes. “I’m gonna miss this,” she said, snuggling back against Claire. “Being like a family. Teasing each other.” She cleared her throat. “Feeling loved.”

Now Ezra felt tears threatening to spill out his own eyes. “Stop it,” he said hoarsely. “You’re going to make me cry and then there will be no end to the wailing and rending of garments and pleading with the universe and we’ll be arrested for disturbing the peace.”

They all sat quietly for a moment, until Claire broke the silence. “Okay, that’s enough feeling sorry for ourselves,” she said. “Let’s go find some dessert. I think we deserve something that’s full of sugar and not the least bit healthy.”

Cee grinned at him and they said in unison, “Fudge!” On several occasions, they had tried to talk Claire into buying a block of the decadently rich fudge made by a confectioner’s shop patronized by the students at Cee’s school. It was ridiculously expensive but so sweet that a small block could be shared among several people. She’d always steered them toward the less expensive options (if she hadn’t shamed them into forgoing candy altogether).

“This situation definitely calls for fudge,” Claire said decisively. “As big a piece as we can afford.”

*************************************************************

Three days. There were only three days until she had to board the transport and return to her real life, and she still hadn’t heard back from Salah. She had hoped to be able to present Ezra with a fait accompli, a proposal that he could trust, not some vague promise. More importantly, she wanted to tell him in person, not through an impersonal text message.

As she was getting ready to leave the hotel room, she heard a soft ping from the computer terminal.

**************************************************

Three days. Only three days until Claire would leave Galadon and exit his life forever. Ezra was a pragmatist. He knew that the odds of ever seeing her again were so slim as to be equal to zero. Cee held out a stubborn hope that he would bump into her again someday, on some far-flung world where scientists and prospectors both rummaged through the flora and fauna and geology to search for the next profitable thing, but he knew that was highly unlikely. Their meeting had been pure chance, and while he’d welcomed it, he knew that sort of luck came only once in a lifetime.

Cee had gallantly offered to let him spend the last few evenings alone with Claire. He knew she would miss the woman just as much as he would. He did his best for her, as her father had done before him, but sometimes a child needed a parent of the same gender to fully understand them. A boy needed a father and a girl needed a mother. In Claire, Cee had found the surrogate mother she secretly longed for.

He walked slowly toward the hotel. As much as he cherished every moment spent in Claire’s company, he felt a creeping melancholy that tempered everything. Claire surely felt the same, as their greetings had become more subdued, their conversations quieter and less punctuated by laughter. So he was puzzled when he saw her rush toward him as he approached, a broad smile on her face.

“You seem awfully happy for someone with only three days of me to look forward to,” he ventured.

She laughed. “Come on, I have something to show you,” she said, tugging on his hand.

“Where are we going?”

“To my room,” she said.

“Without even dinner first?,” he teased. “Why, little owl, you are positively debauched.”

“I have to show you something on my computer terminal,” she clarified. “Come on.”

His mind raced. What could be on her terminal that would elicit such a reaction? Had the corp moved her report date back, meaning she would have a few more days on Galadon? That would be good news, but certainly not enough to bring such a big smile to her face. Perhaps a long lost relative leaving her a legacy that would enable her to pay off her contract? Ridiculous, and about as likely as flying pigs. So what could it be?

They reached her room and she pushed him down in the chair at the table and swiveled the terminal screen to face him. “Read it,” she said.

He squinted at the screen. He had reached the age where spectacles were necessary for reading but a combination of lack of funds and an abundance of pride had kept him from breaking down and purchasing a pair. He read the message twice before turning to Claire, who hovered over him with a silly grin on her face.

“I don’t understand,” he said slowly. “Why did you do this?”

The smile faded from Claire’s face as she realized he was not as joyful over the contents of the message as she was.

“I … I wanted to help you,” she said.

He shook his head. “This is the ‘friend’ you got a message from weeks and weeks ago, isn’t it? You’ve been going behind my back all this time?” He was furious, but tamped down his anger as best he could. They only had a few days left together and he didn’t want to completely ruin the remains of their relationship.

“I wouldn’t call it going behind your back,” she began, but he cut her off.

“It wasn’t exactly above board, was it? You know how I feel about corps, and you know I can’t even think about doing something like this until Cee’s out of school and you know I wouldn’t do it unless I had the money up front. How dare you?”

For a moment, he thought her face was going to crumple into tears and he wished he could take every word back. Then, her face hardened and she spat back at him. “How dare you? I try to help you, figure out a way for you to get a prosthetic arm without going into debt, so you can take better care of Cee, and you throw it in my face?”

“If your intentions were so noble, then why the secrecy?”

“Because I didn’t want to get your hopes up — or Cee’s,” she said. “Because I wanted to be able to give you something concrete, not vague promises. Because I wasn’t sure if it would work out. But it did, and Salah thinks you’d be a great candidate for their new study, and I thought you’d be grateful.”

He sighed deeply. “I am grateful for your intent,” he said carefully, “but you still had no right to negotiate even a tentative agreement without my permission.”

“But I knew you’d say no out of hand, without finding out the details,” she said.

“And that is my prerogative,” he said. “I am a grown man, an independent person, free to make my own decisions — and mistakes — about how my life is lived. I don’t owe anything to anyone or anything.”

“What about Cee? Don’t you owe her the opportunity for a better life?”

“I’m giving her that,” he said. “I’m working my ass off at a job I hate so she can go to school and get her secondary certificate, so she can have the opportunities I never had.”

“But I’m not allowed to do the same for you?”

“It’s not the same thing. You wrote a few messages. You aren’t sacrificing anything. Hell, you haven’t sacrificed a thing for me, or Cee, in the time you’ve been here. We’re the ones who are struggling to survive out here, while you’re just on vacation, like those tourists down at the equatorial resorts. This has been a pleasant interlude for you, but it’s real life for us.”

“It’s real life for me, too,” she said bitterly. “Do you think I want to go back? Do you think it was easy for me to let my guard down and let you and Cee into my heart? I took that corp job because it’s what my parents wanted, and because it was safe and believe me, I know what it’s like to struggle to survive. My parents wanted me to have a different kind of life, and yes, maybe I don’t have all the freedom to come and go that you have, but at least I’m free from being cold and hungry and scared. And maybe I’m going to be miserable and heartbroken for a while, but I wouldn’t trade a minute of my time with you. And I don’t regret signing that contract. Because that’s how I survive.”

He laid his hand flat on the table. “Enough,” he said quietly. “We shouldn’t be wasting our time arguing. There’s so little of it left to us.” He turned his hand palm up and offered it to her. “If I promise to consider the offer, will that suffice?”

“Yes,” she said, taking his hand. “As long as you promise not to dismiss it without some real thought, that’s all I can ask. It’s only a year, Ezra, one year out of your life, and no strings attached. One year working for MediCorps and you get a prosthetic arm.”

He shook his head. “No more talking about it,” he said. “Not a word from either of us. And not a word to Cee, either.”

She nodded her head. “Agreed,” she said. The smile was gone from her face, and he missed it. “Now, should we get something to eat?”

“An excellent idea,” he said. He needed to get out of that room, with the computer terminal still staring him in the face with an offer that was as tempting as it was frightening.

#ezra and cee #ezra fic #ezra #ezra prospect #ezra x ofc #prospect fanfiction #Pedro pascal character fanfiction

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