#but in the last two hes literally tiny???? literally two apples tall?????? | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

gothamcitycentral · 10 days

Text

Hazbin establishes very strong parallels between Charlie and Vaggie’s relationship and Lucifer and Lilith’s.

Charlie being as to Lucifer, the fantastical dreamer discouraged and rejected by the world around them.

Vaggie being as to Lilith, someone who failed their assigned role and were driven out of ‘paradise’ (Heaven/Eden) by someone they should have been able to trust (Lute/Adam).

In their most vulnerable moments Lucifer and Charlie find them, love blossoming between each pair because they defied the norm, Lucifer and Lilith being rebellious in a world of order and Charlie and Vaggie being kind in a world of cruelty.

Though at the same time, Charlie is to Lilith while Vaggie is to Lucifer.

“This kingdom was something she really cared about. Something I care about.”

Charlie acknowledges she is the last thread of the hope her mother gave to Hell all those thousands of years ago. The responsibility to her home Charlie puts on her shoulders is born from the love Lilith had for it. She is directly following in her mother’s footsteps, truly believing her people deserve better and that they’re worth fighting for.

Then there is their partners, the fallen angels who don’t share their love’s connection to Hell. Lucifer saw sinners as horrible people who wasted the gift he went to Hell for giving them. Vaggie always kept everyone not named Charlie a spear’s distance away, treating them as people she tolerated but never trusted for a moment. Despite what Heaven had done, had done to them, they were still thinking like angels.

(Though, these mentalities would change throughout the first season, Lucifer choosing to support Charlie no matter what and Vaggie accepting the hotel crew as a part of the in-group which she wishes to protect)

Lucifer’s distaste for his people, not fighting alongside Lilith’s rebellion and instead agreeing to the exterminations, seems to be why they eventually split, despite the love they held for each other. In extreme contrast, Vaggie always supporting Charlie is what keeps them together despite bumps in their relationship. Vaggie always chose to believe in and support Charlie and that means the world and more to Charlie, who spent so much of her life unsupported.

The show also juxtaposes Lucifer’s parental love for Charlie with Vaggie’s romantic love for her, most prominently with Vaggie starting the reprise of More Than Anything to express her love as Lucifer did originally.

(They’re also just. Charlie and Lilith being these tall powerful demon women with Vaggie and Lucifer being their short and tiny fallen angel loves)

What becomes interesting is during the finale when Lucifer (very strongly, very tastefully) implies he ate out Adam’s first wife before fucking his second.

This seems to based on sexual interpretations of original sin. However, in Hazbin we are very much lead to believe the Fruit of Knowledge is a literal apple. Given that Lilith is said to have also offered the apple to Eve, I doubt the implication is that Luci had any sort of one night stand with Eve. Rather, I think Lilith, Eve, and him were once, or attempted to be, in a romantic relationship.

(Considering Eve was made to be Adam’s lesser and Lucifer and Lilith shared the gift of free will with her specifically, I do wonder if Eve had fallen in love with the two, but was unable to leave Adam. The Fruit of Knowledge being given to her so she would be able to be free and join their relationship, but ultimately resulted in their separation as Lucifer and Lilith were casted into Hell)

Which certainly has implications about the future of Charlie and Vaggie’s relationship.

I think the show has actually set very compelling parallels between Eve and Emily.

Much as Lucifer shared forbidden knowledge with Eve, it’s Charlie’s actions that revealed the hidden truth of Heaven’s exterminations. There’s the specific ‘free will’ which Eve was gifted, which fits with Charlie’s influence giving Emily the ‘free will’ to defy Sera and act against Heaven.

I’ve also talked before about the possibility Emily was brought into existence to fill Lucifer’s place in Heaven. Considering the protective relationship Sera has with Emily, along with her looks of genuine horror at her acting against Heaven, it brings to mind the idea Sera has been fearful that Emily would fall just as Lucifer did for Emily’s entire existence, and as such raised her to be more likely to never stray from Heaven as Lucifer did. Which could add to why Sera hid Heaven’s genocide from her despite Emily being a high ranking seraphim; she couldn’t risk giving Emily a reason to rebel.

Which would be a very striking analogue between the two. Both living replacements for the fallen, born into someone else’s shadow to take their place, intended to be the more docile and proper version of Lilith and Lucifer, less likely to stray from the roles they were created to fill. Though, of course, we know Eve fell to temptation and maybe-probably-definitely left or tried to leave Adam, and that Emily is walking the edge.

(Emily having ties to both Lucifer and Eve seems relevant with how Charlie and Vaggie each have parallels to Lucifer and Lilith. Perhaps in her fall, we’ll see Emily ‘thrive in Hell’ just as Lilith did, and similarities between Charlie and Vaggie to Eve will pop up the more we learn about her?)

What’s also interesting is that Eve ‘falling into temptation’ (choosing Lucifer and Lilith over her preordained role) is what separated her from them. However, if Emily were to choose supporting Charlie’s dream over her place in Heaven, then her falling would be what brought her to Charlie and Vaggie. Thereby their situation acts as a foil to the previous generation’s.

And Emily supporting Charlie is very relevant. In More Than Anything we get the exchange of:

“I’ll support your dream whatever lies in store.”

“And who could ask for more?”

Because Charlie can’t think of anything more she could ask. Charlie’s idea of love and being loved is so heavily based on support and being supported. It’s a part of the conflict in Hell’s Greatest Dad, that Lucifer is being genuine and Alastor manipulative, but Alastor is the one actually providing Charlie with what she asks of him, which Lucifer never has. Charlie shows her love for Hell by believing in them, that they can improve, they deserve safety, and they have worth. It’s why Vaggie’s love is so important to Charlie, because for a long time, she was the only one believing in her.

And what does Emily do?

“I don’t know-”

“Yeah, let’s give him a chance!”

She supports Charlie! She believes and trusts her and argues on her behalf. She’s the only angel in Heaven to have faith in Charlie’s dream. Having Emily in the position of a fallen angel, falling right into Charlie’s arms, Charlie caring for her and nursing her back to health, with her being someone who very deeply believes in her, would be the same conditions that made Charlie fall in love with Vaggie three years ago.

Then for Vaggie, Emily also has a lot of the textbook traits that she loves Charlie for. The overexcited-ness, the care she has for others, even the way she doesn’t pull rank. And what she hasn’t expressed, that being seeing value in Vaggie where she herself does not, it feels natural that Emily would express that in the way Charlie does upon learning Vaggie’s history. We’ve seen her sense of justice and her horror at Heaven’s actions, so her deeply sympathizing with Vaggie would be entirely expected, and would be a very easy way for Vaggie to catch feelings for Emily.

However, there is this:

Which suggests the direction of a jealous Vaggie. I think that works, at least initially, with Vaggie feeling insecure in her relationship with Charlie after Emily falling and being cared for by Charlie in the way she was all that time ago. Those feelings heavily changing however, at the realization that Emily is crushing on her just as much as she is Charlie and how deeply relatable to her Emily’s circumstances and trauma would be.

Then on Emily’s side, not only would she have very much been thinking and focusing on Charlie prior to her fall, once she does, she lands in a very emotionally volatile situation where Charlie and Vaggie are supporting her so much and caring for her so deeply. It makes sense that this would translate to her developing feelings for the both of them.

(Now, this is a bit less definitive, but with Emily’s design, the long hair and dress that covers every inch of her short of her fingers, and Heaven being a stand in for the imperialist church, I do read the coming-of-age story the show has set up for her to be one of a conservative christian raised girl striking out of the doctrine she grew up in and finding community in the people her home had demonized, or at least an allegory for such. So having her develop romantic feelings for two ‘vile and blasphemous’ women in a very non-monogamous way would be very thematically relevant I think)

I would say this all works great as an analogue to Lucifer, Lilith, and Eve. Eve being in the unfortunate situation of Adam’s wife but finding comfort in Lucifer and Lilith and falling for the both of them as Emily would as a fallen angel being comforted by Charlie and Vaggie. Lucifer seeing Lilith reflected in Eve and caring for and helping her as he did before being parallel to Charlie helping Emily as she did Vaggie. Lilith initially feeling negativity towards the woman made to replace her bond so closely with her new love, only to realize Eve is falling for her just as much as she is for Lucifer and empathizing with Eve’s situation so deeply, just like Vaggie.

Then, there’s Adam and Lute. I already mentioned that they play parallel with forcing Lilith and Vaggie out of their respective paradises. Their dynamics are built on Adam and Lute punishing, and their domination over, Lilith and Vaggie, because they need to know their place: beneath them. (There’s also the interpretation of that Lute had or has romantic feelings for Vaggie, which is certainly relevant) The show is being very clear with Lute being Adam’s successor I feel, with her taking on his position as leader of the exorcists following his death.

Then, her line: “Your brat is threatening the very foundation of Heaven.” Personally, that makes me think of a sediment Adam would feel towards Lucifer. That’s he is the source of every problem, that he stole his wives (ignoring that Lilith left him before even meeting Luci), and that he destroyed paradise, Eden. Now that Vaggie and Lute’s conflict has seemingly come to a close, I think the show will be shifting to a Lute vs Charlie conflict, much as Adam shifted from Lilith to his hatred for Lucifer.

Now, if the show wants to push a Adam-Eve dynamic with Lute and Emily, what I could imagine is Lute protecting onto Emily in a very one sided way, where she thinks Charlie has ‘corrupted’ the seraphim (threatening heaven’s foundation) and she must personally ‘save’ her, which would very much align with how Adam would feel towards Lucifer’s influence on Eve.

Now, we can tell that Lucifer, Lilith, and Eve’s relationship Did Not pan out particularly well. So I think much like how Charlie and Vaggie have succeeded where Lilith and Lucifer failed, Charlie, Vaggie, and Emily is going to be the successful foil to their attempted relationship. Then for Lute, I think it becomes a question of: does she accept the olive branch Adam did not, does she eventually understand that she is doing wrong, does she accept mercy, or does she continue down Adam’s path, digging her own grave as he did; except that unlike Adam, there won’t be anyone to cry for her?

And y’know, the angel and 3 immortal humans versus the demon/half immortal human and 3 angels serves as a nice counter.

#hazbin hotel #charlie morningstar #vaggie hazbin hotel #emily hazbin hotel #lute hazbin hotel #lucifer morningstar #lilith morningstar #eve hazbin hotel #adam hazbin hotel #chaggily #forbidden fruits #<- that’s the lucifer+lilith+eve tag yes?#lucilith #chaggie #txt

151 notes · View notes

virtue-and-beneviolence · 2 years

Text

Better with Age

In which Shuji is old and introduces the novel concept of "women years" to you. And there's cake bc it's Shuji's birthday.

notes: Shuji isn't serious ever yall know not to get angry over a dumb joke, surely. Reader and Shuji's relationship left undefined but they care very much for each other in some way. tragically unedited. Happy Shuji Day!

“Happy birthday, jackass!” you sang the words and turned the corner in your apartment to reveal Shuji’s birthday cake. No one who knew you two would be shocked by the bright purple script on plain white buttercream frosting that read you’re still alive, unfortunately. A simple happy birthday could never cut it, not since Shuji pulled his congrats, you’re legal birthday cake stunt at your 18th birthday. In front of your parents, no less. “Sorry there’s no candles, we didn’t have enough, ya old fuck.”

“Old fuck? Who do you think you’re calling an old fuck?” He said, eyebrow cocked in a frankly shockingly confident display of denial of his age.

“Your 33 year old ass.”

“Better than being,” his eyes flicker upward for a second and his right pointer finger draws nonsensical lines in the air with a precision that suggested real math, “38.”

You gape at him, mouth open and eyes narrowed a tiny bit, but your lips curl up at the edges, poised to laugh any second and betray your mock annoyance, “38?? I’m only 25 Shuji.”

Shuji juts his chin out and to the side ever so slightly, mocking how a pensive academic making a rebuttal in some debate might, “In standard years maybe, but haven’t you heard women age one and a half years for every one a man ages?”

“Shut up.”

“You’re basically over the hill, y/n.” He half shrugs and digs a finger into the cake frosting and then to his mouth where he sucks the digit clean of its diabetes inducing coating. “I literally don’t make the rules.”

“Women do not age in dog years!” You half laugh the exclamation, jerking the cake back from his reach. The apples of your cheeks are blurry at the bottom of your sight and for some reason something shifts and everything just feels right. Like you were meant to bicker with this idiot your whole life.

Shuji huffs disapproval at your stinginess with the cake or your words. Maybe both. “Of course women don’t age in dog years. Dog years are seven to one standard year, you silly goose.” The tall man leans over to boop your nose. He even has the nerve to do it with his sticky, sugary finger and laugh when you wrinkle your nose and dip away. “Now give me that cake-“

“You’re trying to make yourself feel better and it’s honestly a sad look, you know that?” There’s nothing but amusement behind your words as you two banter.

“Feel better? Why would I feel anything but great, doll? Men age like fine wine-“

God you could just kiss that dumb look right off his face.

“That was the last straw.” You declare, and with dexterity even you didn’t realize you had, you climbed up the kitchen counter all while balancing the cake on a hand. For once you smirked down at him, holding something out of his reach. “Get fucked, shortie.” You jeered down at him.

“Ya little shit,” Shuji’s hand half darted to your ankle. It was only meant to be a bluff to spook you into coming down, but instinct made you reach up and hop out of reach. The wet splat of icing followed by the dull thud of the plate knocking ceiling was deafening. It drew both your eyes to the cake you gingerly peeled off the ceiling, little chunks and crumbs lopping off from where the plate dug into the softness of the spongey cake. You looked at each other for a few long seconds before the giggles started. Shuji’s giggles were infectious like nothing else. It wasn’t long until the cake was discarded, and you were doubled over laughing hysterically on the counter, head rested on Shuji’s shoulder.

When the laughter turned to half huffs to catch your breath, as you were wiping tears from your eyes, Shuji piped up, “Can I get a rain check on that?”

“Survive another year and I’ll bake for you again.”

He kisses your forehead then, quick but soft and somehow packed with fondness. “You drive a hard bargain.”

“You’re the worst,” You say, but I love you is what he hears.

#hanma shuji #shuji hanma #shuji hanma x reader #look maybe theyre friends maybe theyre together #pls don't @ me for using the tag T.T #anyway #happy birthday hanma shuji #my darling #the light of my life

66 notes · View notes

zhoras-bitch · 1 year

Text

Strangers

Book: Laws of Attraction

Pairing: Beau McGraw x F!MC (Roxanne Voss)

Genre: angst

Warnings: strong language

Rating: teen

Word count: 1.2K

Summary: Your evening is going really well until, completely unprepared, you run into a painfully familiar stranger.

A/N: Rewrite of the gala scene with Beau from the last update (book 2, chapter 7). Don’t know what possessed me to do it because I literally write like once a year, guess I’m just that much of a Beau clown.

The gala is in full swing when you finally decide you’ve done enough socialising to earn yourself a little treat. After all, the evening’s been going really well so far. Ricci & Associated is the talk of the town, and you’re not going to do the tired old fake humility act and pretend it’s not in large part thanks to you. Since your move to the Big Apple, you’ve gotten pretty good at this whole two-faced, fake nice gimmick. Your fingers stroke a thick stack of business cards stashed securely inside your purse and for a split second you allow yourself a luxury of a tiny self-satisfied smirk, then head towards the bar.

A rookie mistake, really, letting the rush get to your head, but alas. You join the line behind a tall blond stranger, so intoxicated with adrenaline you don’t immediately recognise him, and when you do, it’s already too late.

The man turns around, and his gaze pins you to the floor halfway through the step you didn't even realise you were taking in a cowardly attempt get away from him.

‘Hey, stranger,’ Beau smiles, warm and genuine.

The smile is really the integral part of his whole brand. Beau McGraw, golden retriever boy with a sweet smile and big warm hands. Sincere. Accommodating. Non-threatening. You’d advise him to trademark it, but then again, not like anyone could do it like Beau even if they tried.

The bowtie is really on point too. You would’ve pegged him a bowtie kind of guy. You know, if for whatever reason you’d spent your time imagining Beau McGraw in formalwear. Which you definitely did not.

‘Beau. I didn’t realise you’re here tonight.’

Your reply is dry and hollow, but it’s the best you can muster, so it will have to do. Because if you don’t speak, silence will, and she’s one chatty bitch who knows way too much and has zero filter.

‘I’m as surprised as you are. Martin didn’t want the senior associates here, but Reggie insisted.’

‘Good old Reggie,’ you say, trying not to cringe at just how rusty your small talk game feels.

‘I’m glad I ran into you, actually.’

You don't want to lie, so you just give him a tiny crooked smile.

‘I’ve, uh, been meaning to get in touch with you for a few weeks.’

You know this, of course, because you’ve been actively avoiding him. Leaving McGraw-Byrne was an eye-opening experience in the most unexpected ways. For weeks, your life was almost completely Beau-free, and it made you realise just how Beau-full it was before. There were no more stolen glances as he passed you in the hall. No more inside jokes near the water cooler. No more late nights in the library, when the office got so quiet and empty you two felt like the only people left in the entire world.

If only getting him out of your dreams was this easy too.

‘We’ve been really busy with the firm. You know how it gets.’

‘Yeah, I know.’

There’s an intimate shift in his tone, and before you can stop them, your eyes fly up to his face. Beau’s expression is an open book, warm and vulnerable and somehow a little sad, and it makes you want to burry your face into a pillow and scream. You know what he’s capable of, hell, your experience with it was as first-hand as it gets. And yet, looking into his eyes, you don’t see it. Not a hint of malice. Not a cunning thought.

It would be so much easier to believe that Beau McGraw is just a good liar. After all, most lawyers who are worth a dime are. But you’ve cracked people who were way more cunning than him, and the reality is, the only reason you didn’t see right through Beau McGraw is because you didn’t want to. Because you wanted to trust him so badly that you actually did. Can you even imagine what your enemies would think, what they’d do to you if they had any idea that the hottest young lawyer in town, the sly fox from Ricci & Associates can be left so utterly helpless, so completely shamelessly vulnerable by a trivial little cru—

Ah, crap. You did it, didn’t you? You let the silence speak.

‘So what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?’

‘I actually just wanted to congratulate you and Ash. Sticking it to Eli and striking out on your own the way you did… It took serious guts. I’m glad it looks like it’s paying off,’ he pauses for a second, his big dumb smile tinted with regret, then suddenly puts a hand on your shoulder and adds, ‘Not that I’ve even doubted you. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m really proud of you, Roxanne.’

Your skin burns under his palm as your stupid, useless heart leaps into a sprint. A terrifying thought strikes you like a thunder. Does he know? Does he know what he’s doing to you?

You look into his eyes, searching for an answer, but all you see is Beau. Leaning into you ever so slightly.

No, that’s impossible. You haven’t completely lost it. Not yet.

But you’re about to.

‘Beau! We need to do shots for old times’ sake.’

You jump, startled, as cheerful Gigi suddenly cuts into your conversation, throwing an arm around Beau’s shoulders. The air is still heavy with unspoken words, so deafening you barely hear what she is saying, but at least you aren’t about do something you’d regret.

You buy yourself sometime as you grab your drink and down it in one long gulp, but even that doesn’t burn as much as Beau’s gaze. There’s a question in his eyes, and you know what it is. One day, Beau McGraw asked you if you could be friends again, and you never gave him an answer. Because how could you be friends again, if Beau was never a friend to you? Never just a friend?

Holding a tray of shots, Gigi starts pulling Beau aside, but you can see the way he hesitates, still. You give him an awkward little wave.

It’s better this way. If you can’t be his friend, and you can’t afford to lo— to be with him, then maybe you can be just another stranger.

He smiles at you one last time, heart-wrenchingly sad, and turns away. And just like that, this feeling of unbearable loss hits you like an ocean tide, huge and heavy and impossible to endure. You grit your teeth. Just let him go. Let him go. Let him—

��Beau, wait—‘

Your words come out as a pathetic little whimper that gets lost somewhere between the sounds of the orchestra and the clinking of champagne flutes. You reach out, your fingers what feels like a hair's breadth away from his, but a heartbeat passes, and the crowd has already swallowed him whole. You wobble forward, look around, and for a moment you can swear you catch a glimpse of Beau’s broad shoulders, a golden speck of chandelier light caught in his hair, but when he turns around, it’s just another stranger.

You squeeze your eyes shut. Seconds pass, and you’re all alone, and the room is dark and quiet. Slowly, you breathe out and open your eyes again. The gala is in full swing, and all around you are unfamiliar faces.

You put down your empty glass and straighten your shoulders. Get your shit together, Roxanne. We still have some schmoozing to do.

#playchoices #laws of attraction #beau mcgraw #fanfic #fanfiction #my writing #oc: roxanne voss

26 notes · View notes

vaporbossflavors · 1 year

Text

Start Your New Year With The Best Vaping Experience; Get LOST MARY OS5000 Now!

The newest LOST MARY OS5000 Disposable Pod Device, which has a 650mAh internal battery, is something we are happy to provide. Your taste buds will be delighted by this disposable pod device, which offers 13 flavors and a top-type-c charging port!

To enjoy elegance whenever and wherever you please, get the LOST MARY OS4000 Disposable Pod Device.

Elf Bar's elder brother, Lost Mary, which rides on him and possesses a Type-C Charging Port, outperforms it in terms of power. 5,000 fantastic puffs that never fail. The best feature of these pens is that they can be recharged using a USB-C charging cord, ensuring that the vape will last literally till the last drop! You're almost guaranteed to be pleased because Lost Mary is the real deal at this price!

The Lost Mary OS5000 vape pen has the following measurements: 1 34" wide, 2 34" tall, and 1" thick. Oval in shape, the mouthpiece protrudes 3/4 of the way from the top. Its proportions are similar to those of a bar of soap and it has gently rounded corners. The top of the smartphone houses the type-C charging connector.

It's very challenging to open the flap on this Lost Mary OS5000 that covers the charging port. I can now understand why some of the devices I was given to examine had their tiny rubber covers removed. On the top, near the charging port, there is a light that changes color from green for a full charge to blue for a medium charge to red for a low charge. As I vaped, I saw that the hole I had initially mistaken for the air intake was actually the battery-level light. I'm not sure where it is, but the intake hole allows for sufficient airflow for a practical MTL.

The front and back have what seems to be inexpensive colored plastic put to them. It has a tougher matted plastic covering on the top, bottom, and sides to provide it some structural support. The mouthpiece is made of the same rough plastic and is easy to put in your mouth. The mouthpiece is designed to fit your mouth properly and has a texture with some grip to i

LOST MARY OS5000 SPECIFICATIONS

Vape Juice Contents: 13ml

Puff Count: +5000

Nicotine Strength: 50mg

Coil: Mesh Coil

Battery: 650mAh

Recharging: Rechargeable with USB-C *Charger not Included

LOST MARY COLLECTION OVERVIEW

After vaping the collection for two days, I can report that, with the exception of the Kiwi Passion Fruit Guava, the majority of their fruit flavors were true to their descriptions. In addition to fruit flavors, they also provided Cotton Candy, Strawberry Sundae, and Cranberry Soda.

While Cranberry Soda and Cotton Candy from those were delicious, Strawberry Sunday fell short. I particularly favored two flavors (Strawberry Pina Colada and Cranberry Soda). I especially enjoy strong, naturally-flavored fruit flavors for all-day vaping, and I really enjoyed the full line of Lost Mary flavors. I placed them next to my printer for a few days and vaped them intermittently throughout the day. Most of these make excellent all-day vapes.

LOST MARY FLAVORS

Let's look at how our team felt about each flavor of Lost Mary e-liquid.

Lost Mary Blue Cotton Candy: It's really sweet and icy. Although it was a little too sweet to vape all day, I did enjoy a few sips here and there. The food is great. One of my colleagues bought one for himself since he really liked it.

Juicy Peach Lost Mary Vape: There is a wonderful peach flavor to this flavor. On the inhale, it is savory and sweet; on the exhale, it is cool and peachy. Between puffs, I typically taste sweetness with a berry flavor buried under the sweetness.

Lost Pineapple Mango: I taste both mango and pineapple on the inhale, claims Mary Vape. It is so sweet and fruity that if you hadn't read the product name, you might have thought it was a sweet and sour apple.

Strawberry Lost Mango Mary Vape: surprisingly resembling the flavor of pineapple and mango that I adored. For an adult vaper who prefers strawberry over pineapple, this is a fantastic choice. a profile that is a bit "darker" With hints of the mango and the added fruit flavor, the sweetness is still present.

Side Bar: In my perspective, the Pineapple Mango flavor's predominant flavor is pineapple. The strawberry flavor in this Strawberry Mango is a little harder to discern from the other flavors (or strawberry fruit combo).

Lost Blueberry Ice Mary Vape: Although the blueberry flavor is accurate, it isn't as strong because there is less ice. The Blueberry Ice flavor, despite its name, contains a little less ice than any of its other fruit flavors.

Blue Razz Ice Lost Mary Vape: The Blue Razz Ice, which had blueberries at the forefront, was tasty. Some blueberry flavors bring to mind the Smoking Vapor Blueberry e-cigarettes I used to enjoy.

Cranberry Soda Lost Mary Vape: The Cranberry Soda Lost Mary Vape is regarded by several members of my team as the greatest flavor available. There will be a hint of fruit flavor that is slightly sweet, combined with ice and spice to give it the flavor of a carbonated beverage.

Kiwi Passion Fruit Guava Lost Mary Vape: I'm not sure what they were going for, but this flavor fell short of their goals. The flavors of Kiwi, Passion Fruit, and Guava either don't go well together or were simply ignored.

Ice Strawberry Lost Mary Vape: This strawberry ice vape, in Mary Vape's opinion, is great. The strawberries are just stunning. I get a strawberry jam-like flavor from it. The iciness, which also gives the in-between puff a sweet and pleasant flavor, wonderfully complements the strawberry flavor. Some blueberry flavors bring to mind the Smoking Vapor Blueberry e-cigarettes I used to like.

Wrapping It Up

If you like the flavours of sweet, icy, fresh fruit, there are some great ones here. The bulk of the time, their flavours are icy cold. (Mint, menthol, or koolada). Some blueberry flavours bring to mind the Smoking Vapor Blueberry e-cigarettes I used to like.

Some of these have wonderful, sweet fruit flavors that are comparable to those of Vaal Maxs (sub-ohm vape that hits like a truck). You can get a lovely MTL puff from it because of the low and constrictive airflow, but a DTL isn't possible due to the lack of airflow.

#lost mary #Lost Mary OS5000

0 notes

covenofwives · 2 years

Text

Ticklish Dolls

Dream and George are bored when DreamXD comes to find them, keeping them entertained by showing of an array of wonderful items they've never seen before. Eventually XD shows the two a small white blob doll, with a wide smile and tiny black dot eyes. George is curious. Dream is panicking.

I swear, hand on heart I started this story way before talk of the ticklish blobs concept started here. Me and Llama were talking about this headcanon of XD having a blob doll of everyone on the server and giving them out in gambles, like they do with the heads, and this beautiful idea was born. And now that everyone is loving the concept this is the perfect time to post.

Please follow @fluffallamaful as she helped create this beautiful idea and gave me so much motivation for it.

This will absolutely be a series. I will be making more of these ticklish blob stories :)

---

It was almost easy to forget that DreamXD was a literal God. George had grown used to the extra arms, the mask of shifting colours and the fact that he had never seen the protector’s face fully. None of these factored into or changed the fact that XD was a friend.

So when he was always reminded that DreamXD, his friend and protector of the SMP, could create anything he wanted with just a thought, George was amazed.

“What is it?”

“Do you not remember them, Dream? You’ve seen them before.”

The day began with Dream and George hanging out in George’s cottage home. When mid afternoon rolled around, DreamXD had came to visit and the two were already bored out of their minds with every activity they had tried that they begged XD to show them, or take them, somewhere cool.

Perhaps the God was in a cheerier mood than usual, because XD complied and did both.

The God grabbed the two and whooshed them off to a glade neither Dream nor George had seen before. The trees were tall, and looked like oak but the leaves of them held small pink and purple flowers. There was a small pond tucked at the edge, surrounded by what looked like overgrown lilly pads and the bottom of it glittered like a crystal.

Dream and George were in awe of the beautiful glade when XD offered another activity for them.

DreamXD held out one of his hands, and with just the slightest of twitches in his fingers, a golden shimmering apple appeared in his palm. Dream and George were stunned, watching the twinkling fruit as XD held it up, grinning. Of course Dream and George had seen the apple before, but that was after harrowing adventures and in dangerous situations. To see it summoned so casually was beyond amazing

The two were still admiring it before George made a move, quickly trying to grab the apple from XD’s hand. Dream gasped but of course XD was too fast and raised it up, out of George’s reach. Dream was tense for a moment, worried XD would be angry, but his sibling only laughed to George’s attempt. George huffed before he and Dream screamed with a mix of shock and annoyance as XD quickly ate the apple in just a few bites. The God chuckled, relishing in their shock before he offered to show them more things.

And the afternoon carried on from there.

Now XD was sat in front of the two. In their hand they held what they said was a creature. It was a white box shape, similar to a shulker box. George was very excited when he first saw it, but when the box moved on it’s own and small eyes peeked out from the opening, he gave a small yelp, and scurried behind Dream.

“It’s a shulker.” XD chuckled. The top of the box twisted, trying to open itself more but XD placed a hand over the top to stop it.

Dream knew of the shulker boxes, but he couldn’t remember ever seeing one that was alive. He gave a slow shrug. “I don’t remember them…”

XD gave a low hum. “You were young when you saw them last, and it was a while ago.”

“Is that where shulker boxes come from?” George asked.

XD nodded. “They can be crafted from these. But they are locked away where no-one can’t get them.”

The box closed. Whatever creature inside it made a weird gargling noise and then XD tapped over the top and the creature disappeared. While George was clearly glad it was gone, he gave a frown of disappointment at still not getting his shulker box.

While XD had the amazing ability to spawn in anything with a simple thought, they had an annoyingly strong moral code. They refused to give out anything, even something as useless as flowers. So while XD seemed to be in a good mood now and showed off the items they’d usually never before, Dream and George thought it best to stay on XD’s good mood.

“Do you have anything that we don’t know about?” George asked, shuffling out from behind Dream again.

“You didn’t know about the shulker.” XD pointed out.

“Dream did.” George huffed. “Even if he didn’t remember it, he’s seen them before. What about something new?”

XD hummed in thought. He tapped one of his nails against the bottom of his mask before he seemed struck by an idea. “Something new? Well, it’s not exactly new but it’s something.”

While the mask covered XD’s face, the two could hear the grin with their words. Usually that grin meant it would be fun for XD and had some sort of peril for Dream and George, but when XD held out their hand and the next item appeared, the two were caught in different levels of surprise.

The item was about the size of XD’s hand, maybe just a little bigger. George wasn’t even sure what he was looking at. It looked like a white blob but the longer George stared at it, the more he realised that was exactly what it was.

It was a white cylinder shape with a large circular head. The only pattern on it was two little dot eyes and a wide smile stretched over it’s face. A very similar pattern to the face on Dream’s mask.

“It’s…what is that?”

“It’s a doll.” XD’s voice was light with joy. “I made it myself.”

“A doll… Is it of Dream?!”

“Yes!” XD’s voice trilled.

While George shuffled closer to look over the doll with curiosity and a growing amazement, Dream had stayed back and looked to the doll with wide eyed shock and a slow growing dread.

“Y-You… You still have that…?” Dream controlled his voice the best he could. He felt he was playing it cool until XD tilted his head to look at him. The mask covered his face but Dream could physically feel the grin behind the mask, and the blush rose to his cheeks.

“Of course, Dream! I’d never get rid of it.”

Dream repositioned his own mask over half his face, hiding most of his blush as George awed over the doll.

“It’s like a little blob doll.” George snickered. “Aww, it looks just like you Dream!”

“Shut up.” Dream huffed, lightly kicking his leg out to push at George’s hip.

“It’s also soft as well, George.”

XD’s words froze Dream. The blush over the blonde’s face was drained as he paled, but it came back double as quick when George looked up with surprise and scepticism.

“Really?” George raised an eyebrow as he analysed over the doll. “It doesn’t look soft.”

“Oh it is!” XD held out the doll, closer to George. “Feel it.” They insisted.

George hesitated before reaching out. His fingers made contact with the doll, just lightly poking into it’s face and he blinked. “Oh… It is soft!” He poked at the doll again, this time onto it’s body. “It’s squishy!”

Dream pulled the mask over his face just before the squeak passed his lips. George poked, again, into the doll’s side and Dream flinched, pulling his arms around himself.

Fuck! The stupid doll still has that!

DreamXD wouldn’t just use their power to make a regular doll. That would be too simple. The doll wasn’t just modelled after Dream as a kind gift for their brother; it was connected to Dream.

Everything that touched the doll, Dream could feel it too. Each little poke George made into the doll’s side was pressed into Dream’s, bringing a giggle up his throat and shaking his shoulders.

XD was looking over George, watching Dream’s reaction and no doubt grinning under that mask and Dream wanted nothing more than to rush over and grab the doll; but he couldn’t give away his reactions to George. He couldn’t imagine what George would do with the doll if he actually knew the connection.

“Don’t you want to look at the doll, Dream?” XD offered. His voice came out sweet and genuine, yet Dream could hear the smirk laying under that mask. He knew XD had it because that was the same tone of voice Dream used when he was grinning behind his mask.

“No. I’ve seen it…” Dream carefully spoke, trying to watch George and only talk when his friend was never touching the doll. Thankfully George seemed to lose interest in the doll, instead looking back to Dream.

“Why are you wearing your mask?” George asked, his eyebrows raising above his goggles in question.

“Cause I want to.” Dream snapped, regretting it as he saw George’s shoulders flinch. Just as he was thinking about apologising he saw George straighten himself up, puffing out his chest and matching Dream’s same attitude.

“Why are you being so anti-social now? What’s your problem?”

“Nothing…” Dream mumbled. He needed to drop the attitude but he couldn’t relax when XD still had that thing in their hand. It wasn’t helped at all when he saw XD’s thumb curl in and brush up and down the doll’s side. Dream jumped - even though his eyes had never left the doll - as he could feel the thumb rubbing up and down his side, tracing over his ribs and pressing into his side. It wasn’t too ticklish, but Dream’s skin prickled with goosebumps and shivered at even the slightest touch. Something about not having anything actually physically touch him but still tickling him made him more sensitive. “Stohop!”

“Stop what?” George lifted his goggles to get a better look at Dream. While he was frowning, his eyes betrayed his actual concern for his friend. “Why you being weird?”

“I think he’s jealous you’re giving attention to the doll, George.” XD sighed slowly, his voice low and hurt like an injured puppy. He actually sounded like he had been genuinely upset, but Dream knew his sibling better than that. XD was fucking delighted this was happening. “Dream never did like it…”

“What? Why?” George looked back up to XD. “What’s wrong with it? It’s cute.”

“That’s not the problem!” Dream snapped. While he himself knew he was behaving like a child, he wasn’t going to let XD make him seem so petty.

“Then what is?” George looked back to Dream.

“So you like my doll, Dream?” XD made their voice hopeful, annoying Dream all the more.

“No!… But not…ugh!” He glared at XD through his mask. He wished his blush would have went down so his anger could be fully seen. “You’re so annoying!”

George looked back to the doll as XD pressed his hand out, nudging into George’s shoulder to grab his attention. “Would you like to have a closer look, George?” XD offered.

George blinked his mismatched eyes. “Really?” He looked between the doll and XD. “Is that okay?”

“Of course!”

“No!”

XD and Dream both answered at the same time. George whipped his head between both of them.

“You don’t like it, Dream,” XD spoke calmly, “so what’s the problem?”

“He just…can’t…” Dream shuffled, but he wasn’t moving any closer or letting anything else slip. He’d die if he had to admit to George what the doll did.

“Well it’s not yours to give out,” XD sat up straighter with a matter-of-fact tone. He pressed the doll further to George’ practically putting in into his hands. “Go ahead, George.”

George gave a small giggle of excitement as he carefully rearranged the doll in his hands to have it sitting properly. He brought it close to his face, looking over every small detail and letting his thumb absent-mindedly brush down the front of the doll’s body.

“It’s so soft.” George complimented again. “It sort of feels like those knitted dolls people buy and follow the instructions to make.”

George’s thumb pressed in just a bit much, poking into the doll’s front and Dream flinched. He wrapped his arms around his stomach, puffing out his cheeks and holding back the laugh that almost spilled out. That poke was right above his belly button.

“It feels so firm too!” George carried on. “Squishy but cushiony. It pops back out!”

George squeezed the sides of his doll to prove his point, unknowingly kneading into Dream’s sides. No matter how hard the blonde’s hands rubbed over them, the feeling wasn’t going away. Not until George pulled his hand back, letting Dream give out a quiet sigh and have a moment of peace.

Just a moment though.

George’s fingers left the doll’s sides but they traced down to the bottom edge of the doll’s body. His finger moved unbelievably slow around the rim of the doll and Dream thought he was going to die, feeling that finger trace around his knee. He let out a snort, when the finger touched on the back of his knee, but nothing prepared him for George slipping his finger under the doll, swiping his fingernail along the end.

Dream fell back after his body practically jolted him into a dramatic jump. His legs kicked out, feet stomping into the ground as the feeling of that fingernail still swiped along the sole of his foot.

“G-Ge-ohohOHOhoge! S-Stohohop!”

George did stop. All his attention was onto Dream now after that jump. “What’s wrong?!” He asked, his voice laced with worry. Dream looked like he was having some sort of fit.

“Yes Dream, what’s wrong?” XD joined in to the question, but all fake worry and hurt was gone from his voice. He was very clearly delighted.

“N-Nohothing!” Dream managed to take in a gulp of air, calming his breathing and settling his laugh. His foot was still tingling inside his boots and he could feel the ghostly touches of George’s fingers over his sides but he was in control again. “N-Nohothing wrohohong…”

Perhaps not as in control as Dream thought because George seemed to quickly catch on. His eyes blinked, disbelieving before a small, nervous smile pulled at his lips. “Are you…lahaughing?” He chuckled with the absurdity of the situation. One moment his friend was throwing a tantrum over a doll, and the next he was writhing on the ground, laughing. “What’s happening?”

“Nothing! Just…” Dream managed to calm himself a bit more, his sounded more pleading than laughing. “Puhut down the doholl please!”

George looked between his friend, picking himself up off the ground, to the doll sat perfectly in his hand. His thought process was clearly visible through his eyes; the only way it could be more obvious was if there was a circular loading symbol spinning over his forehead.

Some idea came to George’s head as he looked back out to Dream. His eyes were focused onto his friend but his fingers squeezed into the doll’s side again, kneading into the squishy white fluff.

Dream yelped again, a jolt running through his body as he fell back to the ground, arms wrapping around his torso again for useless protection.

“Geohohohorge! N-Nahaha! D-Dohohon’t doho thahahat…!”

That was all George needed to confirm his theory and he gasped, like an excited child given the best present ever for Christmas. “Does this tickle you?!” His voice squealed in joy as he quickly turned his head to XD. The God saw no need to hide their face anymore, pushing their mask up to show their pleased grin. “Does this tickle him?!” George asked, clearly not trusting any answer from Dream. “Can he feel what the doll feels?!”

“Yes, Dream and the doll are connected.” XD nodded, calm before giving a very fake gasp and raising their hand to their mouth. “Goodness! Did I forget to mention that?!”

“Yohou dick!” Dream cursed from his puddle on the ground. “You absoholute-hahHAHAHA! NN! GEOHohohOHOHORGE!”

George wiggled his finger along the front of the doll’s body and Dream was floored, kicking his legs and rolling on the floor as the ghostly finger wiggled and tickled his stomach. “Geohohohohorge! GEOHOHOHOHORGE!!! S-STAHAHAHAHAP! PLEHEHEAHAHAHASE!”

The tickling over his tummy did stop, but was replaced by pokes and kneads into his sides and ribs. George poked up over the left side of the doll, giving his high pitched giggles as Dream rolled on his side and curled up.

“Awww, Dweam! The doll is so cute!” George cooed. He wiggled his finger into Dream’s side again. “How does the connection work, Dream? Do you feel it in your side exactly? Is it different if I poke up here?!”

George poked up by the spot just under the doll’s head. Dream felt an identical poke onto his neck. It didn’t tickle as much but Dream was already giggly and sensitive. He hunched his shoulders, rubbing at his neck and then he felt another poke, but this time it was in his armpit.

“Stohohohop!” Dream giggles, frantically rubbing under his arm.

The tickling stopped with a thoughtful hum. George pulled back his finger, holding the doll gently still. “I poked in the same place, but it tickled somewhere different.”

“It’s not exactly linked to the same spot every time.” XD explained. “The little dolls don’t have exact anatomy. Their spots have a general area relating to the body but it can be different each time.”

XD reached out, giving a small poke with his nail into the blob’s front and grinning as he watched his brother jump and squeal again. “Of course I made sure Dream’s tummy always gets tickles on the front of the doll.”

George giggled along with Dream’s fading giggles. He watched his friend rub away the ghostly tickles along his stomach before a thought came to mind and George’s smile faltered. He held the doll gently in his hand but now he was more aware and self conscious. He tried to keep a light grip over the doll while not letting it fall.

“It’s not… I-I won’t hurt him right? As long as I’m careful…”

XD looked down to George, noticing the worried look right away and they switched from teasing to comforting. “Oh don’t worry! You can’t hurt him.”

XD reached forward, carefully taking the doll from George’s hand. George had to fight back his instinct to protectively cover the doll but he trusted XD and watched with worried eyes as XD lifted the doll.

“The doll doesn’t pass over every feeling. I only designed it so Dream would feel soft touches and tickling. See?”

XD held the doll up between his forefinger and thumb. He squeezed into the doll’s sides with his nails, practically making his nails meet as the doll crumbled and bent in his hands.

George quickly looked over to Dream. Despite XD’s words the brunette still panicked, thinking the pain would transfer over; but just as XD said nothing happened. Dream just picked himself up, recovering from the tickling before and clearly not in pain. George sighed with relief.

“I would never make it harm him.” XD assured George, pulling their nails back and handing the doll to George over as it popped back into it’s perfect shape. “It’s a perfect tickle tool. Nothing else.”

“Perfect tickle tool?! It’s torture!” Dream huffed. He picked himself up, his mask was half hanging off as he stood up and he pulled it off the rest of the way, showing his blushed cheeks. George giggled at the frazzled look of his friend, only making his blush deepen.

“Oh I’m sorry, would you rather feel the pain?” XD argued back.

“I’d rather you forget you ever made that thing!” Dream snapped back before his eyes fell to George. Specifically to the doll. “Give it.”

George blinked before covering over the doll protectively. “N-No.”

“George.” Dream’s voice tried to be serious. It was hard to take him seriously with his pink cheeks and flustered look, but his eyes were stern. “Give me the doll.”

“No!” George now held the doll close into his chest. “XD gave it to me.”

George could see the plan forming in Dream’s eyes. Years of being his friend meant he could pick up the little tells just from the smallest movement. So when Dream launched for George, the brunette saw it coming and pushed himself back just in time. Dream collided with the ground, barely missing George but he picked himself up and tried again.

George had less of an escape this time, but as Dream grabbed hold of his legs, George poked into the doll, tickling over the doll’s front and Dream crumbled.

“Ack!” The hold over George’s leg faltered and George slipped out. “G-Geohohorge! Thahat’s cheheahating!”

“You were just about to steal my doll!” George poked over the doll’s side, watching Dream fall and curl up with giggles.

“Ihihihit’s mihihihiy dohoholl! Yohohou-ACK!”

Dream was suddenly lifted. Between the scuffle of the two, XD slipped behind Dream, wrapping their arms around under Dream’s and pulling him up. “Now that’s not fair Dream. You said you didn’t want the doll.” DreamXD cooed while they pulled Dream back onto their lap.

“I sahaid I dihihidn’t wahahahant the dohohohoholl arohohohound! Thehehe-NAH! AHAHHAHAHAHA!!! G-GEOHOHOHOHORGE!!!”

With a safe distance between himself and Dream, George tickled again, wriggling his fingers against the doll’s side and watching Dream flail like a fish out of water.

“N-NAHAHAHAH! NOHOHOHO! THAHAT! THAHAhahat tihihihihickles sohohoho baha-AHAHAHAHAHAD!”

Dream arched his back, pulling at XD’s arms as George’s wiggling fingers came back to his tummy. The ghostly tickles spread over his lower tummy and passed up to his ribs. They covered more area than if George was regularly tickling him.

“S-Stohohohop!!! Enohohohough wihihihith the behehehehelly!!!”

“It’s so fun tickling you there!” George giggled.

“Try another spot, George.” XD encourage. Dream had slipped down over XD’s lap. The God readjust his arms under Dream’s again and lifted him back up. “Dream will get tired out too quickly if you keep tickling him there.”

George pulled his hand back, letting Dream catch his breath as he pouted. “He tickles my worst spots all the time.” He huffed.

“But it’s better if he doesn’t know where the tickling will be.” XD pointed out, grinning as he motioned to the doll again. “Not every spot connects to the same spot on his body…”

George’s eyes sparkled with sudden excitement. He held back his giddy giggles as he looked over the doll carefully, examining over each spot. Dream whimpered, suddenly feeling like caught prey and George’s eyes weren’t even on him.

George thought before making his next move. He ran his finger along the lower part of the doll before poking in, watching Dream’s legs flail and kick out.

“N-Nohoho! Stahahahap!

“Where does it tickle?” George skittered his fingers over the same spot.

“Ihihit-AH!” Dream’s left leg kicked up. “K-Knehehehehess!”

“And what about here?” George ran his finger softly around the edge of the doll.

Dream’s laughter quietened down and his legs didn’t kick up so much. He settled back to soft giggles, wiggling back into XD’s chest. “Th-Thahat…ihihit’s mhiy cahahalvehes.”

“Oho~” George cooed. “Dream has ticklish calves! I didn’t know that.”

“Ihihihit’s nohohot tihihihickly! I-Ihit’s weheheird!”

“Why are you laughing then, Dream?” XD teased behind Dream’s ear. His breath tickled, making Dream hunch his shoulders up to rub at his ear.

“D-Dohohon’t!”

“What about now?” George moved his finger up, poking in the same spot as the one before. “Is it still your knees?”

Dream’s laugh turn into a squeak, kicking his legs into the ground more frantically. “Nahaha! Th-Thihihihighs!”

“It does change!” George confirmed gleefully.

George kept his finger at the same level but moved it round to the side of the doll, kneading into the lower part. Dream’s laughter dropped, bringing out a deeper cackle as he squirmed and tried to turn in XD’s arms. “N-Nohoho! I-Ihihihit’s ohohohon mihiy hihihihihips!!!”

George giggled, letting Dream catch his breath and melt further into XD’s arms. “P-Pleheahase…n-noho mohore…”

“I think he’s getting tired, George.” XD purred. He held around under Dream’s arms with his lower set while his upper hands soothed though Dream’s hair. “Only a little more, then we’ll stop.”

George huffed. “He can last longer.”

“George…” XD’s voice came in a warning. “You were the one who taught me not to push someone too far with tickling.”

George’s voice grumbled. “I had to… you near enough killed me every time you used to tickled me.”

“Then you can sympathise with Dream now.” XD pet over Dream’s head, chuckling when their brother sighed and caught his breath. “Just a little longer.”

George pouted, looking over the doll thoughtfully. He carefully turned it over in his hand, poking at the centre of the doll’s back and scratching his nail gently along it. Right on cue, Dream started to giggle. He shuffled in XD’s arms, wiggling and shaking out his back as George’s tickling crawled down his spine.

“Where is it tickling now?” George asked, giggling along with Dream.

“M-Mihihiy bahahahack!” Dream chuckled, jumping up when George’s nail swiped over a specifically ticklish spot above his hip. “Th-Thahaahat’s mihihihiy bahahahack!”

“I tickled there last time and it was the back of your knees.” George thought out loud. “So it keeps in the same spot when you move.” George pulled his hand back. “But if I stop and go back.” George poked in again, watching Dream’s legs twitch and kick. “It tickles on your legs now!”

Dream fell into his giggling fit as George gave a thoughtful look to the bottom of the doll. He remembered the laugh Dream gave before when he had just curiously touched over it, before George had even known the doll was connected. The brunette had a mean thought and before any sense or guilt could talk it out of him, he swiped his finger on the underside of the doll and watched as Dream’s giggling suddenly screamed into laughter. His legs kicked out, before stamping on the ground.

“GEHEHEHEOHOHOHOHORGE!!!”

“Where does it tickle?” George asked excitedly while he scratched his nail on the underside of the doll.

“FEHEHEHEHEHEHET! Y-YOHOHOHOHOUR TIHIHICKLIHIHING MY FEHEHEHEHET!!! N-NAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! GEOHOHOHOHORGE! STAHAHAHAP!!!” Dream fell back into XD’s chest, burying his head into their cloak and muffling his laughter into the fabric. “E-EHEHEX DEHEHE! M-MAHAHAKE HIHIHIM STOHOHOP!”

“Alright, George. That’s enough.” XD brought Dream to sit up again, their head tilted up to look at George. “He’s done.”

“Wait!” George did stop his tickling but he pulled the doll back into himself protectively. “Just one more thing!” He pleaded. He tried his best puppy dog eyes, batting his eyelashes though Dream probably couldn’t even see them. “One more, then I’ll stop. Please?”

DreamXD gave a low hum with his thought. He gave a look down to his brother who was basically a puddle in their arms. “Dream?”

The blonde whined. He was still coming down from his laughter, only slightly paying attention when he felt the back of XD’s fingers rub over his cheek. He gave a slow look up.

“Can you handle one more thing, or do you want to stop now?”

Dream whined again and George worried he’d refuse. He had every right to and George wouldn’t blame him, but to his utter shock, Dream’s cheeks turned red and he hid his face into the sleeves of his hoodie. He mumbled something that George couldn’t here, but XD spoke fondly.

“He says one more. But it’ll be a quick one, George.” The God looked up. George could feel the stern stare. “Not too long.”

George nodded, though he knew Dream wasn’t going to be able to last this for longer than ten seconds. With a sly grin, and an apologetic thought spared to Dream, George pressed his lips against the doll’s front and started to nibble.

The laugh that tore from Dream’s throat was more a scream than laugh. He arched his back like a shock was going through his spine and struggled in XD’s arms like his life depended on it. Suddenly he went from a piece of jelly in XD’s arms to a live wire.

“NAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! GEOHOHOHOHOHOHOGRE!!! STAHAHAHAP!!! EHEHEHEHEHEHEX DEHEHEHEHEHE! STAHAHAHAHAHAP HIHIHIHIM!!!”

“Okay, that’s enough.” XD’s voice broke through the laughter and with a click of their fingers, the doll disappeared from George’s hand.

George was disappointed, but it was quickly replaced with sympathy as he watched Dream fall back into XD’s lap. His chest heaved as he gasped for breath and continued giggling. He was curled up, arms wrapped around his stomach. George felt bad as he could see his friend trembling.

“N-Noho…noho mohore…” Dream giggled, nuzzling into XD’s arm. “P-Pleheahase…”

“No more.” DreamXD’s voice purred softly. It was softer, more comforting than his purrs of joy. His hand rubbed over his brother’s back, slowly having him uncurl. “We’re done.”

George shuffled forward beside them. “Is he okay?” He asked tentatively. The guilt weighed in his chest, only lightening when XD chuckled.

“He’ll be fine. He just needs to catch his breath.” XD assured him. “Aren’t you, Dream?”

“Sh-Shuhut uhup.” Dream giggled in XD’s arm. He took in a long sigh before picking himself up. His cheeks were still flushed, making his freckles stand out on his skin. “Thahat was the wohorst…”

“You lasted well.” XD pointed out fondly.

“That nehearly kihilled me.” Dream shuffled off XD’s lap to sit by George. While George had a small moment of worry for revenge, it faded as Dream slumped and leaned his head over George’s shoulder. “It was like…n…tickling all over my stomach. It’s bad enough with regular ones, but that was covering over my whole stomach.”

Dream gave a glare over to XD then, who still sat up straight and held an air of delight. “I’m burning that doll.” He growled.

“You will do no such thing.” XD spoke matter-of-factly. “You used to love the doll.”

“Yeah, until you tickled it and I nearly died.” Dream huffed against George’s shoulder. “Then Drista got a hold of it that once and tickled me till I cried. I couldn’t’ stop laughing for hours.”

“I think they’re fun, XD.” George giggled, getting a glare from Dream below him. “I think you made very good dolls.”

XD perked up suddenly. “I’m so happy you think so, George! Because I have a surprise for you!”

While George was usually nervous to the God’s chipper tone, he was in a good mood so he had no sense for danger. Instead he looked curiously.

XD laid their hand out again and popped another item into their palm. Dream felt a spike of panic through him seeing the familiar shape and whiteness of the doll but then when he took in the details, he realised it wasn’t the same blob. The wide smile was gone and the small dot eyes were replaced by white goggles. The doll wasn’t a replica of Dream. It was a replica of George!

“Is that…”

“M-Me?!”

George had noticed the doll’s appearance as well. His calm mood was suddenly flustered and a slow growing blush grazed over his cheeks.

“Yes.” XD beamed, happily turning the doll in his hand. “A little George doll for little George.”

“W-When did you make th-that?”

Dream noticed the flutter in George’s voice. He was also watching the brunette slowly inching his way up, unfolding his legs as though readying to move.

“Not too long ago! I started practising making new dolls, and got much better at it. I’ve made a good few of them now!”

The last few words stuck out in Dream’s head, though he filed it away for later. Right now he was more focused on George and the slow growing worry on his face. He saw the slight twitches George kept making whenever XD’s fingers brushed along the doll.

“Would you like to see it, Dream?”

“Yes!”

“N-NO!”

Dream looked over to George, just in time to see the brunette lunge for the doll, moving much faster than he had when he was going for the golden shimmering apple. Just like with the scene before though, XD pulled the doll up and out of reach and George flew past them. He turned around, no doubt to make another grab, but XD squeezed into the doll’s side and George was floored, giggling over the forest floor and clutching his sides.

“W-Wahahait…”

“Would you like a turn, Dream?” XD turned to their brother, their grin wide.

“I would love to.” Dream grinned as well, holding out his hand and carefully holding the doll in his palm. It was so soft, and almost weighed nothing. Dream gave a little experimental poke into the doll’s front with his thumb and George jolted.

“D-Dreheaham! Plehehease…”

“What’s wrong George?” Dream held the doll firmer now and raised his other hand. His fingers on his free hand wiggled, slowly moving towards the doll. “I thought you liked these dolls?”

“NO! Nohoho! Dreheaham! Dream! Dohon’t-NOHOHOHO!! DREHEHEAHAHAM!!! NOHOHOHOT THEHEHEHEHERE!!!”

#dsmp tickle #mcyt tickle #lee!dream #ler!george #ler!dreamxd #ticklish blobs #i'm making the tag it's all come out now #ticklish dolls #covenofwords

263 notes · View notes

hyuneytoast · 3 years

Text

The Stranger’s Meadow || H.HJ

Pairing || Hwang Hyunjin x Reader

Word Count || 10k

Genre || Modern-ish(?) Magic AU, Angst, Fluff, Strangers to Lovers

Warnings || Suicide attempt, mentions of death, depression, and anxiety, explicit language

Description || You live in a world of magic, the Northern District. Despite it being a place where people are everywhere, meeting people was like a blue moon for you. It just so happens, during the most unlikely situation, you meet someone who offers to take you somewhere for comfort. To a flower cafe outside of the city, in the middle of a meadow. Mind you, the Northern District is one of magic, including a flower cafe that offers feelings.

Listen to ---> 7UP by Boy In Space & Closer to You by Rasmus Hagen

Note || This is my first fanfic and I will be honest... I’m very nervous about posting this! I apologize if the end seems rushed. Anyways, please be free to tell me your thoughts about it or if I missed a warning! Without further ado, please enjoy reading <3

11:09 pm

There's no feeling like the one right now. Being in the sky, above the city, wistfully watching it hold the society of nothing but magic. Lying in the Northern District is everything and anything. The things that can fill up a person of endless inspiration, endless purpose.

The remaining bits of the winter wind howls through the night, biting people. Nature coming back to life through the cold layer as days pass. Flowers and shrubs sprouting and budding. Spring embracing the life around. The moon hangs above, casting as much light as it could pass the blanket of thin, wispy clouds. The stars were barely visible due to the city’s lights polluting the air. Oh, how you missed the stars.

You’re on your apartment's rooftop looking down upon the sleeping, yet glowing city. Structures built and compacted everywhere with rivers running between. God, how much you love it all. From the big things, like the mystic city below and the cozy night sky, to the little things of lattes and flowers that grow between the pavement. Not to mention, the feeling of time coming to a stop for once.

Like every story, everything comes to an end. You'd miss it all, but it couldn't compare to the feeling of freedom close in your grasps. Your hands tightly grip the railing right in front of you, knuckles turning white.

You knew the consequences that awaited if you were to step forward.

If you were to climb over.

If you were to jump.

That’s why you’re here, after all.

Hot tears brim at the edge of your eyes, your vision blurring. All these years of bottling up emotions, you’re, at last, done. Empty. Too exhausted to even freely cry and too restless to properly sleep. In your everyday, you could worry about your job, your shitty boss, your financial struggles, or your unstable relationship with your parents. Or even college, where you're falling behind in alchemy. In fact, it's what you should be worrying about. But no. Instead, you're too absorbed in an abyss of loneliness and self doubt.

You have your co-workers, but they were no more than acquaintances. No friends. No one to express your emotions towards. In any relationship, you felt like the only one trying. Perhaps there is something wrong with you? It's exhausting to solve this problem without even knowing what is wrong with you. Even more so, you feel weak not being able to handle even the simplest struggles in life. Why are you like this? You felt like you had no good reason to feel the way you do. Everyone deals with loneliness. So why couldn't you? Invalid feelings. That's what you believe you're full of.

The moon watches you from afar, wishing it could speak. Wishing it could tell you how you're all wrong; what you're about to do is wrong. But it does what all it can do; illuminate the darkness that coats the sky.

It all continues. The world continues no matter what. The world continues no matter who decides to continue along with it. Day by day, month by month. What difference would it make if you were here? Or if you weren't? What’s the point in continuing?

The frigid wind welcoming you at the edge to jump. The moon silently begging for you to not. You shudder from the cold as you take a deep, shaky breath; your hands trembling around the rail. Apple-frosted fingertips and cheeks. Nose bitten by the bitter wind. You wipe the tears spilling from your eyes in a harsh manner. Adrenaline rushing through you. Was this really happening? You aren’t going to lie, you're terrified. Why is it so hard? It’s just one jump.

Right?

“Excuse me,” a gentle voice interrupts the dreadful silence.

You were rather more disappointed than startled by the sudden voice. You didn’t want anyone stumbling upon you in this situation. Nor, making you live longer and suffer more unneeded hours. You turn your head and upper body with eyes trailing to see the voice's owner. Your hands remain around the only thing dividing you and death. The draping patio lights above lit the area just enough to make out the stranger’s appearance.

There stood a tall, slender frame of an unfamiliar male a few feet afar. He looks like your age, if not, a couple years older. The breeze softly blew through his long blond hair, reaching no longer than his chin. He’s wearing black snug pants, a black turtle-neck, and a brown cardigan that was a bit loose on his shoulders. His hands were fumbling around with each other as he shuffles a bit closer. Like yours, his breath was visible, making tiny clouds of fog in the night’s air. His eyes wander around, taking in the night view before meeting your eyes. You could tell he was feeling nervous, but surely not as much as you.

You were literally taking in the last moments of your life. It was what you wanted, though, despite the fear that keeps trying to hold you back. This stranger, on the other hand, seems to have other plans.

The male clears his throat, breaking the awkward silence between you two.

“A-are you busy at the moment?” The stranger stutters causing him to curse at himself. He didn’t know if he's nervous, cold, or both. It didn’t help he was in panic mode, internally screaming for you not to jump.

“Why?” You bluntly reply, your tone revealing an emotionless demeanor.

“Could you at least step a little back from the rail? Please?”

You remain motionless which only makes the stranger's panic grow.

“Okay then…” His voice drifts off as he brings his hand to scratch the back of his neck. His eyes glance at the city before landing back at yours. He bit the bottom of his lip before continuing to speak. “Do you want to maybe… Maybe talk about it? What's bothering you, I mean. You're clearly distressed,” His voice becoming more pleading.

You remain standing in silence, like a fool. Why on earth would a stranger listen to you rant about your stupid problems? Why would he even think you would just open up to him like that?

“Well, do you like flowers?”

What the hell.

“Flowers…?” Taken aback from the random question, you raise one eyebrow.

"Yeah, flowers. Do you like them?”

It took you several seconds to process everything before nodding. The male, satisfied with your response, intertwines his fingers together.

“There’s a flower cafe I think you would like to visit. They have good coffee too. I bought Doorway tickets there for a friend and I, but my friend ended up ditching me. So… maybe if you would take the extra ticket? I’d be happy with that. We can accompany each other since we both seem, you know... lonely.”

Your eyes widen a bit. Was this guy interrupting your suicide attempt for a cafe and some flowers? You weren’t going to lie, it sounded like he was asking you out on a date. At the absolute wrong time. Out of all the dramas you spent hours watching, never have you seen a scenario like this. You’d think he’d at least ask a cute girl in the city somewhere. Or, even in a less awkward situation where one's not trying to die! You lowly chuckle in disbelief. For some reason, though, your mind kept drifting from your original plan and more towards the stranger’s offer.

“A cafe? At this hour?” Your tone was softer this time while your hands loosen a bit from the railing. You didn’t know what time it was, but you were aware that it was late. You remember leaving the inside of your apartment around 10:30 pm. Not to mention, you were standing on the rooftop for quite some time.

“Mhm,” He nods. “Please? Just trust me on this. I promise you’ll like it there. No regrets!”

You turn your head back and forth a few times, from the sleeping city and back to the friendly stranger. What could go wrong? Worst case scenario, he could be a necromancer or a grim reaper. He could be an Average planning to kill you, (which, from his sweet and polite impression, doesn’t seem to be the case) or you could jump like planned. Either way, neither choices and endings seem to disappoint you. Despite your doubt, you made a decision to agree and tag along.

“Okay, I-I’ll come with you,” your voice was on the quiet and uncertain side, but it was enough for the male to hear. You release your hands from the rail and turn around completely towards the stranger. With small steps, he approaches you closer leaving no more than two feet between. You could now examine the towering face before you better. His mono lids filled with dark orbs, representing the sentimental night above. Along was a mole placed right under his left eye. He has sharp nose and plump pink lips that curl into a small, consoling smile. Everything about his face seems to be so proportional, so perfect. Goddamn, why is he so pretty?

You took notice of his right-hand coming between and waiting for yours.

“I promise you to make this night worth it.”

You hesitate but end up lending him your hand. With his long fingers lacing between your small ones, he tugs you towards the stairs.

11:58 pm

You never liked strolling through the city, but it turned out to be more of a good time than expected. You passed through the city in its sleeping state while still hand in hand with the male. He would throw you reassuring smiles once in a while, making you a bit flustered. The evening was chilly, but not as much as it was on the rooftop; It was a bearable temperature. You didn’t feel pressure either since the streets weren’t overcrowded. To your surprise, you would enjoy wandering around just like this all night if you could. Now here you were at the location of instant transportation, Northern District Doorways.

There aren't trains, monorails, cars, or carriages. None of the such. Instead are doors that take you anywhere, basically having the purpose of a portal. Hallways and rooms of different colored doors that are numbered. Behind the doors lie major areas found in the Norther District. Enter the door and watch your surroundings melt into another.Arriving at the ticket booth, you feel warmth leave your hands, signaling you that the stranger let go.

“I have a key to enter door 325.”

You watch him hand over his ID. You were too focused on the male’s side-profile to look at the person working behind the booth. There was something about the stranger that seems comforting. Perhaps it was the gentle way he spoke, or the angelic features portrayed on his face. Or, how he is trying to save you because he cares. At least, you think he does. What ever it was, it made you put a great deal of trust in him. Maybe more than you were supposed to. That didn't prevent you from wondering where the stranger was taking you to, though.

You notice the male receive a silver key from the booth

“Thank you, have a good night. Come on!” You felt a tug on your hoodie’s sleeve, leading you pass the ticket booth. "The door isn't too far down the hallway."

You both walk pass doors aligned side by side, reflecting different colors and hues. Each number label increasing. Door 317, 319, 321, 323...

Door 325.

"Wait... I thought you had an extra ticket?" You question.

"Well... No, sorry. I own the door and property behind it. Because I own it, I don't need tickets. Just a key and the station's permission!" He says while waving the key in the air cheerfully.

Right when his hand lands on the handle of the dark green door, he turns to look at you with endearing eyes.

“Can you do something for me?"

"Sure," you reply with a small voice.

"I promised you that I'll make this a memorable night for you, right?"

You nod.

"That's only possible under one condition."

"Okay," You nervously reply. What would be the condition? Was this a bad idea? He's going to ask for all your silver and just scam you, isn't he?

"Before we enter the door... Just leave it all. Leave as much worries as you can right here, okay?"

12:10 am

The door opens with the view of an entire meadow. As you enter, the male lets go of your hand and closes the door behind. The airport? Gone. Any view of the city? Gone. Your shoes land on the pathway made of smooth stone pieces. The cold air nipped at both of your faces, welcoming your arrival. The edge of the pathway met with grass that extended further than your eyes could see. You could see faint specks of color from flowers all around, not yet bloomed. It's still hard to see as the night only grows. It smells like nature; The smell of fresh grass and refreshing, sweet scents the blossoms gave off. A smell rich of pollen. It's a new delightful smell, not one found in the city where you live. You could hear the plants dancing against each other as the wind blows through. The light chirping of crickets bounces in the night along. The whole atmosphere was serene.

“You like it?” Hyunjin’s soft-spoken voice rings through your ears, breaking you out of your trance.

“It’s beautiful,” You utter in awe.

“Well, that’s not all. We didn’t even arrive at the actual place yet. Come on.”

Light footsteps hit the stone, leaving the door behind. The yellow light from the street lamps illuminate the way while casting shadows.

“Are you cold?”

“No, I’m fine,” You reply, not removing your gaze from the lush terrain beside you.

“Okay. Let me know if you are, I can lend you my cardigan.”

“Got it, thank you.”

This surely wasn’t what you expected Hyunjin to take you to. You thought of those shops or cafes you walk pass in the city. The ones that are owned by enchantresses or fortune tellers. Or, the flower shops grim reapers own for funerals.

The walk is silent between you and the boy. There's no other person in view. Feeling your social anxiety kick in, you start fumbling with your hands. Realization completely dawns on you. You ditched your suicide attempt for an attractive guy and some flowers. Now, you were alone with him in the middle of god knows where. The lingering quietness didn’t help either. Should you say something? Hell, you didn’t even get his name. The male somehow notices your uneasiness, so he decides to break the silence.

“Do you have a favorite flower?”

“Umm…” You look up to meet the soft gaze beside you. “Maybe gardenias?”

“You sound a bit unsure there,” He chuckled. “Do you know what they mean?”

You tear your gaze from him and shake your head.

“Gardenias mean gentleness, joy, and secret love. They have a pleasant smell too!”

You let out a small smile, only to leave silence filling the air once again.

“I’m Hyunjin by the way. Hwang Hyunjin.”

“Y/N Y/L/N.”

"Very pretty name, Y/N," He grins.

You look at him, staring at his eyes crescent-like eyes as he smiles. You couldn’t help but think that despite not knowing what you were getting yourself into, he sure did. And it sent a bit of hope for happiness in your mind.

The remaining walk wasn't too long. In fact, it was a quite comforting one. Once in a while would you both ask random questions to get to know each other better. Well, mainly Hyunjin did the asking.

"What's your favorite color?"

"Y/F/C."

"Mine is black and red."

Hyunjin seemed to enjoy telling you stories of his friends too.

"We should try to make pancakes one day. I have a friend who once tried to make some. It was an absolute mess though! One time he put too much butter in the pan that it took up half the batter. The second batch, he didn’t put any butter and then burned his pancakes. We also found out that he was supposed to put vanilla in the batter, but he mixed it up with a sleeping potion. He passed out so fast after one bite! It was pretty funny,” He laughed while clapping his hands.

It reminded how you longed for friends or just company from someone, anyone. And now here you were. The experiences Hyunjin reminisced were enough to brighten your mood. You admired that; the effort he made in befriending you. You almost felt bad though, how you didn’t have stories to make him to make him laugh. Starting fun conversations weren’t your strength. Still, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy your time. You can’t remember the last time you felt like this; Not stressed out, not anxious, not empty of emotions, not fearful. All just seemed to dissipate into nonexistence.

The two of you continue on the pathway; soon taking a left turn and up a short staircase where the meadow elevates. Straight ahead you see a compact building, which you assume to be the flower cafe. The sight of it is charming and comforting, especially with the moonlight cascading from above. It’s a small, white shop with a dark shed roof, slanting down to the right. A giant window lies on the right front of the cafe. Flowers of many displayed behind the window and in front on wooden shelves. The door on the right is a lavender color with an "open" wooden sign hanging. The walls partially hidden under the lively draping vines and blossoms. It’s a kind of architecture and vibe you wouldn’t catch in the city. It’s like a page from a fairy tale book, ripped out and perfectly placed in front of you.

Hyunjin softly grips your hand and pulls you out towards the cafe's entrance.

“Y/N, welcome to Haven Cafe!”

12:52 am

The shop’s interior is just as cozy yet beautiful like the outside. It is on the smaller side, but it seems perfect for the environment, like a dark cottagecore. An aroma of fresh brewed coffee mixed with a bit of floral floated around. When you walk through the door, you are greeted by the wooden counter with a white marble top ahead. On top was a cashier register and a dark rotary dial phone. There is a thin glass on the counter, like a pastry case. There weren’t any pastries though. Instead, there are small glass bottles, some full of colorful flower petals and others of different magical dust blends. Pass the counter, you could see more counters, cabinets, and shelving of dark wood. On the shelves, that had vines growing alongside, lied dishes including saucers, teapots, and a couple of vintage manual coffee grinders. On the right besides the counter was a tall wooden figure with dozens of drawers. Each drawer has a label of different flower breeds. Placed hanging on the front of the counter below the glass is a menu listing several beverages.

Latte.

Tea.

Cappuccino.

Smoothie.

Milk tea.

Espresso.

Americano.

Below the list is a sign.

Prices depend on the effects you desire and flowers needed. Prices start at 2.5 pounds of silver.

On the left of the kitchen and overall area where you order is a small loft. There is the front window which extends to the side of the shop. There is a small evergreen-colored, square rug with a low dark-wood coffee table. There is a brown leather couch pushed against the cafe’s side window, which is where you are sitting. On your left, the couch meets a mini square table that resembles the counters. On it was a decent black lamp and a stack of marble coasters for your drinks. Above is a plant hanging in a macrame holder, like others throughout the shop. Around the top edge, where the walls meet the ceiling, are dainty fairy lights.

“Do you like it? The shop, I mean,” Hyunjin asks as he’s behind the counter organizing some bottles of flowers in a cabinet.

“Yes, it’s very charming. So you own this?”

“Thank you very much! Glad to hear that from you. And yeah, I own it along with 38 acres of the meadow. It’s kind of my home too. My bedroom is behind the back door. Anyways… Would you like me to explain the concept of this place?”

“Go ahead.”

Hyunjin walks to the front of the counter, leaning is body with arms supporting his weight behind.

“Hopefully it's not too complicated to understand. So, you know how each flower has their own meaning, right? Like what I told you earlier about gardenias. Basically, you need or want a certain feeling? Tell it to me, I make you a drink with the flowers that give you the desired feelings, and there you go! If you’re feeling regretful, and want to forget a specific memory, I suggest you order a tea with yellow carnations and rosemary. You want to befriend someone? You can offer them tea discretely full of yellow roses. And so on. All of them are made from the flowers I grow in my meadow!”

“So you sell potions for emotions? And how does that work from flowers?”

“I guess you can put it that way. And like I said, flowers have their own meanings and symbolisms. Specific flowers are assigned to a certain drink that will give you what you wish for. I blend the petals with a drink you want on the menu and your wish is granted!”

"So, if someone wants to forget a memory, you would give them what?"

"I suggest you order a drink with yellow carnations and rosemary."

“If... I want someone to die, you would give me what?”

You watch Hyunjin’s eyes soften as he feels his heart slightly break from your question. He couldn’t help but acknowledge the certain meaning behind your words; the words directed towards yourself.

“That… that I don’t make. I don’t even grow those flowers. The goal of this shop is more for one's benefit. That excludes death or any inflicted harm on one's self.”

You simply nod in response before tearing your gaze from his. Your eyes observe the shop once again, taking in the pleasant atmosphere. You start to wonder what you just got yourself into. Sure you’ve had the traditional beneficial ones, like chamomile tea. But you've never had what Hyunjin had to offer. You've seen very few similar shop concepts, but you discovered that later they were just shitty scams. Was Hyunjin scamming you? Part of you didn't want to believe he was. It all seems legit anyways. Unbelievably legit.

“But, I can make you something else if you’d like.”

“Okay,” accepting his offer.

He smiles with satisfactory. “You like coffee, right?”

“Mhm.”

“Perfect then!” He claps his hands together and makes his way behind the counter.

You remain sitting on the couch examining what Hyunjin does. He opens a drawer from the cabinet and pulls out a few bristly leaves. Retrieving a coffee grinder from a shelf, he pours in the leaves and coffee beans.

After several minutes, he approaches you with a short, but wide black cup. He places it on the coffee table in front of you as you lean forward to pick it up. You could see it steaming as your hands hug the cup, absorbing the warmth.

“What flower is this made of?”

“Purple hyacinth. It will help you let go of the time on the roof or some events before that. It's also made of alstroemeria petals and may... help us become better friends..." Hyunjin's voice drifts off as his face starts reddening with embarrassment. "Also!! Don’t worry about paying, it’s on me!”

You lightly chuckle at the boy's flustered state beside you.

After a minute of blowing on the drink, you take a sip. The warmth dances around in your mouth and tingles on your tongue. It tastes like an average latte, not too bitter nor too sweet. The coffee was rich in cream and tasty. You didn’t feel different, but continue drinking it.

"So, you majored in... healing or something?" You ask, taking another sip of the hot beverage.

"Something like that. I majored in medical and alchemy," he smiles. "What about you?"

"I'm currently majoring in alchemy too! I'm kind of falling behind on my studies though, ha."

"Majoring? So how old are you?"

"Nineteen. You?"

"Twenty."

"So you graduated early, then."

"Yup!" He grins.

"Good for you," You lightly laugh.

"Thanks! And hey, maybe I can help you with your class."

"I'd like that."

The night grew heavier and the moon continued to make its way across the sky. What else grew was your trust and hope, especially in the new acquaintance. I mean, he could have poisoned you already. Here you are though; uncertain, but well alive.

You felt a growing desire to see what else wonders he had to show you.

Oh god- Was this what he meant with the alstroemeria petals?

2:21 am

Maybe not in your eyes, but in his, you were lovely. And of course, you still are. Hyunjin could not deny that. You were crying on the roof in pure devastation. He still thought of you as one of the loveliest persons he's seen and met. He has noticed you a few times at the book store you work at, but that was some time ago.

That is until he saw you on the rooftop of an apartment. Hyunjin was initially visiting the apartment next to you, which was his best friend’s. Working at Haven Shop for problematic people made him grow to be very observant. Not much observation was necessary for your state, though. You were so close to the rail. So close to climbing over, sleeves wiping your teary face. It was an obvious, painful scene. It was his job to try help people out and you were no different. He can’t remember the last time he ran as fast as he did that night to get to you.

Now here you were. Safe under the same roof as him. Hyunjin sat on the dark wooded flooring of his bedroom, behind the back door of the shop. His bedroom is simple, but pleasantly aesthetic. There’s a window with a seating ledge in the middle, across the door. In the right corner is a bed with nothing but white sheets and pillows. It stretches across to the window. Above is a shelf with a plant, whose leaves were like a curtain, and a framed photo of his dog, Kkami. On the right corner of the room is a tall, oak wood bookcase. The books held information of nature and poetry. A few even included fantasy novels and dog facts. In the center on the ceiling hung a few light pendants, varying in different lengths. The room was dark yet cozy.

You were on the bed, snuggled between the blankets. Last night, you two had a few chats of pointless, but fun topics. The night grew deeper and you two grew sleepy. After several yawns, Hyunjin was able to convince you to sleep on his bed while he slept on the floor. You refused saying he was already offering too much. But he said your comfort is his top priority.

Most of the night, he was awake with endless thoughts. It was going to be hard to make you appreciate your life on this world. His sense of protection over you was great enough for him to at least try, though.

Sure, Hyunjin has dealt with people full of different emotions in his shop. They weren’t so severe though. People came in knowing what they wanted and left. Nothing else. Not to mention, there were many customers who’d take his work for granted.

You aren’t like that though. There were times when Hyunjin had to reassure you that you weren’t being a burden. You were selfless. Perhaps a little too selfless, but it’s an admirable trait to him. In fact, there is something else about you. Something that intrigues him. Sure, you have a pretty face, but there’s something more. It makes him want to protect you; give you the happy world he believes you deserve.

That is his job after all...

Right?

9:37 am

The glowing rays of the sun hits your face, alerting you to wake up. The melodic chirps of birds bounce in the distance. Shifting away from the blinding light, your eyes flutter to the room.

This wasn’t your apartment. Definitely not.

It took you a minute before remembering how you got here. That’s right. You with Hyunjin in his shop. You sit up, groaning and rubbing your eyes from your surprisingly good rest. The room wasn’t too cold nor hot. The bustling city noises weren’t echoing outside. It was comfortable, a soothing atmosphere. You stand up and take a deep breathe, inhaling the gentle lavender fragrance.

Making your way, you twist the silver door knob. You're revealed the shop’s “kitchen” along with Hyunjin. He is gathering empty glass bottles from a drawer at the bottom of the main counter. He turns around upon hearing his bedroom door creak. Looking at you, he makes a bright, welcoming smile.

“Good morning, Y/N! Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Have a seat on the couch. I’ll make you something and after, I’ll take you around the meadow. Is that okay?”

“Of course! Take your time too,” You say, making you way to the couch in the loft area.

Now that the sun is awake, everything seems to be more clear. The sun rays peeking straight into the front window and the plants seem more lively. The view outside was beautiful, too. The meadow is brighter, more green and lush. Flower buds filling up half of the field, only few that have started to open it petals. The sky seems just as happy. Not gloomy from the pollution cars spat out in the city. The blue is full of thin, wispy white clouds. Small groups of birds flew by every here and there. The scenery made you more eager to explore the unfamiliar wonders.

You look at Hyunjin whose occupied making drinks for himself and you. He is wearing black cargo pants and a loose, white v-neck shirt tucked in. The peeking sunlight hides in his hair. He is lowly humming a random tune with a content look. You want to ask a few questions, but decided later; not wanting to interrupt his work.

He walks towards you and serves your drink in your hands before sitting next to you. You look at the tall, glass cup in your grasps. It’s full of a green drink and strawberry puree, flowing down from the side of the cup.

“It’s a strawberry matcha latte with pink hyacinth. In a way, it will help wake you up and boost your happiness for the day!”

“What about your drink?”

“Oh, this? It’s just a regular iced americano. There’s a short list of rules I have to follow in order to own this business. One of them is that I can’t drink any of the magical products here.”

“Why?”

“Not too sure. Maybe it's so I don't take advantage of the magic I'm capable of,” He turns to you and softly smiles.

You nod, returning the smile before taking a sip of your strawberry latte. Your eyes widen, its taste definitely coming to your liking. It was creamy and refreshing. The bitterness from the matcha and sweetness from the strawberries blended well.

“Wow, this is really good!” You exclaim, making the boy make grin yet, flustered.

“Thank you! Its one of my favorite drinks too, without the flowers of course.”

“Are the flowers suppose to make the drink taste different?”

“Nope. The flower petals don’t effect the taste, just the conditions of your wish.”

11:32 am

The mood of spring is definitely present. The sunlight dances through the meadow and plants gently sway along in the breeze. The feathery clouds move across the fairy blue sky at a steady pace. The blossoms paint vibrant colors against the lush field, stretching far over the horizon. Like fiery stars dotting the night sky. From deep reds and bold oranges to soft pinks, purples, and beaming yellows. Mini white butterflies flutter around, bees prancing from one flower to another. Every part of nature seems so carefree, yet thriving in complete beauty.

You let the pleasing warmth from the sun soak into you while walking besides Hyunjin. He hums a soft joyous tune, eyes wandering at the scene in front of him. You let your left hand drift across the tall greenery that surrounds you. There’s no pathway or any structure for guidance. You just walked pass Haven Shop and Hyunjin told you to just let your mind wander with your feet.

“Do you ever get tired of the view?” You question and look up at the boy’s side profile.

One thing for sure is that you’ll never get tired of looking at Hyunjin. It’s already so damn hard to not stare at the pretty boy who you just met. His lips appear so soft with eyes of stars. His hair perfectly framing the structure of his face-

“Of course not. It never fails to amaze me! Especially around this month, when spring begins. I miss it through out the winter.”

“I bet. I get tired of the city view every now and then. I don’t think I’d ever get tired of this though.” Your lips curl into a small smile as you let your eyes focus ahead.

Up ahead offers even more for your fascination. In the near distance is a river. The water so clear, the pebbles at the bottom are very much visible. It glistens with reflection of the sunlight. The calming trickle of water becoming more audible as you both approach closer. On the other side of the river, the field of flowers elevate, holding up a willow tree. A tall tree with feathery vines that drape down, coming in near contact with the water. You stare in awe at the idealistic scene before you.

Hyunjin turns his head to get a good look at your face. Your eyes lit up with anticipation and lips slightly apart. It pains him knowing the emotions you feel deep down. That didn't affect how he truly viewed you, though. The sunlight didn’t help either, highlighting every feature on your face. The light was just singing, “You! You!” How lovely you are.

“No,” Hyunjin thought, shaking his head and averting his attention back to the willow tree. He has a job to do. Make you happy, brighten up your days with wonders up his sleeve. That's all. How could he possibly feel anything more towards you? He barely knew you. He just met you less than a day ago! He clears his throat before speaking, wanting to distract himself from the sweet thoughts of you.

“Have you ever been outside of the city? Like to the Northern Country, of course.”

“No, I’ve always stayed in the city. Never had a good reason to leave. Until now that is.”

“I see. Nice to know I’m the one to first take you to a place like this then!” He giggles.

There it is again. His contagious, yet melodic laugh. One that makes your heart flutter and adore, leaving your ears craving more. You let out a breathy laugh, joining Hyunjin on the joyous feelings.

“How did you start?,” You say with a light voice. Relaxed footsteps approaching the creek more.

“My mom and dad are pretty strict. They always encouraged me to open up a business of my own, too. I found myself very interested in alchemy and just helping people in general. So, I studied hard and here I am!"

"Good for you, Hyunjin!" You compliment.

"Thank you!" He puts his hands over his chest and lets out huge sigh of happiness.

You giggle at his dramatic behavior.

1:02 pm

Hyunjin and you sat on the grass, leaning back against the willow tree. The vines dangling from the branches that stretched out above made it a perfect canopy-like shelter. You sway your feet left to right in front of the river ahead; shoes abandoned to the right side of you. It's a perfect spot to seek for solace, especially with Hyunjin's company. It's like a hidden paradise. You didn't care if you didn't show up for work today. You didn't care if you were in an unfamiliar place. You didn't care if you just met Hyunjin less than twenty-four hours ago. All you want now is to just enjoy the present time of the happiness you thought was long lost.

It's like nature playing a part of sympathy for you. The sweet scent of blossoms and pines fill up your nose. The mellow breeze freely caressing your faces. On the outstretched branches above are the winged symphonies played by sparrows. The swaying blades of grass tenderly stroking both of your bare feet. Sunlight beaming down, reflected off the water and strained through the tree's leaves. The tree also providing shade like a tattered umbrella.

It is known that trees behold stories of many. It this tree could speak, it happily tell you how the meadow slowly grew and came to be. How Hyunjin would walk through the meadow day by day, tendering to the flowers until they began growing wildly on their own will. How every star fragment in the sky is visible to the naked eye, only if you decide to stay out at night. How the tree itself got to hear the magnificent stories each traveller told when they came by to rest. How it will patiently wait for you to tell any of your stories.

Every once in a while would Hyunjin's hand brush against yours. It somehow managed to make your heart dance every time. Little do you know, he was doing it on purpose. Little do you know, he wishes for your simple touch, your hand to hold. How he's too timid to do so, though. Instead, he silently remains cherishing every moment with you.

"Why aren't there customers at Haven Shop?"

"My shop isn't open yet. In fact, it opens back up tomorrow so that's when people should arrive," He states. "It's because of winter. Flowers and their magic effects, especially here, obviously die off in the winter. So, that's when I have to close my shop. And god it's hard going through a meadow with barely any life. I miss it. But that's when spring comes by and never fails to amaze me."

"Ah, I see."

"Can I ask you something?" Hyunjin turns his head to lock eyes with you.

"Of course."

"How are you really feeling? Like from last night."

You look at your fumbling hands on your lap, causing moment of silence before speaking. "Better than the time on the roof, that's for sure. In fact, I almost forgot that happened. I guess I'm enjoying my time here." You turn to gaze at him with a small, appreciative smile.

"Good to hear. And we're friends, right?"

"You mean you want to be friends with me?" Your eyes widen in disbelief.

"Of course!" He smiles and scrunches his nose, something that made your heart go crazy.

"Then, friends we are I guess."

"I think it worked."

"What worked?"

"The drink I gave you last night! I didn't put too much flowers so the effect wouldn't be so strong, but it's working," He remarks with satisfaction.

"Good to know," You giggle. Do you believe him? You aren't completely certain. You don't care about it though.

The comforting atmosphere and warm sunlight eventually made you yawn with drowsy eyes.

"Tired?"

"Just a bit. It's hard not to be when in peaceful place like this," You let out a breathy laugh.

"Here, relax." Hyunjin's hand comes to the side of your head and gently pushes it to his shoulder.

After a few minutes, your eyes drift off into darkness as you lay on him. Hyunjin smiles with adoration before resting his head on yours, entering dreamland with you.

Both of you pleading the world to not let this day end.

5:48 pm

You spent the day attending your university in the morning and completing your afternoon shift at the book store. Being placed back in society just reminded you how much of an ass everyone is. A crazy witch came in demanding for spell books for immortality. Who the hell did she think she was? A god? You told her there are no books of such kind. The next thing you know, she's complaining to your boss about how "lazy and stubborn" you are. And now? Your boss cut back your paycheck for "not doing your job properly." For a the whole damn month. You would tell him about the actual situation of why the witch was mad, but like again, your boss is an ass and won't listen. This sure wasn't the first time too.

It's been two days since Hyunjin dropped you off home. You told him you needed to prepare for school and work the next day and so should he. To be honest, you would continue staying at the meadow if it weren't for your life tasks. You already skipped a few days though. When he dropped you off home, he engulfed you in a big hug and told you to not leave the world, but come back to him.

What were you going to say? No?

Now, you are walking down the city streets on your way to the Northern District Doorways. Whenever there were crowds headed your way, you'd move to the sidewalk across to avoid them. Crowds mixed of Averages and the magical class. Despite the power difference, everyone ran on the same mindset of equality.

And here you are, slowly becoming apart of the magical class. Well, that is if you pass your alchemy class. From taking notice of the spell books in the bookstore, even that made your brain undergo an entire maze.

Schools for young ones who are Averages placed throughout the city. Then, further in the center are universities where people begin to develop their potential for magic. They have choices of what they want to major in. Medical, where you learn to heal wounds with magic. This could be sealing cuts or making potions with medical purposes. English classes where you memorize every magic spell term, mainly for those who desire to be witches and wizards. And then alchemy... Learning about chemistry of magic components. Yup, you know lots about that class. Well, in a way, you do.

You continue to stroll in the busy midday city. Buildings of many tightly packed together, resembling an overcrowded village. Buildings constructed of stone, cement, or wood that is either petrified or damp of weariness. The buildings roofed with dark asphalt shingles and displaying arched windows.

The paved stone roads that connected through and around structures. Small weeds growing between the stone cracks. The police stations constantly crowded with necromancers. Banks for your silver. Shops that make wands for witches and wizards. Clothing stores. Convenient shops that carry the basic magic necessities many need. Mossy stone statues of the greatly respected elders capable of magic. Planters nicely placed in the center, between the shops. Wooden crates outside shops that hold fresh fruit and bread. The roads that formed into bridges over rivers. The rivers for the canoes that rely on magic to continuously float. Post offices are very common throughout the city, too.

Post offices... It reminds you that you and Hyunjin should exchange addresses to contact each other. In the Northern District, phones simply did not exist. Instead, writing instant letters is the way for communication. You'd write a letter, put someone's address, and it will disappear to that person once you'd stamp it.

And then, there were the dark alleyways. Alleyways where mice and stray cats roams. Where the roads are cracked and uneven, homing the drunken powerless citizens. The smell of alcohol and smoke was faint but still unpleasantly present.

Continuing on are prostitutes offering services in front of their stores. Children running and laughing on the streets, playing games of tag and hide and seek. People gracefully singing on the boats below.

Oh how they are all only half of the structures the Northern District offers.

Your feet start to slowly ache. Not only was the transportation center distant, but you're walking at a faster pace to avoid the crowds. And perhaps, you may be eager to visit the boy in the meadow.

Stomps and chattering. Cheering and complaints. Bells ringing with doors constantly opening and closing. Your nostrils burn with the variety of smells. Scents of flowers and bread to smoke, oil, and alcohol. Children's joyous voices. The still air allowing the sun’s rays gently beam. It's all the Northern District just simply existing.

Entering the station, you approach the ticket booth. Good thing you remember the door number.

"Good afternoon!" A young guy greets from inside the booth. He has permed silver hair, small eyes and a bright smile with braces. A small name tag pinned on his suit, displaying "Jeongin."

"Hello, a ticket for Door 325, please."

"Of course."

He's quite cute looking, but that didn't lessen your social anxiety. You could scream and let out a dramatic exhale. You could run away and tuck yourself cozily in a corner. But of course, you couldn't just do that.

"Here is your ticket. Have a good day and safe travels!" He waves with twinkling eyes.

"Thank you! You too." You eagerly grab the ticket out of Jeongin's hand and scurry past the booth.

After looking at a directory, you walk down the hallway containing doors of 300 to 350.

You casually walk down with eyes swiftly scanning each door.

A deep red door of 313.

A mustard yellow door of 315.

And at last, the dark green door numbered 325!

A small smile of anticipation appears on your face.

When was the last time you were this excited? You could not remember. You simply didn’t care though.

6:27 pm

"Thank you very much! Have a good day!" Hyunjin smiles, courteously waving off the one of many customers.

He turns behind, restocking a glass bottle with pink camellia petals from the drawer. His mind seems to hold onto one thought ever since yesterday. You. He couldn't deny it any longer. The boy, once a stranger, loves you. God damn, he misses you, too. Feelings only growing from you absence. At the same time, though, the feeling of fret also fills him. Fearing that perhaps you may turn away from him and jump like you wanted to that night. Worrying that you simply had no interest in him, even as just a friend. He gave you a drink with alstroemeria petals, though. So that couldn't happen. But the doubt seems to never leave him.

Hyunjin's ears fill with a familiar bell ringing above the door.

"Be right there!" He politely informs. Closing a few drawers and placing the bottle aside, he turns around; eyes focused on a small insect crawling on the register.

"Good afternoon, welcome to Ha-" Hyunjin abruptly stops in mid-sentence as he looks up from the now dead bug. His eyes widen and a faint pink spreads across his cheeks.

"Hi, Hyunjin," You greet and wave your hand in a rather timid manner.

He suddenly gasps aloud and runs around the counter. Wrapping his arms, he forces you into a tight hug.

"You came back," He coos, head resting on top of yours. All of his doubts and worries about you instantly fade away.

Though your head is buried in Hyunjin's chest, you could practically hear the huge smile resting upon his face. Eventually breaking the hug, you both step back taking a good look at each other. He's wearing a white collared button-up. On top layers a thin denim jacket tucked in black pants and a long beige coat, stopping at his knees. His blond hair neatly tucked behind his ears, only a few front strands framing his face. It so desperately made you want to push it back, but how you had to resist.

"How-" Hyunjin gets interrupted by the bell, notifying a customer just entered.

"We'll talk later," He winks at you before going back behind the register.

7:13

Several customer came lining up in the store. After they received their drinks, they were out the door. You sat on the couch peacefully watching each pass. Barely two minutes ago, a customer came in stating he has a soccer game and in need of motivation and ambition.

"One americano of hollyhock for Chris!"

"Yes, thank you!"

"It has hollyhock and hyacinth in it. Enjoy the rest of your day and I wish you good luck on your soccer game!"

"Thanks, mate!" The customer shouts as he exits the shop.

After the place is once again empty aside from Hyunjin and you, Hyunjin runs out through the entrance before coming right back in.

"What was that about?" You ask while still seated on the couch, legs crossed and arms hugging a small white pillow to your chest.

"Oh, I just had to change sign to 'closed'. Do you want a drink?"

"Sure. How about... one not for me but my boss whose a complete asshole? Can I do that?"

"Don't tell me you want me to conjure up a death drink for him."

"I thought you couldn't do that?"

"I can't, I'm just messing with you! But sure. I'll give you a small bottle of the flower powders and you can put it in his water or coffee at work. What about you, though?"

"Surprise me a drink for success and remembrance."

"Sure thing, Y/N. What is it for? Only if you don't mind me asking." Hyunjin makes his way behind the counter, opening drawers, collecting flowers, and putting them in the manual coffee grinders.

"I have a huge test next Friday for fucking alchemy. I need to pass and remember as much information as I can."

"I see. So in other words, you're seeking my work for cheating on a test?" He turns his head to look at you, playfully wriggling an eyebrow.

"You really had to go word it like that?" You playfully ask with a small smile.

Hyunjin turns his head back to his work, carefully spooning flower essence into a glass bottle. "I mean, it's true. Note this though. In order for this drink to take full affect, I suggest you drink it the night before the test. So I'll give the flowers in a bottle for you. And! Make sure you study every single note you've taken right after drinking it. Then, you should be good to go!"

Several minutes later, the boy returns to you, lending you a mini white pouch.

"The bottles are in here, so careful. I labeled them too, so you won't get anything mixed up."

"Thanks, Hyunjin. What did you put?"

"No problem. I put statice and goldenrod for yours. For your boss, he has gladiolus with a smidge of coreopsis."

"Thank you again."

"Shut up, no need to thank me. I'll gladly make hundreds of drinks just so I know I'm helping you." Hyunjin's ear redden a bit after saying that. "U-umm... I-"

You chuckle aloud at his nervous state. "It's alright! I'm flattered." Deep down though, you're just as nervous. Why? You aren't one-hundred percent certain, but you think you may be falling even more for the lovely boy whose in front of you. It be more of a surprise, though, if you were to not fall for him.

6:41 pm

It's something said before; The world continues no matter who decides to continue with it. Time lives on without warning anybody. Slowly, it sure didn't feel like that was the case though. The day turns into the next day, then a week, then a month, and soon enough, many more. And as much possible free time you had, you spent it on Hyunjin. You'd visit him so often, he decided to give you a his shop's spare key to use during closing hours. You never used it yet, though, because he always had his doors unlocked for an hour more, knowing and waiting for you to come by. Occasionally, he'd invite himself over at your apartment, surprising you when you open the door. And then, no matter where you both were, you'd do whatever fun activities friends do.

Helping you study (and you certainly passed on your alchemy test thanks to him), going to book stores, riding the boats in the rivers below. He'd visit you at work too sometimes. And surprisingly, the mixture he gave you worked on your boss. Your boss became more sincere not only towards you, but to your co-workers. Then movie nights, picnics under the willow tree and cuddling. To your surprise, Hyunjin was more clingy than you'd ever though he'd be. On days where you were unable to hangout, you'd both write letters. Soon after you stamped the letter and it disappeared, you'd receive one in return. Usually, no more than 10 minutes later. You recall receiving a letter that was half soaked. He wrote how he spilled his americano and didn't want to waste everything he wrote before. He stated how he spilt it on his favorite sweater too.

There was a time where he introduced you to a friend of his, too.

"Felix, this is Y/N! Y/N, this if Felix! You know the guy who made a mess when making pancakes?"

Later on, you three decided to bake brownies at Felix's apartment which was just down the block. Oh how poor Felix's kitchen ended up looking like hell.

Then, when it was just Hyunjin and you once again, you continued making happy memories. You barely remember the night you wanted to jump, or the feelings you did feel. Hyunjin helped replace them all.

"You're feeling alright, right? Happy?" Hyunjin's asks lowly with a sleepy voice.

Both of you were on the roof of your apartment. Sitting on a bench, admiring the view the Northern District offered.

"I'm alright. Especially with you." You chin rested on his shoulder, looking up at his eyes. His eyes are one of the many things you absolutely adored about Hyunjin. They held fragments of the starry sky and displayed many endearing emotions. Eyes that you enjoy getting lost in. Oh and how they'd turn into the crescents themselves when he'd smile bliss.

"Tell me when you feel down. It doesn't matter if it's three in the morning or if my shop is crowded. I like it when you open up your feeling to me. I like knowing you trust me. M'kay?"

"Thanks, Jinnie."

If the moon could sing, it would. It sing about how cheery it is knowing your existence. It sing knowing the feelings you and your friend has. It sing out of contentment while the stars would dance. It sing knowing you've recovered from each night of crying.

The nights you've cried, Hyunjin was there right by your side. Pulling you close to him, sweet nothings would pour out of his lips. Sometime you'd talk about the mess in your mind, sometimes you didn't; just wanting his comforting presence to keep you. His presence to remind you that all is not lost. Then after, if you were up for it, he'd take you for a long stroll in the city.

8:01 pm

You both are on Hyunjin's bed cuddling. Nothing but the moonlight shining through the window, landing upon your bodies. Your head laying on top of Hyunjin's chest and his hands playing with your hair. You can hear his mellow heartbeats and feel his chest calmingly rise and fall.

"It's a perfect time to hangout by the willow tree. You want to go?" His voice ever so gentle, drowning your ears.

"Why now?"

"Pleeeaasse!" The boy pleadingly whines, making you giggle.

"Let's go then." You sit up on the bed.

"Yay!" Hyunjin immediately hops off the bed. Swiftly grabbing your hand, he pulls you to get up towards the back exit.

"Woah, Hyunjin!" You laugh at his excited behavior, like a child told he could get any candy in an entire candy store.

The door closes behind with a small creek and thud. The cool relaxing air hitting your faces. Summer is nearing, so the air is no colder than the nights before, but instead, warmer.

"Race you!" He shouts, before dashing off into the tall growing meadow.

And of course, you run. Running in the color-dotted field as it if were the stars in the sky above. Both of your laughters mix into the night air with the solemn singing of the insects. Hastened footsteps making crunching noises with the grass beneath.

The next scene is what makes you break out into a big fit of laughing. You weren't too far behind Hyunjin. He though, before reaching the tree, ended up tripping and falling into the river. The river whose currents flowed peacefully now being disturbed.

"NOooOOooOOoo!~" Hyunjin shrieks, now sitting in the middle of the river.

You catch up, standing on the edge before the river without breaking your fit of laughter. Hyunjin would kill to hear you laugh every hour, to see a smile painted on your face. Despite his love for you and your current laughter, he extends his arm only to pull you down with him.

"HYUNJIN!" Your legs and half of your arms now immersed underwater. Now it's his turn to laugh.

It was good that the night air was warm enough to not leave you both freezing. To your surprise, you both didn't reach the tree. Instead, you both remained sitting in the river; Bodies leaning on each other for support and comfort. Another thing to your surprise, you felt more excited. Stuck in a manner more playful than usual, like a child who stole his mom's coffee.

The field ahead decorated with more colorful flowers than ever. The black sky above wearing millions of jewels. The river currents playing its own song. Both of you aware of your hearts thumping like crazy.

"You know that drink I gave you an hour ago?"

"Yeah," You reply in a hushed tone.

"It's mad of pink alstroemeria flowers."

You remove your head from his shoulder to make eye contact with him; his eyes of tenderness. "And what does that mean?"

"Love and playfulness. It best represents friendship that turns to love." Hyunjin says in a barely audible whisper, but it's more than enough for you to hear. At a time like this, he greatly thanks the sky for hiding his deeply-reddened face. "C-can I show you something?"

"Hm?"

Hyunjin's lips crash onto yours not a second later. The gap between you both who desired to be filled had it wish granted. His plump lips were soft on yours, both passionately moving in sync. His lips gave off a taste of sweetness; lips completely sugarcoated. And he could say the same for yours. He eventually pulls away, only to rest his forehead against yours. Eyes lovingly gazing into one another’s. You both sweetly smile, not daring to break eye contact. It feels like the world came to a stop for the two of you.

"You know, you have to pay me back for all those drinks I made for you. How about you do that by coming on a date with me?"

"I'll have to think about that," You say mischievously.

Hyunjin leans in to give you another kiss, one quick but still sweet.

"How about now?"

And that night, the willow tree had another story to keep.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: SKZ Materialist*.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

156 notes · View notes

thewidowsghost · 3 years

Text

The Daughter of the Sea - Chapter 9

(Y/n)'s POV

It doesn't take me long to pack. I decide to leave the Minotaur horn in the cabin, which leaves me only an extra change of clothes and a toothbrush to stuff in a backpack Grover had found for me.

The camp store loans me one hundred dollars in mortal money and twenty golden drachmas. The coins are as big as Girl Scout cookies and have images of various Greek Gods stamped on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. The ancient mortal drachmas had been silver, Chiron had told us, but Olympins never used less than pure gold. Chiron said the coins might come in for non-mortal transactions - whatever that might mean. He gives Annabeth, Percy, and me canteens of nectar and Ziploc bags full of ambrosia squares, to be used only in emergencies, if we were seriously hurt. It is god food, Chiron reminds us. It would cure us of almost any injury, but it is lethal to mortals. Too much of it would make a half-blood very, very feverish. An overdose would burn us up, literally, Fun.

Annabeth is bringing her magic Yankees cap, which she tells me had been a twelfth-birthday present from her mom. She is also bringing a book on famous classical architecture, written in Ancient Greek, to read when she gets bored, and a long bronze knife, hidden in her shirt sleeve. I'm sure the knife is going to get us busted the first time we go through a metal detector.

Grover is wearing his fake feet and his pants to pass as a human. He wears a green rasta-style cap, because when it rains his curly hair flattened and you can just see the tips of his horns. Grover's bright orange backpack is full of scrap metal and apples to snack on. In his pocket is a set of reed pipes his daddy goat had carved for him, even though he only knows two songs: Mozart's Piano Concerto Number 12 and Hilary Duff's 'So Yesterday,' both of which sound pretty bad on reed pipes.

We wave good-bye to the other campers, take one last look at eh strawberry fields, the ocean, and the Big House, then hike up the Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, the Daughter of Zeus.

Chiron is waiting for us in his wheelchair. Next to him stands the surfer dude I'd seen when I was recovering in the sick room. According to Grover, the guy is the camp's head of security. He supposedly had eyes all over his body so he could never be surprised. Today, though, he's wearing a chauffeur's uniform, so I can only see the extra eyes on his hands, face, and neck.

"This is Argus," Chiron tells me. "He'll drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things."

I hear footsteps behind us.

Luke comes running up the hill, carrying a pair of basketball shoes. "Hey!" he pants. "Glad I caught you."

Annabeth blushes, the way she always does when Luke is around.

"Just wanted to say good luck," Luke tells us. "And I thought . . . um, maybe you could use these."

He hands Percy a pair of sneakers, which look pretty normal.

Then, Luke says, "Maia!"

White bird's wings sprouted out of the heels. The shoes flap around on the ground until the wings fold up and disappear.

"Awesome!" Grover exclaims.

Luke smiles. "Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from Dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days...." His expression turns sad.

Annabeth stomps down the other side of the hill, after arguing with Percy, where a white SUV waits on the shoulder of the road. Argus follows, jingling his car kees.

Percy picks up the flying shoes and then looks up at Chiron. "I won't be able to use these, will I?"

Chiron shakes his head. "Luke meant well, Percy. But taking to the air...that would not be wise for you."

I nod, getting an idea, "Hey, Grover. You want a magic item?"

His eyes light up. "Me?"

Pretty soon, we'd laced the sneakers over his fake feet, and the world's first flying goat boy is ready for launch.

"Maia!" Grover shouts. He gets off the ground, okay, but then falls over sideways so his backpack drags through the grass. The winged shoes keep bucking up and down like tiny broncos.

"Practice," Chiron calls after him. "You just need practice."

"Aaaaa!" Grover goes flying sideways down the hill like a possessed lawnmower, heading towards the can.

But before I can follow, Chiron catches my arm. "I should have trained you two better, Percy, (Y/n)," he says. "If only I had more time. Hercules, Jason - they all got more training."

"That's okay. I just -" I stop myself.

"What am I thinking?" Chiron cries. "I can't let the two of you get away without these." He pulls two pens out of his coat pocket and hands one to me and one to Percy.

Looking down at it, I see a teal-colored gel pen. Maybe cost thirty cents.

"Gee," Percy says. "Thanks."

"Percy, those are gifts from your father. I've been keeping them for years, not knowing you two were the ones I was waiting for. But the prophecy is clear to me now. You two are the ones."

Instinctively I take off the cap, and the pen grows longer and heavier in my hand. In half a second, I am holding a shimmering bronze sword with a double-edged blade, a teal and silver leather-wrapped grip. This is the first weapon that feels balanced in my hand.

"That sword has a long and tragic history that we need not go into," Chiron tells Percy. "Its name is Anaklusmos."

"Riptide," Percy translates.

"I have never seen anyone use that sword that I'm aware of," Chiron says, turning to me. "Yours is named Τυφώνας."

"Hurricane," I translate, surprised that the Ancient Greek came so easily to me.

"Use them only for emergencies," Chiron says, "and only against monsters. No hero should harm mortals unless absolutely necessary, of course, but neither sword would hurt them in any case."

I look down at the wickedly sharp blade. "What do you mean it wouldn't harm mortals? How could it not?"

"Those swords are celestial bronze. Forged by the Cyclopes, tempered in the heart of Mount Etna, cooled in the River Lethe. It's deadly to monsters, to any creature from the Underworld, provided they don't kill you first. But the blades will pass through morals like an illusion. They simply are not important for the blade to kill. And I should warn you two: as demigods, you can be killed by either celestial or normal weapons. You are twice as vulnerable."

"Good to know," Percy says.

"Now recap the pens," Chiron says.

Percy and I touch the pen cap to the sword tips and instantly Riptide and Hurricane shrink to ballpoint pens again. I tuck it in my pocket, a little nervous because it's pretty easy to lose a pen.

"You can't," Chiron says.

"Can't what?" I ask, slightly confused.

"Lose the pens," he says. "They're enchanted. They'll always reappear in your pockets. Try it."

Warily, I throw the pen as far as I can down the hill and watch it disappear in the grass.

"It may take a few moments," Chiron tells us. "Now check your pocket."

Sure enough, the pen is there.

"Okay, that is extremely cool," I admit.

"But what if a mortal sees one of us pulling out a sword?" Percy asks.

Chiron smiles. "Mist is a powerful thing, Percy."

"Mist?" I ask.

"Yes. Read The Iliad. It's full of references to the stuff. Whatever divine or monstrous elements mix with the mortal world, they generate Mist, which obscures the vision of humans. You will see things just as they are, being a half-blood, but humans will interpret things quite differently. Remarkable, really, the lengths to which humans will go fit things into their version of reality.

I put Hurricane back into my pocket.

For the first time, the quest feels real. I'm leaving Half-Blood Hill. I'm heading west with no adult supervision, no backup plan, not even a cell phone - Chiron said cell phones were traceable by monsters; if we used one, it would be no worse than sending up a flare. I have no weapon stronger than a sword to fight off monsters and reach the Land of the Dead.

"Chiron . . ." Percy says. "When you say the gods are immortal . . . I mean, there was a time before them, right?"

"Four ages before them, actually. The Time of the Titans was the Fourth Age, sometimes called the Golden Age, which is definitely a misnomer. This, the time of Western civilization and the rule of Zeus, is the Fifth Age."

"So what was it like...before the gods?"

Chiron purses his lips. "Even I am not old enough to remember that, child, but I know it was a time of darkness and savagery for mortals. Kronos, the lord of the Titans, called his reign the Golden Age because men lived innocent and free of all knowledge. But that was mere propaganda. The Titan king cared nothing for your kind except as appetizers or a source of cheap entertainment. It was only in the early reign of Lord Zeus, when Prometheus the good Titan brought fire to mankind, that your species began to progress, and even then Prometheus was branded a radical thinker. Zeus punished him severely, as you may recall. Of course, eventually, the gods warmed to humans, and Western civilization was born."

"But the gods can't die now, right? I mean, as long as Western civilization is alive, they're alive. So...even if I failed, nothing could happen so bad it would mess up everything, right?" I ask, feeling rather uncertain.

Chiron gives me a melancholy smile. "No one knows how long the Age of the West will last, (Y/n). The gods are immortal, yes. But then, so were the Titans. They still exist, locked away in their various prisons, forced to endure endless pain and punishment, reduced in power, but still very much alive. May the Fates forbid that the gods should ever suffer such a doom, or that we should ever return to the darkness and chaos of the past. All we can do, child, is follow our destiny."

"Our destiny...assuming we know what that is," I say grimly.

"Relax," Chiron tells me. "Keep a clear head. And remember, the two of you may be about to prevent the biggest war in human history."

"Relax," I say. "I'm very relaxed."

When Percy and I get to the bottom of the hill, I look back. Under the pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus, Chiron is now standing in full horse-man form, holding his bow high in salute. Just your typical summer-camp send-off by your typical centaur."

Argus drives us out of the countryside and into western Long Island, It feels weird to be on a highway again, Annabeth and Grover sitting next to me, Percy on the other side of Grover, as if we were normal carpoolers. After two weeks at Half-Blood Hill, the real world seems like a fantasy. I find myself staring at every McDonald's, every kid in the back of his parent's car, every billboard and shopping mall.

"So far so good," Percy tells Annabeth. "Ten miles and not a single monster."

She gives Percy an irritated loo. "It's bad luck to talk that way."

"Remind me again - why do you hate us so much?" Percy asks.

"I don't hate you two."

"Could've fooled me."

Annabeth folds her cap of invisibility. "Look...we're just not supposed to get along, okay? Our parents are rivals."

"Why?" Percy asks.

Annabeth sighs. "How many reasons do you want? One time my mom caught Poseidon with his girlfriend in Athena's temple, which is hugely disrespectful. Another time, Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron god for the city of Athens. Your dad created some stupid saltwater spring for his gift. My mom created the olive tree. The people saw that her gift was better, so they named the city after her."

"They must really like olives," Percy comments, and I stifle a snort of laughter.

"Oh, forget it," Annabeth grumbles.

"Now, if she invented pizza - that I could understand," I add, in a slightly teasing tone.

"I said, forget it!" Annabeth says, hitting me lightly on the arm.

In the front seat, Argus smiles. He doesn't say anything, but one blue eye on the back of his neck winks at me.

Traffic slows down in Queens. By the time we get into Manhattan, it is sunset and starting to rain.

Argus drops us at the greyhound Station on the Upper East Side, not far from my mom and Gabe's apartment. Taped to a mailbox is a soggy flyer with mine and Percy's picture on it: Have you seen these children?

Percy rips it down before Annabeth and Grover can notice.

Argus unloads our bags, makes sure we get our bus tickets, then drives away, the eye on the back of his hand opening to watch us as he pulls out of the parking lot.

I think about how close I am to the apartment. On a normal day, Mom would be home from the candy store by now. Smelly Gabe is probably up there right now, playing poker, not even missing her.

Grover shoulders his backpack. He gazes down the street in the direction I am looking. "You want to know why she married him, (Y/n)?"

I stare at him. "Were you reading my mind?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Just your emotions," Grover shrugs. "You were thinking about your mom and your stepdad, right?"

I nod.

"Your mom married Gabe for you and Percy," Grover tells me. "You call him 'Smelly,' but you've got no idea. This guy has this aura . . . Yuck. I can smell him from here. I can smell traces of him o you, and you haven't been near him in a week."

"Thanks," Percy grimaces from Grover's other side. "Where's the nearest shower?"

"You should be grateful, Percy. Your stepfather smells so repulsively human he could mask the presence of any demigod. As soon as I took a whiff inside his Camaro, I knew: Gabe has been covering your scent for years. If you hadn't lived with him every summer, you probably would've been found by monsters a long time ago. Your mom stayed with him to protect you. She was a smart lady. She must've loved you a lot to put up with that guy—if that makes you feel any better."

I soften, looking down a the ground. I'll see her again, I think. She isn't gone.

You will be betrayed by one who calls you a friend, the Oracle whispers in my mind. You will fail to save what matters most in the end.

The rain keeps coming down.

We get restless waiting for the bus and decide to play some Hacky Sack with one of Groer's apples. Annabeth was unbelievable at it. She could bounce the apple off her knee, her elbow, her shoulder, whatever. Percy wasn't too bad either, but I found that I wasn't that great at it.

The game ends when I toss the apple towards Grover and it gets too close to his mouth. In one mega goat bite, our Hacky Sack disappears - core, stem, and all.

Grover blushes. He tries to apologize, but Annabeth, Percy, and I are too busy cracking up.

Finally, the bus comes.

I am relieved when we finally get on board and find seats together in the back of the bus, Me and Annabeth in one row, and Percy and Grover across from us. The four of us stow our backpacks.

I glance over at Annabeth beside me, who keeps slapping her Yankees cap nervously against her thigh.

As the last passengers get on, Annabeth claps her hand onto my knee. "Look!"

An old lady had just boarded the bus. She is wearing a crumpled velvet dress, lace gloves, and a shapeless orange-knit hat that shadows her face and she is carrying a big paisley purse. When she tilts her head up, her black eyes glitter.

I see Percy slump down in his seat.

Behind her comes two more old ladies: one in a green hat, one in a purple hat. Otherwise, they look exactly like Mrs. Dodds - same gnarled hands, paisley handbags, wrinkled velvet dress. Triple demon grandmothers.

They sit in the front row, right behind the driver. The two on the aisle cross their legs over the walkway, making an X. It is casual enough, but it sends a clear message: Nobody leaves.

The bus pulls out of the station, and we head through the slick streets of Manhattan.

"She didn't stay dead long," Percy says, his voice quavering a little. "I thought you said they could be dispelled for a lifetime."

"I said if you're lucky," Annabeth murmurs. "You're obviously not."

"All three of them," Grover whimpers. "Di immortales!"

"It's okay," Annabeth says, obviously thinking hard. "The Furies. The worst monsters from the Underworld. No problem. No problem. We'll just slip out the windows."

"They don't open," Grover moans.

"A back exit?" she suggests.

There isn't one. Even if there had been, it wouldn't have helped. By that time, we are on Ninth Avenue heading for the Lincoln Tunnel.

"They won't attack us with witnesses around," I say. "Will they?"

"Mortals don't have good eyes," Annabeth reminds me. "Their brains can only process what they see through the Mist."

"They'll see three old ladies killing us, won't they?" Percy asks.

She thinks about it. "Hard to say. But we can't count on mortals for help. Maybe an emergency exit in the roof . . . ?"

We hit the Lincoln Tunnel, and the bus goes dark except for the running lights down teh aisle. It is eerily quiet without the sound of the rain.

"I need to use the rest-room."

"So do I."

All three demons start coming down the aisle.

"I've got it," Annabeth says. "Percy, take my hat."

"What?" he says with disbelief.

"You're the one they want. You killed one of them. Turn invisible and go up the aisle. Let them pass you. Maybe you can get to the front and get away."

"But you guys -"

"There's an outside chance they might not notice us," Annabeth says as she glances over at me. "You're a son of the Big Three. Your smell might be overpowering."

"I can't just leave you," Percy says, looking desperately at me.

"Go," I say, frowning and Annabeth hands him the cap.

The old ladies are not old ladies anymore. Their faces are still the same - I guessed they couldn't get any uglier - but their bodies had shriveled into leathery brown hag bodies with bat's wings and hands and feet like gargoyle claws; their handbags had turned into fiery whips.

The Furies surround me, Grover, and Annabeth, lashing their whips, hissing: "Where is it? Where?"

The other people on the bus are screaming, cowering in their seats. They see something, all right.

"He's not here!" Annabeth yells. "He's gone!"

The Furies raise their whips.

Annabeth draws her bronze knife. Grover grabs a tin can from his snack bag and prepares to throw it.

Word Count: 3222 words

#percy jackson x sister reader #percy jackson reader insert #female reader #reader insert #fem reader

23 notes · View notes

koganegawasimp · 4 years

Note

Hi! I saw that you were taking hq requests! So can I request some pumpkin picking/carving with the seijoh 3rd years? Separate or as a big friend group is fine! Whatever you’re more comfortable with!🤍🤍

So I tried writing this so many times and I kept accidentally making this into poly headcanons dbsbdbsdbs (that being said please send me poly Seijoh third year requests I love them so much) and I tried to write this as like...what they would do as like a group friend outing but with smaller sections of headcanons about how they would be individually?? I hope you enjoy!!

Word Count: around 1300

Gender Neutral Reader

First of all, Oikawa is definitely the one who convinced dragged everyone to go pumpkin picking

Oikawa: “Come on it’ll be super fun and we can all spend time together :D!”

Iwa: >:/

You definitely all carpool there, with Oikawa and Hanamaki singing along to the radio as loudly and off key as possible until Iwa yells at them to shut up

Once you all get to the pumpkin farm, Mattsun and Maki just zoom straight to the pumpkins the second you’re parked (they’re both determined to get the weirdest looking pumpkin there)

They definitely try to make you laughs by holding up all the oddly shaped pumpkins and making weird faces

“Hey look this one is kind of shaped like a snail” “oh yeah? Well this one looks like a blobfish” “this one looks like a di-“

Hanamaki uses the goofiest Halloween themed pick up lines and puns on you to try and make you smile. Matsukawa spends the whole time jokingly booing him (haha booing because like ghosts and Halloween get it haha)

Maki: “I can't find a Halloween costume, can I just go as your boyfriend?”

Mattsun: “BOOOOO”

Iwa is also trying to keep his eye on everyone else because they’re literally all over the place and he doesn’t want to have to go looking for everyone later

The whole time, Oikawa is running around trying to take nice pictures of everyone (I feel like he’s that friend who’s constantly taking candid photos of everyone whenever he’s hanging out with his friends??)

He would also spend wayyy too much time trying to take a bunch of group pictures with all of you included but every time someone takes the picture someone’s looking the wrong way or making a weird face or he decides that he doesn’t like the pose, and everyone kind of grumbles about it but they indulge him because they all know that he just wants a nice group photo of all of you together and happy 🥺🥺🥺

He would take SO many pictures of you, like he’d obviously take the cute sweet ones but he’d also take so many goofy candids and selfies with stupid filters too

If there are any kinds of games or activities there, Maki and Mattsun are definitely trying to rope everyone in to play them

If you get dragged into it they 100% spend the whole time goofing around and trying to make a big joke out of it all! They’re just trying to make everyone else laugh fjbdfjjfdfjdf

Matsukawa absolutely tries to win you a prize at one of the games 🥺🥺 he probably goes apple bobbing (even though that’s kind of gross as fuck) to win you a little stuffed animal or something fjsbfbbsbfdn

Chances are Iwaizumi ends up having to carry pumpkins for at least one other person and he pretends to be annoyed but he really doesn’t mind that much

(Ok so like now these are the individual headcanons, these are all character x reader relationship headcanons I know the formatting is kind of weird)

OIKAWA

Oikawa definitely wants to try and find the prettiest and smoothest pumpkins there

He’s sooo excited by all this and the autumn *vibes* that he’s practically glowing nffnfbfdnnf

He’s also convinced that he’s waaay better at picking out pumpkins than he actually is so he’s constantly butting in and trying to give you advice

I also think he would love those really tiny decorative pumpkins that fit in your hand so he would absolutely get like five of those (“one for each of us!”)

He probably made you dress up in a matching outfit with him or something snsbdbdbfd

He insists that you have to hold hands “to keep you warm” (but he really just wants to be close to you)

He would probably whine until you carried his pumpkin for him but he promises to repay you later with some hot chocolate

IWAIZUMI

Iwaizumi (basically the only practical one) is looking for one that’s pretty big and relatively smooth without being too heavy to carry

He’s the one who would give you actual helpful advice about picking out a pumpkin, and genuinely wants to help you

He would also offer to carry your pumpkin no matter how heavy it is 🥺🥺

If the weather is on the chillier side he would offer you his jacket to make sure you stay warm and to keep you from getting sick

He thinks you look so cute when you’re picking out a pumpkin so he’s just looking at you with the softest facial expression and the sweetest smile the whole time

He can’t hold your hand because he’s holding too many pumpkins but he leans down to kiss your forehead every once in a while

HANAMAKI

He’s still on this quest to find the weirdest looking pumpkin (and he’s doing a surprisingly good job?)

He is so goofy literally the whole time djsbdbsnf

He’s trying so hard to make you smile and laugh the whole time y’all are there

He’s really soft for your smile and your laugh so every single time he makes you giggle he just stops everything and stands there like 🥰🥰

You probably end up playing tag and running all over the pumpkin patch and almost getting kicked out

He also probably has his arm casually around your shoulders as long as his arms are free

He will absolutely make you carry your own pumpkin but he will also carry his own so it’s all fair

MATSUKAWA

He’s also being super goofy and funny, but in more of a teasing, flirty way if that makes sense??

Absolutely holds your stuff over your head to watch you try and grab at it while he teases you for “being short” (no matter how tall you are)

He also tries to take candid photos of you making weird faces

But two can play at that game

Y’all end up spending so much time running around and taking goofy photos of each other that you barely have time to actually pick out a pumpkin

He also probably picks you up and carries you around at some point (I feel like he’s the type of dude to randomly pick up his S/O in public and carry them around and shit)

Mattsun is also weirdly sensible about picking out a pumpkin?? Like he might’ve picked out some weird ass one that looks like an actual ass but he gives you actual good advice

Now that you all have your pumpkins you head back to Matsukawa’s house to carve pumpkins!

Iwaizumi and Matsukawa clean out the pumpkins while you, Hanamaki, and Oikawa set everything up on the dining room table.

Matsukawa definitely has a Halloween playlist that he blasts while you’re all working on carving the pumpkins

Oikawa probably saves the pumpkin seeds so that he can bake them and you all can have them as a snack later

He probably carves a pretty generic jack o lantern face (he wanted to do one of those super fancy carvings where you scrape part of the pumpkin off so there’s more dimension but he realized that it would be waaaay too complicated last minute) and he paints little faces on each of the five smaller pumpkins to match everyone’s personalities (and actually does a surprisingly good job???)

Hanamaki carves a super goofy jack o lantern face and says it looks like Oikawa NDHHDFHDH

And as soon as he’s finished carving the pumpkin he definitely starts dancing to the music Mattsun put on and tries to get everyone else to do it too!

Matsukawa tries to make his super weird and grotesque and it actually turns out surprisingly well??

After you’re all done carving pumpkins you all set up a blanket fort and eat pumpkin seeds and drink hot chocolate and watch Hocus Pocus 😌😌😌

167 notes · View notes

mlqcconfessions · 4 years

Note

*chanting* the boys as dads. the boys as dads. tHE BOYS AS DADS. THE BOYS AS DADS! THE BOYS AS DADS!! (plus points if the kid looks JUST like MC?)

YESS. YESSS.

YESSSSSSSS

MLQC Headcanon - Our little treasure

Victor

He’s the father of a lovely daughter, who looks just like you (to his amusement)

He loves waking up in the morning seeing MC 1.0 and MC 2.0 in bed together

Calls her his little angel (Does that make him Father angel?)

He buys the best presents on her birthday (which unofficially became a celebrated holiday at LFG)

You and your daughter sometimes visit him at the office (much to his delight)

Finishes an entire day’s worth of documents so he can dedicate his time to playing with her

Has her toy kitchen set placed in the corner of his office (so she can bake him a cake while he works which he pretends to eat)

HAS A FRAMED PICTURE OF YOU AND HIS DAUGHTER ON HIS DESK (taken from when you were going apple picking last fall)

He hangs the “I love you” card she made for him on her 3rd birthday on his wall (shows it off to Goldman who doesn’t get paid enough to listen to his boss’ gushes)

Loves the outfits you dress her in (loves it even more when you two are matching)

Hosts the most extravagant parties to celebrate the most random events (the biggest one to date was when she said “dadda” for the first time)

Makes her pudding, but not too often

He wants to prevent her from going to the dentist (just in case she gets scared)

Victor, she’s going to have to go see a dentist someday

He tries hard to not let his daughter become spoiled

He makes her work for rewards

But is actually weak against her tears (you’re the one who has to set your foot down, most of the time)

He looks forward to going home after work (sometimes makes Goldman lock the doors to LFG so he can go home faster)

He loves being greeting by the two of you, while she runs up to hug him

He feels so content in these moments that nothing seems impossible

So he’s ready for another one

Kiro

TWIN. SONS.

SO RAMBUNCTIOUS (he’s actually the loudest one)

He notices their love for music early on

He sings along with them while bathing them

Spends the little break times he has to memorize the opening of their favorite show (he takes on one of the characters to dance with his sons)

He brings his sons to the recording studio, letting them go wild inside

He secretly records them singing in the booth (sets it as his ringtone)

Definitely the type to tell them stories about the monster in the closet, with dramatic sound effects (that’s not what your angelic voice is for, Kiro)

He’s so intrigued at how they look like you (but with blond hair)

Doesn’t like getting mad often, but will do it if he has to (actually pretty scary when he’s scolding them)

He asks Savin all sorts of questions (that he honestly doesn’t want to know the context of)

Savin, how do you remove a ring from a baby’s stomach?

You found out later from Savin (I left the room for 5 minutes, Kiro. And you let the baby swallow your ring?)

Frequent games of “Who can hug mommy the tightest?” (he just picks you up bridal style, letting your legs dangle over the twins’ heads)

Insists he tags along on play dates with the neighborhood kids

He gets along so well with the parents?

Gives standing ovations at their school plays (YES! Do you see those trees? They’re MY trees!)

He makes things like chores and brushing teeth into a game (so they won’t be as hostile towards them)

150% wears matching pajamas with the twins (honestly, it’s like you’re raising 3 kids)

Has mini concerts at home (it’s good that you live in a house, and not an apartment)

WRITES SONGS ABOUT HIS SONS

Performs them on tours ONLY when he knows you’ll bring them there

Has a bedtime routine with them (kiss mommy goodnight, kiss daddy goodnight daddy kisses mommy goodnight)

Always wakes up to see them in weird sleeping positions (takes a picture every time, later makes them into a full album became the present for their 18th birthday)

Lucien

A beautiful daughter, a beautiful wife

Nothing more he could ask for

He’s into making home videos (likes to watch them in between his lectures)

He just likes looking at her (because she reminds him so much of you)

Isn’t reluctant to introduce her to the other professors (but doesn’t like it when they get a little too close)

He can’t hide his triumphant smirk whenever she tells him to pick her up (sorry Dr., it seems my daughter is wary of strangers)

He likes noticing the small details about his child (and how she has the same habits as you)

Like how you stick out your tongue when concentrating

Or how one eye squints a little more than the other when smiling

He buys a tiny lab coat for her (after she said she wanted to be a white fairy princess like her dad)

RAISES. BUTTERFLIES. WITH. HER. (the whole caterpillar to cocoon shabang)

He calls her his Blue Morpho (you’re his Monarch)

Explains every animal during trips to the zoo (she loves calling the animals by their scientific names)

He’s so tall? He has to bend down in order to hold her hand (the reason why he just rolls the stroller instead / just picks her up)

He does little science experiments with her (safe ones, of course)

He takes her word for it when she exclaims how colorful everything is

You sometimes bring her to classes when he’s scheduled to lecture

The class can’t focus while a toddler keeps drawing stuff on the board

He plays picture card games with her

Ok, then what animal is this one?

Leopardus pardalis! (You actually can’t keep up with their conversations sometimes)

He has to hold her hand during her naps (she said it helps her fall asleep better, or something like that)

He’s not complaining

Gavin

He can’t believe this is actually happening

He’s going to be a FATHER

And with YOUR child! (the nurses had to stop him from barging into the room so often)

He insisted that he try the Empathy Belly (so he could exactly know what you were going through during pregnancy)

Didn’t think it would be THIS difficult to just live a daily life

SO PROTECTIVE over his daughter (literally follows closely behind her)

He was honestly worried about being a dad (especially after growing up with that asshole kind of parent)

You put full trust in him because Gavin is DIFFERENT from his father (and now he can believe that)

He loves just how much she looks like you (it’s like watching a mini-you run around the house)

Has workout sessions with her (push-up kisses, squats with her dangling on his shoulders, bench presses with her as weight)

Likes it when she tags along with him to the police station (he brags to the other officers every time)

But bringing her to STF? NO WAY IN HELL (although Eli does come over sometimes)

He changed his diet (from instant ramen) so she could be a healthy child

Has an entire closet full of bandages, ointments, and medicine for when she’s hurt or gets sick (if only he took care of his own injuries like that)

But he is a lot more careful when fighting on the scene

He doesn’t want her to cry over his wounds like LAST TIME (he was so surprised)

Uncle Minor acts as the unofficial godfather (he’s actually good at taking care of kids?)

Gavin teaches her how to ride a 2-wheeled bike (he’s so afraid of letting go, even if she insisted)

He likes taking her out on flights when she’s a little older (they always visit the Ferris wheel afterwards)

He makes another ginkgo bracelet just for her

He has pretend tea parties with her and you (Uncle Minor is the butler for some reason)

He keeps the drawing of you, Gavin, and her safely tucked inside his pocket during missions (it’s his good luck charm)

Doesn’t let her use Sparky, but does let her help him clean it

DEFINITELY THE TYPE TO WALK WITH HER ON HIS SHOULDERS (she’s holding on his neck, chin resting on the top of his head)

Worries about the future boyfriend she’s gonna bring home

Gavin, she’s only 5

Well, yeah but for NOW

WHEW

That was a lot of fluff

Which was your favorite part? Mine would probably be Gavin working out with his daughter (because I’m Birdcop trash like that and actually imagined it)

850 notes · View notes

faetarou · 3 years

Text

FAE'S 300 EVENT !!

order for @igyus

ask. kyla. she/her. oikawa tooru. apple sorbet.

from fae. ky you're so much fun to talk to and you're literally so funny ilysm <3 thank you for being my friend </3

disclaimers. swearing, children are hellish

your trope is ...

last-minute babysitting !!

with oikawa tooru <3

your phone rang for the third time in five minutes, prompting you to roll your eyes, sure it was just one of your friends spamming a group chat and requesting your backup.

however, your heart flipped when 'tooru <3' popped up on your screen, your pulse skipping a beat unbidden as it did every time you saw your crush's name. you scrambled to accept the call, holding your phone a vaguely flattering distance away from your face.

a ding brought tooru's face onto your screen, but something was off - his soft brown eyes were wide with panic, his usual smirk was nowhere to be seen, and his hair, the same shade as his eyes, was uncharacteristically messy.

"kyla- ky, i am literally begging you to help me," he - well, begged - with pure desperation in his eyes. you realised from the movement of his phone that he was running somewhere, the background an unfamiliar house.

you made a confused noise, trying to see what tooru could possibly be in such a mess over ... and then you heard it, in the background of his call.

"daddy!"

"i am not your father!" tooru yelled over his shoulder.

"you have a child?!" you screeched. "we're in high school, what the fuck?!"

"i just said that demon wasn't my daughter!" he screamed back. finally, he stopped running, his frame stilling on his panicked face, leaving you still torn between incredulity and extreme confusion. "okay, okay, my sister asked me to babysit her daughter on, like, five minutes notice, please help me, i have no idea how to deal with children."

you took a deep, calming breath, relief flooding you that your crush didn't already have a child at the age of seventeen. "i'm presuming you're at your sister's house? be there in five."

"thank you," tooru breathed, hanging up when another squeal in the little girl's high-pitched voice interrupted.

when you arrived at his sister's house, the door flew open almost the second you were in view.

"ky!"

you had to giggle at the image of the wincing, six foot tall boy in standing in the doorway, a three or four year old girl attached to his leg with an enormous smile on her face. she looked so similar to him (you remembered that tooru was really just a younger, slightly taller, male version of his sister), with the exception of much darker eyes and longer hair.

"you're so cute!" you cooed, running up and bending down in front of the little girl. "what's your name?"

"takako is the spawn of the devil," tooru rolled his eyes.

you opened up your arms, letting takako run into them. "i'm sure you haven't been giving uncle tooru too much trouble, have you?"

"no!" she squealed, pulling back and hanging her tiny arms around your neck. "but i'll be nicer to auntie ky, because tooru likes her so much."

you almost dropped the child.

"takako!" tooru yelled, the tips of his ears turning an adorable shade of pink. "even takeru isn't this much trouble, y- don't say that!"

"i can be more trouble," another voice said from inside the house - evidently the little takako's elder brother, takeru. "if you want."

you raised an eyebrow, trying to stifle the thankfully minimally visible heat in your cheeks. "you're looking after two kids."

"yeah," he sighed.

you stood up, still holding takako in your arms, extending your other hand to tooru. "well, good thing there's two of us, right?"

he smiled widely, taking your hand in his. "right."

"are you gonna kiss like mummy and daddy now?"

tooru dropped your hand as though it was scalding hot. "taka!"

you entwined your fingers again easily. "it's okay. we've got this."

it was the 'we' that had tooru flushing again as you followed him into the house. he had a feeling he'd asked the right person to help him - and not just because you made him smile every time he saw you.

࿐ 𝐟𝐚𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 !!

#fae's double scoop

8 notes · View notes

kookiesjoonies · 4 years

Text

rule breaker — jhs | part ten.

rule breaker | part ten: ramen & froyo.

a/n: this chapter is quite a few days late, but i literally had the worst case of writer’s block of my LIFE. i started this chapter, n then completely scrapped it. and i’m glad i did, bc the first draft was SHIT. LMAO. anyway, come talk to me abt hoseok n yn please. i want to hear your thoughts. especiallyyyy after this chapter! thank u all for reading! xo

main pairing: choreographer!hoseok x idol!reader

side ships: vmin, namkook

word count: 5.1k

warnings: fluff, angst, wet dream (dunno if that qualifies as a warning, but uhhh just in case lmaodskjd), masturbation, squirting

— SERIES SUMMARY

your career as an idol comes first, end of discussion. and to make sure that you stay on track, you implement two foolproof rules to abide by:

rule #1: no distractions. rule #2: no mixing business with pleasure.

and those rules seem simple enough to follow. that is, until you develop a crush on your new choreographer.

Dance practice was over and you felt like you’d just run a marathon. No, wait, scratch that. You felt like you’d run five marathons. Dancing with Hoseok was no joke. He always pushed you to work harder, to do better. And any time you were convinced you couldn’t perfect a move, he’d encourage you and offer you a thousand reasons as to why you could.

Both of you were drenched in sweat. Your grey crop top soaked and dark in certain areas, perhaps revealing a bit too much of what was underneath. Hoseok’s hair was sticky and wet against his forehead, and he’d pushed it back since practice ended.

You’d have been stupid to ignore just how attractive such a simple gesture made him look. Still, you tried your hardest to push such thoughts out of your mind. You shouldn’t be thinking of him in such a way. But you blamed it on the sensual dance routine that you’d just completed with him.

Jimin was just supposed to be late to practice, but he ended up having to skip it all together. Which meant that every single sexy move you were supposed to do with your best friend, you’d done with Hoseok instead.

At first, it was awkward. You didn’t know where to put your hands, and he was hesitant to put his on your body as well. Eventually though, the two of you relaxed into one another. The feeling of his fingertips on the bare skin of your hips was exhilarating, as well as the feeling of his length being pressed against your ass while you pushed back against him.

The way that he watched you in the mirror, the way way his pupils had clearly dilated, sent immediate relief washing over you. You weren’t the only one affected by the routine the two of you were performing. But at the end of the day, it was just that. A performance.

And that’s what you’d keep telling yourself, even if deep down, you didn’t believe it even for a second.

“Well, I don’t know about you,” Hoseok began, lifting the bottom of his muscle tank top up to his face to wipe the beads of sweat trickling down, “but I worked up quite the appetite.”

Your eyes shot down to admire his perfectly sculpted abs that were practically begging for your touch, your tongue poking out to wet your lips at the delicious sight.

“Y/n?” Hoseok was speaking again, this time albeit a little louder, which snapped you out of your trance.

Embarrassed, your neck straightened up so that you could now look at the man towering above you face to face. And you willed your cheeks not to turn red, hoping and praying that he didn’t catch you checking him out.

“Huh?” That was all you could muster up, unsure of what he’d even said to begin with.

To your surprise, he offered you a chuckle in response.

“I said I was hungry. You want to go grab lunch?”

The two of you’d never hung out outside of the studio before, so you were a little taken aback by his suggestion.

He could sense your hesitation, and he stuttered as he tried to play it off nonchalantly.

“Or, uhm— we don’t—, we don’t have to. I just figured—“

You cut him off, a small smile creeping it’s way onto your face. He really was adorable when he rambled.

“Hobi, we can get lunch. I just wish I didn’t have to go out in public looking so gross.” You were half joking, half serious.

Your hair felt greasy, you weren’t wearing any makeup, and your athletic clothes were sweaty and sticky. So, you were definitely not fit to be seen in public at the moment.

“You don’t look gross.” Hoseok was quick to reassure you, matching your smile with a wide one of his own.

“No?” You asked, wanting him to compliment you one more time. Even though, you weren’t sure why you wanted him to do so so badly.

“Nope!” he shook his head, “you look like you’ve been working hard.”

You internally groaned. Not exactly the kind of compliment you were hoping for, but it would do, you supposed.

“In that case, did you have a place in mind for lunch? Or..?”

“There’s this place down the street that has the best cooked ramen!” you found it adorable, the way he was so enthusiastic even while talking about food, “Is that okay? I mean— do, uhm— do you like ramen?”

A tiny giggle left your mouth before you could stop it, and you offered him a quick nod of your head.

“I love ramen.”

“Great!” he grinned, “let’s go then!”

Turns out, Hoseok was right. This place did have the best ramen. You were sure you could slurp up at least ten bowls of it.

Your choreographer was sitting across from you at the small round table. The place was quaint, small, and yet surprisingly busy. Various K-Pop songs boomed through the speakers overhead, and the hustle and bustle of the restaurant workers never seemed to cease. The sound of the other diners mumbling bounced off of the walls, and the aroma of the foods being cooked in the kitchen were to die for.

“So,” Hoseok spoke up after practically inhaling a few bites of his ramen, “do you like the place?”

You didn’t hesitate in answering, “Yes! I can’t believe it’s been so close to the studio for so long and I never knew about it.”

“You’re welcome.” He winked at you, a playful gesture that for some reason, had your heart doing flips in your chest.

You gathered a small bunch of noodles with your chopsticks, bringing them up to shove the food into your mouth.

“Aren’t you nervous people will recognize you?” Hoseok questioned, taking a sip of the soda that was sitting beside of his bowl.

You shrugged, chewing and swallowing the bite you’d just taken before answering him.

“It’s just part of the gig, you know?”

“No,” he admitted, “I don’t know. How do you do it? How do you deal with people constantly invading your privacy?”

“It’s not easy,” you answered honestly, “but I’ve been doing it for almost six years now, so. I’d like to think I’ve gotten used to it.”

“You handle it well. The way you carry yourself, even with all of the pressure you’re under, it’s admirable. And the fact that you’re so— so kind, so down to earth, even with the millions of fans you have.. it’s amazing, really.”

His series of seemingly never ending compliments were successful in creating flutters in your stomach. You were sure your cheeks and the tips of your ears were tinted pink, and your spine tingled as you happily took in every single one of his words.

“Hobi,” you couldn’t hide the grin that was now plastered across your face, “you’re too sweet.”

This time, it was Hoseok’s turn to blush. You’d said something so simple, yet it had the apples of his cheeks tinged red. He’d hoped you hadn’t noticed. But you did, which only made you want to continue your compliments further. If it meant seeing him like that, all flustered and shy, you’d compliment him twenty four hours, seven days a week.

Even if, technically, you shouldn’t be trying to make him blush. But at that exact moment, you couldn’t be bothered to give a single fuck.

“I mean it,” you continued, swirling the few remaining noodles around in the bowl below you, “you’re so kind to me, always. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”

He glanced away from you then, turning his attention to watch the waiters walk in and out of the kitchen. You didn’t miss the dark shade of red that had taken over his entire face. And yeah, you found it undeniably adorable.

Before you could say anything else to him, a familiar sounding song blared from the sound system above you. You couldn’t help but to laugh, shaking your head as you listened to the low beat of take me.

Hoseok faced you again, a smirk present as his ears perked up to listen.

“Hey, that sounds kind of familiar.”

“Never heard this song before in my life.”

You kept a straight face, for the most part. But Hoseok didn’t miss the glimmer of playfulness in your eyes.

“Ahh,” he decided to play along, finishing up the last few bites of his meal, “a shame you haven’t heard it. The artist who sings it, she’s truly something special. Insanely talented, an incredible dancer.”

“Maybe she’s just an ‘incredible dancer’ because she has such a good teacher.”

“Nope!” he was quick to shut you down, “she’s talented because she’s hardworking and she never settles for anything but the best.”

If you didn’t know better, you could’ve sworn he was flirting with you. And maybe he was. Or, maybe you just wanted him to be? But then, why did you want him to be? Your brain was scrambled, too many thoughts running a million miles a minute.

The sound of footsteps approaching your table pulled you out of your own head, and standing before you was a tall, lean yet muscular man with dark hair. He had a freckle just under his bottom lip, which you were quick to note was quite cute. You assumed he was a fan, but as soon as he addressed the man sitting in front of you as Hobi, you quickly realized he was here for him and not you.

“Here’s that movie you wanted to borrow.” The younger boy handed a disk over to his friend, and you watched the exchange curiously.

“Ahhh! Thank you, Jungkookie! I’ve been wanting to see this for ages!” Hoseok quickly stuffed the film into his bag at his feet.

“Hmm,” you observed, tapping your manicured nails on the top of the table, “Jungkook, I presume?”

He seemed shock at the mention of his name. Or rather, at the sound of familiarity laced in your tone.

“Uhm, yeah..?” he cocked an eyebrow, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket.

Your attention turned to Hoseok, and you pointed a finger at Jungkook.

“Is he the one who thinks I’m a diva?”

Hoseok had a mouthful of soda, and damn near did a spit take at your obvious call out.

“You told her?!” Jungkook slapped his hyung’s shoulder, and you watched as Hoseok soothed the abused spot with his hand.

“It just slipped!” The older male was quick to defend himself, and you couldn’t help but to laugh at the whole ordeal.

“Guys,” you said, “it’s fine! Jungkook, I’m sorry that you think I’m a diva. I’d like to think I’m not, but your own opinions can’t be helped.”

“She is not a diva, I promise. She’s anything but.”

You couldn’t help but to smile wide at the sound of Hoseok defending your name.

Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck nervously, “Ahhh, I shouldn’t be so quick to judge, or to assume. I don’t even know you. I apologize.”

He bowed in front of you, and you waved him off.

“I promise, it’s fine,” you assured him, “I accept your apology. Any friend of Hoseok’s is a friend of mine.”

He sighed, relieved.

“In that case, could you get Jimin’s autograph for me? I’m like, his biggest fan.”

Hoseok groaned before bringing the palm of his hand up and dragging it down his face. You just laughed, nodding your head once in response.

“I’ll see what I can do. You should come by the studio with Hobi sometime, you’ll probably run into Jimin there.”

“Really?!” He lit up like a kid in a candy store, and it seemed as though his older friend had had enough.

“Okay!” Hoseok said, shooing Jungkook away from the table, “You’ve fulfilled your purpose of dropping off the movie. Thank you!”

“Awww, but hyung!” Jungkook pouted, “I was hoping I could join the two of you, and you know, tell her a secret of yours since you told her one of mine.”

You perked up in your seat, gaze shifting to Hoseok as you eyed him curiously.

“What secret?” You asked, hearing Jungkook snicker to your side.

“Ignore him.” Hoseok groaned.

“Alright, alright. I’ll leave,” Jungkook held his hands up in front of him in defeat, “but you should tell her, is all I’m saying.”

“Tell me what?” You asked, intrigued and confused all at the same time.

Hoseok shook his head.

“Nothing, he’s just an idiot,” he insisted, laughing the entire situation off, “we should uhm— grab froyo after this, if you’re not busy, I mean.”

“Ugh, the key to my heart.”

He smiled at your immediate acceptance, flagging your waiter down and digging in his pocket for his wallet.

You did the same, unzipping your purse to retrieve your credit card.

“No, no, Y/n. I got it! My treat.”

“Hoseok, I can’t let you—“

Before you could argue further, the waiter was walking away with Hoseok’s money. He was unbelievable.

He paid for froyo, too. Despite your arguing.

The two of you were walking along the river, enjoying your cups of frozen treats. It was spring, nearly summer, so the weather was just right. The sun was shining beautifully on the water beside you, not a cloud to be found in the sky. It truly was a beautiful day.

“It doesn’t shock me that your favorite color is yellow.” You started, dipping your spoon into your birthday cake flavored yogurt.

“Why not?” Hoseok retorted, bringing a spoonful of his own dessert up and to his lips.

“Because it’s a bright, happy color. And you are a bright, happy person.”

He flashed you that big, toothy grin that you’d grown to adore so much.

“Alright then, what’s your favorite color?”

“Red.” You answered without hesitation.

He shook his head, quiet laughter exuding from his throat.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” he insisted, “red just matches your personality perfectly.”

You cocked a brow, licking a bite of froyo from the spoon.

“How do you figure?”

“You’re full of fire, full of passion. A force to be reckoned with, you go head first into everything that you do and you don’t stop until you’ve achieved your goal.”

“You got all of that from the color red?”

“Mhm.” He just nodded at you, his smile never once faltering. Your damn heart was doing the flipping thing again and you feared it would leap right out of your chest if he looked at you like that for a second longer.

“Okay,” you said, dipping your spoon into the bowl, “you have to try this. It’s so good.”

You lifted the plastic utensil up to his mouth, and he only hesitated for a moment for allowing the sensation of birthday cake flavor to flood his taste buds. His eyes lit up, and his tone was enthusiastic.

“Mmm! That is good! I’m not usually a giant fan of cake flavored things, but I’d eat that.”

You fake gasped, bringing your free hand over your chest.

“How dare you! Birthday cake is the best flavor!”

“Pffft, no way!” he was quick to shut you down, gulping down another bite of his own treat, “brownie batter is. Here, you try.”

He was bringing his spoon up to your lips in an instant, and you poked your tongue out to give it a test lick. Usually, chocolate flavored ice cream wasn’t your favorite. But this was incredible.

“Aww, man! I like yours better!” You pouted, and Hoseok’s heart sank at the sight.

He knew you were being playful, but still, he couldn’t help himself.

“Here,” he held out his bowl to you, “we can trade.”

You shook your head, refusing the gesture, “I can’t take your food!”

“Yes you can! Please, for me. I want you to enjoy this.” His voice was kind, sincere. How could you say no to that?

“Only if you’re sure.” You said, hesitantly switching your bowl out for his.

“I’m sure.” He smiled at you again, and you felt like you’d been grounded down to the earth once and for all.

You didn’t make it home until the sun was about to set. Having too much fun with Hobi, you decided you could afford to stay out for a bit. He really was wonderful company, he seemed to make even the simplest of things fun. You’d hoped you’d get to hang out with him like that again in the future, the near future, to be exact. It was different than when the two of you were in the studio.

There, you were working. But today, you were out having lunch and enjoying spending casual time together. It felt like it went on forever, yet not nearly as long as you hoped it would last all at the same time.

However, you were happy to finally be in the comfort of your own home. Practice had kicked your ass today, and you were exhausted, grimy, and in desperate need of a shower and a nap.

Taehyung wasn’t home either, so you were home alone and excited by that fact. Very rarely did you ever have time to yourself and yourself alone. Except, you weren’t alone. And you didn’t know that until you walked into your master bedroom and saw Jimin sprawled out on your bed.

He nearly gave you a damn heart attack, had you shrieking like a banshee and clutching your chest.

“Jimin! What the fuck?!”

“It’s your fault for giving me a key.” He was flipping through a magazine, unfazed as ever.

“You could’ve texted me and told me you were coming over!” You scolded, and he just grinned.

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“I hate you sometimes.”

“Liar.”

You walked further into your room as you rolled your eyes, picking up a pillow and tossing it forcefully at his head.

“Hey!” He whined.

“Why did you show up here unannounced?” You questioned, lying down beside of him on your king sized bed.

“Wanted to see how practice went.” He turned the page, and you peered over his shoulder to see what he was reading. Of course it was a fashion magazine.

“Fine.” You answered simply, and your best friend was shutting the catalog instantly.

“Damn, one syllable is all I get? Must’ve been better than I thought.” His smile was mischievous, and you had half a mind to smack it right off of his face.

“We danced. I learned the routine, and you did not. Which means you’ll have to work extra hard trying to catch up tomorrow.”

He rolled his eyes, knowing exactly what you were trying to do.

“Dude, shut up. You know I could learn it in my sleep, and you also know the ‘routine’ isn’t what I’m asking about.”

“Jimin,” you groaned, “don’t start.”

“Was it hot? Did you get off on grinding on Hoseok?” He wiggled his brows, and you flicked his nose with your thumb and middle finger.

“Ow!” He cried out, bringing a hand up to rub over the sore spot you’d just created.

“Don’t ask stupid shit like that.”

“Come on, Y/n. It’s me. You can talk to me about this shit.” He tried to convince you, and somewhere inside of you, you wanted to.

Because yeah, maybe you did get aroused from Hoseok’s hands on your ass. And maybe you did get a little wet when you were grinding against his thigh.

But who wouldn’t have? He was a fairly attractive man, after all. It didn’t mean anything. At least, that’s what you kept telling yourself.

“I’m going to take a shower.” You quickly changed the subject, swinging your legs over the side of the bed.

Jimin couldn’t help but to roll his eyes.

“You’re so fucking stubborn.”

“I know. Are you spending the night?”

You heard him sigh, a sad sigh that made your heart clench.

“I would, but... I don’t want to make Tae uncomfortable.”

“I get it. But you’re welcome to stay, you know that. This house is plenty big enough, and we always hang out in my room anyways.”

“Yeah, I know. But I’ve already pissed him off, or whatever. I’m sure me staying here would just add to that.”

You frowned, wishing that you could do something, or say anything to ease his obvious hurt.

“I love you, Chim.”

“Love you.”

Normally, you’d stay up until at least midnight. Tonight, however, you were exceptionally exhausted and were lying in bed by nine.

Your satin sheets felt extra comfortable underneath you, and your eyelids were heavy. Friends played on the big, wall mounted television in front of you, and the sound of your air conditioner running was lulling you right to sleep. Before you knew it, you were slipping into a state of blissful unconsciousness.

You weren’t sure how you’d ended up in Hoseok’s apartment. And you definitely weren’t sure how you’d ended up nearly naked underneath him on his couch. You were squirming below his touch, his blunt fingernails lightly scraping down your stomach, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

His hips were rutting into yours, Hoseok’s hardened length rubbing along your soaked, clothed core. You were a moaning mess, slews of curses and praises spilled out of your mouth, letting him know that you were fucking loving everything that he was giving you.

“Hoseok, please don’t stop.” Your voice was quiet, barely above a whisper as you clutched onto his back in an attempt to keep yourself grounded. You felt like you were floating, like you were in a completely different time and place.

“God, I’ve waited so long for this,” he was growling lowly into your ear, his fingers descending south and flicking the thin strap of your thong against your hip, “waited so long for you.”

You yelped at the feeling of the string stinging your skin, your shriek turning into a whiny moan as you felt his hand begin to slip into your panties. You couldn’t wait for him to finally be where you needed him most. You didn’t care if his fingers were inside of you, his tongue, or his cock. You just needed some part of him filling you up. You needed it in the same way that you needed oxygen to survive, and you feared that you would die if he didn’t touch you right here, right now.

His head was hovering above yours now, and you were sure he was about to lean in for a kiss. Which had your pussy clenching around nothing. It had just occurred to you that you’d never kissed him, and all you wanted was to taste him. You were sure he’d taste delicious, sickeningly sweet.

Instead of his lips pressing against yours, though, they parted. And he began repeating your first name over and over again like a mantra, gradually getting louder and louder as the seconds ticked by.

One final yell of your name had your eyelids shooting open, the sound of Hoseok’s voice being replaced by the low tone of your brother’s. You blinked once, and then two more times for good measure. It took you a whole minute to realize that you were at home. In your bedroom, not in your choreographer’s apartment.

“Tae?” your voice was groggy, “what time is it?”

“Past ten. I could hear you from down the hall, it sounded like you were in pain so I came to check on you,” he said, cocking his head to the side as he stared down at you, “must’ve been one hell of a nightmare.”

Embarrassment immediately came over you, and you were thankful for the dark lighting of the room because you were sure your face was similar to the color of a tomato.

“Yeah— uh, just a... bad dream. I’m good.”

“If you’re sure.” His voice was laced with genuine concern, and you almost laughed. Such a protective older brother.

“I’m good, Tae. Swear.”

He nodded, mumbling a goodnight to you before turning to leave your bedroom.

You called out to him before he could shut the door.

“Hey, wait a second!”

“Yeah?” He was confused again, and you worried your lower lip before you spoke.

You weren’t usually one to meddle in his personal life, but this time, you felt like you had to. Or, that you at least had to try.

“You need to talk to Jimin. He thinks he made you upset, or mad. At the very least, you should tell him you aren’t angry with him.”

“Noted.”

That was all he said before he was shutting your door, and you couldn’t stop the dramatic roll of your eyes. Typical Taehyung.

You pushed your hair back and out of your face, grimacing as you felt the beads of sweat pooling on your forehead. In your half asleep state, you’d almost forgotten what you’d been dreaming about. You let out a groan as the images flashed through your memory.

Not only were you dreaming about Hoseok, but it was a wet dream. Surely, you hadn’t actually gotten aroused by it.

You bit down on your bottom lip before sliding your hand underneath your duvet, pressing your fingers against your underwear to test for any dampness. You gasped as you were greeted with soaked panties, hissing through your teeth as your fingertips barely grazed over your clit.

Before you really knew what you were doing, your hips were bucking up and into your hand. You pushed the cotton fabric to the side, letting your middle finger drag along your slick folds. You sighed at the feeling, your head tilting back as your eyes screwed shut. It was almost unbelievable how drenched you were just from a fucking dream. And a dream about your fucking choreographer, to beat it all.

You moaned at the images of Hoseok during practice earlier flooded your mind. He was so hot, and so sweaty. The way his fingers curled around your thighs had you wondering what it would feel like if he was the one touching you right now instead of yourself.

Maybe it was wrong, but you didn’t care. You kept yourself focused on Hoseok as you used your middle finger to circle around your throbbing bundle of nerves, whines and praises of his name slipping out of your mouth.

You dipped a finger down to tease your slit, imagining the entire time that it was him. You slipped a single digit into your heat and keened at the sensation. Hoseok’s fingers were much longer than yours, and you were sure he could have you cumming with them in no time.

Still, you decided to work with what you had and began to fuck into yourself until you were knuckle deep. You added a second finger and moaned at the stretch, your thighs beginning to shake already.

“Fuck, Hoseok!”

You picked up the pace of your fingers, curling once you found that spot that drove you absolutely mad. Using your free hand, you allowed your index and middle fingers to vigorously rub at your clit.

It was too much, too soon. Your walls contracted around your fingers, and your legs convulsed. Your thighs were trying to squeeze together and you were arching off the bed as you felt your lower stomach knot up, fire spreading from head to toe and making your toes curl.

Your orgasm hit so hard that you were practically screaming, Hoseok’s name being the only word left in your vocabulary. This was harder than any orgasm you’d had in a long time, and you could feel your juices squirting out and all over your hand and wrist. You squealed at the feeling, using your fingers to fuck yourself through your high.

Your breathing was erratic, and stars were circling above your head. You groaned as you pulled your hands away from your cunt, wincing at the emptiness.

An arm rested over your eyes as you attempted to stop panting. Slowly, you felt like you were back on earth again and the black dots you were seeing went away.

There was no fucking way that just happened. You did not get off while thinking of Hoseok.

You were furious. And you wished that you were mad at yourself, but the only reason you were angry was because you’d had to get yourself off. You wished it would’ve been him doing it instead.

Against your better judgement, you grabbed your phone off of your nightstand. It was eleven now, and although Hoseok was sure to be asleep, you needed to hear his voice. For what reason? You weren’t sure. Either way, you were scrolling through your contacts to find his name, pressing the call button with a bit too much enthusiasm.

When he answered the phone, his voice was raspy, deeper than usual. You were right, he’d been asleep.

“Hello?”

“Uhm, hi.” You said, voice shy and almost inaudible.

“Y/n? What time is it? Is everything okay?” He sounded worried.

“I’m okay! Uhh, it’s past eleven. I’m sorry for waking you, I didn’t mean to.”

Yes you did.

He was beginning to sound a bit more awake now, and you heard him yawn on the other line.

“It’s alright, I just wasn’t expecting you to call. Or, call this late.”

“Yeah..”

It was silent for a few seconds, neither of you knowing quite what to say. You couldn’t exactly tell him that you’d just made yourself squirt to the thought of him. And he wasn’t about to tell you that he was glad you called.

“What are you doing up?”

“Uhm—“ you stumbled, trying to come up with any excuse other than the truth, “I couldn’t sleep.”

You heard him chuckle, and it was as if all of your worries and nervousness evaporated at the sound of his laughter.

“Not that I’m not flattered, but.. why did you call me because you couldn’t sleep?”

You groaned internally. Why did he have to ask such questions?

“I just... I don’t know. I wanted to talk to you, is all, I guess.”

“Okay.” He seemed satisfied with your answer, and you sighed in relief.

“Hobi?”

“Hmm?”

“Will you FaceTime me until I fall asleep?”

As badly as you longed to see him in person, you figured that this would do for now.

“Absolutely.”

He was calling you instantly, and you smiled as soon as you laid eyes on him. His hair was disheveled from sleeping, and his cheeks were a bit puffy. Suddenly, the other side of your bed felt a bit too empty. And you wondered what it would feel like if he were laying beside of you.

↼ masterlist ⇀

a/n: if you’d like to be added to the tag list, just send me an ask, message, or reply to this post! let me know what you think of the series, i love hearing your feedback. enjoy! xo

tag list: @ppersonna @neouihobi @vanteatj1n @55west81st @jjiminah @cesthoney @vaehyungsworld @ggukiyo @devotedlywriting @consensual-trashtalk @w1tchcraftt @threedecadesofawkward @chocobetterknot @americano-sprite @yoongisabby @hobi-love @justpeachyjoon @excuseme-youpretty @sunkissed725 @amoreguk @koostime @cobbiebaexqueen @imluckybitches @taefect94 @parkmaeri @bts-7-forever @gukniverse @untainted-memories

a/n: tumblr won’t let me tag certain people for whatever reason. so if you’ve asked to be tagged and don’t see your name, that’s why! i apologize. :/

#hoseok #jung hoseok #hoseok smut #hoseok imagine #bts #bts smut #bangtan #hoseok x you #hoseok x reader #hoseok x y/n #bts imagine #hoseok angst #hoseok fluff #bts fake social media #bts texts #bts fake texts #bts smau #jhope #bts reactions

309 notes · View notes

bffsoobin · 4 years

Text

Windflower

01| 02|03|04|05|06

↳ after a heartbreak you find yourself in a small town looking for purpose. you find employment with Choi Soobin and his impressive ancestral home. when you start to fall in love again, there’s no way for you to predict what you find in the depths of the home and Soobin’s mind.

➤ hanahaki au, fluff, angst

Word Count: 2,438

Warnings: Light swearing, Soobin being a cutie pie, me not proofreading. I think that’s it??

A/N: This does include the writing that was part of the preview post I made, but it is the first official chapter of Windflower! Please know that genre and warnings will change with every chapter I post! I also don’t quite have an upload schedule, sorry about that!! Hope you all enjoy nonetheless!

•:•.•:•.•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•☾☼☽•:•.•:•.•:•:•:•:•:•:•:••:•.•

Your car groaned in protest as you turned into the parking lot of the quaint diner. Giving the dashboard two loving yet harsh hits with the palm of your hand seemed to do the trick. Now silent, the beat up blue car seemed to quietly thank you as you settled between the white painted lines of a parking space and shut off the engine. It was a gray, overcast day but humidity hung in the air wherever you went, making your hair puffy and the back of your legs stick to the cracking leather of your driver’s seat. Heaving a sigh at the uncomfortable stickiness, you pulled down the mirror from the roof of your car to survey the reflection staring back at you.

It’s a startling thing, to look at yourself in a mirror and barely recognize your face. Your skin was dull and starting to break out, the bags under your eyes had seemingly never been more prominent than they were in this moment. Your fingers danced over the darkened skin, wondering at what point of your trip you began to look so worn down. Was it the moment you left your apartment? The twelve hours of mindless driving with no destination in mind? Or had this degeneration begun the moment you found yourself completely alone in life?

You snapped the mirror back up against the roof and rubbed your hands over your face. Mindlessly, you pushed through the items littering your passenger seat until you clasped the familiar quilted fabric of your wallet. As soon as you stood up outside of your car, a wave of dizziness sent you grasping at the top of your car for support. You needed food more than you had originally estimated. Your legs were still a bit shaky from disuse as you walked toward the small white building. Portions of the paint had peeled off in jagged strips to expose the tightly stacked brown bricks waiting underneath. The simple clear door displayed a sun-faded open sign with handwritten hours of operation. As soon as you pushed the door open, the smell of grease and fresh apple pie invaded your senses and your face involuntarily shrunk up in disgust. Another thick paper sign attached on a tarnished metal stand boasted a cheerful cursive that read “Please Seat Yourself!” You could hear a radio playing faintly from somewhere in the building.

Almost every booth in the rectangular dining area was vacant, save for one elderly couple sharing a plate of fries. The floor was sticky under your feet as you made your way to a booth, and whether the texture was a result of the humidity or a lack of cleaning, you couldn’t tell. Sliding into the booth was familiar, almost comforting as you thought back to all of the times you had slid into booths with your friends at dinner, or slid yourself into a booth at the coffee shop near your apartment to work on a paper. Well. Your old apartment. The thought of adjusting to past tense created a scowl on your face as an unsuspecting waitress approached your side. She cleared her throat and caught your attention. To your surprise, she was fairly young, maybe in her late 30s; and she stood in her bright blue blouse and skirt uniform with a cock to her hip and a serving tray tucked under her arm.

“Hi, hun. My name is Melissa, what can I get ya?” the woman’s tone was deceivingly cheerful, given the slow restaurant and heavy air. You heaved a sigh and looked down at the thin paper menu. It wilted in your hand as you picked it up and you soon abandoned the idea of even trying to read through it.

“Hi. A vanilla milkshake and fries, please.” The order was so simple that Melissa didn’t even write it down, just nodded and turned to head into the kitchen to relay your order. A dull buzz warned you of the beginning of a headache but you expertly pushed the feeling aside and decided to ask for a glass of water when she came with your order. Mindlessly, you began searching your phone for places to stay in the tiny town you had stumbled upon. This hadn’t been the kind of place you expected to end up for the summer, but you were never one to plan anything. Enthralled in your scrolling through motel listings, Melissa scared you as she set your order down in front of you. She caught a look at your phone and your face flushed in embarrassment. How much of an obvious tourist could you be? You asked for a glass of water in an attempt to shoo her away, but when she came back with a glass covered in condensation she didn’t leave.

“Not from around here?” it was a rhetorical question, but you gave her props for trying to ease you into the conversation. You shook your head, not really caring to elaborate on where you came from as you shoved a few fries into your mouth.

“I don’t usually talk to customers like this, but; well, we’re dead today and I saw you looking at places to stay on your phone. I don’t recommend any of them. Especially not to a young pretty girl like you. Most of them are way too pricey for their rooms. And the Moonlight motel is literally run by a druglord. He’d gobble you up,” she shivered at her own words.

“Well, where should I stay, then? Unless I missed a Best Western on the way in, I don’t have many other choices,” you deadpanned, hoping to hide the nervousness that was rising in your stomach. If you didn’t stay here, where would you go? But then again, why do you want to stay here so bad in the first place? You took a slurp of your milkshake as you contemplated.

“Look, it’s sort of a town secret, but you remind me of my niece, so I’ll just tell you now. There’s this estate- gated, two story house, old timey stuff, gorgeous garden” Melissa waved her hands around as she spoke, chipped red fingernails putting on a show of their own. “It’s called the Flower House, actually. It’s been passed from generation to generation, since the town was founded. The boy who owns it now is just about your age, but he’s been living there alone since his cousin moved away for college years ago. He’s a lovely boy, we love when he comes into town, it just isn’t often.” you raised your eyebrows at her, trying to figure out how this mysterious boy and his ancestral house had anything to do with your housing predicament. “Long story short, he came around a few weeks ago looking for anyone who would be willing to help him keep the house and yard clean. No pay, but it’s free living in a beautiful home. And he’s not bad looking either.” she winked suggestively. “If you want, I can give you the address and you can go talk to him?”

You looked into her eyes, sparkling with hope of giving you a helping hand. “Okay, yeah. Sure, what have I got to lose?” Melissa hurried away to get writing materials as you continued eating with renewed vigor.

As Melissa cleared your minimal dishes away, she set a ripped piece of paper in front of you that simply read;

“Choi Soobin, 476 Gardenia Dr.”

After paying and being sure to leave your helpful waitress a generous tip, you hopped back in your car and began your journey to discover the mysterious Flower House.

The drive through town was oddly peaceful, even with the grumbling of your car to accompany you alongside the pop songs on the radio. Air whipped into your windows as you drove by houses, small restaurants and one single chain grocery store where everyone seemed to be shopping. Stopping at an intersection with a single blinking stoplight, your phone instructed you to turn left. You passed the town’s schools, elementary and highschool; all huddled onto one campus with a large parking lot separating the two. The electric sign posted reminders of the last day of school for the students as you sped by. The farther you got away from the school, the older the houses became. Some were rotting apart, others covered in creeping vines. The street gradually slanted upwards as you continued to drive towards your destination. At the end of Gardenia Drive stood a towering home with a multitude of windows circling the entire building. A large chimney stood out on the top, one of the only signs of the home’s age; as the outside was wonderfully kept. The most impressive feature was of course the garden, for which the house gained its nickname. Your mouth hung open as you tried to fathom the sheer amount of flowers that were in full bloom on the front lawn. Blues, pinks, purples, reds and whites all stitched together in a beautiful quilt of florals. Some ivy was growing up the old wrought iron gates and the trunks of a few towering trees. While the growth made other houses look dated and worn down, the ivy here only added to the elegance that took your breath away. With your car parked on the road right outside, you exited your car to approach the gates.

Fumbling with your hands, you navigated over the brick path leading up to the intimidating 10 foot tall gates. Despite the obvious history of the metal, a modern doorbell buzzer and camera system was installed just to the left of the entrance. It was harder than you’d like to admit to raise the courage for pressing the button. Your mind blanked as you performed the action, not knowing what to expect. A voice crackled through the speakers and made you jump.

“Who’s there?” a smooth voice inquired. Suddenly you were unsure of what to say.

“I, uh. I’m Y/N. A waitress at Russ’ Diner told me to come talk to you about an um.” your mouth was suddenly going dry. “A living arrangement?” A small exclamation of understanding was music to your ears.

“Okay! Hold on, I’ll be right over to the gate!” The static disappeared with the voice. You looked down at your phone out of habit and realized you had no reception. Figures, as you were sort of in the middle of nowhere. It didn’t matter right now anyway. You put the device in the back pocket of your shorts just as the gate began creaking open and welcoming you onto the property. You could faintly make out the shape of a body making its way toward you through the dense trees.

When he stepped into your line of sight, sunshine managed to peek through the thick blanket of clouds that had been permeating your entire visit and bask him in a wash of gold. He was tall, with long legs covered in the material of light wash skinny jeans. The knees were a bit dirty, and you recognized the stains as a mix of grass and dirt. He was wearing a simple white t-shirt that clung perfectly to his wide shoulders and showed off his defined waist.

Not only was he dressed in a way you definitely didn’t expect, but his looks threw you even farther into surprise. His face was evenly tanned, and not a single blemish could be found. Suddenly, you became all too aware of the dismal state of your own complexion and fought the urge to bring a hand up to cover your face from him. Dark, hooded eyes examined your form as you stood awkwardly on the path and waited for his next words. He seemed amused by your lack of introduction, and chuckled a little as he asked, “Y/N?”

Hearing your name broke the spell that his beauty had put you under and you nodded. His face lit into a smile as he beckoned you further onto the land with a waving hand. You followed him closely and caught his words as they floated in the wind back to you. “I’m Soobin. This house belonged to my great-great-great uncle and his wife. Well, wives.” He chuckled to himself as he led you into a gazebo. Soobin settled into one of the wooden chairs situated around a matching table and gestured for you to sit in the one across from him. A pit of nervousness built in your stomach at the close proximity between the two of you. The table was only three feet wide, and Soobin’s long leg stretched in front of him and decreased your distance even more. Up close, you could see the permanent upturn of the corners of his mouth, and the sparkle in his brown eyes.

His honey brown hair ruffled in the breeze that passed you by and he closed his eyes at the feeling for a moment. “So,” he began suddenly, “you were at Russ’? Who sent you my way for the job?” He clasped his hands together and rested his chin on the new structure. He blinked owlishly as you took a deep breath.

“Yeah, I just came into town for the summer. Melissa served me and she told me that all of the motels here are pretty shit,” Soobin laughed and nodded at that, and your heart skipped a beat. “So she gave me your info. Said you might be able to give me a better place to stay if I helped you out.”

“Ah, I see. Melissa is right, though. Those motels are awful. I definitely wouldn’t want to see you staying there.” He appraised your face for a second while he paused. “If you want the job, it’s yours.” He stated as if it were the most casual thing in the world. You sputtered.

“Wait, what? That quick? You don’t even know anything about me! I could be a murderer!” He laughed openly at you now, and the sound stirred an emotion in your stomach you hadn’t felt in months.

“Well, are you? A murderer?”

“No! Of course not.” Soobin nodded and crossed his arms over his chest.

“So, can you clean? Cook a decent meal? Drive to the city for groceries? Water some plants?” You nodded at every question he raised and watched as his smile upticked more with every bob of your head.

“Then you’re perfect. Welcome to the Flower House.” He stood, frame towering over your still sitting being and offered you a strong looking hand. Ticking his head toward the massive home behind him, he grinned. “Tour?”

225 notes · View notes

rendezvousrenjun · 4 years

Text

address | p.jisung

✩ Time seems to fly by when you catch feelings for a mutual friend who also so happens to be your physics partner, and potential love partner. ✩ fluff + humor | 4.29k words | friends to lovers!au | beware! some cussing :(

“Oh my gosh I’m so sorry I’m late-- oh!” You are thrown off-guard by the tall boy standing next to your friend, holding a large popcorn with both of his hands.

You were running late. Your friend Chenle had invited you to watch a movie this evening, and unfortunately you had overslept from your nap; waking up in a haste to get to the theater before the trailers were over.

Chenle may have told you about the new movie you guys were seeing, but he did not inform you of meeting a new person.

“Oh! I totally forgot to introduce you two, y/n,” he pauses to point to his popcorn-holding-friend, “this is Jisung,” he points back to you, “Jisung, this is y/n.”

Jisung reaches his right hand over to you, but retracts it back to awkwardly wipe some popcorn grease on his jeans. You smile at him as you two shake hands for the first time, his hand being firm and clumsy while engulfing yours. He forms a tight smile back at you while Chenle grabs the popcorn before it spills over entirely.

That was the first time you met Jisung.

You honestly did not know why you signed up for a physics class; it was the last semester of the year and you had rushed picking out classes, which was a mistake as you soon realized none of your friends were taking it with you.

Accepting your fate, you open the door to reveal the dimly lit classroom, quickly scanning for an empty seat. The moment you saw Jisung sitting alone, hunched over his phone, cross-legged, the stool next to him open, your instinct was to go over to him and plop right down.

“Uh..Hi Jisung..” You place your backpack down on the floor cautiously, making sure not to hit his leg.

“Oh Hi y/n..” He straightens up and removes one of his earbuds to look over your direction, raising his eyebrows to acknowledge you.

You let out a sigh, your body releasing some tension, “I’m glad you’re in this class I literally do not know anyone else.”

His posture becomes more relaxed as well, leaning closer to you, “Oh my gosh! Me too I was lowkey panicking dude--”

There’s a small exchange of relieved giggles before the teacher introduces himself.

Meeting Jisung the second time was pure luck.

And because of those two encounters you couldn’t deny that you had developed a bit of a crush. Everyday you had something to look forward to, with Jisung by your side during these painstaking long physics lessons.

Some days when the teacher wasn’t looking, Jisung would pass you notes despite the fact you two were literally shoulders apart.

↬ i have a good joke lol: what is your house wearing >.<???

You look at the small crumpled note slid over to you before looking back up at Jisung who was pretending to pay attention on what was on the board, his eyebrows crinkled and his pencil jotting down scribbles into the notebook he had ripped the small piece of paper from. When you whisper a harsh “what?” at him, he ignores you and shoots the piece of paper a glance with an expectant smile. You roll your eyes jokingly and click your pen to scribble down:

↬ what (ง •̀_•́)ง

↬ ADDRESS haHAHAHA get it

You watch him try to fight the laughter that was bubbling up inside him by looking down at his notebook, making you blush at his corny reaction.

Your teacher clears his throat, making both of your heads snap back up. He was currently going over the agenda for next week-- including a huge project that was worth a good portion of your grade. Again, you were thankful to have Jisung in this class, because much to your dismay, it was a group project.

“Jisung” you whisper, gesturing for him to come closer to hear you better, “wanna be my partner?”

He takes a moment to look at you, blinking and expressionless. You tilt your head a little, silently asking for his response. He comes even closer to you, making you scoot your body back a bit to make sure he couldn’t see the red that was creeping up your neck from his gaze.

“y/n.”

“Mm?”

“If I’m not your partner who else would want to be?”

“Oh my fucking--”

Your teacher looks over at you and clears his throat again while you straighten up. Under the table, Jisung squirms at the feeling of you pinching his thigh.

The next week passes too fast. You and Jisung have done absolutely nothing regarding the project.

“Yo yo JISUNG pwwwwwwak!” you say throwing down your bag in a hurry-- grabbing your stool to place it in an even closer distance.

“Hmmm?” Jisung doesn’t even look up at you, totally engrossed with the game on his phone.

“Can we please work on the project tomorrow?”

A couple of taps later, he dies and places his phone on the desk in a disappointed manner.

“Tomorrow…” Jisung trails off and squints at a random space between you two, “what’s the date today?”

“February fourth-- why? Are you busy? It’s okay if you can’t… I just thought we should get it done fast since it’s time consuming and the deadline is literally in three days…”

“Well, um, I’m not really busy-- where are we working on it?”

“Is my house okay..?? Kind of early in the morning so we can finish before sun down..?”

“That’s cool with me just text me your address--ADDRESS AHAHA”

“Not this again--” You facepalm, but deep down you must admit it was adorable of him to laugh at his own joke.

Jisung ended up arriving an hour or so later than the time you had originally scheduled.

When you opened the door he gave you an apologetic smile, the one where his cheekbones and gums show on his face. You resist the need to poke his tiny dimple.

“Hi” he raises a hand and wiggles his fingers halfheartedly.

“Hey” you mirror him, laughing off the fond feeling that started to grow in your stomach.

He squeezes past your front door and removes his shoes before entering. You follow behind him, a bit anxious at the thought of having a boy alone in your house. He shuffles awkwardly near your dining room table where you had set up all the materials in order to not waste any time. You look away for one second, about to go into the kitchen to offer him apple juice, but he grabs the exacto knife, activating your fight or flight instinct-- so you proceed to swiftly take it from his hand. He scrunches his nose at you, sitting down afterwards.

“We should play some music dude.” Jisung puts down his pencil and paper after sketching out the structure of your wooden tower. It has been a solid hour of working in silence, you two sitting side by side like how you always do in class. To your surprise, Jisung had concentrated really well on doing his part of the project while you started using sandpaper to get rid of the rough edges of the wood.

“Sure, play whatever song you want.”

“Mmmkay” He hits shuffle on his playlist, “And You?” by Dean starts playing at full blast, making the atmosphere less professional. You start zoning out while working again, but snap out of it when Jisung starts humming and singing along to the song. You feel his shoulder start grazing yours as he moves his upper body to the beat, making you smile to yourself.

As time goes by you and Jisung end up straight up vibing to the music, getting up to scream lyrics at the top of your lungs, or even shimmy-ing along to whatever was playing. But eventually you two stopped the music in order to focus, laughter and messing around getting out of hand.

Cutting up balsa wood in tiny increments was also very stressful and the amount of patience you two needed to muster was almost impossible. But the best thing about having a partner for this project is that you don’t have to deal with the stress alone. Hearing Jisung get frustrated, or randomly just throw his exacto knife on the table dramatically to get up and rub his temples made you ease up and get less tense. It was comforting not to be alone.

What did start to bother you was Jisung continuously touching his bangs to remove them from his line of vision. Every couple minutes he would place whatever was in his hand down just to brush them up.

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll be right back just wait.” You skip to your room to grab a flower hair-clip, hiding it behind your back to present it with a little “ta-da” to Jisung.

“This hair clip is for you~”

“Oh wow thank you!” He tries clipping it to his head, but can’t seem to get it to stick, his long fingers unable to snap it down.

“Let me do it” you offer your hand out for him to place the clip back into your palm. He watches every move you do, his fingers playing in his lap as you look down at him sitting. The feeling of his hair is soft, as you gently take his bangs in a clump, putting them up. His eyes meet yours and you have to look back at the clip before your heart thumps any louder.

You clear your throat to fight off the feeling, “wow Jisung your head is kinda big.” The snap of the clip following after your random statement.

“Hey it’s embarrassing--” he grabs a hold of your wrist to make you look at him pouting about his big head.

“But big heads are nice--”

It takes a second or two for you both to realize what you just said, Jisung hysterically laughing, releasing your wrist and leaving it feeling warm.

“I’d honestly rather have a small head!”

“OH WHATEVER JISUNG”

Around five o’clock pm Jisung cuts his finger. In fact, he’s cut and broken a lot of things today due to his clumsiness, causing you to have to buy more wood. But at this point you weren’t even thinking due to the amount of brain numbing that gluing thin pieces of wood has been. So out of concern you instinctively reach out and start blowing on Jisung’s index finger. He tries to retract it at first, a bit surprised by the skinship, but relaxes when you look back up at him.

“Let’s wash it follow me.”

“Do you still have those minion bandaids you bring to school?”

“Yes.”

“Can you put one of them on me?”

“Of course.”

After wrapping Jisung’s little boo-boo you two decide you needed a well deserved break. Jisung simply places himself along your living room couch, taking up the entire space, acting as if this was his own home.

“Ya! Move over, I wanna lay down too.”

“No! Just lay on the ground here” Jisung pats the ground with his dangling arm while his eyes remain closed, dream-land already a couple minutes away.

“I’m just going to lay on top of you then.”

Jisung immediately snaps his eyes open and lays so that his chest touches the couch’s interior and his back is turned to you in order to make space. You jump onto the couch, making the weight shift, but he doesn’t even budge. The space is tight, but you two are too tired to care.

You may have accidentally fallen asleep because the next thing you knew was Jisung shaking you awake. When your eyes flutter open your hazy vision rests on Jisung who can’t look at you straight in the eye because, as Jisung says

“we practically napped together y/n…..”

You just laugh at him as he tries to climb over your body so he can go back to the wood gluing, embarrassed because he maybe, just maybe may have hugged you in his sleep.

At eight o’ six pm you find out that Jisung’s parents aren’t able to pick him up right away after school.

“So you’re telling me you have to wait a whole hour just to go home?”

“Yea and it’s really boring to wait at the back of the school because I kind of-- I guess,,, just stand there until I see my car roll up??”

It was an impulsive decision to suggest that he walk with you to your house everyday and get picked up here instead of waiting at school for an hour. But words ended up leaving your mouth faster than your brain could stop you, emotions getting the best out of the situation. At first Jisung did not like the idea.

“I don’t want to bother you or your family though--”

“Jisung you don’t bother me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yea! Just meet me at my last class everyday so we can start walking together.”

“But like… are you SURE SURE?”

“Yes!! Honestly it’s better this way, I didn’t like walking home alone everyday either. It’s a win-win situation.”

“Mmmkayyyyyyyyy if you say-so….” he gives you that gummy smile again.

It was already nine o’ nine pm and Jisung’s parents still weren’t here to pick him up. You two ended up cleaning up after the “walking-home-together” discussion, sitting on the couch to relax and discuss whatever came to mind.

“What’s my name on your phone?” You ask him while he responds to the text message from his parents telling him they’re on their way.

“y/n”

“Wow Jisung”

“Well what do you want it to be?”

“Mmm… how bout ‘the angel who saved me from being extremely bored for a solid hour for five days a week’?”

“No.”

“Fine.”

“I’m getting a text hold up.”

“You got a lot of texts today, I didn’t know you were this popular.”

“Nah I got most of the texts this morning when I woke up.”

“Wait what? Why this morning?”

“Oh… well..it’s because it’s my birthday.”

“IT’S YOUR WHAT NOW???!!???”

“My… birthday??”

“JISUNG….what??? YOUR WHAT??? Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t “busy”??? The fuck Jisung?? WAIT WHAT??? Let me GIVE YOU SOMETHING OH MY GOD!!!! Happy birthday oh my--”

“It’s okay y/n…oH and now you’re running to the kitchen okay nevermind”

You ended up grabbing an oreo and a candle, then shoving them in front of Jisung in a haste to sing a very terrible rendition of the happy birthday song as Jisung simply looks at you and chuckles, placing his hands to cover his face because in this moment you were so endearing and unbelievably cute. He would never admit that though.

“Thank you, thank you,” he claps his hands in a way so that they don’t make a lot of noise.

“I’m sorry you had to spend your birthday with me doing a stupid physics project.”

“No no it’s okay I’m glad I spent my day like this,” he pauses to contemplate what he was going to say next, “with you.”

“Really?”

“Yea it was fun!”

You could’ve sworn you could hear your heart thumping loud enough for Jisung to hear, but maybe that was just his phone ringing.

“I gotta go now, see you soon--- and uh thank you for the cookie,,, and today.”

The moment your front door is shut, you dial up Chenle’s number and proceed to ask him why he didn’t bother to mention that it was in fact, Park Jisung’s birthday. In which he responds with a crisp, “aHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA.”

The results for the project were handed out the following week, you and Jisung scoring a solid 92 out of 100. Jisung had impulsively hugged you out of excitement, realizing only after he had you in his arms. You can smell his laundry detergent from his sweater, and feel his body warmth, all of it feeling so welcoming. He lets go of you fast, awkwardly putting both his hands up for a double-high five instead.

Walking home with Jisung became a routine. Him scaring you outside your sixth period everyday also became a routine. Him being in your life was simply what became both of your normals, and it would be difficult to go back to how it was before you two met up for that project.

Chenle had suggested watching another movie together since this time it wouldn’t be as awkward, in which all of you unanimously agreed to go.

You and Jisung show up together, as it was a Friday after school. Jisung excuses himself to the bathroom before you guys enter the theater while you wait for Chenle outside. Your phone buzzes with a message from Chenle himself.

↬ y/nnn i’m sorryyyyy ↬ why what happened?? ↬ something came up i cant make it i hope you two arent still waiting for me :((( ↬ awww it’s okay… ↬ but u should thank me ↬ why ↬ now u and jisung are able to go on a date MWAHAHAH ↬ shUT up

Jisung comes out of the bathroom and you explain the situation to him, fumbling to lock your phone before he could see any of the messages. You two make your way inside, getting your tickets and debating on different snacks.

You look over to see Jisung holding a large popcorn and your heart swells in your chest, remembering the very first time you had laid eyes on him. Remembering how far you two have come. He smiles at you before you grab the popcorn out of his hands.

During the movie, you can’t seem to focus; Chenle’s texts swarming your mind as you nervously glance over at Jisung from time to time. His eyes are fixated on the screen, a glow brushing over his cheeks. You admire how his face easily expresses how he feels on certain parts: eyebrows furrowing occasionally, his mouth agape in surprise, it all shows. He feels you staring and glances back at you before you look down at the popcorn in his hands and take a fistful to stuff in your mouth. He almost chokes at your reaction, covering his mouth before he starts laughing and people give him weird looks.

Jisung had failed his math exam on the following Monday as thoughts of you from the movies occupied his mind instead. It was bad. You were too cute for his own good.

Upon finding this out -- excluding what he thought about you -- you had suggested a spa day for the two of you in order to de-stress.

“For the hour at my house today can you actually stay for a bit longer so that we can have a skincare day?”

“Why???”

“I think you gotta pamper yourself more Jisung! Take care of yourself better!”

When you two arrived, the first thing you did was bring Jisung into your bathroom to wash your faces together. He fiddles with the cleanser before smearing it all over his face, making you laugh uncontrollably at how funny he looked.

“Okay after cleansing we gotta do toner!”

“What’s toner? Isn’t that the thing people use for printers?”

“Well it’s-- never-mind let me just put it on your face.”

You apply it onto a cotton pad before wiping it gently across Jisung’s skin. His skin was already so glowy, it made you somewhat envious. A strand of your hair keeps falling down while you lean over Jisung’s face as he sits on your closed toilet. Jisung continues to watch your hand move across his temples and the slope of his nose bridge before allowing his eyes to wander down to your wrist, then your arm, then your face. He naturally reaches out to your face with his pointer finger and gingerly tucks away the strand of hair. He allows his finger to linger there for a second, before placing it back down. The thumping of your heart makes you believe it could break out of your ribcage and onto his lap any second now. He clears his throat, not able to look at you in the eye again, before you finish applying the toner.

The previous incident is soon forgotten as the two of you ended up taking an excessive amount of selfies and embarrassing photos in face masks. Since Jisung had asked his parents to pick him up later you guys decided to take a nap while waiting for the masks to completely soak in. By now, Jisung and you have grown so comfortable with each other that napping together was an unspoken normality. This was okay between friends right?

When you open your eyes, Jisung is looking down at you fondly half-asleep. You think that you could fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat every time, an ASMR only you could hear. He starts playing with your fingers absent-mindedly while you adjust to the situation.

“You smell good today.” Your voice is still a bit harsh from waking up. “So I don’t smell good everyday?” “Whatever Jisung.”

He softly chuckles and continues to play with your pinkie for a bit.

“You smell good too.”

Time ticked quicker than you were able to grasp it. The school year was suddenly already over before you knew it. On the last day of school Jisung had asked if you wanted to go to the amusement park with him, which you obviously agreed to.

There was still some unexpressed feelings between you and Jisung. Although you mutually somehow knew there was something there.

You guys ended up running around the park like a bunch of chickens without heads, having the time of your lives now that summer was upon you. Jisung had bought you guys iced tea while you were in the restroom, but since he only had enough change for one you guys ended up drinking from the same bottle. As you two went along, excited exchanges between you two also flew by.

“Let’s win that huge mouse plushie!!!”

“I’ll win it for you Jisung just sit back and watch.”

And you did. You won him that mouse plushie.

“Actually--shoot-- we should’ve ridden all the rides first before playing the games so we don’t have to carry around the prizes until we go home.”

“That’s actually smart… too bad you didn’t think of it earlier.”

“Can we ride the moominator first though???”

“I can’t ride roller coasters, they’re so scary!!”

“Well sucks to suck Jisung seeya I’m going to ride it…. BUY ME A CHUrrO in the meantime!”

“I DON’T HAVE ANY MORE MONEY!”

The sun began to set, and so did the energy you two had left. Jisung had suggested you guys ride a sky glider to watch the amazing view, and although you reject the idea due to your fear of heights you end up in the cart anyways.

“So you’re telling me you’re scared of rollercoasters but not sky gliders?”

“So you’re telling me you’re scared of sky gliders and not rollercoasters?” Jisung retorts back cheekily.

“Ya! You could literally die if this cord snaps okay? One little shake and we’re DEAD JISUNG. D-E-A-D!”

“Oh really?” you should’ve never have given Jisung the idea to shake the cart that contained the two of you, because now he was vigorously swinging his body.

You don’t say anything because your body is frozen still--the pit of your stomach creating a nest of nerves; your body filling itself with chills as the only thing stopping you from plummeting to your doom is the one thin horizontal railing.

Jisung misplaces his hand on the railing, slipping it over to your side of the cart, his body weight tilting it ever-so-slightly, causing you both to simultaneously freak out. You tightly grip Jisung’s arm, turning your head to look at him in full panic-mode, only then do you realize how close you two are.

Jisung becomes aware of the small space between you two as well, his grip on the railing that’s enclosing you getting even tighter than your grip on his arm. You see the sweat that begins to form at the corner of his forehead and the way he gulps when looking at you directly in the eyes.

“Ar-ar-aree y-you- o-ka-kay..??” he manages to stutter out, body never leaving the proximity of yours.

You two are trapped in this position. In the sky. The end far down.

You look at his eyes, and his slightly scrunched nose, and the way his mouth starts to form a thin line by pressing his lips together-- then your eyes revert themselves to the entirety of his face.

You would hate to admit it, but in that moment you thought maybe Jisung was hiding stars in his eyes.

You’re watching him, and it almost seems like he’s sliding even closer to you-- as if physically possible. Then, with the blink of an eye, in the heat of the moment, Jisung practically headbutts you in the face with his lips on your lips; giving himself whiplash as he breaks away from you surprised as if he didn’t just do that.

You both gasp and cover your mouths like little school children who had just learned about a silly secret.

“Oh my gosh” you mumble into your hands, and Jisung simply covers his entire face with his big ass hands.

You reach over and take his hands into yours before you peck him again. This time when you observe his face, the blush had crept up all the way to the tips of his ears to the point they were burning red.

He’s so embarrassed he squeals and covers his face again. This time he’s the one who squeaks into his palms, “again!”

He grabs your hot cheeks into his equally sweaty palms and presses his lips against yours, this time not as harshly and without the whiplash.

557 notes · View notes

mocoat · 3 years

Text

Ok, first actual post so if anything’s wrong or weird just tell me.

So this is my oc, Ellina Gold-Claw in a thing I’m writing. I’ve been writing random stuff in a google doc to try and keep to her character and I thought it be interesting to post.

Tiny Bosmer, itty bitty baby that will rip your tongue out and feed it to you if you ask if she knows any recipes for people.

She’s not that short tho, about 5 3’. Tall for a Bosmer. Gets it from her literal 7 foot tall Atmoran descent father.

Has bright blue eyes that turn gold when using the Thu’um.

Mums a Bosmer and dads a Nord. Both live in the Imperial city, mom is the head of the Penitus Oculatus and dad is the Archmage of the Arcane University. Writes them letters and maybe she’ll visit on Odah. Dads a softy, moms the badass.

Her dad, Eris Gold-Claw II, is 7 foot 1’ and hella intimidating. Towers over the tallest Altmer (6ft 5’- 6 ft 8 is my kinda canon for them.) and is best friends with Mead. He is a Master in Conjuration, Illusion, and Alteration. Gave Ellina her blue eyes (Martin Septims blue eyes) and her curly hair. His hair is curly, half braided back in a Nord ish style and dirty blond. Doesn’t carry a weapon but when fighting will conjure a daedric sword. Wears his dark blue Archmage robes with the little gold thing at his neck

Her mother, Lilith Gold-Claw, is 5 feet of pure muscle. Is fucken ripped from carrying a ebony bow a head taller than her. Wears ebony chainmail that has a plethora of enchantments to make it lighter and stronger. Literally makes arrows turn the other way when coming at her. Has bright red hair that is kept at shoulder level and is usually tied up. She is a woman of few words and is eternally patient, until she isn’t. If you cross this Bosmer you’re getting your throat ripped out. She quite literally makes people tremble with a look, the rest of the Penitus Oculatus have learned to fear her and also love her. Is very fair but loyal, will beat anyone who calls her husband a dumb Nord who only got his job because of his family name.

The Gold-Claws date back to the Nerevarine. Eresin Gold-Claw. He had a wife and 16 year old daughter, Willow Gold-Claw, the Hero of Kvatch. He was arrested for a bar fight and thrown in prison. Just like Willow would 7 years later. Ever since then the Gold-Claws have been close with the Empire and when Martin Septim died and left Willow alone and pregnant they became even closer. They helped the Meads rise to power and told them their secret. Titus knows who they are and always keeps it in mind that if they wanted to they could have his place as Emperor.

Their family’s are close as a result. Ellina basically grew up in the Imperial Palace, having every guard, maid, cook, prince wrapped around her little finger.

Has wild gold hair, big poofy curls that reach her mid back when dry and go past her butt when wet. Will only put it up when she’s relaxed enough around you. (Kinda backwards but I don’t care.)

Wears a green cloak flecked with gold, reaches the floor when she wears it. Wears Neloths robes, no armor plates. Later on she trades her green cloak for a red and gold one, matching Neloths colors when she goes to the Imperial city for a party

Likes dresses but only when she can. They’re a bit impractical for her line of work. Usually wears her cloak over dragonscale armor. Pretty badass

That’s when she’s traveling, when she’s just sitting around Lakeview she’s just in a shirt and leather pants or a plain dress.

Fucken loves Neloth’s robe that he lent her, and will never take them off now. They’re soft and have P O C K E T S. Yaaas

Once she spends some time around Neloth she starts to fall for him. She liked him from the start, she likes his no shit attitude and his unforgiving bluntness. After she sees him in the midst of a horrible nightmare about his mother using a cruel spell on him and after he wakes he curls up in her arms to cry. She's touched by him letting her comfort her. When he called her dear she just fucken melts. Sure he may be half asleep that first time but who cares.

When he kisses her for the firsts time she’s completely smitten and doesn’t bother trying to deny it to herself.

Also has piercings on her ears, two on the tip of her right ear and just the regulars ones on the other.

Can’t use a bow to save her life, uses Dawnbreaker and she usually has a dragon bone dagger in a sheathe on her lower back.

Used mostly alteration and illusion magic, is decent at healing and can throw a fireball if needed. Prefers her sword. Hates it when people comment on her not using a bow, Windhelm was particularly bad until she threw a guy across the city.

Is a stupidly brilliant artist, draws beautifully but rarely does it. If she finds the time to draw you, you’re special. Neloth keeps her drawing of him on his desk or in his pocket, specially enchanted to not rip or tear.

Likes to sit on Neloths desk and draw him. His expressions are always the best.

Also likes to sit in stupid places. will always choose a table over a chair, had scaled the tower and sat up there when Neloth needed space. Tops of bookshelves until Neloth finds her. Stuff like that

Is always humming, singing, tapping her fingers or feet. Always has a song going through her head.

Odahviing is her best friend, and so are the Companions. (Her and Farkas are close but not romantically.)

Can sing like an angel but can also destroy a tavern if she gets too into it so she doesn’t much.

Loved to hoard books. Until she goes to Moras place

Sucks ass at alchemy but tries her best, Neloth has (or will) banned her from using his alchemy table due to many explosions.

She specializes in Alteration and Illusion magic. Is decent with healing and knows like two fire spells. Hates shock magic, like fucken hates it. Can’t stand to see someone use it

Has three claw marks on her back from Alduin. They travel from the right to the left down her back. She almost died fighting him and if it wasn’t for the Greybeards she would be.

Also was tortured by the Thalmor when she was younger, 10 to be exact, has a lightning shaped scar down her right side that reaches her neck. Can be seen in regular clothing and armor.

Has horrible nightmares, has broken windows in her house in Falkreath from screaming. All of Alduin killing her family, the Companions, or the Greybeards. Neloth makes an entrance later on

Can change her appearance at will, takes concentration though and only lasts a few hours at most.

Hates the Blades with a seething passion, will never kill Paarthurnax. Ever. He’s amazing and he talks nice.

Didn’t take a side in the civil war, thinks Ulfric is hot but a dick. Hates him slightly less than Tullius. Rikke’s fucken funny tho. Hadvar is the best, so sweet. The way he says burns runs through my head constantly.

Is hella allergic to apples and will die if she eats them.

Also her sneezes will send her flying backwards and anything in front of her goes flying as well.

Loves Dunmer food and drink. Sujamma mostly. Flin is alright. Loves canis root tea as well. Is the only person who Neloth knows who actually likes the taste besides him.

True to Skyrim fashion, she loves cheese. Hoards cheese, will kill a room of druager for cheese.

Loves picking on the Thalmor, doesn’t kill them if she doesn’t have to, just likes to slip a Talos amulet into one’s pocket and watch the chaos.

Never calls Neloth anything but his name or when their alone “Dii brit onik fahliil.” Which means, “My beautiful wise elf.” Always makes sure to complement his mind and body.

2 notes · View notes

songfell-ut · 4 years

Text

Chapter 10, one month in!

Man, I might actually finish this. Link here and @lostmypotatoes remains great.

This one mostly features Frisk having enough of everyone’s shit.

When Sans had composed himself enough to leave the wallpaper behind, he found Dr. Serif double-checking the paperwork while Frisk rustled around in her dressing room. As soon as she emerged in her black dress, the doctor said, "I have a request, Sans. When you escort Snowdrake home, I'd like you to stay in human form. Two monsters going anywhere without an owner will attract too much attention, especially near the border, and we should see whether your disguise can fool another monster. Do you think you can masquerade as a human who is using Sans' magic?"

Sans didn't like the idea – in fact, he completely hated it – but he was in the mood to think before he spoke, and the more he did, the more it made sense. "Yeah, I guess. If I told 'im who I was, he'd probably think I'd been brainwashed or somethin'. Everyone would be weird about it when I got home."

"Exactly." The royal sorcerer rolled the papers back up and placed the scroll on the edge of the table. "Does Sans need to bring the deed to the house with him in case he's questioned, my lady?"

"No, I've written a note and put my seal on it. Here's a map with the house marked, and I also have an insignia he can carry." The priestess went to a little nook by the fireplace, glanced at herself in the mirror, and opened a drawer full of odds and ends. "Where is...ah." Frisk pulled out a leather armband. "This will identify you as the High Priestess' personal agent. I don't use it often, but anyone you speak to should recognize it."

Sans had retrieved his silver chain from the bedroom. He looped it around his neck, put the smaller items in his overcoat, and accepted the armband, admiring the patterns of tiny white and red crystals worked into the leather. "Spiffy. So, if anyone asks me who I am an' where I'm takin' Snowdrake, I can tell 'em to shove it?"

"You will not tell anyone to shove it." He winced at her tone—yep, she was still mad at him. "Furthermore, please remember your fortune. No matter what happens, unless it is absolutely the only way to keep yourself and Snowdrake safe, I don't want you to kill anyone." She swept an errant lock of hair behind her ear, voice softening. "Please, Sans."

The boss monster's SOUL fluttered. He looked down at the armband, which was more of a wristband at his human size. "Fine," he said, trying to sound careless. "I'll talk first, only kill 'em if they really, really bug me."

"Sans!" He'd forgotten that Frisk had the lungs to roar like a miniature hurricane. "Do you care about anything but yourself and what you want to do? If you kill anyone and you cannot come back here and look me in the eye to tell me why it was necessary, I don't want you to come back at all! Do you understand?!"

Sans was speechless. As her echoes bounced off the corners of the room, he not only couldn't think of what to say, it felt like the magic comprising his vocal cords had evaporated.

Into the silence fell the sound of someone rapping on the double doors. Frisk whipped on her veil and headdress, allowing the bemused Dr. Serif to get up and admit two armed guards.

Between the men drooped a birdlike, half-grown monster roughly four feet tall, ice forming on the chains around its neck and feet. Without preamble, the priestess snapped her fingers at the guards and said, "Remove his bonds. Now."

The shorter guard coughed as Snowdrake shrank further back. "He is secured with the commonest type of lock. Your Ladyship will doubtless possess the key already," the guard mumbled.

Though her features were obscured by the veil, the High Priestess' body language was so expressive of absolute wrath that the men swallowed and gripped their weapons tighter. Without turning her head, she said to Sans in measured, glacial tones, "Get rid of those chains."

"As milady wishes," Sans said cheerfully, raising his left hand. The guards didn't notice the red mist surrounding the collar or shackles, but they did see the metal burst into fragments; the men nearly wet themselves as the rest of the chains fell off the startled drake.

"Leave us," ordered Frisk, and they were happy to obey, one pausing to grab the scroll and the other nearly running out the doors ahead of him.

Snowdrake's beak fluttered open, but he shut it and cringed as Frisk reached for his neck. "That's Sans' magic," whispered the young monster. "How'd you get him?"

Frisk placed her hand on his head, feeling him tremble. "He's unharmed, and he's given us his magic in order to help return you to the Underground." She brushed the last few links off his feathery neck, trying to avoid the half-healed scabs where the collar had rubbed him raw. "I am not your new owner, Snowdrake. You're going to be free."

The ice monster's eyes darted between her and the two men. "Yes, my lady," he said woodenly.

The poor kid. Sans knew exactly what it was like to be at a human witch's mercy and having to hear that kind of crap. Only the knowledge that she wasn't lying and Snowdrake would be home soon kept Sans from dropping the disguise right then and there.

"My guard will escort you as close as he can to the entrance to the Underground," Frisk told Snowdrake, then looked at Sans. "You shouldn't have trouble, but if you run into poachers, I'm giving you full authority to protect yourselves through non-lethal means. Is that understood?"

Sans nodded. To his surprise, Dr. Serif cleared his throat. "I think you had better take this as well. Consider it repayment." He produced yet another brooch from his robe, this one large and faintly pink. Sans wondered irritably how many of them he still had. "If you use this to supplement the magic you already possess, you can make the journey in a few easy stages. Pace yourself, and do not hurry back." He sat down as Sans put the brooch away. "Several people in the plot against Her Eminence have already been detained. We will maintain a watch in case anyone else involved decides to strike before they're discovered, and I will personally check on her throughout the day."

"Indeed," said Frisk. "Please take your time."

Holy shit, that hurt. The boss monster plunged his hands into his pockets to avoid breaking anything. "Breakfast should be here in a moment," the priestess went on, "and as soon as you've—" Right on cue, there was another knock at the door. "—both eaten, we'll pack something for you to take with you."

Sans tried to catch her eye, but she went back to the office as the servant unloaded the trolley. Snowdrake made no move to eat until Sans put a plate down and told him, "Go for it," at which the ice monster almost literally dove in. There was no telling the last time he'd had enough to eat, so Sans didn't ask, letting Snowdrake devour nearly everything and gulp down all the milk.

Fortunately, there was a bundle of apples and sandwiches sitting on the bottom of the trolley, along with three flasks of water and one of cider. "I ordered extra provisions. You'll need to keep your strength up," said Dr. Serif, waving away Sans' muttered thanks. He checked that Snowdrake was done, then called, "They're leaving, my lady."

Frisk reemerged, still veiled. "The best of luck to you both," she said.

Sans picked up the bundle, tucking it under his arm. "Sure, boss. See you when I get back." He jerked his head at Snowdrake, who was peering up at him, eyes half closed. "C'mon." Sans shouldered the doors open for the smaller monster to trudge through; a second later, the guard outside made a squeaky sound that indicated Sans had teleported them away.

The priestess sank into a chair, shoulders slumping as she pulled off her headdress. Dr. Serif cleared his throat. "You look as though you need more rest, Your Eminence. Unless, of course, you'd like to talk about your—"

"No. Thank you," she said, loud and sharp. Frisk picked up a fresh stack of letters, sorting them into different piles according to the wax seals or lack thereof. "I have a great deal of correspondence to catch up on, and I'll be very dull company for the next several hours. I'm sure you also have a great deal of work to do—have you started drafting your proposed specifications for the first set of solar arrays?"

"Yes, my lady. In fact, I've scheduled a meeting later this morning with several of my colleagues to discuss the matter. I'll be back this afternoon, but if you need anything at all in the meantime..."

"Thank you," she said again, a little more calmly. "I also must thank you for your help earlier with Sans. Did you figure out why he was acting so strange? I can't believe he grabbed me like that! I don't know what he could have been thinking."

The doctor made a wry face at her back. "I'm not sure how it happened, my lady. I don't believe he intended to become inebriated, but that is certainly what he was." He paused. "I will also keep you apprised of developments in Fernand's interrogation. Your Eminence will be glad to know that Lord Owen has been cleared of suspicion, more than adequately."

Frisk looked daggers at him. "Has he?"

"Indeed," he said gravely. "The moment his friend was arrested, Lord Owen volunteered to answer questions under hypnosis. He was tested beforehand for any magic with which he might have resisted or subverted the procedure, which ensured his answers were completely truthful. He is guiltless, and can offer no further information."

She nodded, returning to the next stack of letters. Why did she feel just the tiniest bit disappointed?

It was no use pretending. In her too-honest, very tired mind, she knew exactly why: it would've been the ideal excuse to reject him and find another suitor for her "adequate" future. It wasn't at all nice, but facts were facts. No matter how much she wanted to be married, having Luke as a husband would be like sleeping with her brother!

So, that just left...who?

The doctor coughed theatrically. "Before I go, my lady..."

Something made Frisk look up at him. Dr. Serif gave her a brief smile, and said with unusual delicacy, "With no intrusion intended or opinion attached, I beg that you inform me if and when you wish to safely dispose of your box. Whatever may be inside it, I assume there is magic involved, and throwing it away without the proper precautions may have consequences."

Frisk picked up an envelope and hissed between her teeth as she felt the paper slice her thumb. "I understand, Doctor. Good day to you."

He half-smiled. "And to you, my lady." When she looked up a moment later, he was already gone.

If Frisk had ever had a more miserable day as High Priestess, she didn't want to remember when. She hadn't just been trying to get rid of the royal sorcerer; she really did have a pile of mail to get through. The only attention she paid to the proposals was to make a stack of rejects, maybes, and actual prospects. Then she threw the maybes into the reject pile. Then she had to literally grab her own wrist to keep from dumping the entire basket into the fireplace—if she was destined to either marry Lord Owen or hop right into bed with someone unmarriageable, why bother wading through any of these?

A small, flat package at the bottom of the stack puzzled her until she opened it and several bookmarks fell out. Right: she'd ordered them when Sans got after her one time too many for her uncouth reading habits. She could fold all the pages she wanted today, Frisk tried to tell herself, but it just made her wish he was here to tell her to leaf them alone or mark his words. When she got another paper cut, she started to ask him to heal it for her, only to realize she was speaking to an empty room. She had to make do by washing her hands and applying tiny bits of ointment that came right off when she picked up more envelopes.

Just before lunch, Frisk told herself she'd earned a break and went in to flop on the enormous bed. Would Sans be back tonight? If he wasn't back by evening, should she go ahead and sleep in here, knowing he could come back inexplicably drunk and try to cuddle her again?

...She couldn't shake the idea. Technically, she should be scared at the idea of a ten-foot monster with no inhibitions invading her space when she was most vulnerable, but...she wasn't. Not remotely. In fact, her imagination was running with it so fast that she couldn't catch up, much less stop it. Frisk actually had to remind herself that Sans was a skeleton, only for her self to remind her that there were approximately two hundred creative ways around that particular deficit. Ah, well. It was all stupid, harmless tired-brain fantasy about someone she was comfortable with, not as if she was going to marry him or anything...

This was ridiculous. It had only been a few hours, and she was still furious with him, but she missed Sans so much that she could barely function.

There was another knock, and the priestess scowled as she got up to put on her veil and answer the outside door. To her surprise, it was Luke, holding a tiny velvet jewelry pouch out to her. "Good morning, Your Eminence," he said as she pasted on a smile. "Forgive my intrusion, but I came to return this in person."

Frisk opened the drawstrings and pulled out her pearl bracelet, the one he'd removed so the parrot wouldn't destroy it. "Oh. Thank you," she said automatically. Luke waited for more, and she glanced behind her. "I am sorry, Lord Owen, but you've caught me in the middle of decanting. The fumes will be potentially harmful once the mixture has heated, so..."

"It's quite all right. I didn't intend a long visit," he assured her. "I wanted to ask if you've had a chance to look over the contact information I forwarded to you."

Thank God she had found his note in her mail, or else she wouldn't have remembered the farmland at all. "Yes, I have, thank you," she replied. "I'll send your broker an inquiry with the name of my banker. Shall I inform you when I hear back from her?"

"If it's quite convenient, yes, please." The young lord shuffled his feet, as if he was suddenly uncomfortable about something. "Fr—Your Eminence, may I ask if any of the rumors about the All Souls festival are accurate?"

The guard at her door had been doubled, and she couldn't help noticing how both of them were waiting to hear her answer. "Forgive my bluntness, Lord Owen, but I don't know what you're talking about. I have no time for ridiculous gossip," she almost snapped.

"Yes, of course, of course. I'm the one who must beg forgiveness. I'm sure you would never..." Her stare intensified, and he hastened to say, "The last reason I've trespassed on your time is that I am preparing to visit St. Brigid's. I'll be leaving early tomorrow. May I tell Mathilda that you've been well?"

"Absolutely!" Frisk knew this was where she was supposed to ask how his sister was doing in general, how her studies were going, etc. etc., and pass along all sorts of loving messages. But somehow, with her blood still humming and her potential husband right in front of her, and Sans not there to see, she had just one thought: "Could you give her something from me?"

"Yes, of course," he said pleasantly. "What is it?"

Frisk nodded, stepped forward and gave him a quick, decisive hug, careful to get her arms all the way around him before she stepped back. "Please excuse me," she said, "but I haven't seen Mathilda since Christmas, and I miss her very much. I hope you understand."

"Uh..." Luke blinked hard. "Yes, my lady. I'll see her and give her...that. Thank very much, and a good day to you." He bowed vigorously and turned on his heel, speed-walking down the hall in flustered elation.

Ignoring the guards' smirks, the High Priestess went back inside and slammed the doors, removing her veil again. She knew she should be embarrassed or at least care what they were going to say about her, but really, half the city was probably placing bets on who she'd be sleeping with in however many days or hours, so what was one brief embrace?

It was nothing. That was what she'd felt, anyway. Part of her was surprised at her own cold-heartedness, but Frisk knew what had happened when she hugged Sans, and she was certain that no matter how long she snuggled up to Luke, it wouldn't feel remotely similar; if he had put his arm around her, it would've just annoyed her. At least she had eliminated any remaining doubt: Luke could offer her pleasant company, and that was all. Not warmth, or real companionship, or gentleness, laughter, intellectual stimulation, literal attraction...

There went her imagination again. The workroom was still cold from however long Sans had had the windows open, but she had to pick up some papers to fan herself. It was quite a relief when lunch arrived and she could eat Sans' portion to make up for missing breakfast, then retire to the bedroom.

Having spent so much of her early life on her own, Frisk had been shocked when she came to St. Brigid's and discovered that even in a convent, the primary occupation of adolescent girls seemed to be talking about boys, or sex, or any combination thereof. She understood now that they had had very little else to talk or think about, and that being in a strict religious environment meant that there were no other outlets for their perfectly normal teenage curiosity, but those first few months had been eye-opening, to say the least.

To their credit, the sisters were aware of this and knew very well that after the lights went out in the dormitory, the girls would stuff their pillows under their covers to create a laughable illusion of being in bed, crawl to the center of the floor, and whisper to each other until they forgot themselves and laughed too loud at something, which was the cue for the proctor on duty to shout "BED" and send them flying back to their cots. It was probably also why everyone had to undergo a comprehensive sexual education course when they turned fourteen, and of course, the girls who could tell penis jokes for literal hours on end felt quite differently about the matter when an eighty-year-old priestess was passing out textbooks with full-color drawings and scientific labels.

In short, Frisk knew exactly what she was feeling and why. She'd never had the nerve to try anything when she was sleeping in an open room with dozens of other girls and young women, but once she moved into these chambers and found she had nearly unlimited privacy, she had finally availed herself of the opportunity to ignore the Church's teachings on self-exploration. Then she had availed herself of the opportunity a lot, figuring that it was harming no one whatsoever, and that she wouldn't have been given those parts if she wasn't meant to use them. But she hadn't done it since Sans arrived, especially not when they were in the same bed.

Sans was not here now, and she wasted no time, pausing only to throw a quilt over herself before she moved her skirt aside and worked her hand into place. She'd never done this in the middle of the day before, but that added a little excitement; what if she was to take down the barrier against teleportation, and he happened to get back right as she was in the middle of it? That would be just awful. Would he even recognize what she was doing, or would he just—

Another knock. Another fecking knock on the outside door as she was getting this close, and she wanted to burn down the entire castle. Frisk kicked the quilt off, pulled her clothes back into place, and stomped over to her veil and circlet before she threw the doors open. This had better be worth the interruption!

Over an hour later, she came back to her rooms with her cluster of guards and, given the general trajectory of the day thus far, was not surprised to find Dr. Serif waiting next to a stack of crates. "Good afternoon," he said. "It seems as if the items you've ordered for your apprenticeship have arrived. Would you like some assistance putting them away?"

Frisk looked at them, and at him, but she could barely speak. "I am overtired, Doctor," she mumbled. "I would appreciate your help, and then I need to rest."

"Of course." The royal scientist opened the double doors and directed the guards to bring the boxes inside while she went to the bathroom to remove her veil and compose herself for a few minutes. It didn't work, but it was long enough for the guards to put everything away and leave, so she only had to worry about the doctor when she emerged.

One look at her was enough. He didn't ask if she was all right, just moved aside a respectful distance as she sat down to check the inventory sheet. "Would you like to talk about it?" he asked kindly.

"No, thank you," she said, voice cracking.

"I understand." The doctor removed the lid from a long box of seedlings and began filling a vial at the sink. "They've found the guard responsible for leaving your door unattended and allowing the assassin into your room. It seems he is affiliated with a local group pushing to decriminalize the retrieval of monsters from the no-man's-land. It should be a valuable link in uncovering more conspirators."

"Excellent. I'm glad to hear it," Frisk said politely, mind still buzzing.

Dr. Serif tipped some water into each seed-bed. "If he avoids detours or anything else he is not supposed to do, Sans should be back late this evening. Don't be alarmed if he takes longer, though. I could easily see him deciding to rush back and overextending himself. He can sleep at your house tonight if need be."

The only sound was water running into the vial and being trickled onto the tiny plants. The doctor glanced at her over his shoulder. "If I may, High Priestess. Please don't go there to wait for him or try to meet him. He should—"

"Get out!"

When the doctor had obediently made himself scarce, Frisk threw her veil on the floor, stormed into the bedroom, and flung herself on the bed for a good, long cry, or at least a long one. It wasn't Dr. Serif's fault that he'd happened to visit right as she was returning from a talk with her father. She hadn't been so angry or humiliated in a long time—of all the people to drag her away from her private time to lecture her about maintaining a good reputation and not sleeping around, why the hell did he think he had the right to do it, especially based on a single stupid rumor? It'd been all she could do not to scream at him that he'd spent his youth screwing his way through most of the kingdom, left her to be neglected almost to death for ten years, and only taken an interest in any of his damn-near-orphans when his second wife died in childbirth and the midwives told him the baby might not survive! How dare he?!

The final nail in the coffin came a few hours later, when she'd finally pulled herself together enough to start writing replies to everything that needed replying to. After many more paper cuts, Frisk was almost done when she heard a knock that she hoped, for the other person's sake, was her dinner.

It was, but it was also another messenger. At least this one wasn't there to take her anywhere, merely to tell her that His Holiness had furnished the records she requested, handing over a folder roughly two inches thick.

Frisk probably should have been glad she could peruse the list of enslaved monsters without Sans hovering over her shoulder, and she was; it was just hard to be happy about much of anything when she was reading all the names and descriptions—she'd felt strongly enough about it when she wasn't remembering how completely beaten Snowdrake had looked, and wondering how many other monsters must be in similar or worse circumstances at that very moment. Her duty now was to go through the list of owners and judge which were probably the absolute worst, and organize inspections as quickly and stealthily as possible.

It all went back to her stupid fortunes. She'd half-purposely led Luke on, and her father had made it very clear that he expected her to make the respectable choice, the hypocritical old goat. The problem was that it was what everyone would expect of her; in the wee hours of the morning, it had felt daring and romantic to contemplate a future where she had a child with a not-husband, but the reality was that it would probably ruin her life, just like her mother's. Frisk was more confused than ever: how could she change the world and free monsters if she did something so socially unacceptable that no one would probably ever speak to her again? But she'd also have new parents and a huge family...how?!

Even if Sans had been a complete idiot at the fortune-teller's table, she wished more than ever that he was here to talk to. Damn Dr. Serif for reading her thoughts so easily. There was still the brooch he'd given her a couple nights ago, but she wanted to save it for a real emergency; besides, it wasn't as if she could do much to help Sans if he simply needed to rest before coming back to the castle...assuming he was coming back.

Frisk shook herself. There was no reason to believe that at all! She had to think more constructively. Wasn't there some way to communicate w—ah, yes, he was able to speak to Papyrus in dreams. She had joined him fairly easily the time she'd tried it. If she took down that barrier again...

...then the child could get in. But Sans wasn't here. Could it make her hurt him in a dream?

That was when Frisk officially gave up on thinking, or working, or doing anything else for the day. It was already after sunset, so she folded up the registry, instructed the guards not to let anyone disturb her unless something was actively on fire, and went to run a bath. Her mind didn't clear much, but it did help relax her, even if she was still too tense to pick up where she'd left off with herself. She put on her fuzziest nightgown, whisked the barrier away and built up a fire in the bedroom, then made a warm nest of blankets and settled herself to sleep, leaving her mind cautiously open.

She woke a little as the bed creaked beside her. She grumbled under her breath and turned away from him, pulling the covers up.

Undeterred, he ducked beneath the covers and draped himself over her side. His hard, smooth fingers caught on her hair as he pushed it out of the way to nuzzle her neck. It was a good start, but he must have been tipsy: she yelped as his nasal bone jabbed her. "sorry," he murmured.

That should've been that; she graciously permitted him to stroke her hair as an apology, and settled back down to sleep.

She should have known better when he started petting her back and down her side, and then rubbed her leg, knowing very well that she'd sleepily turn toward him so he could pet the other one, too. Then came a soft, warm touch on her neck, his hands sliding under her nightshirt, and her nightshirt creeping up as he eased his weight onto her.

"Really?" she tried to ask, but his mouth was in the way, and he easily caught the hand she brought up to push him off, spreading his fingers to interlace them with hers.

He would have stopped if she'd insisted. She didn't. She—

Someone was in her office.

Frisk was not afraid. She was done. She got out of bed with an ache in her groin and murderous resolve in her heart, moving silently through the bedroom and the dark workroom. There was no light showing under the office door, but she could feel ripples through the barrier over her safe as someone dug into the floor around it. With no restraint or remorse, she yanked open the doors and slammed a multi-layered barrier into the room, catching the would-be thief by surprise.

Whoever it was, they were unnaturally strong and agile, nearly catching the edge to squeeze through as it sealed itself off. But it was no use: fueled by angry determination, the barrier snapped shut into a golden sphere, trapping the person inside. The intruder struck at it several times with terrific force, but Frisk held firm until the figure staggered, then fell to its knees, wheezing.

Only then did Frisk click her tongue, dropping the layer that prevented air from getting in, and strengthening the layer that suppressed magic. "Whoever you are, you have ten seconds to explain yourself," she snarled.

A gulping breath. "Please, my lady—"

Frisk was so startled that her concentration wavered. The figure took the opportunity to hit the barrier again, and she promptly cut its air off, waiting several seconds before she allowed any back in. The priestess came forward and peered inside. "...Doctor?"

In the barrier's glow, she could see quite well, and though she knew she had him contained, Frisk felt a twinge of fear. It had sounded exactly like the royal sorcerer, but this was not Dr. Serif. It was a monster, a skeleton with a long, eerie face, much more smooth and hollow-looking than Sans or Papyrus. As it straightened, its arms stayed hidden in the folds of its long, ragged black coat, and several disembodied skeletal hands floated over its shoulders. "The man who speaks in hands," she said to herself. No wonder they were supposed to beware him!

The monster's brow creased. "The man who speaks in hands?" he repeated in Dr. Serif's whispery voice. "How very poetic." Cough. "May I ask where you—"

"You may not!" The barrier constricted, nearly brushing the top of his skull. "Who are you?" she demanded.

The skeleton visibly struggled to answer, and finally croaked, "My name is W.D. Gaster. I am a monster who has been posing as a human in order to maintain my post as the royal sorcerer." He took a deep, shuddering breath. "Young lady, what...what is this?"

Frisk sat down on the couch, which had been moved aside to expose the safe. "I assume you mean the fact that you can't lie to me while you're in there. I'm not much good at truth spells, but I figured out how to incorporate one into a barrier, which I am very good at. I just don't use it very often." On some level, she wasn't surprised that Dr. Serif had been hiding something like this, but she was still afraid—had any of his help or kindness been real, or was it all for some unknown, sinister purpose? Would he try to eliminate her now that she knew what he was?

Gaster was staring at her. Above him, both pairs of hands started a slow clap. "I am extremely impressed, Your Eminence. I am also very apprehensive. As a monster, I cannot match your determination, which means you have me at a complete disadvantage. I must commend you."

The priestess was gratified, but knew better than to drop her guard; she could feel him subtly testing the weave and span of the barrier with unseen hands. "Stop that," she snapped, and he did, tilting his head to concede defeat. "Were you trying to steal my box?"

"Of course," he said. "I infer that it contains your memories, and it is now common knowledge that the future of this world hinges on what you do with it."

Frisk controlled another stab of anger, though she couldn't stop the barrier from popping and snapping like a bonfire. "And you thought you would...what? Dispose of it without asking me?"

"I don't know exactly what I was thinking," Gaster confessed. "I succumbed to intellectual curiosity as to what distilled memories look like, and whether I could view them without disturbing the physical medium. What I would do with them would depend on their contents."

The barrier was now eye-wateringly bright. "You broke into my rooms when Sans wasn't here, damaged my property, and woke me up from a very good dream because you thought you knew better than me what I should do with my life?! How dare you! How dare all of you try to decide this for me?"

"You are completely correct, my lady, and I apologize wholeheartedly." The monster placed his hand on his chest and bowed from the waist. "I swear that I will not presume to meddle any further."

It sounded sincere, but the old priestess who'd helped her develop this technique had been very emphatic: if someone promised something while under a truth spell, there was nothing to stop them from breaking it once the spell ended. "Why are you here?" she asked. "What are your intentions?"

He managed a chuckle. "As I truthfully told your apprentice earlier today, that is a large question." The monster's hands folded into pairs. "I do not believe you will derive any benefit from my entire story, and that most of it will unnecessarily disturb you. May I tell you as much as I sincerely believe will benefit you, and omit that which is not necessary?"

Frisk bit her lip. "I'd prefer to be the judge of that. Answer me, please: what are your intentions towards me, and Sans, and this kingdom in general?"

Gaster didn't reply. Frisk felt him trying to use some kind of magic similar to Sans' to slip out of the barrier, and she gave one sharp whistle; the skeleton's hand went to his throat as his magic dissolved and the air started to thin again. "Please, stop!" he rasped.

The priestess did so, feeling a tiny bit guilty. That rush of anger was starting to fade, but she knew she couldn't let him manipulate her into letting him go before she was ready. The fact that he had been manipulating her up till now was more than enough to steady her resolve. She crossed her arms and stared him down in silence.

A hand came up to massage Gaster's temple. "All right. I...do not intend to harm anyone. I came here solely as an observer, and have only remained for this length of time in order to rectify my errors." He sighed. "As is so often the case, every attempt I make only compounds the problem, and yet I cannot seem to stop."

Frisk shook her head. "I don't want vagueness or lies by omission, Dr. Gaster. Where did you come from, and on whose behalf are you observing us?"

"I came from a place similar to this one. I lived inside Mt. Ebott, which contained the Underground, home to monsters such as Sans, Papyrus, King Asgore, Queen Toriel...to my knowledge, every living monster I knew currently resides here as well."

The priestess' mouth fell open. "How...?"

He made an impatient sound. "As I said, the majority of this information is not necessary to impart. You can do nothing with the knowledge of another Underground, except for the one or two details that are relevant to you and Sans, which I will tell you if you agree to trust me that you do not need the rest. Do we have a deal?"

She exhaled. "Fine. What are you doing here now? Are you gathering information to bring back to your Underground?"

"I dearly wish that this was the case, young lady, but no. I was expelled from my home in an accident, and I no longer exist there. I have been wandering ever since, looking for another place I might settle into." Another sigh. "I know now that it was not only a vain hope, but a dangerous one."

"Dangerous? How so?"

He grimaced. "I found out the hard way, of course. I thought I was doing the right thing when I transplanted a certain monster from a dangerous environment to a safer one where he was needed. I did not know that the danger would follow."

Frisk's skin prickled. "What do you mean? Please start making more sense."

"Very well. To start at the beginning, I must tell you I am not the first W.D. Gaster to have lived in this kingdom or its Underground. Many, many years ago, when I happened upon this place, I went looking for the first item on my checklist: myself. Unfortunately, when I found him, I discovered that your Gaster was easily one of the cruelest I have seen. He conducted horrific experiments on defenseless subjects, both humans and monsters, and he created new life purely to torment it."

The chill increased as Gaster's face darkened. "I was skilled enough to observe him unseen, and his actions disgusted me. I should have left, but when I saw him murder one of his 'sons,' I grew so angry that I could not stop myself. I killed this world's Gaster, and I tried to save his other creation, but it was too late. I broke my policy of noninterference without any real benefit to anyone." He sat down inside the barrier. "Imagine my surprise when I checked the rest of the laboratory and discovered one copy of the younger skeleton ready to awaken, hardly more than a baby. There was no sign that any other creations had survived. I now had a decision to make."

"The 'younger' skeleton? You don't mean—"

"Yes. He created Sans and Papyrus, and he killed them, knowing he could replace them at any time."

The priestess had to fight the urge to be sick all over the office floor. "Couldn't you have taken his place and tried to undo the damage he caused?"

"That was a definite option, and I was tempted. But this is not my home, and I did not want to stay for much longer. I believe I made the correct choice in that respect."

Now she understood why he hadn't wanted to tell her this. Too late; she had to hear the rest of the story.

"It was quite the dilemma. I could not leave Papyrus on his own, nor could I stay here to raise him, or take him with me. He was too young, and I did not know what might happen if I brought him into another place with another Papyrus. But there was no Sans here to care for him. So..." He closed his eyes, pulling the slashes taut. "I made another well-intentioned mistake."

There was a very long pause. "There are certain variations of time and place that I have seen more frequently than others," he said slowly. "The most tragic is where a very sorrowful and angry SOUL becomes warped into a force of absolute destruction, essentially a demon, and it finds a vessel to connect it to the physical world." His eyes opened. "It kills everything, Frisk. Every monster in the Underground, every human above, until there is nothing left. But the force itself does not die. It finds another place to destroy. And another. And another. The child you have seen in your nightmares is here because it cannot bear the fact that in one place, at one time, there was one monster it failed to exterminate. It has come here looking for him."

All the hairs on Frisk's body were standing straight up. "What exactly happened?"

"I found a place where a Sans stood ready to meet the child on its way to murder Asgore and leave the Underground. He had made a promise not to harm any fallen humans, and that promise bound him until it was too late. As always, he was still going to fight it, knowing that it was futile." Gaster looked at his hands, studying the holes in the palms. "I did not speak to him, or even let him see me. I approached him from behind, rendered him unconscious, and transported him here. I had checked Snowdin and saw that the house in which they usually reside was empty, so I brought them both there, left a supply of food and money, and allowed them to live as usual."

"...But...but doesn't he—"

"This world's practice of memory excision is not a good one, in my opinion, but it gave me the idea to try to...adjust him. I did not remove his memories to save for later if he chose to revisit them: I destroyed them entirely. As far as he or anyone else knows, he has always lived here with his little brother." Gaster looked back up at her. "I wanted to give him a second chance in a place where the demon did not exist, and where circumstances were not likely to replicate its creation. I knew that he might have nightmares as echoes of his past experiences, or even glimpses of other lives, but I had no conception that the child itself would stalk him all the way here."

The barrier wavered. Gaster did not move as Frisk shook herself and hummed it back to full strength. She'd have to process all of this information properly later. For now, next question... "Why did you become the royal sorcerer? Didn't you want to leave as soon as you knew they'd be safe?"

"I did, but I came back periodically to check on them. All seemed well until one visit where I discovered that a group of humans had just visited on a diplomatic mission that ended in violent catastrophe. Imagine my surprise when I examined Dr. Alphys' records and discovered that the Sans I rescued had become a boss monster through imperfectly understood means. It was one of the most anomalous variations in his growth that I have ever observed, and it absolutely fascinated me."

His tone was a little too rapturous for her tastes. "You disguised yourself as a human and became the royal sorcerer to keep a closer eye on Sans?" she asked warily.

"Oh, no, my dear young lady. I did so in order to keep a closer eye on you." Frisk started as the skeleton slowly got to his feet. "In order to affect physical matter, even something as tenuous as a monster's body, the demon must find a host. In the course of observing Sans and his brother, I became convinced that the child was trying to reach him, but it could not attach itself to any of the monsters. Through various means, I eventually tracked it to you, just as you were being considered as a replacement for the murdered High Priestess. Not only did I feel the need to protect Sans from a danger he no longer recalled, I became curious about you."

"In what way?" Frisk couldn't help rubbing her eyes. "Why did it choose me?"

Gaster smiled thinly. "At the risk of threatening you or, even worse, stating the obvious," he said in a different tone, "I would guess that a barrier of this strength and complexity requires a great deal of power, and you are not going to be able to maintain it much longer. I will only be at your mercy for another few minutes at most, after which I could make a serious attempt to break out and potentially injure one or both of us." He took a step forward. "I propose instead that I tell you more about Sans while you still know I am being truthful, and then you release me."

He was right. "If I release you, will you attack me or take any other malicious action against me, now or in the future?" Frisk asked carefully.

"I do not intend you or Sans any type of harm whatsoever, Frisk, now or in the future. I bear you no malice, though I admittedly find being caught in this fashion very irksome."

Frisk would have to be content with that. "Done. What do you want to tell me?"

"That you did not give Sans the opportunity to apologize for his conduct at the festival or the morning after, and you said something fairly cruel before he left. I thought I made it clear that he is not stable and you must be careful how you handle him."

It took a second to recall how she'd told Sans to take his time, and his expression after she did. "I'm not his mother," she argued. "I'm sorry I hurt his feelings, and I'll apologize when he gets back, but even you said I shouldn't be held responsible for his behavior. He's been fairly good at keeping his temper, all things considered."

"He's been good at keeping his temper around you," Gaster said severely. "Did you know that monsters can see the condition of a living monster or human SOUL? I have been monitoring Sans for a long time, as you now know, and soon after he became a boss monster, his SOUL began to darken at a remarkable rate. It was natural for him to accrue EXP as he fought humans to protect his kin, but it is extremely unusual for a single monster to develop such a taste for violence when the rest of the Underground remains unaffected."

Frisk didn't know what EXP was, but she could guess, and time was running short. "What are you saying, Doctor?" she snapped.

"I am saying that I do not know exactly why he is the way he is, and I don't only mean his metamorphosis into a boss monster. No matter what kind of magic he was subjected to, and however his LV grows, it cannot explain why Sans is so very angry. It's so ingrained that it feels deliberate, which I don't understand. Is it vestigial regret from his first life? A heretofore unknown side effect of the accident that spurred his transformation? All I know is that when he was listening to your song yesterday morning, I saw him let go of his accumulated rage for the very first time. When I took another look, it seemed as though several layers of that filth have been sloughed off his SOUL since he came here, though far more remains."

The priestess flushed. It was flattering to think she could affect him that much, but...

Gaster must have seen her skepticism. He sighed so mightily that his entire body settled to the floor, as if he simply couldn't keep himself upright. "You can't seriously—you can." He drew himself back up to his full height. "You may still be hurt by having been previously abandoned by those you cared for, young lady, but what do you need to hear before you understand the current situation? That Sans is deeply in love with you? That he behaved so stupidly at the fortune-teller because he was beside himself with jealousy? That any apprehensions you may have about him deciding not to come back here are laughable at best, and you are the only one who can make him want to return to a happier state of mind and avert the possibility of him hurting innocent people?"

Frisk had specifically been taught not to do what she did next: spring to her feet and bring her fist straight down on the barrier, shattering it like paper-thin glass. "However you got in here without alerting the guards, or waking them," she added darkly, "please see yourself out the same way. Good night, Dr. Gaster!"

In the sudden blackness, his eyes showed as two tiny pinpricks, one yellow and one blue. Frisk made herself meet his terrible gaze and point at the door, and he chuckled appreciatively. "Good night, High Priestess," he murmured. There was a rush of shadow, then an empty room.

The priestess could barely move or think. She felt her knees bend and her hand grope around the space where Gaster had been tunneling into the safe. She removed the barrier, picked up the box, put the barrier back up, got to her feet. Back to the bedroom, another barrier up on the door, and a collapse into bed, pulling the blankets around her. Too tired and too troubled to remember where she had left off...what would she see the next time she dreamed?

More importantly, where was Sans?

She was walking over an expanse of sand and scrubby trees that she had never seen before but somehow knew was the no-man's-land, closer to the Underground than to human territory. Her head turned at the sound of men screaming, far off to her left. In the fading light, she saw flickers of magic, a bigger flash, and a sound more awful than screams: silence.

Not total silence. As she approached, Frisk heard a familiar chuckle, but not in a familiar way. This was not a skeleton pleased with his own stupid puns or laughing at her rage when he beat her at chess five times in a row. This was someone standing amidst a pile of broken human corpses, surveying his handiwork and enjoying it.

For a terrified moment, Frisk thought Sans was doing this in the present, or had just done it, and she wanted to scream at him—but no, he was wearing the ragged canvas garments she'd first seen him in, not the wool and linen ones she had given him. If this had ever happened – which felt likely – then he was dreaming of a time more distant than the past twenty-four hours.

She was only about fifty yards away, but he didn't seem to notice her. She tried to call out to him, only for her voice to get stuck as she looked again at the human bodies he was stepping over like rocks in his path. Gaster had been right. Sans really was capable of this, wasn't he? He wasn't the gentle, protective, sometimes-somewhat-sweet-natured skeleton she'd grown fond of. He was a killer.

No. He was gentle and sometimes somewhat sweet, and he was a killer. Frisk couldn't fall into the trap of believing that only one side of him existed, or that only one was "real"; people didn't work that way. She had to talk to the one she knew—he was there, too!

Sans was trudging away. Remembering what Gaster had said, Frisk took a big breath and whistled at him over the empty expanse, using a few bars from this morning's song—she'd often seen him stop what he was doing to listen to it.

Sure enough, he paused. He turned, and his orange eyes focused on her. The flames dimmed just a little. "Frisk?" Sans came closer, skirting the pile of bodies. "'sat really you?"

The priestess held out her hands. Sans reached out to touch her fingers, then recoiled—his hand was spattered with blood. "What are you doin' here?" he asked, voice rougher than usual. "Ya don't wanna see this!"

"No, I don't. But I wanted to see you," she said.

Sans blinked at her. He jerked his head for her to follow him, moving until the grim scene was out of her line of sight. Then he sat down, plunging his hands into the sand to scrub the blood off. "Yer an idiot. Why'd you come after me? I thought ya wanted me t'take my time gettin' back."

Frisk winced. She really had hurt his feelings. "I'm so sorry I said that. I missed you today."

The boss monster swallowed hard. "Fine. Ya saw me." He shook sand off his metacarpals, aiming it away from her. "Look, 'm sorry, too. I embarrassed the crap outta ya at the stupid festival, and I..." He shrugged elaborately. "I dunno what the hell I was doin' yesterday mornin', but whatever happened, I'm sorry."

"It's all right, Sans." Frisk folded her hands behind her back. "Did Snowdrake arrive safely?"

"Yeah. I only saw one nosy neighbor lady at the house, an' I played nice 'n let 'er see the note. She left us alone after that. Didn't see anyone else till we got close enough to the Underground t'let 'im go. Poor little bastard kept thinkin' it was some kinda trick." The skeleton brushed more sand off his femur. "I ran inta some poachers on my way back t'the city, but they didn' have any monsters with 'em, an' they just told me to get lost, so I did."

Frisk smiled. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

Sans made his usual noises, which just made her smile wider. "How was yer first day off from babysittin' me?" he asked crossly. "Good?"

"It sucked," she said, deadpan, and he snorted. "Seriously, Sans, it was awful. Everyone's heard of my fortunes already, and my father, who has had at least fifteen children that we're aware of, gave me a talking-to about my sexual mores."

The skeleton's eyes were fully alight. "Yer kiddin'. Ya haven't even done anythin'!"

There was the tiniest pause, and lest he add "...Right?" and force her to kill him, Frisk said, "Right. It just reminded me that if I open the box and end up having a child on my own, I'll be an unwed mother. Among humans, that makes you a complete outcast. I wish we were more like monsters, I really do."

Sans was very quiet, in a way that put Frisk on edge. "But, of course," she said with forced optimism, "if I don't open it, I'll get married and be completely boring and respectable for another fifty or sixty years, and just have to live with the fact that I chose not to let monsters go free." Her throat was closing up yet again, and she shook her head. "Why do I have to decide this, Sans? I'm used to being under pressure, but not like this! What am I supposed to do?!"

The boss monster edged closer as she sniffled. "Ya know what you should do?" he asked.

"What?!" It came out nearly as a shriek. "What should I do, Sans? Tell me!"

Sans remained sitting, watching her quietly as she scrubbed her face on her sleeve. "I think you should make a decision an' go for it insteada tormentin' yerself like this. Whatever ya wanna do, it'll turn out t'be the right thing. An' fer what it's worth..." He fidgeted, scowling at the ground. "Whether ya pick the bird guy or...someone else, if ya ever need help, I'll do whatever I can. Heavy lifting, beatin' people up, dumb jokes, whatever. So...quit whinin' and pick somethin'. Flip a coin if ya need to. Just stop hurtin' yerself. Okay?"

Frisk's heart stood still. She looked at him in such a way that he sat back warily. "What? What'd I say?"

"Don't say anything," she said, advancing on him. "And don't get up yet."

"Hey, hey, lady, this's a dream, remember? Ya can't touch m—"

Sans lapsed into stunned silence as Frisk's arms went around his neck and her cheek rested on his clavicle. She leaned her full weight on him and heaved a sigh. "I'm sorry to ambush you again," she said into the space between his ribs. "I just needed to see something." It was the same as before, a wonderfully tingly feeling in her chest that spread through her body until she wondered what'd happen if she moved away too fast. Frisk sighed again, trying to work up the willpower to let go. Somehow, he wasn't as uncomfortable as she would've thought, as if there was a very thin layer of something padding his bony exterior. It just made it harder to—

Sans' arms came up to hold her against him, as he had the previous morning, and neither of them cared that they were so big, they overlapped over her back. His cheekbone rested against her head, careful not to be too heavy. "Whaddya do with yer hair?" he muttered.

It was...not what she'd expected him to say. "Can you elaborate, please?" she muttered back.

"I dunno what smells are what. I think the longer I stay human, the more human-ish stuff I can do, like smell, 'n feel stuff I touch." His phalanges moved softly through her hair. "This doesn't make any sense. Yer not s'posed to be able t'interact with anyone in a dream 'less ya went ta sleep in the same room or somethin'."

"I don't know about you, Sans, but I'm sick of thinking." Frisk stared at a spot of drying blood on the ground behind him. "In fact, you're right. I'm done thinking about this." She squeezed him gently, though she knew she could use all her strength and he'd barely feel it. "Let me go, please. It's time for me to get some real sleep."

"...Nuh-uh."

Frisk laughed. "It's vanilla," she said over his shoulder.

"Hm?" Sans was absently petting her hair again. "Wha's vanilla?"

It was so nice that she wanted to fall asleep right there, somehow. When was the last time she'd felt this secure? "It's...my hair. I don't use a lot of expensive lotions, but I'll splurge on anything scented with vanilla. Do you like it?"

"Mm. 'snot as bad as most of the stuff I've smelled so far."

The priestess smiled, then reached up to touch his skull. He tensed as her fingertips encountered the wide, smooth expanse of bone. It was warmer than she'd expected, almost velvety—probably from magic, she figured. "I'm very tired, Sans, and I've used almost all of my magic already. Can you please let me go now?"

He wouldn't. The last shred of doubt in her mind disappeared, and in a surge of determination, Frisk ducked free of his arms, moving out of his reach. "I'll see you soon," she told him. "Tomorrow?"

"Uh." Sans had the oddest look on his face. It reminded her of when she'd cleaned the fork for him at their first face-to-face meeting in the bedroom. "I dunno. I might be drunk again when I wake up. It kinda feels like it."

Frisk gave a long, theatric sigh. "If you are, please sleep it off before you come back. We've gotten in the supplies I ordered, and I don't need you eating the plants or something ridiculous." She stepped back further. "Good night, Sans."

"Night," he said inaudibly, and she left.

The guards outside Frisk's doors admitted Dr. Serif after breakfast, then settled in to wait for the royal sorcerer to leave, after which they could properly nap. His morning visits were usually an hour or so, in their experience.

This time, after only five or so minutes, the doors banged open, and one guard dropped his halberd. "I wish to be very clear, Doctor," the High Priestess said, voice pitched to carry down the hall. "Do not open it, do not attempt or allow anyone to attempt to open it, and do not keep it for any reason. I want it destroyed. Will you please do so as soon as possible?"

"Of course,Your Eminence." To the guards' astonishment, the normally imperturbable doctor was frowning, and took the little rosewood box with obvious reluctance. "Good day to you."

The priestess shut the doors without another word. The guards stared at Dr. Serif, who was now scowling full-force at the box. With a glance at the doors and none at all at the two men, the doctor tried to pry the lid open, only to drop it as the box sizzled at him. "How did she put a barrier inside it?" he said to no one.

The guards could barely wait till he was gone to whisper to each other, "She threw it away! I knew she wouldn't—" "Oh, bull shit, you said she'd get knocked up by this time next w—" "No I didn't! I—"

Slam went the doors. Frisk glared at one, then the other, and waited the count of five before she slowly pulled them shut.

#songfell whoo lemme at the next one

48 notes · View notes