#so tag rant will be at the bottom this time for people who don’t want spoilers!!!!

[camping-with-monsters]

‼️MAJOR POKEMON SCARLET AND VIOLET: THE TEAL MASK DLC SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT! ABSOLUTELY DO NOT OPEN IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS!!!!!‼️

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!!!! GRAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Do you understand that I would actually die for you. The minute I saw your face I screamed, and then was overcome with emotion and started crying (I actually did this like I’m not even exaggerating here. I actually broke out into ugly sobbing. I am dead serious.).

You are my everything sweet little baba grill. Please sign the adoption papers. I want you in real life.

Edit: Unfortunately I have to sacrifice one of the images because for some reason it won’t let me turn off top posts, and since this is getting a lot of traction, it’s stuck there…… I needed something to spoiler it on my top posts cause many of my peers haven’t yet been able to play/watch The Teal Mask for whatever reason!

#‼️SPOILERS‼️ #The kiwi speaks #I’m the only one out of everyone I know who’s played/watched the dlc #so tag rant will be at the bottom this time for people who don’t want spoilers!!!! #pokémon spoilers #Pokémon scarlet and Violet spoilers #Pokémon #Pokémon scarlet #Pokémon violet #Pokémon scarlet and violet #the teal mask #ogerpon #I would die for you ogerpon. #I’m so serious when I say this please 😭😭😭😭😭😭 #IM SO ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ #IM SO IN LOVE WITH OGERPON GOD DAMMIR #friendship ended with Gholdengo. Ogerpon is my priority now. #/JJJJJ #I named mine Milly-Babel because I couldn’t decide on either name so why not both #I also caught her in a friend ball she was so incredibly deserving of this status #she’s my favorite thing ever I love her I love her I love her I love ogerpon I love you I love you I lo #I AM SO. ONE DAY MAKING AN ANIMATIC WITH YOU BECAUSE. WELL I KNOW A SONG. #HHHHHHHH #okay rant over #I’m normal. #there is no live laugh love only o ger pon

[lightsoutletsgo]

gotta go my own way — ln.4

pairing: lando norris x reader

word count: 1.3k

warnings: angst to absolute crack and stupidity that makes no sense

request: Hi, can you do an angsty fic inspired by “I gotta go my own way” from HSM2. If can either be Charles or Lando or Charlando and they fuck up or something and reader leaves them? Maybe hurt/no comfort? It’s okay if you don’t want to

I fully thank @norrizzandpia for the hot mess that is the end of this fic. we couldn't stop cry laughing once we pictured the rest of the grid watching them sing the song and thus the end of the fic was born. (also credits to them bc I stole some of the dialogue lines they sent to my dm's!) happy reading! mimi 🤍 (I'm so so sorry if this isn't the request fill you were hoping for 😭)

taglist (all works): @arieslost - babe I'm so sorry I'm tagging you in this mess

“Y/N wait!!” You heard Lando call your name from the opposite side of the hotel courtyard and you turned to see him sprinting after you. You stopped and rested your suitcase next to you as he reached you, “Where are you going? Baby we can talk about this!” His hand reached for your arm and you stepped back with a sigh, “Lando… Listen…” He looked at you, pleading as he searched your face, “I guess I just need to say it straight right?” Your heart clenched, god knows this wasn’t easy, “Something about us just… doesn’t seem right these days…” You tried to speak as gently as possible, wanting Lando to understand you weren’t mad at him. “Neither one of us can help it, I know that, but it feels like whatever we try and do somehow the plan is always rearranged…” You trailed off, stepping back towards him and taking his hand gently. You didn’t look up at him, instead choosing to look at where his hand was now gently squeezing yours, his thumb rubbing back and forth in a soothing motion. Whether it was to soothe you or himself you weren’t sure but you took a deep breath to calm yourself. 

He didn’t say a thing, just gave you the space to continue talking, “I knew what I signed up for when I started dating you and if I went back and did it all over again I wouldn’t change my mind. I guess I just didn’t expect that it would affect my life so much? My job, my friends, my family?” Your eyes flitted up to his and you noticed how there were tears now pricking the corner of his eyes. “So what are you saying?” Your bottom lip trembled as you shrugged apologetically, “I’ve got to move on and be who I am…” It was so silent that you hardly dared to breathe. “Lando I’ve tried, I really really have but… Losing my privacy? Losing my time with the other people I love? Sacrificing my job? I just-” Lando scoffed and took his hand away from you “But what about us? What about everything we’ve been through?” “Well what about trust and everything that I’ve given up for you?!” You couldn’t help the way you raised your voice, Lando flinched at your words, seeming to realise how blind he’d been about your struggles, 

“You know I never wanted to hurt you…” You nodded and almost shrunk in on yourself, “I know…” Lando approached you slowly, not wanting to make you feel pressured or smothered, “I just need to know… Do you not love me anymore?” You let out a forced laugh as your eyes welled up with tears, “Do I not love you anymore? Lando I still love you so much that it’s killing me to do this but I know I have to-” “Why? If you still love me then why?!” “Because if I don’t leave you now then I’ll continue to give up everything else for you because I love you that damn much but maybe for a while I need to love myself!” You ranted, panting when you finished. 

He inhaled sharply and you couldn’t help but let the tears fall as you spoke quietly, “I’m sorry- “Don’t apologise. You have nothing to be sorry for.” His voice was firm,  “I have to go, my flight is in a couple of hours.” “I’ll miss you.” His voice was even softer, barely audible even though you were so close to him. “Who knows… maybe we’ll find our place in the world someday?” Lando gave a weak smile, “Yeah, maybe we will… Can I hug you? Just once more and then I swear, I’ll let you leave.” You nodded, unable to speak as you started crying harder.

Lando pulled you into his arms, as he too felt the tears start to fall, “I know you need to do this but it still really fucking hurts…” “I know Lando,” You pulled back to gently cup his face, “I gotta go my own way…” You smiled with a shrug. He pulled you closer to him and gently pressed a kiss to your forehead, your eyes closing as you inhaled deeply. “I’ll see you round?” “Yeah,” You grabbed the handle of your suitcase and started to walk towards the door, “I’ll see you around.” ✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Alex sat on the balcony of his hotel room that overlooked the courtyard, enjoying the cool night air. The door opened and out stumbled Oscar and Logan, their eyes glassy from the alcohol they’d been drinking at the afterparty. Alex chuckled, “Steady on guys.” Logan gave him a hazy half-lidded smile, “I’m okay!” Alex snorted, “Sure you are.” He turned his attention back to his laptop where his movie was paused. “Oh look! There’s Lando and Y/N!” Alex followed where Oscar was pointing to see you dragging your suitcase and Lando running after you. “Oooo I missed them! Should I call them over? HEY LA- MMPH!” Logan’s shout was muffled by Alex darting to cover his mouth, “I think they’re fighting?” Oscar looked sad as Logan tapped Alex’s arm to release him, “Surely not? They’re the perfect couple?” Alex leaned over the balcony, thankful that it was quiet enough that they could hear some of the conversation.

“What’s up guys?” The door on the balcony of the room next door slid open and out stepped George and Charles, “Lando and Y/N are fighting?” “Lando and Y/N? There’s no way! They’ll work it out.” Charles said confidently shrugging. Oscar’s brows furrowed suddenly, “Are you guys hearing that music too?” George frowned and craned his ears, “Why does that sound like High School Musical?” “Alex, is your film playing?” Logan asked innocently, “You were watching High School Musical?” Oscar snickered, “NO!” “I don’t know if I should be more concerned that we’re hearing music coming from nowhere or that George knew what it was straight away…” George scoffed at Charles, “Excuse me but the second movie has the best songs.” 

“Is no one else concerned that it’s coming from where Lando and Y/N are?” Oscar pointed out. “Oh God they’re singing.” Alex’s jaw dropped open, “Shut up they’re not?” “I promise you they are.” George and Charles paused for a moment to look at each other before scrambling out of George’s room and down the hallway to Alex’s. They burst into the room and pushed their way onto the balcony, squishing in between Oscar and Alex to lean over the railing. Charles slapped a hand over his mouth as he heard Lando sing the next line very loudly and out of tune, “Are they high?” George pondered out loud, “What exactly is going on?” “Well it can’t be a fight, there’s no way that’s a fight.” Logan spoke matter of factly, “Do you think they’re aware of what they’re doing?” Their expressions varied as you warbled out a somewhat high note, 

“More than that, do you think they know we can hear them?” Logan’s hand came up to cover his ear, “Should we stop them?” Charles asked, “Nope!” “Absolutely not.” George and Alex spoke across each other as Oscar’s phone appeared out of nowhere in his hand and he held it up to start filming. “Are they okay?” Nobody answered Logan, instead just watching you and Lando, until they heard a cough from above them. Leaning back against the balcony and tipping their heads to look up they saw Carlos looking down at them, “That, my friends, is debatable. But it is entertaining, no?” Everyone’s attention turned back to the two of you as the song came to an end and you walked away from Lando, “Oh my god guys, I think that was actually them breaking up.” Logan stated as everyone stood there in shock. Nobody spoke for a moment until Carlos’ voice filtered down from the balcony above, “Also I’ve been out here the entire time and would like to let you know that Alex was actually watching Camp Rock.” 

#mimi.writes #mimi.requests #f1 fic #f1 x reader #f1 x you #f1 angst #f1 crack #lando norris fic #lando norris x reader #lando norris x you #lando norris fanfic #lando norris one shot #lando norris angst #f1 oneshot

[roonilwazlibimagines]

control freak pt.2 - t.n x female!reader

Blurb: theo has control issues but his girlfriend doesn't mind

Word Count: 4.1k

A/N: warning - toxic!theo!! i also really don't like this but so many people wanted me to post it and i don't see myself making it better anytime soon so i thought i'd post it even though i hate it, sorry :/// i mainly hate it because it is just pure self indulgence, because my ex best friends actually did ruin my 21st and this brought up old wounds so if anyone wants to hear some gossip about people they don't know please hit me up because i'm ready to rant

also i'm so sorry of this is overstepping, but i tagged whoever asked for part 2 bc you all made me so happy commenting on my post <3333 @gilmore12 @avalentina @pretties-t

Masterlist | Part 1

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

If she had her way, people would stop calling Theodore Nott controlling. Okay, maybe there had been times where he had lied to her and deceived to get his way, and sure, he was quick to rise to temper which often made her just agree with him, but it was just because he always knew what was best. 

And that was what she kept repeating in her trembling mind the night that Theo had made the phone call. 

She liked this side of him. She had said it to him explicitly that she liked it when he took control and she didn’t have to actively use her brain. 

After a year of dating, she thought Theo would be used to her indecisiveness, and yet, she was sat on the edge of his bed, all dressed up, whilst he he towered over her, waiting for her to make up her mind. 

“It cannot be this difficult of a decision.” 

“I just don’t know what I feel like.” Her legs were swaying, the backs of her thighs hitting the blanket draped over the edge of her bed. She hummed in thought, noticing the way Theo’s jaw began to tick. 

“What about that Mexican place?” This was the third place he had offered and even he noted the desperation in his voice.

“Do you want to go there?”

Theo had had enough. He knew the pretty girl sitting in front of him was hopeless at making decisions, but this was too far. 

“We’re going to the pizza place you like, okay?” Before she could open her mouth he continued, “C’mon, get up, we’re going.” And his arm was shooting out towards her so she grabbed hold of it and kept her mouth shut. 

And it was only after they left Hogwarts that she admitted to her pretty boyfriend that she liked when he ordered for her, because that was what he always did. And once he had this admission, Theo made sure his pretty girlfriend never had to make an order for whatever it was her heart desired. 

“I don’t know what a feel like, maybe I’ll just get cheese.” She put the pizza menu down and looked at Theo who was already looking back at her. 

“Sounds good.” He wasn’t too interested in the topic of the conversation, but he always made sure the pretty girl in front of him had his full attention. 

“What are you getting?” 

Theo knew what would happen the second he answered, and like clockwork, she immediately replied, “Ooh, maybe I’ll get that too.” 

“You can have some of mine,” he offered.

“But yours sounds better.” 

“We can have half of each.” 

But she wasn’t listening, her attention was drawn back to the paper menu in front of her. 

“I think I’m going to get vegetarian, instead,” she hummed.

“Whatever you want, princess.”

He watched her bit her bottom lip, and the skin above her nose crinkle. 

“Nah, I’ll get cheese.” Before Theo could respond she continued, “No, vegetarian.” Theo didn’t respond. “No, definitely cheese.” 

“You sure?” 

“No.” 

And Theo thought he really couldn’t be to blame for his control issues when his girlfriend was like this. 

When the waiter came over and looked at her first, she gave them a polite smile, but then returned her attention to the pretty boy in front of her, undeterred by the waiters lack of attention and relaying their order in full confidence. 

“-and a vegetarian pizza please,” he finished, making the decision for her. 

She liked not having to worry about trivial things like this, and Theo liked making sure he could rid a worry as small as this. Because that was all he wanted. For her to receive the best. 

Which was why, the night after her friends had called him controlling, he decided that he didn’t like the sound of these ‘work friends’.

And, no, it wasn’t just because they had caled him controlling. Merlin, most of his friends told him to his face that he was controlling. He already knew that. 

It was because even though they had invited her to go out countless times since that night, he didn’t properly meet them until her birthday. 

He had offered to bring them in when he brought her in, but she brushed him off. 

“I offered, but they declined,” she shrugged her shoulders, looking at the mirror in the sun shade for the passenger seat, missing the way Theo kept glancing over to her. 

When he picked her up he asked again if anyone needed a ride home, just like the good boyfriend he was. 

“I offered, but they said they were fine.” Yet when the drover around the corner a small sound of surprise left her pretty lips. 

“What’s wrong, princess?” Theo’s eyes kept flicking away from the road, trying to read her pretty face that was staring out of her window. 

“Nothing,” she shrugged her shoulders and turned back to face him, giving him a faux reassuring look. 

“Tell me,” he said in a tone that left no room for argument. 

“They’re just in line for another club,” she gave another shrug as if this had no importance, but it did to Theo because he could tell, even though she tried to hide it, that it had importance to the pretty girl sitting next to him. 

“I thought you were all going home,” he squinted his eyes slightly as he turned to look at her, but she wasn’t looking at him. When they drove past a light, he could see that she was chewing the edge of her lip. 

“I thought so,” she shrugged, finally turning to him, “oh well, I was ready to go home anyway.” She gave him a smile and if Theo hadn’t spent three years of his life with her, he would be convinced she was fine. 

It didn’t take long for Theo to decide that he didn’t like these so called friends. He didn’t explicitly tell his girlfriend this, but he didn’t hide his disdain either. 

When they cancelled plans and she went over to his house instead he’d angrily ask, “Well did they tell you why?”

“One of them had other dinner plans.” 

“But you had planned this a week ago.” 

She shrugged, “something came up.” 

The look he gave her was enough for her to know that he wasn’t happy so she changed the subject. “I really want to watch this new movie tonight, I don’t think you’ll love it, but I think you’ll tolerate it.” 

When he got a phone call from her barely an hour after they had gone out, reassuring him that she was okay, but she wanted to go home, he’d demand, “It was them wasn’t it, what did they do?” 

And even though he hadn’t said who ‘them’ were she’d still say, “no I’m just not feeling up to partying tonight.” 

Even though she sheepishly admitted that they were more interested in hooking up with some random guys then staying out together for their girls night which she originally thought was the plan. 

“That’s horrible.” 

She shrugged. “It’s fine. Do you think we can stop for some ice cream on the way home though?” 

The reality was, it was easy for her to say that Theo was just being his usual controlling herself. This was how normal friendships worked. And she didn’t have a lot of friends. She had her Hogwarts friends, but they were older now and weren’t in contact as much. And it was a much easier thought that this was what friendship was like rather than facing the fact that she didn’t really have any friends. Besides Theo of course. 

But she wouldn’t tell him these thoughts because she knew he would go on a rampage unti she was happy, so she never expanded on it and made sure that Theo never got a chance to tell her he hated her friends, even if she was certain he despised them. 

A few months later, just after they had been together for four years, Theo knew that it was time to make his lovely girlfriend his lovely wife, and he wasn’t going to let her friends come in the way of that, not when they had gotten this far. 

They had a small engagement party with their friends from Hogwarts and a couple of their work friends. She had, of course, invited those two girl from work, even if Theo had rolled his eyes behind her back when she informed him. 

It started when the two girls started fawning over her ring. 

“I need to know how much this cost.” 

Sure, Theo was the first to admit he had traditional values. She had teased him before about being old-fashioned. But he didn’t think discussing the price of his fiance’s engagement ring was an appropriate topic, especially in front of two girls he had maybe met twice, and didn’t exactly like. 

“He refuses to tell me,” the pretty girl grabbing his hand had answered instead. “He’s too old fashioned.” 

Her eyes flickered to him to let him know that she was joking and he gave her hand a itte squeeze to let her know that he knew. 

“Oh come on,” one of them said, “I’m dying to know.” 

The conversation lasted another couple of minutes with his pretty girl trying to swerve around the question while he remained silent. Which was unusual for Theodore Nott. 

Sure, he was a man of little words. And he much preferred to sit and observe rather than get invovled in the action. But that was always the opposite when it came to the pretty girl next to him. But he thought that if he opened his mouth, none of the three girls around him would like what would come out. 

But then it continued when one of them tried to flirt with Blaise albeit his polite refusal, not wanting to make a scene at one of his best mate’s engagements. 

Theo didn’t think anything of it until she had the audacity to come over to him and ask him about it. 

“You know your friend Blaise?” 

“Obviously.”

“What’s his story?” 

Theo refused to answer. They were in a private room and he was standing next to the bar, a drink in hand and he sipped it to avoid responding. 

Unsprusingly, she continued anyway. 

“Like, is he in a relationship? I didn’t think he was but then he refused me, but he is quite fit, I think, and he said this wasn’t the place for it, but I think he was just playing hard to get, what do you think?”

He was going to be drunk quite soon if she kept talking to him. 

“I think I’ll try again. Merliln, I love being friends with someone who has hot friends.” 

Theo downed the rest of his drink and promised himself that he was going to push the conversation out of his mind. 

And he probably would have if his pretty girl didn’t come up to him with a nervous look in her eyes, less than thirty minutes later. 

“What’s wrong?”

“Do you think we coud do cake now?”

Everyone had just finished eating and the volume of the music had increased to encourage people to start dancing. She was on her tippy toes, bringing her lips close to his ear so he could hear. Theo had his next drink in hand, but he was sipping it sowly after drinking the last so fast. 

“We just finished eating darling, give it a minute.” 

“I know but-” she gave herself away when she turned to look at the two girls Theo was trying to ignore the whole night. “They need to leave.” 

“They need to?”

The way she biting her lip and swaying on the spot was all Theo needed to see to tell him that that his pretty girl was lying to him. 

“Well, they got a call from one of their friends and-”

“I don’t want to hear it.” 

“Theo,” she whined. She knew the exact tone she needed to use to make Theo do whatever she wanted. But this apparently only worked for frivolous things. Not something like this. 

“No, we are doing cake later. If they need to leave, let them. But we are not doing it now just for them.”

“But-”

“I said no.” 

He hated the way she practically deflated in front of him. 

He hated that her bottom lip was trembling. 

He hated that they were doing this on their engagement. 

But she had to stop making excuses for these horrible people. 

“Will you tell them no?” Her voice was so soft he wasn’t sure he would have understood her if he wasn’t watching her intently. 

“I’ll tell them more than just no.” 

“Theo,” she whined, but he had already put his drink down and was storming over to them. 

“So you’re leaving?” Theo asked the two girls sitting down at one of the tabes. He had risen to his full height and she was immediately taken back to her Hogwarts days when rising to his full height meant nothing good and definitely something physical. 

“Yeah, but we’ll wait until you do cake.” One of them responded as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

She was squeezing his hand so hard Theo was convinced she’d leave bruises. Not that he minded. But her nervous energy was rubbing off on him and he wanted to send her away, just like he’d do back in Hogwarts when he’d rise to his full height. 

“Well we just ate, so we probably won’t do cake until later.” 

“Oh,” one of the girls said, “but we’re leaving now.” 

“Well, thank you for coming.”

“Ok,” the other said, standing up. “But I tought you said you’d do cake now?” She asked, turning to the small girl hiding behind her fiance. 

“I-” 

“I said it was too early.” Theo cut her off. 

And that was the end of that conversation. After a very awkward goodbye hug, the two girls had left. 

She didn’t know what to say to Theo. In once instance, she was glad that he had dealt with it. She didn’t really want to do the cake now, it was too early. But she also didn’t want to confront the two girls, she had to see them at work every day!

So even though Theo wanted to let out some sarcastic remark about how nice her friends were. He refrained when he saw the confused look on his pretty girls face. 

Upon reflection, this was the night everything turned messy. 

The next Monday the two girls had confided in their friend. 

“Don’t you think he’s a bit controlling?” One of them asked, trying to make their voice unaccusing but failing horribly. 

She shrugged as she said, “he means well. And, yeah, he is, but I don’t mind.” 

She didn’t dare tell Theo this, who, the night after the engagement, had decided he could bring up how much he hated her friends. 

“I don’t like them.” He had brought up after they had finished opening all of their well wishes. 

She already knew who he was talking about. 

“They mean well.”

“Do they?” He was sitting on the lounge and she had gotten up from her place on the floor to sit next to him. 

“Most of the time,” she laughed, even though he didn’t think it was funny. “They’re just different to us.” 

“Well I don’t like them.” 

She bit her lip. 

“I’m sorry.” Theodore gave her a look. Of course it wasn’t her fault. She couldn’t control who she worked with. 

“I just wish they treated you better.” She thought that if they continued with this conversation she’d start crying so she changed the conversation. 

“We have to thank Draco for his very generous gift.” 

Theo wanted to tell her that if he had his way, she would never see them again. He’d help her find a new job, or better yet, she wouldn’t have to work. His family were part of the Sacred 28, she didn’t need to work. 

But even with his controlling streak, he knew that might be a bit too far. 

That was until a couple of months later when it was her birthday. Theo had surprised her with a little trip that required her to take a couple of weeks off work. Which he had already organised. 

The two girls were bummed when she said this would mean she wouldn’t be having a birthday party. 

“But we can still party when I get back!” She had exclaimed.

“So I won’t get to see Blaise again? I really thought I had a shot.” She had gotten in response. 

Theo had organised for her to have a week off before they actually left and on the night before he could finally have her all to himself she was sitting with her head against the back of their bed, biting her lip and staring at her phone. 

“What’s wrong princess?” Theo had asked, lying down next to her. 

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?” He repeated. 

“I just, it’s stupid.” She said, turning her phone off and letting her head rest on the pillow next to his. 

“If it makes you look that stressed I’m sure it’s not.” 

“It’s just, they haven’t messaged me all week.” 

Theo already knew who they were. 

Theo wasn’t sure why this frivolous thing was his tipping point but for some reason it was. 

She wasn’t sure why she was telling him this, but it felt good to get off her chest. 

“I messaged them on Monday to say I’d miss them and hoped work wasn’t too boring without me, but they haven’t replied.” Her voice broke at the end of the sentence and Theo was convinced that was why he had chosen now to tip. 

“Don’t message them.” 

“What?” She turned her head to face him. 

“Don’t message them, see how long it takes for them to reach out.”

“Theo, you’re being ridiculous.” He gave her a look to let her know he didn’t like the words that left her pretty mouth. “We’re going away, I want to enjoy my time with you, don’t do this.” 

Much to his annoyance, Theo did as she said, trying to put it to the back of his mind so they could enjoy the trip he had been planning for months. 

But a part of her thought back to what Theo had said many years ago in his car when they were going home from Draco’s. 

“I know what’s best.” 

And she had spent so many years with Theo and there was a reason for this. She trusted him. So even though she made no commitment to it, a piece of her thought that she would listen to his advice. 

For the actual day of her birthday, Theo had planned a special dinner for her. He had gone to extreme lengths to make sure her day was perfect, which was why he couldn’t understand why his girl had a sad aura around her as she got ready for dinner. 

“What’s wrong, princess?”

“Nothing, Theo,” she said, trying to look up at him with sincerity. They were both dressed and ready, standing in their hotel room with their hands intertwined. 

“Princess.” 

“I’m just-” she looked at the ground, “they haven’t messaged me.” 

“Since we left?” 

She nodded. 

“Not even today?” 

She shook her head. 

Theo was ready to apparate back home and give them a piece of his mind, but instead he grabbed her chin and made her look up at him. 

“Please don’t worry your pretty little head about this, they don’t deserve you.” 

She was shocked with his response. She was sure he was going to apparate home and give them a piece of his mind. But he didn’t. And he was a calm in a very un-Theo like manner. And she liked it. So she trusted him. 

So he took her out for dinner and he made her feel like the most special girl in the world. And he did the same for the rest of their trip. 

On the last day they were both on their backs, lying in bed. The bedside lamp was on and Theo turned to see her eyes closed, but a pretty smile gracing her lips that told him she was awake. 

“Darling,” she opened her eyes and turned to him, humming in acknowledgement. “I called work today, told them to give you an extra week off.” 

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion for a fraction of a second before she pieced the pieces together and nodded. 

“Thank you.” 

Theo had also taken a week off work to be with herand he became aware that her mood was quick to fluctuate.

After her birthday, Theo distracted her and she was happy. But the day before he could sense the nervous energy radiating from her being which magically disappeared the second he told her he had told work to give her another week. 

Similarly, he noticed she was okay when she was distracted during that extra week off. Until the weekend came. 

It was Saturday night and she was in the shower and Theo had been thinking about this for a while. He knew it was wrong. Knew it was crossing so many lines. But he couldn’t let his fiance suffer like this. 

He grabbed her phone from the bedside table and put in her password. He scrolled through her messages. Many of the last messages being from her, thanking various people for the kind birthday messages. When he found the groupchat he was looking for, he didn’t hesitate. 

The last message had been from her, the week before they left. Theo swore at them in his head. 

This is Theo, I think it’s best you delete her number from your phone. She won’t be coming back to work and she deserves better than the shit you’ve given her. 

Theo almost found it humorous that within seconds he got a reply. 

What the fuck? 

Look who’s talking

He scoffed at both of their replies and waited unti they stopped typing. 

You literally control everything she does

Maybe if she didn’t have such a controlling boyfriend we’d be able to have more fun with her

Theo debated blocking their number, but he just couldn’t resist. 

Right, like the fun you had with her on our engagement? Before you left after barely an hour for some random guy

It was silent for a minute. 

Before you practically kicked us out

Theo let out a quiet laugh

We love her and just want what’s best for her

Theo heard the shower turn off and his heart dropped. 

Yeah, and that’s why you never wished her happy birthday. Fuck off

And with that he blocked both numbers, deleted the group chat from her history, turned her phone off and put it where he found it. 

That was the easy part. Now he just had to convince her not to go to work. 

She came out of the shower, only a towel wrapped around her body, loose strands of hair falling from her bun. 

He could sense an unspoken sadness and he wondered if she could sense his unspoken annoyance. 

“Darling, “ he began, sitting on the edge of the bed as she made her way over to him. If he didn’t have a job to complete, he would’ve taken more time to appreciate the way she instinctively sat on his lap. “I’ve been thinking,” he cleared his throat as she looked up at him. The image of innocence on her pretty face. “Do you really want to work?” 

Apparently it wasn’t too hard to convince her to give it up. He had started explaining, “You know, you’re marrying into the Sacred 28 and I don’t want you to feel like I’m making you give it up-” which he totally was, “but I just want what’s best for you and-”

“Theo,” she interrupted. “I’d like that.” And she gave him a swift kiss before getting up and getting changed into her pyjamas. 

When she came back and joined him in bed he turned to her and said, “I’ll ring them tomorrow,” and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. 

She wasn’t stupid. She had been waiting weeks for a message from them and when she couldn’t even find the groupchat she knew something had happened. Knew that Theo was somehow involved. She debated asking him about it, but did she really want to know? She knew it must have happened while she was in the shower. She could practically hear Theo’s heart beating when she was sitting on his lap, but she was happy to live in denial. Her boyfriend was protective and he liked to look out for her, even if it sometimes crossed the line. But she was happy to put the blame on her two friends, and she fell asleep easy that night knowing that the boy who had his arm around her would always have her back.

#theodore nott #theodore nott imagine #theodore nott angst #theodore nott fluff #tn #tnf #tna #tni #harry potter #harry potter imagine #harry potter blurb #harry potter fluff #harry potter angst #hp #hp imagine #hp blurb #hp fluff #hp angst

[kickbutts-singsongs]

I know no one asked, but I have exactly zero (0) people to talk about bkdk with irl so here you guys go

My BKDK Journey

Yes, this sounds stupid, but my god it’s been almost three years of an absolute rollercoaster of feelings and denials and tears and revelations…

and if you don’t mind, I’m gonna rant about it.

(not spoiler free)

_____

May 2021

To start off, i wasn’t always a bkdk shipper.

I shipped izu*cha at first (not saying it’s a bad ship btw; it’s actually quite cute. im just afraid people’ll be mad if I accidentally invade their tag lol), primarily because I assumed that would be the ship that became canon.

But also, my veryyyyy leasttttt favorite character… was Bakugou Katsuki.

When I tell you that I would’ve loved nothing more than to somehow spawn into the bnha universe and punch that brat in the face— AGHHHHHHHHHH

Now this wasn’t all his fault: A) I watched the dub first lol, and B) he reminded me of someone that i was not in a place to stand up to at the time, and his constant anger, yelling, and harsh treatment of Izuku—who i began to relate to—made me hateeee him.

There was a time when I literally said “if he died, I wouldn’t miss him.” <- this was later proven false lol

So, I was watching the anime dub with an absolute animosity for our resident deuteragonist, but on top of that…

I was watching it with a friend with a crunchyroll account who lived in another state that I was visiting and staying with for two weeks, so by the time i had to go back home, we’d only gotten up to the part where All Might was getting Inko’s permission to let Izuku stay at the UA dorms.

Anddddddd in my drive to consume more bnha once I got home, i somehow stumbled across an Instagram account that posted bnha sub episodes divided into parts,

but they only had season four and onwards.

Sooooo I never saw the second half of season three… more importantly,

I NEVER SAW DEKU VS KACCHAN 2!!!!!

(I will say that I had seen a couple photos/edits/etc, but I never knew what had been said, or why they fought)

_____

June 2021

At this point in time, I’d been exposed to a lot of the fandom. My fyp on both IG and Pinterest were filled to the brim with all things bnha (because this is what happens when one has a hyperfixation), so I saw a lot of stuff.

Especially fanart.

This is where I started learning about the different ships.

I saw a lot of the side character ships and thought they were adorable (kamijirou, todomomo, even kiribaku), but then I saw some with Izuku.

Izu*cha was a given for me. I didn’t think there was a single person that didn’t ship it. But then I started seeing fanart of ships like tododeku, shindeku, and bakudeku.

And my first reaction to finding out that people shipped my beautiful baby sunshine boi with the person who bullied him for years?????

HELLLLLLLLLLL NO

So with my (unknowingly) limited knowledge of their relationship, i was very much an anti (i never spoke out or anything, i just reallyyyy didn’t like the ship lol)

(And then, you know, I started to see all the bkdk hate online and kinda went “okay not touching that”)

But that began to change…

_____

August 2021

…after I saw a manga leak for the first time.

I was scrolling thru my feed and all of a sudden. BOOM!

I was like 😧

IS THAT IZUKU?????

And i looked in the comments and yes it was.

I checked out the page and found that they had an entire account of manga leaks and was so happy.

I quickly began to read from the very bottom of that account, and it started from right about where Izuku first began his vigilante arc (i had no idea how much was in between then and where I left off on the anime, but I was willing to read it lol)

And so I waited diligently for the leaks every week (a practice I have continued to uphold lol), until one day, i came across an untranslated series of panels from the latest chapter. I looked at it and it was of Katsuki and Izuku, facing each other in the rain (you know the one). I knew the leaks would be coming a day later, but I wanted to look through them anyways, so I did.

I didn’t understand a word they said, but the pictures and imagery of them as kids then middle schoolers then where they were now seemed so touching…

And then I came across a pair of kanji that I recognized.

I was like “wait WHAT???”

I zoomed in and went “that— isn’t that—? That’s part of Midoriya’s name, right???”

And then I was like “wait a second… omg that’s Izuku, isn’t it. That’s the freaking kanji for Izuku.”

And it was!!!!!

So inside I’m having a mini freakout cuz—

Bakugou just called him IZUKU

Fast forward to the next day, and I looked at the translated version, and found out that not only did he call him Izuku,

He

Freaking

APOLOGIZED

And I was like “huhhhhhhh”

What happened between now and the most recent anime episodes for this to occur???? For Bakugou to do a complete 180 and apologize????????

Well, I finally got my answers…

_____

November 2021

…when I started reading the manga.

I started from the beginning, cuz I wanted to see Horikoshi’s art style and the extra drawings and all the other stuff…

And when I tell you that Katsuki became a whole new character to me—

First, I read everything about early-on Bakugou— without hearing him yell in his dub voice—and realized “oh wow he really is just a kid with issues and a worldview that he’s now having to change.”

Then, I finally read what happened in that space between moving into the dorms and the beginning of season four (most importantly, DvK2).

Cried.

Then, oh then, I got up to where season five ended and the rest of the manga began.

. . .

Funny thing: back when I read the leaks to ch322, I remember thinking to myself, “huh. what did Bakugou mean by Shigaraki making swiss cheese outta him?”

😦

THE WAY I GASPED

AND THEN CRIED

OH MY FREAKING GOD

That was the moment where i truly ceased to hate Katsuki cuz holy character development batman

Then, of course, we see them in recovery

And then the vigilante arc and apology scene *sobs*

And then I was caught up.

(Btw I finished the entire manga up ‘til ch334 in just over a week. I read for nine days straight. During the school year. My emotions were all over the place goodness gracious I could barely concentrate.)

So that’s how I went from being a Bakugou hater to going “you know what he’s a complex character and he’s slowly becoming a better person” and realizing that he was now one of my fav characters and therefore cursed to die but I’ll talk about that later

Was I now a bakudeku shipper?

Hah nope.

_____

December 2021

I began my dive into the true essence of any fandom: fanfiction.

Over the course of winter break, I had started off with fics that had no romantic pairing (I just wanted to see my boi Izuku), but then somehow stumbled across Mastermind: Strategist for Hire and then read the entirety of the For Want of a Nail series (shoutout to Clouds btw ❤️) cuz I was like “ok whew no bkdk fics” which was my mindset at the time.

But somehow (I can’t even remember how I found it) I came across a bkdk fic. It was called For Want of Izuku’s Toe Joint by Talavin (okay now that I think about it there’s probably a simple explanation lol).

I don’t quite know what compelled me to start reading it, but I did.

And I really liked it.

But not in the “I’ve been converted” kinda way.

It was like an “I shouldn’t be enjoying this why am I enjoying this?” kinda feeling. Like my head says no but my heart says yeah.

A really really really really guilty pleasure.

So, from that day on, whenever I came across any form of bkdk media, I would simultaneously feel discomfort and yet an odd sense of satisfaction.

A snippet of my daily life:

Me: *comes across bkdk fanart on pinterest*

Me: eww

Also me: *stares at it for like five minutes straight*

Me: who even likes this?

Also me: *saves pin to my mha board*

Me: not my ship

Also me: *scrolls down to more like this*

Bless my heart I was in such denial.

_____

July 2022

Bit of a timeskip, but nothing of note really happened in those last six months so here we go.

We’ve gotten to the point in the manga where the final arc is underway and Bakugou is about to KICK SOME BUTT

He’s revealed his Panser Strafe support item and I’m gushing about it to my friend (she kinda fell out of the fandom but still tolerated my rants bless her)

Oh, side note: it was then that I also expressed my concern for Bakugou’s “alive” status

Evidence:

For reference, some of my favorite characters are:

Beth March (Little Women)

John Reese (Person of Interest)

Joss Carter (Person of Interest)

Leonard Snart (Arrowverse)

Logan Echolls (Veronica Mars)

Fantine (Les Mis)

Eponine (Les Mis)

Jean Valjean (Les Mis)

Simon (Lord of the Flies)

Piggy (Lord of the Flies)

Grace Stone (Manifest)

Bubaigawara Jin — Twice (BNHA)

Wanna guess which of these guys died?

Trick question! It’s all of them (:

Yeah so anyways those following chapters really made me excited and nervous cuz YEAH KICK HIS ASS BAKUGOU but also IZUKUUUUU WE NEED YOU

hah hah.

_____

August 2022

Utterly gobsmacked. Cried. Disbelief. Horrified. Confusion. Anger. Went through the five stages of grief and then some.

Sometimes I hate being right 🥲

But the good thing that came from this was that my positive view of Katsuki only grew after seeing his utter faith in Izuku (and his thoughts being on him in his final moments???? 🥺🥺🥺)

And it was at this point in time where I could admit to myself “you know what? i see it. i see the appeal. i wouldn’t mind this actually becoming canon.”

Did I think that it would actually become canon?? No.

_____

September 2022

I don’t know how I thought Izuku was gonna react to seeing Katsuki’s body on the ground, but GOOD LORD IT WASNT THAT

Even sweet little blind me realized “oh wow he like really feels intense stuff for Katsuki huh”

(But some things I missed—cuz I was still a bit wired for izu*cha—were shigarakis implications “yeah u looooove the present I got u” and the freaking HEART that blackwhip caused??? when Izuku reeled himself back in???? like how did i miss that i read that chapter like fifteen times??)

So this is all to say that I’ve missed any and all actual bkdk hints up until this point. I finally lifted my head out of the izu*cha fog when…

_____

July 2023

…Ochako and Toga had their chat about romance.

The first actual hint was when Ochako had told Toga “I’ll give you my blood for the rest of my life.”

Little blind me became a bit less blind that day, cuz I was like “um. ochako? that— that sounded kinda like a proposal. like. a marriage proposal. ochako??”

And then those chapters just kept getting better!!

Bebe Ochako’s determination???

The Spirited Away moment?????

“I’m envious of your smile”????????

“YOU REALLY THINK IM CUTE?” “THE CUTEST IN THE WHOLE WORLD” LIKE 😭😭😭😭😭

For the first time, I was looking at the manga without the assumption that izu*cha would be endgame. And it only got better after I…

_____

August 2023

…got Tumblr!!!

Everything was downhill from here folks.

In the best possible way.

I came across some analyses of what was going on with togachako, and consequently led me to some bakudeku analyses. I read them and my goodness they made so much sense.

Like not even just personality-wise!! Those metas brought in actual things Horikoshi said about wanting to go outside the norms of shounen (and about not liking the Naruto ending 💀), and compared bkdk to tropes in different works of fiction, and even discussed how bkdk made sense narratively. They properly convinced me of the ship.

And then for good measure, I reread the manga in its entirety thru a bkdk filter, and lo and behold things took on new meanings and my eyes were opened.

I totally and irrevocably shipped them! And I actually thought they had a chance at being canon!!

(And then I binged so much bkdk fanfiction omg you wouldn’t BELIEVE like I read the ones with the highest kudos first and then just picked the biggest collections I could find and read down the line

It was like being on drugs like each fic gave me more dopamine than the last I was so happy oh my god)

_____

October 2023

And then finally, the day came.

The answer to “is bakugou alive yet?” became a yes.

We screamed. We cried. We jumped for joy. We told bakugou antis to suck it. But most of all, our bkdk hearts soared to see our boys make eye contact with each other for the first time in over a year 🥹

And from that moment on, I truly began to believe that bkdk would indeed become canon.

_____

And so, this concludes my 42672288 page rant about how I came to be a bkdk shipper.

Thank you for reading, and before I go, I want to ask:

How did you guys get into bkdk?

Did you convert over from izu*cha? Or perhaps tododeku? Or maybe kiribaku? Or are you one of the few who have shipped them since the beginning??

In any case, I’m happy you’re here. And while it may have taken me a couple years, I’m happy that I’m here too :)

(and thank you @animelover32456)

#this may just be me screaming into the void #but at least it’s out there #bnha #mha #bnha spoilers #mha spoilers #bakudeku #bkdk #my bkdk journey #midoriya izuku #bakugou katsuki #my thoughts #and also I’m going to admit without admitting that I might or might not have made some ocs a mere two months after I started bnha… #and the two leads were very much bkdk coded 💀 #I was going to make a next gen au and so over the course of two years I carefully crafted 20 students (names personalities and quirks) #and I had some cool villains #honestly some of my quirk ideas were awesome #maybe one day I’ll post some of them… we’ll see #but if anyone asks if I ever made any ocs NO I DIDNT

[sailor-aviator]

Singing in the Sanctuary: Chapter Four

Singing in the Sanctuary: Chapter Four

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Reader

Summary: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw is a simple man. Well, as simple as one can be while living a life of crime. The notorious outlaw of the western territories has never been interested in settling down and having a family, but will that all change when he meets a shy, new teacher who just moved into town?

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, Older sibling being harsh on the younger, Allusions to self-esteem problems, Mentions of drinking, Mentions of hangovers, Bradley flirting, One use of "y/n," Reader being a blushing mess. I think that's it, but please let me know if I've missed anything!

Word Count: 2.7k

Series Masterlist || DPU Masterlist || Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw Tag List

It had been exactly two weeks since your children had decided that they would be doing a play to help raise funds for the new schoolhouse, but still, they were no closer to figuring out what the play would actually be.

“It should be an adventure!” Grinned Billy Seresin.

“Nuh uh,” frowned Josie Carmichael, “it should be a romance.”

“What about a fairytale?”

“I want it to have a fight scene!”

And here you sat, slumped against the wooden counter of the bar, at your wit’s end and lamenting to your friends on what to do. Penny and Bunny kept their hands busy by cleaning the glasses behind the bar and Natasha sat to your left, patting your back sympathetically. You wished the ever practical Scout was around to assist you in your plight, but she and Jake Seresin had left for Baltimore the week prior and wouldn’t be back until after the New Year. Scout had worried what people might think about the two traveling on their own, and you had had to bite your tongue to keep from pointing out that the two of them were practically engaged as it was, but your words would have been met with a scowl and rant about the perils of gossip. Scout was known to have a bit of a temper, and you weren’t keen on being on the receiving end of it. So, you had smiled placatingly and reminded her that her brother had given his seal of approval, and that had been enough to ease her worries.

“What’s eatin’ at you?” Penny asked you, brow raised curiously. You sighed in defeat, tears springing to your eyes as you thought about your current predicament.

“The children are going to do a play to help raise money for the schoolhouse.”

“And that’s an issue because?” Bunny asked, eyes darting to Penny to see if she could shed some light on the situation. The older woman shrugged, frowning as she turned her attention back to you.

“Because,” you grumbled, “It took us an entire week to settle on doing a play. Now they can’t decide what play to do.”

“Ah,” Penny said, leaning against the bar top, “what are the suggestions?”

“Some want to do Cinderella, some want to do Snow White, and others want to do Sleeping Beauty,” you groaned, feeling your bottom lip tremble as you felt all the frustration from the past week rise up from deep inside of you and to the surface. You were good at shoving the negative feelings down inside of you. Your childhood had given you plenty of practice when it came to that, but now the emotions tended to come out all at once and at inopportune times, something your mother had often lamented about.

“Why don’t you just let them make their own play up?” Bunny asked thoughtfully. Your gaze darted to the girl in front of you, intrigue replacing the sorrow that was once there.

“Let them do their own play?” You asked her. Bunny seemed to hesitate for a moment before nodding, a tight smile on her face that came off more as a grimace on her pretty features.

“That way everyone can do something they like?” She said as more of a question than an answer. You felt the stirrings of excitement in your tummy as you mulled over her suggestion. It could work. If the children come up with their own play, then they can work together to make sure everyone has a say and no one would feel left out. It was perfect! Or, at least, that’s what you thought.

Your elder sister often admonished you growing up for being, what she believed, was too naïve.

“Get your head out of the clouds,” she’d snap, a scowl on her face as she looked you over. “The world isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, y/n. The sooner you realize that, the better off you’ll be.”

She was right, but her words had stung nonetheless. You wanted to see the good in everybody and every situation. If that made you naïve or immature, then so be it.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Bunny!” Penny grinned, turning her gaze to you. You nodded enthusiastically, a grin splitting across your face as you looked back at the bar girl.

“It really is!” You exclaimed, leaning back and away from the bar. A smirk made its way onto your lips. “Have you ever thought of becoming a teacher?”

“Me?” Bunny scoffed, shaking her head. “No, I wouldn’t know what to do. Besides, I can’t even read.”

Your eyes widened. “You don’t?”

“No,” she said softly, looking down and away from you. She shifted on her feet, looking as if she was willing the ground to open up and swallow her whole. You supposed it wasn’t that uncommon for people to not know how to read, but Bunny always looked so put together, that it never occurred to you that the other girl wouldn’t have the skill set. You pursed your lips, wondering if your new thought would be too impertinent to suggest to the other girl. Bunny was someone who was quiet, yes, but she had an air of pride and confidence about her that you often found yourself admiring and wishing you had.

You knew you were a timid, little thing. You were the youngest of two girls, and your sister was the crown jewel of your family. She was beautiful, confident, and had a mind that could accomplish most anything. You wanted to be that way, but you knew deep down that you weren’t. A fact your parents often pointed out to you. Now, seeing the capable woman in front of you looking small at such a minor detail made you want to help.

“I can teach you,” you said finally.

“What?” She chuckled, sounding almost startled. Her gaze flickered back to you as her brow pinched in confusion. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“Well,” you smiled, “it’s a good thing you won’t have to then. I’m volunteering!”

Bunny’s frown deepened, and you suddenly found yourself second guessing your decision.

“Unless you don’t want to learn?” You murmured, now feeling awkward as you sat at the bar.

“No, I,” she trailed off. She chewed on her bottom lip as she regarded you for a moment. With a heavy sigh, she continued, “I would actually really love that, Birdie. As long as it doesn’t take up too much of your time.”

“It won’t,” you chirped, hopping off the bar stool and making your way towards the exit. The evening crowd was slowly filing in after a long day’s work, and you weren’t keen on being around once the drinking started.

“Let’s start tomorrow, okay?” You called over your shoulder with a wave at the two women behind the counter. You didn’t wait for a response as you pushed through the growing crowd and out the door.

The next morning brought you some much needed free time. Saturday mornings were usually when the town market was in full swing, and you were determined to get there early enough to snag the best tomatoes for dinner that night. Penny insisted that you didn’t have to do much around the house, but you couldn’t imagine not doing anything. You refused to be a burden, no matter how much she assured you that you weren’t.

Of course, you weren’t planning on living in Penny and Maverick’s home for forever. No, once the school was built, you’d move into the new building until your own home was built. However, that was a ways off, and as far as you knew, construction hadn’t even started on the schoolhouse yet.

Lost in thought, you passed the old church, stopping when something caught your attention from the corner of your eye. Underneath the large tree, a figure lay slumped against the roots, a hat covering the face of whoever it was. Cautiously, you approached the figure, different scenarios racing through your mind. Did the heat get to him? Did he need a doctor? Perhaps some water? Or maybe he was hurt? Penny and Bunny told you about the bar fights that sometimes broke out at the saloon where the loser would slink off with a wound or two.

“Excuse me, sir?” You called out. The man didn’t move, and you looked around to see if anyone else was present. The street was deserted, most of the folks either getting ready for another cold snap or down at the market trying to secure the best produce before anyone else. You knew the dangers of approaching men while alone, but you didn’t think you could live with yourself if something awful happened and you had done nothing to help. You approached him quietly, setting your basket down by the entrance as you did so. As you got closer, you let out a relieved sigh once you saw his chest slowly rising and falling. He wasn’t dead, just asleep.

“Sir?” You called out again, this time a little louder. The man stirred, muttering something in his sleep. You were practically standing next to him now, worrying on your bottom lip as you debated how best to handle the situation.

“Sir?”

“What?” The man snapped, snatching his hat off of his face and fixing you with a glare. You blinked a couple of times at the man in front of you as your brain played catch up with what you were seeing. The man also seemed a little taken aback as he took you in, realization dawning in his brown eyes. “Birdie?”

“Bradley?”

Bradley blinked up at you before shuffling to a stand, and you backed up a few steps to allow him room. He smacked at his trousers, attempting to get as much dirt off of him as he could while giving you a sheepish smile.

“What are you doing here?” You asked him, eyeing him wearily as he took a couple of short steps towards you. The stench of alcohol hit you almost instantly, and you wrinkled your nose at him as your gaze turned from confusion to mild disgust. “You smell like a distillery.”

“Yeah,” he winced, rubbing the back of his neck as he gave you an apologetic look. “Sorry ‘bout that.”

“Are you drunk?” You asked him, narrowing your eyes as you scanned him up and down. His clothes were wrinkled and smeared with dried dirt. The top couple of buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned, and you cursed yourself for the heat that instantly rose to your cheeks as you took in the hard muscle that lay underneath. Bradley’s eyes followed your gaze, looking down at the state of himself, and then back at you with a smirk that suggested he knew where your thoughts were heading.

“‘M not drunk, little bird,” he drawled, leaning towards you. He winced when the sunlight his his face, scowling slightly as he leaned back into the shade. “Hungover as hell, maybe. But I’m not drunk anymore.”

“Why is it that you almost sound disappointed by that fact?” You grumbled, scowling at him. Bradley shifted on his feet before giving you a shrug.

“Beats being hungover, I guess.”

“You could just not drink so much,” you suggested, earning a bright grin from the man in front of you.

“Now where’s the fun in that, Birdie?” He chuckled. You pursed your lips, studying him once again. It wasn’t often that Bradley Bradshaw grinned. He smirked, yes, but his grins were few and far in between. They gave him a boyish quality that you found strangely endearing, and you found that you wanted to see him do it more. More so, you wanted to be the reason he smiled like that.

The grin faded from his face as you studied him, and a thoughtful look of his own crossed his features. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he pursed his lips and looked over towards the old church before glancing back at you.

“Do you want me to stop drinking?” He asked. You balked at his question. Why was he asking you that? What did your opinion matter? Bradley seemed like the type that didn’t much care for what anyone thought of him or what he did, that much was clear from his illegal activities.

“What I want shouldn’t matter,” you said carefully, clasping your hands in front of you and looking away. You felt his gaze linger on your face as you looked anywhere but at him. You weren’t used to being assertive. No, you were the type to make yourself smaller to please others, and you were fine with that. You didn’t need the attention on you, and you had always been fine with that. But standing there in front of Bradley, for the first time in your life, you found that you wanted the attention on you. More specifically, you wanted to hold Bradley’s attention. That thought scared you.

“It matters to me,” Bradley murmured, leaning towards you again. His eyes were intense as they took you in, sliding down the length of you, and you squirmed under his gaze. An unfamiliar heat pooled in your belly as you met his eyes, the heat becoming stronger as they bore into you, his look almost hungry.

“You should stop drinking because you want to,” you countered, cursing how breathless you sounded, “not because someone told you.”

Bradley regarded you for another moment, a twinkle in his eyes as he looked you over once more. Finally, he leaned back, smirking as he dug around in his pocket. You sighed, thanking whoever might be listening for the slight reprieve.

“I have something for you,” he said, and your eyes widened at the declaration.

“A gift?” You asked him. “Whatever for?”

“Just because I saw it and thought of you,” he replied, pulling out a light blue ribbon with white lace trim from out of his pocket. You gasped, excitement filling you at the small trinket.

“Oh Bradley,” you breathed, reaching your fingers out to touch the shiny fabric. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s not much,” he said, suddenly looking shy. You noted how odd the expression looked on him, but your attention was pulled back to the ribbon as Bradley held it up.

“I thought you might like it.”

“I love it,” you smiled, looking up at him. A small smile crept onto his face at the sight of you, and he gestured for you to turn around.

“May I?” he asked.

“Oh, of course,” you giggled, turning so that he could replace the lilac bow in your hair with the new one. His fingers were surprisingly gentle as they ran through your hair, and you found yourself wondering what it would be like to have his fingers somewhere else on your person. Your cheeks felt like they were on fire as you willed the salacious thoughts away. A good girl should not being having the thoughts you’re having.

Once the ribbon was secured in your hair, Bradley leaned forward.

“There,” he whispered, his breath fanning over your ear and across your cheek. You stiffened in front of him, shuddering as his fingertips danced over your neck. “All done.”

Slowly, you turned back to face him. You looked up at him through your lashes, a soft smile playing on your lips. Bradley returned it with one of his own, fingertips skimming over the soft skin of your cheek.

“Where are you headed?” He asked you, breaking the charged silence between the two of you.

“Oh,” you blinked, moving towards the gate where you had left your basket. “I was headed for the market to get things for dinner.”

Picking up the basket, you turned to find Bradley had followed you, already leaning against the gate as he smirked down at you. Plucking the basket from your hands, he placed his unoccupied hand at the small of your back, guiding you back onto the street.

“Let’s get going then,” he winked. You tried not to think about how warm his hand felt against you, and you tried not to think about the stares people gave you as the two of you walked onto the main street. You certainly tried not to think about the butterflies that fluttered in your stomach every time you caught him looking at you.

A/N: Haven't updated this one in a little bit! Friendly reminder that I have started redoing my tag lists, so if you weren't tagged in this and you would like to be, please make sure you have submitted a request in the form at the top of the post! As always, reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated! I also post these updates on my AO3 account under sailor_aviator. If you enjoy my work, please consider leaving me a tip!

Tag List: @goldenseresinretriever @fanficfandomlove @bobgasm @pinkdaisies1106 @hookslove1592 @jessicab1991 @bellaireland1981 @justherebecausesafarisucks @jupitercomet @atarmychick007 @katfanfic @topnerd03 @smileybouquet @roger-that-cap @vixenobrian @butterfly-skinnylegend @nouis-bum @eloquentdreamer @els-marvelvsp @bearw1thme @diorrfairy @seresinsbrat @what-did-you-just-say @na-ta-sh-aa @rosedurin @djs8891 @roosteraloha @fudge13 @imnotcreativeenoughforthisblog @burrowsmuse @senawashere @uniquedreamlandcheesecake @yuckosworld @boiolay @the-philthepill13

#bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw x you #bradley rooster bradshaw fanfiction #bradley bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw x you #bradley bradshaw fanfiction #rooster #rooster x reader #rooster x you #rooster fanfiction #top gun rooster #rooster top gun #sits #singing in the sanctuary #dpu #dagger posse universe

[himboskywalker]

Using the Obikin tag to vent your personal grievances with the fandom is a little much and I say that as someone who's loved your work over the years. In my opinion there's no need to bring every Obikin fan to a rant by putting it in the Obikin main tag. I prefer bottom Anakin too (it's all I ever read) but drawing a line in the sand between people who like the same ship at the end of the day gave me a big ick reading your post. It really shocked me to see rudeness towards other fans. Please keep fandom drama to group chats and friend servers, if possible. Hope you are feeling better soon. -S

I tagged it as obikin because I talked explicitly about top/bottom in a controversial ship that not everyone who follows me wants to see. I tag everything I mention obikin in as obikin,just like I’ll tag this post. It’s to make sure others can filter content appropriately,not to bring every obikin fan into discourse. I put a majority of the post under a cut for a reason. I don’t tag anything for it to “be seen” in the tag,I tag so it can be filtered and blocked accordingly. I made the post because the anon I received is not the first,nor even one of few,I get a lot of them and ignore them most the time. Yeah I was rude to them, as they were incredibly rude to me. I understand not wanting to be pulled into/drama discourse,and you likewise could have just ignored it instead of engaging. I made the post because I KNOW other authors and artists are getting the same treatment and messages from certain people,and I don’t want younger or less experienced creators in this space to be discouraged by that kind of stuff. Even established authors like myself get bullshit,and I want others to know that and not feel alone. I’ve already had multiple people reach out to thank me for talking about this because they’ve felt under attack and not felt like they can say anything. When this is involving large swaths of my fellow artists and authors I won’t keep it to private servers and group chats thank you,and I won’t apologize for it either.

#obikin #anons #fandom salt #fandom

[lightning-writes]

good heart (faulty machine of a man) - 19/30

fic summary: bucky meets someone at therapy

chapter summary: rue calls bucky (alt: nothing platonic happens after 12 am)

word count: 2150

tags: post endgame, pre tfatws, slow burn, canon divergent, canon compliant, au

warnings: none

a/n: we love a flirty bucky x rue moment! also some ruby lore!

AO3 MASTERLIST X

The clatter of his phone vibrating on the wooden floor makes him groan. Who the hell is calling him after midnight? He rolls over and sees the bleary image of Rue’s face.

Panic rises in his chest as he stands. He answers the phone with an alarmed, “Hello?”

“It’s a video call, friend, get me away from your ear.”

Bucky holds the phone out to see Rue in a bathroom. She has the phone propped behind the sink, rubbing something onto her face, and she looks down at the phone.

(He first notices her exposed stomach from the cropped tank top, then her pierced nipples again. He can’t presume her intention, but he doesn’t know which Rue’s getting tonight. And it makes his ears hot.)

“Jesus Christ, James,” she startles him out of his thoughts. The phone is in her hands now, her face close to the screen. “Look at those pectorals.”

Bucky looks down at his shirtlessness. Automatically, his hand flies up to cover himself.

In a muffle tone that he can only believe is to herself, she mutters, “I mean, I knew you were jacked, but goddamn.”

(Bucky has no idea how he should feel about this statement, but it certainly does make him feel something.)

She sets the phone back down and begins to braid her hair. To him, she says, “Vick has Frank over, so I thought I’d call you. I’m just getting ready for bed.” She peeks down at the phone. “Were you sleeping?”

“Kinda.” He wasn’t, but his answer is more acceptable than saying he was trying to find a comfortable spot on the floor of his nearly empty living room. “But, it’s fine.”

“Great.” She applies something else to her face, taking her time rubbing it into the skin. “I just had half a bottle of wine, so be prepared for that.”

(He makes a non-committal noise, wondering what drove her to drink.)

“Anyway, what’s up, how was your day?”

“Uh, fine?” He walks into his dark bedroom and finds a shirt. He doesn’t even have a lamp; he has to turn on the bright overhead light and frowns. He sits on his bed with only one pillow left. “How was yours?” he asks, unsure.

He watches her walk from the bathroom to her bedroom. She sits on the bed with a huff, and he notices the shelves above her headboard. Dried orange slices and small twinkling light hang from the bottom shelf, and he sees a plant vine that nearly brushes her head. Under the shelves, there are photographs taped to her wall, some people, some landscapes. He sees the shine of a still wrapped condom when he averts his eyes.

 “Glad you asked.” She calls attention back down to her. “So, you know how I work at Waterway? Well, so did Maeve, until we broke up, so everyone working there knows our story and mostly everyone knows about the whole Dean situation. So, apparently, Maeve just posted her engagement to Instagram, and literally, Bucky, I kid you not, everyone on staff asked me about it. If I was sad about it, if I’d seen it. As if I didn’t block her on all my socials already! You’d think they’d have more decorum, but obviously not!”

“I’m sorry,” Bucky offers. He got lost in the rant for a moment, but he finds his way out by the end.

She plows through his sympathy. “So, I went– wait, are you… against hooking up or anything?”

“What?” He’s confused by the sharp turn of conversation.

“I mean, being from the 1940’s and all that,” she says impatiently, “I don’t want to offend you with my sexcapades.” 

“You won’t,” he nearly laughs. “Trust me.”

(She pauses for too long a moment, and he wishes he knew what she was thinking.) 

“Okay, so I went to this lesbian bar I’d gone to with Maeve once, and tried to hook up with someone, but I had no luck - I bet the loser vibes were just emanating off me - so I asked Vick if we could have a girls’ night. And she’d said yes, but then canceled at the last minute!” She brings the phone close to her face again, to whisper, “Frank asked her to dinner, and she thinks he’s going to propose soon, so I guess she’s jumping at every opportunity? I don’t know, I don’t believe in marriage.”

“Didn’t you prop–”

“Anyway,” she says dramatically, giving him a hard look through the screen. He suppresses a grin. “So, while they were out - which I’d like to point out, it was ten o’clock when this happened - Dean came over, like he fucking knew I was alone and rejected, and he dropped off my stuff I’d left at his apartment. And I told him I’m not returning shit because it’s not like I’m keeping fucking tabs on all the belongings in my house!”

Bucky notes how much she swears but doesn’t comment on it. Instead, he asks, “Is that a normal thing to do?”

“Have you ever watched a ‘90’s sitcom?” Rue scoffs. She’s now laying in her bed. She brushes the end of her braid over her face idly.

“Actually–”

She doesn’t let him finish. “So, after he left, I had my wine, I did my skincare, and I called you – lucky you!”

“Lucky me.” He tucks his arm behind his head. She watches him with another expression he can’t place. “Aren’t you tired, after all that?”

She sighs, her mouth twisted in a rueful smile. “Honestly, my brain won’t shut up.”

“I can’t sleep, either,” he confesses after a beat.

(He’s tempted to tell her he can come over or they could go somewhere, but he doesn’t want to fluster her, like she’s been.)

“Give me a house tour,” she declares unprompted. She’s laying on her side, giving him a playfully stern face. “You’ve been to my place, but I’ve never seen yours.”

“You didn’t give me a tour.”

“You didn’t ask for one.”

He rolls his eyes, schooling his amused look. “There isn’t much to see,” he admits.

“I demand entertainment, Barnes,” she pounds a fist into her bed.

(His brain stalls when she calls him by his last name.)

Bucky gets up and turns the front facing camera to his bedroom. He has a dresser, a laundry hamper, and a nightstand. He doesn’t give commentary as he enters the living room, showing his TV, still on, his record player, its speakers, and his small couch. He discreetly kicks away his sleeping setup on the floor as he moves to the kitchen. Rue watches, quietly, drinking from a cup with a familiar bird logo.

“That’s it,” he suppresses a yawn as he sits on the couch. “I told you, not much to see.”

“Oh, but it definitely entertained me,” she says. She looks sleepy, too; her blinks are slower. “Were you watching something?”

“Whatever’s on at,” he checks the time, “at two in the morning.”

“Hmmm,” she hums. He passes a hand through his still shower-damp hair. She then sits up. “Wait, did you get a haircut?”

He’s startled, fingers still combing through his hair. “...uh, yes?”

“You know, if I knew calling you was just going to be a thirst trap, I would have prepared better.” She pauses. “A thirst trap is–”

“Yeah, I actually know what that one means,” he interrupts.

(He briefly wonders what she meant by prepared. He also wonders how long they’ll continue this dance. WIll it end in a grand finale or will the song scratch to a stop?)

She gives him a curious look. “So, you know what you’re doing.”

He shrugs, “I’m just existing.”

“Well, exist less hot when I’m too drunk.” She flops back, dramatically throwing a hand over her forehead. “You know, this is what got us into the Thanksgiving mess in the first place.”

“Is that right?”

“It looks nice, your hair,” she ignores his comment, “I mean, it looked nice before, but…”

She yawns. He yawns.

There’s a long stretch of silence between them, and Bucky wonders if he should be the responsible one to call it a night.

“Can I tell you a secret, Buck?”

“Are you sure you want to do that? In light of the Thanksgiving incident?” She gives him a flat look, and he gives her a soft smile. “Yeah, Rue, I want to hear your secret.”

“I’m… miserable.”

(Her whisper breaks him.)

“I’m miserable, and I deserve it.” She wipes a tear curling down her cheek with the end of her braid. “I’m miserable, and I deserve it, and there’s nothing you can say to make me think otherwise.”

“Okay,” he responds too casually. She gives him a sharp look. “You know, if you were calling to have a pity party, I would have prepared better.” She tries to mask her amusement blooming behind her mad features. “I would have put up a banner… or maybe, some balloons–”

She huffs. “Okay, I get it.”

“I think…” Bucky pauses, eyes avoiding the screen to fully form his thoughts. “You don’t deserve to feel miserable.” He looks at her then, and shrugs a shoulder. “If you did, you wouldn’t.”

“Go on.”

He chuckles. “If you did deserve it, if you really were a bad person, I don’t think you would feel so miserable. Your misery is… it’s your guilt. I mean… you know what you did wasn’t great, and you actually feel bad about it.”

“All right, big boy, we get it. You go to therapy.”

“You studied therapy,” he counters.

(He pointedly ignores her ‘big boy’ comment.)

“Yeah, okay, but it wasn’t like it was my first choice,” she retorts. “Listen, I didn’t want to tell you this before because I know you have paranoid tendencies, but it seems like I’m a sinking ship and, apparently, a glutton for punishment, so I’m gonna tell you–”

“That’s a big preamble for you telling me you almost worked for Shield.”

Rue props herself up with her elbow, again, staring at him so intensely, it almost looks like the video is frozen.

“How could you have possibly known that? That’s super confidential.”

(Bucky had left the gym immediately after receiving the call from The Toad. He met with him at Red Hook Pier, in the rainy night, because better safe than sorry.

“Soldier,” the Toad greeted him in Russian. 

Bucky hands him the envelope thick with cash. “That’s not me anymore.”

He hands Bucky the envelope of information with a knowing look. “You will always be a soldier, even if you aren’t the Winter Soldier.”

“Anything I need to know?”

“How do the Americans say it,” he says in English, accent thick and stumbling, “‘The call is coming from inside the house’?”)

He just says, “I’m a former spy.” 

“You don’t even know my last name,” she protests.

“Is that right, Ruby David?” he challenges.

He watches realization spread across her features. “Okay, fine, I should have guessed you’d do this. Re: paranoid.”

“Prepared.”

“Distrusting.”

“Vigilant.”

“So, what else did you find?” she asks abruptly.

He’s quick to answer, “What are you worried I’d find?”

“Not worried.” She fiddles with her braid. “Just… curious. I’ve been pretty much an open book, other than the Shield stuff.”

To be fair, she’s telling the truth there. Aside from standard information about her and her family, Bucky mostly found information about her rebellion throughout high school, skipping class, failing class, getting caught smoking all over campus. He saw she’d been arrested at the age of twenty for protesting and a string of bar fights. She also had a long list of lovers, ranging from her age to much older, in quick succession. She’d been paid for her relationships, something the Toad called a “sugar baby”.

Her history with Shield had been brief and mostly one-sided. She’d done a lot of research into finding out whether they actually existed and how she could join them. When she’d been accepted, she had started training… and had backed out a week before initiation. It aligns with what she’d said about taking in her brother.

By the time Mikey had moved out, Hydra would have been outed, and Shield had dissolved.

(Bucky had been there for that one.)

“Yeah, you’ve been pretty honest,” he finally says.

She hums, eyes blinking slowly. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

Bucky is picking up the bedding from the ground and transferring it to his bed as her eyes are downcast. He settles into bed and sighs. “I get why you didn’t. I wouldn’t have told me either.”

Her lips quirk a soft smile. And she yawns again. And he follows. A hush falls between them, just the sound of them breathing. Bucky feels his eyelids grow heavier. The glow of the TV outside casts a dim glow into the bedroom,

“I should get going,” she finally sighs. “I have work at seven tomorrow morning.”

“In three hours,” he corrects.

“Fuck.” She turns on her side. She repeats, “I should sleep.”

Bucky mirrors her. “So, go to sleep.”

“You first.”

Bucky closes his eyes and pretends to snore. He hears her surprised giggle, and he catches her biting her lip as she gazes at him.

“Stay on the line.”

“Okay.” He switches his phone to his other hand. “Good night, Ruby.”

“Sweet dreams, James.”

#merry christmas eve to all who celebrate! #happy sunday post day to all! #bucky barnes #winter soldier #the winter soldier #female reader #female oc #bucky x reader #bucky x oc #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes au #bucky barnes x woc!reader #bucky angst #bucky fic #marvel fanfiction #marvel au #marvel #mcu #hurt/comfort #whump #fanfiction #slow burn #friends to lovers #mutual pining #fmoam #good heart (faulty machine of a man)

[henrysglock]

another thing which is more fandom related is that the Byler fandom is just insanely annoying at times. like i love my mutuals and some of the theories and all but idk, the way we have so many stupid arguments abt small things (think this is just a problem with the entire ST fandom but i’ve not really interacted with the other sects closely enough to see those), the way alotta Bylers don’t just ship Byler bcz they like it/dislike Mlvn bcz they don’t + to us it doesn’t work but are absolutely obsessed with hating Mlvn to a stupid degree. i’ve seen alotta ppl (rightfully) clown on Mlvns for saying that all Bylers r ableist misogynists who hate El from the bottom of our hearts and specifically don’t think autistic/ND ppl can do anything and women are the devil or whatever but then turn around and say all Mlvns r homophobes who hate Will for being gay and hate Mike bcz they misunderstand his character and want him to be miserable or whatever as if that’s any better, and then there’s how so many ppl just tag any post they make as “byler”, ranging from yk, actual posts abt the ship to posts abt the fandom/nothing posts abt the cast to random unrelated ST posts that they idk don’t want those horrible evil mildew shippers finding to shit that’s entirely unrelated to Byler/ST (honest to god a few months ago i was scrolling the tag and had to block someone bcz they were clogging the tag with their random life updates) and yeah idk i’m not sure if this is exactly an unpopular opinion since we all talk a lot abt how toxic the fandom is but idk i feel like no one talks abt the over the top Mlvn hate and the annoying mistagging (at least from what i’ve seen) (also sorry this is kinda long TwT)

"...the Byler fandom is just insanely annoying." Full stop. Bylerblr gets on my nerves day in and day out, even though I made my best friends in that mess.

It's the way bylerblr starts shit and then plays victim for me. It's the vaguing people and then acting like they're being attacked when that person responds for me. IT'S THE TAGGING UNRELATED SHIT AS BYLER FOR ME!! YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!! And yeah tbh...the mileven hate does get Extensive at times. There's disliking a ship, and then there's devoting your time to antagonizing shippers...like a loser. Atp bylerblr's not much better than the milevens are. Bylerblr is just a different flavor.

The fandom in general is gross no matter where you go, and honestly I'm glad I've detached from it to work on my own analysis niche.

(Also please don't worry about it being long, I love rambling and ranting about shit like this because it annoys me to no fucking end.)

Send me unpopular opinions!

#asks #unpopular opinion ask game

[ask-thebackrooms]

ok so idk why i did this but it’s done. might have to zoom in to see them all but -3-

this is a complete ref page of all of our toonfolk and their unique markings / cracks / scars, besides the two at the bottom which have been censored per request, the only reason they’re there to begin with is for myself (the sys) and my partner to see.

anyway, just wanted to put this out here half because i like drawing the toonfolk atm and half because i needed a ref/a break from inktober stuff. take this as you will, any creators mentioned in black above the alters can dm me if you don’t want me talking their characters (??? source?? idk words oh well) for whatever reason.

AGAIN, these are all fictives!! i am NOT stealing people’s OCs, any and all OCs / characters that ARE NOT FICTIVES will be clearly mentioned to not be such. furthermore, any alters will have their names tagged on the post with a format of [first, lastname] whereas the OCs will be tagged with [OC: name], the only time this being tricky is with Cherry and Cream, who will be tagged differently depending on the context of the post. an OC post where they are the character and not the alter? marked as [OC: name]. a post where they’re the alter and not the character? [first, lastname], as seen in the below tags for both Cherry Rumman and Cream Campari.

okay, now i’m done with my rant 👍 ➥ Des [🏳️‍⚧️]

#art #cuphead #did system #cuphead: ddwtd #october 2023 #cuphead show #sips kettle #cooper bright #stripes kettle #meghan bright #theo popfizzles #chipper woodman #carter popfizzles #popfizzles #brightgoat #jason bright #vile ninja #haku ninja #limbo bright #crackhead leafster #trench shortcake #cherry rumman #cream campari #cuphead paying the debt #casino cups #babtqftim #ask comedian cuphead #25th post

[madame-fear]

What is with this HOTD fandom?! Never have I ever been part of a fandom that attacks each other the way this one does. I have never seen “fans” as malicious, cruel, and relentless as the ones in the HOTD fandom! It’s insane. Vicious people are running content creators into the ground or off Tumblr or ao3 completely simply because they don’t like a certain ship, or trope, or tag, or dynamic, or a certain character etc etc. Its like the thought process is “I don’t like x, y, or z so instead of simply ignoring that content and not reading it, I’m going to make this everyone’s problem and find the people that make this content and harass them as much as possible. I’m also going to find as many ppl to help me gang up on this person and destroy them! You like something I don’t so that makes you bad. You don’t think the way I do so you need to be dealt with!” Like come on y’all, so you don’t like smut, or fluff, or lucemond, or rhaenicent, or character x reader, or modern fics, or dead dove, or enemies to lovers, or alpha/omega, or bottom/top, or you hate Lucerys, or Aemond, or rhaenyra, or daemon, or Jace, or the Blacks, or the Greens or whatever there may be, like no one cares! No one cares you don’t like something in fandom! What happened to “ship and let ship?” If you don’t like something, that’s fine, that’s great, I hope you are able to find all content you do like, but you don’t have a free pass to trash other people! Just ignore it, don’t read that story, block that specific creator if you want, just move on and find the stuff you do like. Why do these ppl feel the need to turn into a vicious pack of hyenas, relentlessly attacking content creators, literally running them off with death threats and doxxing etc etc like damn y’all! You just experienced this a few days ago with an “anon” who turned out to be a username I recognized and have seen around for a long time. And here they are acting the way they did. Like what?!

HOTD isn’t real! It’s fiction! It can be whatever people want it to be, people can use whatever trope they want, completely random ships between completely nonsensical characters can exist, a story can be set in the Amazon or freaking space, a story can be the sweetest, fluffiest story to ever exist or it can be the strangest, darkest, most messed up thing you’ve ever read and that’s fine! It’s fine! Surround yourself with what you do like and just let other people live, why is that so hard?! So sorry for my rant, I had to get that out

FUCKING PREEEACH ANON, SAY IT LOUDER! Please please please rant as much as you wish, darling. 🗣🗣🗣

No you literally said EVERYTHING there was to be said about this fandom. I joined the fandom a day or two after the series ended, on October 2022 and BELIEVE me when I tell you that the fandom has gone completely deranged by now. I don’t like blaming anyone in particular, but I kind of have the feeling these big accounts that are always in the centre of some drama are the cause of the toxicity lingering in the fandom :/

I mean, I for example don’t like certain ships like Lucemond. It makes me feel so uncomfortable and off, and you know what I did? I filtered the tag, blocked some people on those tags, and went on with my life. I live and let live. I never even harassed someone or commented on their posts against their likings. This one big account that also started a huge ass drama recently was telling everyone to stop writing for bimboism because its anti-feminist or something — LIKE EXCUSE ME???? You don’t like something and you are making it EVERYBODY ELSES problem? Naur. And its worse when they send a troop of minions to attack and stupidly doxx... damn. I wouldn’t even be surprised if you already saw on other occasions the user harassing me previously... 🙄

I don’t like the concept/trope bimboism either and I never even considered on writing about it. But does that give me the right to tell everyone to stop writing for it because I simply dislike it? No, not at all! Because its also the right of other people to read and write for whatever they enjoy the most. Yes, she has her right to have her own opinion on her blog — but this shouldn’t apply only to a certain group of people! As far as I’m concerned, there’s something called freedom of speech; meaning we can all say and like whatever the fuck we want, unless you want to establish a mediocre social media dictatorship.

I also love how their friends stick up to them while they pretend to be on a hiatus to victimise themselves further. This one friend of them told a mutual "you will stand down" and "you will not win this" like the CLOWNING in here is real. Babygirl you are arguing against strangers online for a fucking fanfic trope, we aren’t in the middle of some medieval battlefield, wdym??? 😭😭

And also they blamed this same mutual telling her that she’s been harassing this one account for over a year (the big account mentioned previously that she had never seen my mutual before or something like that, and they never even talked before this???) even if the drama is recent, and said that... The drama was triggering the miscarriage this account had like a year ago. I swear to God this is too much to handle and it too sad. Especially to bring such tragic personal event like a miscarriage to put the weight on somebody else for an online argument about fictional tropes.

You literally said everything about this. I can’t believe we have to argue about this. And then the friend of a mutual said that its the right of the big account to have her own opinion but they aren’t respecting the opinions of others? Like damn just block people and filter tags, man. I don’t know what to tell you, because why would the world stop merely because you don’t like something and then everyone is like "OOO ESOKEEE🥺" to immediatly boost their ego by hating on other people going against what they say.

yk what, nonnie? You are absolutely fucking right. HOTD is fictional and we can do whatever the hell we want. And we shouldn’t be scared of speaking up. I’m tempted to publish my drafted post about this because I’m sick and tired of having to walk on knife edge just to not be harrassed. Thank you for the rant!

#hotd drama #hotd #house of the dragon #house of the dragon drama #┆ ⤿ 💌 come chat with amira .ᐟ ୭ #lovely anons <3 #rant #fandom ranting #ask box messages #ask box open #ask box #✧.* amiraverse

[claymorexpunisher]

Liberación- Ch.2/? (WWE Fic) (18+) (Repost)

Summary: Harper and Drew started Liberacion as a way to heal. And it slowly became bigger than they could've have ever imagined...

Main Pairings: Drew McIntyre/OFC, Damian Priest/OFC, Roman Reigns/OFC.

Side Characters: Mercedes Mone, Liv Morgan, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and more.

Tags: 18+, praise kink, daddy kink, size kink, kink negotiation, consensual kink, consensual non-consent, BDSM, knife play, light blood play, bratting, hair-pulling, breeding kink, and more.

Word Count: 3,733

~Past~

‘’Inconsiderate pricks...’’ I growled under my breath as I picked up after the insufferable club goers.

It had been a busy night and things were just starting to die down.

As lonely as my house was starting to feel, I couldn’t wait to get to home and bury myself under the covers.

But the universe had other plans…

Working at a BDSM club could be fun at times but, other times it was an absolute drag.

Especially working at Oasis where it was a bit of a free-for-all.

I had no idea why I stayed at this job.

I had no idea why I stayed in shitty situations in general.

The Saturday crowd usually consisted of spoiled, rich trust fund babies fresh out of college.

Most of which had no clue what they were getting themselves into and treated the establishment like a cheap motel- or like their parents’ mansions.

I had no idea how this place hadn't been shut down yet.

I had nothing against BDSM or Kink.

Quite the contrary actually.

I just wanted things to be safe and for everyone to be careful and mindful of what they were getting themselves into.

It pissed me of when people treated this space as if it were simply a swinger’s club where they could do whatever they wanted.

If this were my club, things would run a whole lot differently.

I was going to do something about that real soon, though...

I kept ranting under my breath in a mixture of English and Spanish as I swiped a damp cloth over the tables when I noticed something- or rather, someone that made me pause.

‘’Drew? You alright, babe?’’ I asked the Scotsman who for the last couple months had been coming to Oasis along with his partner.

Monica was her name.

He didn’t look okay at all, but he still nodded, just as I suspected he would.

‘‘I’m fine, Harper...’’ he said, his shoulders hunched and his voice barely audible.

During the months that Drew and Monica attended the club, Drew and I became quite close friends.

We’ve known each other for a long time now, but it seemed like his sudden visits to Oasis just brought us closer.

It helped break the ice to know something that intimate about someone.

Both of us were shy about it at first but, once we got to talking, we told each other pretty much everything from there on out.

But with our closeness came some observations.

I couldn’t stand Monica.

It was just one of those things where I couldn’t quite pinpoint why I felt the way that I did.

How I wished that those witchy senses had worked when it came to Jason...

And I never mentioned it to Drew because I didn’t want to put him in an awkward position so, I just silently observed whenever she was around.

From what I knew, Drew was her Submissive, but it didn’t seem like a happy arrangement at all.

But again, I said nothing.

I waited for him to come to me if he needed to.

Until tonight.

Drew was obviously not okay, and I was going to get to the bottom of it.

The look on his face alone was enough for me to say, ‘fuck it’ and step in even though I knew that sometimes the best thing to do is to let the person come to you.

But if I had to face Monica’s wrath- or even Drew’s, I would do it gladly.

‘’Drew. What happened? And don’t say ‘’nothing’’. This isn’t nothing. What did that pendeja do? Did you guys fight or something?’’ I asked Drew, setting the rag aside and coming toward him.

‘‘Nothing I didn’t agree to.’’ Drew said, shrugging nonchalantly.

But his gaze said differently.

His eyes were slightly unfocused and glassy, as if he just got done crying his eyes out.

They shifted from jet black to their usual blue and back again.

Okay. I guess this was gonna be like pullin’ teeth, then.

Being a little out of whack after a scene was pretty normal, but usually the Dom/Domme would stick around long enough to make sure that their Sub could at least get home safely.

And with Monica being Drew’s girl it was even more odd to not see them leaving together.

‘’I’m going home... I’ll see you later, H.’’

Drew went to stand but I stopped him with a gentle hand on his broad chest.

The second I did that, it was like something shifted and before I knew it, Drew crouched down and buried his face against the crook of my neck.

He was shaking like a leaf.

It took a few more coaxing words from me but eventually Drew told me what went down.

To say I was livid was an understatement.

I had a few run-ins with inconsiderate Doms when I first came into the scene, starting with my ex-husband.

Those situations weren’t exactly fun, and my heart went out to Drew.

Someone shitting all over the trust you’ve put into them absolutely sucked.

Monica and Drew had apparently agreed on doing a caning scene.

The scene was a bit more intense than either had anticipated and Drew sunk deeper into Sub space than either of them were comfortable with and Drew freaked out.

And like any low life ‘’Domme’’, instead of being there for Drew as best she could, Monica snuck out the back of the club and left him in one of the reserved bedrooms in the club with his racing thoughts.

‘’I don’t know what I did wrong...’’ Drew mumbled pitifully against my neck and my heart broke instantly.

He was so out of it…

I wanted nothing more than to tear Monica a couple new ones but, that was going to have to wait.

‘’Let’s get you taken care of, okay?’’ I whispered in his ear and watched him with sad eyes as he stood upright and began to walk slowly toward my car without any further protest.

I followed closely behind, wracking my brain about where to start on cleaning up the mess Monica left behind. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘’I keep letting him know that I can heal him but... man, he won’t let me near those welts… And he hasn’t left the guest room in weeks. I dunno what to do…’’ I ranted to my best friend, Tatianna.

Aside from Drew, Tatianna became one of my closest friends who also happened to be a wrestler like him, and the eldest adoptive daughter of Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.

She was adopted from Australia and from the second we met it was like we had known each other since forever.

From past lives, even.

She wasn’t much younger than me, so we clicked instantly.

She has also known Drew the longest, so it made sense for me to call her and tell her about the situation.

This was especially frustrating as a witch.

I felt like I should know how to help, and the fact that I couldn’t figure this out bothered me to no end.

‘’Well, think of how you were after the whole thing with Jason... Maybe he just needs some time, H. He’s probably healed his wounds himself. You know we vamps heal fast.’’ Tatianna said, eyeing me as she took a sip of piping hot Peppermint tea.

‘’I know,’’ I sighed.

‘’But-‘’

I was interrupted by a raspy Scottish lilt from behind the couch that made us both straighten up with guilt.

We were so caught up in our concern for the Scotsman that we didn’t realize he had finally left the guest bedroom.

‘’Time for what?’’ Drew said, looking between us both with a slightly angry glint in his eye.

I scrambled quickly for a response, but before I could, Drew interrupted once again.

‘’Never mind. I’ll just grab my things and get out of your way. I’m sorry for inconveniencing you.’’ Drew said dryly before turning to leave.

That made me find my voice and I shook my head, setting my mug of tea onto the coffee table in front of me.

I knew he was just sulking, but because of my frustration, I couldn’t help but feed into it for a moment.

‘’You know damn well that’s not it, Andrew.’’ I said in a clipped tone, and I watched him bristle.

I didn’t want to fight with him, but I welcomed an emotion from him other than the stoic misery that was brewing within him since I brought him into my home.

‘’Guys. Stop it.’’ Tati sighed.

‘’We’re just worried about you, D.’’ She said and I didn’t miss the way Drew’s eyes softened, if only for a second.

Just then, my doorbell rang.

Instantly, my pupils narrowed to dark and angry cat-like slits as I caught a whiff of the person’s scent…

(Prev. Chapter)

(Next Chapter.)

#wwe fic #wwe smut #wwe fluff #wrestling fic #wwe fan fiction #damian priest #roman reigns #drew mcintyre #sasha banks #liv morgan #seth rollins #becky lynch #roman reigns fan fiction #drew mcintyre fan fiction #damian priest fan fiction

[evilphrog]

I was tagged by @dont-offend-the-bees to share a snippet of a WIP. Tagging @sirnotappearinginthisblog @shunshuntaiga @epitomyofshyness @errorbrainloading @sidleyparkhermit

I am doing a bit from an original fic I have been working on for a few years now. The characters in this scene are:

Cal: an involuntarily telepathic human who has spent years continually drunk because it was the only way he could shut out other people's thoughts. He just hit rock bottom and decided to sober up, and has been having a Time of it.

Athena: a half-orc refugee from a very multicultural border city, who was about to earn her degree in art before her city was destroyed. She has been dealing with the culture shock and prejudice in the more insular human-only settlements. She recently had a bad breakup when she realized her ex was only interested because she was trying to rebel against her parents by dating an orc.

“And she didn’t even WANT to see any of my paintings!  She didn’t listen to a single word of my recitation of The Three Bandits!  Who was the REAL uncultured savage there, huh?”

Athena had been ranting about her jerk ex for the past twenty minutes.  Cal sympathized with her, he really did, but the sun was shining directly into his eyes, the ground was hard and unyielding, and he felt feverish all over.  So far, sobriety ranked about a zero out of ten in his book. 

“I mean, what kind of person has never even HEARD of Scavaldi’s epic?!  And raw meat?!  How hard is it to just ask a girl what she eats?!” She was really hitting her stride, now.

“Athena, please!” He finally snapped. “I would normally love hearing all about it, but my head is pounding!  Can we please just walk in silence for a bit?”

She looked at him like he had just tried to eat gravel.  Or raw meat. 

“What are you talking about?” She asked.  “I haven’t said a word all morning.”

Oh.  Oh shit.  Those weren’t OUT LOUD thoughts.  He covered his face with both hands and groaned. He could hear her arriving at the same conclusion, and dropped to the ground.  He could not have this conversation and walk at the same time.

“I am so, SO sorry,” he said. “I swear it was an accident, I would never have kept listening if I didn’t think you were talking to me, I’m not a creep, I swear, I don’t want to know what’s in your head,” the words kept rushing out of him, he couldn’t even find a space to breathe, “I try not to peek, you just think in full sentences, and who even does that anyways, it is SO weird, you’re not rehearsing a fucking play, you’re not running for mayor, just use pictures like the rest of us, sorry, not the point, I promise I will try harder, it’s just all so new—”

“Woah, woah, Cal, hey,” She sounded freaked, and slowly pulled his hands away from his eyes.  He winced in the light, and she quickly shifted to put him in her shadow. Hesitantly, he met her eyes.  She wasn’t angry.  She wasn’t offended.  She was WORRIED.  Why was she worried? She took a deep breath in and out, and he mirrored her. 

“I’m sorry,” he said one more time, for good measure. 

“I can see that,” she told him. They stayed like that for a minute, while Cal’s breathing returned to normal.  After a while she held out her waterskin.

“Do you want some water?” she asked.

“Want a beer,” he replied, but he still took the water.  It helped, a bit.  His stomach felt a bit more settled, and the pain in his calf started to dissipate.

#tag games #athena #cal #ocs #original fic

[ecoamerica]

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!

#ACLA24 #ACLA24Leaders #youtube #youtube video #climate leaders #climate solutions #climate action #climate and environment #climate #climate change #climate and health #climate blog #climate justice #climate news #weather and climate #environmental news #environment #environmental awareness #environment and health #environmental #environmental issues #environmental justice #environment protection #environmental health #Youtube

[here4theheartbreak]

Two’s a Party (3 is a Crowd) [bc, lf, lmh]

AO3 | AsianFanFics

Relationships: Bangchan x Felix x Lee Minho Genre: smut | demon AU Rating: Explicit Word Count: ~22.1k words

Tags: Smut, Angst with a happy ending, Demon AU, Polyamory, Corruption AU, Alcohol, Demon!Minho, Cambion!Chan, First Kiss, Dirty Talk, Bottom Felix, Top Minho, Bottom Felix, Top Chan, DP, Rough, Light D/s, Aftercare

Summary: Felix’s father had always warned him that two was a party but three was a crowd. Felix had never understood the meaning of the warning, until he met Lee Minho.

Square: Lucifer - SHINee (@kpopwritingbingo) (also used inspiration from the song Two’s A Party by Hania Lee)

Felix’s father was full of advice that he swore was helpful, even life or death sometimes. Unfortunately, it was often bizarre. Don’t wear red on Fridays, always eat potatoes and corn on the thirteenth of the month, only bring a white or blue umbrella to church when it’s raining, etcetera. He swore that angels gave him these gems of advice, which would have sent most individuals to the institution. But Felix’s father also happened to be a very well-respected preacher in their local parish. Though known to have an eccentric viewpoint on the world, he also provided their parish with invaluable support and affection. He was vital for the wellbeing and healing of many people. A few odd quirks were worth it for the service he willingly provided.

 Felix, on the other hand, had never understood the draw of religion. Though he grew up in the church from birth, he’d never really connected with it in the way his father had, or even his mother, who had been atheist until she met and subsequently married his father. His mother reminded him again and again that not everyone can be chosen to hear the word audibly – sometimes they needed to seek it out in other areas of their life, like she did with her child and spouse.

But the world was just that to Felix. It was a spinning ball of rock and lava, and one day it would likely explode, hopefully long after he passed away – though given the wars cropping up everywhere – it may not last that long. People were biological miracles, sure, but their existence was easily explained with science, not the involvement of a random deity in the sky.

Despite his ambivalence toward religion, Felix and his father did have a good relationship. His father believed firmly that “God had a plan” for Felix, and it would be something big and amazing. Felix politely humored him, smiling and nodding when his father would go off on some rant about the coming end of days and Felix’s ‘important role’ in them. He would listen to his father’s quirky advice, often chuckling at it, and more often than not forgetting it within the next few hours.

One particular piece of advice though, Felix always remembered quite distinctly; though if asked, he couldn’t explain why. Once, when he was barely ten years old, his father took him aside from where he was playing with a couple of his friends.

 “Remember, Felix. You need to understand that two is a party but three’s out of hand, boy.”

 Felix had been reasonably confused; wondering why his father didn’t want him to play with more than one friend at a time. When pressed, his father had shaken his head and explained that he didn’t mean now. That Felix would understand someday soon, and it was vitally important that he remember.

 “Two is a party, but three is a crowd. Stay away from it.”

 If Felix had to guess, he likely remembered the advice because it made some modicum of sense. Third wheels, a new person driving a wedge between two friends; a lot of bad things came with a third person. Furthermore, it was often said that bad news came in three, perhaps his father was just drawing on that old saying. He also likely remembered it because his father repeated it so often to him; far more frequently than his other quirky proverbs – at least every other year; more often as Felix began to date and explore his independence.

 The warning was never a threat, however, until one day, long after Felix had moved out and gotten his own job, a man in his mid-twenties who absolutely never went to church, except on holidays where he visited his parents. This was one such Christmas, and Felix had brought a guest; a handsome man he’d been dating for just under a year at that point.

Chan was everything Felix had ever dreamed of finding. He was handsome and muscular, with a sweet face and dimples that could catch a gallon of rain. Felix had fallen for him within their first few dates; a surprising change for a man who had normally been so picky with his partners in the past.

“Knock, knock,” Felix said, sticking his head in the door. The warm, comforting smell of home hit him, making his heart ache immediately.

“Lix, is that you?” His mother called.

“It’s us, yeah.” He entered fully and stepped aside, allowing Chan in. They shut the door and removed their shoes and coats, hanging them just as his mother rushed into the room.

“Oh, it’s been too long,” she cooed, grabbing Felix’s face in her hands and squeezing. “Have you been eating? You’re so slim.”

Felix smiled and nodded, grasping her wrists gently. “I’ve been eating well, I promise.” He hugged her gently. “How have you been, Mom?”

“Oh, you know how it is. We’re doing well.”

“Good. Um… Mom, this is Bang Chan. The man I told you about. My boyfriend.” He stepped aside. Chan smiled and bowed politely.

“It’s great to finally meet you, ma’am. Felix has talked so highly of his family.”

She looked him up and down, her eyes narrowing for a moment. Anxiety knotted Felix’s stomach as the silence stretched on.

She nodded after a few moments. “You’re different than I imagined. Handsome boy, you look strong.” She nodded again, glancing at Felix and grinning. “Apparently you finally learned how to choose a good partner.”

Felix relaxed, laughing at her words and nodding. “Apparently. Only took a few years.” He wrapped his arm around Chan’s middle, feeling him relax.

“What do you do for a living, Chan?” She asked, heading back into the kitchen without waiting for an answer.

Chan and Felix followed. “Music. I produce mostly.”

“Anything I would’ve heard?” She asked, stirring various pots on the stove.

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Chan said. He glanced around, and Felix pointed to a stool behind their island. He sat in the other. “I work mostly with rap artists, do a little rapping myself. Nothing big yet, but I’m trying.”

“You’re doing well though, financially?” She pressed.

“Mom,” Felix whined, his cheeks pinking up.

“It’s a valid question, isn’t it?” She said, shaking a spoon at him. Chan grinned.

“It is. Wants to make sure I’m not slacking off. No, I’m doing well. The nice thing about my job is it keeps me pretty busy so I can make quite a bit. You don’t have to worry about your son.”

She nodded. “So how have you been, Lix? You don’t call me enough.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I’ve been really busy in the city.”

“Too busy for your old folks, eh?” Came a voice from the doorway. Felix turned, beaming at his father. He slid off the stool and went to him, hugging him warmly.

“How’ve you been, Dad?”

“Oh, doing just fine, blessed as always.”

Felix smiled patiently. He took a step back and set his hand on Chan’s shoulder. “Dad, this is my boyfriend that I talked to you about on the phone. The one I really like. Chan, this is my dad.”

Chan turned and stood, bowing low in greeting. “Amazing to meet you,” he said in a soft, reverent voice.

Felix’s heart swelled at the kindness; Chan was trying so hard to make a good impression and he was honored.

Felix’s father narrowed his gaze. “This is the boy you were talking about? The nice one?”

Felix nodded eagerly. “Yeah, that I’ve been dating for a year now.” He said hopefully, stressing the length of time when his father seemed reluctant.

“Hm.”

Felix’s shoulders drooped a little. He glanced at his mother, who wore a similarly confused expression on her face. The two had never taken issue with Felix’s sexuality; his father was of the mindset that God never made a mistake, so if his son liked boys, then he was meant to. He’d also never outright disliked any of Felix’s boyfriends in the past, believing that kindness to all was the key to a happy life. So this ambivalence was beyond strange.

“Come here, boy.”

Felix followed his father out of the kitchen and through the living room into the back room that his father used for his study. Once in it, his father pushed the door shut.

“How much do you know about this man?”

“Chan?” Felix laughed. “Everything. We’re dating. I really think he might be the one, Dad.”

“Don’t be so sure.”

His smile faded. “Dad, you’ve never had a problem with me dating guys in the past…”

“It’s not your sexuality. It’s that man.”

“Chan is amazing,” Felix defended, anger bubbling into his tone. “You don’t know him; he’s kind and he’s sweet and he makes me so happy. I’ve smiled more with him, he protects me, he’s always gentle with me, even if I’m being a jerk.”

His father sighed heavily, tilting his head a little. Felix scowled.

“What?” He snapped, crossing his arms.

“I warned you, Felix. All your life, I’ve been warning you about him.”

“You’ve warned me not to wear red on certain days and not to eat legumes on a rainy Saturday in April. You warn people about a lot of stupid stuff. How the hell does any of that have to do with Chan?”

“Three, Felix.”

“He’s not three. He’s one. And with me, he’s two.”

His father shook his head, but Felix raised his hand. “No. I’m sorry, Dad. You’ve always been quirky with your advice, you believe God’s told you these things, that’s fine. But this is one time where I’m saying no. I’m not going to let your silly fairytales ruin the best thing I’ve had in a long time. I’m in love with Chan. Either you can respect that, and we can move forward tonight, or you can’t, and he and I will go. But I won’t have you disrespecting him.”

“You seem to forget whose house this is, Felix.”

“No, I’m not. I know it’s your house, and I know that who you decide to have in it is your decision. I’m using my own rights as an adult to not stay in this house if you won’t respect the person I’m here with.”

“It isn’t my house. It’s God’s. And it’s God that won’t have that creature in this house. That is a demon, boy – and you’re falling right into his trap.”

Felix scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Leave it, Dad. I haven’t believed in your fairy tales in a long time. I’m not about to start now. Chan loves me for me. And I love him. I won’t let you ruin that because you think he’s hiding a tail in his jeans.”

“Demons come in all forms, son.”

“Not the point.” Felix raised both hands in front of his face, shaking them gently to signal the end of the conversation. “We’re gonna go.”

“Son…”

“No, Dad.” Felix sighed, his shoulders sagging with exhaustion from the argument. “I haven’t been home in a while. I wanted this to be good. I do – But I can’t let you treat my guest badly just because some sky fantasy makes you think you have a right to. I’m sorry, Dad. I’m not a child anymore, I’ve made my decision on religion and fantasies and I want no part of it. Chan isn’t a demon, he’s a good man. I don’t know what this is, or why it’s come up now but… This isn’t the time. And I’m not gonna make Chan sit through an awkward dinner because of it, and I’m not going to either.”

He turned and opened the door, but felt his father’s hand on his shoulder before he could leave.

“You really don’t need to go,” he said. “Your mother has missed you.”

“If I stay, so does he.” Felix said firmly, hoping his father couldn’t feel him shaking. He glanced back, meeting his father’s stony expression. Felix nodded once. “That’s what I thought.”

He shook his father’s hand off his shoulder and walked into the kitchen, where Chan was talking softly with his mother. Felix smiled softly at the scene, his heart aching.

Felix’s mother met his gaze. She seemed to silently understand what had happened, and nodded once. “It’s too late to switch your tickets, isn’t it?”

“Probably,” Felix said, entering the kitchen fully.

“Do you want me to try and talk to him?”

Felix shook his head no and shrugged at the same time. “I don’t know that it would change his mind.”

“What did he say?”

Felix shook his head again, not wanting to say it in front of Chan. “Spouting his demon stuff.”

“He does have a connection with the Lord.”

“Maybe he does. And that’s fine. But it’s not an excuse to be cruel to someone he just met.”

“I’m okay, ‘Lix,” Chan said softly, taking his hand. “Should I go? I can find a place to chill out, I’m sure there’s a bar or two open.”

“No. That isn’t fair. I promised you I’d spend the holidays with you, and I will.” He circled around the small island and hugged his mother. “I’m sorry.”

“I don’t blame you a bit, Felix.” She said, squeezing him. She patted his back. “I would do the same thing in your place. There are some motels still open, I bet you boys can find one.”

“We’ll look.”

She squeezed his shoulder, stepping back. In a quiet voice she spoke, “your father is going to the church tomorrow for a service, like he always does.”

“We can’t—”

“No, no.” She smiled. “Come over then. Both of you. We’ll have a nice lunch, just the three of us, okay?”

Felix smiled softly, relaxing. “Yeah?”

“Yes. You haven’t been here in so long. I’m not going to let whatever’s gotten your father up in a twist ruin my chance to spend time with my son and his new beau. I’ll see what’s gotten your father all upset as well, maybe I can offer some advice, or wind him down.”

“Don’t get yourself into a fight with him over us.”

“Oh, I think you know I can handle your father just fine.”

Felix laughed and nodded. “I know you can. We’ll stop by tomorrow after he goes.”

“Alright. Text me when you find a place to stay, okay?”

Felix nodded again. He and Chan rose, heading to the door to put their shoes and outer clothes back on. He could feel someone watching him as he did, and a quick glance back confirmed his father was standing in the doorway of his study. His eyes were narrowed until he met Felix’s gaze. He shook his head slowly and held up three fingers.

Felix rolled his eyes and waved, wrapping an arm around Chan’s waist pointedly as they walked out of the house.

 Felix remained quiet except to guide Chan through the town to a small motel on the edge of it. It wasn’t until they’d secured a room – and Felix smiled through fifteen minutes of praise about his father’s sermons – that Chan finally spoke.

“What happened back there, man?”

“Nothing. My dad’s religion finally getting the best of him.”

“You said he was okay with you being gay.”

“He swears he is. But apparently you’re a demon.” Felix laughed at the surprised expression that twisted Chan’s face.

“A demon?” Chan laughed once, his smile wavering. “That’s a pretty mean thing to say.”

“I know. I’m sorry, that’s why I didn’t want to go into detail about it. I’m not sure what got into him. I just didn’t want to deal with it tonight.”

“I don’t blame you.” Chan stepped up to him, wrapping his arms around Felix’s middle and pressing a kiss to his lips. Felix relaxed instantly, comforted just by Chan’s presence. He rested his forehead on his shoulder, embracing him in silence for a few moments.

“Why don’t you go take a nice shower,” Chan murmured, rubbing Felix’s back slowly. “I’ll find a place that’s open for delivery, and order us our own dinner, we can have a nice time together without his silliness.” He squeezed Felix’s hips. Felix grinned, hugging him a little tighter.

“Sounds perfect. God, why are you so perfect?” He pulled back, meeting Chan’s gaze. Chan grinned.

“Well, your dad said it. I’m a demon, it’s all a part of my plot to seduce you to the dark side.”

Felix laughed, slapping Chan’s chest lightly. “If this is the dark side, sign me up. I’ve never been happier,” he whispered.

Chan’s smile softened. He kissed Felix once more and patted his ass. “Go take a shower.”

Felix nodded, stepping back from him and grabbing his bag before stepping into the bathroom.

 After Felix showered and changed into sweats, he stepped into the main room. Chan was sitting on the bed, facing away from him as he spoke.

“Yeah, I miss you too.” He paused. “Are you sure?” Another pause. “Yeah, if you’re sure. Of course.” Chan laughed softly. “No, I wouldn’t. I love you.” He laughed again. “Yes, you do. Yeah, okay. Bye.”

He hung up and Felix cleared his throat, stepping fully into the room. Chan dropped his phone onto the nightstand and smiled. “I ordered us food.”

“Aw, are we expressing love to the delivery people now?” He teased, grinning when Chan smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry, I know I promised just us this weekend.”

Felix shook his head. “I’m not mad. And you know you didn’t have to make that promise. Minho is always welcomed.” He settled onto the bed and Chan stretched out next to him, raising his arm for Felix to snuggle against his side. “How’s he doing? Is he spending the holidays with family?”

“His father, yeah, but you know him – still working.”

“Well I don’t know him,” Felix teased. “I’m glad he isn’t alone. I would’ve felt bad, stealing you away.”

Chan shook his head. He stroked his fingers along Felix’s arm gently, and Felix closed his eyes, listening to the slow, steady beat of Chan’s heart.

 Chan had been transparent right away when he and Felix first started dating. He was polyamorous, and had a boyfriend already. It was different, Felix realized, but his early concerns of jealousy were unfounded. Despite being busy with his job, Chan always made time for both of his boyfriends, and Felix had never once felt like a third wheel, a side piece, or any of the things he’d feared he would. If anything, Chan’s dual relationship was nice; it gave Felix time to himself, allowing him to relax and recharge, and he always knew his partner was happy and being loved even if he couldn’t be there in that moment.

He’d heard a lot about Chan’s other partner, and had begun to care about him in many ways. He was a man named Minho, who apparently worked in the entertainment industry, though Chan never elaborated for Minho’s privacy. Though Minho knew about Felix, and was fully aware and comfortable that he and Chan were dating, Chan explained that he was shy, and declined to meet Chan’s other boyfriends.

 “I actually wanted to talk to you about him,” Chan said, pulling Felix back from the brink of sleep he’d been teetering on.

“Hm?” He mumbled sleepily.

“Minho.”

“What about him?” Felix blinked a few times, shifting to look at Chan directly. “Is he alright? Do you need to go to him?”

“No, he’s fine. He’s happy we’re here. I was telling him about us being in the hotel, he’s sorry your dad’s a dick.”

Felix laughed and nodded. “Him and me both.”

“Um…” Chan bit his lip. “Actually he wanted me to ask you something.”

Felix tilted his head a bit, smiling. “What?” He pressed when Chan didn’t continue.

“Uh… So… You and I have been going out for about a year now. And… It’s pretty obvious we’re serious.”

“I’d like to think so,” Felix agreed.

“I’ve had other boyfriends, but they don’t tend to last. Which is partly why Minho hasn’t wanted to meet you. He doesn’t want to get attached if I end up breaking up with someone. I’m the same way when he dates other people, and if you wanted to date someone else, I think I’d have the same rules with you.”

“It’s fair, I don’t mind. You know I don’t… Does Minho think I do?” Felix worried.

“No, you have been… Absolutely perfect. For both of us. But um… Minho is thinking that it might be time to take our relationship to the next step.”

Felix lifted himself onto his elbow, looking down at Chan. He shook his head. “I’m not sure what you mean. Does he want to marry you? Move in with you?”

“Not quite yet.” Chan smiled softly. “No, the next step with you. He was wanting to finally meet you. If you were okay with that. He’d like to have a date. The three of us. See if you and he… Get along, or are compatible. As friends or more, whatever you two end up deciding but… He figures since it’s a pretty good thing between us…” Chan shrugged sheepishly.

A grin spread across Felix’s face. “Really? He—That’s amazing, of course!” He nodded. “I’d be honored. I’d love to meet him.”

“Really?” Chan’s face brightened. He went up on his elbow. “You will?”

“Of course!” Felix laughed. “Chan, I respect him, and I respect his wishes. And I definitely don’t mind you dating him. But I’ve been dying to know him. I don’t even know what he looks like. I’m curious. Who else is your type? Will I like him too? I’m sure I will, he sounds like a really sweet guy. But you never know. He wants to go on a date with us though? Like… You and him and me?”

“Yeah. He thought something casual, us hanging out one night might be nice. He uh… He co-owns a really nice nightclub. It’s a place he knows we’ll be safe and not bothered as a trio of guys who are most definitely not straight.”

“He owns a nightclub?” Felix’s eyes widened. “You forgot to mention that.”

“He asked me not to.”

Felix sighed and smiled, nodding. “I understand. I’d be happy to go on a date with you guys. I’m excited about it.”

Chan nodded. “Great!” He exclaimed. He kissed Felix happily. “I’m so relieved. Thank you.”

“You really worried I’d say no?” Felix pouted.

“Well, not really, but there was a chance,” Chan said, rising and getting the door when it was knocked on. “I still was nervous.” He turned and bowed to the delivery person. “Thank you.”

He brought the food to the small table and Felix joined him, the two eating with comfortable discussion throughout.

After dinner, Chan showered while Felix rested in bed, his eyes shutting on their own volition until the bed sank down with Chan’s weight. Felix rolled over, snuggling against his shower warmed skin.

“Do you want to go to my parent’s again tomorrow?” Felix asked.

“I think so. Your mom is very nice, and I’d like to give her a chance to see you.”

“My dad should be gone a few hours, hopefully; the holiday service always runs long. He’s gonna be furious she’s missing it though.”

“Do you think he’ll come back to chase us off?”

Felix shook his head. “No, he never misses a sermon. She’ll have an earful afterward though, I feel bad, but… I also wanna see her, it’s been too long.”

“You don’t think he’d do something to hurt her, right? We can stick around town a while after in case…”

“Oh no, no,” Felix laughed a bit as he shook his head again. “She’s more likely to smack him, honestly. He can be cold sometimes but he’s not abusive. I’m not worried about her, just feel bad about causing the fight.”

“You didn’t cause it. He was being cruel.” Chan pressed a kiss to Felix’s head. “Thank you for sticking up for me.”

“You’re important to me,” Felix said softly. “I won’t let anyone treat you like that.”

“I’m gonna make sure you’re cared for too, okay?” Chan pressed, squeezing Felix’s shoulders. “Always. And Minho too, now that we three can be friendly.”

“I really hope he likes me.”

“He will, I know it. I’m so excited for you two to meet.”

Felix snuggled closer to Chan as he pulled the blankets over them, sighing contentedly.

The next afternoon, the two went back to Felix’s parents’ house, relieved to find his father’s car gone. His mother hugged them both, welcoming them into the kitchen where she’d warmed up the dinner from the day before.

“I really am sorry about him,” she said as they ate, looking at Chan. “I’m not sure what’s gotten into him.”

“Did he explain anything else to you?” Felix asked. “About why he was saying that crap about Chan?”

“Not really.” She shrugged. “He swears up and down he’s a demon, but I see nothing but a nice man who treats my boy nice. You look good together, and you’re happy with each other, anyone can see that. I don’t know why he’s gotten on this.”

“It’s okay,” Chan assured her. He set his hand over Felix’s as well. “I’ve dealt with disapproving parents before, honestly. The reason is at least interesting this time. It’s not ‘because he’s a gay man’ or ‘because he’s a musician’ – been called a lot of things, never a demon.” He grinned brightly as he spoke, his dimples carving out a space in his cheek.

Felix laughed, as well as his mother, relaxing the tension in the room.

The three talked freely afterward, easily avoiding the subject of Felix’s father and his sudden religious psychosis. His mother asked about their lives in the city, how Felix’s job was, about their shared and independent friends, and general updates. Though Felix had originally been a little worried about Chan’s reaction to his family, it seemed as if everything was going to end up alright after all, even with his father’s behavior.

As the afternoon stretched on, they moved their chat to the living room, and Felix couldn’t help but smile as Chan made his mother laugh with his jokes and tales from the city. As they got ready to leave to catch their flight, his mother took Felix aside.

“What’s up?”

She smiled softly. “I think your father is partially right.”

Felix’s smile drooped from his face. “Wh—What?”

Despite his concerned expression, her smile broadened. “There’s no way that boy of yours is human. He’s perfect for you, Felix. He’s an angel.”

Felix sighed in relief, laughing softly. He looked over at Chan, who was typing out something on his phone.

“He really is… I’m really in love with him, Mom.”

“I can tell. I know that look.” She squeezed Felix’s chin. “I’m sorry your father couldn’t see this side of you two. I think it would have made him change his mind about Chan.”

“Maybe. But he’ll have a long time to decide. Chan isn’t going anywhere. I…” He smiled softly. “I think he might… Be that one for me. I know it’s early in the relationship to think that, but.”

“No, not at all.” She hugged him tightly. “Sometimes you just know, like I did with your father. I was given a sign from God, maybe you have been to. Believer or not.”

Felix nodded. “Maybe. If one does exist… He definitely sent Chan to me.”

She tsked, brushing her finger over Felix’s cheek. “Love looks good on you, kiddo. You two have a safe flight, okay? Let me know when you land.”

“We will. Love you, Mom.” He hugged her again, before heading back toward Chan.

Chan smiled broadly. “Surprise,” he said, tucking his phone away.

“What’s up?”

“I’ll tell you in the car.” He said. He turned to Felix’s mother. “Thank you again, for being so kind.”

She smiled brightly and pulled him into a tight hug. “You are always welcome here, so long as you keep making Felix smile like that.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Chan said, smiling as well. He made eye contact with Felix over her shoulder and winked playfully before stepping back. “Thank you again, your food was amazing.”

“Thank you both for coming.” She waved them off as they walked out to the car and got in.

Chan leaned over, pressing a kiss to Felix’s mouth before he began driving toward the airport.

“So what’s this surprise?” Felix asked.

“Minho. I told him you agreed to a date, and was really excited. He said he’s actually got tomorrow night off, if you’re free too.”

Felix’s eyes widened. “Really? So soon?” He laughed. “Ah, I’m nervous.”

“You have nothing to worry about. He’s just as excited to meet you. But if tomorrow doesn’t work, we can definitely plan for later in the week or the weekend.”

“No, let me just check on something.” Felix dug for his phone, scrolling through his calendar. He shook his head after a moment. “No, I’m okay. I have a call with client at four, but it shouldn’t take any longer than half an hour. Is six okay?”

“Six would be great. I can pick you up and we can go together, he’ll meet us there.”

“At this nightclub he owns?”

Chan nodded.

“Do I know it? Have you taken me before?”

“I haven’t, but you probably know it.”

“What is it?”

“The Lyon’s Den.”

Felix’s eyes widened. “Your boyfriend co-owns that place? Holy shit, that’s more than a nightclub, Chan!” He smacked Chan’s shoulder in surprise. Chan laughed.

“What do you mean?”

“That is the hottest spot these days to hang out at. Especially if you’re queer. I’ve been trying to get in there for months.”

Chan laughed brightly. “You never told me.”

“I wanted to surprise you when I finally managed to reserve a spot. I figured you’d want to go too. Little did I know you’re sleeping with the owner.” Felix made a hissing noise of frustration, laughing afterward and throwing his hands in the air. “I can’t believe you.”

Chan’s laugh increased. “I’m sorry, I had no idea! If I’d know I would’ve tried to get you in sooner. Could’ve made up some story to keep Minho’s identity a secret.”

Felix sighed, pouting. “Why are you dating me?” He whined, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re dating someone like that.”

“It has nothing to do with what he does,” Chan assured him. “I knew Minho before he got to that place, you know we were childhood friends. Total coincidence.”

“Still. Now I’m even more nervous.” He buried his face in his hands, concern knotting his stomach. Though he was mostly joking, a new anxiety had definitely formed now that he knew just who he was going to be meeting.

Chan reached over, gently massaging the back of his neck. “I promise, he’s really down to earth. He won’t make you feel bad. And you can just be yourself, Felix. He’s going to love you, I know it.”

Felix whined softly, and Chan sighed. He kept his hand on Felix’s back, gently rubbing comforting circles. “Seriously,” Chan tried again. “I promise, you won’t even notice.”

Felix looked up at Chan, his mouth pursing into a deep pout. “What do I wear?”

Chan laughed. “Want me to come over a little early tomorrow? I can help you pick something that looks good. And something that’ll make Minho think you look… Extra amazing.”

“Would you?”

Chan nodded. “Of course.” He leaned over at a stoplight and pressed a kiss to Felix’s temple.

The touch relaxed him a bit and he smiled. “Thank you.”

Though the flight back home and the evening that followed was peaceful, Felix was still nervous about the upcoming date. Focusing at work was near impossible, and he spent most of the day doing his best to avoid researching information about the Lyon’s Den and its elusive owners. Though the club was a popular spot, the owners were a mystery. There was a large online debate about who owned it, and many people showed photographic “evidence” of this or that person being the owner – but none of the photos seemed consistent with who Chan was dating. Either far too old, a female presenting person, someone obviously married or dating whoever was hanging off his or her arm, etcetera.

 “Still need my help picking an outfit?” Chan asked, leaning against the doorframe to Felix’s bedroom. Felix looked up from where he was standing in his boxeers, staring at a pile of clothes. He twisted his face into a pout that he hoped effectively got his desperation across. Chan smiled and nodded, pushing himself off the frame and entering. He walked around behind Felix and wrapped his arms around his middle, rubbing his thumb lightly over the soft bare skin of his belly.

“You’re beautiful no matter what,” Chan murmured in his ear. He kissed lightly along Felix’s neck and shoulders.”

“Still wanna look good for him,” Felix murmured.

“Were you like this the first date we went on?”

Felix smiled sheepishly and nodded. “I think Seungmin wanted to murder me, I sent him so many outfit choices.”

“Aww,” Chan made a small noise and nuzzled against Felix’s neck. “You looked so handsome that night, I loved it. You didn’t need to worry at all, just like you don’t need to now.”

“Well, I did and I am so help me.” Felix pulled from his grip and turned, shoving a pile of clothes into his arms and flopping onto the bed.

“Where are those tight black jeans you have?” Chan asked, riffling through the clothes in his arms.

“Those? Uh… Dresser still. I didn’t figure that would be appropriate for the club.”

“No, that’ll fit right in.” Chan dropped the clothes in his arms and went to the dresser, crouching to pull it open and grab the jeans he was thinking about. He tossed them onto the bed and then went to Felix’s closet. Felix sat up, pulling the jeans on and going to stand next to him.

“What’re you thinking?”

“I’m thinking…”

He reached in and pulled out a deep red button up that Felix barely remembered owning. He smirked. “This.”

“That?” Felix took it reluctantly, turning to look in the mirror as he held it up to his body. “Are you sure?” The material was almost silky, giving the fabric a glossy sort of look. Chan rested his hands on Felix’s hips, brushing his nose over his ear.

“Very sure. You’ll look stunning.”

Felix smiled at the compliment and nodded. He stepped out of Chan’s grip and pulled on the shirt, taking a moment to tuck it into his jeans and adjust it against his body before looking in the mirror. Chan nodded at his reflection. “Perfect. Run a comb through your hair and you’ll be great. Are you ready otherwise?”

Felix nodded, heading to his dresser to comb his hair and add a touch of gloss to his mouth. He headed to the door after fixing his scattered clothing and pulled on his shoes and jacket, following Chan out to the parking garage.

 The Lyon’s Den was a large space nestled in an already popular part of the city. Because of it’s prime location, as well as it’s alluring ads that began popping up on various social medias almost immediately after its opening, it had quickly drawn attention – both good and bad. Certain conservative members of the city government despised it, and seemed to be hunting for any reason to shut it down, but the owners were smart. Though it had become a hub for queer safety and culture, they never advertised it as such, and did their part as a successful business in the city to help. Nobody could deny that since the club’s opening, their staff’s altruistic behavior had done a lot of good things – both with monetary donations, fundraisers, and other volunteer work that the club was always hosting; shutting them down without some major scandal would be a career ending move for the city leaders.  

 Despite being invited – by the owner, apparently – Felix’s heart still skipped a beat as they approached the bouncer standing at the front, skipping the line entirely.

“Hey, Chan,” the muscular man said, raising his hand. He passed the ID in it back to the young man standing in front of him and nodded to him, stepping aside to allow him entrance before blocking the way for the next person. “He’s waiting for you,” he said, looking at Chan and Felix as he took the ID from the waiting patron.

“Thanks, Hoseok.”

He nodded, glancing at Felix. “This the boy?”

Chan grinned and nodded. He slung his arm over Felix’s shoulders. “Yeah, this is him.”

“You’re right, he’s cute. Go on in.” He stepped forward, looking down at the ID before chuckling. “Seriously kid?” He asked.

Chan pulled Felix into the club before he could hear any more. The inside was even prettier than the photos online would have implied.

It was already full of club goers, loud music from a live band playing up on a raised stage to the far side of the club. The lights were just bright enough to cast enough light, shifting through different colors every few seconds in rhythm to the music. The bar was huge, with what looked like hundreds of bottles of liquor sparkling in the lights. Around the edge of the floor were small alcoves that were partially shielded by sleek black, purple, or red curtains. The nearest one that Felix could see into revealed a soft curved bench surrounding a table. There was a balcony that was reachable by two staircases on either side of the dance floor. It contained various tables and booths, and Felix could see servers in a variety of outfits hurrying between them as they served the patrons.

“This is amazing!” Felix shouted, leaning close to Chan to be heard.

“Right? It’s a great atmosphere! Come on, Minho is up this way.” He laced his fingers with Felix’s so they wouldn’t get separated by the crowd. Instead of going toward the floor, Chan led him up the stairs, waving to a short girl with short cropped hair as she went down them.

“How’s business?” He shouted. She laughed.

“Think you’re so funny Mr. Producer! Get a real job!”

Chan laughed brightly. “Love you too, Yechan!” She stuck her tongue out at him, revealing a shiny ball in the center of it, before sliding past them to hurry back down the steps.

“Do you know everyone here?” Felix asked.

“A lot,” Chan said, nodding. “Most have been here since the place opened, it’s a really good place to work.”

“I’ve heard! And hard to get hired.”

Chan nodded again. “Minho and his partner are pretty strict, for a good reason. This is supposed to be a safe space, so if anyone risks that, they can’t be allowed in. Up ahead, here, the gold alcove.” He pointed to the center of the balcony, where both sides came together to form a U shape above the floor. The only gold rimmed alcove was directly in the center, and set a bit closer to the high railing. Though there was still room to pass in front of it, it was clear of tables between it and the railing, giving an unobstructed view of nearly the entire first floor of the club.

Felix followed Chan forward, careful to dodge the fast-moving servers and tables. The food smelled amazing, and his stomach grumbled annoyedly. He grimaced, remembering he’d forgotten to eat today in his nerves. Before he could comment, Chan came to a stop in front of the alcove. He pulled aside the shining gold curtain, allowing Felix to see inside.

The inside of this was similar to the others, with a curved bench surrounding a table. The table was far larger, however, and had an array of drinks and food spread out over it. There was a soft purple light high above the table. The bench was empty save for one person in the center, farthest from the entrance.

Felix gasped softly. The man was beautiful. He looked about their age, but somehow so much older at the same time. His dark hair hung in a perfect fringe over his forehead, just brushing his brows. He wore a silver hoop in his right ear. His eyes were dark and piercing, and Felix immediately felt weak in the knees when their gazes met. There was something deeply unsettling about his expression, his small mouth in curled up at the corners. He had one arm slung back over the empty bench, the other bent at the elbow. His slender fingers gripped the stem of a wine glass filled with deep red wine lightly, and a few thin bracelets dangled from his delicate wrist, glinting in the purple light. He wore all black – including a neatly pressed shirt that Felix was sure cost more than an entire month’s salary, as well as clean black pants. He had his legs crossed at the knee, giving him an air of casual relaxation despite his formidable presence. He blinked slowly once, almost catlike.

“Chan.”

Felix had to swallow the noise that threatened to slip from his mouth when Minho spoke. Despite his soft tone, Felix felt the rumble of his voice in his chest. Hair on the back of his neck and arms rose, and he heard his father’s voice in his ears. “Stay away, boy. Two is a party, but three is a crowd.”

Minho rose, circling around the table. Felix took a nervous step backwards, his heart skipping a beat.

Chan glanced back at him, smiling softly. “You okay?” He whispered.

Felix looked at him, struggling to push the anxiety that was rolling in his guts down. “Yeah,” he whispered. His father’s voice still echoed in his mind, an eerie reminder of just how fitting that warning was. Chan wrapped an arm firmly around his waist however, and the touch seemed to ground him, even as his heart sped up once more when Minho came to a stop in front of them. He met Felix’s gaze again. “Felix.”

Felix swallowed the lump in his throat, hoping his shaking wasn’t visible. “H—” He froze, his throat drying immediately.

Minho’s smile softened, as did his gaze. “You don’t need to be nervous with me,” he said in that soft, silken voice. He reached up, setting his hand on Felix’s shoulder. The grip was firm but not forceful, and a comfortable warmth spread through Felix from their point of contact. He relaxed a little, nodding.

“Sorry,” he whispered. “I—I’m a bit intimidated.”

“You don’t need to be that either,” Minho assured him. “Why don’t you come sit down. Chan told me what types of food and drink you liked, so I got a selection. Please, help yourself while we talk.”

Minho stepped aside and removed his hand from Felix’s shoulder. He gestured with the wine glass for them to enter. Chan pushed Felix forward gently. He stumbled into the alcove, catching himself before he fell.

Minho tsked, and Felix glanced back in time to see him swat Chan lightly on the shoulder. “He’s not a child, Bang Chan, he can walk.”

“Sorry,” Chan mumbled, and Felix couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m okay,” he promised. He sat down slowly on the bench, surprised at the gentle plush of it. Minho circled back around and sat next to him, a respectful few inches between them. Chan followed Minho, sitting behind him. He poured himself a glass of wine and sipped it.

“Do you want me to pour you one?” He offered.

“Uh—Sure.”

Minho set his own glass down. “Felix. Relax, I promise, I won’t hurt you, you’re safe here.”

“I know. Chan has said a lot about you – um… All good. I know you won’t.” He took the glass from Chan and nodded in thanks.

“Let’s eat some first,” Minho suggested, motioning to the table. “It always relaxes me, eating with people. We won’t have any pressure to talk right away.” He touched Felix’s shoulder again. “But I do want to say, you look amazing tonight. Chan said you were a handsome man… His description didn’t do you justice.”

Felix smiled shyly, his cheeks warming up at the compliment. “He didn’t really tell me what you looked like. I didn’t know what to expect. There’s not much information about the owners of this club, so…”

“By design,” Minho said. He handed Felix a plate and passed one back to Chan.

“Why?” Felix rose, adding various small sandwiches and fruits to his plate, many of which he’d never seen before.

“This is supposed to be a haven. A place for the unloved, unwanted, unsafe to come and be themselves. Which means a lot of the people down there, dancing, feeling free and happy…” He motioned to the floor below and smiled. “A lot of them aren’t safe anywhere else in this city. And there are a lot of people that would hurt them. If they knew. We keep our identities secret to help them. Nobody can come after the owners if they don’t know the owners. Our bouncer, you met him – he’s the other owner’s boyfriend. Most of the workers are the unwanted themselves, finally able to work in an environment that lets them just be.”

The back of Felix’s nose burned as Minho explained. He blinked a few times, willing away the wetness that threatened to blur his vision; crying in front of his man would likely not make a very good impression.

“That’s amazing,” he finally whispered.

“It’s the least I can do. These are the people that make me feel safe, and I want to return that favor.” He set his hand on Chan’s thigh and squeezed. Their gaze met and Chan smiled softly.

“Chan said you two have been together a long time.”

“We have,” Minho nodded. “We’ve been friends since we were little… Chan was my first kiss.”

Felix’s eyes widened. He froze, a small strip of melon centimeters from his parted lips.

“Don’t look so surprised… Chan didn’t tell you?” Minho asked, his smile wavering.

Felix shook his head, a new wave of anxiety threatening to steal his appetite. He placed the melon back down onto the plate.

“He never mentioned that.”

“Chan,” Minho scolded.

Chan lowered his gaze, looking chided. “I didn’t think to,” he mumbled.

“Well now Felix is probably insecure about things,” Minho said. He turned to face Felix fully. Gently, he took the plate from his hands and set it on the table, grasping both of Felix’s hands in his own.

“Hey,” he whispered. Felix looked up, his face warm with embarrassment. Minho smiled, his expression soothing. He spoke in a soft tone, just loud enough for Felix to hear when he listened close.

“I’m gonna tell you a secret, okay?”

Felix nodded.

“I love Chan. With everything I have. And he loves me. But he loves you too, Felix. He’s told me as much. And I hope you and I… Maybe with a little time… Maybe we can form that sort of bond too. Or maybe we don’t, and we just become really good friends, connected through our love for him. Just because he’s known me longer doesn’t mean at all that he loves you or me more or less. You love him, don’t you?”

Felix nodded. Minho’s smile appeared wider again. He nodded as well. “I thought so. He’s great. Please don’t be scared of me or him, or us – the three of us – or just us two – because he and I grew up together, okay?”

“I’ll try not to,” Felix whispered.

“Good. Can I tell you another secret?”

Felix nodded once more.

Minho leaned closer, his lips brushing Felix’s ear for a brief moment. The touch sent sparks down Felix’s spine and he gripped Minho’s hands a little tighter by instinct.

“You really are the most beautiful man I’ve seen in a very long time. Chan told me earlier in your relationship that you were exactly my type… I’m ashamed I waited so long to learn that was true…” He brushed Felix’s ear with his mouth again. “I hope very much to learn more about you tonight. And I hope that sometime soon… I might get to taste those beautiful lips of yours… With your permission, of course.”

Minho leaned back and Felix nearly fell forward, his lips parting in surprise. Minho smiled, meeting his gaze with an intense expression. “Are we good?”

“Better than good,” Felix whispered, willing his heart to stop beating against its cage. It took him a few seconds longer to realize he was still gripping Minho’s hands tightly. He unclenched immediately, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize.” Minho grabbed his plate and passed it back to him. “Eat, please.”

“So, tell me more about yourself. Considering Chan forgot to tell you massive parts of our history, I’m guessing he left some good stuff about you out too.”

Felix laughed softly. Minho sat back, wrapping an arm around Chan’s shoulders. Chan leaned into him immediately, smiling softly at Felix.

He hesitated, taking a bite of fruit to cover his silence while he tried to consider a good answer. Everything he thought of saying sounded silly, or weak, or childish, and despite Minho’s comforting words earlier, he really did want to make a good impression.

Seeming to sense Felix’s discomfort, Chan jumped in, mentioning how kind his mother had been that past weekend. Felix relaxed, smiling gratefully at Chan.

The conversation flowed with Chan’s help, and soon Felix realized that Minho wasn’t so difficult to talk to. He found himself laughing more, relaxing into Minho’s gentle touches, and maintaining Minho’s intense eye contact without immediately wanting to look away.

After all three had eaten their fill, Minho set his hands on both their thighs. “Do you want to dance?” He asked, looking at Felix.

“I—If you want to?” Felix glanced at Chan, who smirked and shrugged. He nodded again and looked at Minho. “Yeah.”

Minho grinned and rose, taking Felix’s hand. He guided him back around the table and out of the alcove.

 The trio made their way down the stairs to the dance floor, finding a spot big enough for them to move comfortably. Felix found himself facing Minho, their bodies close together. Minho’s hands rested on his hips, swaying to the music. The lights were strobing gently to the bass, casting a variety of shadows over their faces. Chan’s lips brushed over his neck as his body pressed against Felix’s back, his hands settling a little under Minho’s.

The three danced close, lost in their own world as the patrons moved around them. The air thickened, and Felix could almost taste the tension in the air. His gaze was locked with Minho’s, looking away not an option at this point. Chan was whispering in his ear, but he wasn’t able to process the words; he wasn’t entirely sure they were in any language he knew.

The music changed to something heavier and faster, and Minho pulled Felix closer. Chan followed, pinning Felix’s body between theirs. Minho broke eye contact to kiss Chan over Felix’s shoulder. Felix bit his own lip. It wasn’t jealousy he felt so much as arousal, and desperation to have a turn, to be shared. Which was good, he supposed; jealousy was the last emotion he wanted to feel if he wanted this to work out.

When they separated, he turned between them to face Chan before kissing him hard. Minho chuckled against his ear. Felix gasped against Chan’s lips when Minho pressed against him, his hardness against his ass.

They danced like that through another song, Felix breaking the kiss to lean his head back on Minho’s shoulder. They caged Felix with their arms and bodies, a firm hold that he had no intention of breaking unless he had to. His head was spinning despite not having much to drink, their lips kissing his cheeks and neck, nipping his ears as they panted under the lights.

It was Minho the ultimately broke the connection, pulling his head away when Felix leaned forward to kiss his mouth for the first time. “We should talk first,” he panted.

Felix pouted softly, his heart sinking a little at being turned down. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push too far…”

“No.” Minho smiled, stroking his thumb over Felix’s cheek. “I want to kiss you too, don’t take it the wrong way. I just want to talk to you about something first, before we move forward like that.”

Felix nodded. He glanced at Chan, who looked relaxed despite the intensity of their actions just a few minutes prior. He winked at Felix, offering the smile that always weakened his knees. Felix smiled helplessly, relaxing a little.

“Why don’t we go up to my apartment instead,” Minho offered as they reached the stairway. “A little quieter.”

Felix raised his brows, surprise pinching his mouth into a little o-shape. Minho laughed.

“Nothing funny, I promise. My apartment is in the building, just up a few floors. You’re safe there.”

“I know,” Felix smiled, trying to erase the surprise from his face. “I just didn’t expect to see your apartment the first night we met.”

Minho smirked. “You’re lucky – I don’t ever invite random boys up to my place… No matter how cute they are.” He winked and turned. Felix’s stomach exploded with butterflies. He bit his lip, barely stifling the giggle that threatened to bubble up at the compliment. Chan chuckled, wrapping an arm around his waist.

“Told you he’d adore you, baby,” he whispered.

Felix looked at him, his smile returning full force. “He’s amazing,” he whispered. Chan nodded. He jutted his chin forward, motioning for Felix to follow Minho around to a doorway beside the bar. Behind it was an elevator, which the three stepped into silently.

They rode it upward, each standing a safe distance from one another. It stopped and opened to a simple foyer.

“Wait the whole floor?” Felix squeaked.

“Yeah. We have most of the building,” Minho said, stepping into the space and removing his shoes. “Make yourself comfortable.” He opened the door, and Felix peeked in, gasping.

The space was huge and open, with rich gold and black tones giving the space a luxurious feeling. There was a bar to one side, packed nearly as full as the one downstairs, and a couch that Felix knew he’d never want to get up from. A glass door to the far side revealed a beautiful view of the city’s skyline and large balcony. The opening of a hallway was near the glass door, likely the other rooms. He followed Chan and Minho in after removing his shoes, heading to the bar where they stood.

“Chan, would you?” Minho asked. “I’m going to change. Do you want a more comfortable shirt, Felix?”

“No, I’m okay,” Felix said, smiling shyly.

Minho nodded. He disappeared down the hall and Felix turned to Chan.

“Seriously?”

Chan ducked behind the bar, raising his brows. “What?”

“Why the hell are you dating me?”

Chan grabbed three glasses and lined them up, rolling up the sleeves of his own shirt. “I don’t follow, Lix.” He said, plunking ice cubes into them. He turned to grab bottles, casually spinning one before pouring the amber liquid into the glasses.

“You have a man here, who you knew since childhood, who owns one of the biggest clubs in our city. And he’s dating you! And he’s hot,” Felix hissed.

Chan chuckled. “Yeah? And?”

“What the hell are you doing slumming it around with me? What the hell do I have to compare to that?”

Chan’s smile faded. He hesitated for a moment, brows furrowing. He placed the bottle back and grabbed a second, pouring it into two of the glasses. He slid one over to Felix after mixing it quickly with a straw.

“Felix, you aren’t… Slumming it.”

He went around the bar and grabbed the other drinks, heading over to the couch. He set them onto a couple of coasters and tossed a third onto the coffee table for Felix’s drink.

“Compared—”

“I don’t compare you two,” Chan said, cutting him off with a sharp tone. “You two are equal to me, Felix. Whether he’s rich or poor or you have an amazing job or a crappy one – he’s my boyfriend. You’re my boyfriend. I didn’t bring you to meet him so you’d feel badly about yourself.”

Felix sighed, feeling a little guilty for bringing it up so harshly. He stepped over to the sliding glass door, looking out over the city as he sipped his drink.

Chan wrapped his arms around Felix’s middle. He rested his chin on his shoulder, rocking them gently.

“Lixie,” he whispered. “Don’t shut me out.”

“I’m not.”

“You’re upset. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you how long Minho and I have known each other. I didn’t think it’d matter.”

“I’m not…” Felix sighed. “I am. But not at you or him.”

“Then what.”

“Myself.” Chan’s mouth turned to a frown against Felix’s shoulder.

“Explain.”

“I feel guilty.”

“For what?”

“I don’t know. Liking him? Liking you? Wanting to stay with you when you have someone like him? Feeling guilty. I—”

“Felix.” Chan stepped back and turned Felix around. He grabbed his drink and placed it on the coffee table, returning before Felix could move.

“Felix.” He said again, firmly. He grabbed Felix’s shoulders, squeezing them before sliding his hands down his arms. “I know we don’t say it much… But I love you, Felix. I have for a long time. And I love Minho too, but that doesn’t mean my love for you is less. Do you know how happy I would be if all three of us could be together? If you could feel the way Minho loves me? You deserve that too. We all do. Please don’t feel guilty for wanting that, or for loving me, or falling for him. That’s why tonight is happening.”

Felix smiled a little as Chan spoke, lowering his gaze to the floor. Chan stepped forward, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Promise you won’t feel guilty over this.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good. Talk to me okay? To us both.”

Felix nodded.

“Are we good?” Minho’s voice came from behind them. Felix looked up, surprised at the change. Though Minho was still gorgeous, he’d changed into a pair of sweats and a plain black t-shirt, making him look far more natural and human than his dressy attire.

“We’re good,” Chan said.

Minho nodded. He tossed a shirt to Chan, who glanced at Felix to confirm that it was okay before stepping down the hall to change.

“Come sit with me.” Minho said. He went to the couch, patting it.

Felix sat down, grabbing his own drink. He ran his thumb through the condensation, spinning the thin straw with his forefinger.

“I need to discuss something important with you, Felix. And I’m afraid it may change how you feel about me. But that’s exactly why we need to talk about it before we get into any sort of relationship. Whether it’s a close friendship or a sexual one or… More romantic.” He smiled softly when Felix looked up.

“What?” Felix chuckled. “Are you a serial killer or something?”

Minho laughed. “Nothing quite so drastic.” He sighed, his smile softening. He sipped his drink. “Your father is a pastor.”

“Yeah.”

“So you grew up in a church, right?”

Felix nodded, confused by the sudden change in the line of questioning.

“So, you know the bible, right? Pretty well.”

“Yes… Somewhat. I haven’t read it in a long time. I’m not a believer.”

“Chan mentioned that. Um… You know the story of Lucifer and God and the final judgement, all that stuff.”

“Yeah…” Felix drifted off, an uneasy feeling creeping into his guts. Was Minho some sort of religious fanatic? Surely Chan wouldn’t be with someone like that…

Chan cleared his throat as he emerged from the hallway, now wearing one of his own t-shirts. He settled into a soft leather recliner across from the two on the couch.

“Chan—”

“Just listen,” Chan said softly, offering what Felix was sure was meant to be a comforting smile. Unfortunately, it only increased his anxiety. His father’s words echoed in his mind again, the unease clenching his stomach in a bear trap. Three. He gasped at the connection, sliding back a bit from Minho.

“Wait—”

“Felix?”

Felix swallowed hard, closing his eyes for a moment. He struggled to regain control of the panic coursing through his veins. This was ridiculous. His father was a crazy old man; there was no way he could have known. He didn’t believe that stupid shit anyways. Minho was probably just making small talk, or maybe he was interested in theology – Felix just needed to hear him out. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes, smiling.

“Sorry, um… Weird thought. My dad, says some crazy shit sometimes.”

Minho smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, Chan mentioned… Something about prophecies?”

Felix snorted. “I wouldn’t call them that. More like… Stupid parables. His parishioners eat it up.”

“And he said one that you remembered just now?”

“Yeah, actually.” Felix chuckled. “Probably because he brought it up again when Chan and I went to visit this past weekend.”

“What was it?”

“Uh… Two’s a party, but three’s a crowd. And how if I ran into a situation with three, I should leave, because it wasn’t safe.”

Minho chuckled. “Normally sound advice. There are three of us, so… Perhaps he wasn’t so crazy.”

“Yeah, but I’m not in any danger.” Felix hesitated. Minho smiled.

“Of course not. The opposite, actually. But even so… Your father wasn’t… Wrong.”

Felix glanced at Chan, who was looking suspiciously guilty. His gaze was diverted downward, very interested in an invisible spot on his pants. “W… What’s going on?”

“Your father has a gift, Felix. And he knew very explicitly how important of a person you are. We haven’t been wholly honest with you. Demons exist, Felix. And you’re in a room with two of them, right now.”

Felix paused, his mouth parted in confusion. He laughed once, then again harder, shaking his head as a grin spread across his face. “You guys,” he said. When he realized he was the only one laughing, he stopped, the sound hanging awkwardly in the silent air. Both Chan and Minho were looking at him, their expressions stoic. His smile faded. “You guys aren’t serious.”

“Deathly,” Minho said.

“This is crazy.” Felix chuckled without humor. “You’re crazy. Or on drugs, or something. Demons aren’t real.”

“They are, Lix…” Chan said softly. “Your dad was right about me, he sensed it.”

“You’re not a demon!” Felix cried, shooting up from the couch. “This isn’t funny, Chan!”

Minho rose, holding his hands up. “Felix, I promise, we’ll explain everything. Just… Please take a breath.”

Felix smacked Minho’s hands away, taking a step back. “You’re both insane.”

“No. I can prove it,” Minho said.

“Min—”

“He deserves to know, Chan.”

Chan sighed.

“Prove what? That you’re the devil?” Felix asked, his voice strained. He put his fists to his temples. “This is nuts.”

“I’m not the devil,” Minho said softly, sounding like he was trying not to laugh. “He’s my father, but.”

Felix forced out a laugh, his mouth remaining open. He genuinely didn’t know what to do in this situation. It was obvious that Minho – and Chan as well – were delusional, if they really believed this. If they were pranking him – it was much too far.

Minho waved his hand, plucking a large black card seemingly from the air. Felix blinked in surprise, then scowled, realizing it was a devil tarot card. “Funny. Good magic trick. I can pull shit from my sleeves as well, Minho.”

“I’m wearing short sleeves,” Minho said.

Felix’s frown deepened. “So you’re a talented magician. Doesn’t mean you’re a demon. Demon’s don’t exist.”

Minho chuckled. “You are a stubborn one.”

“It’s one of his best traits,” Chan said. Felix glared at him, in no mood for humor.

“Fine,” Minho shrugged. “You wanted proof.”

He slipped his hands into his sweatpants, taking on a relaxed posture. Felix opened his mouth to speak when the air began to shimmer around Minho. He took a step back, blinking quickly to try and focus. Minho was still there, but it was if someone had put a gauzy filter in front of him. His body shifted and twisted in front of Felix before suddenly snapping into terrifying clarity.

Felix gasped, stumbling backwards and landing hard on his ass. The coppery taste of blood filled his mouth where he bit his tongue, too stunned to feel the pain.

Minho still stood in front of him, the same relaxed posture he’d had only moments ago. But now his eyes, instead of their piercing dark brown irises, were entirely black, shining in the glow of the lights. Erupting from the sides of his forehead were two black, blunted horns, only about three inches long. He tiled his head and their color shifted, an iridescent oil slick. The most startling thing about him, however, were the large wings that connected to his back. They were full of soft, plush looking black feathers, matching the same iridescence of his horns.

Chan jumped up, hurrying over to Felix to try and help him up.

Felix smacked him away, gaping at Minho as he struggled to process what he was seeing.

“You’re bleeding,” Chan whispered, concern raising his voice a few octaves. He tried once more to grab Felix.

Felix shoved him harder, scrambling to his feet and backing away from them both. “What the fuck?” He spat. The air felt thin, and even gasping in lungfuls he couldn’t seem to gather enough oxygen to keep his head from swimming.

“Who, Felix—” Chan said. He rose, keeping a safe distance, but Felix still shied away, afraid Chan was going to change into a monster in front of his eyes next. He looked around wildly, desperate for some semblance of normalcy. Everywhere he looked things seemed slightly off kilter, the wrong shape, color, look.

“He’s going to pass out,” Minho said quickly. Felix looked back at him, ready to argue the point. His vision greyed at the edges. He struggled to inhale, reaching for anything to brace himself. He grabbed Chan’s wrist as it came into reach, the floor rushing up to meet him as his legs gave out and the world cut to black.

When Felix opened his eyes, he found himself staring up at a familiar white ceiling. He scowled as the world came into focus. He looked around his bedroom, trying desperately to fill in the gaps in his memory. He’d been at the club, then in Minho’s loft, then Minho… changed.

A cold fear chilled Felix to the bone. He sat up quickly, grabbing his blanket to his chest.

“It’s okay,” Chan’s voice came from the left. Felix shouted in surprise, moving away from the sound.

Chan stood in the doorway, his hands raised in front of him.

“It’s okay, you’re safe, you’re at home.”

“Is he here?”

“No, just me. I brought you home.”

Felix grimaced. “How long was I out?”

“Only a few minutes.”

“How—”

“Demon.” Chan shrugged, looking down guiltily.

“What the fuck is going on, Chan?”

“I know this seems like a lot.”

“A lot?” Felix hissed. “This seems like it’s insane. What do you even want with me? Why tell me what you are?”

“Because, you’re… Special.” Chan leaned against the doorframe. “There’s a prophecy, sort of. Down in hell. It talks about you.”

Felix snorted. “Oh what, Lee Felix is gonna rule the world or something?”

Chan smiled weakly, curling up one corner of his mouth. “Sort of, actually. They say that your offspring are going to be a huge influence during the end of days. And your choice – heaven or hell – is going to be the deciding factor on who’s side they end up helping.”

“My offspring?”

Chan shrugged. “I know, the wording is weird, but it’s applicable.”

“So, what?” Felix shook his head, his face twisting up in hurt as he put it together. “You just seduced me to what, corrupt me so my offspring can help you end the world? That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. And even if it were true and I was some special person –” His chin quivered. He looked away, forcing his emotions back as he swallowed the lump in his throat. “You just thought I’d be fine with you using me?”

“It wasn’t like that, Lix,” Chan whispered.

“Oh really? Because from where I sit, that’s exactly what it is!” Felix snapped his head back toward Chan, his vision blurring.

Chan winced visibly. “No…” His voice was weak. “I didn’t know who you were when we met.”

“Bullshit, you just said you were a demon who can flit me across the city in a heartbeat. You expect me to believe that?”

“Yes.” Chan squatted, putting his elbows on his knees. He folded his hands in front of him, rubbing his thumb over his knuckles. “I’m only half demon. I’m not near as powerful as Minho. I prefer earth, honestly. So does he. Which is why we’re here. We were being honest – we grew up together. Our fathers are close. We came to earth to live, because we liked it. We weren’t planning on anything special. When I met you, I fell for you, Felix. I didn’t realize you were the one the prophecy was talking about until much later. Much later, long after I’d fallen for you. That’s why I’ve been so hesitant to tell you. Because I do love you, Felix. And I didn’t want to ruin what we’d created.”

“And Minho?”

“He wanted to get to know you. Because he’s heard me talk about you. And how happy you make me. The prophecy was a part of it, but not why he wanted to meet you. The prophecy is why he told you what we are. Because we knew it wasn’t fair to you. Because if you made that choice to be with us, it would seal the fate of those offspring. And doing that to you without you knowing… That’s not who we are, or who we want to be.”

“You’re demons.”

“You’re right. But demons aren’t what you were raised to believe.” Chan sighed, looking down. He rose. “This is a lot to take in, Felix. I know it is. I’m not going to keep pushing you.”

When Felix remained silent, Chan continued. “I’m around, always, so is Minho. I’m going to leave you alone, because ultimately this is your decision. Just know if you have any questions or when you… Decide… We’ll be a text or call away.”

Felix’s heart squeezed tightly at Chan’s words. Despite his anger, the thought of Chan leaving, especially now, when he was so scared, was agony. But Chan was right; this was a lot and he still wasn’t sure he even believed him, this entire night could easily be explained away with a strong helping of drugs in his drink. He looked away, hugging his knees to his chest.

Chan hesitated a moment longer before leaving, the door shutting sounding like a gunshot in the quiet apartment.

Felix let his wall shatter, tears slipping down his cheeks. He was overwhelmed, hurt, scared, and confused. Though Chan had said he’d need to think it through, decide – Felix wanted to do nothing of the sort. He wished he could erase the entire night from his memory, along with Chan.

That vicious thought tore another piece from Felix’s heart. He’d never wish that – he knew it. He was in love with Chan, even with this new revelation. He curled up under his blanket, throwing it over his head as he hugged pillows that smelled far too much like the man he was trying not to think about.

 The next morning was no easier. Though they hadn’t broken up, it felt like one to Felix, with perfect Chan shaped spaces everywhere he looked. He refused to consider calling him though, not this soon. The morning light had brought a bit of clarity to the night’s events, and Felix knew he needed to consider his next actions. More importantly, he needed to learn.

The days turned into weeks, and then a month, and then two. True to his word, neither Minho nor Chan reached out to Felix, despite his absolute silence. He went to work, went home, read through whichever religious text he’d borrowed from the library or snagged from bookstores, trying desperately to figure out what exactly he’d seen that night.

By month three, he was confident that it most definitely was not a dream or bad trip. A drawing from an obscure demonology text confirmed this; Lucifer, in all his winged glory, beautiful and charming… And wearing a face that was eerily similar to the one the owner of the Lyon’s Den had. Not exact; but Minho had mentioned he was Lucifer’s son. Felix could find no mention of children of Lucifer – not in the literal sense; only that demons were his spawn, but that didn’t mean one didn’t exist.

Felix learned more about Cambions; what Chan was – half demon, half human beings. He also learned about arguments against Heaven and God; thoughts that it wasn’t Lucifer that was the ultimate Evil, but the victim in a cruel game of supernatural telephone. He wondered what his father would say about this theory. Laugh, probably – or curse him for blaspheming. He considered calling his father, asking questions, but if his father had known what Chan was… Any questions could reveal that he’d done exactly what he was warned against; fell into the trap of three.

 It wasn’t until five months had passed that Felix picked up his phone and scrolled to Chan’s name. Five months since he’d seen him, or heard his voice… Felix wondered if Chan would even want to speak to him. Surely he hadn’t meant for him to take this long in deciding. And ultimately – Felix hadn’t decided. He’d read as much as he could find, and still he had more questions. Still he was terrified of the knowledge that this man, the one he still loved so deeply, wasn’t human.

His finger hesitated above the call button before he backed out of it and scrolled again, spotting Minho’s name. He hadn’t entered it in his phone, but he’d found it a few days after that night; Chan must have entered it. If he had questions, the most logical person to give an answer was Minho. Steeling himself, he pressed the call button and put the phone to his ear.

Minho picked up on the third ring. “Felix?” His voice was bright and – if Felix was hearing correctly – hopeful.

“It’s me.”

Minho sighed. “Oh, Felix. Have you been well?”

“Shouldn’t you know?”

“Unfortunately that isn’t one of my powers.” Minho paused. “You’ve made up your mind then?”

“No. I have questions. I… I’ve been doing research, reading, but there’s so many gaps. I need answers.”

“I’ll give you as many as I can provide.”

“If…” Felix drifted off, reaching out and tracing the embossed cross on the front of a Bible on his table. “If I agree to meet with you… Will I be safe? How can I be sure I’ll be safe?”

“You’ll be safe. That prophecy… The one involving you. It’s a choice made of your own free will. Either by ignorance to what you’re doing, or by choosing. If I hurt you, or forced you in some way… That would defeat the purpose. But what’s more important, we care for you, Felix. I want to help you understand as much as you can, because I believe you deserve to know the truth and to make your choice based on that truth, no matter what it is.”

“Chan is… Is he good?”

Minho paused for long span before speaking. “He’s okay.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m stretching the truth. Would telling you he’s struggling ease your guilt at all? Make your final decision easier, or entirely yours? He’s struggling, Felix. He loves you. But he is okay, and he will be okay, no matter what you choose.”

“Okay.” Felix sighed. “Okay, you’re right. I’ll meet you. Not… Not him, not yet.”

“I understand. I won’t keep the meeting from him, however. I love him too, and that’s wrong.”

“No, I wouldn’t expect you to,” Felix said. “That’s not fair. Just… Let him know I’m not ready yet.”

“He’ll understand. Would you like to come by the club? It’s closed this time of day, so only my basic security and cleaning staff are here. We’ll have privacy without you being all alone with me, in case you feel uncomfortable.”

“Okay. I can be there in an hour.”

“That’s fine. I’ll let my guard know to let you in. Come up to the booth we were in the night we met?”

“Fine.” Felix hung up, holding his phone between his hands in a prayer position. He sighed heavily, closing his eyes as he tried to steady his nerves. Before he had a chance to second guess himself, he rose and headed to his room, changing into clean jeans and a shirt. He paused in the mirror, grimacing at his haggard reflection. He hadn’t been sleeping much, or eating well at all, and it was showing. He ran a brush through his hair, wishing he’d given himself enough time for a shower. He pulled on a baseball cap and his jacket, hoping he wouldn’t look too terrible as he headed out to catch a bus to the Lyon’s Den.

 The club had a wholly different feeling when Felix walked in. The lights were up, bright white ones that revealed exactly what the club was; a repurposed warehouse. A handful of people were working through the floor, mopping and washing tables, a few at the bar, the clinking of bottles as they refilled and restocked the supplies. Felix headed up the stairs, noting the alcoves – save for Minho’s, had been stripped of their curtains, giving the upstairs a skeletal look. Minho stepped from the alcove as Felix approached. Even in casual clothes, he was breathtakingly handsome. Felix glanced over his shoulder, remembering the large black wings there the last time he’d seen him.

“Would you rather sit in the open?” Minho asked softly.

“No, it’s fine.” Felix said. “I don’t think you want others to overhear this conversation.”

Minho nodded once. He held the curtain open, allowing Felix to slide in. He sat on one end of the bench this time, and Minho took the other side, the table between them.

“I know you’re wanting questions answered, and I am happy to do so, but I am a host. So first, would you like something to drink? Eat?”

Felix shook his head, but the growling of his stomach gave him away. His cheeks warmed. He cleared his throat, looking down.

“Well, I’m a bit hungry,” Minho said after a moment. He rose and stuck his head out of the alcove. He motioned over one of the workers and spoke softly to them, too soft for Felix to hear with his head outside of the heavy curtain.

Minho leaned back in and sat down, folding his hands on the table in front of him. “You probably don’t want to make small talk.”

“Not really,” Felix admitted.

“I understand. No pressure. I will answer your questions, if I can.”

“You’re a demon,” Felix said bluntly, mentally kicking himself as soon as the words were out of his mouth.

“I am.”

“You said… That night… That you were Lucifer’s son. But I couldn’t find any reference to him having a child. Do you mean like… All demons are? Or?”

“No. Nobody really knows about me. Any humans that have seen me in my true form assume I’m just another fallen, from the original rebellion, but it’s not the case.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-four.”

“But… You’re a demon.”

“You know dog years? Cat years. How we say our animals are forty, but really they’ve only been alive for nine or ten years?”

Felix nodded.

“It’s like that. Only hell is… An actual passage of that time. So, hundred years in hell is only a few months here. On earth, I was born in 1998. Chan was born in 1997, just like we told you. But it’s not 2023 in hell right now. Thousands more years have passed, there’s no sense of time.”

“So, how old are you in… Hell years?”

“No idea.” Minho chuckled. “Still too young to be taken seriously by my father.”

“I don’t think there’s an age where you outgrow that.”

Minho grinned at Felix’s joke and Felix, despite his best efforts, found himself smiling in return.

“So… He’s really your dad. Who’s your mom?”

“I don’t have one. I was created from him. The closest human comparison would be asexual reproduction.”

“Demons can do that?”

“Angels can. Remember Lucifer isn’t a demon. He’s an angel that fell. Which is why I have wings, but Chan and the other demons don’t.”

Felix nodded. “So is Chan… I’ve met his father. Is that… Was he a demon?”

“No, you met his human father. His demon father is in Hell.”

“Two dads?”

Minho shrugged. “Transgender individuals exist everywhere. Heaven, hell, and all the space in between, it’s a natural thing.”

Felix’s brows furrowed. “That’s cool to know… Kinda confirms it’s not bad like some people think.”

“Most of what humans think is sinful isn’t. But who will they listen to?”

Felix sighed then, his smile fading. “Chan and you said I was special. My offspring will influence the something… I don’t understand.”

“This is where my explaining will get a bit grey. Not because I’m hiding it, but because I don’t fully understand either. All I know is that you match every interpretation of the prophecy. Your offspring, your kids or grandkids – nobody knows – but you’ll have a child who may have other children, and at some point, there will be a battle. Heaven and Hell, just like it’s said in Revelations. But the battle isn’t guaranteed to have Heaven win. That’s just His PR team. The true end of the book is unwritten. But you will be the deciding factor.”

“What’s so special about me?”

“I wish I knew. Nobody does. The prophecy isn’t clear about why you matter.”

“How do you know it’s me?”

Minho hesitated. He sighed softly. “There’s something I didn’t tell Chan… I haven’t told anyone. But… When we started to think that you might be the one, I told my father. And he showed me a sketch. It was done by a prophet, hundreds of thousands of years ago. Felix, it’s you. Perfect. Down to the arrangement of your freckles.”

A cold chill settled in Felix’s bowels. He swallowed hard, blinking quickly.

“Breathe,” Minho said softly, and Felix drew in a quick breath.

“Can I see it?”

“No.” Minho paused then. “Well. Yes, you technically could. But you’d need to travel with me to my home.”

“Where’s that?”

“In Hell, Felix.”

Felix sat back, his eyes widening. “Wh—But I’m alive.”

“And you can travel between the worlds, as long as you have the right guide.” He pointed to himself. “I can take you there, show you around, and bring you back to this same spot in time. I don’t think you’re ready for that yet though, personally… I don’t think I’m ready to introduce you to my father yet. He can be intense.”

Felix nodded. He knew there was a very big chance Minho was lying, but he believed him for some reason. A feeling deep in his bones told him that Minho was being wholly honest at this moment – more honest than his father had ever been.

He looked back up at Minho. “What happens if hell wins?”

“Do you want the truth about that, Felix?”

Felix frowned, taken aback by the question. “Yes… Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because you aren’t going to like the answer.”

“Well, even more reason for me to know the truth, right?”

“Fair enough. What happens if the hell wins? Humans become free.”

“What?”

“You’ve been lied to, Felix. My father isn’t the evil one. He didn’t make the right choice, rebelling, but he was doing it to save humanity, not destroy it.”

“I don’t understand.”

Minho remained silent a moment. He glanced at the curtain, and a few seconds later it flipped back, revealing one of the employees. She smiled shyly. “Your food?”

“Of course, go ahead,” Minho said in a gentle, kind tone.

She nodded and stepped in to open the curtain with her body as she dragged a small cart forward. On it were a variety of sides and dishes. She spread it on the table efficiently, offering a soft smile in Felix’s direction. He smiled back, nodding in thanks despite having said he wouldn’t eat. His stomach grumbled at the delicious smelling food.

She set a glass in front of Felix and poured a bit of wine into it before doing the same for Minho. After she left, Minho raised his glass, angling it toward Felix in a salutation. He took a sip and leaned back, sighing.

Felix bit his lip, glancing at the food. “I know I said I wasn’t…”

“Please,” Minho smiled. It was a gentle one, genuine and charming. He motioned to the spread. “Please, help yourself. Just because we’re having a tense discussion doesn’t mean we can’t be civil.”

Felix nodded. He took a small plate and began to eat, struggling not to rush. It was absolutely delicious, and highlighted just how badly he’d been eating for the past few months. Minho waited patiently, picking at a bit of food here and there. Despite the stretching silence, Felix felt a calmness between them. Surprising, given what Minho was – but there was just something… Easy about him.

When he’d gotten enough food in him to calm the raging hunger, Felix sat back, smiling gratefully. “You said your father…”

Minho nodded. “Yes.” He refilled their wine glasses. “You know the story of the rebellion, and the angels that sided with Lucifer and how they fell.”

“Of course.”

“And what did your father tell you was the reason he rebelled?”

“He refused to bow to humanity and to God, and he wanted to be God’s equal.”

Minho nodded. “These are half-truths. It is true he rebelled, and he fell. He did refuse to bow to God and man, but not because he wanted to be God’s equal.”

“Then why?”

“Because he knew what God had planned for mankind. He knew you were all some experiment. The whim of a bored deity who’d already collared the others that could oppose him.”

“Others?”

“Oh, you’ve heard their stories. Zeus, Venus, Anubis, Thor, Hecate, the list goes on.”

“They existed?”

“Once, long ago. He weakened them using tricks and manipulation, and forced them into servitude so that he could put his followers to the test. See if they could wipe them out fully just by spreading his power. Humans are not loved by God. They’re his pets. Heaven isn’t some amazing garden, it’s a temple to worship him. And the moment you deny him his worship,” Minho snapped. “You find yourself thrust into my father’s realm.”

Felix was ashamed at the instant irritation that rose within him. He wanted to argue, spout bible verses and the things he was taught by his father. It was so ingrained in him that even as a nonbeliever, he wanted to defend it. But the truth was…

“I know it sounds crazy,” Minho said.

“It does.” Felix sat back, playing with his hands in his lap. “It sounds absolutely insane. But so do bible stories, to me. I’ve always sat in my father’s church and wondered who came up with these stupid fairy tales to scare kids into behaving. Both of these sides sound just as unbelievable as the other one.”

“I understand.”

“But you’re a demon. I saw you with my own eyes – wings and horns and those eyes…” He swallowed hard. “You’ve shown me proof that I can’t deny. And what you’re telling me, it could all be a lie… But it might not be.” He put his head in his hands, squeezing his eyes shut. “This is all so confusing.”

“I know it is, Felix. I’m sorry. I wish I could make it easier for you to understand.”

“So Lucifer… Wants to free humans from God’s what… Servitude?”

“Yes.”

“And then what? He’d become the new god?”

“No.” Minho chuckled. “My father wants nothing to do with Godhood. I don’t know his exact plans, but he’s talked about reinstating the deities, as equals. To help humans, guide them correctly if they want it, but not force them. He’d maintain hell – he and the other underworld deities have it really nicely set up down there… And I’m sure he’d maintain heaven in a way, but as a paradise that it’s supposed to be. But humans wouldn’t be forced up or down based on their servitude to any one god. It would be based on their humanity, and how much good they did in the world. Not under the name of Christ or whoever – but just… Because they’re good people.”

“That sounds like heaven,” Felix admitted. “It sounds like what people say religion is supposed to be.”

“It is. But it’s been warped. And a big reason for that warping is the power trip that he’s on.” He tilted his head up to imply who he was talking about.

“And I’m… What? Supposed to influence that?”

“It’s grey,” Minho said. “We don’t know exactly what your offspring will do. And we don’t even really know what it means. We just know that both sides – angel and demon – will be wanting you to choose their side, because that’s supposed to bring about the winning hand, pretty much.”

“What if I chose neither?”

“Then the playing field would be fair, I suppose. Or they’d keep trying with other members of your bloodline.”

“What would I do? If I chose angels or demons? What… Do I sell my soul?”

Minho laughed. “Nothing so draconic. You just… Make the choice. Use your free will to side with one or the other. Love us, choose to be with us. That’s why I wouldn’t let you kiss me that night. And why you needed to know. Because I know you’ve fallen for Chan, and I know there was a big chance you and I would…” He drifted off. “The connection was immediate.”

Felix nodded. “And that wasn’t your powers?”

“No.” Minho shook his head, his face straightening. “Never. Despite the tales of temptation and sin… We never take away free will. The temptations we offer? They’re through honesty. Eve wasn’t tempted in the garden, she was told the truth, and that truth gave her the power to use her free will.”

“What about all the crimes that people say the devil made them do?”

Minho smiled weakly. “Demons and angels both have wings, don’t they?”

“You’re saying angels cause that?”

“I’m saying that God has a plan, and that is not a lie. And that plan involves bloodshed and pain and horror. He is a vengeful creature.”

“And Lucifer isn’t?” Felix asked. The incredulity must have come out in his voice, because Minho smiled.

“He used to be. He’s had a long time to heal and better himself. And being a father helped, he says.”

“I’ve heard it changes a man.”

Minho chuckled and nodded. “He’s joked it’s aged him five hundred millennia. He’ll be entering the final battle not with a dark horse, but with a cane.”

Felix laughed despite himself, the imagery both humorous and sweet. “I’m sure you were a hellion as a kid… Or… Is that rude?”

“No, it’s true. I was a spitfire.”

Felix sipped his wine. “What’s hell like?”

“It’s lovely.”

Felix laughed, but it faded when Minho didn’t. “You aren’t kidding.”

“Not in the slightest. There are many underworld deities that share it with my father. Though God considers him to be the ruler, he doesn’t do it like that. Each deity has their own space. A country, sort of, or a state. And each of those spaces deals with different things. There are spaces for the humans that have committed atrocities like mass murders and rapes. There’s spaces for those that were sent to hell for less severe infractions, and spaces for ones that were dropped from Heaven. We all work together down there. There’s farming and community and laughter. It’s a lovely place.”

“What about like… The really bad ones? Like Hitler or those types?”

“Well, they say hell has levels. There is a pit for those ones. Not many are in there. My father wants to heal hell. He believes in rehabilitation for most. There are those that can’t be fixed, and they will spend eternity in the way the bible describes… But for the most part… No. It’s like an intense inpatient therapy in some of the areas, but most of those souls do eventually join the rest of the community.”

“That sounds…” Felix smiled softly. “That sounds really nice. And… Healthy.”

“Never thought you’d describe hell as healthy, eh?”

Felix chuckled. “My dad would be absolutely fuming at this conversation.”

“Oh, I’m entirely sure I would be drenched in holy water.”

“Does that actually hurt you?”

“No, myth. Nor do crosses. Or any of the other silly things Christians say we hate. We’re not so different, humans and us.”

“Except the wings.”

“Well, everyone has their quirks.”

Felix sighed. “This is all a lot of information. I… I wish I could give you an answer, tell you what I want but I’m sorry, I can’t.”

“No.” Minho reached across the table and set his hand over Felix’s. “Never apologize for using your free will. You are a human, and humans are the most beautiful, amazing creatures in the universe. Your free will is your power. Never let anyone take that away from you. Not God, Lucifer, or anyone in between. This is a big choice and you deserve the right to take your time.”

“Thank you,” Felix said. He turned his hand up and squeezed Minho’s for a moment. “I’m more relaxed than I thought I’d be, seeing you again, knowing what I know.”

“I’m glad we could meet and talk,” Felix said. “Honestly, even if things don’t work out. If you choose God’s side or don’t choose any side at all. I would like to still be your friend, in whatever capacity I can.”

Felix nodded. A big part of him wanted to immediately agree, say yes, of course – but he held back. Minho was right; this was a big decision – and he did need time to process it all. So instead, he smiled and rose.

“Can one of my staff take you home?” He offered.

“No, I’ll catch the bus. I want to run a few errands before I go home anyways. I’ll call you or Chan soon, okay?”

“Take your time.”

“Tell him I said hi?”

“I will.” Minho smiled as Felix walked back down the stairs and slipped out the door into the early evening. He hadn’t realized how long he’d stayed with Minho. But they had a lot to talk about, and he had learned a lot. His questions had mostly been answered, though he had a hundred more, it felt like.

Deciding against errands, Felix rode toward home, his head spinning with all of the new information. Despite going against everything he’d been taught as a child, something about Minho’s explanation resonated with him. It made sense in a way the biblical stories never did. While he had more questions, the story didn’t have as many gaps as the other side, and so much was explained in a clearer manner than “God said so”. Even so, he did want to spend time considering things, especially knowing why he was wanted. He wondered about the drawing of him, and if there would be any way to see it without actually entering literal hell.

Felix crawled into bed shortly after arriving home, his exhaustion hitting him like a brick when he stepped in the front door. His dreams were filled with angels and demons, fighting over him. His father was there, shouting curses at him for damning the world. And on either side of him throughout it all stood Chan and Minho, protecting him from anything that might hurt him. He was happy.

Despite waking the next morning with a very solid idea of his decision, Felix gave himself time. A few days, and he was itching to call them again. After a week, the itch hadn’t faded, but he’d begun researching again, using his newfound knowledge to hunt more precisely. As he did, he realized that much of the Lucifer as a good guy theory matched quite nicely with what Minho had explained, further strengthening his side of things.

During the second week, Felix called his father. It was a casual chat, he said, but he used the opportunity to grill his father on the specifics of the rebellion and the upcoming end of days. He wanted to know how much his father would be able to give him that was concrete – or at the very least rational.

Not enough, unfortunately, Felix realized after their three hour call ended. He’d told his father he was thinking of returning to a church and wanted to learn about different things he’d questioned, which was more than enough of an excuse for his father to give him a full sermon, damn near. But his questions still remained unanswered, or answered with vague, grey answers like “God’s plan is the right one” and “God just does it this way”. Heaven was just paradise, though his father had no idea what paradise might entail.

By week three, Felix was relatively confident that he knew his decision. He just had one final question that needed answering. He sent a text to Minho and Chan in a group text.

‘Can we meet?’

‘All of us?’ Chan replied back only a few minutes later.

‘Yes’

Minho responded this time. ‘I’m free tomorrow night.’

‘I can be free’ Chan said.

‘Tomorrow is fine. Your apartment, Minho?’

There was a lag in texting after both had seen it. Felix assumed they were together, or at least chatting. Finally, Minho responded.

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yeah. I know I’m safe with you guys. I just have a question that I want to see you for. Face to face. When you answer.’

‘We’ll be there. Six?’ Chan offered.

‘Works for me’ Minho said.

‘See you guys, six tomorrow’ Felix responded, setting his phone down before he gave in and texted anything further to them. It had been seven months now, nearly, since he’d seen Chan. He was scared that there would be bad blood despite Minho’s promise otherwise. But moving past this was the only way to move forward, if he ultimately decided to do so.

 The line was just as busy as it had been seven months ago when Felix arrived at the Lyon’s Den. He considered waiting in line, but as soon as Hoseok spotted him, he waved. “They’re waiting for you, head up in the elevator.” He said when Felix approached. He stepped forward, letting Felix into the busy club.

The ride up to the loft felt like it took twice as long as normal. Felix went over everything he’d planned to say again and again, his stomach twisting itself in uncomfortable knots as the elevator groaned upward. When the doors finally opened to reveal the gentle foyer to Minho’s apartment, every thought left Felix’s brain. He pulled off his shoes and pushed open the main along with the oxygen leaving his lungs as it opened to the lavish interior.

Minho and Chan were both at the bar. Though he’d only seen Minho a few weeks ago, he seemed to be even more stunning than before. He was grinning, mid-laugh at something, when Felix entered. But Chan… Felix worried his heart would stop before he could step into the room.

Every memory seemed to rush to the surface when their eyes met, every emotion, every smile and laugh, and nights spent talking until the sun rose. He hadn’t forgotten how in love with that man he was, but being apart so long had numbed the pain. This was a scar being ripped back open, and everything flooded to the surface.

Felix took a step inside, his knees shaky. “Hi—” He whispered.

Chan smiled softly, almost sadly, but Minho rushed forward, quickly setting a hand on Felix’s arm.

“No trouble getting in?” He asked softly, forcing Felix to meet his gaze. He shook his head no, thankful for the distraction from Chan’s intense stare.

“Good. Would you like a drink?”

“I would.”

“Go sit. Anywhere you’re comfortable. I’ll make you one.”

Felix nodded. Minho stepped back to the bar. Chan rose from the stool he’d been sitting on, folding his hands in front of himself.

“Nice to see you, Felix,” he said softly.

“You too…” Felix struggled to keep his voice steady. He knew it was shaking, but Chan gave no indication he heard it. He cleared his throat.

“How’ve you been?”

Felix bit the inside of his lips, desperately trying to form the words. Fine, good, great, even okay, but none of them would come out. Instead his eyes welled with involuntary tears.

Minho glanced between them.

“Felix,” he said softly. “I know you came to ask us a question but… I feel like there are some bigger things to get out of the way first.” He came around the bar and set a hand on Chan’s shoulder. “I’m going to run down to the club, I need to get a refill of a few of my bottles anyways.”

He slipped out of the door, letting it close behind him.

“Felix,” Chan whispered.

Felix grimaced, feeling the hot streak down his face as the first tear fell. “Can I touch you?” Chan asked. “Hug you?”

“Please—”

They rushed to each other before Felix knew what was happening, and he found himself wrapped in Chan’s strong arms. He cried against his shoulder, gripping his shirt in tight fists.

“It’s okay,” Chan whispered, his breath warm against Felix’s skin.

“I miss you,” Felix gasped.

“I miss you too, Lix. So much.” Chan squeezed him a little tighter. “Every day.”

“I was afraid—” Felix cut himself off, burying his face in Chan’s chest.

“Afraid of what?”

“Afraid you’d hate me,” Felix mumbled.

“Never. I told you to take your time. You could have cut of contact for a year, more, and I would’ve been here waiting for you to tell me your decision.”

Chan pulled back, releasing Felix to wipe the tears from his cheeks. “I love you. That won’t change. No matter how long it takes for you to decide.”

Felix swallowed hard, trying to calm his breathing even as his eyes welled with a fresh bout of tears. “I want to…” He swallowed hard. “I want to be with you, I just need to know…”

Chan nodded. “You can ask. We’ll wait for Minho to come up, okay? You wanted to ask him too, right?”

“He should be asked, yeah,” Felix agreed, nodding.

“Let’s sit down.” Chan grabbed the glasses and headed toward the couch, placing them on coasters. He sat down and Felix sat next to him, falling into his arms naturally. Despite the months of silence, this felt like the most normal thing in the world for Felix. He wrapped his arms around Chan’s middle, nuzzling his chest and inhaling his scent. Chan wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“What’ve you been doing these months?”

“Working,” Felix mumbled. “Doing research.”

“Research?”

“Demons. Angels, the apocalypse… Trying to figure stuff out.”

“That sounds incredibly boring.” Chan chuckled. “Did you learn anything fun?”

“Lots of questions still… Nobody knows the truth. I guess that’s on purpose. God wants to keep everything quiet. Minho explained… How he isn’t such a good deity.”

“Bit of a dick, really,” Chan said.

Felix looked up, catching his dimple as he tried to keep a straight face. He laughed helplessly, and Chan’s grin grew. “There’s the sound I’ve missed,” he whispered.

Felix’s smile faded. “I’m sorry I ghosted you. That wasn’t fair of me.”

“It was perfectly fair. Felix, we dropped a bombshell on you that night. Neither of us blamed you for your reaction. We could’ve told you a thousand better ways.”

“I don’t think there would have been an easy way to tell me you and he were demons from hell.”

Chan chuckled. “No, I suppose not. But the point is still there. You took time that you needed to take to figure things out. It was a big change, and a lot of questions that I’m sure you needed answers to. That was entirely fair and neither of us are upset about it.”

“It’s been so long.”

“Lix.” Chan pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “I said it before, I’ll say it again. I am more than happy to wait for you. You’re worth it.”

Felix made a small noise, squeezing Chan’s middle tighter. He heard the door open and glanced up, smiling softly at Minho, who entered quietly with a few bottles. He placed them on the shelf behind the bar and grabbed his own glass, settling onto the couch next to Felix.

“Do you two still want to talk?” He asked.

“No, we’re okay.” Felix said. He sat up, wiping his cheeks. “I’m okay.” He took a large swallow from the glass Minho had poured him and took a deep breath.

“You said you had a question.”

“I did. I do.” Felix chewed his lip for a moment, playing with the glass in his hands. “If…” He looked at Minho. “The end of the world, or… I guess… The big fight between heaven and hell. If hell wins, what happens to the believers? The Christians?”

“Nothing at all,” Felix answered. “Unfortunately, there will be some death, on all sides, but I’m guessing you’re asking if we – hell – will do something to those who sided with God.”

Felix nodded.

“Then the answer is no. We don’t believe in that sort of punishment. Humans have free will instilled in them. They should be free to worship whoever and whatever they want. Even after the end war… If they want to still believe that their God is the ultimate ruler, that’s their choice, just like it’ll be the choice for anyone else to believe in whichever deity they want, or none at all. Your family will be safe. The current ones and the ones in the future.”

“You figured why I was asking, huh?” Felix asked.

“You care for them. And that’s a good thing. They will be cared for, their souls and their bodies – whoever is still living from your bloodline.”

Felix nodded. “Thank you.”

“Was that all you wanted to know?” Chan asked gently.

“No. Um… That was the big one. But I wanted to know when I choose. If I stay with you, what happens then?”

“I get to take you out on some amazing dates,” Minho said, offering a charming smile.

“And I finally get to cuddle with you again,” Chan said, resting his chin on Felix’s shoulder.

Felix chuckled. “So what, we just… Go along pretending it’s all normal? You’re not both… Demons?”

“Well, in public, yeah. We choose to live on earth because we like being human. At least, we like being around humans. In private… Well, if you want to fly…”

“Or see just how amazing demons are in bed,” Chan murmured.

“Then we can definitely oblige,” Minho finished. “But for the most part… Nothing will change. You’ll be you, we’ll be us. Just like if we were all human.”

“And after I… Aren’t demons immortal? What about when I get old? Die?”

“Our bodies will age with you. That’s a choice we both made. We want to live normal lifespans. After These bodies perish then we’ll go back down and so will you. You’ll have eternity with us. Happily, I hope. The whole… Til death do we part doesn’t really apply here.”

“What if we break up?”

“Then we do. Then you’re free to change your mind. Choose the other side, or stick on our side. You don’t have to date either of us for that. And hell is big. If you don’t want to see us… Well, I know there are plenty of demons and handsome souls that would kill for a shot with you, now or in the afterlife.”

“So it’s just… That? Just dating? Nothing binding or… Anything?”

Minho shook his head. “I told you, Felix. We believe in the freedom to choose above all else.”

“We won’t force you into something that makes you unhappy,” Chan said. “Your happiness, and your ability to choose that happiness, is exactly what hell is fighting for.”

Felix smiled to himself, considering their words. He nodded after a moment. “Then I’ve made my choice, I think.”

“Oh?” Minho asked, his mouth forming a cute downturn that showed just a bit of his front teeth.

Felix smiled wider, looking up at him. “Yeah.”

He turned and held Chan’s cheeks in his hands, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to his mouth. Chan immediately leaned into it, wrapping his arms tightly around Felix. He whined when Felix broke the kiss, pouting.

Felix turned and grabbed Minho’s hand, leaning closer.

“You’re sure?” Minho whispered when their noses brushed. Felix nodded.

“I’m very sure.”

Their lips met gently at first, but the kiss deepened naturally. There were no fireworks, nothing extremely special about kissing a demon, Felix realized – aside from the fact that he was a great kisser. He felt Chan’s lips on his shoulder and relaxed against him, letting his body be pressed between the two.

He broke their kiss and smiled softly, tilting his head to let Chan bite gently on his neck. “Is sex with a demon really so different?” Felix murmured.

“Hm… Care to find out?” Minho asked. His eyes flipped to solid black, surprising a gasp out of Felix.

“Too much?” Minho worried.

“No…” Felix reached up, touching Minho’s soft cheek. “Keep them…” He shifted to look at Chan. “What do you look like? As a demon? Do you have any, since you’re half human?”

Chan nodded. “Do you want to see?”

“I do… It’s only fair, I should know what my boyfriends look like.”

Chan grinned. He leaned back and blinked hard a few times, breathing out and letting his body relax. Like it had around Minho, the air shimmered and waved before snapping into sharp clarity.

Chan’s eyes were the same solid black, but he lacked wings. His horns were longer than Minho’s, curving back into his wavy hair and ending in little points like a young goat’s. They were a rich blue-black that faded into a deep crimson at the tips. Felix reached up, grasping one horn lightly. Chan’s eyes fluttered shut.

“Oh—” Felix slipped his tongue out from between his teeth and gently tugged the horn, a thrill of pleasure sparking through his stomach when Chan moaned.

“They’re sensitive,” Minho murmured against his ear. “You won’t hurt him, pulling on them.”

“Are yours?”

“Less so. My wings are though.” Minho pressed kisses along Felix’s neck and jaw. “Will you let us take you to bed?”

Felix’s heart skipped a beat as blood rushed down to his already swelling cock. He nodded quickly. The three rose in a silent rush, hands groping each other’s bodies as they headed down the hall. Felix let himself be guided into a large bedroom. The bed was enormous, taking up most of the space in the room. It had a plush blanket of dark purple and black, and Felix wanted nothing more than to burrow underneath it. First, however, the problem of his clothing – which was quickly sorted by the four hands of his new partners, turning him back and forth as they stole kisses along with the fabric.

Felix found himself airborne once he was naked, gasping when he landed on the bed hard enough to bounce. Minho crawled over him first, his horns on display now.

“Where are your wings?” Felix asked, running his hand through the air over Minho’s shoulder.

“It won’t be too overwhelming? To see them?”

“I should get used to it, right?”

“That’s kind of you.”

In the next moment, they appeared, shielding much of the lamplight with their size. Felix reached up, burying his fingers in the soft feathers. Minho sighed contentedly.

Chan laid next to Felix, reaching a hand down between his legs. He began teasing his hole as he nibbled his collarbone.

Minho caught his mouth in another kiss, reaching down and grasping Felix’s cock in his hand. He stroked slowly, teasing the tip with his thumb.

Felix whined when he felt a warm liquid against his ass. He pulled away, looking at Chan.

“Nice thing about demon boyfriends… We make this part so much easier. It’s safe, just oil. Relax.”

“You both have far too many clothes on,” Felix pouted, tugging up Minho’s shirt. “It’s not fair.”

“Easily solved.” Minho snapped. Both his and Chan’s clothes disappeared, and Felix gaped.

“You— Holy shit.”

“Well, not holy,” Chan murmured. Minho laughed and leaned down, kissing Felix’s surprised mouth.

Felix reached down, curling his fingers around Minho’s cock. He whined. “Oh, it’s big…”

Minho smiled almost shyly, glancing at Chan, who smirked. “Told you he’d be impressed.”

Felix frowned, pouting. “What do you mean?”

“You like my cock,” Chan said, sliding two fingers into Felix suddenly. He gasped, arching his hips against Chan’s hand. “But you love that dildo we use on you. He’s about the same length.”

Felix stroked him a few times. Chan wasn’t wrong; he loved how thick he was, and how delightfully full he made him feel - but he loved length - and Minho’s cock was going to reach perfectly deep inside him. He spread his legs wider, earning a chuckle from both of them.

“Want him to fuck you, Lix?” Chan teased, fucking him with his fingers. Felix moaned, screwing his eyes shut. His cheeks warmed as he nodded.

Minho kissed him hard, reaching down and adding one of his own fingers to Chan’s.

The two worked him open until Felix was writhing under their touch, each stroke bringing him right to the edge before pulling him back.

“Please!” He gasped desperately. “I’m not gonna last if you keep that up, please—”

“We don’t want you to last,” Minho said simply.

“We want to take you apart, over and over,” Chan agreed. He leaned over Felix and kissed Minho, cupping his cheek with his free hand. Felix whined softly, biting his bottom lip as he watched them.

When they broke the kiss, Minho smirked down at him. “Aw, do you feel left out?” He teased.

Felix shook his head, a little proud to realize wasn’t lying. There was no jealously, just eagerness.

He leaned up and kissed Minho, then Chan. “I’m good at sharing.”

Minho laughed brightly. He and Chan removed their hands from between Felix’s thighs and Minho rolled onto his back, scooting up so he was slouching against the pillows. His wings shimmered out of view, allowing him to sit up more. “Come onto my lap.”

Felix obeyed, straddling his hips and resting his hands on his shoulders. “Where do they go? When you hide them?”

Minho leaned forward, motioning over his shoulder. “Look.”

Felix cleaned closer, giggling when Minho began to bite gently along his collarbone. Running the entire length of Minho’s back on either side were a pair of intricate wings, tattooed with same dark iridescent color of his feathers.

“Oh wow…” Felix reached down, touching one of the lines. It felt like regular skin. “It’s like a tattoo.”

“That’s what it’s meant to mimic,” Minho said, his voice muffled by Felix’s skin. “Easier to hide in plain sight.”

“It’s gorgeous. Oh!” Felix laughed when Minho slapped his ass suddenly.

“So are you,” Minho growled. Chan groaned from next to them.

“Dude, he’s already in bed, do you need cheesy pickup lines?”

“I like them,” Felix pouted, looking over at Chan. He lifted himself onto his elbow, cocking a brow.

“Give it a few weeks. He’s incessant with those.”

“So that’s who you learned it from.”

Chan’s smile was replaced with a surprised ‘o’ shape, and Minho laughed brightly. He pulled Felix closer and kissed him hard. “Finally someone that can snark off to him with me,” he said.

Felix smiled shyly, his heart stuttering. Though they were in such intimate positions, being able to tease and laugh was so important. He felt entirely welcomed by them, and any concerns of an awkward first time were fading quickly.

Chan moved behind Felix, pressing his hardness to his lower back. Felix let his eyes slip shut as the two held him, their hands and mouths roaming over his body. He relaxed between them, reaching one hand down to stroke Minho’s cock. He moved his other behind them, squeezing Chan’s ass and dragging him closer. Chan grunted softly, grinding himself against Felix’s ass.

Minho reached around, stroking Chan’s cock gently. Chan moved back, allowing him to angle it downward. Chan’s tip bumped against Felix’s hole, and Felix whined softly, twisting his hips back for more.

Minho’s hand disappeared for a moment before Felix felt a warm liquid dribble over his hole. Chan used the tip off of his cock to catch it, rubbing it over the sensitive rim before pushing at it. Felix groaned, letting his head fall forward onto Minho’s chest. Minho smiled against his shoulder. He grabbed Felix’s ass in both hands and spread him.

“Give it to him,” he grumbled. “Get him ready for me, Chan…” He nipped Felix’s earlobe. “Maybe ready for both of us, hm?”

Felix moaned softly. Minho laughed, a deep, gentle rumble.

“Oh, that sounds good to you doesn’t it? Feeling both of us inside you? Fucking you at the same time?”

Chan lined his cock up and drove in before Felix could answer, forcing a sharp cry from his throat.

Minho slapped his ass with some force before squeezing again, keeping him open as Chan’s cock drove deep into him.

Felix shouted, his body shuddering hard. They’d prepped him well enough for the stretch not to hurt, but it was delightfully overwhelming, especially after seven months without anyone’s touch. His cock ached for attention, but Minho’s grip on his ass and Chan’s on his hips kept him still, unable to do anything but plead and take it.

He grabbed Minho’s shoulders, shouting against his chest as Chan began to fuck him, each thrust deep and hard.

“Please—“ He gasped.

“Please what?” Minho teased, entirely nonchalant.

“I can’t — Too close—“

“Then come,” he said, and Felix felt him shrug. “We’re going to use you over and over tonight, Felix. Come on his cock. Show him how much you missed him fucking you, filling you.”

Felix moaned again, not bothering to try and stifle himself the way he did in his apartment. “Chan—“ He gasped. Chan wrapped his arm around his chest and pulled Felix upright, still pounding into his hole. He shifted his grip, pinning Felix’s arms back so he couldn’t touch himself. His cock bounced helplessly with each thrust, tension making it ache as his balls tightened to his body.

Felix closed his eyes, his cheeks warming at his exposed state, knowing Minho was directly under him, seeing it all.

“You’re so close, Felix,” Minho cooed. He stroked a finger up the underside of Felix’s cock. The simple touch made Felix scream, his cock jerking and dribbling precome.

“Let it out, baby. Make him come, Chan. I wanna see it before I fuck him.”

Chan sped up, the sound of their skin striking loud in the room. Felix threw his head back, choking out a scream as Chan twisted his hips, shifting the angle to perfectly stimulate his prostate.

“Yes— Fuck, more!” Felix gasped. Chan continued, grunting softly.

Felix wrestled one hand free and reached up, grabbed one of the dark horns sprouting from Chan’s head. He tugged firmly, laughing breathlessly when Chan’s hips lost their rhythm.

He snapped forward twice more, biting down hard on Felix’s shoulder. The thread keeping Felix on the edge snapped. His body tensed and jerked as his cock began to spurt, shooting ropes of come on each thrust of Chan’s hips.

Minho moaned delightedly, his hands gripping Felix’s quivering thighs as he encouraged more from both of them. Chan continued, holding Felix close as he sucked a bruise onto his delicate skin.

Felix’s whined, his cock flagging a bit as his orgasm reached its peak and began to fade. Chan slowed down and slipped his cock free. He guided Felix’s hips down to Minho’s lap, lining his cock up and brushing the tip over Felix’s twitching rim.

“Felix,” Minho said firmly.

Felix opened his eyes, his cheeks warming. Minho’s chest and belly were covered in ropes of his come.

“Hey.” Their gazes met, and Minho smiled. “You sure about this? We won’t be mad if you stop.”

Felix shook his head. He set his hands on Minho’s shoulders and lowered himself down, letting Chan guide Minho’s cock into him.

Minho’s lips parted in a quiet gasp. He grabbed Felix’s hips, nodding once.

Felix groaned, biting his bottom lip. Minho’s cock was long and perfectly curved, hitting deep inside him. He pressed a hand under his belly, clenching around Minho once their bodies pressed together.

“Fuck, are you in my stomach?” He panted.

Minho laughed, twitching his hips up. The action pushed him just a few centimeters deeper, but it was enough to make Felix’s body ache delightfully all the way down to his toes.

“Feels that way - you are unbearably tight. Come on… Move for me.”

Felix lifted himself up, gasping quickly. His legs began to quiver, Minho’s cock dragging along his prostate. He managed a few inches before sobbing brokenly and sinking back down.

“It’s too much,” he panted.

“Need to stop?” Minho worried, stroking his lower back.

“No!” Felix leaned forward, kissing him. “No, just… Take control. Make me take it.” He murmured against his mouth.

“You sure?”

“I’ll tell you if I need you to stop.”

Minho nodded. He sat up more and grabbed Felix’s hips. Felix leaned back, smiling when Chan wrapped his arms around him.

“First time he fucked me, I couldn’t even take his whole cock,” he murmured. “You’re doing great.”

Felix whined softly. Minho lifted him easily, and Chan gripped his middle, keeping him up on his knees.

“Relax,” he murmured, kissing Felix once. “Let yourself take him.”

Felix nodded. Minho thrusted upward, burying his cock deep. Felix screamed, his cock throbbing. A spurt of precome erupted from it, and he felt himself hardening despite the exhaustion.

Minho thrusted again, and again, pausing after each one with his cock buried as deep as he could go. As Felix’s body relaxed around him, he began to move with the thrusts, meeting Minho halfway. His cock was hard once more, dribbling precome as his body readied for his second climax.

He leaned back against Chan, comforted by his strong arms and gentle praises, and warmed by Minho’s lips, brushing against every bit of skin he could reach as Felix rode his cock.

“I want you—“ Felix whispered.

“I’m right here,” Chan said.

“No— I want you to fuck me,” he gasped, “both of you.”

“You sure?”

Felix nodded quickly.

“Tell us if it’s too much,” Minho said.

Felix nodded. The trio shifted easily so Minho was lying more on his back. He pulled Felix to his chest, kissing him hard. Chan lined his cock up and slid it in just as Minho slid out, stretching Felix wider for just a moment. Chan thrusted a few times, then pulled out at the same time Minho slipped back in, once again stretching Felix just a bit more.

The two took turns fucking him for what felt like ages, teasing him with the promise of both their cocks for a split second before one pulled out. He understood what they were doing, rationally, but his lust addled mind craved more.

Finally, Minho’s flared tip slipped in at the same time Chan’s was lodged inside him, the widest stretch they’d given. Felix shouted against Minho’s shoulder, a mix of pleasure and pain going straight to his cock. He nearly sobbed when Chan pulled out.

“Doing so good,” Minho cooed, rubbing Felix’s back. “Getting loose enough for us now, just a little longer.”

“Please—“

“I know.” Minho kissed his shoulder, and Felix felt Chan’s cock against his hole again. “So close, just breathe through it, baby.” He pulled out most of the way and paused.  

Felix felt more lube drizzle over his hole and Chan began to push in. Instead of withdrawing, Minho pushed up as well, both of their cocks slipping deeper into Felix’s ass.

He gasped, gripping the pillow on either side of Minho’s head. The stretch was intense, pulling him open in a way he’d never experienced. His body ached, mind telling him this wasn’t what his aching ass was meant to be put through, but the pleasure coursing through his veins outweighed that. He moaned brokenly, pushing his hips down as both cocks filled him. Though neither could push all the way in, their combined girth was more than enough. He shivered.

“You okay, baby?” Chan worried as Felix shuddered.

Minho laughed softly. “He’s gonna come.” He held Felix’s ass, squeezing. “Fuck him, make him come on our cocks.”

Felix moaned brokenly, nodding quickly. He didn’t trust his voice enough to speak.

Chan grabbed his hips and began to thrust, forcing his ass to take a bit more of his cock each time. Minho did the same under him, alternating his thrusts so Felix was always filled and stretched to the brim.

Tears welled in Felix’s eyes, not from pain but pleasure, blurring his vision. He could hear himself screaming their names, but cotton had been forced in his ears, making everything sound muffled and far away. Time seemed to slow. They held him close, caressing and soothing his aches even while they used his tired body.

His balls squeezed painfully against his body, protesting another orgasm, but their cocks remained relentless, milking it out of him. His stomach twisted and ached, come dribbling out of his cock in thick streams, forced into spurts when they struck his prostate just so. He could hear their voices, praising him, loving him, telling him how good he was.

Felix floated along even as his body shuddered through an orgasm that felt like it would never end. He was both numb and far too sensitive, each thrust from the two driving a weak shout from him.

It was Minho that lost his rhythm first, his short nails digging into Felix’s ass as he thrust in. His come was warm; far warmer than anything Felix had felt before. It didn’t burn, but the sudden change made him gasp. Chan held him still, pressing kisses to his shoulder and back as Minho spilled inside him.

Chan came before Minho had finished. Even in this strange free floating state, Felix recognized his telltale grunts and the rough shudders of his body as his cock emptied his own release.

 “Lix…”

“Hey, Felix, baby, you with us?”

Their voices blended together. Felix wanted to answer, but his mouth didn’t seem to want to cooperate. He nodded, trying to open his heavy eyes.

“Just relax, we’ve got you,” Chan murmured. Felix whimpered when he felt them pull out, a warm wetness following after.

“I’ll grab it,” Chan said. The bed shifted and Felix gasped, a streak of panic arcing through him. He tried to sit up, ignoring the pain in his overused body.

“Shh, shh, we’re right here,” Minho said. His arms surrounded Felix, bringing him back down to lie with him. “He’s gotta get a cloth, we’re all messy. You’re here with us both, okay?”

Felix nodded, squeezing his eyes tighter.

“You did perfectly,” Minho continued, stroking his fingers through Felix’s hair. “Just rest now, we’ll take care of you.”

Felix felt his body relaxing as Minho spoke, soothed by his touch and words. He felt the bed shift again, and Chan touched his lower back.

“I’m gonna clean you up now, Lix.” He said. The washcloth was damp and warm against Felix’s thighs. Chan moved his legs easily to clean him up, and Minho helped Felix’s heavy, exhausted body roll to finish cleaning him up. There was a light breeze, and the damp, warm sheets were suddenly dry and cool. Chan climbed into bed next to Felix and kissed his cheek.

“Hey, can you sit up a little bit? You should eat something.”

Felix nodded. His mind still felt foggy but his body seemed more his own now; he could move his limbs without too much struggle. He opened his eyes, rubbing them with the back of his fist.

Chan smiled softly, his horns and demon eyes gone.

“He lives. Here.” He sat up and opened up a bar of chocolate, breaking off a piece and handing it to Felix. Felix sat up slowly, groaning at the deep ache in his body.

“Take it slow,” Minho said, helping him up. A glance at him confirmed he’d done away with his demonic features for the time being as well. He smiled softly and brushed back Felix’s hair. “You did a number to your body with us, go slow, okay?”

“What happened?” Felix asked, each worth feeling like it weighed ten pounds on his tongue. He took a bite of the candy, smiling a little at the sweetness.

“Just a lot of emotions all at once,” Minho said. “Sometimes humans get a little too much pleasure, it can make your brain go all foggy like that. As demons we tend to trigger it more easily. I didn’t think we’d be doing that tonight – with both of us, you know, I’m sorry I didn’t think to warn you.”

“It’s okay, I liked it.” Felix rubbed his eyes again, grimacing. “I just wish I could think.”

Minho kissed his temple. “You’ll be back to normal tomorrow. Just gotta get something into your stomach or you’re gonna be sick. And you should drink some water.”

Felix nearly moaned. He nodded. “Oh God, I didn’t realize how thirsty I was.”

“Here.” Chan passed over a bottle of water and Felix grabbed it, gulping down half of it desperately. He gasped and groaned, letting his head fall back onto the headboard. “Thank you.”

He handed the bottle back to Chan and took the remaining chocolate, finishing it before sighing and wiggling down under the clean covers. “You two aren’t going to leave, right?” He asked suddenly, an uncomfortable knot of anxiety forming in his stomach.

“No, not at all,” Chan said.

“We’ll be right here,” Minho promised.

“We’ll talk about everything tomorrow,” Chan said. “Maybe go to breakfast together?”

“That sounds nice,” Felix whispered. He relaxed a little at their words, feeling safe with them.

Chan and Minho stretched out next to him and Felix rolled onto his side, resting his head on Chan’s chest. Felix set his hand over Chan’s on his stomach. Minho pressed against Felix’s back, reaching around him and setting his hand on top of theirs.

They’d likely get far too warm in the middle of the night, Felix figured, already toasty between their bodies, but it was entirely worth it. His father had warned him that three was too many, a crowd of evil. Whether or not ignoring the warning meant meant doom for the religious world – that remained to be seen. But for Felix at that moment, three was the perfect number. The only thing surrounding him was love and affection, and that was enough.

#musicbingo23 #kvanity #skz fanfic #chan x felix #chan x minho #chan x felix x minho #stray kids fic #mywriting

[elegiesforshiva]

HI!!!!! firstly, i hope you have been able to sleep a bit better :( if not, i wish you more awesome cookie eating and zelda playing :) - kae pt. 1/?

i just wanted to say that when you sent out that very first ask about how lovely my messages were with all of your super cute emojis (i’m on my computer so it’s a little harder to send emojis haha) and how you would try to reply as soon as possible and just how much they meant- AHH my heart felt so full and my smile widened across my face!! you’re so cute!! i’m so happy they could provide a bit of brightness to your day. i hope they continue to provide you warmth like an infinite bonfire with toasty marshmallows ehehe you don’t ever have to apologize for taking the time you need to respond!!! (apologize appreciated, but totally not needed!!!) thank you for sharing the tidbits about your process with asks like these! i’m like that too where sometimes i just need to read it and let my brain and being sit with it and mull over it before i can properly feel up to hashing out something back. when i was reading your response to my messages and hm how do i say this - it makes me feel like i have lovely company right by my side … but through my screen LOL. i only hope that others continue to give you so much love and check in on you from time to time and continue to read your awesome stuff!!!!!! i really do appreciate from the bottom of my heart how much love you put in your response right back - from dissecting sasuke’s existence as a victim/abuser to into/sakura’s relationship. again, i just think you’re deeply intelligent, kind and in touch with your personal psyche and are able to articulate your perspective very powerfully, and it shows in the way you respond to people on your blog/in comments and through your writing! /I/ am so happy to mention all the awesome things - and there’s so many other things that i haven’t brought up, but truly Ghosts is such a gift because there’s so much to process in it, and every time i sink my teeth in it, i come out with something else entirely. sometimes i feel like i go into zombie mode but instead of saying “brains.. braaaiinnss” i just go “writing… sooo… GOOOODDDD” and i mean this in the best of ways! like it makes me truly speechless and flabbergasted LMAO again i’m SO sorry for being like “i’m so excited that you’re going to continue writing” i was silly and was just looking through the #sasusaku tag and then assumed the most recent one up was the most recent update and i had already sent my ask and was like uh oh i should scroll through the blog thoroughly to see what is ACTUALLY up - GAAAHhHHH. my apologies again about that TvT and UH HUH i mean this in the KINDEST way possible but literally you have NOTHING to thank me for. there is no patience i am giving you - i feel like not expecting anything from writers in terms of updates, etc. and being on their side when a fic might not get completed is the bare minimum and anyone who says otherwise can be sent MY way (where i will put them in fic 101 boot camp and tell them to write and hopefully by the time they’ve been booted all the way through they will realize how much time and work goes into writing for FREE. i am blowing my figurative whistle at them right now and wearing a shirt that says “kae’s fic writing bootcamp”). i could rant about how readers have no sense of empathy and only have a sense of entitlement yadayada but long story short - you’re awesome. don’t let anyone tell you otherwise - they can tell ME

i’m really sorry to hear that things aren’t so hot - and are only hot in a turd on fire kind of way. i really hope that you are able to get an apartment and get that quiet even if not to write, but just to have some peace in the palm of your hands. (as i’m typing this, i feel my heart beating and my fingers tingling as i try to put into words what i want to say - interesting. kinda freaky. kinda magical. i don’t think it’s quite how i wanna word it but this is what i’ve got). i don’t know if you believe in a higher being out there - weirdly enough i don’t either, but i as a random stranger on the internet, do promise to you that you’ll get there. There is a safe space that you belong to that you will be able to come home to, where you can sleep and meet your dreams and wake and have them walk with you. Your hopes for how i'm doing brought another big smile to my face. i’m really lucky in my life.tThere’s a lot of people that i love and i am loved by a lot of people and for the first time ever I’m really aware of that and it’s a really cool feeling. Sending all of my love right back to you - I’m blowing some kisses your way. MUAH MUAH MUAH <3 - kae pt. 10/10

I hope you know this was an absolute blast to read the first time and it’s no less great as I’m rereading. I’m sorry I definitely don’t have the time right now to give as much love as you gave me so long ago. Thank you for sending this, I need you to know I’m feeling AAAAAAALL the hugs through the screen rn, and have been since you first sent this 5 million years ago lmao. Thank you for them!!!!!!!  🥰 🥰 🥰 🥰

I hope you didn’t actually feel too bad or embarrassed, I still love hearing about how much people adore Ghosts!!! It was my absolute heart for so long and I never get tired of hearing how much people like it!!! I am really glad I could give what I did of it...thank you for loving it as much as you have, and for giving me that love directly in my ask box too...💘

Fandom culture is honestly such a ride right now?? It’s changed so much, and I want to stab western consumerism in it’s small nutsac because I know it’s contributed to a lot of the shittier parts that have been manifesting, including the entitlement of readers from fic authors like you mentioned. I really don’t know how younger creatives are keeping up with these pressures. I don’t know how anyone is. 

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *falls onto my knees and sobs* I forgot how hopeful about my life I was when I last responded to your messages.......pretty sure the crash from those turn of events is what made me wanna dig a hole and never come out of it again. Yeah, the apartment isn’t happening but thank you for the well wishes and all the sweetness though—you’re literally so obscenely kind lmao I love how fun and lighthearted your energy is in these, you’re a darling and I already know anyone who has you in their life is very lucky to. 

Thank you again for all the praises, well wishes, all the love...There was honestly so much positivity in here lmao. It really means a lot to have someone say this to me, it startles me receiving it sometimes. I want you to know I’m giving it all back tenfold!!! I genuinely find a lot of my readers from Ghosts come from a higher level of emotional intuition and processing, probably because of the heavy and dark nature of that fic, but it’s just so cool to see me moving the exact sort of people I instinctively love and admire with my work. I love the arts. I love them endlessly... Sending hugs and kisses kae!!! Sorry for less emojis this round, I’m on desktop too! And also sorry for the long ass wait, I really hope you’re doing amazing these days  💕 💞 💓 💗 💖 🥰 🥰

#smooches!!!!! #love notes

[megatownac]

Note: The original version of this post got messed up in formatting, so I’m trying it again. Sadly, since it was from my inbox and the original letter got erased when I replied, it just isn’t quite the same. I hope this is good enough.

honestly I think that the screenshots and captions are just as great as fanart, but I can see why you feel that way. I feel like the fandom is less and less involved in the tags/community and all I see on my dash now are the same 4-5 posts thrown around in the higher circle of popular ac blogs.

sorry for ranting like that. bottom line is I do enjoy your content, screenshots are great and your humor is refreshing 💖

All I do is rant, so when I see someone apologize for ranting after only a single paragraph, it really helps clear up the mystery of why my blog never made it into that higher circle of popular ac blogs.

It's long been this blog's policy not to reblog from other blogs, which I'm sure has also hurt me a lot over the years. I've wondered a lot sometimes about how big this could have gotten if I'd managed it differently.

But, of course, it's also been so long that I don't really know anybody else who runs an AC blog anymore. Obviously, people still do it. @mimushima-acnh​ is one I found a while ago that I follow and really enjoy, for example, and is an extremely pure and good blog that does the same kind of thing I do with less cynicism and meanness. And if you're not following @animalcrossingbirthdayboard​, then, well, you certainly should.

Truthfully, I thought at first that @animalcrossingbirthdayboard​ might be @toysleaf​ returned to tumblr at first, as a blog run by a trans man who roleplays Digby, but it isn't. At least, I'm pretty sure it isn't. I didn't ask. I wonder a lot what happened to @toysleaf​. I miss that guy a lot. I hope he's doing well.

I followed @animalclawsing​ for a while before I made my post about visiting their dream town, and they reblogged it, and never posted again after that. I feel terrible about that fact. Like it was my post that killed their blog, or something. I certainly hope it wasn't. The joy they showed when posting about their town was so wonderful that I just wanted to be a part of it, but when I look back at my post it feels harsh and mean in ways that I never intended for it to be. If you see this post, @animalclawsing​, I'm sorry, and I thought your town was great, and I hope you're still doing creative things out there somewhere.

I just keep running this blog because of sheer momentum, I think. I'm still in touch with a few people from the early days who've moved on from AC. I have, too, but I've also stuck with AC even as I've become an old man who's been spending most of his time these days focused on earning IT certifications for his career or working on his novel. I completed a 60,000-word first draft recently, so I feel like I can say I'm working on it without it being the empty words of every other jerk who says they're working on a book and hasn't actually typed a single page of it. If I ever actually finish the darn thing, which will probably take another two years or so (not joking, sadly), I'll be sure to post a link to where you can buy it. I mean, I'm sure I'll just self-publish it on Amazon for less than a dollar, and either have a discount code or post it for free on Mega somewhere for the dozen or so people who read this blog. It's not going to be a big seller, I'm sure of that. Debut novels from old IT dudes aren't.

And that's how you rant, random anon. You start off in one place and you wander off-topic so many times that it's hard to remember where you started. It's a side effect of my ADHD, probably. I don't take my medication for it on weekends, after all, and today is a Sunday!

#non ac #text post #long post #anonymous #answers #replies

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

Addressing Potential Controversy [Into the Ocean Arc]

//Sup!

//Hey. it’s me, the mod, coming at you with just a couple of things that I need to talk about in relation to the next arc of the story in Danganronpa Survivor, because for those in the know, and who have figured out a synopsis for the next arc based on my hints, I imagine there are one or two people who are either confused, or possibly even upset, at what’s coming.

//And I will reinforce now that no one has actually called me out on it, at least not maliciously, so don’t go thinking that I’m being attacked. I know a vast majority of you guys are highly above that, and if you aren’t, then you don’t deserve to be here.

//But I want to take the time to do two things. Firstly, address my line of thinking, and secondly, enlighten the people who aren’t in the know and are confused as to what I want to talk about.

//That said, I will be posting the majority of this rant underneath the cut, because it contains some spoilers for the ensuing story of the next arc. Nothing major, but even so, if you want to go in completely blind, then don’t click Read More.

//But if you are curious, then keep reading.

//I see you’ve decided to continue. Alright, let’s do this.

//First of all, a basic synopsis of this arc is that it picks up shortly after the previous one, which we have just finished. More specifically, after the events of “The Melancholy Of Nagito Komaeda” three weeks have passed in-universe time.

//We transition from the escapades of Hajime and the gang, over to Washington DC, Capital City of the USA, where Makoto, Kyoko, Byakuya, Yasuhiro, Hina and Kuripa are all living together in a moving camper vehicle bought by Kyoko, with the intention of hiding away so that Zetsubou do not find them. This has all been established previously.

//But during the story events of the arc, the Future Foundation meet a rag tag band of societal rebels, and due to certain circumstances, end up forming a pact with them. With a lot on the line for both groups, they work together to overthrow one of the state’s biggest financial conglomerate’s. 

//This group of rebels call themselves the Freedom Foundation, but really, they aren’t so much a “foundation” as they are just a band, and they are the highlight of this arc, and the reason why I make this post in the first place. The reason? Because the characters are from THIS game...

//The full title of this game is “Hyper! Danganronpa H2O - Abandon All Hope.” This is an English Danganronpa fangame created by a person named Milkpunches. It is known for being the first complete English Danganronpa fangame, and was based in a RP group the developer was part of.

//Originally it was downloadable on Microsoft Windows, and ran on the Official Hamster Republic Role Playing Game Construction Engine, abbreviated as OHRRPGCE or OHR. Unfortunately, the game is no longer available to be downloaded, so all that remains of it are a few gameplays left on YouTube.

//If you want to check the story for yourself, I recommend doing so through a Let’s Play by USAviator. He has some of the funnier takes on the game and covers basically everything there is to cover.

//So the bottom line is that the characters from Hyper H2O are going to be in Survivor. In fact, the arcs name, “Into the Ocean” is in direct reference to it. Not all of them mind you, just a few. And you may be wondering why it is that I need to sort of address this as a result of potential controversy. Well, I’ll tell you.

//Hyper H2O is widely considered to be one of the worst Danganronpa fangames in history, and for those who know of it, one of the worst video game fangames IN GENERAL. And there are an assortment of reasons why. One of the greatest takes of the game I’ve seen is by a Reddit user named u/DragonFirePie, who played through the whole fangame and I will post their review here to get a better idea: https://www.reddit.com/r/danganronpa/comments/d5qvdo/hyper_danganronpa_h2o_an_awful_fangame_made_by_an/

//If you’re not up for all that deep reading though, I will quickly summarize some of the key points. For starters, there’s the characters, and the biggest issue most people seem to have with them is that amongst the typical 16 students that the game throws at you, every single one of them has only one of two types of personality right from the get go. Either they are overly and annoyingly nice and friendly, or they are overly and annoyingly rude and detestable.

//The “glaring” exception, is a character named Caeser...who has no personality.

//That doesn’t necessarily mean that every character is the exact same, and there is enough to differentiate them, but even so, there’s a severe line when there are characters who are nice and friendly to the point where it’s annoying, and characters that shit on you for LITERALLY no reason. Seriously, a selection of the cast just take one look at the protagonist, Maya, decide she is annoying, and call her out on it, when they DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HER.

//Speaking of Maya, she’s another problem. Personally speaking, I like a fair share of her dialogue. As a character, she’s much like Hajime, in that she has his bluntness and isn’t afraid to call people out on their BS, but imagine that, an amp it up to 11. It’s interesting, funny, and she IS a step away from a typical protagonist character, but it does somewhat come at the cost of likeability.

//Take for example, a character like Kuripa. One of the things that makes Kuripa so controversial is that he can be an enjoyable source of entertainment at one point, and a detestable cretin at another, due to his trait of constantly changing personalities and opinions based on the situation. He’s problematic, but he CAN be nice and welcoming when the time calls for it, so he is redeemable. Imagine if Kuripa at his ABSOLUTE WORST was a protagonist for a full game, and you’ve got Maya Canzanilla, the protagonist of H2O.

//The SECOND issue with the game is it’s gameplay, but that mainly has to do with it’s engine. As mentioned previously, Hyper H2O is made in OHRRPGCE; open-source, "All-in-one" game creation system. It was designed to allow the quick creation of 2D role-playing video games, and as an engine, is used to make basic games swiftly and easily.

//Which, in short, makes it a bad engine to create a Danganronpa fangame on, since it mainly constitutes to RPG’s and platformers. It could just be the case that there were limited options at the time of creation, so I can’t hold the logistics against the game, but as a result of using OHR, the class trial minigames are easy, and the mysteries are relatively easy to figure out. It just doesn’t have the same sense of fun or entertainment as an actual Danganronpa Class Trial, and that’s where the game falls super flat in terms of gameplay.

//And one last thing I will mention is the main issue a lot of people have with the game is in regards to it’s creator, Milkpunches. Now, I will be careful with what I say here, because this post is a critique of the game, and not done as a slight against the creator. I hold no spite against Milkpunches, and even if I did, I wouldn’t brazenly slag them off like this.

//I firmly believe that just because a content creator/author/person who made something is bad, that doesn’t mean the thing they made is ALSO bad. The best example I can think of is J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter. I’ve loved Harry Potter for years, and just because the author is acting disagreeable in recent times, doesn’t mean I’m immediately going to start disliking Harry Potter. I can enjoy something without giving two shits about who made it.

//The only reason I’m even talking about the creator is because they are one of the primary issues, and I do have a MAJOR problem with them in one regard. Namely, Hyper Danganronpa H2O wasn’t created simply to be an enjoyable fangame, but to spread Social Justice Warrior propaganda.

//Every character in H2O has a sexual alignment, gender identity or otherwise that isn’t completely straight. And that’s fine and all; I will stand for pride, now and forever, and I’m by no means opposed to a cast of a game that’s entirely made of trans or nonbinary or gay/lesbian characters; but what I DON’T like is that the entire game’s premise REVOLVES around this. It’s less like a Danganronpa that features LGBTQ+ characters, and more like an LGBTQ+ plotline and coming-out story that just so happens to be in a Killing Game.

//And it makes me wonder...what’s even the point?

//SJW’s are quite possibly some of the most detestable people that exist in the universe, and in the case of Milkpunches, the biggest problem people seem to have is that they respond very harshly to criticism. Regardless of whether it’s malicious or constructive. Again, like I said, I’m not making this post to slight the creator. I’m merely bringing it up in the case of it being a primary problem for the vast majority of fans.

//So that’s a basic breakdown of why Hyper Danganronpa H2O is “bad.” After all this, you may be wondering why it is that I want to put this very controversial game in my series. Well, there’s a reason, and it’s not simply because I like the game, because I don’t know if “like” is exactly the right word.

//Simply put, Hyper Danganronpa H2O is what I like to call the Sonic 06 of Danganronpa games. By that I mean that in terms of both gameplay, and aspects of development, it is rather terrible...but it CAN be fixed.

//I personally believe that if certain decisions had been made differently, Sonic 06 could have been a masterpiece, but as a result of poor decisions in development, writing and gameplay, it ended up being one of the most notoriously bad video games in history. Which is why I’m so grateful that Project 06 is being made, because even though 06 still has problems with it’s story, P-06 is working to better the gameplay and graphics.

//And that’s also how I believe it is with H2O, and what I intend to do with the characters present in Survivor. And if anyone’s going to try to call me out on “Oh, you can’t just take matters into your own hands” or “rewrite characters to better suit your own tastes” I hope you’re aware that I’ve DONE THAT BEFORE.

//Specifically, with the characters in the blog that are from V2: New World Order, Blowback and Rebirth/RebirthVoices. No character from those two projects are exactly like their characters from the original projects, and I take liberties and change them where I can.

//For example, in RebirthVoices, Narumi Osone and Akira Tsuchiya are a duo of Mastermind’s, but they aren’t nearly as close as they are in Survivor. RebirthVoices influenced their relationship, as well as Akira’s love for Despair and Narumi’s love for Hope, but little more than that. The original Narumi Osone wasn’t a battle hungry ball of homicide, so much as she was a bratty little kid like Hiyoko.

//Additionally, the Blowback Characters have this as well. Barely any of them, save for a few like Mikihiko, have the same talents and capabilities they did the original game. For example, Yosaku Fujita in Survivor is a greedy cabaret manager, who turns around and sees the light after he loses his place in society. In Blowback, he is a chubby, laid back music composer, who means nobody any harm. His character is COMPLETELY different. So for anyone who wants to complain that I changed the characters...you missed your chance long ago.

//What I intend to do with the Hyper H2O characters is a mix of what I do with the Rebirth characters, as well as the Another 2 characters, which basically means that I’m going to take liberties and change up a few things, but I’m going to keep things mostly the same, including each characters individual history. Not like what I do with Misuzu for example, where she is a Shrine Maiden in Rebirth, but a hostess, and Misaku Rokuhana’s daughter in Survivor. It’s not going to be the same case, for example, Maya is still a barista, and the events that happened in her life before now STILL happened. Same goes for the rest.

//And there are a few things about H2O that I genuinely like and see potential in. The main one being the dialogue. Many people may disagree, but despite H2O’s problematic storytelling, the dialogue is amazing, and unfortunately I can’t pick a good example because there’s a lot to choose from. It’s also chock full of clever and funny references to classical media, and it feels ORIGINAL.

//Secondly, for pixelated sprites made in an undesirable engine, the style and character designs aren’t bad. They don’t necessarily befit each person’s individual talents, but they don’t really NEED to. Think of something like the cast of Danganronpa 1, where they have certain aspects of their designs that give away their talents, but nothing really that major to the point where they’re easily guessable.

//And also, despite what I said about the severe limitations the OHR, the game still is able to retain the classic Danganronpa UI, in it’s own unique way.

//The last point I will make is in regards to something I heard about, but I’m not really certain of; but supposedly, Milkpunches is planning to remake the game with more playable characters, a new story, and new and better graphics and mechanics. If this is true, then it may be a sign that they are now acting upon the criticism they received, or are at least conscientiously aware that the game has a lot that’s left to be desired.

//That’s pretty much the summary, but I hope you’ll patiently await to see what I can do with these characters. Again, they’re not going to change much, unless it’s to fit the overall story of the arc. Personally, I think it’s interesting to see the same character handled by different writers, and I hope you’ll think the same with “Into the Ocean”

//If there are any more questions, I’m open to them, on the condition that they are genuine and mild as opposed to hostile, or hate-based.

-Mod

#important notice #hyper danganronpa h2o