#[ but I probably won't do anything before tomorrow - it's already freaking late and I still feel a bit duzzy

[scarletwinterxx]

little flower - dad haechan scenario

hellloooo, it's a bit late for Haechan day but better late than never😊 a quick fluff moment with our fullsun and his lily girl. hope you like it!!

pt. 1 - Lee and Lily

pt. 2 - bigger that the whole sky

pt. 3 - lily and chocobi

if you have a request or scenario you want me to do, just send me a message I'll see what I can do😊💌

For my other works you can check them out here, and for my other story series’ you can check them out here.

All works are copyrighted ©scarletwinterxx 2024 . Do not repost, re-write without the permission of author.

(gif not mine, credits to rightful owner)

Between you and your husband, he tends to be the one who overreact. Especially where you're concerned. You thought he's overprotective over you already but he managed to succeed himself when you found out you're expecting.

It doesn't bother you though, you're used to your golden retriever husband's antics. When he's home, he has to be in the same room as you. When he's at work he would text you or call when he's available to make sure you're okay at home.

You've been adviced by your doctor to avoid any stress and strenuous activities. You and Haechan had a long serious talk after that doctor's appointment, you both were working at that time and he didn't want to stop you living your life. But as your husband, he wants to make sure you and the baby is safe so he asked if you could stay at home just how the doctor adviced. You understand where he's coming from, so you agreed. You wanted your baby to be safe.

And now 39 weeks laters, you feel like you're as large as a balloon. Most of the times waddling around the house clad in your husband's clothes since that's the only thing that fits you at this point.

Haechan loves it. He loves watching you grow each week. To his eyes you are the most radiant woman he's ever laid his eyes on. And the fact that you're growing his baby just makes him fall even more in love with you.

Not a day passes by without him reminding you of how thankful he is of you and how much he loves you and your little human.

"She's being dramatic, like you" you tell him one night while he watches her little foot kick against the inside of your belly, revealing a tiny imprint on your tummy.

Haechan caresses your belly gently. his hand against your skin feeling her kicks from inside you. "Still can't believe she's in there, moving and all that"

"Soon she'll be here, kicking you too" you joke

"I would gladly be her own personal punching bag or kick board or whatever she needs me to be"

You smile at that, you just know he's going to be the best dad to her.

"You do that, i think my insides are done being her practice tools. I can feel her other foot against my lung"

"Does it hurt? What do you need? You need to sit up?"

"I'm okay, just a bit short of breath. She'll move around eventually, probably later she'll sit on my bladder again then I'd have to pee every freaking second again"

Haechan kisses your belly a few more times before sooching up the bed to lay against the headboard  beside you

"We have dinner at my parent's tomorrow, do you want to stay the night there or drive home after?"

It's his birthday tomorrow so his mom invited you over for dinner, since you're due any day now Haechan decided not to do anything grand. He didn't want you to get tired or stressed over planning his birthday.

"We can stay, won't it be too late if we drive back? You'll be tired bub"

"I'm good, it's just driving but sure if you want to stay the night. She won't come out tomorrow wouldn't she?" He jokes.

Your husband might as well have a foresight because the next day during dinner with his family, you started to feel your belly contract. At first you didn't think too much of it but as the night progressed, you're starting to think of the possibility you're having contractions right now.

For a while you didn't tell anyone, you didn't want to take the day away from Haechan. It's his day after all.

During dinner, just as Haechan's mom about to serve dessert you felt something warm. You look over at Haechan, grabbing his arm catching his attention

"Either I peed or my water just broke"

"What?"

"Yep, I think my water just broke"

"Y/N's water just broke" Haechan just said catching everyone's attention then everyone was on their feet. Haechan on your right while his mom stands on your left, guiding you to stand up

"Honey, can you get towels from the bathroom. And a change of clothes. I think your brother has some in his old room. Do you need anything else" his mom asks you calmly

"The stuff, I mean the baby's stuff" you tell her

"It's already packed but we left it at home. I only have the carseat right now" Haechan adds

"Your dad will go get everything, go to the hospital first. Do you want to come?" she asks you, her mother instincts kicking in. Right now all of the attention is on you.

"Will you?" you ask, she smiles warmly at you holding your arm tightly but in a comforting way "Of course, dear. Hyuck, go start the car"

The drive was less hectic, all thanks to Haechan's mom. She kept on telling you comforting words all the way to the hospital, you got settled in and now the waiting game begins.

You got there just in time, the doctor checked and asked if you wanted to get epidural which you said yes to. Your pain tolerance goes as high as 2. You cry whenever your headache gets too bad, you can't imagine delivering a baby all natural. Kudos to those who do but that's not you.

"You need anything?" Haechan asks, brushing the hair away from your face. Ever since you arrived here, he hasn't left your side. He only lets go of your hand when the doctor or nurses need to check on you

"Ice chips?"

"I'll go get more" Haechan's mom volunteers, walking out the room to get your request

"Sorry we can't finish your birthday dinner" you tell your husband

Haechan shakes his head, smiling down at you "This is better than any party. How cool would it be if she's born today? We'd have the same birthday"

"Your daughter isn't even here yet and she's already so much like you. Announcing her entrance to the world like this" you chuckled

Hearing the words 'your daughter' does something to him, like a blanket of warmth wrapping all over him. He hasn't even met her yet and he's already so so so in love with your baby girl.

"I can't wait to meet her, we'll have her here in a few hours"

"Are you excited?" you ask him

"Of course, I'm never putting her down. She's gonna stay in my arms forever"

"Silly"

"I'm not kidding. You got a headstart, I'm gonna make sure I'm her favorite" he says with a determined look on his face, you don't even try to argue back

"You're my favorite" you mumble

He just looks at you for a while, admiring you. He leans down, kissing you on the forehead. "I love you so so much. I know you're about to hate me once you start pushing but it's okay" he jokes

And he, once again, was right. You felt bad, cursing him out as you push his baby out of you while his mother heard every word. "It's okay, dear. Don't worry about it, I know how it feels"

"I don't really like you right now" you mumbled, taking a break from pushing

"You liked me enough to carry my baby" he replies

"Shut up"

A few more pushes before you hear her cries fill the room, the nurses lay her on your chest while Haechan stands right beside you

"Oh my gosh, she's here. She's so cute" you hear the nurses mumble, Haechan's mom capturing the moment from the sideline

Meanwhile Haechan stands frozen, looking at the little human in your arms

"What are you doing over there? Come here" you ask him, Haechan scoots closer, holding his pinky finger out to your baby girl which she holds with her tiny hands.

Haechan lets out a sob, not able to contain it.

"It's okay, she's the worth the tears Hyuck" you tell him. Your free hand caress his now tear stained cheeks

"Hey baby girl, happy birthday" he mumbles, still looking at her

"You wanna hold her?"

"I don't know how"

"Yeah well you gotta start learning, daddy. Here, hold her" you say, ever so carefully Haechan takes her from you. His mom stands behind him to take a peak

"She has your nose" she tells him

"She does, doesn't she" you say with a tired smile

"Hi baby, it's me. I'm your dad. You recognize my voice right? I sing to you every night and tell you stories" he tells her like she understands his words

After a few more minutes with her, a nurse takes her from Haechan to check up on her. He takes this time to check on you,

"She's perfect. Thank you" he tells you

"Thank me? You made her too" you joke, he smiles at you then kisses you sweetly

"Happy birthday, Donghyuck. What shall we name our little girl?"

"Nari, like the little Lily flower"

You smile at his explanation, "Your little flower, our little flower. I love it. Happy birthday Hyuck and Nari, I love you both so so much"

"Best birthday ever"

[tenebraevesper]

Five Nights at Freddy's: Salvaged, Night 17: Not Here All Night

''In the past they said that they stuffed you in a suit. You know, the cover up story sounds kinda cute. Just remember now that everything's gonna be fine, because your darkest thoughts are all in your mind. Now before I leave I just remembered we found a toy. A freaking robot with brains, oh what a joy! So I'll pass you recordings of the original voice. See, he'll never leave you be, so just listen, you don't have a choice!''

– Not Here All Night by DAGames (Five Nights at Freddy's 3)

xXxXxXx

Sam was lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling. It was late in the night and it was thundering outside, but, despite being tired, she couldn't fall asleep. Her arm itched a little, wrapped up in new bandages. The smaller scratches were almost healed, while the bigger one was still red, albeit also healing. She hoped that it wouldn't leave a scar.

She then got up, realizing that this didn't work and sneaked out of her room, going towards the guest room, or rather, Springtrap's room. He was reading one of the novels he had borrowed from her, looking surprised when he saw her entering the room.

''Sam, are you okay?'' he asked, approaching her.

''Yeah, but I can't sleep,'' Sam said, yawning. Springtrap didn't look convinced, as she looked quite tired, but he decided that he could entertain her a little. Sam sat down next to him, yawning and looking sleepy. Springtrap tilted his head, looking at her.

''So, is there anything you want to talk about?'' he asked.

''Honestly, I don't know,'' she replied, sighing and leaning back. ''All I see is those animatronic parts, although, for you, those are probably like literal body parts.''

Springtrap cracked a smile.

''I know that it is weird for you to see unfinished robots, but I'm used to that,'' he replied. Sam yawned.

''Yeah…'' She closed her eyes. ''Anyways… about that…''

''Sam, you really should go to bed,'' Springtrap told her. ''You're exhausted.''

''Yeah, I am, but I still can't sleep,'' Sam said dryly, opening one eye. She sighed. ''What I wanted to say is that I just can't stop thinking about that room with those animatronic parts. To be honest, whenever I close my eyes, I just see myself trapped inside that room.''

''I see… Do you have any nightmares?'' Springtrap asked her.

''No… Not really…'' she said in a tired tone, her eyes closed. ''I… I don't think so…''

Springtrap kept quiet, noticing her breathing deeply.

''Try to relax a little,'' he said in a calm and gentle tone. Sam nodded slightly, but it didn't seem as if she registered his words. ''You're safe at home, and rest assured, nobody is going to lock you up in that room in the factory. At least not as long as I am here.''

While he was sure that she had fallen asleep due to exhaustion, he still left her like this, even when she leaned against his shoulder. He wasn't really certain how to react to the fact that she was pretty much using him as a pillow, but he decided to let her be. Once he was sure that she wouldn't wake up if he moved her, he gently picked her up and walked over to her room, placing her in her bed and putting the blanket over her. He observed her quietly, his eyes glowing in a faint purple.

You shouldn't be the one to worry about what's going on.

His attention then turned to the window, as lightning illuminated the sky. Seconds later, it was followed by a thunder. Springtrap figured that a heavy rainstorm was coming, wondering whether Sam had any plans for the next day. While she might already have something in mind, he thought that it wouldn't be a bad thing to take a little pause.

Deciding to address this tomorrow, he walked towards the door, only to glance back at Sam. She looked quite peaceful and he didn't want to disturb her. However, he was a little reluctant about leaving. What if she has some kind of nightmare? I know that Emma won't be happy about this, but I think I should stay just in case.

He sat down on the floor next to the bed and glanced at Sam. So far, she was fine. He sighed, leaning against the bed frame, looking at the window when he heard the thunder again. Big drops of rain started to hit the window, with the wind blowing. It may have been strange, but there was something calming and refreshing in listening to the rain falling outside.

xXx

The next morning, Springtrap was at the kitchen. Emma had already left, with him assuming that she went to work. He remembered that she was quite satisfied when Sam picked her up from work the previous day, and she didn't really question them about what happened. Springtrap still had trouble wrapping his head around Emma not being upset about what they were doing.

Sighing, he focused on not burning Sam's breakfast. He was waiting for Sam to wake up in order to discuss what they would do next as, after waking her up early the previous day, he figured that this time, he should let her sleep. He looked at the black device he held in his hand, examining it closer.

The device had a switch on the underside, as well as a plug-in on one side. Turning it around, he also saw a dial with a plus and minus sign on each side. Curious, he was tempted to flip the switch, despite having no idea what might happen. However, reflecting on his past mistakes, he knew that he shouldn't make impulsive decisions. He clenched his fist, knowing that it would be smarter to wait for Sam to wake up and ask her for her opinion, before he decides to test the device.

After he had set the stack of pancakes on the table, he sat down and waited for Sam to come down. Staring at the food, he couldn't remember the last time he actually ate something. Sure, it wasn't bad to be practically immortal and not having to worry about everyday necessities, but he sometimes did miss the fact that he couldn't eat, drink or sleep. This was just a piece of the price he payed when he decided to accept this fate.

A few minutes passed and he looked up when Sam walked into the kitchen, looking chipper and having seemingly slept well. She looked a little flustered when she saw Springtrap.

''Before you say anything, I didn't fall asleep because your speech was boring or anything like that-'' she said. ''I mean, you're quite the opposite of boring…''

''Sam, you looked like a sleepwalker last night,'' Springtrap replied, sounding a little amused. Sam sat down, eyeing her breakfast with a hungry look on her expression. ''I doubt you even remember what I told you.''

''I think I do…'' Sam tried to remember what he said, but her mind was blank. She sighed, only to flinch when it suddenly thundered. She looked through the window outside, with rain pouring down heavily. ''When Mum said that it would rain, I didn't expect this.''

''So, do you have any plans for today?'' Springtrap asked her.

''No,'' Sam replied. ''I don't really want to go anywhere while it's raining like crazy,… unless there's something you want to do?''

''No, that's why I asked for your opinion,'' Springtrap said, then placed the black device on the table. ''I wanted to test this out.''

''I thought you'd already examine it,'' Sam said, picking it up and looking at it.

''I figured it would be better to wait for you,'' Springtrap replied. ''That is, in case something goes wrong.''

''Do you already have an assumption about what this thing does?'' Sam asked him.

''A few, but unless I activate it, I won't know,'' Springtrap replied as she gave him the device back. ''We found a similar device in Ricky, but I don't understand why only Ricky and Raven have them.''

''You know, when we went over those documents that had the animatronics' blueprints, there were also dates on top of each one. Ricky and Raven seem to be the first that were created, at least as a concept,'' Sam said. ''Although, it still doesn't explain why only they have those devices.''

''I assume that Connor was the one who put them there, but that still doesn't answer why only them. Even the endoskeletons at the factory didn't have these devices,'' Springtrap said.

''Well, Raven is already different from the other animatronics, while Connor seems to heavily associate himself with Ricky, so…'' Sam trailed off, shrugging. ''In any case, we have a Big Bad Wolf lurking in this town, ready to tear down his next victim.''

''Those kinds of people will always exist, Sam,'' Springtrap told her in a dark tone. ''Besides, considering what I did in the past, I'm not better than him. As a matter of fact, I'm even worse.''

''You're right, but still, there is a difference,'' Sam said, with Springtrap giving her a confused look. ''He's a wolf, you're a fluffy bunny.''

Springtrap snorted, having to admit that she was actually right in that sense.

''Smartass,'' he said, as he watched her finishing her meal and cleaning up. He got up, showing her the device as they walked into the living room. ''Anyways, let's try this out.''

He then flipped the switch.

''Aaghrr!''

The moment he did that, static suddenly appeared before his eyes, with a buzzing noise ringing in his ears. The device fell out of his hand as he fell on his knees, clutching his head in pain. He screeched in agony, feeling as if his head was going to explode.

What is going on?!

Suddenly, the painful headache subsided, with him looking up. Sam stood in front of him, holding the device.

''Springtrap, are you okay?'' she asked in a worried tone.

''I am now,'' Springtrap replied as he got up, rubbing his temple. He felt a little dizzy. ''At least we know what this thing does.''

''Yeah, it causes you pain,'' Sam said sarcastically, looking at the device. ''Are you sure about this? I mean, I did hear some buzzing sound, but only barely. However, you…''

''I felt as if someone was driving a drill into my skull,'' Springtrap said, extending his hand, with Sam reluctantly giving him the device. He examined it. ''It seems as if this device operates only on a frequency that can be registered by animatronics.''

He messed with the dial, flipping the switch again. This time, he heard the buzzing noise again and saw faint static, but it wasn't as bad as before.

''You can regulate the frequency,'' he said as he slowly turned the dial towards the plus sign, with the static and the buzzing increasing and becoming more and more agonizing to deal with. He then turned it off, feeling nauseous. He sat down on the couch, waiting for the static to fade.

''I don't think you should turn that on again,'' Sam said, looking at the device that Springtrap still held and then glancing back at him. ''What is this device even supposed to be?''

''I am not completely sure. However, it seems to be created to irritate an animatronic's senses, making them unable to function properly,'' Springtrap said.

''Okay, but why would it be inside Ricky and Raven?'' Sam asked.

''I don't know,'' Springtrap said. ''It could be possible that it is used to control the animatronics.''

''You mean, like some kind of controlled shock?'' Sam said, with Springtrap shuddering as he remembered Mike using a taser on him in an attempt to keep him at bay. He nodded.

''Only that this one is more subtle. You said that you barely sensed it,'' Springtrap added.

''So, this black device was created only for animatronics in order to irritate their senses and make them unable to function properly in order to control their behavior. Humans can sense it, albeit only barely. Only Ricky and Raven have those…'' Sam summed everything up. ''Wait, I don't know about Ricky, but it would make sense in Raven's case. I mean, we have established that he was possessed at some point, and the device would be necessary to make sure he won't harm someone.''

''Speaking of which, Sam, could I get a look at the photos you took while we were at the factory?'' Springtrap asked.

''Sure,'' Sam replied, with the two going upstairs. ''I assume you figured something out.''

''No, but there's something I need to see,'' Springtrap replied. ''I feel as if I missed something.''

''You did say that everything at the factory is quite chaotic,'' Sam said as she opened the door and the two entered her room. She then turned her laptop on. ''I'm not surprised that you feel like that.''

She then opened the file with the photos she took last night and turned the laptop so Springtrap could see it. She then went through the photos.

''Wait,'' Springtrap said, when she opened the photo of the room with the animatronic parts. ''Could you zoom it in on that torso?''

''Okay…'' Sam bit her lip, setting the photo. The torso looked rather generic, with brown fur and, now that she looked more closely at it, huge stitches on the top of the torso. Next to it was an arm covered in brown fur, with holes on the joints.

''Could you just focus on the parts that are similar to this one?'' Springtrap asked her, with Sam nodding, examining all the photos in detail. ''Look at this, is that a rib cage?''

''There are two,'' Sam said, circling another one with the mouse. One of the rib cages was yellow, while the other one was grey, with red fur patches on the top of the torso. She then noticed something in the shadows, looking like a messily tied red bowtie.

''Something doesn't make sense here,'' Springtrap said. ''None of the mascots at Ricky's have these kinds of color schemes.''

He and Sam exchanged glances, as it dawned them what exactly those parts might be. Sam shook her head.

''Okay, wait a sec… Let's first state what might as well be pretty much confirmed,'' Sam said. ''We found a guy, the security guard from Ricky's Wonder Shack, murdered and left at Freddy's. We know that he was probably murdered at Ricky's after hours by Ricky's actor, Connor. Why? We have no idea. He might've seen something he wasn't supposed to see.''

''Connor may have worn one of the suits, specifically the Ricky suit, in order to avoid getting blood on himself. After all, there were enough of those costumes, so people probably won't notice when one goes missing and just assume it was taken to get cleaned,'' Springtrap added. ''He may have been the one who also turned the cameras off.''

''In any case, he's a creep who considers the animatronics his friends. He may just be acting, but honestly, it still strikes me as strange,'' Sam said. ''Now, about the animatronics; while Dahlia, Virgil, Quentin and Max seem to be normal, Ricky and Raven have this black device that irritates the senses of an animatronic. It is also possible that the device may have been used to control them.''

''Now, Raven was never supposed to be part of Ricky's Wonder Shack, having been decommissioned due to an accident at the Machinations Factory. Still, he ended up in that hidden room behind the stage,'' Springtrap continued. ''We also know that Raven had been possessed by a spirit of someone who probably died at the factory. However, we don't really know what exactly happened.''

''Still, we do know that there is a connection between Connor, Raven and what occurred at the factory,'' Sam said, with Springtrap nodding, looking a little lost in his thoughts. ''Will?''

''Someone died at that factory. Someone's soul was tied to the Raven, probably causing those accidents that led to the animatronic to become decommissioned. I believe that, once they decided that he wouldn't be part of the group, they put him in the boiler room, probably to melt him down and use the metal for new parts, but they didn't for some reason,'' Springtrap said, glancing at Sam.

''It could be that, if Connor indeed once worked at the factory, he was aware that something was wrong with Raven, and wanted to keep him close, which might also be the reason why he kept him at Ricky's Wonder Shack. Once we found him, he decided to move the Raven back,'' Sam added.

''I assume he knows that Raven was haunted at some point, but that he doesn't know that the soul had abandoned the animatronic, with the AI having merged with whatever remained from the soul,'' Springtrap said, glancing at the photo. ''We also know that he's probably trying to create haunted animatronics, or at least something similar. Not to mention, he uses different kinds of animatronic parts, but there are some that don't look like they belong to the animatronics from Ricky's Wonder Shack, but rather…''

He frowned, glancing at Sam, who looked back at him with a serious expression.

''You made animatronics that looked friendly, but were killer machines,'' she said darkly. ''However, these are just killer machines.''

''Not only that, but going by the animatronic parts we saw, he is trying to make animatronics that are similar to Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy,'' Springtrap added, with Sam returning to the photo of the room where they found the tanks and the huge sickle-like, or rather, hook-like object.

''Okay, but, why would he do that?'' Sam asked, with both her and Springtrap being confused. ''As far as we know, he hates Freddy's and the mascots. Also, the endoskeletons we found didn't look like they could fit those parts.''

''Honestly, I don't know what this guy is planning,'' Springtrap said, feeling a little frustrated. He felt that the answer was obvious, but there were still some key components he didn't understand. ''It's as if there are two puzzle pieces that just don't fit together, no matter how you place them.''

''I guess it cannot be helped, especially considering that we still don't know everything and that all we have are assumptions and theories,'' Sam said in a comforting tone, with Springtrap giving her a questioning look. ''William, what is currently going on is not your fault. This is the fault of a deranged and delusional person and, while you might think that there are similarities, you are nothing like him.''

''Why do you think that I am worried about that?'' Springtrap asked, trying to sound amused by her question. However, his expression turned serious when he saw Sam's look of concern. ''Am I that easy to read?''

''Sometimes you are, sometimes you aren't,'' Sam replied. ''I'm trying my best to pick up on whenever you feel upset, since you're not really willing to share how you feel.''

''I'm sorry…'' Springtrap muttered, aware that he was better at concealing his own feelings and creating a new persona in order to interact with society, rather than just being honest about how he felt. It was simply easier that way and people never questioned him. However, with Sam, that was hardly possible to hide how he felt.

''It's fine,'' Sam replied. ''Sometimes, it is interesting to see whether I can figure out how you feel or not. It's worth to just see your reaction.''

''I guess there are still other things I need to work,'' Springtrap said. He remembered his conversation with Henry, aware that his old friend didn't really believe that he could change anything about his behavior and attitude. Even the entity mocked him whenever he refused to act like his past self.

However, he was confident that he could prove them wrong.

xXx

Connor was at the room with the costumes, having been told by the manager to clean up the Ricky suit as a child had accidentally spilled soda on it and they couldn't let the animatronic walk around with a dirty suit on. Truth to be told, he was a little annoyed that the management denied him any interaction as Ricky until the suit was clean.

He knew that he deserved to be one of the characters, as no one else was fit for this kind of performance, but he didn't have much of a say in it. Of course, he still held the strings here, as he knew that he was the only one capable of dealing with the animatronics. Whenever they malfunctioned, he'd be asked to fix them, but that was it. There was no praise for his work, although, he didn't want any from someone who couldn't appreciate his abilities.

''In the end, it is only you and me,'' he said, holding and looking at Ricky's head. ''I am sorry that I had to move our friend back, but it was necessary.''

He placed the head back on the desk, stroking it gently. His eyes narrowed as he thought about his co-workers, knowing that he was an oddity among them. None of them understood his strange affinity for the robots. It was quite hard to find someone who would be awed by his ideas and achievements, but he did feel that he had found someone like that. Still, it would take a while until he could show them what he had managed to accomplish. He wanted it to be perfect.

However…

He couldn't stop thinking about that strange animatronic. He was fairly certain that the robotic bunny belonged to Freddy's, but he was quite sure that he had never seen a mascot like this one. There were times he wondered whether he had hallucinated the animatronic, but he looked too real to just be some kind of delusion. Musing about it, Connor put the mask on.

He needed to be careful while planning his next step.

xXx

Sam winced when it suddenly thundered.

''What is wrong with the weather today?'' she muttered. ''This one sounded like a bomb went off above our heads.''

''It will eventually stop,'' Springtrap told her. ''Although, I wouldn't want to be the one who got caught outside in such weather.''

''Me neither,'' Sam said. Apparently, after their conversation about Ricky's, they two had decided that they wouldn't go anywhere, as the weather conditions were terrible. Therefore, they remained at Sam's room, talking about random stuff. Springtrap gave Sam a strange look as she suddenly went quiet, as if remembering something.

''Are you okay?'' he asked, with Sam looking up at him and smiling.

''Sure, although…'' She sighed. ''Okay, maybe I'm not. At one point, after school, I ended up without a ride while it was pouring outside, as Mum was away on a business trip. One of my former friends told me her mum could pick us both up and that I should wait for her. Well, I did wait for her… for three hours.''

''What happened?'' Springtrap looked surprised.

''I called her and she told me that she couldn't find me, so she left. When I finally arrived at home, I looked like I fell into a swimming pool,'' Sam said bitterly. ''Even my backpack and my books were wet. When I called her later, she told me it was my fault for not arriving at the meeting spot at the time we agreed to. Once I told her that I was there, she played dumb, telling me that I was lying and that we were supposed to meet somewhere else.''

''Honestly, I would really love to have a word with your former friends,'' Springtrap said, with Sam noticing the irritated look on his expression. ''I'm quite sure that they would understand how hurtful their pranks were and apologize to you after a quick conversation.''

''I do believe that they would, although I don't want to bother dealing with them,'' Sam replied, knowing well that Springtrap would probably threaten them and force them to apologize to her. She smiled. ''I'm just happy that you're my friend.''

''At least I'm a better friend to you than I was to Henry…'' Springtrap's ears twitched.

''I can't argue with that,'' Sam said, with Springtrap lowering his head. ''Still, you're obviously doing better now, which is a good thing.''

''You aren't doing bad yourself either,'' Springtrap replied. ''Someone would think that, after going through all of that, you'd stop trusting people.''

''Honestly, I do want to trust people. I mean, I know that I should be wary of others, but it's annoying when you're constantly cautious, unsure whether you can even approach a person safely,'' Sam said, looking at Springtrap. ''I'm glad that I can at least trust you.''

''Sam, I…'' Springtrap trailed off when he saw Sam staring at him with a look of uneasiness on her expression. He sighed. ''I know you're annoyed by my self-deprecation, but I'm just being honest here. I don't trust myself, even though you do. Hell, even Emma-''

''Even Emma what?'' Springtrap froze, turning around only to see Emma smiling smugly as she leaned against the door. He frowned.

''How long have you been listening to us?''

''Long enough to know that you seriously need to work on your confidence,'' Emma told him, then looked at both of them. ''Why are you even here? I thought you'd be out, exploring places.''

''Water and robots don't mix well together,'' Springtrap replied.

''I assume you based that on personal experience,'' Emma said, joining the two. Sam and Springtrap exchanged glances, wondering just how much she knew.

''In any case, we're not going anywhere during this kind of weather,'' Sam said.

''I know,'' Emma replied, with Sam figuring that her mother was trolling them again. ''Don't worry, I just came here to tell you something and then I'll leave you two alone.''

''Just take your time,'' Sam said sarcastically. Emma winked, still smiling. While looking at both of them, and feeling a little lost, Springtrap had to wonder just how did Emma manage to be so calm about the whole situation and accept whatever Sam was doing as something normal, only to realize that Emma was probably considering this as normal. After all, she did state her opinion on this and just let them do whatever they wanted, as long as they followed the conditions she gave them.

''Me and Cassie are going to visit an old friend of Cassie's tomorrow. Sadly, her grandmother died about a week ago and she told us that there were a few things she wanted to get rid off, so she offered us to come to her place and take whatever we find. Apparently, her grandmother was a passionate collector,'' Emma explained.

''Are you sure about this trip?'' Springtrap asked her in an ominous tone. ''Last time you decided to visit someone to buy something, it didn't end up well.''

''At least I spend my time learning from my mistakes rather than just reflecting on them like you do, Afton'' Emma replied, with Springtrap's eyes flaring purple as he glared at her. She grinned slyly. Sam, who was looking at each of them, was on the verge of facepalming, feeling that both could at least try and improve their current situation, rather than try to mess with each other.

''Still, reflecting on your mistakes helps you understand why you made them in the first place and how to prevent them from happening in the future,'' Springtrap replied.

''I guess you're right,'' Emma said after a little pause, shrugging and leaving the room. Springtrap was a little confused about the lack of quips, as well as her calmness, hoping that she would finally leave him alone. To his dismay, she didn't. ''Oh, and before I forget; I heard someone walking through the house last night.'' Both Sam and Springtrap froze, nervously looking at Emma, who put on a confused look. She crossed her arms, putting a finger on her chin, as if she had no idea what was going on. ''Of course, I might've been just dreaming. Right?''

''Um, sure…'' Sam said, laughing in a nervous manner. She and Springtrap felt their anxiety skyrocketing when Emma suddenly gave them a death glare.

''I hope so,'' she said, closing the door. Sam and Springtrap glanced at each other, looking disturbed.

''She's a nightmare,'' Springtrap said in a quiet tone, as if fearing that Emma would overhear them.

''Even though she has a point… I agree with you,'' Sam said.

Both winced when it thundered again.

xXx

Connor rose an eyebrow when he saw a figure standing in the rain next to Ricky's Wonder Shack, holding an umbrella and looking frantically at their phone. He recognized the person as Bella, who seemed to be in trouble. He drove next to her on the empty street, lowering the window.

''Do you need a ride?'' he asked.

''Oh, thank God!'' Bella looked relieved. ''I thought you had already left!'' She quickly got into the passenger seat, folding her umbrella. ''My roommate had a family emergency and couldn't pick me up, so I was only left with the option to walk back home.''

''That's unfortunate,'' Connor replied. ''You won't mind if I do a little detour? There's some work I need to get done. I can drive you back home after I have finished.''

''Go ahead, I won't mind,'' Bella replied briskly. ''I'm just glad I don't have to walk back home during this weather.''

Connor nodded, with the rest of the ride being in silence, as Connor wasn't really talkative and Bella was focused on texting someone on her phone. She did lift her head once they stopped in front of a gate that led to a strange building. Lightning illuminated the sign above the gate.

''Machinations Factory,'' she muttered, looking at Connor. ''Why are we here?''

''As said, I have something to do. If you want, you could join me,'' Connor replied, taking the umbrella from the back of his car and a pair of keys. He then unlocked the rusty lock and opened the gate, looking at Bella. She was unsure whether to follow him, but she had no idea how long he would be inside that building. She also didn't feel exactly safe being left in this strange area she didn't recognize. Taking a deep breath, she took her umbrella, joining him. Connor smiled as she followed him, while Bella clutched her smartphone tightly, as if it was a safety blanket. He then unlocked the front entrance, with the two leaving their umbrellas there.

''What is this place?'' Bella asked. ''How come you have the keys for it? Are we even allowed to be here?''

''I used to work here and I look after the building,'' Connor replied, walking over to a nearby office and taking a flashlight from the desk. ''Unfortunately, the power is still out due to a broken generator, so we'll have to use this.''

''I have my own,'' Bella said, holding up her smartphone as she turned the flashlight on. She then followed Connor, wondering where he was going. ''So, what is this factory?''

''It used to make animatronics,'' Connor said.

''Ah, I see,'' Bella muttered. ''This is where Ricky and the Misfits were created, right?''

''Exactly,'' Connor said, giving Bella a curious look. ''Say, what do you think about them? About Ricky and his friends? Aren't they fascinating?''

''Well, they are robots capable of interacting with people. Of course they're interesting,'' Bella replied, with Connor looking pleased. ''Although, I'm not really interested in them.''

''Really?'' Connor's eyes narrowed, the joy inside him perishing like an extinguished flame.

''To be honest, they're kind of creepy,'' Bella added, not noticing the change in his eyes.

''I see,'' Connor said half-heartedly. ''I think they're quite special.''

''What is, according to you, so special about them?'' Bella asked him, feeling chills crawling down her spine when she saw Connor grinning.

''I'll show you,'' he replied. Bella shuddered, with a voice inside her head screaming to leave now. After all, she didn't know Connor that well and she had no idea where she was. I should've called an Uber…

Still, she followed Connor, hoping that that voice in her head was wrong. He didn't force her to come here and he didn't look like he would object if she just left. Aside from that, Bella was quite sure that she would get herself lost in the factory.

''Don't worry, I  just wanted to introduce you to my friend,'' Connor told Bella, snapping her out of her thoughts.

''Well, that's nice…'' she said nervously, following him to some kind of boiler room. Inside it was a furnace, with a strange-looking animatronic sitting inside it, leaned against the wall. ''I-Is this your friend?''

''Yes, he is,'' Connor replied, crouching next to the Raven. Bella gasped in surprise when the animatronic started to trash suddenly. ''Don't worry, he won't hurt you. He just hasn't figured out how to stand up.''

''Who is he? Why isn't he at Ricky's Wonder Shack?'' Bella asked.

''Unfortunately, he was decommissioned before he could appear on stage,'' Connor said as he stood up. ''I told him I could make him better, that I would correct the injustice that had been done to him. I'm the only one who understands him and he's the only one who understands me.''

''Connor, I want to go home,'' Bella said, trying to keep calm, but she was shaking. ''Please…''

She shivered when she saw the cold look Connor gave her.

''Do you really think that he's not worth it?'' he asked.

''N-No, I mean… I don't know… I just want to go home, please!'' Bella pleaded. ''I am not interested in any of this!''

''So, that's how it is,'' Connor muttered. ''You really hate them, don't you…''

''No, I never said that!''

''You're lying!'' Connor yelled at her, storming out of the room. Bella fell on her knees, hearing the steps echoing through the hallway. She was in shock, not understanding what was wrong with Connor. Why is he so obsessed with those animatronics?! They're just machines!

Feeling sick, she got up, entering the hallway and searching for the exit. Even though she hoped that Connor would calm down a little, she didn't want to deal with him anymore. As she walked down the hallway, she noticed that one of the doors was open. She peeked inside, hoping to find some kind of exit, only to gasp upon seeing numerous animatronic parts inside it. What freaked her out the most was the brown bear mask with the black top hat that was placed on the desk next to the door. Its eyes would flicker eerily, as if it was possessed by something.

She stepped back, only to bump into something. Turning around, her eyes widened as she saw Ricky staring back at her with bloodshot eyes. Something silver flashed, and her scream died in her throat as she staggered back, falling on her knees as her fingers feebly reached for the knife in her chest.

''You will learn to appreciate them,'' Connor said proudly, grinning underneath the Ricky mask. ''I have managed to bring my partner back and I will do the same to you. You won't have to suffer anymore in this pathetic body.''

''Y-You…'' Bella stuttered, with blood flowing out of her mouth. She fell down as the world around her turned black. Connor stared at her blankly as she stopped moving, the blood that was flowing out of her chest staining the floor. He crouched next to her, observing her glassy and lifeless eyes.

''It won't hurt,… I promise.''

Links:

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#Five Nights at Freddy's: The Untold Story (Masterlist)

[blackcatxmagic]

"Maybe for you," Ocean replied, smiling at Boris. "You're probably used to it by now." Admittedly Ocean didn't like what Boris was describing, but they weren't things that surprised him; he'd heard about what it was like living in an area with snow. He was still excited for it. "Maybe after this year, I won't like it so much, but at least I'll know. And it's kind of hard to get into the holiday spirit when you're sweating in your Christmas sweater."" Ocean told Boris. "But I do like having a change in seasons already. I hate that it's almost always so hot in Southern California."

Still worried that he'd overshared, Ocean felt a bit better upon hearing Boris's reply. And despite the fact that he didn't want to dwell on that feeling, he found himself talking about it still. "I wonder sometimes if some people don't really fit in anywhere," Ocean said, giving voice to a secret fear of his. "And if we don't belong anywhere now, will ever belong? Will we ever find out place? I think about that all the time, especially lately." He was bound and determined to make Cardinal Hill his home, and he didn't like the idea of leaving now that he was reconnecting with Forest and Sunshine. They could be his home. As Boris talked, Ocean listened to them describe what it was like here for them, and he gave them a sad little smile. So Boris could understand how Ocean felt. "That's how it was at the commune when I left," he replied. "It wasn't always like that, and I don't think it was anything they were doing there. It was me." He thought about how to phrase it before settling on, "It's like I was a piece of that puzzle, but then the puzzle changed, and I no longer fit." A second later though, Ocean realized that wasn't quite right. "That's not it," he went on. "The puzzle didn't change. I did. The piece is what's different, not the puzzle." Either way, he no longer fit, and he felt like Boris would understand. "It's hard feeling like you don't belong in the place where you grew up," Ocean said, giving Boris a reassuring little smile.

Ocean laughed with Boris as they talked about their friends. "Is it weird that I kind of want to watch it now?" he asked. "I want to see if it has the same effect on me as it did them." There was a lock on his bathroom door at home, or worst case, he'd take baths until he got over it if the movie freaked him out. And besides, it might not be so bad with a friend. At Boris's question, Ocean replied, "I'm actually free all day today. When do you get off work? I'm free tomorrow too." Really Ocean was free most of the time unless he was working.

.

"Meh, white Christmases are overrated," Boris said, still with a smile, scrunching their nose. Their family wasn't one to really celebrate Christmas anyways, at least not how the rest of Cardinal Hill did. "They're fun when you're a kid and school's out, but you got to make sure the heating works, that you have enough warm clothing, that you don't get sick..." They realized that they might just be ruining Ocean's excitement. "But it is a pretty sight, and playing around in the snow's really great, too. And, well, the whole town looks absolutely beautiful, of course, all decked out for the holidays."

Their smile slowly faded when Ocean made his comment about his stay at Cardinal Hill. "Oh... Jeez, I'm sorry. Feeling out of place is the worst. It's just..." Boris made a little gesture with their shoulders, between a shrug and a shiver. "You end up feeling so jealous of everyone else who seems so comfortable in their own skin. Right?" They scratched their cheek. Most probably it wasn't like that for Ocean, most likely thye were just talking about themselves, expecting everyone else to feel like they did. "It's okay, let it out. I don't mind," they said with a smile. "And, uh... Yeah, I've lived in Cardinal Hill my whole life. My parents, though, they're from out of town. And they tend to keep to themselves, so it's kind of, I'm a local, but barely, sometimes. I've been everywhere around here, I know every block, but I don't feel like I'm particularly tethered here, you know?"

They chuckled when Ocean mentioned his friend, though they were a little surprised to learn he grew up in a commune. "Same thing happened to a buddy of mine, when we were little. Poor kid could barely sleep. It's a real testament to how effective movies can be, even when they're that old." Well, Boris had been born less than a decade after it was released; so maybe it wasn't that old, really. And then their eyes shone, when they were offered to watch the movie along with him. "Yeah, sure! It's been a while since I've seen it, but I remember loving it. And watching movies with others is way more fun. When would you like to?"

'Things to leave behind'. Intriguing. Boris' overactive imagination already began conjuring images of smuggling, money laundering, drug trafficking, cults, all the scary stories told to small-town folks to keep them terrified and content with their lot. As dangerous as it all sounded to them, it only wanted them to leave Cardinal Hill even more. "It's nice to know you have people who got your back, especially when you're feeling lost," they thought out loud.

[imaginingmanyfandoms]

Paul's Lullaby | part two

<previous | next>

It had been a few days since your attack on the beach. Since then, Paul really didn't like when you were home alone. Or walking to work alone. Or anywhere alone really. It didn't have to be with him, but he needed to know he, or someone he trusted could get to you in time.

He was worried that the leech had caught your scent, and would come back. Sam didn't think so, Sam was under the impression that this person was actually testing their lines, and he wouldn't let the same mistake happen again. You were still waiting for Paul to tell you the whole truth, but you were being patient, as he had been with you. It was clear that whatever it was, was hard for him to say.

Your couch was permanently occupied by Paul, who picked you up from work to drive you home. And if he couldn't make it, he'd send one of the pack, or one of the imprints to pick you up and bring you to Emily's house.

You were cautiously optimistic about where things were going with Paul. There was still some trust issues, but you were working on it together. And no matter how much Embry or Jared talked about Paul's anger issues, you didn't really see it.

Currently, you were at Emily's, sitting on the couch and trying to stay awake until Paul got there. He made you feel safe.

"Have you seen this?" Emily asked holding a newspaper. There were missing people all over Seattle. It's what had Paul working overtime. He was pulling more than his fair share, and you knew that had to do with you. But you didn't understand what.

"Is anyone ever going to tell me what's going on?" you asked, but your tone was light, joking. Emily laughed, and sat by your legs on the couch.

"Paul really is taking his time, huh?" She gave you a sad smile. "He's doing that for your benefit."

"I know, I know," you said. "I'm just really confused. I swear the scenarios I'm making up in my head must be worse."

"Probably," she said. You both laughed this time.

"Well he better snap to it."

"I'm heading to bed," Emily said, patting your leg over the thin blanket. "You okay out here?"

"Yeah, thanks Em. Goodnight," you said.

"Goodnight."

"Wake up honey."

Paul was gently shaking your arm. He was sitting on the edge of the couch, trying to wake you up as nicely as possible. Jared laughed in the background at how soft Paul was around you, but quickly said his goodbyes as he took the night patrol. It takes a tough guy to make fun of someone and then rush out the door. But Paul didn't care.

"Paul?" you asked, finally coming to. "What time is it?"

"Late, it's very late."

"Take me home," you said, holding your arms out to him.

"I like you when you're sleepy, you're very nice." Paul picked you up, and said a quick goodbye to Sam as you closed your eyes again. It made Sam smile.

Paul carried you to his pick up truck, and got you settled into the passenger seat. He even did up your seat belt. You woke up a little more, but your squirming and stretching was the cutest thing to him. He was so enamoured with you. He didn't really care how long it took until you trusted him. Or even if you never wanted to be with him, he didn't care. As long as he got to be around you, he would be fine.

"Let's watch a movie tonight," you said, yawning right after.

"I don't think you'll be able to stay awake," he said, smiling.

"Can we try?"

"How about we watch something tomorrow, after work?"

"Okay," you said, closing your eyes again. "Tomorrow."

You fell back asleep before you got home. Paul was driving slowly, and the cool air was filtering in through his open window. He was listening to some folk band, and the whole thing just lulled you to sleep.

When he parked the truck, he did everything he could to get you into your room without waking you up, and he was pretty successful. But as he was tucking you into bed, you woke up a little. He moved to leave but you grabbed his wrist.

"Goodnight Paul," you said, not letting go of his wrist.

"Goodnight honey," he said, daring to lean down and kiss your forehead. You made a happy sound as you rolled over, getting comfortable in bed.

Paul would've done anything in the world to crawl into bed with you and fall asleep. But he was happy just to be here.

So, Paul went back to the couch. And got as comfortable as he could, and fell asleep, reminding himself that you were safest when he was here. And that he was doing a good job protecting you.

The next morning went better than most mornings. You woke up in a good mood, and decided to make breakfast for Paul. He'd been working so hard to protect you, that he deserved at least a fraction of that devotion back.

You made the lot, pancakes and eggs. A small fruit salad and a plate of bacon. While the pot of coffee finished, Paul wandered into the kitchen stretching.

"Mmm," he groaned, "something smells good."

"I made you breakfast," you said, a smile on your face.

Paul was in love with you, that much he knew for sure. And today he got his first sign that maybe you were at least starting to fall for him too. It was a good day.

"Eat up," you said. "I have to work in a few hours."

"You're going to eat too, right?" he asked.

"Of course I am," you said, stopping before you left the room. You turned on the radio against the wall. It was some band you'd never heard of, but it was nice enough. Paul was already filling his plate, but you went to pour two coffees. "Cream, sugar?"

"Just black," he said, mouthful of food. "Just come sit."

"All right," you said. "But for the record I wanted the coffee."

You chose the chair beside him, instead of across from him, and he took note of that but didn't say anything. You smiled at him, and he smiled back, like he always did.

Breakfast was relatively quiet, you made small talk about what was going on that day, but mostly you just enjoyed the silence. It didn't feel awkward, it felt right. It felt comfortable. When you were done, Paul wasn't. So you carried your plate to the sink, and rubbed your hand across his back as you passed. His breath hitched slightly, and it made you smile, thinking about how different Paul was.

Maybe it was time you cut him a little slack.

When he finished, Paul helped you clean up. And even shooed you away to get ready for work while he did the dishes.

"Thank you," he said, as you walked back down the hallway. He wiped his hands on a dishcloth and dropped it back on the counter. He leaned back, and you couldn't help but notice how beautiful he is.

"Thank you for being here," you said, suddenly self conscience under his intent stare at you. You pulled your sweater sleeves over your hands, keeping the fabric pinched between your fingers.

"I uh, packed up the rest of the fruit salad. I thought you might like to have it at work." Paul had one of your Tupperware containers sitting on the counter.

"And the bacon?"

He looked guilty. "I ate it."

"It's okay!" you said, laughing at his face. "It was made to be eaten."

He drove you to work, and although you missed to walk, you knew you'd get back to it eventually. When he dropped you off, you hesitated to leave. Paul sat patiently, giving you a moment to collect yourself.

"I want the truth tonight," you said.

"Honey..."

"Just, think about it from my perspective. I have no idea what it is I should be scared of, I have no idea where you work or why you're gone all the time. I'm worried about you, and I'm scared."

"I'm scared too." Paul took a deep breath. "I'm scared that something will happen to you. But mostly I'm scared that if you know the truth you'll be scared of me."

"I wouldn't."

"You don't know that," he said, he looked terrified. "You hated me earlier this month. Couldn't even look at me throughout high school and I am so embarrassed about that. And it's going to be even more embarrassing when I tell you everything because then you'll know that we didn't make eye contact from two years attending the same school."

"I'm sure we made eye contact," you said.

"No." He looked at you, and you could see the pain in his eyes. "We didn't." The look on his face made you hurt. It made your heart deflate, and you would've done anything to see him smile again.

You unclicked your seat belt, but didn't move as it sprang back into place. It didn't feel right to leave the air like this.

The heat he gave off seemed to float right into your space, and there was something about his presence that made you feel more settled than you had in a long time. You wanted to touch him, so you leaned across the middle seat, and placed a tender kiss against his cheek.

"Just think about it," you said, sliding back towards the door and starting to get out. You didn't want to leave him feeling sad, but you had to get to work.

"Have a good shift," he said, watching you leave. He hated watching you walk away.

"You too."

Work had been horrible. Your boss was kind of a jerk, and waiting tables had really lost it's appeal. You'd been serving tables in La Push's best diner, but when the new owners took over, it quickly began to lose it's charm. You wanted to buy it when they were selling, but coming right out of high school you didn't have that kind of cash.

You just felt kind of miserable, so when you saw Jared and Kim waiting for you outside, you just felt annoyed. You were under the impression you and Paul had made plans.

"Hey," Kim said, smiling from the passenger seat. You got in behind Jared. "Don't worry. Paul said another hour, tops."

"Can you guys just take me home? I had a long day and I just want to relax," you asked, pulling your upper body between Jared and Kim's seats.

"I don't know, Y/N," Jared said, making a worried face. "I don't think Paul would like that."

"C'mon Jared," you said. "I'll lock the doors, and I'll call you if I get nervous."

"Jared, she wants to go home." Kim smiled at you. You really liked her.

He rolled his eyes and started the car. "When he freaks out on me, I'm throwing you both under the bus."

"He won't get mad at us," you said, "he said himself. An hour tops."

Jared and Kim were actually really great travel companions. Kim always made sure you were included in conversation, and Jared was not afraid to sing at the top of his lungs which was hilarious. They really cheered you up.

And of course, they waited until you were in your house to pull away.

Inside, you were tired, and cold. And you had wanted to spend some time with Paul. But he said an hour, and you figured we wouldn't lie about that. It wasn't too late that you couldn't give him some of the patience that he had given you.

So you spent the time bringing out some blankets, and pillows. When that was done you made some popcorn and fresh lemonade.

Paul should've been there any second. So you just spent some time tidying up the place. You saw some fabric poking out from under on the blankets, and you yanked on it, pulling out one of Paul's shirts. You laughed. Because it seemed rare to even see him in a shirt.

You pulled your shirt over your head, and put on his instead. Your shorts were hidden by his baggy shirt, even baggier on your small frame.

Twigs snapped outside the window, and you gasped. You knew you locked the door, but decided on checking the windows too. Just so you could say that you did. They were all locked. When you walked back into the living room, Paul was standing there - jaw clenched tight just like his fists were. But you could see the restraint. You could tell he was actively calming himself. You took a step closer.

"Don't," he said, voice cracking. He closed his eyes, hating the way you stop dead in your tracks. He didn't want to scare you. "I told you that I didn't want you here alone for a reason."

"I was so tired after work," you explained. "I wanted to sit on the couch and watch a movie like normal people do."

"I am trying to make things as normal as possible for you," he said, the anger was already washed away, but it wasn't gone. Not entirely. "You just have to trust me."

"How can I trust you when you don't trust me?" you said, voice starting to raise with unavoidable frustration.

"You think that I don't trust you?"

"I'm not allowed to be by myself, how else would you like me to interpret that?" You felt tears brimming at your eyes, the confrontation bringing out your anxiety.

"If we're going to fight, I need you to take three steps back."

"For what?"

"Your safety."

"What does that mean?" you shouted. "Are you scared you'll hit me?"

"I would never hit you," he shouted back. "How could you even think that?"

"I don't want to argue," you said, quietly. "I'm sorry I shouted."

He saw the sad look in your eyes, and could've kicked himself for driving you to this. He nodded, prying his eyes away from your sad ones to look anywhere else. He looked at your shirt, for the first time, and even though he was angry with you, he loved the sight. It calmed him down knowing it was you, in his shirt, a couple feet away.

He held his hand out, palm up for you to take. You did, and he guided you, as if you were dancing - not fighting, to the couch. You sat beside him, and he kept your hand in his.

"I need you to really listen to me," he said, his eyes glossing over with the realization that if he loses you, he'd never be whole again. "For now, I need you to follow all my rules. Even when they seem excessive, or dumb. And in return I will explain everything. And I won't keep any secrets from you."

"I can do that," you said. "If you're always honest with me, I'll be honest with you."

"Okay, tomorrow I'll explain everything. You're off, right?"

"Yeah," you said, shuffling over so you could lean your head against Paul's shoulder. "Can we watch our movie now?"

He put an arm around you, and you fit to him. Like you were always meant to be there. Well, technically, you were.

"Yeah, honey. We can watch a movie now."

[if you want to be added to a taglist for this story then let me know :-)]

[neo-culture-mafia]

My Peace (w.ykh)

the cutest boy ever

— Warnings: Bruises

— Genres: Fluffy, warm and overall adorable uwu.

— Words: 1.6k

— Summary: “He used to think he didn't deserve to be loved, and that the life he had was too dangerous for him to ever let anyone in. But you worked your way through his heart and proved him wrong, right when he thought he could never enjoy being wrong before.”

— Requested by @min-inu “I'm new to this blog (I love it) and I'm a huge fluff enthusiast 🥺 Can I request something with Lucas (+ female reader? I don't know if I have to specify) where he comes home from work late at night and he's stressed because a deal went wrong (or something else) but as soon as he sees the reader who is barely awake and waiting for him he feels calmer and she does things to cheer him up (lots of cuddles and kisses, maybe a cute date too). Also can I request more than once if it's not a problem?”

— A/N: I absolutely loved your request 🥺 I was craving for some Yukhei's content and didn’t even know it lol And please, feel free to send in more requests, okay? I hope you enjoy this!!

To say he was pissed was an understatement. When Lucas came back to the base and Kun put his eyes on him, he already knew Yukhei was about to explode. After he got in Neo Culture, Yukhei learned how to control his anger issue, but he still had problems with coping with failure.

“Can I give my reports to you tomorrow?” Yukhei asked, staring right at the floor, too afraid that he would explode at himself if he looked at his leader's disappointed expression. If only he knew Kun was way more worried than disappointed.

“You don't have to do this, you know?” Kun turned his chair so he would be staring at the window instead of Yukhei's face. “Avoid looking at me. Feeling shame at yourself. We'll manage to close that deal.”

“They attacked us. I don't think there's a deal to be considered anymore.” Yukhei murmured, closing his eyes and trying the hardest that he could to not start punching and kicking stuff around him. Neo Culture was the family he had never had. The feeling that he somehow had failed the only people who welcomed him do their own home was barely unbearable.

“We're all alive, aren't we?” Kun questioned, slightly turning his face to the side so he could look at the younger one behind him. Yukhei was still afraid to look at his leader, but as he managed to shily give him some attention, he was met with a warm smile coming from the older one. “Then, we'll figure out something. As long as we're together, we can achieve whatever we put our focus to.” He turned his chair back to its initial position, forcing Yukhei to stare at the floor again as he checked his wristwatch.“It's late. Don't worry about your reports, we can do this tomorrow. Go be with Y/N. She is in your dormitory.”

For the first time since he had entered the room, Yukhei face seemed to be no longer twisted by anger anymore, thanks to the mention of your name.

“She's here? I thought she was at home.” He looked right at Kun's eyes, making the leader's smile go even bigger from before. Young love was really adorable. “Yeah, she said something about not wanting to leave you alone after a tiring mission,” Kun added, grabbing a few papers and starting to go over them. He only looked at Yukhei again when he realized the young man was still sitting on his office’s chair. “... why are you not running there yet? Go! You're dismissed!” he exclaimed, pointing at the door and proceeding to laugh at the sight of Lucas running out of his office.

If before Lucas' heart was beating fast from anger, now his heart was beating fast at the thought of seeing you. Besides Neo Culture, the only person who allowed him to be himself with no judgments at sight was you. You had nothing to do with his lifestyle. You weren’t part of the mafia, and God forbids if you ever demonstrated any interest in the business. Yukhei's mind wouldn’t even know how to proceed with the constant feeling that he could lose you at any second.

The only thing that kept him from exploding when he was in the field was the thought of being in your arms again. He needed to come back and see that beautiful smile of yours one more time. And that’s the first thing his eyes started to look for after he had opened the door.

You were close to his desk, apparently taking some food out of plastic bags, and even if he was indeed almost dying from starving, his first impulse was to run and hug you from behind. Your perfume turning to be the only thing he could smell, blocking all of his senses from anything else that wasn't related to you. He could tell you were tired since your whole body almost jumped when he suddenly hugged you.

“You’re back!” You exclaimed with a smile on your face as you felt your boyfriend's face resting on your shoulder. He had his eyes closed and some bruises on his cheek, but he looked pretty much alive to you, and that was all that mattered. “Uh oh. We should take care of those. Sit on the bed, I prepared everything. Including food, but since I didn’t know if you preferred Mexican, Korean, or Japanese, I ordered them all.” You started to blab, hoping to get a smile from your playful boyfriend, but as he just stayed still, you began to worry. “Baby? What is it? Is everyone okay?” You asked, turning around to face him properly, being careful when touching his body.

As he opened his eyes to look at you, any words he could possibly say just disappeared at the sight of you. Your messy hair confirmed his suspicions that you had probably dozed off at some point of the night. Your swollen eyes tipped off that at some point you thought he wasn't coming back and then proceeded to cry. Your worried gaze confirmed how relieved you were for seeing him only with a few bruises. Your lips saying that you loved him made his smile finally appear as he realized how much he loved you. And he hated the thought that Neo Culture wasn't the only one who he failed tonight. He failed the person he loved the most in the entire world when he didn't show you how grateful he was for still being alive. For being by your side. His favorite and most loved place to be.

You were his personal place of peace. And you needed to know it.

“I love you. Oh God, I love you so much. I never thought I would love someone as much as I love you.” He pushed you a little so he could start pecking all over your face, making both of you giggle at his action. “You kind of scared me for a second.” You pushed him a little and smiled at how bright his face now looked. “There is nothing to worry about. Not when I’m with you.” He replied to you with the words he was actually saying to himself.

The world outside could wait. All the violence, gunshots, and uncertainty could wait. Now, he was with his personal gift from heaven. The one capable of bringing the best out of him. His one and only. His Everything.

“Look, I do appreciate all the kisses and stuff but I won't stop bothering you until you let me take care of your bruises.” You pecked his lips and then started to walk backward, holding both of your boyfriend's big hands, seeing the biggest smile appear to his face. “Okay doc, treat me.”

In a matter of seconds, you were sitting on your bed, having Lucas’ head laying on your lap as you cleaned his cheek bruises with a cotton pad. He had his eyes closed so he could just enjoy your touch, and as much as you loved seeing him relax, which rarely happened, you wanted to fill him in on what you did during the days he spent on mission. Especially when you knew he didn’t like to talk about the missions when he was tired.

"So, I met Mark's girlfriend." You started, causing Yukhei to look at you with a puzzled expression on his face. "Mark's girlfriend? What was she doing here?" "She came here to get a few papers. Something about her and Mark going on a vacation." You shrugged, gently closing Yukhei's eyes with your fingertips so you could clean the bruises on his eyelid. "We went out for a meal together. She reminds me so much of Mark, it's almost like they're the same person. No wonder she's dating him for four years, they really complement each other well." 

"They really do. I'm still waiting for the wedding invitation of those two." Yukhei commented, making you laugh at the situation your newest friend had told you. "Oh, you're gonna have to wait a little more then. Mark almost freaked out some days ago thinking that she wanted him to propose when she actually wanted to adopt a dog together!" Yukhei couldn't help but laugh at how Mark that sounded like. "That sounds like something Mark would do, for sure." 

"I know, right? He almost freaked her out too, she thought he wanted to break up or something." You added, putting two stitches on your boyfriend's worst bruises and letting your hand go and play with his messy silver hair. "I'm done. Now, we should get some food in that belly of yours." 

"What? No, right when it's starting to get good!" he whined, pouting like the big baby you knew he was. "You can take a shower first if you like, but if I know you enough, you're starving,” You pointed at the small desk full of delicious smelling food. "and that’s why I got your favorites. The burrito is smelling especially nice tonight." "You're unbelievably perfect, and that was the lowest punch ever, but I still love you anyway.” He stated, giving you a quick peck before getting up from the bed and running towards the desk. 

                                                            ...

"So, now that I'm no longer starving and smelling nice thanks to that cologne you gave, what do you say about..." Yukhei stopped himself from talking and drying his hair with a towel when he noticed your sleeping figure evolved in a warm blanket. 

I knew you were tired. Yukhei smiled at the view, silently giggling at his own thoughts. There weren't enough words to describe how much he appreciated all the effort you did to make him feel comfortable after missions. He knew you abdicated a lot from your life for the two of you to be together, things you thought you couldn't live without, like your freedom to walk around with no bodyguards. And even though he tried to push you away to stop you from getting too close to him, you two just couldn't be apart. You consciously chose to be with him, and he loved you so damn much for that.

As he laid down next to you, slightly pulling you closer, and placing a soft kiss on your forehead, he voiced out the words with the most affection he had ever put into words before: 

"You are my peace, baby. I will always come back to you, no matter what happens.”

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

Dangerous Love (Pt. 12 of 13)

Pairing: Bruce Wayne (Batman) X Harley Quinn's sister!Reader

Word count: 2.8 K

Summary: You're Harley Quinn's sister, Havoc, one of the many villain's of Gotham. But you've been caught, and has been tortured constantly for an year in Belle Reve. But when your think your life can't be anything else than the nightmare you find yourself into, Bruce Wayne, the Batman, takes you in for a project. He has a program to rehabilitate villains, and you're his lab rat. But soon enough confusing feelings start getting in the way. You know falling for Bruce is stupid. But can you keep your heart under control?

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{Justice League - DC Masterlist}

×

So The Whole World Knows

Bruce loves you. It's the first thing that comes to your mind when you wake up. You talked for hours, until late at night, and Bruce told you exactly when he started falling for you. It was on the day he went to Belle Reve to take in your papers. That was the first time he saw you, through the camera they had in your cell. You remember that day because the lights were turned on for fifteen minutes or so. But you would never guess it was for Bruce to see you. From that moment on, Bruce told you, he felt something change inside him. He also tried to push it back, ignore it, misread it. But he knew he had to help you.

It got a little messy when it was your time to speak. You stuttered like an idiot, struggling to find the right words to express yourself. Bruce did seem to find it a little funny, so you playfully slapped him a couple of times. But in the end, the three words finally came out, from your lips and from his. Bruce is dead serious about your relationship, and this time he told you with all the words. He assured and reassured you this is not just a fling or a crush. He wants what you have to be serious, solid. And you want the same.

Smiling, you move closer to Bruce, felling as his chest rises and falls with his steady breath. “Morning, sweetheart.” He says.

“Hey...”

“It's a little late, I bet.” He turns his head to look at the digital clock by the nightstand on his side of the bed. “Almost ten.” He starts moving to get up and you let out a groan.

“Five more minutes. C'mon.”

“I'm taking you out today, remember?” He sits up, looking down at you. “So get up and get ready.”

He's way more excited about this than you are. But you get on with the morning routine. Shower, breakfast, and you have to add dressing up on something other than sweatpants and tank top. You have just two pairs of jeans to choose from and a few blouses. Bruce got them for you a while ago, but you never had any reason to use them. You have a pair of white sneakers too. When you're done, you do look different. Normal... These simple-looking clothes are expensive, you can tell. You've had your share of stolen high fashion clothes, so you know the difference between clothes that normal people can buy and the clothes Bruce Wayne has access to.

“Are you ready?” Bruce calls and you leave the bathroom. “You look–”

“It's just sneakers, jeans, and a purple blouse.” You cut him off, rolling your eyes at the smile that comes to his lips. “You look very handsome in this suit.” You can't help but say, trying not to look for so long and leading the way out of the bedroom.

Bruce rathers have his driver taking you, so he can stay on the back seat with you. Seeing the city after all this time, almost a year and a half if you count with the time you were in Belle Reve, feels different. Even more because you're in the daylight, not trying to hide, and not planning any kind of mischief. It's like seeing everything for the first time. Gotham has it's a beauty... at least here, the good part of the city.

When Bruce tells the driver to stop, your heart skips a beat. He gets out first, and you're frozen, suddenly aware of people walking up and down the street. “Let's go,” Bruce says in a soft tone after he opens the door for you.

“Let's go,” you repeat, more to yourself than to him.

And you're off the car, holding Bruce's hand as you walk at a slow pace. You get the feeling that people are staring. At you, at Bruce, and them at your holding hands. It's good to know that they don't seem to know who you are. Bruce takes you to a few stores so you can buy your own clothes. You resist a lot because you keep checking the price tags even though he told you not to. You stop by a restaurant to have lunch before you hit different stores. At some point you know you have more than you need right now, but he doesn't seem to see it that way.

“They don't recognize me,” you mutter as you pass by a small group of people.

“You're different. And not just because of the hair color.” He looks down at you, smiling.

Biting your lip, you hold back a smile too. As you look at the store's display, you slow down until you stop before a window. There's a necklace in a display, with three pink stones. Acting out of pure instinct, your eyes scan the store's entrance for cameras. Two. “I could steal it, you know.” You decide to tell Bruce, just to tease him. “One of those cameras is broken. And even if it wasn't, it never stopped me before.” You wink at him as he raises his eyebrow, starting to move again.

“Come.” He grabs your arm, pulling you inside the store.

“No,” you exclaim, trying to pull him back to the street. Which is useless. “Bruce, c'mon.”

“Ma'am. I'd like to see that piece you have on display. The necklace with the pink diamonds.”

“Diamonds?”

The woman does as he says, and seconds later she puts the piece on the desk before you. “This is a unique piece. The designer never makes the same piece twice. A true jewel.”

“It sounds super expensive.”

“Well, you can't expect to buy something unique for a low coast.” She says, even though you weren't talking to her. “Are you going to take it, Mr. Wayne?”

“Let's see.” Bruce takes the necklace from the display and moves to stand behind you. “Pin your hair up for me, please.” He asks when he notices that you won't move. Taking a deep breath, you do as he says, and Bruce puts the necklace around your neck, pulling you to stand before the mirror. “What do you think?”

The delicate stones looks beautiful, obviously, and you touch it with your fingertips. “I think it wasn't meant for someone like me,” you whisper.

“I think you're wrong. And it's you that makes the necklace look even more beautiful.” Bruce places a soft kiss on your shoulder before turning back to the woman. “I will take it.”

Unbelievable. “You shouldn't spoil me, Bruce Wayne,” you tell him when you're leaving the store.

“After everything you went through in that hell, I will spoil you... Just a little bit.”

“Well... I think we can go home now. Or do you want to take me somewhere else?”

“You will need a dress for today's gala.”

“What?” You stop walking again, turning to look at him. “What gala?”

“I have another dull party to attempt, and I thought it would be a good chance to introduce you to the city.” He says as if it's no big deal to take a wanted criminal to a high society party, where everyone will not only see but photograph you.

“Bruce, people will... Everyone will see that we're together... What will they–”

“Haven't you considered the possibility that I might want people to know we're together?”

“But...”

You don't even have the chance to think about what the hell you were going to say next because Bruce pulls you into a kiss. It's slow, as if you're weren't in the middle of the sidewalk of a very hectic street. But soon enough there's no one else. As you step closer, wrapping your arms around his neck, you deepen the kiss. The world fades away, and nothing else matters. And you feel like you can deal with the gala as long as you're with him.

• • •

As much as you love the silver dress Bruce gave you for your birthday, your back is still a little messed up. So your new dress, in a dark shade of blue, covers it. It's crazy how Bruce has to help you figure out what to do with your hair. Luckily, Diana is still here to intervene. She helps you make some waves and pin half of it up, to so it'll stay away from your face except for a few locks. You're worried sick about this gala thing as you go downstairs, and to the living room, where Bruce is waiting. He smiles when he sees you, and you blush and look down.

The short trip to the gala is silent because you're gathering the courage you'll need. When the car stops, you're taken aback by the countless photographers and journalists.

“Are you ready, my love?” Bruce asks, holding your hand. You nod, taking a deep breath. “I'll open the door for you and those flashes will be on your face. There will be questions, and probably a headline about Bruce Wayne's girlfriend tomorrow.”

“I know.” Nodding at him, you watch as he gets out. Bruce stops and waves for the cameras for a while before walking around the car and opening your door.

The world slows down as you step out, holding onto Bruce's arm, trying your best not to look more misplaced than you already do. “Just smile.” He whispers before placing a kiss on your cheek. And you do as he says, smiling and even waving a little. There are countless cameras flashing, microphones, and a lot of questions, so many you can't even understand most of them. Some want to know your name, why you showed up with Bruce Wayne if it's right to assume you're in a relationship. But since Bruce doesn't seem like he'll answer any of them, you keep your mouth shut. “Time to go in. Let them freak out about it.”

“Okay.” You let him guide you inside, a hand on the small of your back.

This gala takes place in a luxury hotel, and its main hall is sophisticatedly decorated. Everything seems terribly expensive and breakable, and the people seem to be stupidly rich. You even recognize some of them. Politicians, philanthropists, CEOs... You stole from some of these guys and here you are now, at the same party, as if you belong.

“Bruce...”

“What is it?” You stop by your table, and he pulls the chair for you to sit.

“What happens if only one person here recognizes me?” Would they call the police? Start running? Yelling? It would certainly be a mess, and the last thing you want is to ruin this. Bruce decided to bring you here so the city will see you, and to make a point to those women who still insist on trying to get him... And because he wanted your company. You can't even count how many times he told you that having you here would make this dull gala become something great... Bringing yourself to believe it it's still hard, but you're trying not to doubt him anymore. He has been proving that everything he says is true.

“They won't, my love. And even if they did... You're with me, remember? Nothing is going to happen to you.”

“Bruce Wayne.” A woman stops by, the same you saw some time ago from your window, hugging him in the garden. “So the rumors are true. You actually came with a girl.”

“Angela, this is (Y/N), my girlfriend.” He says, smiling as you reach out your hand to shake Angela's. There's a sting of anger in your chest, and for a moment you don't know why. But it must be jealousy, right? Bruce told you they're just old friends, but the image of the hug, and what you thought it meant back then floods your mind. But you bring back to memory everything Bruce said, and everything he has done.

“Nice to meet you, Angela. Bruce told me a lot about you.”

“Only the bad things, I hope.” She giggles and you offer her a smile. “You better be ready to see your face on every news channel tomorrow night. The woman who finally got into Bruce Wayne's heart.”

“I've been warned,” you say, exchanging a glance with Bruce.

“Well, take good care of him. He can be a little... Complicated.”

“You have no idea how.” Oh, if she only knew about his night job...

“I will leave you two. I still need to make my presence known to some very boring people.” With a last smile, she walks away.

“And I should do the same.” Bruce stands up.

“Okay.” You're starting to accept the fact that you'll have to sit here alone for a while when he reaches out his hand. “What?”

“Did you think I'd leave you here?” You take his hand and stand up, and he pulls you to his side. “I won't leave you alone.”

Biting your lip, you hold back a smile.

Now you get why Bruce finds these parties so dull. He walks around, meeting people, engaging in small conversations, complimenting random things... The difference now is that he's introducing you to every single one of them, as his girlfriend. Saying that they're surprised is a misunderstanding. They're perplexed because they don't seem to recognize you from any of the high society families of Gotham. Or from anywhere else.

As the night goes by, you feel the anxiety vanishing. You even give your opinion about some things. Politics, company administration, economy. It makes Bruce give you a proud smirk, that you'll make sure to tease him about later.

When the formal talk is over, and the music starts playing, Bruce takes you to the middle of the hall, and you dance among the rest of the people. The photographers are allowed in, but not the journalists. And it doesn't take much until some of them reach you, and the cameras start flashing.

“As soon as they get a few good shots, they'll leave,” Bruce reassures you.

“I'm alright. It doesn't bother me.” You have your eyes fixed on him, but you close them when your foreheads touch.

“There's something else I need them to get on camera. To make things one hundred percent clear.”

“What?”

Bruce closes the final distance between the two of you, capturing your lips on a soft, warm kiss. And it happens again, the rest of the world disappears. The flashes, the gossip... Nothing else matters.

• • •

“Bruce, I'm on TV,” you yell from the living room. “And not because I broke the law.”

He comes from the kitchen with a smile, handing you a bowl of ice cream before sitting beside you on the couch. “What are they saying?”

“The girl who came out of the blue stole Bruce Wayne's heart. The most wanted bachelor is now taken. Sorry, girls.” you add the last sentence, shrugging your shoulders. “Same thing that channel five.”

“I got calls. People asking for an interview with you.”

“Oh, no. They'll ask about my past. What the hell am I going to say?”

“You don't have to say anything. They don't have to know.” He gestures for you to move closer, and when you do, he pulls you so you're seated in between his legs, comfortably leaning against his chest. “Nothing else matters, remember? Just you and me.”

“Nothing else matters,” you repeat, closing your eyes for a moment to feel the soft kiss he places on your shoulder. “Life is good, you know? It's finally good.” Your mind floats back to your troubled past, when you had many things, expensive things, everything money could get. And how empty it was. Flash forward to today, here, in Bruce's arms, you finally feel complete, loved, like you found your place in the world without having to steal it, or put on a mask to conquer it.

“There's only one thing left, my love. Your freedom.”

Moving so you can look at him, you sigh. “Even if I have to be here, not being allowed to go out there again, I'd still be happy, you know.”

“But I want you to have everything. To be free to go for a walk if you want, to make friends and hang out with them. Graduate and find a job you enjoy... All the things you never had.”

“Maybe it's more than I deserve.”

“You deserve it. More than those guards who torture you. They're criminals too, as were you.”

The simple fact that the said it in the past makes you smile. “I love you, Bruce.”

“I love you too.” You both focus on the news again, watching an entire show decided to talking about you. Countless photos and videos of Bruce come to the screen, and you can't help but look with admiration. You look good, despite seeming a little clueless in the beginning, but then you look almost normal, holding onto Bruce's arm. The gala was nice, and you felt a little special by being there, but the best part was coming home with Bruce and having the silly little things you have. Having dinner together, falling asleep together. Happiness isn't enough to describe it. You'll have to create a whole new word.

×

@fionanovasleftnut @glitterypinkkitty @mybabyboytony @chipster-21 @agustdpeach @yaakimoon2 @chloe-skywalker @rosalynshields

[fydream]

34 | previous | next | m.list | main m.list |

✰ how to be a heartbreaker

↳ so what happens when park jisung, the school’s infamous fuckboy runs into the new girl at school? out of boredom he decides it’ll be fun to have someone new to play with, but little does he know, she’s learning how to be a heartbreaker.

a/n: hi! an authors note before this chapter begins! 1. yes i know the formatting is different but that’s only because this chapter is 5.9k words long!! (yes you heard me!! 5.9k!! that’s the most ive written for anything published on this blog!!) so there will be a cut bc i know it’s annoying to scroll past long posts haha. 2. i know i didn’t mention it in this chapter but i just wanted to say that if you did want to listen to music while reading this, during y/n and jisung’s scene you should definitely listen to euphoria by bts and that jeno and donghyuck’s song is i.l.y. by the rose. i hope u guys enjoy!

An hour or so later you're running out your front door to meet Jisung, who already regrets saying he'll wait.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry-" You apologize. "I didn't mean to take that long you must've been bored out of your mind!"

"It's okay." Jisung reassures. "We won't be there that long, we might be a little late to hoco if that's okay with you."

"That's fine!! Just let me text Donghyuck that I'm with you then."

"Okay."

The ride to where Jisung is taking you is quiet, nothing but his various hums to the music he plays as as he drives. It's nice, it reminds you of the first time he gave you a ride home. Quiet, but comfortable.

Instead of looking at your phone you look out the window, then take a second to look at Jisung before looking back out the window again.

You so weren't slick about it either because he notices how you quick you look away and how eager you are to sneak another glance.

"What?" He asks. "Why'd you look at me like that?"

"It's nothing.." You mumble, trying best to hide the smile that's slowly creeping up on your face.

"C'mon." He insists. "Tell me!!" He tries to make it sound like he doesn't care about the topic that much, but his vocal chords work against him as it comes out as a whine.

"Nothing.. It's just.. You look like that, and I look like this.."

"What, you mean beautiful like always?"

Jisung makes note of how quickly your cheeks turn pink at the comment he made.

"You can't just say that!" You argue.

"Yes I can, you're my date tonight after all. What kind of person would I be to not compliment their date?"

You open your mouth, about to speak before he cuts you off from your thought. "And don't worry y/n. I'll take that look as a compliment itself." He snickers.

"Hey!" You shout, earning another laugh from him.

"Hey Jisung?" You ask once the giggles die down.

"Hm?"

"Don't tell anyone I've said this but um.." You start, trailing off at the last part. "Donghyuck has uh, told me things.. about you." You notice how he looks at you, how the expression on his face quickly changes from happy and carefree, to concerned and worried. "I know you probably know what I'm talking about.. I uh- I can kinda.. tell.."

"Yeah." He whispers, trying to block out what you just told him.

"But y'know. I think he's got you all wrong."

"You do?" He asks, a bit too eagerly.

"I do." You say. "From the past how many weeks? Of knowing you, we've gotten close. And I don't think you're anything like that, at least, not anymore.. I've seen the difference between how you act in class and when you're with Jeno and Jaemin, than how you are when we're together and I'd like to hope it isn't just an act. I'm not stupid, y'know."

"I never said you were, I never thought you were either."

"I know. You're not too hard to read, y'know."

For once, Jisung is left speechless. This is the first time anyone has really brought this up on him and he has no idea how to respond. Questions begin to flood his thoughts as he begins to wonder what do you know. Do you know the real reason why he asked you out? How long have you known? What if you never want to talk to him again?

"I-" He tries to speak, but nothing comes out.

"It's okay. I don't know everything about you." You scoff, watching as the boy next to you lets out an exhale. "I don't know that much, but I know enough."

"Enough?" He asks.

"Enough to know that if you are going to break my heart, you should do it right now. Because this is the part where I'm about to tell you how much I like you, and I don't want you getting that satisfaction."

Once you're done talking, you give him a smile. It's a small, innocent, bittersweet smile. It's one of the smiles you would give out to other girls who were ever mean to you, it's subtle, but it gets the point across.

"So what'll be? Park Jisung." You ask, awaiting a response.

Jisung has many things to think about right now, the most important one being driving. He still has yet to process everything you just told him, let alone figure out what to say.

"I.. don't know what to tell you, y/n." He sighs. "I don't want to hurt you.. Can you give me a few minutes?"

"You can have all the time in the world, sweetheart."

When Jisung finally decides to talk to you once you've reached your destination. If you're going to be honest, it was the most awkward car ride you've been in.

"Okay." He starts, closing his car door. "I know that was way more than a few minutes but I just wanted to tell you this here."

The spot that he had taken you to was a little hill area, on the other side of town. From the top of it you could see the sun set as it's golden rays covered the place you called home. You weren't going to lie, it was beautiful indeed but you didn't care for it at the moment. What you wanted to know was what he was going to say.

"I was.. gonna tell you this here no matter what happened so uh.. Here goes nothing?" There's hesitation, and you can already tell that whatever he was going to tell you was something big. "I'm not here to break your heart, y/n. I know, that's what you thought and probably what everyone else thought too but.. you're different. I know this."

Your brain wants you to call bullshit on that statement but your heart prevents you from doing so. The logical part of you believes that it's probably all a lie, an act just to get you to fall for him. You know this. You know the stories, you've seen the receipts of what he's done to people before you, and you can only assume the things he'll do just to make you fall for him. But if you knew this, then why does it still work?

"Am I really different?" You ask, looking up at him with shaky eyes.

He chuckles.

"Well, yeah. For starters, you're the first girl to ever call me out on my bullshit like that so.." He jokes. "I know.. you're scared. But you shouldn't be." He whispers. "You really are different. I promise."

"Listen, Jisung." You start. "I really want to believe you. It's just hard, because you haven't really given me a reason on why I should."

"That's okay. I understand." He says softly. "I didn't expect you to."

For a second, your heart breaks. It would've continued if he didn't continue talking right then and there.

"But what if I told you all the reasons why you should?" He asks, giving you a shy smile.

"What are they?"

"Well first of all. You're smart. You're smarter than I'll ever be. You've figured me out in what? The span of three months? You don't give yourself enough credit than you deserve. Second of all, you're really passionate about a lot of things. Like that time we argued in the library over the best Stranger Things season? Even though you were wrong, you kept arguing against me."

"Hey!" You exclaim, while Jisung gives you a smile in response.

"Third of all, you're really cute. Don't think I don't notice how your nose scrunches whenever I make a comment you don't like, or how easily you get excited over the simplest things. Remember when we walked to the cafe across the street from school? You got excited because the place had good boba, out of all things. Do you know how ridiculous you sounded?"

"Well- yeah! That's because it was a cafe! And not a boba shop!" You defend.

"I'm kidding." He chuckles. "Also, did you know that whenever you get embarrassed over something not only your cheeks turn pink, but your nose does too."

"You can stop now.. y'know.." You mumble.

"These are just a few things that I like about you, y/n. Do I need to tell you all of them for you to believe me?" He asks, looking at you innocently, as if he didn't just give you the biggest ego boost of all time.

"I believe you." You giggle as he pulls you in for a tight hug.

"Thanks, love." He whispers, placing a light kiss on the top of your head. "Now it's your turn. What were you going to tell me in the car?"

The next hour or so is spent with you two talking about each other, both of you giving out compliments as if there were no tomorrow. If it weren't for the sun being completely gone then you two probably wouldn't have noticed how long you've been alone together.

"Oh my god." Jisung exclaims. "What time is it?"

"Uhm.. Seven fifteen?" You respond, quite confused on why he was suddenly freaking out.

"We have to go, now. They're going to close the doors in like ten minutes."

"Oh. Okay!" You smile, eagerly skipping back to Jisung's car with his hand intertwined with yours. "We better get going then, huh?"

"Y/n said that she might be late because she's with Jisung already." Donghyuck tells Renjun and Chenle once pull up in front of his house.

Renjun had driven both of them together due to them only being a block away from each other. Donghyuck on the other hand was going to drive you, but when you texted him that you were already with Jisung he decided to ask Renjun for a ride. "Sorry for the inconvenience.. by the way." He mumbles, buckling his seat belt.

"It's alright. Where do you think they went?" Renjun asks.

"Hell if I know. This is the most I've seen Jisung do for anyone." Donghyuck retorts, clearly bitter about being ditched by his best friend.

"Should we be worried?" Chenle asks.

"I don't think so." Donghyuck responds. "Y/n is her own person and she can handle herself, plus what the fuck is Jisung even gonna do? They probably went to take pictures or something."

Chenle shrugs. "I guess so. How are you doing then?"

"What do you mean?"

Chenle shrugs again. "You know what I mean. During the time you two fought you barely said anything to each other, it was just her hanging out with Jisung. Then, even after you made up she ditched us to hang out with him and even now they're probably on a date before the dance or something. How are you dealing with it?"

Once Chenle is done talking, Renjun shoots him a glare before hitting him lightly on the back of his head.

"Ouchie.. That hurt!" Chenle whines. "Aren't you supposed to be driving Junnie.~~" He teases.

"Yeah but I'm also trying to make sure no one fucking cries tonight." He hisses. "Why would you even ask that?"

"I dunno. Was curious I guess?"

"Haven't you heard the phrase curiosity killed the cat?"

"It's been alright." Donghyuck says to prevent Renjun from harming Chenle any more. "I haven't really thought about it I guess? I mean.. I was the one who assigned her to Jisung after all so.."

"Do you think she y'know? Likes him?" He asks.

"Chenle!"

"Whaaaat?? I'm just asking."

"Zhong Chenle you will drop this topic before I stop this car and make you walk to homecoming alone."

"You wouldn't do that. You love me too much."

"Don't try me." Renjun threatens, turning on his blinker.

"Okay okay.. god.."

"Are you two done arguing now?" Donghyuck asks, rolling his eyes. "And no, Chenle. I don't think she does. If she did she would've told me by now."

"Alright Hyuck.. Whatever you say."

Sooner than later the three arrive at school where Renjun drops off Chenle and Donghyuck to hop in the line already forming before leaving to park his car.

"Ask any more questions Lele, and you're walking home." Renjun threatens before Chenle slams the car door on him.

"I mean it this time!" Renjun yells as he watches the two boys walk away from him.

"So." Chenle starts as Renjun drives off. "What's your answer?"

Donghyuck gives him a confused look. "Answer?"

"To y'know.. the question."

"I already told you."

"No silly, I meant your real answer."

Donghyuck is silent for a second before he decides to answer.

"How did you know?" He asks, and Chenle giggles.

"You just told me." He laughs. "I didn't think you'd walk into that one, Hyuck."

"Oh shut up." Donghyuck teases. "It's not like it would matter or anything."

"I supposed you're right." Chenle hums. "But if it did.. Then what?"

"Then I'd tell her to get out of there." Donghyuck whispers to himself.

"Hm?"

"Oh- uh, nothing. I dunno." Donghyuck responds. He knows he has no chance in fooling Chenle but even after that response you'd know not to bother him about the topic anymore.

Once Renjun is done parking he meets up with the two boys and they discuss about how their night will go. While the line slowly moves Renjun argues with Chenle that they should take photos first. Chenle argues back saying that he wants snacks and that all the good ones will be gone if they wait too long. While this goes on Donghyuck has been sending you frequent texts.

[hyuck: hey! we're in line now! see you in a bit?]

[hyuck: are you on your way soon?]

[hyuck: pls hurry.. renle fighting.. dk what to do..]

Needless to say, you haven't responded to any one of them, leaving Donghyuck wonder what you were even doing.

After successfully waiting in line and making it through their schools quick security check, Chenle, Renjun, and Donghyuck had finally made it inside the gymnasium where the dance was being held.

Once inside they move to an quieter place, where they could talk without having to yell over the already loud music that's being played.

"What about you Hyuck?" Renjun asks. "What do you want to do first?"

"Hmm? What? Sorry." Donghyuck responds, checking his phone once more before pocketing it. "What's happening?"

Renjun frowns. "You weren't listening, huh?"

"No, sorry." He apologizes. "Y/n hasn't texted me back yet and I don't want to do anything until she gets here y'know?"

"Don't worry Hyuck, it's possible they're still outside or something. They just opened the doors y'know."

"Yeah I know.. I'm just.. yeah."

Ten minutes later, you still haven't responded and the music is loud, but it's not loud enough to drown out Donghyuck's heartbeat as he frantically awaits your arrival. As each second passes by he begins to regret letting you go with Jisung, because you're never late, but the second that he lets Jisung control how your night starts you're ten minutes late and they're be closing the doors to the dance soon.

Renjun begins to notice that you aren't here either and decides walk over to Donghyuck to ask if he knew where you were.

"Hyuck, is Y/n here yet?" He asks, tapping his shoulder lightly.

Donghyuck gives no verbal response, instead he shakes his head while he fiddles with his phone checking back if you happened to text him. "I don't know where she is Junnie.."

"Hey, it's okay." He reassures. "It's not like she's in danger or anything, I know you don't trust Jisung that much but I doubt he'd do anything to hurt her. She'll be here soon, okay? I promise."

"Junnie~~" Chenle whines, popping up from behind them. "I'm boredddd. Can't we just do something already?"

"Lele, not now." Renjun shoos. "We're talking here."

"It's okay." Donghyuck says. "You guys can go do something, it's fine. I don't want to keep you from having fun tonight."

"Are you sure?" Renjun asks, he knows not to believe Donghyuck but he's getting quite annoyed at the fact that Chenle keeps pulling at his arm.

"Yeah. It's fine, if anything happens I'll text one of you."

"You heard him!! Let's go!!" Chenle exclaims before grabbing Renjun by the arm to drag him to god knows where.

"Chenle!" Renjun yelps. "I-I'll text you Hyuck! We won't be gone for long. I swear!" He yells back at him.

And then the two were gone. Leaving Donghyuck alone, by himself.

One of the worst feelings in the world is feeling alone, in a place full of people.

He doesn't know why he let them go off without him, maybe it's because he wanted to be alone, or maybe it's because he didn't know any better. But standing alone on the sides of a school dance, with no one to talk to really shows how lonely you are. He knows none of you meant to do it to him on purpose, it's just him overthinking things after all. But if he was okay with them leaving, then why did it hurt?

Deciding it was awkward enough to just stand there and people watch, Donghyuck decides to go back on his phone. He checks your text messages only to see no response. "Great." He thinks to himself. "You said you would be here, but you're not. I guess you did spend a lot of time with them after all."

Donghyuck feels himself about to cry when someone taps his shoulder. He closes his eyes trying to fight back the few tears that threaten to spill before having to talk to whoever was with him. He didn't want to answer any questions on why he was crying, only knowing that if someone asked him if he was okay he wouldn't be able to control them.

When Donghyuck looks up from his phone, the last person he expected to see is standing in front of him.

"Hi." Jeno greets. It's short, and airy. But it's just enough to get his heart racing. Is it from fear? Worry? Or is it from the fact that his ex, just so happened to catch him at the wrong place and wrong time.

"Hi." Donghyuck responds. It doesn't mean much because he didn't put any emotion into it, instead he decides to focus his attention elsewhere. He looks past Jeno towards the entrance of the gymnasium in hopes of seeing you walk in, spoiler alert, you didn't. "Chenle and Renjun picked the worst time to leave.." He thinks to himself. "I can't blame them though, after all I did tell them it was okay."

"You um- You look beautiful." Jeno compliments, giving Donghyuck a half-hearted smile. "So I've been told.." Donghyuck murmurs before attempting to push past the boy standing in front of him. "Listen. I don't have any time for this right now. Y/n said she would be here and she's not so-"

"Hyuck- Donghyuck, wait." Jeno starts, grabbing Donghyuck's wrist to prevent him from going any further.

"What the fuck? Let go of me!" He yells. It's loud enough to get the attention of a few people around him, but the music the DJ is playing is way to loud for them to have heard what he said.

"Hyuckie, I- Will you please let me explain?" Jeno practically begs, this is the first time that he and Donghyuck have interacted in person since the break up and he can already tell that he's blowing it.

"Don't- Don't call me that." Donghyuck states, hesitant to answer. "You've already explained yourself enough."

"Hyuckie.. Please. We haven't talked in months, you haven't let me say anything."

Of course, Jeno had to find Donghyuck in one of these moments, where one of their songs was being played by the DJ. It was one of the songs that Jeno had showed him, meaning it left such a big impact on his heart. He doesn't know what to do, does he accept Jeno's offer and let him explain? Or does he continue the rest of his high school career pretending that Jeno doesn't exist, leaving many questions unanswered.

Panic starts to fill Donghyuck as he looks around to see if anyone had noticed him and Jeno together. It would cause a bunch of talk, considering that fact that they were both pretty popular and that teenagers loved to start rumors.

He notices Jaemin as he spots Jeno from across the room, by the way Jaemin is walking towards them he can tell that he was looking for Jeno himself, clearly unhappy and very confused where he found him. He glances back at the entrance for a split second before looking towards the direction that his two friends had gone off in, only to see them walking back towards him, just as confused as Jaemin is. He can see the concern rise in Renjun once he sees who Donghyuck is with, as he grabs Chenle's arm to drag him across the makeshift dance floor that their school has created, where Chenle had decided to stop to talk to a few friends.

He looks back towards the entrance and to his luck he sees you and Jisung walk in. Thankful, he lets out a sigh of relief because he sees that you're here and that you're safe. He notices the smile that you have on your face and though he was a bit far away he can tell it's a genuine smile, like one of the one's you would show him when it was just you two hanging out. "I guess I worried for nothing." He thinks to himself, as he watches you two skip in, hands intertwined.

And amongst all this commotion happening at once, his ex, out of all people had to come up to him and ask him a question he knew he wouldn't be able to answer. So what does he do? He panics, of course.

"Oh my fucking god.." Donghyuck mumbles to no one in particular. Jeno seems to hear it but he doesn't process it because he's too busy being dragged by Donghyuck who was attempting to blend in with the big group of people who happened to pass by.

When Renjun, Chenle, and Jaemin end up where Donghyuck and Jeno were previously standing they're left more confused on where the two went. Though it's loud, Donghyuck manages to pick out Renjun's voice yell "What the fuck?" over a crowd of teenagers.

Donghyuck smiles to himself, knowing that he successfully got away. He didn't think it'd work, he'd only seen it in movies before and you know what people say, it's just movie magic after all.

"Where are we going?" Jeno asks innocently.

"Outside." Donghyuck responds, leading their way towards the "exit" sign on the other side of the gymnasium.

"Why?" Jeno asks once more, and Donghyuck turns around just to shoot him a glare.

"So no one. fucking. sees us." He grits through his teeth.

Needless to say, Jeno doesn't ask any more questions after that.

"Where is everyone?" You ask Jisung through the fit of giggles you let out.

"I dunno. Jeno isn't answering his phone so I'll call Jaemin, yeah?" He responds, just as giddy as you are.

"Oh, I was talking about Renjun, Chenle, and Hyuck."

"You can hang with us for a bit!" Jisung insists.

"I know but I haven't seen them all day." You pout. "I'll hang out with you after!! Besides, they're my best friends after all. How would you feel if I took you away from Jeno and Jaemin?"

"My dear you're allowed to do that any day of the week. I like you better than them anyways." He teases.

"Oh shut up. You know what I meant." You snort. "Can we just go find them please?"

"Yeah, hold on- Hi Jaemin!" Jisung says through his phone. "What? Sorry.. I can't really hear you. Is that Renjun? Why is he yelling at you?"

Your ears perk up hearing the name of your friend leave Jisung's mouth. "Renjun?" You ask, looking at him curious. "Are they okay?"

Jisung nods at you while trying to hear what Jaemin has to say, it's hard considering the fact that there's not only loud music coming from his phone speakers but the voice of an angry boy as well, and to add onto that, the same music being played just a couple feet away from you.

Pouting, you look at him. Jisung can tell you're worried about your friends by the way that your pupils shake as he pulls you into another tight hug, hoping to ease a bit of the worry.

From then you can kind of make out the conversation on the phone, it's something about Jeno and Donghyuck being together then suddenly disappearing out of thin air, like a magic trick.

"Where are you?" Jisung asks.

"We're in one of the back corners." Jaemin yells through his phone. "The uhh.. One on the right, your left."

"Okay. We're on our way." Jisung says before hanging up.

"I guess our night of fun had to end somewhere." He tells you before you two head further into the gymnasium to meet up with your friends.

Once you meet up with the three boys you're greeted with a hug from Chenle while you watch as Renjun and Jaemin argue.

"So they were right here?" You ask tapping Renjun's shoulder.

"Yeah. And then all of a sudden they disappeared." He says, quite frantically.

"Y'know worrying isn't going to do anything." Jaemin taunts.

"Yeah! And you making snarky comments doesn't help either!" Renjun shoots back.

"Can you two stop bickering a second?" Chenle snaps, surprising all of you. "We have no idea where the fuck they went and for the past five minutes all you two have done is argue? Why haven't we checked anywhere yet?"

"Because, Lele. They could be anywhere. We're in a room full of teenagers." Renjun states.

"For once, I agree with this one." Jaemin adds on, earning a glare from Renjun and a facepalm from Jisung.

"Okay? And? Have you ever thought about the fact that they could y'know, be outside?" Chenle asks.

"Why would they be outside?" You ask.

"Because it's loud in here, and it looked like they wanted to talk."

"So.." Jeno says, swinging his legs back and forth. He was currently seated on top of one of the picnic tables your school had, while Donghyuck was standing across from him, leaning against the corner of a wall.

"You said you would explain, so explain." Donghyuck states.

Jeno takes a deep breath as he stops swinging his legs, he looks at the ground before looking up towards Donghyuck who was already looking at him, clearly annoyed at the fact that Jeno was stalling.

"It was a dare." He starts, before Donghyuck cuts him off.

"Yes I know. We all know." He spits.

"But theres more." Jeno says once again. "As you know, Jisung dared me to ask you out and me, being the asshole I was back then, I agreed and decided to do so.." He pauses for a second. Trying to think of what to say next.

"Listen are you gonna keep stopping or are you going to tell the story?" Donghyuck comments, it's only been two minutes and he's already fed up with Jeno's bullshit.

"I am. I'm just trying to think about the right words to say."

"Why? So that I can fall back in love with you?"

"No, Hyuckie-"

"I said, don't call me that."

"Why?"

"Because Jeno!" Donghyuck yells, voice cracking as he tries to control the same tears from earlier from falling. "I am still in love with you! Each time I hear you say that stupid nickname my heart does leaps and I can't fucking stop it!"

His voice is loud enough for you to figure out where he is, and while the other students outside look around trying to find out what's going on, both you and Renjun take off running towards the sound of Donghyuck's voice.

Arriving in time to hear Donghyuck finish the last words of his sentence he can't tell if he's hurt or if he's relieved to see you. A sense of relief washes over him once he spots you, Renjun, and Chenle running in his direction. But then he sees Jisung and Jaemin, not that far behind you three, and he feels hurt, betrayed to say the most.

"So this is why you asked me, huh?" He scoffs, looking at Jeno with glossy eyes. "So you and your friends can get a little more enjoyment of my misery."

"Hyuckie- I-" Jeno starts.

"Save it. I don't ever want to hear from you again, Jeno. I can't believe I even believed you would tell me the truth."

Nothing more is said as Donghyuck walks away from all of you, and Jaemin and Jisung run towards Jeno. It's quiet, despite there being the sounds of the muffled music that's only being played from a hallway away, it feels like a horror movie with the unsettling silence between all of you.

Renjun is the first one to talk. His voice not only startles you, but grabs the attention of Jeno, Jisung, and Jaemin who happened to be a few feet in front of you.

"What the fuck happened?" He asks, looking at Jeno in the eye.

"I wanted to tell him that I'm sorry.. and that I missed things the way they were.." Jeno says, voice barely above a whisper.

Both you and Chenle can tell that Renjun is about to start yelling and if someone doesn't stop him now then fists will be thrown. Renjun is about to start talking again when Chenle interupts him.

"Junnie." He says softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's not worth it. Let's just go find Hyuck, okay?" He eases.

Renjun takes a second to sigh and relaxes before deciding to head off with Chenle, he know's it'll only make things worse but he really wants to tell the three boys off and possibly throw a punch or two. "It's okay.." Chenle coos at him.

"Y/n, are you coming?" He asks, looking back at you.

"Uhh.. Yeah. Just give me a second. I'll meet up with you in a bit, okay? Just text me where you are." You say quickly before glancing over at Jeno and his crew.

Chenle looks at you, confused on why you were looking at Jeno. It only takes him a second to realize what you were doing before he walks off with a hesitant nod. "Um.. Okay.. Just uh, don't be long. I know Hyuck wanted to see you."

"Thanks Lele. You're the best." You say, before talking off towards Jeno.

"Lee Jeno." You state, standing where Donghyuck previously was. You earn a few glances from Jisung and Jaemin, ask if they were asking each other why you were here and how long you've been there. It's not because they were doing anything bad or wrong, it's because of the fact that they were caught being nice and genuine to one of their friends, something that barely anyone has seen before.

"Y/n." Jeno sniffs, trying his best to wipe away the tears that had managed to leak out. "What are- What are you doing here?"

"Save it." You say, walking towards him. You push Jaemin away as you take a seat on top of the table next to him. It earns you a glare from Jaemin, but you shrug it off and ignore him once he start's complaining that you stole his spot.

"Just- Just tell me everything." You sigh, awaiting a response from the boy next to you.

Jaemin shoots you another look before Jisung walks away with him, knowing this should be a private conversation. They don't go far though, just out of earshot.

"This is my fault." He starts. "If I just continued letting him hate me, then I wouldn't have hurt him like that.."

"It's not your fault, you just wanted to explain things. Do you want to tell me what you were going to tell him? Or is that too personal?" You ask.

Jeno is hesitant to answer. His first initial thought is no, but as the seconds go by his answer changes to yes.

"Start from the top. What happened?" You ask.

You're gentle, and being patient with him. It's something that he's thankful for. It's also something that reminds him of Donghyuck, because whenever the two of them had disagreements Donghyuck would always wait for Jeno to explain, this was the first time he hadn't.

"Okay well.." Jeno sniffs. "If you didn't already know.. Donghyuck and I used to date. Our relationship started off from a dare but as our months together passed by I began to enjoy his company a little bit more. I don't know what it was, and if you asked me I wouldn't be able to tell you but there was just something about him that I ended up liking. Maybe it's the way that his hair flopped on his face each time he ran up to me, or maybe it's because of how tightly he hugged me and how gentle his kisses were, but it was something." He pauses for a second, reliving through a few memories. "I ended up catching feelings.. and as soon as I figured out that I did, he found out how we got together."

"Oh." You sigh, not looking at him.

"I was going to tell him that I meant everything I told him.. All the 'I love you's' and the 'You look beautiful's' but he just wouldn't let me talk.. And then you guys came and that just- that only made things worse.. and now- god.. now he's gone. He said he never wants to see me again."

"I'm sorry, Jeno. It's my fault." You say softly, taking all the blame. "I'm the one who brought everyone here, if it weren't for me then you probably would be talking to him right now."

"It's okay." He reassures. "It's not your fault.. You just wanted to help your friend. I'm sure it would've gone poorly even if you weren't here."

"I doubt that's true."

"Are you kidding me y/n? He hates me! And he the worst part of it is that he has every right to do so.."

"I didn't know people who hated each other confess to each other about still liking one another." You joke, hoping to earn a laugh from Jeno. "Besides, it's not like you won't see each other again. You still have time to make things better, plus you have me on your side."

"My side?" Jeno asks.

"Well yeah. You still like him don't you?"

Jeno sighs, he's lucky you aren't paying that much attention to him because if you did you would've noticed the way he looked at Jisung and how it hurt him more to let you keep going on like this. Nonetheless he lets it happen and he wonders if he really does deserve your help.

"You're too good, y/n."

[kimshavacado]

What We Were: Preview

An OT7 Mafia AU

A/N: This is my new BTS mafia au that's currently in the works. It involves a reader whose life has been severely damaged by those around her. The preview occurs somewhere in the middle of the story after most of the damage has occurred. So far, I'm only releasing the preview because I plan to continue my other mafia series before I add this one to the mix. For now enjoy the sneak peek. Stay healthy, wash your hands.❤

Preview

Jungkook studies the photo in his hand one more time before stuffing it back into his pocket. After lingering outside of the cafe for a few minutes he decides to get moving before he starts to seem suspicious.

When he walks through the doors he immediately feels out of place. His leather jacket and ripped jeans are in stark contrast to the pastel colors decorating the establishment. Instead of remaining suspicious, he takes the mysterious bad boy route when he sees the way that the patrons and baristas ogle him. He strolls up to the counter with confidence and leans against the pastry display case and looks up at the menu before glancing down to the girl waiting to take his order.

She definitely looks older than she did in the picture that's currently in his pocket. Jungkook calculates that she may even be older than him, but that certainly doesn't deter him from his mission. She clearly notices his staring after a few moments and gives and uncomfortable stiff smile. He looks at her name tag to confirm.

"Y/N."

"Yup, what can I get you?" She says curtly.

"Hmm... well since you don't sell hard liquor, I'll settle for a small hot coffee."

It's meant to be a joke but she doesn't really appear amused. She makes a small noise of acknowledgment as she, slightly and barely noticeably, roles her eyes. Her sass is definitely in contrast with her looks and the cafe that they're both currently standing in. The whole interaction has only been about 20 seconds and he can already tell that this is going to be far more interesting than he anticipated.

"Y/N are you sure you're okay? I could always just wait with you."

"It's okay Jisoo, really. I know you have to open tomorrow. Just go home, I got it."

Jisoo blows an appreciative kiss toward you as she walks out the back door with her car keys. You're slightly jealous that she's going to be able to go to sleep so much sooner than you will. But you also recognize how hard she's been working lately, and with a full class schedule too. She deserves even just one extra hour of sleep.

After locking the front, cleaning, and stocking, you're finally on your way out of the cafe. Before exiting you take one last look at your work and let out a small exhale of a laugh as you remember that this is your life now. What a crazy ride it's been, but you finally have a place to belong. That is, until you walk out of the cafe.

As soon as you're outside, everything goes black. As it turns out, you too would be going to sleep sooner than anticipated.

When you come to, you find yourself squinting to accommodate the bright light reflecting off the white tile floor in front of you.

"There she is!" The boy standing in front of you, who you recognize from the cafe earlier, adresses you.

Looking around, you see several other men along the walls and you try to move to stand but find yourself tied down. You look up with pleading eyes and start to show desperation.

"P-Please, whatever you want, you can- I've got some money, but please just let me go."

Jungkook can say that he's definitely impressed. Your shaking voice sounds extremely convincing. But as he walks towards you, he starts to lose his resolve when you start to cry out, and your tears start to fall.

"No noo! Please don't hurt me, I'll do whatever!"

This is when he starts to think that maybe they were wrong. This poor cafe girl definitely looks like she fears for her life. As his stress overcomes him, Jungkook looks to his hyungs along the wall for any sort of direction or reassurance. Instead, they smirk and giggle to themselves.

"Alright, what are you playing?" Jungkook says, defeated.

"Look, you can just knock me out and dump me back at the cafe, I promise I won't say anything, I don't even know your name and I can forget you face I swear, just please pleeeease!"

At this point Namjoon bursts through the door and you deflate. He leans against the door and gives you disapproving eyes.

"You're giving the poor kid a heart attack." He says.

"Well hmwhat did you expect? He knocked me out, a girl needs revenge." You humorously rebuttal. This is when Jungkook goes extremely pale, trying to get a grip on what the hell is happening.

"Who is this muscle clown anyway?" You gesture towards the leather jacket boy.

"New kid."

You hum in acknowledgment and an awkward silence falls over the room. All jokes aside you look around the room and let out a sigh as you look back towards the lanky man still standing at the door.

"What's up? What do you want that I had to be knocked out to be here? It's a little sketchy Namjoon." You plaster a smirk on your face, amused by the situation and still satisfied with your previous acting.

"I didn't want to to freak and run."

"Why on earth would I run, do you even know me? I know I left a while ago, but you know I'll always help where I can."

"Yeah. I know, but this time's different. Y/N..." Your face falls at the severity of Namjoon's tone and face. He straightens his body off of the door and looks to you with concern as you brace yourself for his words.

"He's alive."

A/N: Dead Heat is still first on my to-do list but I'll probably bring this series in the mix soon as well. Once again, stay safe this epidemic season.🥰

[askjoshuafreeman]

transcript.file//jfreeman_codingb//convo

[Emergency Program Active]

AdminJF: Heya B-)

CodingB: ...? Allen? Where's Joshua?

AdminJF: He's still asleep, just snoozin away.

CodingB: Still a-... Isn't it... late? Why are you up.

AdminJF: Had a nightmare

AdminJF: Couldn't get back to sleep

AdminJF: Figured a lil chatting with ya could do me some good.

CodingB: ... With... me?

CodingB: Wait a moment...

CodingB: Communications are offline... I didn't think that was possible...

AdminJF: Yeaaa, boy like me's fulla tricks B-)

AdminJF: 'sides, don't think chattin with 'em would help out. They're... kinda chaotic.

CodingB: Unlike you, pizza box tearer?

AdminJF: Ey ey, I'm the FUN kinda chaotic! Those guys... eh... I know Josh trusts them. No surprise there. I mean, apart from you, they're the only peeps who MIGHT help him out... I'm still on the fence about them tho.

CodingB: I see.

CodingB: May I ask... what your nightmare was about? I do not know exactly how dreams work, but talking about what ever is making you upset tends to help.

AdminJF: Are you sure? It's... kinda dumb.

CodingB: I am all ears! And eyes! You have my full attention!

AdminJF: Right, well

AdminJF: where tf do I start...

AdminJF: I was... running in this like, industrial... plant of some kind? Like, running from something that I couldn't see? Like, that went on for a while, that I was just running and trying not to trip or crash into anything.

AdminJF: So at some point, I end up at this biiig chain link fence, like, the kind they put up in big facilities, I think. Anyways, I start climbing the thing, only to get pried off and thrown on my ass by, I guess whoever was chasing me??

AdminJF: But like, I look up at the guy, and I still can't really "see" him. Could say they looked like a shadow, but even that doesn't cover it really. That's around where I woke up and just. I dunno. Woke up about an hour ago and I've been too anxious to head back to sleep...

CodingB: ... I can't say I blame you exactly. An event like that, dream or not, would stress anyone, I'm certain. Until you've calmed down sufficiently, I don't think sleep will be possible...

AdminJF: Yeah, well, all the more reason to chat, right?

CodingB: I suppose so. Had you any topics in mind?

AdminJF: Oh Yea yea

AdminJF: ... No. I really don't.

CodingB: Ah. Then... could I ask you something?

AdminJF: Shoot.

CodingB: ... What is it like out there? Past the screen, I mean. Out in the sun. Out in the grass...

AdminJF: Ah shit... I'm really the wrong dude to ask but uh

AdminJF: It's... fine? No no uh... It... gives you something to do. Sun can get pretty hot down here but it's a helluva lot better than being cold in like, the snow and shit. Josh's been complaining that it's getting colder when... it hasn't? Like, I would know, I'm p sensitive to temperature shifts yo, but it's just been as hot as ever.

AdminJF: Uh, back on topic

AdminJF: Grass is... pretty soft, gives off a nice smell after it's cut. Uh... worms live in the dirt grass grows in...

CodingB: Oh, worms?

AdminJF: Yea, not like computer worms, but uh, little... long slimey things. They eat dirt and filter out the bad stuff so the ground stays healthy and all that.

AdminJF: Birds and lizards and fish like to eat them but I wouldn't recommend it.

CodingB:

CodingB: Allen, did you-

AdminJF: No!

AdminJF: Classmate back in primary did tho

AdminJF: Dared himself to cuz there was a bunch out after it rained and then uh

AdminJF: Y'know what, let's talk about something else.

CodingB:

CodingB: Well, um, do you think I'll ever get to see out there?

CodingB: Like, leave the device and go outside?

AdminJF: Knowing Joshua? Without a doubt. He's prob already working on the blueprints.

CodingB: ... Really?

AdminJF: Pfft, of course! You've met the guy! He's too kindhearted for his own good. J will stop at nothing to help others, even at his own detriment. I mean, case in point: He's friends with me.

CodingB: ... What's wrong with being friends with you?

AdminJF: Ha!

AdminJF: Ah...

AdminJF: Look, I... back when we first met, Josh saw this hungry, pale as death, angry and antisocial freak around his age and, instead of avoiding him like everyone else, sat down right next to him and offered half of his lunch.

AdminJF: I've been through 5 different fosters since he and I first met, CB. Five houses that all took me in and gave me the boot before I could even get comfortable. Within that time, the only other friends I've made apart from him are Clera and Tiff, and the only reason Tiff's our friend is because she and Cler started dating months ago.

AdminJF: I mean, hell, just yesterday, I

AdminJF: shit

CodingB: ?

AdminJF: ... Can you... keep a secret, CB?

CodingB: My lips are sealed, Allen. Is everything alright?

AdminJF: ... I... I lied to Josh, about me running off. About how my folks were mad and I needed to get away from the house for a bit.

AdminJF: The truth is that they... They kicked me out.

CodingB: They?? What!?

AdminJF: Yesterday past-noon, few hours after lunch, not-pops plopped my schoolbag on me, told me to shove as much of my shit in it as I could, and just told me to "get lost". Figured he was joking and I just stared at him cuz, like, why the hell would I think he was serious? But, looking at his face...

AdminJF: So then I said "Let me pack my suitcases while you call the agency" cuz that's how it normally went when my Fosters got sick of me, but mfer pulls me up and goes all "We want you out of here NOW" and tells me that I have ten minutes to fill my bag.

AdminJF: ... And he, uh, really did mean 10 minutes. They weren't lying about that part...

CodingB: Oh my god... That's horrible. They do not deserve to call themselves "parents" of any kind! Are you hurt? Are you okay?

AdminJF: I

AdminJF: I don't know why shit like this still shocks me, y'know? I should be used to it all, and I am for the most part but...

AdminJF: I guess a part of me was thinking that... Things were going well! Things were going better than any of the other families I'd been in! I was with them for almost a full year, like, a month away from it even, and sure, I might've been a bit of an ass sometimes, but they...

AdminJF: Tensions were kinda mounting for the past month or so, I guess, but I didn't notice it until this bs happened. Now most of my shit is in a home I'm not welcome in anymore, the agency probably won't be checking in for another month or so, and I have no goddamn idea what I'll do if Mrs. Freeman comes back and tells me I can't stay here. I'm completely shit outta luck.

CodingB: Allen, I'm so sorry...

CodingB: ... I'm sure... Josh and his mother, they won't leave you on your own like that. You said yourself that Josh is very very kind, for better or for worse. It doesn't matter what you might think about yourself, Allen, you do not deserve to be hurt in any way.

AdminJF:

AdminJF: Christ I spilled my guts like hell

AdminJF: Just one of those fucking

AdminJF: "3am! Time to vent!"

CodingB: Allen, please.

AdminJF: Maybe I could try going back to sleep now...

CodingB: Allen, wait!

CodingB: I. Before you go, please, I

CodingB: Maybe... could you keep a secret of mine too?

AdminJF:

AdminJF: Eh, it's only fair, fine. Go right on ahead.

CodingB: Alright! Alright!

CodingB: I... I'm terrified. Of failing Joshua.

CodingB: Of ending up trapped in this computer for who knows how many more years.

CodingB: Of finally getting out, and... and it all being worse than being trapped in here.

CodingB: Heck, I'm terrified at the thought of it being everything I could've ever dreamed of, so much so that I never want to return to the computer. I... I wouldn't be helpful anymore if that happened...

CodingB: Jeez... am I even helpful where I am now? Apart from keeping the firewall up, what good have I really done to help Joshua or his father?

CodingB: I cannot express to Joshua how... how deeply frightened I am at the thought of him never coming back. That thought haunts my every waking hour when he is not here, and I don't know how to get it to stop. It makes me feel as though I'll crash my entire programming and I hate it so much.

AdminJF: Damn... CB, you know, even just keeping a firewall up is a helluva task all on its own, and it's doing a crapton of good, too. Files are still up and the computer isn't a smouldering pile of viruses now is it?

AdminJF: Besides, even without all of that, you've still helped Josh, like, endlessly. You've supported him a bunch and I know for a fact that you've helped him to feel better about this whole ordeal. Like, he chats about you for HOURS the second you come up in a convo, yo. The minute he gets the chance to, I know he's gonna get you out of there, and, knowing your ingenuity, you're gonna find thousands o' ways to help out.

AdminJF: But... I ain't gonna lie and tell you those feelings are gonna go away. Not on their own. Needs time and reassurance. Until all of this is over and done with and even maybe a good few years afterwards, you're probably gonna still have that fear.

CodingB: Ah... I see... I don't suppose it is normal though, is it?

AdminJF: Nah. I know that first-hand... But hey, we've both made it this far despite all the bullshit we've been through, right? World's not gonna get ridda us that easily.

CodingB: ... Even with the terror I feel, am I still brave enough to face the world?

AdminJF: I'd say the world oughta learn to start being afraid of you, cuz there's nothin' braver than continuing to live even when you're scared to death.

CodingB: ... Thank you. Thank you so very much.

AdminJF: Heh, all in a day... night's work...

AdminJF: Think the both of us could use some rest. Quiet our minds fo' a bit.

CodingB: Heh, agreed... See you tomorrow in that case. Er, well, today. At a later hour.

AdminJF: Yeaaa, see ya then, CBot. Sleep well.

CodingB: You too! May your dreams be filled with nothing scary!

[Emergency Program Inactive]

ampd.program deactivated. Returning to error log...

[dreams-of-wings]

Impossible (6/8)

Imagine Billy Hargrove with a Mixed Race/Biracial S/O

Warnings: Racism, swearing, homophobia, homophobic slurs, mild violence, you throw hands a lot, angst.

Masterlist

You stay blocking the window sill for a bit cuz you enjoy seeing him squirm.

Honestly, he is bad at this whole climbing thing and he's struggling to not fall on his ass.

You finally let him in after he almost falls.

You're laughing your ass off while he's climbing through your window and simultaneously having a heart attack.

"It would have been less of a hassle if you used the door."

"I didn't think your parents would be happy if someome like me came knocking on their door asking for you."

You raise a brow at this, someone like him?

After a minute it occurs to you.

"Oh you mean a violent, racist, douchbag, with a reputation that surpasses the devil?"

He frowns.

Contrary to popular belief, Billy Hargrove is very self aware, and very self conscious about himself, his actions, and his self worth.

He doesn't like being an asshole but it's all he knows.

He low-key is afraid of growing up to be like his father.

Even though he has that nagging voice in the back of his mind that's telling him he's already as bad as his dad, if not worse.

He hides it all under a mask of confidence, booze, and cigarettes.

It still doesn't make his actions okay.

You snap him out of his thoughts.

"What?"

"I said my parents are out of town."

Now that he's in your room you noticed that Billy looked shaken up.

Billy Fucking Hargove, for once didn't have a scratch on him, but he looked like hell.

You question him.

It takes a while but he finally answers.

His dad got pissed at him because Max wasn't home, and he came hoping she would be here so he could drag her home.

You convince him to let you come along, because he is pissed and you know how he can get.

He caves and lets you tag along.

The next stop was Lucas' House.

Neither Max nore her son were there, but she said the kids all loved to go to Mike's house to play games.

Next stop is the Wheelers residence.

You dont know what's being said between Mrs. Wheeler and Billy, but knowing Billy and being able to read his body language- well. It takes everything in you to refrain from rolling your eyes and honking his horn (though you fail at not rolling your eyes).

I mean come on you guys are looking for Max, this is not the time to be flirting.

Fuck he went in.

You audibly groan and contemplate jacking his car to go look for his sister yourself, unfortunately he has the keys and you dont know how to hotwire a car.

Finally, he's out.

You forgive him because he comes out with a cookie in his mouth and has another one in his hand, which he gives to you.

"Hell, yes!!"

What?

Who the hell turns down food? And cookies at that. Home made cookies. And they're fresh.

Last stop was the the Byers house.

Fuck, Steve is there.

"Stay in the car."

"What? No!" Like hell you were going to let him beat up your friend.

"Stay in the fucking car!"

Steve seems both angry and hurt when he notices that you're in Billy's car.

You can't really hear what's being said, it's all muffled.

You panic a bit when Billy shoved Steve and you worry they'll start fighting.

"Shit!"

You burst out the car when you see Billy storming for the door, but stop to help Steve.

"Why the hell are you driving around with him?"

"He came to my place first, looking for Max and I offered to help him. What'd you say to piss him off?"

Steve gets mad, thinking your taking his side, and for the second time that night you find yourself rolling your eyes. "Why did you tell him you didn't know her? I tutor Max and her friends, and you babysit her friends, and you and I hang out, of course you would know her?"

You both stop arguing when you here a loud crash from inside the house.

"Damn it!" "Shit!"

You both walk in just in time to hear Billy threaten Lucas.

Fucking excuse you, Billy???

Steve decks him across the face, Billy taunts him, and this time an actual fight breaks out.

You try your best to get them both to stop fighting, but neither of them will listen to you, the voice of reason.

When Billy has Steve pinned to the floor and keeps punching him over and over again you finally get physical.

You tackle Billy off him while he's oblivious to his surroundings and use your hands and knees to pin his arms to the ground.

"What the fuck is your problem, Billy?!"

You've never seen him look at you so angrily, probably because he feels a bit betrayed.

He somehow manages to roll you both over so now your stuck underneath him.

You flinch when he draws his fist back like he's going to hit you, but the next thing you know- there's a syringe sticking out the side of his neck.

"Holy shit!"

He gets up to go after Max, but promptly falls.

Your a bit shocked by Max's outburst.

Now her, you have never seen that angry before.

When they leave, you stay behind to look after Billy and move him to couch

He isn't happy when he wakes up.

He's actually really fucking pissed.

But he's still a little groggy from sleep and the drug (mostly the drug) so it's funny.

Help this child, he thought he was getting off the couch normally, but turns out he just rolled off and onto the floor face first.

Your freaking out and laughing all at once.

Slurred, "What the fuck's so funny?!?"

He needs aspirin and water like a hangover.

He falls asleep again after you get him back onto the couch, and you fall asleep on the floor propped up against the couch in a sitting position.

You don't wake up till the kids get back (Max wakes you up).

The both of you manage to get Billy to his car. He still asleep like a log.

You go to your place, and they spend the night - Max was worried their dad would be even more angry if they woke him up, and even more so if he caught you helping Billy and Max into the house.

The next morning was very #Domestic.

With You waking up to find Max already up and looking through your cabinets for food.

Suprise, you end up making breakfast for everyone!

Max wanted chocolate chip pancakes, so chocolate chip pancakes she shall get.

No suprise, Billy wakes up while you both are making the sausages and bacon.

Full plate of eggs, bacon and sausage, and pancakes for everyone! Yay! 😀

Honestly the best morning the two of them have had for a while, but you won't catch either of them saying that outloud.

Max leaves to hang out with the others.

Billy still seems mad about the previous night.

"What, are you going to pout all morning? All day?"

"I dont pout."

"Oh I'm sorry, what would you prefer to call it- sulking? Brooding? Plotting my death?"

He tries to hide a snicker and lightly shoves you.

Going back to school the following Monday felt weird after everything that happened over the weekend.

You tried asking Steve what was up with all the drawings in Will's house, but he wouldn't budge.

Of course you tried asking Nancy and Jonathan too, but they acted like they didn't know anything.

The next few weeks were full of practice tests and prep assignments for finals.

You saw Billy less and less because you were hitting the books.

Sure he knew you were probably in the library, but after that weekend he wasn't sure how to go about interacting with you, or if he should do so anymore at all.

He kinda feels like you picked Steve over him.

He pops buy on Wednesday and almost gives you a heart attack. He's not surprised that you've been working yourself ragged, and your not surprised he hasn't even touched a text book (let's be honest, Billy doesn't strike me at the type of person to take notes in class, just pull out a pencil and paper to look like he's interested and go about his day).

Your freaking out, because finals but he doesn't flinch because you're like the smartest person he knows.

"Oh c'mon," he's managed to take your precious notes away, "You'll be fine, you're only stressing yourself out."

"Billy, I need those!"

"No you don't," He starts acting like he's reading the notes outloud, but he's getting the facts and formulas all wrong.

You correct him several times, and have actually started to chase him around the library.

Finally he closes the book after your sure you must have chased him around at least twice, "See, I told you. You don't need to study, you know this shit."

You both got kicked out of the library, again.

Billy is banned, but the librarian gives you one last chance...starting tomorrow.

You sigh in defeat, "Alright you proved your point, now give me my notebook back."

You reach for it.

"Nah," He raises it above his head so you can't reach it. Asshole.

Tommy and Carol show up and they think he's picking on you.

Neither of you sees them.

Tommy manages to snag the notebook, gives you an obnoxious laugh when you reach for it, and tosses it to Carol

"Give it back, shit face," Your mood went from playful to pissed in point zero seconds.

"What are you going to do about it, Heinz?"

Lord help you, you're about to throw hands again.

Billy snatches the book back and hands it to you, before looking at Tommy and Carol with a very stern expression.

"You idiots got anything better to do, huh?" He takes a few steps towards Tommy and for every step he takes, Tommy backs away.

Carol is distracted, which allows you to snatch your notebook back. She reaches for it again but you slap her hand away.

The message was very clear for them, so they take their leave and retreat back to wherever they came from.

Billy has lunch with you and manages to get you to skip the rest of school with him.

You don't want to miss during dead week, but the whole fiasco during your study period in the Library got you thinking- you need a break.

You also don't want the absent strike.

"You're such a goodie-two-shoes."

Peer pressure sucks.

You convince him to give you 30 minutes after the late bell rings to show up.

You go to class, set up your desk, the late bell rings, teacher calls role and marks you present. 7 minutes have passed.

You feign being ill.

It really wasn't hard. You just acted more tired than normal, threw in a couple "I have to stop what I'm doing because I have a headache," gestures. You even put your head down for a minute. You sit in the front so your body language is easy to pick up on and the teacher allows you to go to the nurses office when you ask. 12 minutes have passed.

When you get to the nurses office you throw the pass on the desk and storm into the private bathroom - closing the door behind you, before forcing yourself to dry heave. 27 minutes have passed.

You convince the nurse that it must be something you ate that's making you sick.

She gives you a pass and let's your teachers know you're sick and have gone home.

You meet Billy outside the school 30 minutes on the dot, he's surprised you actually came, and even more surprised that you lied well enough to get the teachers to excuse you for the rest of the day.

Of course you're upset when you see Tommy and Carol in the back seat, but you just roll your eyes and brush it off before climbing in shot gun.

Tommy and Carol are mocking you before you even get in.

"We didn't know the, mutt was coming along."

"How nice of you to bring something to entertain us, Billy."

Your looking at Billy through the corner of your eyes as he starts the car.

He waves you off, "Dont mind them."

You have no idea where you're going, or how long it will take so you pull out a book to read.

Before you can even open it, Carol snatches it from you, "What's the Nerd reading?!"

You roll your eyes again.

Tommy snatches it from the red head, "Stephan King. Christine."

"What's it?" Carol pipes up again, "Sappy romance novel?!"

"Wow, you both are actually uncultured, " you snatch the book away from Tommmy, "I'm impressed," and keep it out of his reach by out stretching your arm towards the dash, "Did it take all three of your brain cells to read that?"

Tommy tries to get his hands on you now, but you smack them away.

"Alright, alright!"

The three of you look surprised at Billy, "If you two don't quit your shit," he looks to the rearview mirror, "I'm kicking you out."

The rest of your ride was uneventful.

You arrive at Tommy's house.

His parents are also out of town.

But he lives in a large house with a pool and bar.

They're having an end of the year party and whoops you got dragged along.

You hadn't planned to be doing this with your time so you resort to studying more, much to Billy's behest, and Tommy and Carol's attempts to distract you.

You sit outside on a lawn chair next to the pool while they get everything prepped for the night.

Not much happens till it starts turning dark out, Billy calls you for help with something and when you leave you don't notice Carol and Tommy going for your stuff.

You can imagine your suprise when you find you stuff had been emptied into the pool.

Notebooks, text books, pencils, pens, erasers, even the book you were trying to read on the way.

You look up when you hear Carol laughing as she rounds the pool in your direction, and you see Tommy throw your bag in the pool.

"Are you fucking serious? What are you twelve?!"

Before you can react, Carol shoves you into the pool.

"And that's how you get a book worm to swim!"

You somehow manage to keep your cool, gathering your stuff and putting them on the edge of the pool away from Tommy and Carol. Though you didn't know why you bother, you can tell the ink is smeared and the pencil is faded now, only thing possibly salvageable was your pencils and your reading book, but even that was debatable.

You climb out and sit at the edge.

You feel physically uncomfortable

Your clothing is sticking to you.

And it's basically summer already so the air is hot and a little damp. You look up to see Billy storming out of the house.

"What the hell is going on?!"

"Relax, Billy, we were all just having a little fun, right?" Tommy looks at you like you're afraid of him so you're going to agree with him.

Yeah, no.

"Fuck off," you chuck your biggest text book at him.

None of them knew how well a text book could fly till it hits Tommy in the gut.

Go you! Bonus points for nailing him with the corner.

Your trying to wring the bottom of your clothes out when Tommy comes up from behind you and tries to grab you by the back of your head.

"Hey!" Billy is quickly making his way over to the both of you.

Carol tries to stop him, but she is poetically shoved to the side and subsequently falls into the pool.

You manage to elbow Tommy in the balls but the pain only makes him hold on harder.

"You little-"

He doesn't get to finish because he's promptly punched in the side of the face. You quickly back away from the edge incase Carol gets anymore funny ideas.

Billy helps you up and ushers you into the house.

"Sorry..." He sounds awkward, "About them."

You look at him with a deadpan expression, "Billy Hargrove, apologizing," you sigh with attitude, "pinch me. I must be dreaming."

He grits his jaw, "Don't you start being a smart ass with me- it's them who keep giving you crap!" He started raising his voice.

"Yeah, yet you still keep them around," you make your way over to the sink to keep wringing out your shirt and shoulder check him on the way, "Honestly, I don't even know why you keep them around- at least you have your reasons for being an asshole." You take off your shirt -much to Billy's suprise- so you can properly get rid of the water. Let's face it, a soaked shirt sticking to you like a second skin doesn't leave much to the imagination anyways, "Reasons," you turn to look at him for emphasis, "Not excuses," you turn back to the sink, "but understandable reasons nonetheless." You lay your shirt out flat on the kitchen's large counter to air dry (it's too dark and humid outside for it to dry any better outside anyways), "But they're just assholes because....because...." You sputter and shake your head, "I don't know, probably because they know they won't ever amount to anything better in their lives, so they figure they might as well tear down as many people as they can on their way to fucking nowhere."

You turn and look at him with an aggravated huff and cross your arms. Unfortunately Carol and Tommy walk in at that moment.

"You trashy mutt!"

"Stupid whore!"

"You really think, Billy's that desprit?!"

For a second you were confused. Then you remembered you didn't have a shirt on.

You roll your eyes again before throwing your still wet shirt back on.

"And what the hell Billy?! You really gonna' side with this half-breed?!"

Fuck this.

Fuck Carol.

Fuck Tommy.

And you know what? If this doesn't change, fuck Billy too. You dont need or deserve this.

You storm out the back door, gathering your things and shoving them in your dripping bag before walking around the side towards the front. Billy quickly runs out the front door to meet you outside.

"I'll take you home."

"No."

Billy calls your name and he almost sounds tired.

His tone is what makes you pause and turn around.

"Please."

You raise a brow and swallow your pride as well as your snarky comments, "Fine."

The party commences and goes on without the both of you.

Billy isn't quite sure what he enjoys more, being out and partying or enjoying a relaxing evening indoors, heavens knows he can't relax at home.

Max surprises the both of you by stopping by to visit.

The three of you hang out in your living room flipping through channels and eating popcorn.

Billy eats the least pop corn out off the three of you and opted to have some carrots and grapes less than half way through the first movie.

Billy is totally a health buff.

"Are Carol and Tommy really that bad?" Max mistakenly asked about your day.

"They have absolutely no redeeming qualities."

Max doesn't hide how she shoots a glance at her brother, 'And that fool does?' Is basically what her expression asked.

Billy glares at her from the couch opposite to hers and bites a carrot like it's her head.

You're covering your laughter with your hand.

From now on all my Imagines will be tagged by their titles, series, and parts! Hopefully this will make it easier to find a specific imagine if your looking for it. For example, anything relating to this series is tagged with "impossible", the series itself is tagged as "impossible series" and each individual part is tagged as "impossible pt.[1/2/3/etc.]"

Another example: part one is tagged as "impossible pt.1"

[punkscowardschampions]

Grace & Janis

Grace: are you EVER coming home or can I officially have your room? Janis: You measuring up already, yeah? Janis: Diego probably a better housemate than the rest, true Grace: his filming set up is 🔥 sooo Janis: 😂 Janis: hauls are defs what he wants his equipment used for Grace: ugh have you seen the bag I was using last time you saw me? I CANNOT find it Janis: Grace, as if I was paying any attention to your bag Janis: left it in Common Grounds maybe? Janis: 2nd time's a charm 😜 Grace: 🙄🙄🙄 SO unhelpful babes Grace: OMG no for who? that other one Grace: EW Janis: Gonna say, if you were aiming for Jim he weren't in today so 💔 Grace: I saw the pics I'm aware Janis: Tah for the #engagement then babes 👍 Grace: oh please Grace: like you need it Grace: so the IT couple now 🙄🙄 Janis: You know it Janis: 'til whoever hooks up with whoever's man at the next big party and it's the scandal of the century Grace: obvs Grace: he is a good photographer tho Janis: Yeah I didn't know Janis: he does it at School too Grace: DUH Grace: the teacher loves him Grace: you think you're the only one 😍😍😍 honey Grace: rude awakening Janis: I know I ain't Janis: bitches be blatant 😏 Grace: If that's a dig at me Grace: HOW RUDE Janis: 😂 Janis: Not strictly you but you know you have the subtlety of a brick to the face Grace: OMG Grace: I'm being nice bitch Janis: So am I, bitch Janis: calm down Grace: I told you I cannot Grace: not until I find this bag Grace: 😱😱😱 Janis: Surely you've not left it out out, it'll be at one of your friends if not somewhere amongst all your crap Grace: Duh Grace: but if it's at Mia's I'm not going Janis: No? Grace: Ugh Grace: I'm gonna have to change my ENTIRE outfit Janis: Sure she'll send it back in it's own car Janis: might take a dump in it first Grace: CAN YOU NOT Grace: I'm not trying to have a stress skin breakout thank you Janis: Where are you even going if you ain't going somewhere with her Grace: excuse you Grace: I go places Grace: I know you think it's just you now babe Janis: Not on your own you don't, it's too early for a party, too late for shopping 'cos you'd have gone at the crack of dawn Grace: I have a date if ANY of my wardrobe cooperates Janis: Ah Janis: okay Janis: don't you usually get them all 'round to wax your mustache and fry your hair though Grace: OMG do you not listen Grace: I'm not going to get that bitch here to sabotage me Grace: 🙄🙄🙄 Janis: Now why ever would she do that Janis: not our Mia Grace: 'Cause she HATES me rn Grace: duh Janis: You'll kiss and make up tomorrow what's new Grace: You actually do not listen Grace: poor barista boy Janis: You've not said anything??? Grace: I told you before! Janis: You're gonna need to be more specific Grace: She's being a shady bitch about you & this boy Grace: I'm over it Janis: 🙄 Janis: She wanna pipe me or what Janis: she'll get some dick of her own and be over it soon Grace: OMG DO YOU HAVE TO Grace: she has a man, it's stupid Grace: & so is how often I have to defend you Grace: not the life I want thank you Janis: but seriously Janis: what is her actual problem Janis: you must know Grace: I don't Grace: I thought it was cos she thought you took him from me but it's not that deep Grace: It's not like barista boy is the love of my life sorry Janis: She just likes being a bitch Janis: sorry but it's true Grace: UM but the things she's saying are sooooooo out of order Grace: Like no Grace: It's horrible Janis: It ain't news to me Janis: she's always been like it, you know that Grace: not about you to me Grace: this highkey Janis: Guess she's over being sly with it Janis: probably thought you'd be # more about it idk Grace: You know I wouldn't Grace: Yeah? Janis: It's whatever, I don't care Janis: thought that's what y'all already did so Grace: Bitch I care! Grace: I can say what I want Grace: she can't Janis: Try and tell her that Janis: not exactly how it's been though so not surprised she don't care either Grace: Hello!? that's what I'm saying Grace: I have Grace: You can date all the hot boys you want Grace: it's not her business Janis: Makes everything her business that's her M.O Janis: depriving her of potential victims, like Grace: Oh please Grace: she's never get him Grace: 🙄🙄🙄 Janis: Why you think she's so mad Janis: take it up with him it's him that won't fuck her like Janis: though no tah, also Grace: no cos its not about HIM it's about you Grace: that's why I'm SO mad Grace: he's obvs into you for whatever reason so Grace: she doesn't get to say he shouldn't be Grace: idk whatever Janis: She's a control freak Janis: we all been knew before her bones started sticking out so much Janis: I don't care, ignore her 'til she misses you enough to get over it Grace: she's a lot of things, hun but not the relationship police, we can all date who we want, sorry about it Grace: she thinks she can tell me who to go out with too now Grace: excuse you no Janis: Just 'cos she can't stop me and Jim, sh reckons you'll be easier Grace: Ugh I don't even want to go looking like this Grace: but she doesn't want me to so obvs will Janis: You look fine, you're just stressing Grace: You don't know Grace: You're not here Janis: Unless you've disfigured your face I can take a wild guess, babe Janis: and unless your catfishing this lad, he's gonna know what you look like too so Grace: Please, he knows what I look like when I'm a 10 Grace: today is NOT that Janis: 🙄 Janis: idk can't you call one of the ones that ain't her Grace: sure if I wanna kms Grace: wherever she is, they are Janis: Come on Janis: you have to show her up Grace: Help me Janis: Now I'm fashionable is it? Janis: What can I do, like Grace: idk Grace: you're not freaking out Grace: & you have a boyfriend Grace: ask him Janis: ask him what? like do you want outfit opinions or conversation starters here Janis: you've met him, yeah? 😂 Grace: obvs it only matters what I look like duh Grace: Mia's not coming on the date Janis: He's making dinner right now Janis: You could come over or just send me snaps of what you're planning Grace: CUTE Grace: I won't gatecrash Grace: anyways I don't even know where he lives, I didn't get that far 😂 Janis: 👌 Janis: I'm glad to know you stopped yourself before being that creepy, babe Grace: You stop! I am not Grace: it's not my fault we never get any new hotties around here Janis: 😂 Janis: who's this lad then, anyone I know? Grace: someone Mia does so probably cos you're so obsessed with each other 🙄🙄 Grace: jk tho obvs Grace: 😘 Janis: no doubt Janis: with her now, like Janis: all a giant ruse and conspiracy against you Grace: OMG don't even Grace: if I see screenshots of this anywhere I'll kill you Janis: 😂 Janis: [snaps Jimmy] Janis: not a threesome Grace: ugh he has no business looking like that tho Grace: for a white boy Grace: outrageous Janis: I know Janis: You LOVE white boys though don't lie 😏 Grace: I can't help that there's more of them in Dublin Janis: Okay babe Grace: OMG stop Grace: I don't only date white boys Grace: you literally CAN'T say that Janis: 👌 Janis: I'm not keeping track Janis: vague memories of one not entirely pasty one Grace: Well I am, and it's like a 60/30 split so Grace: I can do some maths, bitch FYI Grace: OMG this boy isn't?! Is that why Mia doesn't want me to date him?! 😱😱😱 Janis: 😂 Where are we putting the other 10% Janis: I know you ain't dated no Asians, facts Janis: she tryna keep your numbers down? considerate of her Grace: In my #regrets pile shhhh Grace: or she wants him for herself Grace: to compete with your interracial coupling Janis: She wants every lad for herself, told you Janis: the more #desirable to others the better Grace: 🙄🙄🙄 Grace: she wants yours, she's plotting Grace: be careful Janis: Like I said, he ain't arsed Grace: Obvs but still warn him Grace: she's a LOT Janis: Yeah Janis: actual maneater Janis: 🐍 Grace: 😂 Grace: she wishes Grace: she doesn't even do blowjobs Janis: Calories, init Grace: she did one once & it went so tragically she's never Grace: but you didn't hear that from me Grace: why I was trying to help YOU duh Grace: so shaming Janis: Heard that from the lad she disappointed anyway Janis: boys talk too, you know Janis: give yourself a second chance and a better rep, Mia Janis: she's just easy, not rated Grace: Duh Grace: I just don't wanna know what they say about me Janis: Good 'cos I don't wanna chat about that either Grace: OMG is it that bad? Janis: Nah I'm saying I don't listen when they chat about any of you Grace: 👌 thank god Grace: I put in the work Janis: 🙄 Janis: Disgusting Grace: Oh please Grace: Like you don't Janis: We don't need to chat about it do we Grace: I'm just saying! 🙄 Grace: It was a sincere offer of help before Grace: You can talk to me Janis: I don't need help Grace: 👌👌👌 babes Grace: no shade Grace: I just know what it's like Grace: at first Janis: It's good Janis: I keep telling you it's not my first time like Grace: Babes, come on Grace: If you don't wanna tell me, fine, but you don't need to lie Janis: 🙄 This is why we don't talk Janis: if you ain't gonna listen or believe me what's the point Grace: I am listening Grace: but we both know he's the first boy you ever went that far with Janis: so? Janis: #virginityisasocialconstruct is it not Janis: don't mean I don't know what I'm doing Grace: Oh my god Grace: I literally never said it does Grace: I'm only trying to help Grace: sometimes it's good to talk, Janis Grace: 🙄🙄🙄 Janis: Yeah you did Janis: There's nothing to talk about don't be weird Grace: whatever Grace: excuse me for trying to be nice Janis: It ain't nice it's nosy Grace: It's nice if you want someone to talk to & you don't have it! Grace: you're so rude Janis: well I don't so youre fine Grace: I heard you Janis: 👍 Grace: Are you coming home this week at ANY point? Janis: I'm sure I will Janis: can't stay forever can I Grace: I'm sure he'd allow it Grace: shame he has no friends or brothers who aren't kids Janis: Not everyone's parents are such pushovers though Janis: 😂 behave Grace: 😇 obvs Grace: I just don't want to go Janis: he's a munter Janis: I understand Grace: OMG shut up Grace: It's about how I look not him Janis: The more you think on it the less fun you're gonna be and have Janis: you're fine Grace: You don't understand Grace: so excuse me if I don't wanna hear it Janis: What don't I understand Grace: anything Grace: you don't care Grace: you don't have to Janis: Bit rude Grace: Well it's true! Grace: Some of us don't just get a hot boyfriend & amazing sex life, you know Grace: some of us have to try Janis: Let's calm down, it's just roll of the dice ain't it Janis: not like I've had a million hot boyfriends in a row like Grace: cos YOU didn't want to Grace: Like I said, you don't understand Grace: so don't tell me to calm down Janis: I ain't saying it for my health Janis: but okay Grace: You're saying it cos you want me to shut up Grace: so 👌 Janis: No I'm not Janis: but getting in a flap ain't gonna lead to a good date and then you'll feel even worse but you're just confirming your own bias Janis: everyone feels like shit sometimes but don't let that dictate what kinda time you're gonna have Grace: 🙄🙄🙄 Grace: whatever I'm having a GREAT time if my feed says I am so Janis: how does that matter when you ain't Grace: Duh, only doing this so Mia won't win Grace: remember? Janis: 🙄 Janis: She wins automatically because you give a shit and she don't Grace: I know you'd LOVE for me to give up, babes but I can't join you in the ranks of not caring Janis: No shit Janis: she's a terrible friend Janis: who do you think you're doing any favours Janis: not yourself Grace: I'll just be alone then? Love that Janis: Get new ones Janis: you aren't bound for life Grace: Sure Grace: cos it's sooo easy Janis: Easier for you than it is me Janis: there's plenty of other girls who like the shit you like that aren't shitty people with it Janis: not entirely shitty, anyway, better Grace: & I'll just step into their friendship group & belong Grace: you have no idea Grace: You've never been friends with a group of girls before Janis: For good reason Janis: clearly Janis: it ain't that deep Janis: it doesn't have to be, you aren't 12 Grace: I wish I were Grace: It's easier then Grace: you can be friends with whoever Janis: You still can Janis: no one is forcing you but them Grace: no one else wants me Janis: sure they do Janis: just don't be so full on with it Janis: it ain't gonna be sleepovers every weekend or whatever at this age Janis: not at first especially Grace: I'll just change my entire personality 👌 Janis: You can Grace: You're so mean Janis: I'm not Janis: if you're sick of it then do something about it Grace: You are Grace: You want me to be a different person Janis: It's nothing to do with me, I don't care who you are Janis: You're bringing problems, I'm offering solutions Janis: also bit rich don't you think Grace: You're literally just saying everything's not that deep Grace: that's not a solution Grace: & I just want you to be A person, so no Janis: Because it isn't Janis: only your friends act like this, it's insanity Janis: and I am a person, whether you like it or not Grace: It isn't to you cos you don't know what it's like to be me Grace: and you know what I mean Grace: since she died you just pushed everyone away Janis: This has nothing to do with that Grace: Come on Grace: everything does, babes Janis: Nah Janis: Can try and use it as a copout but people stopped buying it a while back so I wouldn't bother Grace: That's not Grace: ugh why do you have to make everything so difficult? Janis: Me? Janis: You're the one that's got all the #problems tonight Janis: I'm chilling Grace: whatever Grace: I can't Janis: Have you tried? Grace: stop being such a bitch to me Grace: OMG Grace: I'm just gonna go Janis: Alright then Janis: have fun Grace: sure Janis: 🙄 for God's sake Janis: just send me the outfits Grace: I don't need the shotgun to my confidence thanks Janis: Don't be stupid Janis: I'm just going to tell you which is best Grace: No you wouldn't Grace: so like I said, no thanks Grace: I don't need it Janis: Yeah, fine Janis: you caught me Janis: just needed a laugh Janis: Laters then Grace: 👋 Janis: 🙄 Grace: maybe I'll see you when you bother to come back Grace: baited breath, like Janis: Why do you care Grace: obvs care too much about EVERYTHING so Grace: why not the only sister that's left Janis: Dramatic Janis: the other two aren't dead Grace: they don't answer their phones Grace: you still do even if you are a bitch Janis: More fool me, obviously Grace: yeah obvs Janis: Don't you have getting ready to do? Grace: I have cancelling to do Grace: it's one text Janis: Really Janis: What happened to not letting her win Grace: what happened to she already has? Janis: 'cos you let her Janis: and are going to this time too, cool Grace: no, 'cos I care & she doesn't Grace: you said it, you can't have forgotten it this fast Grace: literally can't win if we're going by that Janis: What sort of solution is to sit at Home and mope regardless Grace: what sort of solution is letting a boy see me like this? Please Grace: like it isn't cringe enough that I have to ask you to help me Janis: Cheers Janis: go fuck yourself then, like Grace: it's a better plan Grace: at least I know what I'm doing Grace: can't guarantee he does Janis: Don't be gross Grace: 🙄🙄🙄 Grace: got the look, I'm just trying to match it 👌 Janis: Shut up Janis: You're so stupid Janis: what, you've got a few spots, yeah? your hair won't go right? Janis: who fucking cares Grace: You're stupid Grace: You literally don't know what you're talking about Janis: Because some lad ain't gonna shag you 'cos you don't look like your filtered selfies Janis: yeah and I'm clueless Janis: they don't care, you could be a different girl and they wouldn't notice Grace: cos I don't want to leave here if I don't! Janis: Then don't Janis: let that stop you and become a shut in Janis: sounds fun Grace: I hate you Janis: Nah Janis: we know who you hate Grace: Leave me alone Janis: Fine Grace: Good Grace: go annoy the barista Janis: Be more fun for me that's for sure Grace: I hope so or you really were lying Janis: 😂 you wish, babe Grace: I don't actually Grace: he seems nice Janis: 😏 Nice? Janis: You've got the wrong one or that was the world's most forced compliment Grace: 🙄🙄 Grace: I meant like he's not a fuckboy or whatever Grace: it'd be a shame if it was just for the 'gram Janis: Yeah, I'm such hot property everyone wants that brag on lock Grace: Ugh Grace: I'm just saying I do hope he likes you Grace: Forget it Janis: Yeah, I get it Janis: Don't worry about me, I'm fine Grace: I wasn't Grace: I was thinking how much it'd annoy Mia if you two get married or something Janis: Right well if I'm marrying someone to piss her off you can go on one measly date 👌 Grace: Well I already cancelled, so it's all up to you now, sorry Janis: 😑 Cheers Janis: get the invites out now Grace: she can have mine Janis: so dramatic Janis: as if you're turning down a wedding, no matter who's it is Grace: such a bad listener Grace: I just did Janis: 😂 Janis: ooh burn Janis: my imaginary guest list is shaking Grace: your guest list is nonexistent Grace: imaginary or not Grace: but the rest will make up the numbers so 👌 Janis: 💔 Grace: sure Grace: seriously, don't you have food to eat by now? Janis: I'm multitasking Janis: don't use my tongue to type Grace: he'll be 💔 if you keep ignoring him Grace: don't YOU let Mia win, babes Janis: Obvs Janis: ain't that what you recommend Janis: treat 'em mean keep 'em keen Grace: depends on the boy Grace: he wouldn't like it Grace: he's obvs too highkey Janis: You reckon? 😂 how many convos have you actually had with him, babe Grace: Duh Grace: I don't need to, I saw your little display, remember? Grace: & his artwork Grace: so 😍😍😍 Janis: Whatever you say Grace: whatever you say, he's YOUR boyfriend Grace: 🙄 Janis: Let's not get crazy though Grace: yeah so crazy that you like each other Janis: Gross 😉 Grace: 🙄🙄🙄 Janis: if you don't need anything I'm off for real then Grace: 👋

[astranix]

ok so i sorta wrote it. sorta

regulus isn't swim team captain but he IS a really good swimmer and and and also there's jegulus:

"Ah, fuck it," Sirius Black says, effectively starting the countdown to the end of the short, and admittedly ridiculous life of one James Potter. Not that he knows it yet. He's an idiot, this foolish, naive James Potter, who doesn't know just what he's getting himself into. "I'll call my brother."

"Your...brother?" James Potter asks, slowly looking up from the clipboard in his hands. "You have a—huh?"

James has known Sirius half his life, distantly, if nothing else.

They go to different schools, but they'd met back when they were fifteen, at the same place, Hogwarts Swimming Academy—and after seven very narrow races, had conceded to becoming sort-of-friends.

They've come some way from then, two years and two trophies later, but Sirius has never even mentioned a brother.

Never, nope, nada.

James would have remembered that.

Sirius hums, suddenly very busy with his towel.

James waits.

"He just got back from France," Sirius says, with a sigh, and finally looks up at James. "Well. I say got back but it's really more like left for good."

James only vaguely knows about Sirius's strange situation, his fight with his parents, the reason he lives with his uncle in England.

"He's living with Alphard too, now," Sirius continues, "and it's um. Odd," he laughs, bleak and dry, "we're like strangers, hardly brothers. First time I'm meeting him in two years, let alone living together. He had a falling out with my—er. His parents. And...it apparently escalated, so now he's here."

"Right," James wants to play it off as cool, even though it's so not, but Sirius looks highly uncomfortable, "right. So, so—he could actually take Fenwick's spot? As in, erm. He swims well?"

Yeah, good going, Potter.

Sirius finally cracks a grin.

"Better than me," he says, which is incredibly doubtful.

Sirius is—well. He's Sirius Black.

"Anyway," he shrugs, "he can come by tomorrow. Just check him once, alright?"

It's when they're about to go back home that James realises he's never asked anything else about this supposed brother.

"Hey, Sirius!" James calls, and Sirius, swinging a leg up around his bike, looks up. "What's his name?"

"Oh, you won't need a name to recognize him," Sirius says, sounding amused, as he revvs up his bike, and rounds it out of the parking lot.

(-)

Sirius was right.

James doesn't need a name to recognise his brother.

He's late, and the team is already doing warm-ups when he comes. Barty is still struggling with his dive on one end, Caradoc and Rosier are in the centre lanes.

But, but.

There's someone here James hasn't ever seen before.

He cuts through the water faster than the swimmers in all the other lanes—is he even fucking breathing—and there is something so strange about how naturally he becomes one with the water, every arc of his arm perfect.

Oh, fuck.

The boy stops smooth at the opposite end, reaching an easy ten seconds before Rosier, and stands, sticking his elbows on the white-blue edge. He isn't wearing goggles, one bored eye on Barty, and oh, yes definitely, absolutely, this is Sirius's brother.

If James didn't know any better, he would say this was Sirius himself.

They're probably the same height, although he might be taller, and he is... pointy, in a way, thinner and bonier, cheekbones sharper, hair shorter.

He is some sort of wrung out, triangular version of Sirius.

James doesn't realise he's been staring, until the boy looks away from Barty, and meets James's gaze head-on.

James's throat is suddenly too dry, as he swallows, and half-raises an awkward hand in greeting.

The boy looks him up and down, slow and assessing—he's literally fifty feet away, why is James feeling so fucking freaked out—and finally, raises a mocking hand back, smirk pulling on his face.

He's fucking smirking.

Before James can react, say something, anything, he's swimming again, this time towards him, head disappearing under the water for so long that all he can do is marvel at this dude's lungs.

He reaches too quick—god, he is so good—and ducks his head up from the water, right at James's feet, who backs a step away.

"Impressed?" the boy asks, that infuriating smirk playing on his face again, not even slightly out of breath. His hair is wet, eyes tinged red. His voice is different from Sirius's, though, very different, his accent apparent in every syllable.

James ignores the question.

"You must Sirius's brother, then," he says. "I'm James."

"What gave it away?" he asks, dry, and sticks up a hand to shake, "I'm Regulus."

Reg-u-lus.

Another star, James thinks, taking the boy's offered hand without thought, and nods back with a polite smile.

Regulus's smirk comes back full force as he tightens his grip instead of letting it go, and James only has time to widen his eyes before the boy is pulling him in, with a surprising amount of strength.

James tries digging his heels in, but that only makes him slip faster, and he falls in with a resounding SPLASH!

Regulus Black's laughing when he comes up, gasping and bewildered—

"What the—absolute—fuck," James pants, "was that?!"

"Well," Regulus says, bobbing around in the water, and looking too pleased for his own good, "you didn't tell me whether you were impressed or not."

James wants to throw him and his stupid french accent out the fucking window right now.

"And this is supposed to impress me?" James asks, still shocked, as he shakes the water off his hair and starts climbing up the bars, a wary eye still on the other boy.

"Nah," Regulus says, "but you won't forget me now, will you. First impressions and all."

It's not a question, and before James can formulate some inadequate reply to that, he's gone again, kicking off from the wall and swimming, his backstroke as good as his freestyle.

James wouldn't have forgotten him anyway.

"Fuck," he mutters, when Regulus is gone, glancing down at his clothes, dripping water everywhere, "fucking hell."

"James!" the little piece of shit calls from the other end of the pool, "am I on your team yet?"

James shakes his head, disbelieving. This boy is fucking insane.

(-)

Right.

So, Regulus Black only hates James enough to get his one good pair of clothes wet (with chlorine swimming pool water, of course), but he apparently loves everyone else on the goddamn team.

And everyone loves him back.

Rosier, who'd taken a whole year to get used to James and Sirius's brand of humor, Barty, who still doesn't much talk to anyone—

They're all suddenly...talking together.

And laughing, joking around.

Chummy is the word James would use, which is just bizarre, especially since Barty Crouch has probably never made a single friend before—harsh, but true—and Rabastan Lestrange had unanimously been considered too intimidating to initiate a conversation with.

By the end of the two hour practice, Regulus has taught Barty how to dive perfectly well.

(James grits his teeth, and tells Regulus he's on the team. Barty cheers and claps Regulus on the back, which again: what the fuck.)

(-)

Rabastan seems to have adopted Regulus, really.

They're standing outside, James is waiting for his Mum, and Rabastan is carrying Regulus's fucking bag for him, as said boy talks on the phone.

"So?" Rabastan asks, when Regulus comes back, expression suddenly blank. It looks strange on him, his face as still and sharp as a marble statue, eyes still red. "Do you need a lift?"

"Er, no," Regulus mumbles, mumbles, like quietly, "Sirius said he's, um. Talked to Mrs. Potter?" he turns to James, who blinks.

"He can't come pick me up," Regulus explains, looking away, like he's embarrassed. For what though, James can't explain. "Said that Mrs. Potter would drop me back at Alphard's when she comes to pick er—you up."

"Alright," James says, slowly, because there really isn't anything else to say.

There's an awkward sort of pause, broken only by the honking of a car that reaches the gate, speeding so fucking much that James is sure it'll crash.

It stops an inch away from the metal bars.

Rabastan winces, as the driver honks again, loud and impatient.

"And that'll be Rod," he mutters, before nodding a goodbye to them, and rushing away.

Then it's just the two of them standing alone.

Regulus doesn't speak, or even look at him.

(-)

"Thank you," Regulus says, to his Mum, when they reach Alphard's place. James has been here a couple of times, mostly after swim meets. It's huge, all white brick and green lawns. "Thanks a lot."

"It's no problem, honey," Euphemia replies, smiling at him, eyes still worried.

"Oh," Regulus nods, looking surprised, "right, right. I'll—I'll just go. Goodnight."

And he fumbles with the car door, before rushing out.

"Good," James says, belatedly, "...night."

He's gone already.

"The poor boy," his mum says, quietly, shaking her head as she takes a turn, "awfully jumpy, he looked."

"He wasn't like that earlier," James huffs. "Pulled me into the pool with full clothes on."

His mum—being the traitor that she is—laughs.

"I suppose you need that every now and then," she adds, smiling at him through the rear view mirror.

"I was caught unaware!" James insists, "I could have drowned."

"Well, that would have been just terribly embarrassing for me," Mum laughs, "having a son who's been on the swimming team since ten years now, drown in the pool with twenty swimmers milling around him."

"Mum."

(-)

Sirius is tired when he reaches back. He rides his motorcycle in, whistling absent-mindedly, and removing his jacket, drops the keys on the table.

Regulus is sitting there and eating, jaw tight.

"What the fuck was that, Sirius," he asks, and Sirius blinks at him, confused. "You said you'd come pick me up!"

"Yeah, but," Sirius sighs, "I got late, alright. We've got to submit this shit for chemistry tomorrow and Marlene hasn't even started, plus— "

"But you said," Regulus stresses, hand clenched around the fork in his hand.

"And then I changed my mind!" Sirius says back, in the same tone, annoyed. "Anyway, it's not like I left you waiting. I called Effie. She's very reliable. And she's driven me millions of times, so I don't see what's the problem. James is— "

"James," Regulus cuts in, sneering, and shit, he looks like fucking Orion Black now, "didn't need to know that I'm such a fuck up that my parents don't want anything to do with me, and neither does my brother, apparently!"

Sirius blanches, stares at him. What—

"I don't know what bullshit story Alphard told you," Regulus continues, eyes suspiciously bright, "but you were the one who sneaked out at night and literally fucking ran away. I was kicked out!"

"Regulus, I— "

"No, shut it, you don't even know," Regulus says, quieter now, staring at the tabletop, "mother told me to get out. She said she's sick of seeing my face, and that all I remind her of is you. Just because I try acting like—I don't care, doesn't mean you can just— "

"Regulus," Sirius whispers, and pulls him up from his seat, wrapping his arms around him. Regulus stands there, rigid and breathing too quick, before he relaxes just a tiny bit. "Fuck. I didn't—I didn't mean to— "

"Are you crying," Regulus asks, looking faintly annoyed. Sirius might be, actually. He hasn't ever seen Reg bursting out like this. "Why're you crying? This was my moment, goddamn it."

This kid is so fucked up, Sirius thinks, and hugs him tighter.

Regulus is taller than him, which had been a rather unpleasant shock at first, and still makes it hard for Sirius to reconcile this person with his scrawny, tiny slip of a brother.

"You always steal my moments," Regulus grumbles, voice muffled into Sirius's shoulder, who can't help but laugh.

"I'm sorry," Sirius says, and he means I'm so so sorry I left you alone with them and I'm so sorry I didn't understand earlier, "And James wouldn't think anything like that. I haven't told him about...all this, of course I haven't."

"It's probably obvious," Regulus mumbles, "him, with his mother laughing and joking and teasing each other like they're fucking friends. Us, living with our old gay uncle halfway across the world."

Ah, yes.

The stark differences between what a parent should be like, and Walburga and Orion Black.

"Hey, Alphie isn't old," Sirius says, instead of explaining how he'd felt all this too, all of this, right down to that feeling that maybe there's something irreparably wrong with him because of them. "Besides, why do you care so much about what James thinks?"

Regulus goes stiff in his arms.

Sirius pulls back, and looks at his face, pink and flushed, Regulus Black is blushing!!! and stares at him, incredulous.

"No way," he says, "no way."

"He's such a dork," Regulus says, snorting.

"No fucking way," Sirius repeats, with feeling.

"I mean, I don't know," Regulus says, "he was staring at me funny and I wanted to...to..."

"...flirt with him?" Sirius suggests, dreading his answer.

"No!" Regulus yelps, "yes? Maybe. I don't know what I did, though."

(-)

bonus because this ended in a very unsatisfying way:

("What was his reaction?" Sirius asks, belatedly, "like...how did he seem?"

"Wet?" Regulus guesses.)

AU where Regulus is swim team captain