#‘you are the music that's been playing inside my head since the day we met’ OKAY WOW

[luckymilkshakerebel]

Title: Tangled Strings

Genre: angst,one side love

Words:2k

Cast : i.n(Jeongin) x female reader

---

The room was alive with music and chatter, but all I could hear was the sound of my heart thundering in my chest. There he was, i.n, standing near the kitchen counter, laughing at something my best friend seohyun had just said. His laughter felt like music in a room full of noise.

I’d always been the quiet one, the observer. seohyun? She was the life of the party—the charming one with the perfect smile and effortless charisma. Jeongin gravitated toward her like a moth to a flame. And me? I was the one holding the flame, watching it burn in someone else’s hands.

It had started innocently enough. Jeongin and I met during a late-night study session in the library. He had been struggling with calculus, and I, ever the math nerd, offered to help. From that moment on, we’d clicked. We became friends—close friends. We’d spend hours talking about everything and nothing, from his dream of becoming an artist to my obsession with coding.

But somewhere along the way, my feelings shifted. His laugh became the thing I looked forward to most. jeongin,his presence the anchor that kept my chaotic world steady.

I fell for jeongin. Hard. Too hard

The problem was, he didn’t fall for me. He fell for my frien, seohyun.

It wasn’t her fault, not really. Seohyun had been my best friend since kindergarten. She didn’t know how I felt about Jeongin, and I didn’t have the guts to tell him. I didn’t want to ruin what we had—our easy camaraderie, the years of inside jokes and shared memories. So, I stayed silent.

But it hurt. Every time I saw them together, every time he looked at him with stars in his eyes, it felt like a punch to the gut.

---

It was a Saturday night when everything came to a head. Seohyun had invited a few of us over to her apartment for a movie marathon. Jeongin was, of course, among the guests. I’d been dreading it all day, but the idea of not seeing his was even worse.

The movie played on the screen, but my attention was elsewhere. Jeongin was sitting on the couch next to seohyun, his head tilted toward him as she whispered something in his ear. He laughed, he cheeks flushing. My stomach twisted.

“Hey, you okay?”

I turned to see Mina, another friend from our group, eyeing me with concern.

“Yeah,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “Just tired.”

She didn’t look convinced but let it go.

When the movie ended, seohyun suggested a game of truth or dare. I wanted to groan. It was such a cliché, but no one else seemed to mind.

“Alright,” seohyun said, grinning as he spun an empty beer bottle. It landed on jeongin. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” jeongin said, brushing his hair

Seohyun leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Who’s your crush?”

The room erupted in laughter and cheers, everyone urging jeongin to spill. My heart sank.

Jeongin's cheeks turned pink. He hesitated for a moment before glancing at seohyun. “It’s… you.”

The room went silent for a beat, and then someone let out a low whistle. Seohyun looked genuinely surprised, but she quickly recovered, flashing his that perfect smile. “Well, that’s flattering,” she said, her tone light.

I wanted to disappear.

---

I left the party early, mumbling something about an early morning meeting. No one questioned it, not even seohyun. As soon as I got home, I collapsed onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling.

How had I let this happen? How had I allowed myself to fall for someone who would never see me the way I saw him?

The next day, I avoided them. My phone buzzed a few times—texts from seohyun and jeongin asking if I was okay—but I ignored them. I needed space to clear my head.

But space didn’t erase the memories. It didn’t stop me from replaying every moment I’d spent with Jeongin, every smile, every laugh. And it didn’t stop the ache in my chest when I thought about him and seohyun together.

---

A week passed before I saw them again. Seohyun had organized a small get-together at a local coffee shop, and I couldn’t avoid it without raising suspicion.

When I arrived, Jeongin was already there, sitting next to Seohyun. He looked up as I approached, his face lighting up.

“Hey! We missed you last week,” jeongin said.

“Yeah, everything okay?” seohyun asked, her brow furrowed.

“Yeah,” I lied, forcing a smile. “Just busy.”

The evening passed in a blur of conversation and laughter, but I felt like an outsider looking in. I was there, but I wasn’t really there.

Toward the end of the night, jeongin pulled me aside.

“You’ve been quiet lately,” he said, his voice soft. “Is something wrong?”

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to tell him the truth, to let it all out. But the other part knew it would only make things worse.

“I’m fine,” I said finally. “Just dealing with some stuff.”

His eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought he might push further. But he just nodded.

“Well, if you ever want to talk, I’m here,” he said.

“Thanks,” I murmured, my throat tight.

---

Weeks turned into months, and I tried to move on. I threw myself into my work, spending late nights coding and avoiding social events. Seohyun and jeongin started dating, and while they tried to be discreet at first, it wasn’t long before their relationship was out in the open.

It hurt. Every time I saw them together, every time seohyun mentioned his name, it felt like a fresh wound. But I didn’t let it show. I couldn’t.

One night, seohyun showed up at my apartment unannounced.

“Hey,” she said, stepping inside. “You’ve been MIA lately. What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” I said, avoiding her gaze.

“Bullshit,” she said, crossing her arms. “This isn’t like you. Talk to me.”

I hesitated, the words caught in my throat. Finally, I sighed.

“It’s… complicated,” I said.

Seohyun frowned. “What is?”

I looked at her, my chest tightening. She was my best friend. I owed him the truth.

“It’s Jeongin,” I said quietly. “I… I have feelings for him.”

The room fell silent. Seohyun's expression shifted from confusion to understanding, and then to something I couldn’t quite place.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked.

“Because it doesn’t matter,” I said bitterly. “He’s with you.”

Seohyun ran a hand through her hair, looking genuinely conflicted.

“I didn’t know,” she said. “If I had—”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I said quickly. “Neither of you did. It’s my problem, not yours.”

Seohyun sighed, sitting down on the couch. “Girl, I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” I said. “I just… I needed to get it off my chest.”

---

Things changed after that. Seohyun tried to act normal, but there was a tension between us that hadn’t been there before. Jeongin noticed it too, though he didn’t say anything.

Eventually, I realized I couldn’t keep living like this. I needed to let go—for my sake and theirs.

So, I started pulling away. I found new hobbies, made new friends. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I wanted to give up, to fall back into old habits. But slowly, I began to heal.

One evening, months later, I found myself at a park, watching the sun dip below the horizon. My phone buzzed with a message from jeongin.

“Miss you,” it read.

I stared at the screen for a long time before typing a response.

“Miss you too. Let’s catch up soon.”

I meant it.

Because even though my heart had been broken, I wasn’t ready to let go of the people who meant the most to me.

---

Time passed, and the pain faded into a dull ache. Seohyun and jeongin stayed together, and I found peace in the knowledge that they made each other happy.

And me? I found someone else—someone who saw me the way I had seen Jeongin.

Love isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s messy and painful. But it’s also beautiful, in its own way.

And as I stood there, holding the hand of the person who had finally taught me what it meant to be loved, I realized that I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything.

Because it led me here.

What did you think? Give me any idea if you want

New writer

Want to read more you can go to my MASTERLIST

[somewhereincairparavel]

when someone asks for my guilty pleasure and I say lukanette

[mwahsol]

Hot sauce makes me nervous

Description: You have been invited to go on Hot One's First We Feast. It was recently announced that you're releasing an album but when some were looking through the title names they noticed some were romantic names, there have been rumors of you and a specific Uconn basketball player, leading there to already be a lot of attention on the anticipated album. Later on in the interview, you get asked about a specific song already out asking you who and/or what was the inspiration for it. I am using Sabrina and her music as well from other artists as yours in this because I can't think of good song titles…enjoy :)

“It's the show with hot questions and even hotter wings. Today we’re joined by Y/n L/n, she is one of the most talked about artists. Her debut album from 2021 still to this day is one of the most played in the last four years, some of her latest singles being Please Please Please, Espresso, Nonsense, and The Diner. As well as her new album called Sort n’ Sweet. Y/n L/n welcome to the show.” Sean announces while turning to look at you during the end as to give you the greeting.

“Hi thank you for inviting me, this has been a dream of mine to be here so I am honored and nervous,” you reply a bit nervous since you're fangirling on the inside.

“We’re excited to have you, how are you feeling going into this, are you a fan of hot sauce or prefer to keep things more tame?” He starts with a simple question to try and get you a bit comfortable, keeping things light and steady.

“Umm, I wouldn't say I'm a fan.. when I'm out at dinner I don't go for the spicy flavors but like as a small snack like chips or something yes I'm a fan. Hot sauce makes me all sweaty and nervous if I'm honest.” You say giggling towards the end because you know if you lied your girlfriend's team would never let you live it down when they watch this. “Like one time I thought it was a good idea to try those hot soups filled with peppers and stuff I started to tear up by like the fifth bite.”

At your retelling of the event, Sean is also laughing with you before he starts asking you the question he's prepared and having to dig in.

“I never eat wings with bones in them so this is a little new to me,” you tell him while taking your first bit of the first wing.

“Really? I thought most ate them with the bone in.”

“Yeah I just have an irrational fear of my teeth falling out if I bite down on the bone, that's also why I hate eating with forks.”

Sean and the rest of the people behind the cameras can't help but laugh at your admission. In the background of everyone laughing with you both, you can hear her laughing as well knowing that what you're saying is very much true. Hearing her you turn your head subtly, thinking people wouldn't notice this when posted, looking at her laughing admiring her for a second. You would find out later on people could decently see you turn your head, and if you listened close enough you could hear Paige's laughter in the back.

As the show went on Sean asking you questions about your career, your opinions on your songs, and how you came to be a singer, he asks, “So your song Let the Light In is one of your more romantic yet darker songs. Is there a story behind it or how did the inspiration come to you to create a song like this?”

When hearing his question you started worrying a bit knowing the inspiration wasn't just yours but Paige's too. You look at her in a way asking if she's ok with you answering knowing that this involves a personal situation with her and yourself, when you see her nod and give you an encouraging smile you know she's giving you the go-ahead and will be supportive of your answer. “Well, I wrote the song from my girlfriend mainly, when she had a serious injury and was in a dark place at the time when I met her. As she slowly got better the day she was cleared to play again she told me that she was grateful to have me because meeting me was like a light coming into her life encouraging her to get better. When she told me that I cried because I admitted to her that when I met her I was also at a dark place in my life so meeting her was also like the sun shining after the storm for me. We are each other's lights so I wrote the song for her.” You answer tearing up at the memory but smiling remembering her face when you told her she's your light too.

“It such a heartwarming thing to see how you can take special memories like that and write something beautiful for it, thank you for sharing.” He replied also smiling fondly at you seeing how you made sure with Paige first and telling such a personal moment.

“Thank you too for asking,” you know some interviews would keep pushing for more details, and you're grateful he didn't seeing as how it's not just your story to tell.

By the ninth wing, you started crying while laughing, there were funny instances from you getting a wing and running to Paige telling her to eat it since she was dying by laughing at you, to you falling out of your chair from how fast you turned and reached to grab the milk from the table away from you.

“I feel like my makeup with melting off just by my sweat and tears,” you say struggling to just sit upright but still laughing at your situation.

“Yeah, you look like it.” You heard Paige mumble in the background teasing you knowing it would get a reaction out of you.

“Babe I swear I will go back there and pour this hot sauce down your throat.” Threatening her, not being cautious anymore, while you felt like your mouth was on fire. This makes her laugh even harder as well as the crew and Sean.

After most of the laughter settled down Sean gets ready to ask another question. “This past year you have been spotted at a lot more WCBB and WNBA games, when did you get into watching women's basketball, and why?”

“When I was younger I had brothers that played basketball, they would teach me to play, and tried to get me to watch the NBA. As most big brothers do I just never could get into watching men play but anytime I would find a WNBA game you could bet I was fighting for the controller to put on the game. This year I’ve had a bit more free time since the tour for my last album was done and I took a bit of a break before I started writing this new album so I decided to attend as many as I could.” You weren't technically lying but you did leave out the part where you would mainly go to Uconn games to see your girlfriend back on the court and support her.

“Do you still play?”

“Yeah, a bit nothing serious though,” which is true if anyone on the team asks you to play you would say yes. Paige, while you are both away from Connecticut, if she finds a court shell beg you to play. Even though they're very much significantly taller you'll sometimes land a few points.

“Alright Y/n last one,” he tells you while shaking the last bottle.

“Oh gosh ok ok,” You can feel yourself shaking a little with nervousness but you have to see it through, or else she will never let you forget it. Shaking the bottle as well you try to put a of hot sauce enough to get it but not too much where you're burn your tongue off.

“Before I do this I want the camera and people to see that I did put some on there so she can't say I wussed out,” you tell everyone holding up your wing and looking directly at Paige while she shakes her head laughing at your expression.

“Yes, no one can claim you didn't go through with it, going out with a bang,” Sean tells you backing you up.

When you bite down you can already feel yourself regretting this. You start sweating again, eyes tearing up, nosey runny, you're defiantly making her drive you to go get ice cream.

“So Y/n you stated that in you're elementary through middle school years you took ballet lessons,” as soon as he said those words you knew where this was going and started to mentally prepare yourself, “we wanted to see if you could choreograph a small routine to your song All mine.”

“Of course, I can't promise it'll be good,” you respond while laughing and sniffling.

“Alright let's move these tables and chairs,” Sean says while laughing with you.

When doing your routine you only got a few steps in before you stopped and could continue because of your laughter, “I'm sorry omg I can't do it.”

“Fanominal dance couldn't have asked for better. There it is Y/n L/n taking on the wings of death, living to tell the tale, is there anything you would like to promote.”

“Short n’ Sweet comes out August, listen to it please it'll make me feel better from this. Watch the WNBA they're really cool and watch WCBB they're really cool too.” Biding everyone goodbye while still panting a little.

“Those wings got you good hm baby?” Paige says while driving to a McDonalds to get you a ice cream you almost demanded for.

“Paige, honey, I love you but I swear on everything I love I will make this car crash if we don't get ice cream. I can feel my face melting off.” You claim not even looking at her too busy trying not to keep sniffling.

“Ok ok we're almost there,” she can't help but laugh. I mean can you blame her, you were excited to do this a few hours ago now you look light you lost a fight.

After finally getting you your ice cream it's like your mood did a complete 180. “Thank you my love,” you say as you kiss her all over her face showing her how much you wanted that ice cream.

“The switch-up is crazy,” Paige says while chuckling at your attitude and holding your waist.

“I can stop.”

“Now I never said that come here mama.”

I'm slowly defrosting y'all (I'm losing my mind.) ANYWAY, I hope you guys enjoyed this <3

Kiss the sun 🌞

[fuctacles]

<< 😺 | 😺😺😺 >>

Eddie doesn't think more about Steph until there's a knock on the door on Saturday morning. He sighs, knowing it's his duty to open since his uncle would take forever on his crutch. And because he's a good nephew and wouldn't make him do that, of course.

He doesn't bother with the peephole, his sleepy brain basically forgetting of its existence. It's only when he opens the door and finds Steph with a duffel bag on the other side, that he realizes he went to open the door in nothing but his old Iron Man pajama bottoms.

"Good morning!" Steph greets him with a bright smile that falters a bit when her gaze drops to his tattooed chest. Eddie couldn't imagine a sight of zombie and spider tattoos giving him any credit in her pretty, middle-aged eyes. She quickly looks back up to meet his gaze. "Did I wake you up?" she asks, looking apologetic. 

Eddie shakes his head, hoping it would send his hair over his shoulders, and cover him up a bit. 

"I did!" Wayne pipes up from the kitchen. He sounds way too happy about running into a cupboard on his way out of the bathroom.

"Good morning, Mr. Wayne!" she calls out, making Eddie roll his eyes.

"You can just come in, no need to yell through the whole place."

"Right, sorry," she steps inside tentatively, her hand clutching the strap of her bag. She's wearing a colorful windbreaker and her hair is tied up, showing off the soft line of her jaw and the beauty marks on her neck. She heads to the kitchen, seemingly already knowing her way around, and Eddie closes the door behind her. He quickly runs off to his bedroom (/guest room, now that he's on campus most of the time) and grabs a t-shirt to cover his nipples, tattoos, and overall unattractiveness.

"Visiting Robin for the weekend?" He catches his uncle's question when he steps back in. 

It rubs him the wrong way, not knowing who Robin is. Is he Steph's boyfriend? Maybe they're doing long-distance? He returns to the ancient coffee maker he had abandoned to open the door.

"Yeah. I haven't seen Rob since last month. Our days off finally aligned."

"Can't you stay there longer? I'm sure Eddie wouldn't mind taking care of your cats for a day or two more."

"Hey!" Eddie whips around to glare at his uncle. The coffee maker splutters behind him. "Don't just offer my services like that," he scoffs. Then, he turns to Steph. "I wouldn't, though."

She chuckles and he grins, simply happy to make her smile.

"Try dealing with them alone first, and then we'll talk. But, you really wouldn't mind? If I stayed a day longer?"

He shakes his head.

"Not at all." He still has Wayne's words fresh in his mind. That people weren't kind to her, that she doesn't have many friends to rely on. "I'm assuming Robin is someone important to you?" he half-asks, leaning against the counter all casually. 

Just the thought of Robin makes Steph glow.

"She's my best friend. We met at our first job serving ice cream."

Eddie's a bit embarrassed at the relief of knowing Robin is a girl. Still, a best friend is higher in ranks than your friendly neighbour's nephew. 

"What's it been? Twenty years?" Wayne asks. Steph nods, making him whistle. "I couldn't stand any of my coworkers for longer than a shift."

"Maybe you're bad at making friends," Eddie butts in. "I've known Gareth since high school and we're still going strong."

"You guys are band buddies, that's different," Wayne scoffs. 

"You play in a band?" Steph picks up, her eyes shining with interest that Eddie squirms under.

"Yeah, we play metal though. Probably not your stuff."

She shakes her head.

"Any music can be good when you put your heart into it. My friends listen to all kinds of weird stuff, I've heard everything from classical to experimental techno." She rolls her eyes. "I'd love to hear your music if you have anything recorded. Or you could give me a heads up if you're playing somewhere."

All Eddie can do is stare at her, dumbfounded. 

"Uh-huh."

Wayne, bless his sometimes useful soul, saves his ass by changing the subject.

"Coffee?" he asks the stunning woman at their table. She's just sitting there, in the Munson abode at their kitchen table while they're still in pajamas like it's normal. Eddie wants it to be normal. Wants to sit in her lap and listen to her laugh. 

She looks at her watch. It's white, she must be cleaning it often.

"I only have fifteen more minutes before I really have to go."

"Half a coffee then," Eddie decides for her, grabbing the mugs. She chuckles.

"Fine." She rolls her eyes.

Each of them gets their coffee, and Eddie notes Steph takes her with just a splash of milk. Before he can ask anything, to push their small morning gathering further into a friendly small talk, she reaches into her pocket to fish out her house key.

"I came over to drop the keys," she says, pushing them towards Eddie. "And if you have something to write on, I'll give you Robin's house number in case of emergencies."

"Sure, yeah." He nods, standing up immediately to look for the notepad they plan the grocery list in. In his haste, he catches Wayne's amused stare. He sends him a frown, but the man is already looking away, which only further agitates him. 

[kiss-me-muchoo]

𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝'𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝'𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝'𝐯𝐞 || 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠!𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐱 𝐅𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

part one: I knew you were trouble // part two: would’ve could’ve should’ve

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲_The Capitol's Dream girl was depressed. After Snow broke her heart and returned only to haunt her. It only takes an official marriage proposal on New Year's Day, an interview with Lucky Flickerman and a rebel bombing to completely break you, and make Snow realize there's a place for one last person to love for the rest of his life.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬_ 10k words fic ups, reader is depressed, blood, violence, angst, tears, drama, reader makes some cruel things, antidepressants, nothing wild but they have sex so mdni 18+ , Snow actually loves reader (well idk). I couldn't add anything about the games of Mags SORRY.

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞_main song for this is Would've Could've Should've, song added to my Coryo Copito's playlist. Also, listen to the 1 and memory lane!!!

♪ ♫ Coryo playlist ✰ Index (+ fics here)

____________________________________

Nights were longer now. You couldn't sleep. Nightmares of the games, how you contributed. The vivid image of the first time you saw Clemensia after the snake bite. Your mind made you recreate Sejanus being hanged in District 12. And finally, your mind also made you replay every moment you had with Coriolanus Snow since you met him at 17.

You wished you never asked to sit with him at lunch. You wished you never asked to see him again.

He would've been just another classmate. If the things that happened in the 10th Hunger Games were meant to be, at least you wouldn't have been involved.

It wouldn't have hurt you enough to feel so miserable in the present.

But this was as good as it was going to get.

You weren't the best driver, but since very few people had a car, you dared to take the one your chauffeur was meant to. It distracts you from staring at the window and overthinking.

Sometimes you wonder how it would've turned out if Snow won the prize without being a mentor, just like it was planned to happen. Would you have made a stop at his place? For him to get inside your car and kiss you good morning. Then drive to the University of the Capitol? Could've been fun.

But you made your way alone. Only listening to the music that played on the radio.

And you wondered what would've happened if Arachne was alive, Sejanus too, and Clemensia was fine to take classes in person. Would they have made fun of you and Snow entering University holding hands? Could've been sweet.

But again, you were alone. It's a cloudy day at The Capitol. Your long emerald green coat gets stuck with the car door. You roll your eyes, opening the damn door once again to set free the piece of fabric.

You started wearing high heels. It made you look taller and you loved the sound every time you stepped out of your home. Your mother had launched a new collection, and she loved seeing you wearing her creations.

For the record, you haven't seen Coriolanus Snow since the day you had your first counselor appointment. That was a month ago, and it was… great.

Actually, it wasn't, but yeah…

A lot of people greeted you, but none were your friends. You see, the University isn't very different compared to the Academy. The same architecture, and familiar faces that no longer wear the red uniform. And even so, you feel like a fish out of water.

Life isn't perfect. But you weren't ready to start your young adult days feeling so out of breath.

"Y/n!…" you turn to encounter Persephone. A sweet girl from the Academy.

"Persephone. Hi…" You do your best to smile. She was a classmate from the Academy. And she never was your friend but you always thought she was so sweet.

"How have you been? You're all over the news" For the first time in weeks you giggle, feeling a little blushed. The feeling of someone asking you how you were doing felt so good.

"I've had better days. But here we are… And you?" She tilts her head.

"I visited my grandma's lake house in District 4. It was so good. I heard you're in the science and law program" you nod. You also knew Persephone was on the law program.

"Yeah, you're in law too…."

"Is Coriolanus going to be there too?" You stop smiling.

In fact, you weren't sure. But probably he would also be in law. Tigris once said he wanted to pursue politics.

"I'm not sure… We-…we don't talk anymore" she gasped in shock.

"What? Oh, I'm so sorry. I thought you were…"

"No. But it's fine. He must be doing great…" you cut her off before she can ask more questions.

Your first class was okay. Until Snow walked in, wearing a perfect dark blue suit. His silly hair looked slightly longer than the last time you saw him, but still, nothing compared to his messy hair from months ago. You pretend you didn't see him, opting to keep writing something in your journal. But he had to stop beside you. There are some minutes of silence, but nothing would make you turn to knowledge of his presence.

"Can I sit with you?" His voice is colder again. You can notice through a little glimpse of a white rose decorating his suit. But you keep your eyes set on the page in front of you.

And you know you won't fail again.

"No."

He can feel the venom in your voice.

"I'm sitting here." He says after all.

You really don't have time to tear up on the first day of University. You want to stand up and leave, but you're so mature that you won't say anything else.

At least, for the rest of the class, he doesn't say anything else, but you know he occasionally turns to see you.

"Is it gonna be like this forever?" He asks when it's over. You dare to see him in the eyes, enchanting blue as always. But the young man in front of you isn't the boy you met. And yet, he still made your heart beat like he was the same who was once your lover.

"I don't have time for this. Have a nice day, Snow'' he looks as you leave the classroom. His hands shook, and that feeling of guilt assaulted him once again. You are the proof alive of all the pain he caused. So he needs to have you back on his side, so he can feel some humanity remaining in him after all the things he did months ago. Because he knows there's no good left on him, but he can't get rid of you like he did with Sejanus, Highbottom… and Lucy Gray.

You were meant for him. But he was so infatuated with the other girl. And Snow was aware that you deserve the best. You were his ally since day one. So having you by his side again… would seal his imaginary pact.

He looks at you and sees the girl that gave him the chance of his life. He promised his grandma'am you would be the girl he would give a home and a family.

But now, every time he asked Tigris how you were, she avoided giving details. grandma'am was growing suspicious that things weren't going great. Tigris had been a lot of times on your house and mother's shows. Your father would ask for Coriolanus but he didn't know all the things the young man did to his daughter.

So Tigris would say he was still serving as a peacekeeper. And you, you would say you haven't talked a lot with him.

Not anymore. Coriolanus would try every day. As he denied he loved you, he pretended he needed you as you were the one. Just that.

…

"Y/n y/l/n." Suddenly a peacekeeper comes to you.

"Yes?" You ask politely.

"Dr. Gaul demands your presence in her laboratory" you sigh. Of course, she would be the first to ask to see you.

It was the same laboratory. Only that now was near. The way to get there was slow, even peaceful. Maybe because the day was almost over.

The first thing you notice is how many empty water tanks are scattered.

"There you are, Ms. Y/l/n" she appears from the crystal stairs at the end of the room. Wearing a yellow set that made her eyes more bright. Her hair is the same. Looking as evil and cynic as always.

"Dr. Gaul" you greet. Stopping some feet away from her.

"A school new year means new planning ahead" You nod. Already hearing what she was about to say. Well, not entirely.

"The last games were a mess. Between the rebels and Mr. Snow's bright decisions. Our central ideas couldn't be fulfilled. However, I decided to give him another chance, there's so much potential in that boy" You don't know how to feel about that. So you just remain quiet.

"Speaking of the devil…" when you turned back, Snow was walking towards you and the woman near you. Immediately you avoided his eyes, knowing he was probably looking at your dress. The coat was long gone, leaving a soft and accentuating pink dress with long sleeves.

He knew it was inappropriate. But ever since he gained your trust and his feelings of attachment to you, he had a long time to accept he had a thing for your hips. The dress was extremely simple but looked elegant with some bright exotic earrings, and it was your body that created the most attractive shape he'd ever seen.

And soon, his view of you became sided.

"I believe I don't need to remind you of your actions from the last games, Mr. Snow," the woman said.

"It won't happen again." He answered with confidence.

"I know it won't happen again," Gaul says laughing. Making you wonder how much time she had been trying to get into the position she was now.

"This year, let's say you'll be under probation, Mr.Snow. On the other hand, Ms. y/l/n. Another year and another success from you" his eyes were on you again. Turned to his left without shame. And that's when Snow remembered since he came back from District 12 how smart you were. Without saying anything, even avoiding it, you knew he had cheated on the games. And probably, without talking to him anymore, you knew he wasn't a good man.

Only that…slowly, you were also turning into a bad woman.

"Those water creatures are fully developed. They're nothing compared to the snakes from last year. This new invention has marked a new era for us…" To be honest, you don't know how to feel about it. Everything related to the games made you remember your dear friend Sejanus Plinth. He would've hated this creation from you. But on the bright side, this was your future. These were the constant obstacles you would have if you were to achieve success.

"Dr. Gaul. An emergency message has been sent to y/n y/l/n" Immediately you turned confused looking at a new peacekeeper. When you look at your mentor, she nods, indicating to you that you're allowed to leave.

"Excuse me." As you walk away, another peacekeeper has a cable phone. One of the newest wireless ones. Red and shiny, silently beeping. You can hear Snow asking Dr. Gaul something, but the sound of your heels is loud enough to make it difficult to understand as you reach the phone

The peacekeeper hands the cable phone. You pick up, feeling your heart pounding.

"Hello?" The low breathing of your mother can be heard.

"Darling! Something bad happened…"

"What?" You ask. And you don't know but Snow is trying so hard to listen to your conversation.

"Our mines in District 12. Your father made a little trip there with some friends. The people caused a revolt. They bombed the mines." You frown, in shock. Already feeling anger building up in your chest.

"Is pa' okay?" She sighs, which stresses you more.

"Some burns. The peacekeepers saved him on time" Snow listens to Gaul but he literally has an ear on you and the other in the mentor.

"Is it too bad? Like… putting our wealth in danger?" You whisper the last sentence. Your mother is a proud woman. But in the privacy of her family, she allowed herself to be vulnerable.

"I don't know, darling. We still have the mines in District 1. But the ones on the 12 represented greater materials" There's no time to cry and you know it.

So after some soothing words to your mother, you hang up. And you're not thinking clearly. You just know you're angry, and convinced someone had to pay. If you started disliking District 12 after the last games, now it was getting personal.

When you go back to stand beside Snow. You hear Gaul explaining to him how most of the lessons would go. But as soon as she turns back to you, there's an idea that leaves your mouth before you can breathe or blink.

"I was about to say that we should change the arena of the games. Each year it should change, like the seasons. Wasting the opportunity to use the water mutts sounds like a waste of potential for the views. If we still want a spectacle like the one from last year." The woman analyses your words. And after some seconds of silence, she speaks.

At the same time, Snow can't comprehend how poisonous you sound. He knew the call enraged you, it must've been bad.

"Then I'll ask you to find some suggestions for the arena"

"And… I have some ideas for this year Reaping" the woman's evil smile grows. She knows she's turning two young adults into monsters.

"I can't wait till Summer of next year" Gaul giggles, then lets you go, commenting that the next day the actual lessons would begin.

You sigh once she leaves. Finally acknowledging what you just did. Dooming a bunch of kids to fight for their lives with those water monsters. You remember Sejanus. The way he screamed in anger when his tribute was punished for trying to escape.

You're also a monster.

Snow turns to your side, looking as if you have just been cut with something, and he's searching for the wound.

"Are you okay? What happened?" he asks worriedly, caressing your forearm.

"Your beloved district 12. That's what happened." You spit with venom, squirming away from him.

Your harshness takes all over the place as you move away from him.

…

It's New Year's Day. A bright morning, and you already have your first guest. Clemensia Dovecote.

She still wears turtlenecks. But the gloves are gone. You can't stop smiling after seeing her smile and laugh as she drinks tea on your patio.

"I can't believe it worked, y/n," she says changing the subject. The first dose you gave her was after the games, in late summer. And now, at the peak of winter, Clemensia looked amazing. The cracked and raspy yellowish skin she had, the bright yellow eyes that contrasted her dark brown irises, all of that was mostly gone.

"To be honest, me neither…" you admit smiling proudly. Her skin looked slightly covered in scales, but the texture was soft. Like a snake that shines with a new layer of skin. Her eyes were still a little yellow, but the white was coming back.

"How did you come up with it? The treatment and everything?" you gulp nervously, sipping at your tea. If you opened your mouth, there would be no turning back.

Clemmie knew Snow had cheated, she swore to keep quiet about it. She knew about his exile. But she didn't know everything.

Then you thought you owed nothing to Snow. He owed you a lot, and yet, the way he paid was… cruel.

The only thing you were not in your right to share was about… the boy he killed. And as you'd never know he killed many more, Clemmie wouldn't either.

"He chose her. The songbird" Clemensia's eyes widened, she left the cookie she was about to eat.

"No…" you nod, confirming your words.

"Yes. During the games… he sacrificed everything for her. When I confronted him, he said nothing. After he was exiled, he committed a bribe to ensure his service as a peacekeeper on the 12" you spit with hate. The pride you carried each day, had a big crack thanks to that man, and like broken porcelain, it would never be healed.

"But he only had eyes for you… The Christmas after you arrived here, I asked him out and he said he had eyes on someone else. I can't believe him…" you giggle, rolling your eyes.

"He only had eyes for my money and father's position. He had the chance to win the prize and got obsessed with winning something by himself. The girl was just the cherry on top" You quickly added more as you were about to reveal he was… poor. Not because of him, but for Tigris and her grandmother. Tigris would lose her job and your mother would likely turn her down. So no, you weren't as bad as Snow yet.

"After he left. I realized how much he traced the scar on my face. I simply started hating it. And sooner I dreamed I had it gone. So I thought… Why can't I make something for my dear Clemensia and myself at the same time?" The black haired inspected your face.

"Your scar…" she remembered your face back then. The long pink line across your face. Clemensia did once see Snow caressing your face, his thumb traced the line across your nose until it landed on your lips.

Not it was just a memory as your scar. It was gone. Your face is clean, shiny, and perfect. Too bad that just your face was able to get rid of the touch of Snow.

You can't tell her he asked you to marry him. That was embarrassing enough to say it out loud.

"That's now the boy I knew. He had always been a little cold but… he was good. Now… I just can't stand what he did to you. And while I'll thank you for the rest of my life, you helped with my condition. I will ever feel sorry that you came up with it from such pain" Maybe before the bite, Clemmie was a little narcissistic. And her ambition led her to lie and get bitten. But now, she was all about being thankful and seeking peace everywhere.

"It's okay, Clemmie. Even after all, with Sejanus gone, all of what happened last summer… I'm happy that I have you" she smiles, offering you a big hug.

"Yeah, you won't get rid of me next year" She was officially coming back to class at the University after the winter break was over. Now Snow wouldn't be able to sit next to you.

"I won't mind…" Suddenly your mother comes out from one of the many balconies of your house.

"Girls! The stylist is here!" She lets you and Clemmie know.

This year, the annual New Year's Day will be at your house. The patio where you had breakfast and tea with your friend was already decorated with long tables. Porcelain plates are perfectly accommodated with wine velvet bows decorating them.

Clemensia's father talks with you about the revolt in District 12 and the burns he got. After that… more peacekeepers were sent. And slowly… the whole territory was becoming marginalized.

You ignore it, you only have eyes for the dress writing you on the other side.

When you open the door of your room, there it is.

A golden dress. Shinny and full of sequined beats. With metallic gold puffy fabric resting on your lower half back and ending around your wrists. Bare shoulders style.

You feel bad for not asking Tigris to style you, but she was already busy.

"I... I can't believe this…" you gasp, touching the elegant fabric of the dress. Clemmie can't stop saying how beautiful the dress is.

"With red lipstick and burnt pink eyeshadows… it'll look fantastic," the stylist says to your mother, already visualizing the look.

…

The patio is full of people. Elegant bonfires make everyone warm. Most of the guests look at your dress as you greet them. The last guests were Tigris and her grandmother, you placed them both in a table full of fashion contacts of your mother.

Clemmie is talking with Festus, Persephone, and other classmates.

Everything goes well until you set your eyes on the garden's entrance and you spot Snow entering.

Your eyebrows immediately frown. The night had been peaceful. And ever since winter break started, you haven't heard of him.

Why did he have to come? Was it for his grandmother?. Doesn't matter, you don't want him in your house.

He spots you and knows you just turned angry. You grab him by the arm and pull him away.

"What are you doing here?" You ask annoyed.

"You invited Tigris and Grandma'am" he shrugs.

"Yes. Tigris and Grandma'am. Not Tigris, Grandma'am, and Coriolanus" For the first time in months, you say his name.

"I have to talk to your father," he admits. You are confused, but he won't say anything yet.

"You look lovely tonight" You ignore the praise in his voice. But he genuinely believes you look astronomically beautiful. Snow was trying to act confident, but deep down he was nervous.

And it worsened when your dad interfered.

"Coriolanus. I'm glad you made it on time. Just an hour away till the countdown" you turn to see your father, offering him a glass of champagne. Neither of you should be drinking yet. But the elite of The Capitol was allowed to break the rules a little.

"No, of course I couldn't. I was just saying how gorgeous y/n looks tonight" your father smiles. You knew your father was believing Snow, that he was a gentleman.

"My one and only child. Perfect as always…" your father answers, putting his arm around your shoulders.

"I would like to discuss something with you. In private…" your heart beats faster.

"Be my guest, boy…" he tells him to enter the party. And as they leave you feel nauseous.

…

There are twenty minutes left till New Year's Day. Your father hasn't come out with Coriolanus yet. You nervously want to chew your nails. But you do your best for Clemmie. It was her first public appearance since the summer.

You had been trained to satisfy The Capitol's expectations since you were a kid. You knew what you could and couldn't do.

But none had prepared you to hide your shock.

"Dear guests. Family and friends. I would like to give an announcement" Your father appears, the sound of the glass capturing everyone's attention.

"With a new year around the corner, changes are too."

It couldn't…

Snow walked through the tables, towards you.

No, no, no, no.

"It is my pleasure to announce the engagement between Coriolanus Snow and my only daughter, y/n"

You swear you can't breathe.

You don't see Clemmie's face of horror. Tigris is highly confused. Grandma'am at the verge of tears.

"For my darling and her fiancé. Whom I wish eternal luck and happiness" your father finishes the toast.

Snow is beside you, he's not happy either. But he is the first one to start acting for the sudden flashes and cheering.

"How couldn't you tell me you wanted to get married, dear?" Your father asks, being the first person to hug you.

Your shock is so big that you don't even remember smiling for the pictures. You don't remember feeling his hand around your shoulders. You don't remember bursting into the house.

Snow follows you. It's empty, everyone is cheering because the countdown is about to start.

He calls your name. But you don't listen. He follows you through the kitchen and living room.

"WHAT?" You explode before being able to go upstairs.

You see his desperate eyes.

"I didn't know your father was going to announce it that way." He notices your face is red from anger.

"Listen to me, Coriolanus Snow. NO MAN will come and take away the pride of the woman I am." You scream in his face. You won't go quiet like the first time.

"YOU WERE NOTHING!. YOU OWE ME YOUR LUCK!" Snow can only fix his eyes on the sequins of your dress. He had never seen you screaming like that. And nobody would hear anyway.

"If this was your way to make me surrender and get me back. You're so wrong. Because you are going to be in debt with me for the rest of your life. Unless you want a rebel wife like it was your beloved Lucy Gray Baird." His eyes widened at your sudden attack. He has to process every word, every disgusted face you are making. He hadn’t thought about the songbird in many days. Hearing her names sent chills to his spine.

"I wanted this to be different. I had to "You hate him. You can't stand seeing him in his perfect grey suit, his perfect hair and eyes. You really hate him.

"YOU HAD NOTHING!. IF YOU WERE GONNA HUMILIATE ME LIKE THAT, YOU HAD TO GET ON YOUR KNEES AND BEG TO MARRY ME!" Whisking away, he grabs your hand, and when you turn, you find him on his knees.

"Please…" you feel he placed the ring in your hand. And it's too much.

You slap him. And then run away to your room.

As you lock the door, you throw the ring. And when tears start streaming down like a waterfall, you hear the first fireworks.

There's a bottle of pills in your vanity. The treatment for your low mood. You only need it once in a day. But you take two hoping it would knock you out and make you forget about the night.

It's officially a new year.

…

Three weeks later, Lucky Flickerman is interviewing you and Snow in his late-night show. You can't stand how Snow is caressing your hand. The way he slightly giggles and smiles at you, whenever there is a silly question.

You only do this because nobody knows the truth. Just Clemensia and Tigris.

"Sources tell us that it'll be a spring wedding. Is that right, y/n?" The man asks. You sigh, smiling.

'We're not sure yet, Lucky. There are so many details. Especially with my dress. But my man here is patiently waiting" the interviewer laughs, throwing a sarcastic comment about the dress.

"And what about kids? Is a baby on the plans?" Immediately, both of you blush.

"Yes. We want to have kids one day" Snow hurries to answer. You want to laugh.

He would be a terrible father. Some days ago, he was at your house for a family gathering and while he liked seeing you with your baby cousins, he knew he wasn't good with them. He didn't know how to play or make them laugh. But he had to make everyone believe he was a man of family and marriage. Even when both of you were still nineteen.

"Oh. Well, you're still young. There's plenty of time, pair of lovebirds" You make the strength to turn and smile at Snow. He returns you the smile.

And he wants to believe it's an honest reaction from you. He really hates that everything happened this way. He wanted to wait personally and privately ask you to marry him again. Not like this.

"Y/n… How did you know Coriolanus was the one?" It takes you aback. You can't lie. There's a truth.

"When I met him, he made me feel comfortable. He was so sweet and he trusted me. He made it hard for me not to love him. He has these gorgeous ocean eyes, that every time I see him I get lost in them. It reminds me of the kind boy I met some time ago…" Everyone feels emotional. Coriolanus is aware of the real meaning behind your words, and he can't help but honestly smile. He knows he realized it, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it.

"These ladies and gentlemen… is a couple in love!" Lucky laughs and points at you and Snow excited. And he says that he'll be back with the broadcast for the weather, he thanks you and your fiancé for being there.

"Take care, guys. Don't forget to invite me to the wedding!, I'll get some people inside to bring the news anyways…"

And finally, both of you are behind the set. You don't even glance at Snow. But he hurries to stop you, interfering in your way.

"I'm sorry. For everything…" you cross your arms.

"No. You hate me. That's why you keep doing this to me…"

Your assistant appears handing you a glass of water and a little plate of something Snow can't see.

"Here's some water and your antidepressants, miss" You blush and ignore the way your fiancé is looking.

As you walk away, Coriolanus only feels worse.

…

You stare at the public library. Now closed just for your wedding happening in a couple of hours.

There are white roses everywhere. Petition of your mother to commemorate Snow and his family. You hated it.

It ended up being a spring wedding. But a very cold one. By early June, summer would start. And for now, snowflakes still fell upon The Capitol.

"The dress is ready…" Tigris says, appearing on your side. She sees how you stare at the whole place with dismay.

"How could this happen?" She asks, wondering.

"My younger self would've loved this day. But now… is different" You didn't want to insult her cousin.

"His younger self would've also loved this" Tigris remembered how enchanted was Coriolanus for you. Saying that he made a rich friend who was so sweet. Soon he admitted you were gorgeous and delicate. Now forgetting to mention you only when Grandma'am asked.

"He's trying to get you back," Tigris adds. And you question it.

Ever since the engagement. He always reached for you. Asking how you were. The kisses on the cheek to greet you. Felt honest. But you doubted you would ever forgive him. Even if you ended up having his children someday…

"I know it won't change anything. But I'm sorry. You didn't deserve this…" the young woman lamented. After you confessed most of the things Snow did to you, she added that to her list. And slowly, Tigris had slightly brushed aside her cousin.

"I didn't. But what's pissing me off is the wedding night" Tigris coughed awkwardly. And you rolled your eyes.

"No, Tigris. It's not about the sex. It's about me having to leave my house forever. I refuse…" She relaxed.

Honestly, you hadn't thought about sex. You knew it would happen anytime after marrying. But you wouldn't give Snow the satisfaction to even give hints.

At least, your father suggested Snow temporarily move in with you in your room since his new penthouse would be only for Tigris and grandmother. He would sleep in your tub.

"It's a great place for a honeymoon. Capitol's north is full of mountains, fancy restaurants, and actual snow" Somehow, you laugh.

"Fitting for my new legal name" Tigris joins you and laughs, hugging you tightly.

You stare at the flowers, and the hundreds of seats, and you aren't ready. But there's a smile on your face. Because at that point you don't even care.

…

Coriolanus was alone. He thinks Sejanus could've been there. Annoying and smiley as always, but he would've been the best man. Chosen by him because there wasn't another option. But it's only him. Staring at his mother's ring.

Pure gold, a medium size rectangle-shaped diamond. Shining ridiculously in white and small rainbows.

You look just like your father on his wedding day.

Your mother was so happy. Spinning and laughing as your father danced with her.

Remember. As you take a wife, you are choosing a life partner. You have to remember every morning why you chose her. You have to respect and protect her. Give her a home, a warm place to grow old together.

Y/n is the perfect woman for you. She's so lucky to have you, my boy.

All of those things, Grandma'am had said to him as she handed the ring.

And now sitting alone in a room. Suit ready, in black, and very little gold details in the white shirt under. Tigris said it was going to match your dress.

Your father actually loved your mother, Coriolanus. Treat her right. That is the least you could do…

She knew. Tigris had to know everything.

Coriolanus wondered how you would look. A princess-style dress? Maybe velvet? And he imagined your face.

That's when he can't take it anymore. He cries. Because everything was going to be a lie. He cries because it could've been true. If only he had made better decisions. If only you weren't so smart that you discovered him.

He's a broken man.

But he grips the ring on his palm. Wiping the tears and deciding that he's never going to fail you again. As he knew you had never failed him. And even when you hated him, neither you would.

…

There are three mirrors. Your hands trace the shiny beats of your dress. From the strips to your breasts, to your waist and hips. The end was full of them. Combining gold, and even dark brown or grey. It was simple, slightly sheer. But extremely elegant. Made with crystals from your family's mines. Representative of your native District 1. Your hair is down, perfectly cut in that shag haircut you had when you were a teen. It fits perfectly with your veil. Also covered in tiny pieces of crystals that cover your head, to the tail of the dress.

You looked like a Capitol's bride.

And for some reason, you can't find the tears. It's just you staring at the mirrors. Accepting your doomed life.

As you open the door, you know there are already tears on everyone but you.

Clemensia, Persephone, your mother, and Tigris sob and look at you in shock.

"Oh my god, my baby. You look perfect!" Your mother cries, caressing your cheeks and sobbing. You smile at her, just that.

They keep talking about the dress when you hear a knock followed by the door of the room opening.

"Is there any time for this old woman to see the bride?" Tigris smiles at her grandmother, inviting her to join.

"There's only ten minutes left. Everyone hurry!" Your mother says. They exaggerate, only Tigris gives you one last retouch, and hands you the bouquet. With white roses and some lilies scattered.

She kisses your cheek and smiles deeply.

"It's gonna be fine. I swear…" and with that, she leaves.

Grandma'am only looks at you with love. She always liked you for his grandson. And she believed love floated around you two. For the record, she said it two weeks ago in a rehearsal you had.

"I knew it from the first day my little Coriolanus came home rambling about you" she smiles.

"And from that day, it always had been you, my dear. Even today… always saying you are the love of his life" Your eyes water. Coriolanus wouldn't lie to his grandma about something like that. He could lie about killing someone but not about something he knew would make her happy.

"He did?" You ask as she takes your hand.

"Of course. I know I'm old, and I can't tell he has committed some errors. But I know those blue always are so in love with you, my child" That couldn't be.

"Do you love him?" You won't cry. But you're fighting the lump in your throat.

"I do. Ever since the first day…" you admit.

Maybe you would always resent the man you were going to marry. But you would always love the memory of the boy you once had.

"Promise me you will make him happy, dear. He has so little when we lost everything once. Take care of him. Give him a family, that's all I ask" You can't say no to her. You just can't.

"I promise." She hugs you. And you swallow the lump, looking at the door.

…

The moment had arrived. The doors opened, the music started and everyone turned back to see you entering by the hand of your father.

Sounds of shock, admiring, and more are very low but noticeable.

For Coriolanus, it's only you. Your hair was like when you met him. The dress is so perfect. Your makeup too. And he promises to keep the image of you in his mind for the rest of his life.

He genuinely smiles. And you are feeling so confused. Could his grandmother have been telling the truth?

Coriolanus actually loved you? The way he had been smiling and treating you for the past months. Had he really been feeling sorry?

Would you forgive him if that was the case?

You can't tell because your father has dropped you at the altar.

You didn't even feel his kiss on the head and promised good luck.

You just feel Snow taking your hand. It's warm, even soft for his calloused hands.

And you can't turn to see him.

There are many people taking pictures of you and him.

Everyone loved the Capitol's Dream Girl and her handsome wealthy fiancé ever since the engagement.

When you last expected it, you are officially Mrs. Snow.

"You may kiss the bride…" you know he's doubting. But there's no time, so you stand on your tiptoes to kiss him.

It takes him aback, but soon, his hands find that damn spot, in your hips. And it doesn't feel wrong, for some reason.

You just see him and you realize he's your man now.

Neither of you can understand the emotions flowing at the moment. You like seeing him smiling at you like that, but you also feel sad. And he loves the way you look, he feels so attached to you.

In other words, both feel like it was real. But both knew the truth.

You don't dare to eye any of your family or friends as you leave by the hand of your now husband.

…

The reception was just as big as the ceremony. With the most elegant music, food of all kinds, and a varied menu.

Your husband has chosen to give the option of fish florentine, mentioning to you that his uncle used to get the best food from District 4 before the war.

For you, it was fried steak with three types of cheese and coated with mushroom cream.

There's a picture for everyone. You and Snow enter the party. Your father says a little speech about how much of a great marriage you would have.

You dance with your baby cousins. Lucky Flickerman was able to ask about your dress and possible honeymoon location.

You ignore your husband for the rest of the night. Only when the cake has to be sliced. It's a 5 layer cake, covered in white and very little baby pink roses. Snow and you agreed to make it white chocolate with raspberries and cream.

He cleans some cream from your cheek, and before you can even think about it, you laugh.

He danced with you but you only decided to hear his heartbeats, instead of seeing him. It made you understand that lonely days were over. But at what cost?

…

That night, you are already seeing the mountains and green woods covered in white at the top. You sigh, looking at the metallic silk nightgown. You didn't want the traditional white or pink silk gown. This was short, offered some cleavage, it shined in orange and pink tones when it was supposed to be lavender.

During the whole hour trip to the residence of the honeymoon, you didn't say anything to him.

When you come out of the bathroom, he's sitting at the edge of the bed. A dark grey robe on him and you wonder if he was naked too.

Ignoring him, you go to the giant vanity in front of the bed.

You try to focus on the plenty of assignments you'll have after the honeymoon. With less than three months before the next games, your water mutts had already killed a person. Gaul only laughed and insisted on you to feed the beasts with the corpse.

Little did everyone know that on the Reaping day, District 12 people would receive a tiny stain of liquid Mercury on their ballot. Within months of inhaling that thing, they would be sick. It was your revenge for the revolt in the mines that almost killed your father.

But for now, you can only feel his eyes on you. Like the first day of school. You know he wants to touch you. He wants to claim you as his wife. But he doesn't have the right.

So he stays seated, hoping you will make the first move.

Ignoring the way your heart beats, wanting to feel something. Your heart was blind, thinking you could make love with Coriolanus.

Once you have finished with your facial cream. You turn off the light. Only the balcony offered some glimpses.

You step between his legs, hands on his shoulders. The smell of tobacco leaf and vanilla bean perfume hits him, making him gulp. Unsure whether to touch you or not.

"Wait, y/n… Are you-… Are you sure?" He asks, unsure of what is happening. He kind of thanked you for turning off the lights. That way you couldn't see how blushed he was. After all, this was going to be his first time. After actual years of desiring you, he gets to have you for the rest of his life.

Then you lean, inches away from his lips.

" I don't want to hear you" and you don't say more, neither does he. In the darkness, he finds your lips and there's plenty of time to kiss you slowly. With wet sounds, your hands fly to his hair. Making him moan for the first time. It shouldn't be turning you on. But it is, so you slightly move your head, and maybe he understood, 'cause he started kissing your jaw, soon your neck.

He feels you pulling out the nightgown, and it's making him so fucking hard.

You kiss him again and he's free to wander across your naked body. Now his…

It's his first time, just like it is yours. So when he tries to touch you past your lower belly, you guide him.

Softly making him slide his fingers across your wet folds. You moan and he thinks it's the most erotic thing he's ever heard in his life. He knows you are skilled even when it's also your first time. He knows because of your timing, the way you swayed your hips any time you walked, and the way you balanced touching him and moaning at the same time.

Before you, he rarely touched himself or thought about sex. But soon after kissing you for the first time, he would hate himself for thinking how you would look underneath the Academy uniform.

And now, there you were, naked, taking his virginity as you slowly rode him. You swear he has to be big enough to be able to feel him and his details inside you. The pacing was so soft yet hard. Soft because of your slick, hard because of the pleasure.

All you could hear was his sighs, but the stars of the night were your moans and little yelps for him. No words exchanged, just the sound of your desire and his response.

And when you start going faster, holding onto him as if your life depended on it, he was over the edge to say it. But he couldn't.

Your first time should've been with him on top. Tigris said it was traditional. But he let you take the lead, and it was turning out better. You even let him paint your walls with his cum. You let him kiss and suck your nipples as he felt the last spasms of his climax, prolonged by the way you squeezed him.

Even with the silence, both of you knew. It was the hardest and best orgasm of your life.

…

At the outsides of The Capitol, there's an office. All University students needed to submit their petition to graduate two years prior to the ceremony. Gaul demanded you and Snow to go as soon as you returned from the honeymoon.

Now, two months married, you feel slightly lighter. You talked a little bit more with him. Breakfasts were quiet but peaceful. At the University he always tried to protect you.

The news was all about the wedding. Saying it was the event that officially marked the end of the war. People loved you and encouraged your husband to pursue a political party to start campaigns, hoping to win the presidency. As for you, rumors had spread that you were going to be the next game maker of Panem. Evenings were to study and go for some walks. And most of the nights you repeated the same formula. Ending up tangled in your bed with the darkness reigning.

You couldn't help but wonder if something had changed.

Coriolanus Snow was still cold, serious, a man of few but harsh words. But to you, he seemed warm. Like if fucking him had made him switch and now he was eating out from the palm of your hand.

Still, you still felt like the past was haunting you. With memories of the last games and the moment you lost your lovely blonde guy.

"It's done," Snow says coming out of a private office. The green tiles stop being attractive to your eye, making you blink twice to stare at your husband.

He's yours, just like you wanted. With his perfect eyes, perfect smile, hair, body, and dream life.

You sigh with relief. He had insisted on submitting both papers to soothe you from stress.

"We are likely to receive a letter next year. The woman said it was basically approved for us…" you nod. He offers you a sweet smile, that you can't help but reply.

He offers you his arm to take, ready to leave the office.

Lately, Coriolanus has been worried for you. The antidepressant treatment was over, but you were under pressure because you had created the arena and strategies for the 11th Hunger Games. People debated your capacity and ideals. And he knew that would stress you.

He was patiently trying to make you feel comfortable on his side. To make you feel again like you said in the interview with Flickerman.

"Thank you." You say to him.

"Of course."

After taking the elevator, you two are ready to walk out. Until there's a loud explosion near. You exchange looks with your husband, and as he squeezes your hand tighter, what feels like another explosion makes you and Snow fly away.

When he opens his eyes, the building is literally on fire. He reacts quickly, realizing there has been another bombing.

He's okay, just his neck hurts, but there's no blood. It's you who's worrying him a lot.

He calls your name but you don't respond.

Through the ashes and hazes of dust, he looks out for you.

A few feet away, you are coughing, lying on the ground.

He runs and kneels beside you.

"Y/n, please. Can you hear me?" You nod slowly, barely moving.

"I-can't breathe…" Snow sees how your nose bleeds and there are some glasses making your arm shake a little. The sleeve of your cardigan is drenched in blood.

He panics and goes into a full panic attack. Not even when he was in the arena and got hurt. He truly feared losing you.

"I'm taking you out of here" he looks around and notices there's no one around.

He carries you, doing his best to run out of the increasing fire.

"I don't want to die, Coriolanus" you gasp, trying to breathe. He looks down at you, now looking at the dirt in your face.

"You won't die, love. Just calm down and breathe" In fact he knows you could die. But he refuses to accept it as he finds the exit of the building.

There's chaos on the streets.

And in the middle of the disaster, he starts asking for help.

"Please… I need an ambulance for my wife!" He pleads to some people who seem to be helping a group of kids.

A woman listens and calls for a man.

"Help is coming, y/n. Do not close your eyes" The rush in him impeded him from crying. Because he was so freaked out.

"Mr. Snow, I'm a doctor. I'll help your wife get into a hospital" A middle-aged man gets closer, inspecting your face. You can't hear anything. Your eyes close by themselves, and you still feel so out of breath.

It's the sound of the ambulance that works as a lullaby and makes you pass out.

…

It's uncertain. But reliable sources said it was a direct target from rebel allies, a direct target to you. Because the next game maker needed to be erased from Panem before she could even start. Snow is shockingly angered. And he adds another point to his hate for rebellion.

"I won't quit." You affirm from the hospital bed. Your mother frowns.

"I don't think you're understanding the seriousness of this situation, y/n" she suggests, to which your father also nods.

The door opens and Coriolanus enters, hurried to inspect you.

"Are you Okay? The doctor said it wasn't that bad but-" you smile, caressing his shoulder.

"I'm fine. Just inhaled too much smoke. And my arm, but that's it" You show him your left arm covered in gazes.

He kisses your forehead.

"I was so afraid," he whispers in your ear.

And maybe it was all about your emotions after the shocking day. But you finally feel it. You love him. And the way he had acted since the engagement made you believe he could possibly feel the same. But you aren't sure.

"I won't quit. That would only give the rebels a point. I will make this games memorable. And nobody in Panem will ever question my methods" Your words shouldn't have made your husband proud. But it does.

"You're so right, dear," he says, making you smile nervously.

…

You are allowed to leave the hospital that night. And the whole ride, you have to fight the tears. You can't take it anymore.

As soon as you get inside your room. Coriolanus starts running the tub to clean you up.

You get on your knees. Your throat already feels as if you were choking. He spots you on your carpet, looking so vague and lost.

"Please, Coriolanus." He's watching you carefully. And by your face, he feels you are about to say something from the bottom of your heart.

"What? Are you in pain?" He asks scared, kneeling in front of you. You don't answer and that terrifies him. Until you do.

"Tell me you are in love with me. Just once, doesn't matter if you never say it again for the rest of my life. If you mean it, say you love me." Tears start flowing, your face turns red, and Coriolanus can't help but feel vulnerable by seeing like that.

"Because if you say you only insisted on marrying me because of the money, and my father's position… I'm gonna hate you till the day I die. For all you did to me and everything that could've been" he has to close his eyes. To not see you as a tear falls without a warning from his left eye. He has to decide. Is he going to break his promise? He said he couldn't love anyone again. But you weren't new. You were the first. She was the last.

Coriolanus wished to be your boyfriend soon after meeting you. And from waiting for the right moment to ask, he ended up ruining everything for his ambition. From believing she was different, that she was worth it. Ignoring all the pain he caused to you.

And until that moment he realized he had almost obligated you to marry him.

He already had what he wanted. The money and his power were growing, and he had the girl.

Crying on her knees in front of him. Asking him to end her pain. Just by loving her after all the pain he caused her.

Slowly, he reaches for your face. Your sobs became almost silent. Your heart was beating so fast. And if Coriolanus didn't speak now, you would end up having a second mental breakdown.

But he caressed your cheeks. And he traced your face. Where your scar should've been. New waves of tears fall as you feel what he's doing. Only making shut your eyes harder.

"Look at me, y/n" you can't. You're not ready to hear him saying he used you once again.

"I can't." You whisper, sobbing. He decided then to grab you by the waist. Being so gentle, made you feel like two years ago when he was still your lover.

He placed you carefully on the bed. Making you hide your face against the pillows, ruining the white satin with your makeup.

He doesn't care. He just wants to be honest. Real. He's still young. Coriolanus knows he can't live the rest of his life married to you, making you believe he never loved you.

Only you would be able to see who he really was. Even if he ended up having children with you someday. He would never love them like you.

He could be cold and his decisions would be considered cruel. But the only person on earth that would judge him was going to be you.

"Please look at me, y/n" he caresses your cheek, smiling softly. Slowly, you sit, facing him finally.

You can see your old and sweet Coriolanus with the smile he's giving you. And it only makes you cry and cry again.

"I love you."

You stop. Hiccuping, you look perplexed at him.

He's still smiling.

You know he killed two people, probably three.

You'd never know he sent Sejanus to be hanged.

You know he's not the best person.

You'd never know he had a letter he was going to send to you before going to District 12.

You know he caused you so much pain.

And yet you thought you'd never hear him saying those three words.

"I made you suffer. I ruined everything. You know what I did just by looking at my eyes. How can we love each other after all?" You shrug. Trying to control yourself and answer him properly.

"Maybe because we never got the chance to make it real." He chuckles, taking your hand.

"You know I also did cruel things this year." He nodded, having no right to judge you. He wondered if you did all of that from rage, for everything that happened.

"And I still believe you deserve the world, Capitol's dream girl…" he makes you laugh. Out of embarrassment from the silly nickname Flickerman gave you.

"My father was a bad man, and yet, he always treated my mom right. I can't promise I'll be perfect, but I will never hurt you again" You brush his hair. Dishevelling it in the process, making him look like a year ago.

"Promise me. Just you and I, getting each other's back" he says. And you know you'll go to hell for being with him. But he was the love of your life.

"Just you and I, my love" he smiles again.

"I'll make you First Lady of Panem one day. It'll fit better for your current nickname" you roll your eyes.

"What will we do with that much power?" He stares deeply into your eyes. You changed his hair, and he hoped he could still see the scar on your face. But it was gone. Just like the girl he met two years ago. So was the boy he was. But it was okay. Because he'd make you be like him. And nothing would matter more than you and him.

"Everything, dear" you smile. And feeling like teenagers again, both lean at the same time to kiss. Like it was the first time.

"Can I?…" he asks on your lips. You nod, hugging from his neck.

He kisses you finally. Soft, slow but demanding.

And you remember you made it. Your husband would have the power, but you just won control.

And for the next two weeks, during summer break, Coriolanus and you spent your days in District 1. Spending the days eating in the best restaurants, visiting museums, and swimming in private pools. Spending the nights exploring each other for the first time. He marked you his and you marked him yours. Watching the moon and forgetting about the university, moving into a new house, letting the past die.

Maybe the memory of Lucy Gray Baird would haunt Coriolanus for the rest of his life, but you were going to be there to turn it into haze. And maybe you would never forget the pain of losing thanks to him, but he would paint your days golden. He would be a good husband who would make it up each day.

…

The first day of your second year of University started differently. Coriolanus refused to learn to drive and refused to let you do it. But you convinced him it was okay.

You left home together. And arrived together on campus. Went through the stairs holding hands.

"Look, it's The Capitol's trendiest couple" Persephone, an old classmate from the Academy but also a new friend said. Festus, Clemmie, and other new friends were there, laughing and making fun of you and Coriolanus.

And you blushed. Abruptly stopping your steps. Your husband turned to see you.

"Everything is fine?" You nod, smiling.

"I just… This is exactly how I wanted to begin University last year" It made his heart clench.

"Only… he's missing it" Like a needle taking him aback, Coriolanus knew what you meant.

"He'd hate what we have become though" It's bad, but you laugh.

"You're right, dear" you agree with your husband.

"But happy for us…" he adds, and you nod. Grabbing his arm to finally enter the building.

Soon, two peacekeepers call you to Gaul's office, just like last year. She's not there. But there's a letter on her desk.

You exchange looks with Coriolanus. He tilts his head and follows you to the desk. Carefully, he grabs the envelope and opens it.

Students, as the summer ends, I hope you had a pleasant summer.

Congratulations on your success after the games, Mr and Mrs. Snow.

Given the circumstances of Dean Highbottom's death last year, I won't be able to begin with the preparation for the 12th Hunger Games.

I believe you two have gained enough knowledge to start without me.

You'll find materials in the backroom of my principal laboratory. You'll find it quite interesting.

Make me proud and you two will be the first and automatic option to replace me in a couple of years.

And keep in mind what I always ask. What are the games for?

Dr. Volumnia Gaul

No words are exchanged after reading the letter. Coriolanus only nods to you, agreeing to the message.

So you go to the principal laboratory. It's clean and the sound of different animals is the only sound inside.

There are two long tables, and it's obvious, that there are at least six corpses covered in white blankets.

When you pull away the blanket, you gasp in shock.

The corpses that were once humans now seemed a mix of animals.

Until you see what it is.

"Coryo. These are the corpses of the death tributes" You are shocked. He was also surprised.

"The mutt bite… transformed them?" Slowly, you nod. He hands you some gloves and a face mask

"Every year I end up creating something more vile" you admit touching the slimy skin of the corpses, turning dark and the human face blemished. Only a girl from District 4 had won Mags. A lot of people loved her. But the cheer wasn't very loud, thank you and your marriage.

"These were also the people who probably agreed on the bombs. They hate us, y/n" he's right.

"They need a yearly reminder that war is over. That we won and that you won't give up" You turn to face him. There's the anger and hate you disliked about him. But now you have plenty of reasons to agree with him.

"They deserve this."

"You're right"

He sees you making some tests to study the altered DNA and smiles. He was so fucked up.

"Don't stare, silly. Come here and help me. There's a lot to do" you say playfully. So he smirks mockingly and starts helping you.

"Maybe we could have some resting after this" he suggests, you laugh.

"Here? With deformed corpses? I don't think so, dear"

"Not here. We can go to the private ladies' room." Sometimes you made fun of him for having the kind of a pervert teenager. Ever since you decided to make up with him, Coriolanus and you were the biggest switching couple in the history of sex.

"Oh, my goodness. Can you behave for once, Mr. Snow?" You ignore him, sealing some glass containers with pieces of skin, fluids, and more from the corpses.

"You know what? Forget it. We haven't done it in the upper living room, or the library. Yeah, I can wait." Brushing past him, you laugh.

"I swear I will turn you into a mutt if you don't shut up, Coryo" both of you laugh. And Coriolanus feels happy. He thinks he has your back. He finally won.

He won the money, the fame, and the power was growing. And he won the girl.

…

It was already dark when you were done doing the practices at the University. Coriolanus helps you with your coat and bag as you make your way to the car.

"After you, dear" he indicates that you should sit first. So you do, and after you start the car, you turn to see him.

He has rebellious hair hanging on his forehead. He lets you brush his hair and smiles, relaxing after a long day.

There's time to catch your lips and kiss you deeply. Hands on your hips as usual and yours tangled in his hair. Even after brushing it.

"Do you think she'll notice?" He asks agitated, breathing unevenly. You giggle, fixing your dark purple lipstick through the mirror of the car.

"She gave us six bodies, but seven doesn't make much difference. Right?" He smiles too, even giggling a bit.

"I can't wait to take a shower," he admits.

"I can't wait for you to take me to bed after shower" Before you make it outside of campus, he kisses you again, squeezing your inner thigh, almost making you moan.

"Me neither…"

___________________________

Taglist: @sarnbarnes @user0440822 @poppyflower-22 @h-l-vlovesvintage @zxrcle @gloryekaterina @dakotali @especiallythewomenandthechildren @mymadokamagica @drvnkn-dazed

In my head… this was the wedding dress<3

[httpknjoon]

what do the lonely do at christmas | myg

plot | that time when popstar!yn found herself on bassist!yoongi's bed on a cold December morning.

w.c | 2.8K

pairing | bass guitarist!yoongi x popstar!reader

genre | fluff, slight angst, enemies to lovers

note | one out of two/three holiday-themed drabble for this series! it's late, I know. but I can't let them sit in my drafts again haha so here it is. enjoy!

main masterlist | series masterlist | want to request?

DAY 66 of Love Is... On Tour

They make songs. Together.

After a show at Wells Fargo Center, Yoongi stayed locked in his hotel room to work on the music for your EP. He has read the lyrics you sent to him and listened to some melody ideas you recorded in your voice notes. In the last two days you two have been collaborating, you are full of visions and excited to tell him all of them. He finds it more surprising that you two haven't had any fights since then.

Is it New Years yet? I'm getting bored, so can we skip ahead? I just wanna forget That I'm at home with nobody to hold

So far, you already recorded two out of the six songs you planned to release in the EP. Usually, Yoongi takes his time in making and editing songs. But considering that this is a holiday EP and you have less than a week before the management's deadline, he works on it at every chance he gets. It's not that hard when you already have a clear vision of what and how you want the extended play to be.

Working is a great distraction compared to scrolling on his phone, which did no good for him. Mainly because he recently saw a post from a mutual friend of his and his ex. That's when he learned that Sara threw a baby shower in what was supposedly their house. He felt something cracked in him when he saw how far along her pregnancy was.

Tempted, Yoongi scrolled through the carousel of photos, admiring the decorations and colors of the house Sara probably picked herself, things that Yoongi had never seen personally. A single photo made Yoongi pause.

It shows Sara and her then-ex-boyfriend holding her growing bump, also showcasing a ring on her finger— not the emerald-cut diamond one he proposed to her. A new one, signaling that she is engaged for a second time this year. That photo was enough for Yoongi to turn it off and focus on his music.

Ding-dong.

Yoongi's head snapped, irritated when the unexpected doorbell noise filled his room. Frowning, he gets up from his chair to check who the person might be.

It's you.

Looking like a curious puppy, you stood before Yoongi's door with two cups of warm drinks you asked Cal to buy on the way back to the hotel. Yoongi looked at you through the small peephole, taking notice of your large, thick white cable knit sweater that falls just a few inches above your knees and the mystery cups you're holding. He opened the door when you began rolling your eyes and tapping your foot.

"What took you so long?!" you instantly asked the moment you saw him, handing him the other cup.

He snickered, ignoring your attitude. He takes the cup before pushing the door wider to let you in. Yoongi followed behind you when you walked inside. He sits back on his chair, in front of his small set-up, while you sit at the edge of his bed. Usually, you will take the couch. But the bed is nearer his working setup.

This is how you two have worked since you started. You only get up when you want to see his screen or when recording something.

"What are you doing here?" he asked since you just finished your show earlier. He figured you might prefer to rest and just work early tomorrow.

"I have an EP to work on, duh!" you replied, taking a sip from your hot chocolate as you tapped on your phone. "Anyway, lemme show you something..."

Probably a new idea. Yoongi thought. He knew it from the moment he saw you opened your phone's notes app.

"Here." You handed him your phone, letting him read something you wrote earlier today.

Maybe he met you somewhere in the desert While he was soul searching, he found someone better Guess you make him happy like I couldn't do Cindy Lou Who

Yoongi reads down the words, "It's a sad song?"

"Yep," you nodded. "Have you heard the song, What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas?"

Yoongi was quick to shake his head. He is not really fond of Christmas songs and doesn't listen to them if not needed. But he could tell by the title that it's probably a sad song too.

You pulled up your legs on his bed, making yourself comfortable, "It's a great song from the 70s. It has a lot of covers too. It's a sad Christmas song and I am so into it that I thought of writing one too."

Yoongi nods, listening, as he scans the rest of your lyrics, "Hmm..."

"What?" you quickly responded to his humming.

With how his eyes squint and his lips form a thin line, you know that he has something to say about your work. You learned after your first night of working together, making you realize that he has the same habit when you rehearse for a show.

"It's great, but I feel like we should just change some irrelevant lines? Like, maybe he met you somewhere in the desert." he read one of the lines. "What does desert get to do with Christmas?"

When he was met with a long silence, Yoongi looked up to you. But he find you just looking at him, chewing on your bottom lip. You looked away before letting out a heavy sigh.

"I found out my ex was cheating on me when paparazzi caught pictures of him and that actress kissing in Coachella." you explained.

"Oh..."

An apologetic look was instantly written all over his face, which is something you haven't expected. You thought he would keep the blank expression he always has. But his eyes and slightly gaped mouth said otherwise. You hate pity or anything like that, especially when it comes from someone who once read you too well. So, you grinned, even though it was forced so much that it almost made your cheeks hurt.

"Want to see the pictures? It's literally everywhere." you joked to change the mood. His eyes widened like he thought you were serious. So you chuckled, "I'm kidding! I won't show you that myself. You can just search it up if you want to."

"I'm not interested. No one really enjoys seeing a picture of their ex," he mumbled, returning your phone to you.

Your eyebrows crooked together when you heard that. He sounded too serious like he was the one in your shoes. You watch him sulk back to his seat, turning his back to work on one of your songs.

"You're acting like you were the one who got cheated on here. You're literally engaged to someone." you quipped.

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not."

He whispered mindlessly. Yoongi didn't really think about it and let it slip out of his tongue. He doesn't really like bringing up his personal dramas in his workplace. He never would have realized what he said if you didn't ask him,

"What do you mean by that?"

Yoongi turned around, meeting your eyes, "So, how do you like that song to turn out?"

You're not dumb. Of course, you noticed him dodging your curiosities. He has never shared anything about himself since you two worked together. It's not like I care, you thought. But you know that there is a small itch at the back of your head, trying to get him to talk more. And maybe you know a trick to satisfy that itch.

"Let's order some wine first."

"With your hair so long, lips so bed— wait, that's wrong!"

A bottle of red wine is carelessly placed on the perfectly white duvet of Yoongi's bed. Surprisingly, it is still safe from any stain. The nearly finished cup of now-cold chocolate drink you brought is on the nightstand. You were giggling in front of the microphone and pop filter after making another mistake.

"The words are scrambled." you continued giggling before drinking from the glass of wine you were holding.

It has been almost two hours since you got in his room and Yoongi knows that the effect of your wine is getting into you. Earlier, before you could finish your first glass, you two already agreed on the instrumentals of the song you called cindy lou who. You let Yoongi make some changes in your lyrics, but it's nothing major.

"Something that feels delicate and maybe some piano." You described your idea before humming the tune you were thinking of.

By the second glass of wine, you are recording a rough draft of the song. So that you know if your ideas work well. Yoongi suggested to layer your vocals in some parts while you thought of adding a subtle harmony. Surprisingly, you two worked smoothly.

"Should we add some harp? Noah would have liked that."

You were almost done with your third glass of wine when Yoongi heard you mention your ex's name for the first time.

"Maybe we should stop drinking..." he said.

Even though he's in his fourth glass as well, Yoongi is doing better than you. You looked at him while he clicked something on his setup. You wondered if he could feel the cozy, warm feeling you've been feeling from the wine. Because that plain expression cannot really tell you anything, which makes you feel a little frustrated with how you're the only one who seemed to be a little giggly.

"Fine." you rolled your eyes, letting him take your glass from you.

He got up to get something in his room's mini fridge before going back to you, "Water?"

"It's cold," you replied before you could even touch the bottle.

"Okay, diva."

Your eyebrows raised with that, "No! I mean I cannot drink cold water when I'm singing or recording. It's not good for my throat... I'm fine, anyway. Thanks."

"I thought it would help you sober up," he explained, leaning to his chair.

"I'm sober!" you exclaimed defensively. Just a little fuzzy. But you won't admit that to him.

His lips formed into a smug smile, like he was saying, yeah sure. You puffed before fixing your headphones and crossing your arms over your chest. You looked annoyed. Yoongi knows because your nostrils are flared while there's a small pout on your lips. He bites off his inner cheek to stop himself from smiling.

"Should we record again?" he asked.

Still a little annoyed, you didn't say anything and just nodded your head. The instrumental began playing in your headphones seconds later.

‘Tis the season to be jolly But how can I be when I have nobody

The same song plays on your phone while you tap your fingertips in tune with the sleighbells playing in its instrumental. After finishing recording the song, you stay to see how it will turn out. Yoongi didn't seem to mind even though it was already past midnight.

"Do you want to hear the song I mentioned?" you asked him while he worked on the song.

Busy, he answered with a short sure. So, you played the song in a non-distracting volume, reached for the glass of wine you abandoned, and sat on his bed. You were quiet, sometimes humming to the song, but mostly staring at the view outside.

A silent night I know it's gonna be Joy to the world But it's gonna be sad for me

As the snow falls outside, you think of how this is so not how you expected your December is gonna be this year. With Noah being your original bassist, you thought you two would get to enjoy the snow in various cities you're touring in. And maybe even spend Christmas together during your break. But instead, you are now in your new bassist's, with whom you have dumb fights most of the time, hotel room, making holiday songs.

How surprising is that? You thought to yourself before taking one gulf of your wine.

You were snapped out of your thoughts when Yoongi slightly groaned as he stretched his limbs from his chair. You paused the song and collected the wine bottle and your glass like you were ready to go.

"Are you kicking me out yet?" you asked.

He turned around, just to you about to get up from the bed, "What?"

"Maybe my presence distracts you." you joked, which sounds nicer than maybe you don't want me here in your room anymore because you don't like having me here.

He chuckled, a little tired, "No, it's okay. I know you're waiting for the finished version."

"Good. Because I really like your room. You have a great view of the city. The snow looks perfect here." you rambled.

Yoongi looked outside, seeing the wonderful view you were talking about. He wordlessly agrees before getting back to his screen. Watching him, you mumbled.

"If you're tired, we can just finish that tomorrow."

Just like you, the guy also performed hours ago. You two don't along at most times, but you are not that petty to make him overwork.

"No, I'm fine," he shakes his head. "I'll finish this in an hour, just wait there."

"Okay," you put down the bottle on the nightstand.

Yoongi heard the music play again while he edited the song. Eager to finish it tonight, he continued working for what seemed like a few minutes for him. He made sure to add your suggestions and put some elements he thinks would be perfect. After listening to his finished product through his headphones one more time, Yoongi put on a satisfied smile.

"And it's do—"

Yoongi's smile fell when he found you asleep on his bed with the empty wine glass in your hand. It was already 1:24 AM, and he looked at the time. Seeing how peaceful you are in your sleep, he would hate waking you up. Instead, Yoongi got up cleaned up his nightstand, and carefully took your glass. He tried not to chuckle loudly when he heard your small snores. After gently putting the duvet on you, Yoongi took one of the pillows and threw it on the couch that he would take over tonight. He knows it would be awkward to take up the big, empty space next to you.

Dimming down the lights, Yoongi tried to find a comfortable position on the couch. And when he did, he finally closed his eyes and let himself fall asleep.

If it weren't for the buzzing noise next to you, you would have seen where your celebrity crush ended up taking you for a date in your dreams. Groaning, you reached for your phone beside you. Seeing Cal calling, you begrudgingly answered the call.

"Hey, Cal." your voice sounded weak as you just woke up.

"Where the hell are you, YN?! I've been ringing your room. You have a virtual interview at 9."

Your eyebrows furrowed while slowly sitting up, "What do you mean? I'm in my room— Oh, no. Fuck."

The first thing you see when you sit up is Yoongi's compact studio setup, which you don't remember being in your room. You looked around and it just confirmed that you are not in your hotel room. Yoongi is nowhere to be found, you don't hear any noise from the bathroom either.

"Y/N?" Cal spoke again, worried by your sudden pause.

"I-I'm in Yoongi's room." you stuttered, trying to remember your last memory. You were relieved to find yourself still in the same clothes you went with last night.

You heard a gasp from the other line, "Oh my god, YN! Did you hooked—"

"No, no, no! Still in my clothes. Just fell asleep making songs." you babbled, cutting her suspicions off. "Where the fuck is that sock?!"

Is it a talent to lose a fucking sock while asleep? Because if it is, you just added a new title under your name. You were in a hurry, shuffling the bed for that one sock with heart patterns. Cal can only imagine what you look like right now.

"Here!" you exclaimed, immediately putting it on. You rushed to the door after. "I'm going there right— Yoongi!"

Yoongi was right before you. He shared the same shock as you except he was calmer with his eyebrows raised and eyes widened.

"I have to go for an interview. Cal's gonna rip my head off. I'll check the song later. Thank you for letting me stay!"

You were so in a hurry that you were literally spewing words and didn't realize that you leaned to give a quick kiss on his cheek. It registered as you were moving back, making you two stop for a moment, looking at each other in surprise. He gulped, feeling his throat running dry. while you feel every blood run to your cheeks now, feeling warm.

You blinked, "I-I'm gonna go."

Yoongi watched you run to the elevator before looking at the two cups of coffee he was holding.

note | i still have a christmas drabble! haha! hope u liked this one though <33

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[swiftiethatlovesf1]

Losing his cool

Heyy guyss, I hope you enjoy this reader x Lewis one shot :)

If you want to read more stories of mine here's my masterlist.

The sun was shining high over the paddock, casting a warm glow over the Mercedes motorhome. You loved coming to the races whenever you could, always excited to support George, your younger brother, but also to soak in the electric atmosphere of the track.

Today, though, you were enjoying a rare moment of quiet, sitting comfortably on one of the sofas in the motorhome, your oversized sunglasses perched on your nose and your outfit, as always, effortlessly stylish.

As you scrolled through your phone, you felt a soft nudge against your leg. Glancing down, you saw Roscoe, looking up at you with those big, round eyes, his tail wagging with excitement.

"Well, hello there, handsome," you said with a smile, bending down to give him a scratch behind the ears. Roscoe flopped down at your feet, clearly in the mood for attention, and nudged a toy toward you. With a chuckle, you picked it up and started a gentle game of tug-of-war. His playful growls filled the motorhome, and you found yourself laughing as you pulled the toy from side to side, completely engrossed in the moment.

Lewis’s Perspective

Lewis walked out of a debriefing, looking forward to taking a breather in the motorhome. But as soon as he stepped out into the paddock, he noticed something — Roscoe was nowhere to be found. He furrowed his brow, scanning the area, wondering where his adventurous pup had wandered off to.

“Where’s Roscoe?” he mumbled, heading toward the motorhome. As soon as he stepped inside, his heart did a quick flip.

There you were — George’s older sister, casually lounging on the sofa, your smile lighting up the room as you played with Roscoe. He stood there for a moment, frozen.

From the first time Lewis had met you, you had an effect on him. You were effortlessly stylish, funny, and kind. Since that moment, he’d developed a quiet crush on you. The only problem? Whenever you were around, his confidence seemed to vanish.

Roscoe, sensing his presence, bounded over to him, wagging his tail.

“Oh, there you are,” you said, looking up with a grin. “I was starting to think I’d have to keep Roscoe for myself.”

Lewis chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, he’s good at wandering off. Sorry about that."

"No need to apologize," you replied, giving Roscoe one last pat before sitting up. "He’s great company."

Lewis felt the heat rise to his face, trying to hide how flustered he was. "He’s... yeah, he’s a good boy."

You smiled, tilting your head slightly. "So, what about you? How’ve you been? George told me you're are getting into music again, what’s on your playlist these days?"

The sudden switch in conversation threw him off guard. "Uh, playlist?" He cleared his throat, his mind racing to come up with an answer. "I’ve been listening to a lot of old-school hip-hop lately. Kendrick Lamar, a bit of J. Cole. Stuff like that."

Your eyes lit up with interest. "Kendrick, huh? Didn’t take you for a hip-hop fan. I like that." You leaned in slightly. "I’ve been obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter lately, especially her new album,."

Lewis grinned, feeling a bit more comfortable. "Sabrina is great. I'm not into pop music but I do like her songs, besides, I've heard that her live shows are insane, too."

You nodded, your gaze locked on his. "I bet. I’ve been dying to see her live. Maybe we should go to a concert sometime."

He froze at your words, his mind momentarily blank. Did you just suggest going to a concert together? He quickly tried to play it off casually. "Yeah, that could be fun."

You leaned back with a teasing smirk. "Could be?"

Lewis laughed awkwardly, his nerves creeping back in. "I mean, it would be fun. Definitely."

"That’s more like it." You gave him a playful wink, and Lewis couldn’t help but smile, though his heart was racing.

You tilted your head slightly, your expression softening. "So, how’s your break been? Any big plans?"

Lewis shifted, trying to keep his cool. "It’s been good. Spent some time hiking in Colorado with Roscoe. It was nice to get away from everything for a bit, you know?"

"Colorado sounds amazing," you said, your eyes lighting up. "I’ve always wanted to go hiking out there. Maybe you can show me around sometime?"

Lewis blinked, his heart skipping a beat. He hadn’t expected you to be so direct. "Uh, yeah, sure. I mean, if you’re ever out there…"

You smiled, clearly amused by his nervousness. "I’ll hold you to that."

As the conversation continued, Lewis found himself relaxing more, enjoying your company as you chatted about music, travel, and everything in between. But when the conversation lulled, you stood up, brushing a hand through Roscoe’s fur one last time.

"Well, it was nice catching up with you," you said, smiling warmly at him. "And since you’ve been dodging the question all afternoon… how about I make it easy for you?"

Lewis blinked, confused. "Question? What question?"

You laughed softly, stepping closer. "I know you’re not going to ask me out, so... how about I ask you instead?" Your tone was playful, but your eyes held his steadily. "What do you say, Lewis? Dinner next weekend?"

Lewis’s heart nearly stopped. He hadn’t seen that coming at all. His mind raced, trying to process the fact that you had just asked him out. "You... want to go out with me?"

You grinned, shaking your head at his surprise. "Yes, Lewis. I want to go out with you. What do you think?"

His nerves suddenly melted away, replaced by a wave of excitement. "I’d love that," he said, his voice a bit more confident now.

"Good," you said, giving him one last playful smile before turning to leave. "I’ll text you."

As you walked away, Lewis stood there, dumbfounded but grinning from ear to ear. Roscoe barked softly, as if to say, It’s about time.

Lewis shook his head, still in disbelief. "Yeah, Roscoe," he muttered, glancing down at his dog. "It’s about time."

[bernardsgfs]

vegas virgin | c.s

© bernardsgfs

chris sturniolo x female reader

warnings: swearing, smut

preview: you tag along with chris and matt on a las vegas trip when something unexpected happens

lowercase intended

(feels rushed so sorry | first fanfic)

———————————————————————

y/n has been friends with the triplets for a long time, she’s had different relationships with all of them, she’s really good friends with nick, y/n tells nick pretty much everything. matt has always been the sweetest to her ever since they’ve met, while their younger brother, chris hates her and couldn’t care less. you were currently sitting on their couch waiting for them to come down to go on a plane to las vegas with them to watch their brothers game while nick was god knows where. ”you ready to go?” matt asks me, walking down the stairs. He plops down on the soft couch opposite from you looking at you. you nod slowly looking down at your phone. “chris doesn’t want you to come with us.. but I insisted.” matt says smiling. “why does he hate me anyways?” You ask. “I genuinely have no clue.” he says standing up. chris slowly comes downstairs, sighing as he rolls his eyes when he sees me sitting at the couch with my suitcase next to me. “is she seriously coming.” he asks matt as I slowly look up “yes she’s seriously coming chris.” chris opens the front door “whatever..” he mutters, carrying his bags out to the car. “sorry about that y/n” matt says quietly, making sure chris doesn’t hear. “it’s fine” you say shrugging it off, following them to the car.

———————————————————————

-later in the airplane-

CHRIS POV

It was dark on the plane with most passengers asleep, we were almost there and I was forced to sit next to y/n. I sigh, looking out the window, as y/n’s head lays on my shoulder fast asleep. music playing in my ears as the hood of my sweatshirt lays on top of my hair. I feel y/n move slightly next to me. I turn my head watching her sleep peacefully, her chest moving up and down slowly. I move my hand to brush the strands of hair shielding her face. as I turn back to look out the window I hear matt come back from the bathroom, he gives me a confused look, looking down at y/n. matt sits down and pulls out his phone to start texting me.

(a/n: imagine the text color blue, sorry)

———————————————————————

-next day-

Y/N POV

I sit against the bench feeling the warm night breeze, I scroll on my phone waiting for matt and chris to come out from justin’s game. I wait patiently until I hear someone call my name. I snap my head up from my phone and look around to see matt waving at me from the front door of the building. I stand up and walk to matt, seeing chris stare at me intently as matt and justin laugh at an inside joke, I stare at chris back until matt turns his head to talk to me. “You hungry?” he asks me “very.” I say and giggle as I walk with matt to the car with chris and justin walking behind us.

———————————————————————

we slowly walk to our table as the waiter places down the menus and walks off. as I sit down I see chris move his hand to his pants slowly readjusting them looking away from me. I ignore it and look down at the menu in my hand as I feel eyes burning into my head, knowing it’s chris I brush it off, matt nudges my arm next to me. “what are you getting?” he asks softly, “probably fettuccine alfredo” I say smiling, he nods and looks back down. I look up at chris to see him already looking at me, I watch his eyes slowly wander down to my lips and quickly look back up at my eyes. I blush and look back down at my menu.

———————————————————————

as I finish my food I put the fork on the plate and put my dirty napkin on top of it. “I have to go to the bathroom really quick.” I say getting up. “me too actually..” I hear chris say, I turn around to try and talk to him but instead feel chris pushing me against the bathroom door and pinning me onto the wall “c-chris..!” “fuck don’t speak.” He says as he quickly pushes his lips against mine. I whimper quietly as he taps my leg, I jump up wrapping my legs around his waist feeling a hard bulge underneath “c-chris I don’t know-“ a stifled moan from my mouth interrupts me as I feel his lips against my neck. “I’ve been wanting to do this ever since we stepped off that plane.” he says breathing heavily, his hands find its way under my skirt tugging at my thong as I bite my lip softly “off.” chris mumbles as I help him pull off my thong, I gasp as I feel his fingers rub my clit, “c-chris” I moan. “you’re a virgin right?” He asks still rubbing my clit. I nod responding with a weak “mhm” leaning my head back. “I’ll go soft don’t worry” he says pushing 2 fingers in, I gasp and grip onto his shirt, he smirks kissing my neck slowly tugging at the top of my tank top with his teeth. He pulls out his fingers and shoves them back in over and over again as I moan and flinch on top of him. “fuck.” I hear him mumble as I feel the knot in my stomach get tighter. He rubs my clit with his thumb while sucking on my neck and I grip tighter at his shirt, my knuckles turning white. “I-“ a wave of pleasure hits me as I feel my orgasm spill out onto his fingers. “good girl” he whispers kissing my cheek, he pulls my thong back on me and sets me down, bringing his 2 fingers to his mouth sucking my juices off as he walks out back to the table. I sit on the floor panting heavily as I wrap my head around what just happened. I struggle to stand back up and open the bathroom door getting ready to go back to the table where everyone else is.

———————————————————————

[blairboo]

IDWT$

Noah Sebastian x Fem! Reader

Summary: When your boyfriend is a fighter, and takes you to one of his fights, which he betrays you, are you going to seek help from his opponent?

Warnings: Fights, blood, betrayal, bruises, pain

Word Count: 2k

---

Fights.

That's what my life became after I started dating Ryan. He had been fighting since he was 14, grew up in this world, and I knew that very well when I started dating him. Ryan had always been very clear about showing me that this was his life.

But then, he never let me go to any of his fights. He said it was a dangerous place for me. I never doubted that, especially on the days Ryan came back, simply broken. But I sensed there was another reason why he never wanted me to go with him. He was jealous and hated to see me near other men, and I knew that where he fought, there were only men.

It had been a few weeks since his last fight. Ryan wasn’t a weak or inexperienced fighter; he grew up doing this. But in his last fight, he lost. He didn’t want to tell me who the other fighter was, which I found strange, considering every time he fought, I always knew who his opponent was.

Today, he was going to fight again against the man he lost to. Ryan seemed confident, saying he wouldn’t lose this time. I always believed in him. Ryan wasn’t a vengeful person, but after his last fight, it seemed like he wanted revenge on the guy who had raised his hand instead of Ryan.

I found myself sitting in the living room while Ryan packed his bag to head to the Glass House, his fight gym. He grew up there and had been the best and most evolved fighter in the gym.

“I want you to come today.” I turned my head in his direction to make sure I heard him right.

“What?” I had been dating Ryan for three years, and he had never let me go to his fights. Why now?

“I want you to come to my fight today.” He came towards me and took my hands.

“Are you sure? I know you don’t like me going there,” I asked hesitantly.

“Absolutely. I want you to see me beat the crap out of that jerk from the last fight.” He had a frightening smile on his face.

I gave him a weak smile and went to our room to get ready. I wasn’t quite sure what to wear since I had never been to the place or seen how people dressed there, but I opted for black leggings and a white shirt with a jacket over it. It seemed comfortable.

I went back down to the living room, and Ryan was already ready with his bag slung over his shoulder. When his gaze met mine, I couldn’t decipher whether he liked my outfit or not, but he didn’t say anything and opened the door, extending his hand for us to leave.

Ryan was always a gentleman with me, but there was something in his behavior that bothered me a lot. His jealousy irritated me. He never let me be near other men, and if it happened, he would probably yell at me once we got home, telling me I didn’t need to be so friendly with men. And how much that annoyed me.

❦

The drive to the gym was calm and silent, just the music on the radio playing and the raindrops falling on the car. Ryan parked and got out, telling me to wait for him to grab the umbrella, and I looked at the place in front of me.

Upheaval Underground.

What the heck was this?

“Are you going to just stand there?” Ryan looked at me angrily while holding the umbrella.

I got out of the car, positioning myself under the umbrella as we walked towards the entrance of the venue.

We headed to the entrance, where there were many people drinking around the arena, and red lights flashing. A voice over the loudspeaker announced that the fights would start in 20 minutes. Ryan took my hand and led us inside. The place smelled of alcohol, smoke, and weed.

“I need to get ready for the fight; I’ll put you in the balcony, you’ll be able to see well.” Ryan pulled me through the doors of the arena.

❦

It had been 15 minutes since Ryan left, and I was looking down at where some fights were already happening. This was definitely not the kind of thing I was used to; there was a lot of blood and shouting in the ring.

As time passed, the fight ended, and I knew it was Ryan’s turn to fight. For a moment, I felt apprehensive. I had never seen one of his fights, and anxiety was building inside me.

A voice over the loudspeaker announced Ryan’s entrance into the ring. He was wearing black fight shorts, and his gloves were red. The look on his face was confident.

I looked around as people shouted Ryan's name; he seemed like a big celebrity.

The voice announced the entry of the other fighter in the ring.

“And now, my fight lovers, we have Noah Davis against Ryan Miller in the ring, two beasts, but only one will walk away with the belt tonight,” the voice said again over the speakers.

Noah Davis.

Who was he?

Noah entered the ring wearing a black cloak over his face, and his gloves were black. He was tall and in good shape, and then he took off the cloak.

I thought Ryan was handsome until I saw him.

“Focus; you’re watching your boyfriend fight,” the voices in my head warned me.

A loud whistle declared the start of the fight, and until then, the two of them just circled the ring, staring each other down.

Then Ryan tried to throw the first punch at Noah, which he missed.

Noah retaliated with a punch to Ryan's face and a kick to the side of his thigh. Ryan staggered a bit but quickly landed a punch.

The fight continued, fists and kicks flying everywhere. There was blood on the ring floor, and I began to feel nauseous. I lowered my head and could only hear the people shouting and the sounds of punches.

My head started to spin, and I could feel nausea creeping in. I needed help. My hand reached for a water bottle I had brought with me, and when I found it, I quickly brought it to my lips, drinking as if I were stranded in the desert for 30 days. At least it relieved the nausea I was feeling.

❦

The final whistle of the fight snapped me out of my thoughts, and I lifted my head to see Ryan lying on the floor, surrounded by paramedics, while the referee raised Noah’s hand and another man put a belt around Noah's waist.

Ryan had lost.

Noah rubbed his hand on the belt in circles while shouting words to the people around him.

“ i’m the fucking king!” he shout out

His eyes scanned the crowd until they found mine.

He paused for a moment, continued to stare at me, and gave me a playful smile.

Realizing what I was doing, I quickly left the area and went to look for Ryan. I needed to know if he was okay.

I walked the concrete hallways, searching for someone who could help me and tell me where Ryan was. I arrived at a room where no one was present, but I could hear voices behind a closed curtain.

I moved closer to the curtain, and the voices sounded like moaning.

I pulled the curtain aside.

Ryan was sitting on the stretcher, with several cuts on his face, and there was a nurse with her lab coat open, sitting on his lap.

“What the hell is this?” I screamed furiously at the both of them.

Ryan’s eyes looked at me with what I could only describe as desperation.

“I swear it’s not what it looks like; I can explain,” he tried, but his words and nothing were the same thing to me.

He tried to stand up, but the woman on his lap didn’t move.

I looked at him again.

“I’ll make sure to thank Noah for beating your ass,” I turned on my heels and walked toward the door.

I heard my name being shouted several times, but I continued without looking back.

I stepped out of the room and leaned against the wall.

“Problems in paradise, huh?” a voice came from beside me. I couldn’t see who it was; tears of anger burned in my eyes.

I wiped my eyes and looked in the direction of the voice.

Noah.

He was leaning against the wall, just wearing his fight shorts.

“I’m not interested in your victory story,” I rolled my eyes.

“That guy in there with my girlfriend; is he your boyfriend?” Noah asked, a slight smile on his face.

“I guess so.” I wasn’t interested in continuing the topic.

My boyfriend cheated on me with the girlfriend of the guy he just lost a fight to.

Wow, how ironic.

“Come on, I can help you get out of here,” he extended his hand to me.

“I’m not interested in leaving with the guy who just beat my ex-boyfriend,” I turned and continued toward the other exit.

“Come on, the woman in there was my girlfriend too. If you let me, I can help you forget about this. Besides, you’re not leaving here alone; well, at least not without being harassed.” His voice was playful, but I didn’t know the place, much less who the people who frequented it were.

Noah still had his hand extended to me, which I gratefully took.

Ryan had cheated on me, and he definitely deserved this.

❦

Noah led us out of the arena, where many people were gathered, and the rain had stopped, so there were definitely many more people than when I arrived.

“How did you come?” he asked.

“My car,” I pointed in the direction where my car was parked.

I even wondered how Ryan would get home, but that was now his problem. Screw it.

A voice behind me made Noah clench his fists.

“What’s this, Noah? You were just with that blonde and now you're with another?” a man approached, placing one hand on my back.

Noah stepped in front of the man.

“Don’t touch her,” his voice had changed; it was no longer soft but filled with anger.

“What’s up, man? We can take turns.” The man had a smile on his face.

The next sound I heard was Noah's fist making contact with the man’s face, and soon the place exploded into shouts, with punches and kicks flying everywhere.

I looked around and saw no way out, and I felt a tight grip on my arm.

Noah was holding my wrist tightly, trying to pull me out of that fight.

And then…

I felt a pain on the right side of my head and something burning in my ribs.

The pain was agonizing.

I felt two hands gripping the sides of my face.

Everything went black.

---

**NOAH POV**

I looked at the woman lying on my bed. Her face was bruised, and there was a deep cut on her ribs.

She was so beautiful.

I started to wonder when I decided to bring my opponent's girlfriend to my house.

Well, now she was an ex-girlfriend.

I ran my fingers along her face down to the scar on her left shoulder.

With a quick movement, the woman grabbed my hand and pulled it away from her scar.

“Don’t touch me,” she backed away.

I still didn’t know her name.

“I’m just trying to help you,” I raised my hands in surrender.

She seemed to be scanning me, looking at everything around her.

“Where am I?” she looked at me suspiciously.

“I’ll tell you, but only if you tell me your name,” I thought it was a fair trade.

She just stared at me.

No response.

---

Hellooo Everyone!!

So I decided to post earlier the story, so I really hope that you enjoy this.

Idk if this deserves an part 2, but lmk if you all want it

Thank you!

TAG LIST

@foliosgirl

Blair👾

[mysunshinetemptress]

Nothing sweeter than my baby

Leah Williamson x Reader Warnings: Shitty writing once more, fluff

The thrumming bass of "My Girl" pulsed through the reception hall, a sensual counterpoint to the clinking of glasses and murmur of conversation. But for you, the music faded into the background, a mere echo compared to the symphony playing out in your hand – Leah's. Your fingers were laced with hers, a tangle of warmth and unspoken devotion. You hadn't let go since the last lingering notes of the recessional had faded. Even the well-wishes from your parents and friends, delivered with watery eyes and booming laughter, had been mere interruptions in your silent conversation.

Now, nestled against Leah's front at the head table, you listened intently as the toasts began. Each speech, a brushstroke painting of your love story on a canvas of shared memories. Your best friend, her voice thick with emotion, recounted the moment you'd confessed your feelings for Leah, her booming laughter echoing your own nervous fumbling. Leah's brother, ever the pragmatist, spoke of the unwavering support you offered Leah through thick and thin, a testament to the strength of your bond.

As your parents spoke, a kaleidoscope of emotions flickered through Leah's eyes – a glistening sheen that threatened to spill over. You squeezed her hand ever so slightly, a silent reassurance. Your mother, voice trembling with pride, spoke of the way Leah brought out a light in you she'd never seen before. Your father, ever the stoic, cleared his throat roughly before admitting you'd finally found someone who could match your stubborn streak, a comment that elicited a snort of laughter from Leah that warmed you from the inside out.

What you hadn't expected was a light tap on your side and hand as Leah pushed you slightly to stand up before taking your hand back in hers and holding the microphone in her other one.

A hush fell over the reception hall as all eyes turned to Leah. A soft blush bloomed across her cheeks, but her gaze held steady as she met yours. The corner of her lips quirked up in a secret smile, a silent promise of what was to come.

"Thank you all for sharing your beautiful memories with us," Leah's voice, though slightly husky with emotion, rang out clear and strong. "Tonight isn't just about celebrating our love, but the love that brought us here. The love of our families, our friends, and everyone who has supported us along the way."

She scanned the room, her eyes lingering on each person before returning to you with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. "But most importantly," she continued, her voice dropping to a low, intimate murmur that sent goosebumps erupting on your skin, "tonight is about celebrating the love I found in you, Y/N."

The room held its breath, captivated by the raw emotion in her voice. You could feel the warmth radiating from her hand intertwined with yours, a silent testament to the depth of your connection.

"From the moment we met," Leah began, her voice weaving a tapestry of shared memories, "there was something special about you. A spark, a connection I couldn't explain. You made me laugh until my sides ached, you challenged me to be better, and you loved me fiercely, even on the days I was unlovable."

A choked sob escaped someone in the audience, quickly followed by a wave of sniffles. Your own throat tightened, overwhelmed by the depth of her love and the vulnerability she was laying bare in front of everyone.

"You're my best friend, my confidante, my rock," Leah continued, her voice thick with emotion. "You're the missing piece I never knew I needed. And tonight," she stated, her gaze unwavering from yours, "I promise to love you with every fiber of my being, through laughter and tears, sunshine and storms. You are my forever, Y/N, and I will love you until my last breath."

Leah paused as the room erupted in thunderous applause, whistles, and cheers. "I remember looking for your engagement ring." Leah began again eyes never leaving yours "And getting asked time and time again, was I sure, was I certain you were the one, my one, and well although I was already so sure creating this video of the two of us I intended to use when I proposed you were just way too excited and wouldn't sit down and seeing all the moments you loved me even when I wasn't looking well, I never have to doubt about it...so Ladies and Gentlemen instead of harping on about how much I know Y/n loves me, and how much I love her I thought I might show you."

A hush descended once more. On a screen behind the head table, a video flickered to life. It was a compilation of candid moments all playing in sync with Hozier's "Work Song" playing softly in the back – you stealing a kiss under a fireworks display, Leah braiding your hair on a lazy Sunday morning, you two cheering wildly at a concert, your faces smudged with laughter after a food fight. Each clip is a fleeting glimpse into the tapestry of your love story.

Tears welled up in your eyes as the montage progressed. You hadn't realised how much you’d documented your journey together. You saw Leah blush as a clip played of you serenading her with a hilariously off-key rendition of her favourite song. Laughter bubbled up, chasing away the emotion. Your gaze darted back to Leah, who beamed back at you, a soft, reassuring smile on her lips.

A simple photo montage began to play you and Leah, faces flushed and hair windblown, standing triumphant at the summit of a challenging hike you'd conquered together, just after Leah had been cleared to play football again, Laughter lines crinkled the corners of your eyes, and Leah's arm was wrapped possessively around your waist. A soft murmur of recognition rippled through the guests.

The slideshow progressed, a montage of stolen moments - a candid shot of Leah sneaking a kiss on your cheek while you were engrossed in a book, a blurry image of you two dancing wildly at a friend's party, your faces lit by pure joy. Each picture was a snapshot in time, a testament to the depth and breadth of your connection.

As the slideshow continued, tears welled up in your eyes again. You hadn't realised just how many ways Leah had shown her love, big and small. A picture of you, looking exhausted after a long shift, with a steaming mug of coffee and a handwritten note from Leah tucked beside it, brought a choked sob out of you.

Flipping through vacation photos, goofy grins plastered on your faces. Home videos captured stolen kisses in the kitchen, quiet moments curled up on the couch with a book, and bursts of laughter as you tried (and hilariously failed) to assemble new furniture. There were snippets of Leah recording you from afar, your brow furrowed in concentration as you worked on a project, followed by a cut to a wide shot of Leah sneaking over and wrapping her arms around you from behind, the tension melting away into a contented sigh.

As the video progressed, each clip was a testament to the depth of your love for Leah and the unspoken ways she saw you. The final scene was a close-up of Leah's hands shaking slightly over piano keys trying to hold back her nerves before your hands came into view slowly taking hers in your grasp and squeezing them softly, as she nervously fumbled with your fingers. Her face was a mixture of excitement and nervousness, Your voice filled the screen, a surprised gasp escaping your lips as you listened to your words of encouragement but mostly at the look of pure love and adoration from Leah. "I can't hold your hand while you do this, and i know it's scary and you have had so many of these types of scary moments lately but this, Darling this is just another small step in a sad chapter in your life and believe it or not right now, but this is the turning point, the happy point your about to do something you couldn't, wouldn't have done until now, we're nearly through this part and when you start playing we'll be even closer to the good stuff, the football stuff, the forever with one another stuff." Leah leaned over and kissed you as the montage of pure, unadulterated love continued on tears streaming down your face as you embraced Leah tightly.

The video ended with the same picture that had started it all – the two of you, foreheads touching, smiles on your faces, a look of pure, unadulterated love in your eyes. The room erupted once more, this time with cheers and whistles mixed with happy tears. Leah leaned down, wiping a stray tear from your cheek with her thumb.

A choked laugh escaped you, burying your face in Leah's shoulder. "You sneak," you mumbled, the weight of her love settling over you like a warm blanket.

"The best kind," Leah replied with a wink, her voice husky with emotion.

The applause seemed to fade away again as you leaned back, eyes locked with Leah's. "That was..." you started, searching for the words.

"Perfect?" Leah finished, a hopeful smile gracing her lips.

"More than perfect," you confirmed, cupping her cheek. "It was a beautiful."

Suddenly, the gravity of the situation hit you. You were married. You and Leah, bound together not just by love, but by a commitment that stretched as far as the horizon. A nervous flutter danced in your stomach, quickly quelled by the warmth radiating from Leah's hand in yours.

"Ready to celebrate, Mrs. Williamson?" Leah asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Absolutely, Mrs. Williamson," you countered, a grin splitting your face.

The night stretched on in a joyous blur. You danced wildly with friends, shared stories with family, and stole countless kisses under the fairy lights strung around the venue. But through it all, your gaze kept returning to Leah. The woman who had become your everything, your confidante, your forever.

As the night wound down, the band launched into a slow song. You looked at Leah, a silent invitation hanging in the air. Her eyes softened, and with a smile, she took your outstretched hand.

As you swayed gently to the music, you whispered, "Thank you, Leah. For everything."

Leah leaned in, her lips brushing your ear. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Y/N. Death can come looking and threaten to take me away." Her voice, raw and vulnerable, sent shivers down your spine. It wasn't just a romantic vow; it was a testament to the unwavering strength of your bond, forged through shared battles and quiet victories. "No grave will hold my body down I'll crawl home to you if I have to."

Tears welled up in your eyes again, but this time, they were tears of gratitude. You cupped her face, wiping away a stray tear with your thumb, mirroring her gesture earlier.

[writing-for-marvel]

Day 25: Body Worship

Mob!Bucky's Kinktober Honeymoon

Mob!Bucky Barnes × Wife!Reader

Summary: Bucky wants to prove to you how beautiful you are on the anniversary of the first time you met.

Warnings: strictly 18+, smut, sensual and romantic, oral (fem receiving), unprotected vaginal sex, creampie, hints at reader being insecure about her body, mentions a pocket of fat on her inside thigh

Word count: 2.5k

A/N: a special fic on a special day for me ❤️ dividers by me, please do not use. Banners by @vase-of-lilies

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Your hand grasps Bucky’s bulging bicep as he leads you back into your hotel room after having kept you occupied sightseeing throughout the day.

You thought it was suspicious how interested he had been exploring the old city, when you could instead be exploring each other as he usually prefers, but when you see the scene in front of you as you return to your presidential suite, it all suddenly makes sense.

Candles flicker in the middle of a formally set table, luscious red rose petals scatter the white tablecloth and floor, and where the extravagant leather couch had been this morning, now an elaborate blanket fort has been constructed. Soft violin music plays in the background as Bucky leads you around the room, allowing you time to take in everything which has been set up specially for you.

“Do you remember what today is?” He asks in what you assume is in response to a dumbfounded expression on your face.

You wrack your brain for what on earth you’ve forgotten - a birthday, anniversary, special occasion? But you come up completely blank. Slowly shaking your head, the tips of your cheeks heat up, embarrassed that Bucky has organised such a romantic night for something you’ve completely forgotten.

“Three years ago today was the first time I laid eyes on you, the first time we met.” He informs without an ounce of judgement to be perceived in his tone.

It’s hard to believe it was only three years ago you met the man you now refer to as your soulmate, it feels like you’ve known this generous and passionate person an entire lifetime.

Bucky holds out his hand, which you take without question, and pulls you into his broad chest, swaying in time to the orchestral music. You rest your head on his strong pec, feeling his heart beating just for you as his soft lips kiss your hairline.

“Never in my life have I ever wanted anyone more than I wanted you.” His voice sounds shaky, almost as if he’s choked up and trying to get the words out without sounding affected.

You look up at him through your lashes to find your devoted husband with tears in his eyes, gazing at you like his entire world is resting in the palm of his hand.

“My life has not been the same since I met you. I can’t fathom an existence without you; everything is brighter, bolder, more colourful when you're next to me. This night three years ago, I remember going home to an empty bed and thought it was strange how much my mouth was hurting. It was such a weird sensation. Then I realised, it only hurt because I’d been smiling from ear to ear the whole time I was with you.”

“You never told me that.” Tears are now welling in your own eyes, but you fight them back so that you can memorise the smile curving on Bucky’s features and the twinkle in his eye that you’ve only ever noticed when he’s looking at you.

“I knew that night you were someone I wanted in my life, in whatever way you would have me. It was like I could see my entire future laid out in front of me, all encompassed in one strong, stunning woman, with the most gorgeous, sparkling eyes I’ve ever seen and a brilliant smile that makes my heart leap out of my chest every single damn time. And here I am the luckiest man in the entire world that you chose me to be the one you trusted with your heart.”

He takes your hand while still swaying to the inflections of the string instrument, and presses the palm of your hand against his chest. His heartbeat is quicker than the pace you’re used to feeling while he’s resting, but the notion that his thoughts of you are the reason his body is reacting in such a way makes your own heart leap out of your chest.

“I would never give it to anyone else, my love.”

“Te iubesc pentru totdeauna [I love you forever]. I still can’t believe you’re all mine.” His smile is as bright and warm as the setting sun, and right now you’re Icarus flying fatally close.

But James Barnes is worth falling out of the sky for.

The words tasting sweet and sincere on his pillow soft lips when you kiss him. His mouth moves slowly, yet purposefully against yours, trying to convey his love for you in action, rather than just words. His hands cup your jaw, coaxing you to open up to him, his tongue dancing with yours in a display of his yearning need.

“I wanna give you the whole world.”

“You already have. You are my whole world.” This time it’s him who kisses you, with much more ardour and intensity, sweeping his tongue in your mouth. His hands slide down the length of your back and pull you flush with him, a moan escaping his lips as your hands tangle in his hair. He hasn’t had it cut since before the wedding, and the additional length allows you to tug on the ends nicely. “Let’s skip dinner and go straight to dessert, shall we?”

“You’re the only thing I’m craving tonight.” The hunger in his eyes certainly indicates he could devour you like a five course meal if he were so inclined, so who are you to stop him?

His large hands on your hips slowly turn you around so your ass is pressed against his front. They trace the curves of your figure gradually, taking his time, paying attention to every swell and dip of your shape which he has helped you learn to love.

Bucky zips down your dress, the material coming loose over your shoulders, and with a little shimmy, you’re almost naked before him.

“God, you’re so gorgeous. Let me show you how beautiful you are to me.”

Boys you dated in the past were only interested in one thing: seeing you naked. Though Bucky loves you bare and writhing for him, he first and foremost loves who you are; loves your soul. Being able to strip you off your clothes has always been a privilege to him, not a right.

His lips press gentle, feather light kisses along your shoulder as he rids you of your underwear, and all of a sudden you feel very exposed standing in the middle of the room, even though Bucky’s seen you naked a thousand times.

As soon as he turns you around again to face him, eyes brimming with nothing other than pure adoration and devotion, that nagging feeling of being on display evaporates. He loves you, has vowed to spend the rest of his life worshipping you, there is not a single inch of your body that Bucky Barnes does not love.

“Lay back for me baby.” Bucky requests, his powerful hands assisting you as you fall back into the blanket fort. “I got you.” He promises, ensuring you don’t collapse in a way that will result in you being hurt. The care in his touch, how gentle this burly, tattooed man is, as if he is handling a precious artefact he cannot afford to damage.

Though Bucky looks ready to take you right then and there, he starts out slowly, trailing kisses down your neck, covering your chest and breasts, tongue swirling around your nipples and sucking on both of them until they form stiff peaks, all the while whispering sweet praises against your hot skin.

“My beautiful wife. So fucking gorgeous. My Queen. These perfect tits. God, these hips, these fucking hips. And your thighs, they drive me insane. Just wanna be buried between them. Wanna give you everything, all of me. Gonna make love to you, darling. Make you feel so good.” His breath is hot against your skin, words of devotion whispered just for your ears as he places sweet kisses on the inside of your thighs, staring at your knee, and making his was towards your core, paying particular attention to the pocket of fat you’d forever disliked about your legs, but Bucky has always adored.

A moan escapes your mouth and your eyes roll back as Bucky’s strong arms hold your thighs apart and his lips close around your clit. It’s almost unexpected, with how he had been taking his time treasuring all other parts of you, but you feel a flood of wetness gush out of you at the intimate contact.

There’s a sense of power having a man as important as James Barnes lying between your legs, treating you like a queen, obsessed with bringing you to orgasm. But when Bucky looks up at you through his lashes as he suckles on your clit, you feel nothing but a rush of palpable love.

His tongue is experienced in those little lapping movements that have you throwing your head back, his strong hands gripping onto your thighs to keep you completely open for him. Bucky’s hips rut into the pillows and blankets below him as you grind your hips on his face.

You can’t even control the obscene sounds falling from your lips as Bucky continues to abuse your pussy, your hands flying to his hair as he leads you closer and closer to the edge of the ultimate high.

“You look so beautiful when you cum - show me.” The lower half of Bucky’s face glistens with your juices before he dives back into your folds, as hungry as ever.

You oblige, as you do every time your dangerously gorgeous husband requests this from you, it’s like his words themselves compel you to satisfy his order. Your back arches off the pillows, your whole body trembling as a devastating pleasure rips through you, it feels like burning sunshine radiates in your veins, surging with every pulse.

Bucky’s lips don’t let up their suction until your thighs stop shaking, only to switch his attention to your stomach, showering every inch of your soft skin with kisses as his hands knead your breasts.

You feel cold and empty for a moment as Bucky focuses on stripping off his clothes, but as soon as he looks back at you, completely bare and ready to finish what he started, warmth blooms in your chest.

“I’m so fucking hard for you, darling.” Bucky sits on his heels, thick cock in hand as he rubs his leaking tip through your soaking folds, humming at the sensation. A whine falls from your lips, desperate for him to fill you up, for you to feel so utterly full and satiated by him that you’re almost on the brink of insanity.

“Need to feel you Buck, please, I need you so fucking bad.”

He mumbles something in Romanian you don’t understand in response as he pushes his swollen tip inside you. You let out simultaneous groans as he slowly fills you up. As he bottoms out, he rests his forehead against yours. You finally feel complete with him buried to the hilt.

“Fuuuccckkk… a lifetime of that feeling will never be enough.”

You moan against his mouth as his hands intertwine with yours, pinning them above your head as his eyes brim with pure love. He starts off slowly, almost agonisingly so, pulling all the way out of you before thrusting himself inside to where it feels like he’s in your stomach, watching your face intently to your reactions as his cock kisses your cervix.

His bare chest presses to yours, caging you in, hearts thundering against each other as you move together to a relentless rhythm, an intoxicating tide of intimacy and pleasure. His gaze and touch are full of love, a contrast to the harshness of the underworld he was carved out of, but you know it’s you who makes him tender.

“That’s my girl, taking me so well aren’t you?” Your nails rake down his back as you feel your walls clench down on his member. The rhythm of his cock stroking your velvety walls doesn't let up as his lips attach to your neck, sucking your skin in a way that makes you see stars.

He understands your wants and needs better than anyone else, learning the formula for your gratification in a way that none of your previous partners ever tried to.

“Oh God, you’re so deep, Buck. Feels so good.” His hips roll into yours fluidly, hips circling and rubbing against your g-spot so effortlessly with every thrust. The pressure in your lower belly threatens to engulf you, drown you in a sea of pleasure, but it’s a demise you’ll embrace when Bucky’s making you feel like you’re floating on a cloud of pure bliss.

Your orgasm approaches fast, the look of complete desperation in Bucky’s eyes only bringing you closer to the edge. All it takes is Bucky whispering a phrase in his native language and another deep thrust for you to come apart on his cock.

You can barely breathe with the ferocity of your high, it feels like an entire waterfall of pleasure washing over you at once, overwhelming, brutal, but oh so good.

“I’m gonna cum so hard for you baby.” Bucky moans as your walls flutter around him. He looks the picture of utter sexiness, jaw hanging open, strands of hair stuck to his forehead with sweat and that contrasting warm fondness in his blown out pupils.

Your chest squeezes when it’s your name that his lips enunciate as he spills his large load inside you.

You’re the one making him feel this good. You’re the only person who he will ever share this intimate side of himself with again. The only one who gets to see his face as he comes undone, steel blue eyes boring into yours as if he wants to remember each and every detail of your face as you cum together.

Bucky collapses next to you, arm slung around your waist as you both catch your breath. You smile at him and he beams right back as you sweep a strand of hair from his eyes.

“God, I’m so in love with you. Can’t imagine spending my life with anyone else.” There’s a moment where he simply looks at you, as if trying to convince himself you laid beside him is in fact his reality, before he kisses the tip of your nose.

“You don’t have to imagine, Buck, I’m all yours, for the rest of forever.” You snake your arms around his torso and pull yourself flush against his broad chest, feeling him place a kiss to your hairline. “I love you.”

Bucky pulls a blanket over your intertwined bodies as you close your eyes, feeling completely content falling asleep beside the love of your life in a blanket fort.

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[songbirdseung]

for my pretty girl / sim jaeyun

synopsis: getting princess treatment from enhypen's own babygirl

pairing: idol!jake x nonidol!yn

You wake up to the sound of your phone buzzing on the nightstand. Groggily, you reach over and pick it up, squinting at the bright screen. It's a message from your friend Jake.

"Hey there, princess! 👑 I'll pick you up in an hour. Be ready! 😉"

You blink in confusion, you've been friends with him for a while now, ever since you met at a fan meet-and-greet, but he's never mentioned anything like this before. Curiosity piqued; you quickly reply.

"Sure, I'll be ready! But what's this all about?"

Before you can even finish typing, Jake responds,

"It's a surprise! Just trust me, you're going to love it. See you soon, princess! 💖"

You can't help but smile at Jake's playful nickname for you. Despite the early hour, you feel a surge of excitement coursing through you. What could Jake have planned?

As you hurry to get ready, your mind races with possibilities. Could it be a special event or maybe a VIP tour of their latest music video set? Whatever it is, you can't wait to find out. With a quick glance in the mirror, you make sure you look presentable before grabbing your phone and heading out the door to meet Jake.

-

Jake grinned mischievously as he typed out the message to you, his fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced ease. He couldn't wait to see your reaction to his surprise plan. Just as he hit send, he felt a sudden presence behind him and froze.

Turning around, he found himself face to face with Ni-ki and Jay, who were smirking at him knowingly.

"Hey there, Jake," Ni-ki said, his tone teasing. "Who are you texting so early in the morning? Could it be a certain someone?"

Jake rolled his eyes, trying to play it cool. "Just a friend," he replied, hoping to brush off their curiosity.

Jay raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just a friend, huh? You sure seem pretty excited about it."

Jake felt his cheeks heat up, knowing that he couldn't hide anything from his observant bandmates. "Okay, fine," he admitted, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "It's Y/N. I'm planning something special for her today."

Ni-ki's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Ooh, is this the day you finally confess your undying love for her?" he teased, nudging Jake playfully.

Jake's cheeks flushed even deeper at the suggestion. "Shut up, Ni-ki," he muttered, trying to hide his embarrassment.

Jay chuckled, patting Jake on the back. "Don't worry, man. We won't tell anyone… unless you chicken out and don't confess," he teased, earning a playful shove from Jake in response.

As Jake and his bandmates continued their playful banter, Jake's phone buzzed in his pocket. He quickly pulled it out to see your message.

"Hey, I'm ready! Can't wait to see what you have planned. I'll be waiting for you outside. 😊"

Jake couldn't help but smile at your enthusiasm, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of spending the day with you. However, before he could reply, Ni-ki and Jay leaned over to sneak a peek at his phone.

"Ooh, looks like someone's eager to see you, Jake," Ni-ki teased, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Jay chuckled, nudging Jake playfully. "Looks like Prince Charming needs to pick up his princess in his white carriage," he added, earning a laugh from Ni-ki.

Jake rolled his eyes, trying to ignore their teasing. "Alright, alright, enough with the fairy tale jokes," he said, though a small grin tugged at the corners of his lips. Deep down, he couldn't wait to see you and make your day feel like a real-life fairy tale.

As Jake made his way to the door, excitement bubbling inside him, he nearly collided with Heeseung, who emerged from his bedroom with a curious expression on his face.

"Hey, Jake, where are you off to all dressed up?" Heeseung asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Jake couldn't help but blush slightly under Heeseung's scrutinizing gaze. "Oh, uh, just heading out to meet someone," he replied, trying to keep his voice casual.

Heeseung's grin widened as he caught sight of Jake's outfit. "Ah, I see. So, is today the day you finally sweep Y/N off her feet?" he teased, his tone playful.

Jake's cheeks flushed even deeper at Heeseung's teasing. "Maybe," he admitted with a shy smile.

Before Jake could escape the interrogation, Sunghoon and Sunoo appeared from the living room, their eyes lighting up as they spotted Jake.

"Ooh, look at you all dressed up!" Sunghoon exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "Are you going on a date, Jake?"

Sunoo nudged Sunghoon with a playful smirk. "Yeah, with your princess, right?" he teased, earning a chuckle from Heeseung.

Jake couldn't help but laugh along with his bandmates, feeling grateful for their support and good-natured teasing. With a final wave goodbye, he headed out the door, eager to begin the day's adventures with you by his side.

-

You stand outside your apartment building, your heart pounding with excitement and nerves as you wait for Jake to arrive. You can't help but fidget with the hem of your shirt, feeling a rush of anticipation coursing through your veins.

Despite your nerves, you can't stop the smile that spreads across your face as you think about the day ahead. Whatever surprise Jake has planned for you, you know it's going to be amazing. After all, he's never failed to put a smile on your face before.

As you wait, you take a deep breath, trying to calm your racing heart. You glance down at your phone, checking the time and wondering when Jake will arrive. Just as you start to worry that he might be running late, you spot a familiar figure approaching from down the street.

Your heart leaps with joy as Jake comes into view, a bright smile on his face as he waves to you. You return the gesture eagerly, feeling a rush of warmth at the sight of him. With each step he takes closer to you, your excitement grows, and before you know it, he's standing right in front of you.

"Hey there, princess," Jake says, his voice soft and gentle as he looks at you with a fond expression. "Are you ready for our adventure?"

You nod eagerly, unable to contain your excitement any longer. "Absolutely! I can't wait to see what you have planned," you reply, your voice filled with anticipation.

With a smile, Jake offers you his hand, and you take it without hesitation, feeling a surge of happiness as he leads you away from your apartment building and towards whatever surprises the day may hold. As you walk hand in hand with Jake, you can't help but feel like the luckiest person in the world, grateful for the opportunity to spend the day with someone who treats you like royalty.

-

As you walk alongside Jake, chatting excitedly about what the day might hold, he suddenly comes to a stop, causing you to halt in surprise. You look up at him, curious about the sudden pause in your journey.

"Hey, why did we stop?" you ask, tilting your head in confusion.

Jake's eyes sparkle with excitement as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a soft fabric blindfold. "We're getting close to our destination," he explains, holding up the blindfold with a grin. "But I need you to trust me and put this on."

As Jake presents the blindfold to you, your initial excitement is tinged with a hint of hesitation. The thought of being blindfolded in the middle of the city makes you feel a bit nervous, despite your trust in Jake.

"Um, do I really have to wear this?" you ask, chewing nervously on your bottom lip.

Jake's expression softens, and he gently brushes a stray strand of hair from your face. "I promise it's all part of the surprise," he reassures you, his voice soothing. "But if you're not comfortable, we can skip it."

You pause for a moment, torn between your curiosity and your nerves. But as you meet Jake's gaze, filled with warmth and understanding, you find yourself nodding.

"Okay, I trust you," you say with a small smile, feeling a surge of bravery. "Let's do it."

With a gentle touch, Jake carefully places the blindfold over your eyes, his touch grounding you in the moment. As darkness envelops your vision, you feel a sense of vulnerability but also a growing excitement for what lies ahead.

The world around you fades into darkness, heightening your other senses as you rely solely on the sound of Jake's voice and the feel of his hand in yours. You can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation as you wonder what surprises await you on the other side of the blindfold.

"Okay, princess, trust me," Jake says softly, his voice reassuring. "I promise you're going to love what's waiting for you."

With your trust placed in Jake, you allow him to guide you forward, each step filled with anticipation and excitement. You can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and hear the sounds of the city bustling around you as you walk hand in hand with Jake.

As you continue onward, your other senses become heightened in the darkness of the blindfold. You catch the faint scent of flowers in the air and the sound of laughter drifting from nearby cafes, adding to the mystery of your surroundings.

Finally, after what feels like both an eternity and a mere moment, Jake comes to a stop once again. You can sense his presence beside you, his hand still clasped firmly in yours.

"We're here," he whispers, his voice tinged with excitement.

You can feel your heart racing in anticipation as Jake carefully removes the blindfold from your eyes, allowing you to blink in the sudden brightness of the sunlight.

As your eyes adjust to the light, you find yourself standing in front of a breathtaking garden filled with vibrant flowers of every color imaginable. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooms, and the sound of birds chirping fills your ears.

You turn to Jake, your eyes wide with wonder and gratitude. "Jake, this is incredible," you exclaim, unable to contain your excitement.

He smiles warmly at you, his eyes shining with joy. "I thought you might like it," he says softly. "Welcome to your own private garden, princess."

You find yourself standing in a picturesque setting—a lush green meadow adorned with colorful blankets, cushions, and a spread of delectable treats.

Your eyes widen in amazement as you take in the scene before you. There, in the center of it all, is a beautifully set picnic, complete with a variety of your favorite foods and drinks.

"Jake, this is… incredible," you exclaim, feeling overwhelmed by the effort and thoughtfulness he put into creating this magical moment for you.

He grins, his eyes sparkling with delight at your reaction. "I'm glad you like it," he says softly, his voice filled with warmth. "I wanted to create a special space just for us, where we can relax and enjoy each other's company."

You can't help but feel touched by Jake's gesture, and a sense of gratitude washes over you. Without hesitation, you step forward and wrap your arms around him in a tight embrace, overcome with emotion.

"Thank you, Jake," you murmur, your voice filled with sincerity. "This means the world to me."

As you pull away from the hug, Jake's smile widens, and he brushes a gentle kiss against your forehead. "Anything for my princess," he whispers, his words filled with affection.

As Jake's lips brush against your forehead in a tender gesture, a rush of warmth floods through you, sending shivers down your spine. In that fleeting moment, you can't help but feel a surge of emotions swirling within you—gratitude, affection, and a hint of something deeper.

As you settle down beside Jake on the picnic blanket, your mind begins to wander, thoughts spinning in a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty. You find yourself replaying the countless moments you've shared with Jake—his lingering gazes, his gentle touches, his playful teasing—all of which seem to blur the lines between friendship and something more.

But as much as you try to decipher Jake's intentions, his actions remain a mystery, leaving you with more questions than answers. Does he see you as just a friend, or could there be something more between you?

You steal a glance at Jake, who is engrossed in setting up the picnic, his features illuminated by the soft glow of the afternoon sun. He looks so effortlessly handsome, a faint smile playing on his lips as he focuses on the task at hand.

A pang of longing tugs at your heart as you realize just how much you've come to care for Jake—the way his laughter brightens your darkest days, the comfort of his presence by your side, the way he makes you feel like the most important person in the world.

He glances over at you, noticing the distant look in your eyes. A flicker of concern crosses his face as he realizes that you're lost in your own thoughts.

"Hey, Y/N, is everything okay?" he asks, his voice laced with concern.

You startle slightly, snapping out of your reverie as you meet Jake's gaze. The worry etched on his features sends a pang of guilt through you, knowing that your distraction hasn't gone unnoticed.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine," you reply quickly, offering him a reassuring smile. "Just got lost in my thoughts for a moment."

But Jake isn't convinced, and he reaches out to gently place a hand on yours, his touch grounding you in the present.

"Are you sure?" he asks softly, his eyes searching yours for any sign of distress. "You can talk to me, you know."

His words wash over you like a comforting embrace, and you feel a swell of gratitude for his unwavering support. Despite the turmoil brewing within you, you find solace in the warmth of Jake's presence, knowing that he'll always be there for you, no matter what.

You squeeze his hand gently, offering him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Jake," you say sincerely. "I appreciate it."

With a reassuring nod, Jake returns the smile, his concern easing as he leans in closer to you. And as you continue to enjoy the picnic together, the weight of your worries begins to lift, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment in the presence of the one person who means the world to you.

-

As the two of you sit in comfortable silence, enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the picnic, the question weighs heavily on your mind. You can't shake the feeling of uncertainty that has been gnawing at you, and you know that you can't ignore it any longer.

Taking a deep breath, you gather your courage and turn to face Jake, your heart pounding in your chest. "Jake," you begin, your voice steady but laced with vulnerability, "I've been thinking… What are we?"

The question hangs in the air between you, heavy with implications and possibilities. You hold your breath, waiting for Jake's response, unsure of what to expect.

Jake's expression softens as he meets your gaze, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. He takes a moment to consider his words carefully before responding.

"You mean everything to me, Y/N," he says earnestly, his voice soft but unwavering. "You're my best friend, my confidante, my rock. I cherish our friendship more than anything."

Your heart swells at his words, and a sense of relief washes over you. But there's a lingering question in your mind, one that you can't seem to shake.

"But Jake," you press on, your voice trembling slightly with uncertainty, "is there… more than just friendship between us?"

The question hangs in the air, heavy with anticipation. You hold your breath, waiting for Jake's answer, hoping against hope that he feels the same way you do.

Jake's gaze softens as he reaches out to gently cup your cheek, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through you. "Y/N," he murmurs, his voice filled with tenderness, "I care about you more than words can express. And if you're asking if there's something more between us… then yes, there is."

Your heart skips a beat at his confession, and a rush of emotion overwhelms you. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the picnic and the warmth of Jake's love, you feel a sense of peace and certainty wash over you.

As the tension builds between you and Jake, you can feel the weight of your unspoken question hanging in the air. You want to take the next step, to lean in and kiss him, but you hesitate, unsure if he feels the same way.

Before you can gather the courage to act, Jake's gentle voice breaks through your thoughts, drawing your attention back to him.

"Y/N," he says softly, his eyes searching yours with a mix of warmth and sincerity. "I want to make sure you're comfortable with this. Can I kiss you?"

His words catch you off guard, filling you with a rush of warmth and appreciation. The fact that Jake would ask for your consent before taking such an intimate step speaks volumes about the respect and care he has for you.

You meet Jake's gaze, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips as you realize just how much he values your feelings and boundaries.

"Yes, Jake," you reply, your voice barely above a whisper. "I want that too."

With a tender smile, Jake leans in closer, closing the distance between you until his lips meet yours in a gentle and passionate kiss. In that moment, all doubts and uncertainties fade away, replaced by the overwhelming sense of connection and love that binds you together.

-

As the day goes on, Jake takes your hand and leads you away from the picnic area. You follow him, curiosity piqued by the secretive smile on his face.

After a short walk, you arrive at a small, private amusement park tucked away from the public eye. The park is bathed in soft, twinkling lights, and the sound of laughter and music fills the air.

"Welcome to our own private amusement park," Jake says, gesturing to the rides and attractions around you. "I thought we could have some fun together, away from prying eyes."

You can't help but gasp in delight, feeling like a kid again as you take in the sights and sounds of the park. Jake leads you to a carousel, where a beautifully decorated horse awaits you.

"Care to take a ride with me?" Jake asks, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

You nod eagerly, and together, you climb onto the carousel horse, the music swirling around you as the carousel begins to spin. As you ride, you can't help but laugh and shout with joy, feeling completely free and carefree in this magical moment with Jake.

After the carousel ride, Jake takes you to other attractions in the park, from a Ferris wheel with breathtaking views of the city to a cozy, romantic tunnel of love. Each moment spent together deepens your bond, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

As the night draws to a close, Jake leads you to a quiet spot in the park, where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Wrapped in each other's arms, you watch the stars twinkle above, feeling grateful for this moment of peace and happiness with the person you love.

As you lean against Jake, you can't help but feel like the luckiest person in the world. And as you drift off to sleep, the sounds of the amusement park fading into the background, you know that this day will be one you'll never forget.

-

As you and Jake explore the small amusement park together, laughter and joy filling the air, Jake's phone buzzes with a notification. He pulls it out of his pocket and chuckles as he reads the message from his members' group chat.

"What's so funny?" you ask, tilting your head curiously.

Jake grins and shows you the message, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "It's from the guys," he explains. "They're asking how our day is going."

You glance at the screen and read the playful messages from Ni-ki, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Heeseung, Jungwon and Jay, all filled with teasing remarks and cheeky emojis.

"Looks like they're curious about our little adventure," you comment, unable to suppress a smile.

Jake nods, his laughter infectious as he replies to the group chat, giving them a brief update on your day so far. The playful banter continues back and forth, with each member chiming in with their own witty remarks and jokes.

-

As the night wears on, Jake leads you to the final location of your adventure—a secluded spot overlooking the city skyline, bathed in the soft glow of the moon and stars above. You can't help but marvel at the breathtaking view, feeling a sense of peace wash over you as you take in the beauty of the city below.

As you settle down together on a blanket spread out on the grass, a comfortable silence falls between you. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the city provide a soothing backdrop to your thoughts.

After a moment, you turn to Jake, your heart heavy with the weight of the conversation you know you need to have.

"Jake," you begin softly, your voice tinged with uncertainty. "I… I can't help but think about the challenges we'll face if we decide to pursue this… relationship."

Jake's brow furrows in concern as he looks at you, his gaze filled with understanding. "I know, Y/N," he replies, his voice gentle. "It won't be easy, especially with my career and the public scrutiny that comes with it."

You nod, grateful for his honesty and empathy. "Exactly," you continue, a hint of sadness in your voice. "I don't want to hide our relationship or constantly worry about being discovered by the media or fans. But at the same time, I don't want to put your career at risk."

Jake reaches out to take your hand in his, his touch reassuring. "I understand, Y/N," he says softly, his eyes filled with determination. "And I promise to do everything in my power to protect you and our relationship. We'll find a way to navigate this together, no matter what challenges come our way."

You smile at his words, feeling a surge of hope and gratitude. With Jake by your side, you know that you'll be able to face whatever obstacles lie ahead, united in your love and commitment to each other.

As you lean in to press a gentle kiss against Jake's lips, the warmth of his embrace enveloping you, you know that no matter what the future holds, your love for each other will always be your guiding light.

[summerchris]

— missed you (c.s) ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚

(this was extremely rushed sorry!)

summary: you and Chris were friends with benefits but stopped talking after rumors were spread around the internet of him dating someone. You were both invited to Tara Yummy’s 1 mil party and end up seeing each other.

the room is filled with loud music and flashing lights. Tara Yummy stickers are seen everywhere and the smell of liquor filled the place. my head was throbbing from the amount of drinks i chugged after playing a fun game of beer pong with influencers i’ve never met before. everyone was sweating from the massive heat filling the room. i sat on the couch talking to Larray as he was fanning me. “Chris keeps staring at you.” Larray blurts out. “Is he actually?” I question. I turn my head after a couple seconds to not make anything obvious and meet eyes with him.

Me and Chris met through mutual friends about 3 years ago and things started to escalate. We became friends with benefits but we kept it private. No one knew about us except for people we were close with. But one day, photos were spreading around the internet of him with another girl at a party. We both decided it was best to stop what we had going on before one of us got hurt. We stayed following each other on social’s so no one suspected anything and occasionally talked, but deep down it did hurt. I turn back around still feeling his eyes on me. “I’m not surprised, he’s been liking my posts non stop recently.” It was true, you’ve caught Chris stalking your socials ever since what had happened and favoriting some of your TikToks. “I think you should talk to him.” Larray suggests. I think about it for a moment and make my way over.

“I didn’t know you’d be here.” He jokes knowing me and Tara are best friends. “I can say the same about you.” I smile. “Just supporting a friend.” I nod. The music grew louder and it became harder to hear each other. He gently grabbed my hand and led me to a hallway that was more quiet. We definitely got in the background of some photos which is terrifying to think about. We didn’t say anything for a hot minute until he spoke up.

“You look really good.” He says while continuing to stare at me like he was star struck. “Thank you.” I smile. If I had to be honest, I was going insane inside but I was trying my best to act mysterious and calm. “Hey guys come get in the photo!” A voice behind us yelled. We turned in sync and saw Nick desperately waving at us. We head over and get in the photo with Jake beside us. “People are gonna think we replaced Matt.” Nick laughed. “Where even is Matt?” I question not seeing the guy anywhere. “He supposedly had better plans.” Chris responded. Nick and Jake walked away after the photos developed leaving me and Chris alone once again.

I couldn’t help but notice how good he looked. He was in a all black fit which was driving me insane and his hair was a bit messy but it still somehow looked good. He looked down at me and smirked. I’m guessing he caught me staring. I can feel the tension between us getting more intense. No one else was in the photo booth and the music was echoing behind us. I suddenly felt a pair of hands go around my waist. “Is this okay?” He politely asked and I nod. I look up meeting his eyes and he slowly leaned in not wanting to rush anything. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot recently.” He got closer. “I’ve been thinking about you too.” I whisper. Our lips meet and his hand travels down to my ass giving it a squeeze. I gasp and he took the opportunity to take control. The kiss became more heated until we both couldn’t handle it. After pulling apart, we were both out of breath and messy. He gently pulled away after catching his breath. “I’ve missed you, so so much.” Our bodies were still touching. “I’ve missed you too Chris.” I smile. “You’re the one I want to be seeing, not anyone else.” I couldn’t help but smile more.

[linamromero]

𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐌𝐘 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋.

𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

Marrying Ona was the most magical day of your life.

Ever since you met at under 17 national camp you instantly clicked, you went on to play at Levante together. Ona soon realised when she moved to Manchester United that she caught feelings for you which you soon reciprocated when she eventually confessed at your first senior camp.

You and Ona had both agreed for the wedding to be held at a large villa in Vilassar de Mar however yours and her mama insisted you spend the night apart as tradition.

You hadn’t been away from Ona since you went to your parents in Mollet de Vallès for Christmas one year so you felt a little lost although you had Mapi, Alexia, Jenni and Esther with you 24/7.

“Y/N why you so quiet.” Alexia asked sitting on the bed beside you.

“I miss her.” You stuck your bottom lip out.

“Oh Y/N/N!” The captain cooed pulling you into her side.

“Your so whipped.” Jenni cackled from the other side of the room.

“Shut up idiota.” Alexia scolded her.

…

The next day, the day of your wedding you were getting the most attention. Your hair and makeup was done, the four girls were helping you into your dress. Your mama had your flowers she sat watching you get all prepared for your big day.

Esther was zipping up your dress, “Y/N/N you look absolutely gorgeous.”

“Gracias, i just hope Ona likes it.” You felt the detailing of your dress.

“Vale, it’s time is she ready?” Mapi ran into the room with her phone in her hand.

“Sí she is, Y/N come out!” Jenni called.

Alexia opened the doors of the dressing room, your mama handed you your flowers so she could wipe away the tears under her eyes, “Oh my.” Mapi’s jaw dropped.

“Mapi you’re catching flies.” You giggled and her mouth snapped shut.

“You look stunning.” She complimented, “But let’s go Ona is outside!”

“Eeeek!” You clapped your hands together, excited that your finally get to marry the woman you love.

You took a deep breath standing at the top of the stone steps, Mapi, Alexia, Jenni and Esther by your side, your father linked your arm with his walking down the stairs.

Music began to play, all of your guests which consisted of yours and Ona’s national teammates and league teammates rose from their seats watching you, your bridesmaids and your father walk down the aisle.

You stood beside Ona clearing your throat, “Hi nene.”

“Hi querida.” You responded with a big smile on your face.

“I have no words, you look unreal.” Ona looked you up and down.

“So do you nene.”

Everyone sat down in their seats so the register could begin, "Bienvenida, we are gathered here today to join Ona Batlle Pascual and Y/N Rivera Sanchéz in holy matrimony." She started.

"I Ona Batlle Pascual take thee, Y/N Rivera Sanchéz to be my lawful wedded wife. I promise to care for you, to give you my love and friendship and to respect you and cherish you throughout the rest of our lives together." Ona spoke, squeezing your hands tight.

A tear slipped from your eyes, squeezing your hands tighter, "And i Y/N Rivera Sanchéz take thee, Ona Batlle Pascual to be my lawful wedded wife. I also promise to care for you, to give you my love and friendship and to respect you and cherish you throughout the rest of our lives together." You said wiping the tears from under your eyes.

“Puede basar a la novia!” The register announced.

You both walked down the aisle hand in hand, Mapi in her element throwing confetti at the newly weds. You headed inside for the reception, the main room all your guests were sat on tables whereas you, Ona, Alexia, Mapi, Leila, Laia and yours and Ona's parents sat on the main table, "Mi esposa."

“Mi esposa.” You smiled at Ona kissing her on the lips again, holding her hand.

After everyone had finished eating their meals, Ona stood up clinking a knife on her champagne glass, "I'd like to make a speech." Ona announced, “Para mi esposa, i'm excited for life now that we are married and i hope to extend our family soon, i would like to thank you for being there for me throughout our wins, our losses and our draws, i can't wait for what the future holds, when i first met you at the under 17 camp, I just knew we were going to be friends from the start, pranking our dear Mapi on the daily but as soon as we hit the senior team i knew you were the one for me and look where we are now, te amo mucho nene."

Everyone applauded Ona's speech before she passed the microphone over to you, a tear slipped from your eyes at her beautiful words, "Gracias mi amor, i'm so glad that i met you Ona you've changed my life and made the best i can be and i'm excited too, i know our relationship has been a rollercoaster, having its ups and downs, but mainly ups moving to Manchester meaning i have to wake up to your face every morning, our days are full of laughs, cries and love which i wish to carry on with you, te amo mucho guapa."

…

It was later on in the evening, drinks were flowing and Mapi was trying to get you and Ona to have your first dance. It got to the point where Mapi went up to the DJ and asked to play your song which was Hold My Girl by George Ezra.

Ona eventually dragged you to the dance floor, holding you close her hands snaked around your waist whilst you hung your arms around her neck placing your foreheads together creating a bubble just the two of you. You swayed to the music, a smile broke out on both of yours faces knowing this is the best day of your lives.

Your wife was chewing her lip so you brought your index finger up to her chin tilting her head upwards to look you in the eyes, leaning in you kissed her deeply you could taste the alcohol on her lips. The song faded out, you intertwined your hand with hers walking off the dance floor.

You promised each other that you wouldn't get too drunk as you wanted your wedding night to be as special as possible. You walked out onto the large balcony of the master bedroom leaning on the stone wall over looking the large garden where they got married earlier that day.

The air was still warm as it was summertime in Vilassar de Mar, you were stood in just your wedding underwear, barefoot your Jordans strewn in the bedroom.

Ona came out in just a robe looking at the beautiful view in front of her, “Hõla mi esposa.”

“Hõla nene.” You responded turning to face her.

“You look absolutely incredible." Ona commented looking you up and down.

“Gracias nene, what have you got on under there." You toyed with the belt of her white silk robe.

"You'll have to come in and find out." She winked at you swaggering back into the room with you chasing after her.

…

[badomensgoodomens]

BAD DECISIONS

CHAPTER FOUR

Noah Sebastian X Reader

kind of a filler chapter? i'm so sorry for not being active recently, had a lot of onsite uni days and exams, but you guys have my full attention!!

taglist at the bottom

She propped her feet up on the dashboard, hands resting behind her head. Nevada cruised through downtown LA, preparing to drop her sister at an office building. It honestly didn’t take a lot for y/n to accept Vessels offer. A few phone calls later and she was headed towards his office. It felt like a breath of fresh air, she hadn't really ventured into this side of town, always sticking to the comfort of home and the coffee shop.

Security buzzed her in and took her upstairs, she felt anxious, and a little confused on how vessel so easily let her in, despite them being anonymous. She pondered on it for a moment, before the gray concrete door clicked open.

“Oh, it’s just you.” He mumbled, yanking her inside. She yelped, stumbling into the dark room. Band posters littered the dark brick walls, soft ambient lighting illuminating the torn and battered leather couches that 3 intensely focused boys sat, playing mario kart. 

“Just give them a moment.” Vessel waved, offering her a drink. She accepted it gratefully, sitting on a bar stool. The familiar defeat sound echoed through the room as the game came to an end. “Awe come on!! That's so your fault, asswipe!!” One of the boys shouted, shoving his friend. His other friend nudged him, nodding his head towards her. 

“Oh. That's rather embarrassing. Sorry.” He apologized, his scruffy black hair sticking out in all directions. They awkwardly shuffle over to the island bench, pouring themselves a variety of beverages.

—---------------------------------------------

“She’ll be working in the merch stand while on tour, and will be working in the design department merch wise, but also album cover wise.” Vessel explained, his hands working overtime to express his plan. A man– who she came to know as IV– raised his brow, “that’s a big workload.”

Vessel hummed, flicking through a personal diary. “Album cover will be a one-time thing, I just think her work fits the theme.” She laughed awkwardly, “haha… about that...” Vessel met her eyes, an eyebrow raised. “I don’t um.. paint like that much anymore.” She mumbled, flustered at how many eyes were on her. “How so?” II asked, resting his chin on his hand. “Well, all my equipment burnt down like a year ago.” 

“You do digital, yes?” IV asked, shifting on his feet. She nodded, pulling her lip between her teeth. “I suppose I could do it digitally, saves me having to scan it, but it might take me a couple tries..” She reasoned, her brows furrowed as she tried to come up with a plan. “We don’t need it until 2023, we can cross that bridge when we get to it, quit stressing her out.” Vessel grunted, waving IV off. She nodded, feeling the weight off her shoulders lift. 

The boys resumed their gaming, soft music filtering through the recreational room. Vessel showed her around, touring each office, the sound booth, and most importantly her new office. It was spacious, with floor length windows that cast a perfect shadow on the wooden plank floors. It was the start of something new, a fresh canvas. 

The boys gradually warmed up to the idea of her, teasing and provoking her as she joined in on games of mario kart and call of duty. She took notice of the way Vessel prefered to be independent compared to the rest of the boys. He was tucked away on a small beanbag, his long, lanky legs sprawled out in front of him, clutching his nintendo. He was significantly quiet compared to IV, II and III. Those three were boisterous and outspoken, while Vessel kept to himself, expressing his thoughts via songwriting. 

It had been two weeks since the quote on quote ‘Alien sighting’ cough cough natasha sighting. The paranoia was eating away at Noah, so bad that he’d flat out refuse to leave the venue, so afraid of coming across her unwillingly. She had been blacklisted from every concert moving forward, but knowing her she’d try and find a way in. 

The fans knew about their relationship, which was even worse. Though he didn’t think anyone even realised she was there, it was still terrifying to think about all the rumours that COULD brew. 

His leg bounced up and down as he sat on the distressed black couches in the back of the venue, the only sound in the background being muffled commands from a crew member, and the soft buzzing from the old ceiling light. 

He was anxious, and a little depressed. It was hard to enjoy the last two shows while filled with anxiety-induced nausea. His warmups echoed through the empty room, the tiredness seeping into his voice. He was losing sleep too, just wanting to sleep in his own bed for once. He just had to get through this show, and then he could go home and get his hands on mixing equipment.

Trying to entertain himself, he scrolled through social media. Unbeknownst to him, for the past two weeks articles upon articles were posted about his relations with Natasha after she was spotted at their show. His heart practically fell to his ass, stomach churning with fear. He stood up, briskly walking through the venue. Long legs striding one in front of the other he reached Matt, their production manager. He shoved his phone in Matt's face, truth be told, he was a friend before a manager. 

“Shit dude. You wanna say something?” Matt said, scratching his chin. His face was a mixture of shock and a slight grimace. “No.. I don't know..” Noah groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. Impeccable timing, really. “Look, we will talk after the show, don’t tell the boys it’ll stress em’ out.”

Folio immediately caught on to his sour attitude tonight, sharing concerned glances with the others. Noah, who always gave it 101%, just wasn’t there tonight. He was just a little… occupied? Nick didn’t know what to label it, the show had barely even finished before he was tugging Noah to the side. “Dude, are you good? Like actually?” 

Noah just sighed, gesturing to Folio to follow him, Joakim and Nicholas being recruited on the way. Matt sat them all down in a greenroom, the boys sharing confused glances. Normally, on ending night, it's rushing to get home. 

“Right, the media found out about Natasha's little visit. So be careful what and who you post.” Matt instructed, sitting on top of a storage container. Grumbles and groans echo through the small greenroom, noah being the loudest. “The fans aren’t impressed, and do we think saying something is a good idea?” he asked, leaning against the grey wall. Nicholas nodded, “your girl your problem.” the room filled with awkward silence. “Okay. yep. Poor choice of words.” 

She stood in front of the bathroom mirror, midnights on shuffle as she curled her hair. Life was settling in with her new job, having spent the weekend decorating she was thrilled to finally work in her new office. With what money she had in her savings, y/n bought herself a small black car, packing all her things for work and driving off. 

It was peaceful, and enriching to have her own car, her own personal sanctuary. That’s The Spirit played in the background as she drove downtown, the sun glared down on her freckles, highlighting the barely visible tan that remained from last summer. A pair of black, denim shorts hung low on her hips, accompanied by a cute button up and a series of matching jewellery. Y/n felt as if she’d finally gotten her shit together, forming a routine, she felt good, and that's all that really mattered. 

Clutching an overpriced iced coffee and a pink tote bag, she made her way up to the office, saying a brief hello to the two boys standing in the kitchen with coffees. “I’d love to stay and chat but I've got a brilliant idea.” She grinned, heading straight for her office. As Vessel and his team of talented individuals manufactured each song, all of them were exported to Y/n. Being able to channel each emotion poured into every track was an essential way for her to cultivate a list of creatures and visualisers, furthermore pushing the cult-like aura of the band itself. 

An easel with a blank canvas sat in the corner collecting dust, she planned to complete the final album cover on the canvas, before scanning and printing it out. Their time frame was rather large, which was extremely beneficial as she adjusted to digital art. 

She had spent the past 6 hours drawing, redrawing, copy and pasting and editing so many drafts, ignoring the world outside her pink office. A soft knock on the door brought her out of extreme concentration, she looked up. “Hey, I just refined that track I sent you, whatcha got for it so far?” He pulled up a chair, taking in the copious amounts of journals, sticky notes and tabs open on her ipad. “So, I tried to tap into this kind of dystopian vibe for take me back to eden.” she explained, opening up a portfolio of character-like drawings supposed to represent each song. The album had no name yet, but she had planned to do this for each track. “Oh sick.” He grinned, analysing every reference. “How versed are you in the metal and rock scene?” he asked curiously, turning to face her. “Oh I could be here all day, grab the snack basket.” 

“It’s just fucking skittles.” 

“And?” 

“You weirdo.” 

"wait you actually met oli sykes?" Vessel asked, the sun had since gone down, and the large man spun around on an office chair. "yeah, i was like 16, and my god he was such a cutie." She gushed, giggling as she showed him pictures.

"i so want to tour with bring me one of these days." He explained, eating a packet of skittles. the two go back and forth discussing dreams and whatnot, adding more alcohol to the mix.

ahh. drinking on the job.

most definitely a filler chapter. sorry about that. already got the next chapter written! it will be out before christmas, impeccable timing for the chapter topic hehehahah

taglist: @emluvsuxo @lma1986 @lilcrazy011 @collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard @briefpersonenemy @cheyyyyr @niicolelynn @looney-goose @sister-sebastian @dominuslunae @supersquirrel1996 @jilliemiw86 @amelia-acero

[sjsmith56]

A Better Man, Part 4 - Connections

Summary: Steve discovers something alarming that affects all of them at Barnes Contracting. Bucky has a PTSD episode after a small accident.

Length: 4.3 K

Characters: Steve, Natasha, Sam, Bucky, Andrea.

Warnings: cursing, PTSD episode of incident involving violence.

Author notes: Some twists in this chapter which complicates things.

<<Part 3

Part 4

The four of them had a great time at the tapas bar, eating the tasty morsels, then washing them down with a bottle of the best Prosecco. When the music started, Steve held his hand out to Natasha.

"Dance with me?"

With a smile, she took his hand. Twirling her around they moved onto the small dance floor, pressing close together as the Spanish inspired beat took hold of everyone. His hands ran down her back, then settled on her waist, synchronizing the movements of their hips together. It was sexy as hell to watch and even better to experience.

"Who are you?" he murmured into her ear, close enough for her to hear him. "Where the hell have you been all my life?"

She pulled away then turned around and pressed her back against him, guiding his hands around her waist and hips, then raising hers to caress his face and hair. He placed a kiss on her neck, then nudged his face alongside hers, bringing out a soft groan from her that affected him deep inside.

"Come home with me," he said, "right now."

She turned around, lacing her hands behind his neck. He had slowed down their moves, oblivious to the other dancers around them. It was definitely playing with fire to dance like that with her, but he was enthralled with this woman he only met a couple of days ago.

"I hardly know you," she answered.

"You knew me from the moment you saw me," he stated. "We could have something amazing together."

She smiled sadly. "Maybe, but there are complications."

He tilted his head slightly, not expecting that answer. "You married?" She shook her head. "Engaged?"

She shook her head again. Bringing his head down closer to her face she spoke in his ear. From the table, Sam and Natasha's friend Maria had watched the pair dancing, noticing the obvious chemistry between them. They were working on their own chemistry, and he thought they were having a wonderful time. Just as he was going to propose she come home with him Steve appeared at the table, pulled his wallet out and threw down enough cash to cover the bill. He did not look well.

"We have to go," he said bluntly to Sam. The other man looked up at him, puzzled. "Now."

"Why? What's going on?"

He looked past Steve to where Natasha stood, her face filled with resignation. Steve leaned down to Sam, saying something in his ear, that made him stiffen and look at both Natasha and Maria with alarm. Then he stood up and pulled out his wallet, but Steve stopped him.

"I got it."

He turned to Natasha, grimaced at her, then headed to the door, with Sam following. Once they were out in the open, they walked without talking for several minutes, then Steve stopped at a large doorway. He pulled out his cigarettes and lit one, inhaling it deeply.

"They're cops?" repeated Sam. "You're sure?"

"Yeah, she told me. She knows what we are, Sam. I mean she figured it out on her own, but I also told her the other day after she asked me outright if we were a legitimate company. Damn, how could I have been so stupid?"

"But we haven't been raided since she was there," argued Sam. "She could have turned us in. Did you ask her about that?"

"No, as soon as she said they were cops I had to get us out of there." He took an angry drag of the cigarette, blowing the smoke out forcefully. "Bucky is going to kill me."

"She's also Andrea's friend," said Sam. "What if she tells her about him?"

"That will be the least of our problems." Steve stubbed his cigarette out and ran his hands over his face and into his hair. "I'm going to talk to a friend and see if I can find out some dirt on Officer Romanoff. Maybe we can blackmail her into keeping quiet. Bucky's not going to like that but what else can we do?"

"I'll monitor the security system," said Sam. "See if they show up during the night. In the short term, we're going to have to deliver everything in the warehouse and empty it of the evidence. In the long term, maybe we should be hustling up some legitimate renovation work. They can't arrest us for that, right?"

"Right," agreed Steve. "Let's be smart and handle this properly."

They split up, each of them taking a separate taxi to their apartments. Steve went up the elevator in his building, his insides all twisted at the turn things had taken. He really had to stop his dick from making bad decisions. Pulling his key out of his pocket as he left the elevator, he stopped in front of his door, then felt a gun in his back.

"Easy tiger," said Natasha's voice behind him. How did she know where he lived and how did she get here so fast? "I'm not going to shoot. I just want to talk."

He finished turning the key and opened the door, stepping inside. For a moment he considered turning the tables on her and taking her weapon but that was assault on a police officer and could land him in prison. So far, in his life, he had managed to avoid that. Turning on the hallway light he raised his hands and turned around, then scowled when he saw she was holding a reading glasses case.

"Really? You were using that as a gun?" He lowered his hands. "What now? You've come to tell me that I should watch my back because you know about us and if we make one false move, you'll turn us in?"

"You're such a dumbass, you know that, right?" She pushed him forcefully against the wall, using both hands against his chest. "You got all upset when I told you we were cops that you just ran out of there without giving me a chance to say anything more. I said it was complicated, not impossible."

She was so close to him, close enough for him to smell her hair. Close enough for him to see into her green eyes then notice how full her lips were. Close enough for his dick to throb a little at the thought of being this close to her.

"Okay," he answered quietly. "Why are you here?"

"Maybe because I don't run into handsome, honest crooks very often," she answered. "I checked into you guys. Yeah, you're on some task force's radar but you're not a priority and you've managed to cover your tracks well enough that certain people in the District Attorney's office are recommending that Barnes Contracting be left alone so that attention can be focused on the really bad guys. Like Hydra Contracting and their subsidiary Sitwell Renovations." She batted her eyelashes at him, an action that made him laugh a little. Gently slapping his face, she smiled. "You're also helping my friend out and that counts for a lot."

He deliberately placed his hands on her waist, drawing her closer. "We are, aren't we? So, what does that mean? Are you going to turn us in?"

"No, but you should divest yourself of any stolen goods as soon as possible," she answered. "Stick to legitimate contracting work for a while."

"Uh huh, and?"

"Don't get all mad at me again."

"Okay, and?"

"Show me how amazing we can be together."

"You're sure? I am a crook."

"An honest one. There is a difference."

"Not to some people." His eyes bored into hers.

"None of your employees have been convicted of violent crimes," she said. "You, Sam, and Bucky have never been convicted of anything, except Bucky for a misdemeanour, which he was fined for. You've never been involved in anything violent or anything really nasty. It seems to be limited to transporting stolen goods; mainly things that have "fallen" off a truck. For a crook, that's considered honest. I'm actually quite impressed that you have kept your noses pretty clean."

He smiled at her and she watched his lips as he spoke, wondering if this guy was worth risking her career for.

"It's how we were raised. There's enough violence in the world. We don't need to add to it."

"So, can I stay?" She was still in his arms.

"What do you like for breakfast?"

"Whatever you make me."

Their lips met, softly at first, then more passionately. Steve fumbled for the light switch, turning it off and lifting her up so that her legs wrapped around his waist. It looked like he wouldn't need to dig up some dirt on Officer Romanoff, after all. Everything else could wait until the morning.

🎧 🩹 🥞

Bucky was up early, running on the treadmill in his home gym. Normally, he would crank the music up while he ran but with Andrea and Lily asleep in the bedroom next to this room, he wore his headphones instead. He didn't hear her call to him from the doorway, not until she appeared at the side of the treadmill, scaring him enough that he stumbled and fell, the treadmill dumping him at the end in a heap.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" she cried out, balancing Lily on her hip, while she kneeled down to help him up.

"I'm good, really. I'm fine." He pulled himself up, rubbing his one knee that hit the floor first, then reached over to hit the stop button on the treadmill. "I didn't hear you come in."

"Yeah." Andrea looked stricken with guilt. "I realized you couldn't hear me so I moved to where you could see me. Still scared you. I'm so sorry." She looked at his knee. "You're bleeding."

He looked at the cut that was now oozing a stream of blood down his leg. Suddenly, he felt faint and wavered, and Andrea put her arm around his waist, supporting him. Guiding him over to the weight bench, she helped him sit.

"Just breathe," she said, "slow and deep. Do you have a first aid kit?"

"Yeah," he wheezed, gesturing out the door. "Pantry. Oh, I don't feel so good."

Quickly, she went to the kitchen and found the first aid kit just inside the walk-in pantry. Coming out, she stopped at the linen closet and grabbed several face cloths, bringing them into the room with her. Placing Lily on the floor, she pressed one of the face cloths onto the cut.

"Hold this in place while I get something to clean this," she said. "Can you do that?"

Bucky nodded, pressing the face cloth onto the cut, feeling like he had to throw up. When she came back, she had a package of baby wipes with her and pulled one out, lifting the face cloth and carefully cleaning the cut, then wiping away the blood that was now halfway down his shin. He looked away while she did it.

"Are you afraid of blood?"

He nodded. "Saw something I wasn't supposed to see when I was a kid and ever since I can't stand the sight of it," he said. "It makes me sick. I'm surprised I'm not puking right now."

"Just keep breathing," said Andrea, as she looked in the kit for some ointment. Not finding it she ran back to her room, coming back with some baby cream. "It's normally for diaper rash but it will help heal the cut."

She covered the wound with the ointment, then found a bandaid and placed it on the cut before looking up at him, smiling, then stopping when she saw Bucky was fixated on his hand, which had blood on it from when he rubbed his knee. He definitely looked queasy. Quickly she pulled another baby wipe out and cleaned his hand, before holding it in her hands.

"Hey, it's good," she said, soothingly. "It's not another cut. You're okay."

Without even thinking Andrea placed a hand on his cheek, getting his attention. Breathing deeply, she got him to mimic her breathing, and he slowly calmed down.

"You must think I'm really weird," he murmured. "A grown man, scared of blood."

"It must have been something really traumatic," she replied, sympathetically. "Did you ever get counselling for it?"

He shook his head, realizing he couldn't tell her the truth, not without telling her everything.

"No, I guess I should." He looked over at his knee. "Someday, I'll tell you about it. Thank you for being kind to me. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here."

"You wouldn't have fallen," she smiled. "It happened because I startled you."

He smiled shyly back at her. "I guess. What did you want to tell me?"

Andrea looked blankly at him then realized she had meant to talk to him before she scared him.

"I was going to ask if I could make you breakfast," she said, still kneeling on the ground in front of him. "Pancakes and bacon?"

It was then he noticed that she was kneeling there, looking up at him with those big brown eyes, and her lips parted just so. Steady. She's just being helpful.

"Yeah, I would like that," he said. "I need to shower first so take your time. Will the bandaid stay on?"

She looked at the wrapper, nodding that it was waterproof. Standing up she offered him a hand, still holding it when he rose, making sure he was steady before she picked up the kit, and everything she had used.

"I'll wash this facecloth today, so the blood doesn't set," she said. "I have a few baby things that I need to wash anyway."

He pulled his hand out of hers and tried to move around her but they both moved the same way, bumping into each other. Finally, Andrea stood back and let Bucky pass. Lily smiled at her and gurgled.

"He is cute, isn't he?" she said to her daughter. "He's so different than what I first thought about him."

She picked up Lily, put the bloody facecloth, baby wipes and ointment on the change table, then put the soiled wipes in the kitchen garbage can. Pulling the highchair over, she put her daughter in it then washed her hands and began making breakfast.

In his bathroom, Bucky looked at himself in the mirror. It had been a while since he last had that reaction to blood. That was when he, Steve and Sam were playing basketball and Sam got accidentally elbowed in the nose. Bucky had barely made it to a nearby garbage can to bring up his lunch. He pulled his T-shirt off and started up the shower before stripping off the rest of his clothes and stepping into the warm stream.

It was the sound of something being hit that woke up six-year-old Bucky. What a strange sound to hear in the middle of the night. Climbing out of bed, he quietly opened his bedroom door. That's when he realized there were more sounds, scary ones. His mother was crying, and someone was telling her to shut up. He didn't recognize the voice, but he didn't like it. As he got closer to the kitchen, where the sounds came from, he could hear that male voice asking where the diamonds were. His father told the man to go fuck himself. Then there was the hitting sound again, a groan, and his mother crying harder. He still didn't really know what happened then, but he must have gone to his parent's bedroom and got his dad's gun from the nightstand. Somehow, the man who was hitting his dad ended up on the floor, not moving. Everyone was yelling and screaming, and he just wanted them to leave his parents alone. There was so much blood. Then his dad was holding the gun, and his mother picked him up, carrying him back into his bedroom, where she hugged and kissed him.

"You don't tell anyone about this Bucky," she whispered. "No one must know. They'll put your dad in jail if they find out. You just try to forget it, okay, baby?"

In the morning there was no sign that anyone had been there. There was no blood and although his father's face was bruised, and he groaned every time he moved, neither he nor his mother said anything about what happened. Bucky did try to forget it, and most days he didn't think of it. Then every so often he would see blood and it would all come rushing back and he'd feel sick to his stomach. Perhaps he should go for counselling. They weren't allowed to tell the police about what he told them during therapy, were they? Plus, he was just a kid, and it was 27 years ago.

With a start Bucky realized he was just standing there. Who knows for how long? Grabbing the shower gel, he poured some on the puff and ran it over his body, avoiding his knee. He didn't even want to look at it. It hadn't been that much blood, and it still made him sick. Turning the shower off after he rinsed, he dried himself and styled his hair, then stepped out into his room and dressed in jeans and a polo shirt. Andrea smiled at him when he entered the kitchen.

"I was tempted to send a search party for you," she joked. "You were in the shower for a long time."

"Sorry, I was working something out in my head," he replied. "Lost track of time." He looked at the spread of food. "You did all this? It looks great."

"Told you I liked cooking."

It was all so normal, sitting there eating breakfast with Andrea and Lily. Bucky could almost picture himself doing it everyday, with maybe a few extra kids added and the hubbub of family conversations starting out the day. He found himself smiling.

"Penny for your thoughts," said Andrea.

"What?" He felt his face become warm. "Sorry, it's just ... I don't want to say. You'll think I'm being a creep."

"It's nice having company, isn't it?" she asked. "It's just been me and Lily since my grandmother died. Breakfast for me has usually been toast or cereal and milk. It felt good making a proper breakfast and sitting here with you. That's what you were smiling about, wasn't it?"

"Yeah," he acknowledged, daring to look at her. "That's not too weird for you, is it?"

"Not at all. You're really an introvert, aren't you?"

"I guess. I do keep to myself a lot. It's hard for me to trust people. I trust you."

"I trust you, too." She put her hand on his and squeezed it.

It was a moment that meant a lot to both of them. When he left for work, Andrea and Lily stood by the elevator door, to say goodbye.

"I'm going over to the house today to take some measurements and open up some of those areas with the leaks," he said. "I'll call you if I get a chance."

"You have a really good day," she said. "Maybe I'll make something special for dinner."

"You don't have to do that." He looked at his hands. "Unless you really want to."

She smiled. "I want to. I'll see you later."

I wish I could kiss her goodbye. Bucky nodded and pressed the button for the elevator. It came all too soon but he entered it then waved goodbye at Lily. He grinned for the entire elevator ride.

Although Bucky had every intention of going to the house, he did want to stop at the office first to pick up some equipment and his tool belt, as well as a notebook for him to jot down the notes for his estimate. He was surprised to see the place was bustling when he arrived. Normally, they tried to keep their activities low key, in order not to attract attention. But when he walked into the reception area, Mrs. Parker was busy on the computer and on the phone at the same time. He tried to ask her what was going on, but she just put her hand on the microphone of the handset.

"Go see Steve," was all she managed to get out before she was speaking to the person on the other end. "Mr. Quinn? Yes, we have to make that delivery today as something has come up and we'll be unable to do it at the original time. I know, sir, but we have no choice in the matter."

She wrote down the new delivery time then headed towards the warehouse area, where Sam presumably was. Bucky went to Steve's office, finding him on the phone. His best friend looked up at him and nodded, then gestured to the chair in front of his desk while he tried to soothe the person on the end by promising that this was a unique situation. When he ended the call with the news that they would be unable to schedule any more deliveries in the near future, Bucky looked at him with alarm. What the hell was going on? Putting the handset down, his friend looked at him, then got up and closed the door.

"What's going on?" asked Bucky. "Why are you delivering everything today?"

"Don't get mad at me," started Steve. "I met a woman. She's actually Andrea's friend, Natasha. She came here the other day to tell you why Andrea got angry at you when you asked her to live at your place. But you were still in your snit phase, so Sam and I talked to her instead."

"I don't have a snit phase," said Bucky, defensively. "But what does meeting a woman have to do with what's going on?"

In one breath Steve spilled it out. "She kind of figured out that we had a side hustle but didn't seem bothered by it, so I arranged a double date for Sam and me, with her and her friend, and it was going really well so I asked her to my place, and she said it was complicated. She's a cop; they both were."

"Jesus, Steve, you had a date with a cop?"

The fair-haired man nodded. "We got out of there as quickly as we could and decided that we should get rid of all the stolen goods we were holding for shipment. No evidence means no charges, right? Sam suggested we take on more legit renovation jobs for a while so that we're doing what we're licensed to do." Bucky looked stricken. "That's not all."

"What? What else happened?"

"Somehow, Natasha knew where I lived, and she was waiting for me. She basically said that we're already being noticed by some task force but we're not a priority, then she suggested we get rid of the stolen goods and go legit for a while to throw them off our scent." He looked away, embarrassed. "It was exactly what we had decided but with her being a cop it was kind of eerie but also kind of confirming that she wasn't going to turn us in. Then we slept together."

Bucky stared at his best friend, not quite believing what he just heard. "You slept with her, after you found out she was a cop?"

Steve shrugged. "I like her, and she likes me. You know we don't often meet nice girls in our profession. We had a connection from the moment she first walked in here. She's smart, beautiful, and it was one of the best nights of my life when she stayed over."

"She stayed over?" Oh my fucking God! Bucky got up, pacing back and forth while he ran his hands through his hair. "You're sure she's not undercover or is setting us up?"

"I'm sure," he smiled, remembering the night and how little they actually slept. They both drank a lot of coffee at breakfast. "She's something else. I told her not to tell Andrea about you. I figure you wouldn't want her to get the wrong idea about you. Natasha said it would be up to you if and when you tell her, but you should know that Andrea really likes you. She's just wary of jumping into anything too soon after Brock and they both know what Brock is."

Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. Bucky stopped pacing.

"How much have you moved this morning?"

"About half of the inventory. I had to pull the guys off the house move to do it. Sorry, but I figured this was a priority."

There was a knock on the door and Mrs. Parker came in, looking a little frazzled.

"Bucky, it's Scott on line 2," she said. "They got pulled over for a traffic violation. It's Officer Rollins. He wants payment to not arrest them for transporting stolen goods. Cash, $500. He won't release the truck until someone shows up with the money."

"For the love of ...," Bucky huffed, then he looked at Mrs. Parker. "Get the location and I'll take the money over. We have lots of small bills, right?"

She nodded. "I can get it ready for you. We just paid him off last week, Bucky. He might be getting greedy."

"Yeah," he agreed. "The thought occurred to me, as well. We have no choice."

She left to gather the money together and Bucky sat as Steve phoned another client about their shipment. This happening now was really going to throw a wrench into their revenue stream. They didn't exactly advertise for renovation clients. In fact, they didn't advertise at all. Most of their clients tended to be on the shady side of the business. They were going to have to come up with something to generate some legitimate clients on the renovation side. Why did this have to happen now?

Part 5>>

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