#“cheer up flowers maybe you still can't finish that thing you've been trying to do but at least you can make this!”

[flowersforthemachines]

Rook Participates in Banter at the Lighthouse - Mod

You know how there are banters where Rook can talk, but for some reason Rook can only react to those banters in the field, and not at the Lighthouse despite standing in the companions' near proximity?

Well, with this mod, your Rook will always say their piece regardless of where they are!

Here is a small showcase:

Grab it from download link above (◕ᴗ◕✿)

[zyxelia]

Warrior.

It's been a long time. You're not sure how long you've been avoiding people and locking yourself away in this place. Always lowering your gaze, you lock yourself in your room alone. But they don't seem to mind. Despite your previous actions of attempting to interact with them with your actions since you've lost your voice, everyone was very open and acted as if you hadn't been there, as if you looked like thin air—invisible to any eyes. You also noticed that there was no food left in front of your door.

You don't want to complain; after all, you didn't ask them to do it, did you?

You had no idea if they'd give it to you, even if you asked for it.

As the bright moonlight began to creep through the window, you sat down on the mattress. You close your eyes for a moment and then stare at your palms longingly. Attempting to focus all of your energy on the center of your body. You could feel that feeling again, along with the gentle flow of an unsettled energy.

The feeling that has haunted you every day since your arrival here is the feeling that serves as a warning before an incident such as an apocalypse occurs.

It's a warning.

You try to remain calm despite your feelings. Remember to keep your focus on what you're doing and to stand up quickly when you're finished.

With a quick dash, you open the balcony door. Before you, there was a magical view of field flowers and the colorful stars that painted the sky. You clutch the railings tightly as the cold night breeze touches your skin. Your black hair was flowing softly, making a quiet sound like water. You raise your gaze to the sky, gleaming your dark eyes as you stare at the sky. You gaze at the millions of sparkling stars and the full moon, as if they contain the answer you seek.

You lower your gaze before looking back at the door. Maybe, just maybe... You're going to miss this place. You walk back in and reach for your hair, taking a blue butterfly hairpin that you wear daily and putting it neatly on top of the mattress.

"For you," Liebe said, tossing you a box, which you caught before it landed on the ground. "It's custom made with a good amount of money; don't let me down." That was the last thing he said to you before leaving you to return to his room and meet with his waiting women.

But in reality, you already know it's a cheap one.

The one that even commoners could buy with their daily salary.

Despite this, you keep it as if it were a treasure, infuriating those around you.

"Isn't she stupid?" One of the women who sleeps in with Liebe is whispering to another. "I agree," the other woman said, nodding. "Who does she think she is?" The legendary warrior? Can't she see her own reflection? Who can't even speak? How could she be holding a sword then?" She exclaimed, disgusted. And that setting causes other women to look at you with the same intensity.

You have some hope for Liebe at that point. Would he defend you?     

However, that's wrong. He was also disgusted by the fact that the King had ordered him to marry you. But you can't blame him for that. He's the most beautiful, powerful demon in the kingdom, and the king forced him to marry you? On top of that, produce some offspring too. That had to hurt his ego.

Even if his actions and words hurt you, you know it's for the best. You should cut any of your ties with him because you have a duty to fulfill.

The duty of assassinating the current demon king, who's been neglecting his duties—and being an injustice leader that would throw his people however he wants to. Such a shame, you think. Why were his people cheering and praising him? Can't they see that the place they live is in complete disarray? What happened with them? I guess they still didn't know what lay underneath.

Nevertheless, that's the reason why, once again, you're being reborn in this world.   

You returned your last glance to your now-old room. You close the balcony door and tie your hair before jumping to the ground below. You shuffle your clothes a little and look around for any pair of eyes watching your every move, but there are none. You move slowly, not wanting to attract any night guards.

As you walk, you take one last look around the palace. Your gaze is drawn to Liebe's room right away. You noticed that his lights were still on. You quickly walked away from that, and now your eyes are landing on the house garden, which is mostly decorated with white.

On that faithful day, at that location, it was the first time you could finally get a good look at Liebe.     

As there was a large banquet going on, you couldn't find him anywhere. You look around worriedly, asking any servants you see with your body language, but none of them seem to care. You tried again with another noble, but their reaction was the same. Sweat forms on your brow, and with trembling steps, you walk out of the dance hall and through the garden.

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see a man's shadow curling toward himself in the dim light. Of course, that's because he's outside. You walked out of the banquet and took it slowly so as not to startle him, and as you got closer, you realized it was Liebe.

When you move to his side, he stiffens. He turned around, and his eyes widened when he noticed you. You smile at him gently. A gentle breeze blows around you two, gently twirling your hair with its own melody.

You extended your hand in the hope of brushing up against his hair. But you quickly stopped midair. You rested your hand on your lap, your gaze fixed on everything other than him. He and you both remained silent. You two were in a comfortable yet intense silence. He didn't seem to mind. You raised your eyes to the sky, silently admiring the moon while counting the stars.

You had no idea how much time had passed. You can, however, hear a soft snore from your side. When you look at Liebe, you notice that he's been sleeping for who knows how long. You're looking at his appearance; he appears defenseless and innocent. His dark locks fell to his face as he breathed, and the soft rise of his chest could be heard. Right in front of you is a stunning scene.

You quickly realize it's late while staring at him deeply. You start to feel sleepy too, but you just can't take your eyes off of him. Dazed by his looks, you did nothing but stare at him until you fell asleep. The morning comes really fast. You blink your eyes and then look at your surroundings. He's not there anymore. You were left alone in the garden.     

Well, guess what? Maybe he's drunk, so he allows you to be near him for once.     

The night in the forest makes it difficult to see, but the moon comes to your rescue. You take a look around; this place is in disarray. What would be the cause of the plants and animals deaths? The lakes are nearly dry as well. You picked up the pace, leaping over the small stones that had once formed a lake and making your way to the ruins in the center.     

The ruins are still there, and you're glad they've remained untouched thanks to the shield magic that protected them. You pull a knife from your pocket and cut your hand in a flash, causing blood to pour from your palm. You stood there, watching your blood drop to the ground.

You could feel a warm aura as a golden, silk-like thread came out of your bleeding palm. You raise your eyes to the sky, silently sending your gaze to the moon, and as it reads your movement, all the clouds that have gathered near the moon shuffle away. Leaving the moon and its bright light alone. A thin fog formed as the moonlight touched all of the golden threads. You keep your gaze fixed on it, and then you can feel it— a strong wind forming around you, and as the wind grew stronger, a blinding light appeared.

You fixed your gaze and stepped into it with all your might. 

The familiar sensation from thousands of years ago returned as the light faded. Your entire body was enveloped in warmth, and pure magic flowed freely all over you. You could feel the familiar weight wrap around your body as the light faded. It's the feeling of your magic that was sealed here. You created a soft light by swiping your hand to the side. Prior to the appearance of your sword. It's a long sword with jewels embracing the human and demon worlds on both sides.

As the wind blows, you can feel your hair rustle. Your hair was gleaming, drastically changing from a pitch black to a golden color that symbolized victory. Your iris shines in the same color as your eyes, gleaming brightly under the night.     

You inhaled deeply and took your first step, releasing your magic into the air. The ground you stepped on magically returned to its original state in an instant. The nearly dry lake is reverting to its former size, depth, and darkness. The grounds, which are in disarray and cracked in every direction, are once again at their peak.

All of the plants that were once dormant have regenerated. Maybe it looks even better than before. You keep walking, not bothering to even look behind. And as you got out of the forest, you quickly headed straight to the capital.     

"Hey," one of the soldiers guarding the gates says to another, nudging him on the shoulder. "How do you think about the prophecy?"     

"What? Which one is it?" The other person responded, unimpressed by his actions. "You know, That one," huffs the soldier. "About that warrior," he said, stretching his chin slightly. "Isn't it already time? You can already see this world tearing apart, can't you? But the strange thing is that the human world is experiencing the same thing." He looked up in wonder. "Even His Majesty had no idea what was going on".

The other one shook his head, facepalming at his words. "You really enjoy the warrior story, don't you?" He looks at him, unimpressed.

The other one gave him a glare and said, "Let's turn that question around. What makes you not believe about it?"

"His Highness the King never talks about it, according to the captain." He crosses his arms. "Well? Can I hear it again? What does the prophecy say?"     

"Well," He rummaged through his armor. A smile appeared on his face as he took out a saggy notebook.

"As the world falls into despair and everything is wrecked from top to bottom, prepare all the young and old to gather at the center. Take your leader from both parties to draw the summoning circle with their blood and light up the fire with their spells. Brace for the approaching brilliance, for a knight in resplendent armor shall arise. With the shining gold that decorates her hair and the golden cape that rests on her shoulder. Beware, for she wields a sword that can cut through life itself. Yet, if you find yourself powerless in the face of despair, fear not." 

The other one cocked his head sideways and went on, "Therefore, we require the call to be done by the leaders of both parties. Are the other parties referred to humans?"   

"Maybe" 

"Tsk," the soldier says, looking to the side furiously. 'I hate it, damn humans', he murmurs. "What if only one side conducts the summoning procedure?" He asked again and looked at the other soldier again.

As the other one flipped the page of the book he was carrying, his eyes were urgently searching for a resolution. He paused when he reached a page that was already gone. Maybe it's written here, he muses. He softly rubs the remaining page with the tips of his fingers. But unfortunately, it has already vanished.

The man who asked the question sighs and then fixes his eyes once again on the still-dark horizon. After a while, he heard the sound of footsteps as he struggled to concentrate. Little by little, it became clearly audible.     

"Who's that?"     

"I have no idea..."

They were puzzled for a moment. And by the time they look at each other, they nod and draw their magic. Ready to take anything that might come.     

"Fear not, little Demy..." A soft voice hushed, causing both of them to be surprised or maybe to shiver. "Just wait here," said the sound of metal— a sword being dragged into the ground— "and I shall make this world return to what it used to be".     

They were puzzled again.      

What does that mean?

They are focusing their gaze on the horizon. There's something that comes here— does the sound come from that? As they were wondering to themselves, that being who they watched closely suddenly appeared in front of them.     

Shining Golden hair.     

A pair of glimmering Golden eyes.

A sword that looks heavy, so much embodiment that represents humans and... demons.     

But,     

But they didn't see it.

If it's the same as the prophecy, The Legendary Warrior, Where is that?

There's no sign of the golden armor.   

"What are you thinking about, little Demy?" You ask, tilting your head to the side.

"Who-?" They ask, body frozen just with your presence alone.     

"I'm the Legendary Warrior. The one who vanishes when the world is in harmony, and also the one who will be reborn once again when the world is in despair".     

You can see it. Their eyes didn't lie. They don't believe it. You just offer a warm smile, answering the silent question they give you. "Only one of the two parties that summoned me, were humans, which is why I don't have my armor".     

"What are you going to do?" They really do not believe it. You just sigh softly, pulling your sword a little before smashing it to the ground. Causing a dazzling light to cover all the area around it, slowly constructing it into barrier magic. "I'm going to kill the rot on all this. The current Demon King, who's been neglecting his duty and only causing trouble here and here".     

They look puzzled, again. Maybe it's because they worship their king so much that they are blind to what he's after.

You continue your walk, going to the capital and the palace. While in there, you could see all the villages surrounded by the magic barrier. You let out a soft smile, but not long after, you could hear hurried footsteps that were likely going to the palace as well.It's most likely like your guess. The minion of the king. It's not that they're strong, you could defeat them all easily. While all of them hurriedly open the palace gate, you draw your sword. Mouthing some spell before swinging it to them, causing an ocean of dark fog to trouble your way.      You didn't care. You just keep taking the steps ahead. Drawing and swinging your sword at every single enemy that comes to you before you come to the king's chamber.

You opened the door. Taking a deep breath and then opening it Just after taking a step, you could feel it already. The aura, the feeling, is so intense.     

You look up. Face to face with the Demon King, while tightening the hold of your sword in your palm.      

"My, my little warrior, aren't you a fool?" 

"I'm not a fool." You hiss, responding to his words immediately.

He simply stroked his chin with his long nails, watching you as any predator would. "So you're naive, then? You are aware that you only have half of your power due to the circumstances.".

His voice is a real mockery.

"Bite your tongue, your highness. Aren't you satisfied enough with taking my voice before?" You look at him, knitting both your eyebrows and narrowing your gaze, focusing on only him.

"You are just holding a sword, a blessing from the human party, and no armor. Which is supposed to be a blessing from the demon party. Knowing that, but you are still foolish to use a significant portion of it to construct barrier magic," he laughs. His voice was deep, adding to the tension in the room.

He looks at you smugly as he leans back toward the throne.

"If you're that confident, shall we see how long you can stand before giving up?"

[helloalycia]

The Wrong Lifetime – Eight // Wanda Maximoff

chapter seven | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | chapter nine

author’s note: Y/C/N = your cousin’s name, also this is later than I wanted today but i’ve been super busy so sorry for that! Also, I’ll be responding to comments from the last one as soon as I’m free. Enjoy 😊

"...okay, so now use the water to dilute the colour."

I did as Wanda said, dipping my brush in the glass of water and diluting the watercolour I was using, but I must have used too much because it made the paint run and then the paper started to get too damp to hold together.

Wanda facepalmed, sighing as I smiled sheepishly.

"My bad...?"

She glared playfully before ripping a page from her sketchbook. "Try again, milaya (darling). And use less water this time."

I squinted in the sun as I glanced at her. "Can't you just accept I'm not very good at painting? Or art in general?"

She shook her head, taking the torn page from my grasp and replacing it with a new one. "No way. You're not getting out of it that easily. It's not hard, I promise!"

I groaned lightheartedly. "You said that about drawing. And about using acrylics. And about using chalk."

"And I'm saying it about this, now c'mon, try again," she encouraged with an amused smile before returning to her own painting.

We were sat in my garden, hanging out and making the most of the lovely day we were having. The Spring breeze was getting warmer as we transitioned into Summer and it was a nice change of pace from the usual bad weather we had. So nice that Wanda wanted to do some painting and also teach me how to. But art was never my strong suit and I'm sure she knew that but still proceeded to try anyway.

Sketching out the tree before us for the third time today, I attempted to provide an outline that I could eventually fill in with green watercolours. Unlike Wanda though, it wasn't fun. My eyes veered over to her and I smiled to myself as I admired the look of concentration on her face – her 'art' look, I dubbed it. It was this very specific expression she got whenever she worked on a painting or drawing, and it always reminded me of that first time I saw it, after we met in the stationary store and when she took me back to her room. Absolutely wonderful.

"I don't hear a pencil moving," she said, not looking up but beginning to smile.

"That's because I'm looking for... what did you call it?" I racked my brain, thinking back to the day in the store when she talked about inspiration. "Vdokhoventi?"

A sharp exhale escaped her lips as she finally lifted her gaze to meet mine. Attempting not to laugh, she tilted her head adorably. "Vdokhnoveniye."

I quirked a brow. "Is that not what I said?"

She giggled, shaking her head. "Definitely not."

I grinned, shrugging. "Well, that's what I meant."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm not it, so eyes on your page."

"Oh, how dearly mistaken you are, love," I said quietly, leaning close and giving her a knowing smile.

She looked up, expression softening with a smile. Her eyes were heavenly, pupils dilated as she squinted in the sun, and they flickered to my lips before she settled on nudging me in the shoulder slightly. I snickered, leaning my head on her shoulder since everybody thought we were as close as best friends, so it wouldn't look suspicious. She sighed contently, letting me watch as she moved her paintbrush, painting a flower that was peeking through the grass we were sat on.

I could have stayed there forever, in that moment, sitting with Wanda and watching her paint under the sun. But of course, all good things come to an end when you don't want them to.

"Y/N, dear," I heard my father call, and when I looked up, I saw him approaching Wanda and I from the direction of our house.

Straightening up, I watched as he attempted to sit on the grass, but his legs were too long and he struggled to cross them. With a hearty chuckle, he stretched them out, slightly bent, and leaned on his hands.

"I'm getting too old for this, ladies," he said humorously, making Wanda and I smile.

"What d'you need, dad?" I asked, raising my brows.

"I just wanted to check in and see if you were ready for tonight," he said casually, making me furrow my brows. He seemed to notice my confusion, prompting, "Tonight? Your cousin's birthday party?"

"My cousin's what-now?"

He sighed, massaging the point between his brows. "Y/C/N? They organised this months ago. We're all expected to be there." His glanced to Wanda. "You, too, dear."

Wanda hummed, pulling her gaze from her painting and looking to my dad. "Yes, I'm aware. Got my dress ready and everything."

My eyes snapped to Wanda's with surprise. "You knew about this?!"

"You should be more like her," my dad muttered, as Wanda smiled with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

I looked back to my father. "I was planning on helping Y/B/N with his manuscript tonight."

My dad waved his hand. "I've already talked to him. He's agreed to work on it before the party starts so you're both on time."

I groaned, already tired at the sound of yet another party. Did it ever end?

"Don't be late," he ordered, though his voice was anything but stern. Cue another groan. He smiled before looking to Wanda's painting. "Wow, that's great, dear. Apparently you've got Y/N here attempting to do the same?"

Wanda chuckled as she handed him my several failed attempts. "Key word being 'attempting'."

He accepted the pages and stifled a smile of amusement. "Wow... maybe you should stick to writing, Y/N."

I ripped the pages from his grasp. "Cheers, dad, really."

He laughed before leaning forward and kissing my forehead. "It's all in good faith, dear. Now remember. Don't be late tonight, okay?"

I sighed, which he took as my response, before pushing himself off the grass with a grumble. Dusting his trousers, he nodded to Wanda and I before leaving us be.

"You could've told me I had yet another party to attend tonight," I told Wanda with narrowed eyes.

She shrugged, smiling helplessly. "I thought you knew."

I laid back on the grass with a dramatic sigh. "I just don't understand why our life revolves around extravagant parties, balls and dinners."

"That's just how it is, moya lyubov' (my love)," she said with a warm smile.

I looked up at the sky, raising my hand to shield the sun from my eyes, though my heart fluttered at one of the many nicknames she called me in Russian. "I'd rather live in the middle of nowhere. Where nobody expects anything of me and there's no stupid parties to attend."

She rested a hand on my leg before laying beside me, leaning her head on my shoulder. I relaxed my head on hers, appreciating how well we fit together.

"Same here," she agreed, making me gasp playfully.

"What? Don't you love the glitz and glamour?"

She laughed quietly. "I do, but I like the peace and quiet more."

I breathed out, fingertips brushing hers. "Maybe I can be a little late tonight... accidentally run over time so I don't have to stay as long."

Her fingers tugged on mine between us as a warning. "No. I'll be left alone and I'll be bored. And when I'm bored, I drink."

It was my turn to laugh. "You won't be alone, Wanda. You'll have Pietro."

She shifted so she was no longer leaning on my shoulder but instead tilting her head to look my way. "I want you."

I turned my head and gave her a small, promising smile. "I'll try to be on time."

She quirked a brow. "Try? You will."

My eyes flittered away, ready to argue otherwise, but she sat up and grabbed her paintbrush. I sat up, too, ready to tell her I would try, but I flinched when she flicked water towards me from the tip of it.

"Are you serious?" I asked, wiping the water from my eyelids with tongue-in-cheek.

She chuckled and I grabbed my paintbrush and did the same, watching her squirm when it flicked on her face.

Suppressed smile on her face, she wiped away the water and glared with dazzling eyes. "You shouldn't start what you can't finish, milaya (darling)."

Smiling from ear to ear, I quirked a brow devilishly. "Oh?"

"You're so lucky we're in front of people," she said lowly, leaning close enough to be platonic, but her hand slipped under my dress and creeped up my leg, making me involuntarily shiver. "Or you would be in serious trouble."

I stopped her hand from going any higher, the rings on her fingers cold enough for me to not melt under her touch. "I highly doubt that, love."

She held my gaze, intoxicating and mesmerising all at once. A sly smile tugged at her lips as she said, "Don't test me then. You heard your father. Don't be late."

I exhaled, licking my lips. "Fine. I won't be."

—

Later that afternoon, I found myself sat in my brother's study as the two of us worked on his latest manuscript together. It was a love story, his (my) specialty, and I was helping him to sort out his sentence structure when he decided to question me.

"Will you entertain me for a moment?" he asked randomly, making me look up from the pages.

"I'll probably regret it, but go on," I said jokingly, before looking back down and adding some notes to the paper.

His chair creaked as he leaned back, eyes watching me thoughtfully. "Are you in a secret relationship?"

I almost choked on my spit as he asked this, heart dropping to my stomach with panic. He couldn't know about Wanda, right? We'd been so careful.

Thankfully, I played it off well as I merely glanced his way before distracting myself with note-taking.

"Why would you think that, Y/B/N?" I asked like he was insane.

He shrugged in my peripheral. "I don't know... I've been wondering for a while. You've just loosened up so much more. And you're not as uptight as you usually are."

"Cheers," I said sarcastically.

He leaned forward, head resting in his palm. "This all happened right about the time I met Wanda..."

I swallowed hard, quirking a brow at him to play down my panic.

"I saw you with Pietro the other week," he continued, and I could finally breathe when I realised what he was insinuating. "I'm happy if you're happy, Y/N, but I'm not a fan of you sleeping with my publisher."

At that thought, I shuddered and proceeded to shove Y/B/N on the arm. "Don't say that. And I would never."

Just your fiancé, I thought guiltily.

"Good," he said with relief, straightening up. "Because you're not supposed to do that until you get married."

I rolled my eyes dismissively in response, but wondered if that still applied in a world where one was not allowed to marry the person they loved.

Y/B/N gave me a reassuring glance. "Look, I'm okay with it, I guess. But I'd appreciate the heads up so I can give him a stern talking to."

Realising there was a hint of mirth in his voice, I looked up and gave him a warning look. "Don't you dare."

He laughed, patting me on the back, to which I shrugged off with annoyance.

"It's the Maximoff charm," he commented knowingly. "The twins have that effect on people, don't they? Wanda sure has it on me."

A short silence fell after he said that and I chewed on my lip curiously, unable to stop myself from speaking until it was too late.

"Is her love reciprocated?"

He looked down to me from his daydream, no doubt of Wanda. "Pardon?"

Knowing there was no backing down from the conversation now, I avoided his eyes. "The engagement between you both was arranged... you're clearly in love with her, but is it returned?"

His lips twitched into a frown. "I'd hope so."

I hummed, diverting my attention away from him and to the pen in my hand.

"Why? Did she say something?" he asked, voice laden with worry.

"Of course not," I reassured him.

"But you'd tell me if she did?" he asked eagerly.

I looked his way and saw him peering down at me, hanging onto my response. I nodded lamely, which seemed to put him at ease as he sank into his chair with relief.

We spent the next few hours working on the manuscript without a hitch, but I noticed the time and realised the party was already in full swing. Wanda's words came to mind and I hoped she wouldn't be too annoyed at my lateness.

"We're wrapping it up now, don't worry," Y/B/N said, noticing me check the clock. "Thanks for the help. I'm gonna get this to my editor tomorrow. Your amendments should help make the process go a lot smoothly."

I hummed in response, feeling a heaviness settle on my shoulders as he mentioned his editor. It was always the same routine – I helped him with his manuscript, he got it edited, got his book published and got all the credit. And I was stuck in the same position, wishing I could do the same.

"What is it?" he asked with a sigh, sensing my mood.

Playing with the corner of the manuscript, I met his gaze. "I help you with your writing, but I never get anything from it."

"You get to help me," he pointed out, not seeing the issue. "Isn't that enough?"

Pietro's offer came to mind as I said, "What if I wrote my own book? And got published with my name on the cover?"

He squinted as he studied me, trying to find the humour in my words. Letting out a laugh, he shook his head.

"Y/N, that's absurd."

I raised my eyebrows hopefully. "I mean, is it? Would that be so bad?"

He pressed his lips together and breathed out through his nose. Resting a hand on my shoulder, he gave me a condescending look.

"I'm saying this because I care," he said, making me feel like crap. "But yes."

As if I didn't already know the answer, I asked, "Why?"

He motioned with his hand like it was obvious. "Because. People would look at you differently. You'd be undesirable. You know men don't like smart women. I'm just looking out for you as your brother."

I looked away, the bitterness at his words stinging more than usual. "Well, I like smart women."

Thinking I was joking, he chuckled. "Don't go saying things like that. One might misinterpret."

My teeth pressed into my lower lip hard, trying to contain my frustration.

"You can do this every now and then," he said, referring to the manuscript, "but any more isn't possible. Besides, two authors in one family? That's insane."

I forced a smile, but I wondered if his last comment was the real reason he wouldn't let me at least try to get published.

"Anyway, never mind that," he said indifferently. "We should probably head out. Dad is not going to be pleased. Especially since I promised we wouldn't be late."

I nodded, sliding my chair out and wanting to be anywhere but here right now. "Yeah, come on."

He gave me a sneaky smile. "Can't wait to see Pietro?"

I slapped him on the arm before standing up, ignoring his laughter. Nothing to make an already-depressing night worse than going to a party you didn't care for.

—

Wanda Maximoff was a very difficult drunk to be around, I'd learnt that the hard way.

As soon as Y/B/N and I rolled up to my cousin's house, a third of the guests were drunk and the rest were tipsy. A typical Y/L/N get-together. Y/B/N was instantly dragged away by some family whilst I was quick to make myself scarce, attempting to find Wanda. But the place was bustling with people and there were way too many rooms to check.

I found Pietro before I found his twin, as he was poking around party favours on a table in the corner, attempting to make out what were in the bags.

I found Pietro before I found his twin, as he was poking around party favours on a table in the corner, attempting to make out what were in the bags.

"If you're expecting a brand new fountain pen, you won't find it in there," I teased, making him jump.

He sighed when he looked my way, realising it was me. "I know that. But there's nothing better here to do, so I may as well know what freebies we'll be getting by the end of it."

I smirked. "Anything good?"

He shrugged, seeming disappointed. "Just some chocolate and perfume samples."

Holding back a smile, I said, "How tragic."

"If you're looking for my sister, she's over there," he said, nodding behind me. "You'll love this one."

"What do you mean?" I asked, brows knitted with confusion, before turning around and following his gaze.

Wanda was indeed stood on the other side of the dining room and I could just about make her out between idle guests. She was chatting to some woman, hands moving erratically and with expression, a grin on her lips.

"What is she doing?" I asked unsurely, tearing my eyes from her and looking to Pietro.

He was withholding laughter as he answered, "Sometimes, dear Y/N, my beloved twin sister gets drunk when she's–"

"Bored," I finished, remembering what she told me this morning. My face dropped as I mumbled, "Uh-oh."

"Uh-oh indeed," Pietro said, grinning at his sister's dismay. "Drunk Wanda is a very truthful Wanda. So, any secrets of hers will most definitely be revealed tonight."

Pietro was too caught up in his own amusement to notice my eyes widening.

"One of our servants made me a platter a few years ago," Pietro explained, oblivious to my panic. "It was a delicious cheese platter, the cheese having been imported from France. Then, Wanda proceeded to eat it without telling me. When I asked if she did, she lied. And I only discovered she lied because she got drunk a few weeks later and bragged about how good the cheese was."

Continuing to ramble, though this time in Russian, Pietro complained about said incident, though I wasn't listening as I watched Wanda talk to the woman enthusiastically. I could only imagine what secrets she was sharing.

"Pietro!" I cut him off, earning his attention. "Shouldn't you do something? To stop Wanda?"

The cheese platter story long forgotten, his grin reappeared on his lips. "Nah, it's funny watching her make a fool of herself."

I gave him a look of disbelief before looking back to Wanda, who was laughing at something by herself. The woman she was speaking to seemed partially confused, but smiled to be polite. I gulped, before shaking my head.

"I'm not that mean," I said to Pietro before making a move to stop her.

Pietro booed me playfully, but I ignored him and approached the drunk brunette, managing to catch her conversation.

"–and they're usually such catty bitch–"

"Wanda!" I immediately cut her off, bumping into her side slightly to get her attention. "There you are!"

Green eyes widened with excitement as they met mine. "Y/N! You're here!"

Ignoring her, I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and tugged her close before looking to the guest she was talking with.

"My apologies for her behaviour," I said with an awkward smile, hoping Wanda hadn't revealed anything suspicious.

"No need to apologise, dear," the woman said with an amused smile. "Wanda here was telling me all about how lovely of a sister-in-law you are. Or will be."

Wanda grinned, looking to me and leaning in so close that her nose brushed my cheek. "Yeah, she is," she continued to the woman, though her eyes were on mine. "She's sweet, not like other people make out their sister-in-laws to be."

My face was warm as I cleared my throat and smiled once more to the woman. "If you'll excuse Wanda and I."

The woman barely got out a nod before I dragged Wanda away, trying to keep her lips away from my neck (she was also an extremely clingy drunk). Tugging her into the bathroom down the hall, I closed the door behind us and released a breath of relief, grateful for the escape from guests.

"You look very sexy when you're worried," Wanda complimented, stepping forward and smiling dazedly.

"Wanda–"

She placed her hand on my jaw, moving closer so that her lips were grazing mine as she mumbled, "You came late, milaya (darling). But I still love you."

I'd like to say that I had the willpower to push her away and scold her for acting so obvious about us before, but my lips went numb as she captured them between hers. I could taste the alcohol on her lips as she moved them against mine, making me dizzy and forgetting what I was going to say. Her thumb caressed my jaw and I relaxed under her touch, hands resting on her chest. When she tried to part my lips with her tongue, I seemed to come to my senses.

"Wanda, you're drunk," I muttered, pushing her back gently.

She chased down my mouth again, sucking on my lip and tilting my head back so she could have better access. I tried not to let her win as I kissed her briefly before pulling away. Clouded hazel eyes met mine with a matching smirk.

"You're such a tease," she whispered, her accent thicker than usual and making my stomach flip uncontrollably. Her thumb traced my lips as she continued, "You shouldn't do that when I already know how you taste, moya lyubov' (my love)."

The way she was staring at me made me flustered in place, and she seemed to notice her effect on me as she winked my way.

Shaking my head and trying not to let her win, I said, "Look, Wanda. I'm sorry for being late. But did you really have to get drunk?"

She shrugged, leaning her weight on my shoulder with her hand. "If you hadn't kept me waiting, then I wouldn't have."

I sighed, looking to her apologetically. "I didn't realise the time."

A permanent troublesome smile was fixed on her lips as she watched me.

"Your brother told me how you can be when you get drunk," I said with mild concern, hoping she'd register my seriousness. "You need to be careful, Wanda. We can't have people finding out about us."

"It seems to me," she began agonisingly slowly, lacing her arms around my shoulders, "that you'll have to watch me all night to make sure I don't do anything out of line."

Determined not to play into her teasing, I maintained her gaze with a stern stare. "It seems I'll have to."

She bit her lip, eyes flickering between mine, before leaning further into my ear. In a whispered voice, she said, "That means you can't leave my side, printsessa (princess)."

I clenched my jaw, ready to agree, but a gasp escaped my lips as hers sucked on my earlobe, teeth nibbling on the sensitive skin. Stupid Wanda and her stupid flirting and stupid attractiveness.

"Wanda!" I scolded, though my cheeks were flushed as I pushed her away gently.

She laughed adorably, the sound making my heart skip a beat. "What?"

"You have to behave," I told her, swallowing hard and trying not to let her teasing smile get to me. "You can't do this out there. Okay?"

"Okay," she agreed in a way that wasn't reassuring in the slightest.

I rolled my eyes before grabbing her hand and leading her back outside the bathroom, returning to the party. I wasn't planning on leaving her side for the rest of the evening, even if Y/B/N wanted to be with her. The last thing I wanted was for her cute drunken self to reveal something she couldn't take back.

To my relief, she kind of behaved after that. There were times when she would get a little too touchy to be platonic, but a quick stare set her straight. Y/B/N wasn't around much, as when he did join us, he was immediately pulled away by some family friends who wanted to discuss his books. For once, I was glad he was an author, afraid of what would happen if Wanda got too comfortable in his presence.

At one point though, he was able to join Wanda, Pietro and I at a standing table, relief flooding his expression when nobody called after him. His arm wrapped around Wanda's waist and he kissed the top of her head, making me look the other way with distaste. She scrunched her nose up at the action before distracting herself with a drink. I gave her a knowing look, having told her earlier to stop with the alcohol. She pretended not to see me.

"Sorry I've not been able to spend time with you tonight," he said to Wanda, oblivious to her tipsy state.

"It's almost like it's your birthday and not your cousin's," Pietro joked, smiling at him.

My brother chuckled. "I guess. They just all wanna talk about my manuscript."

"Ah, yes, the reason you were late, right?" Wanda asked, eyes falling to mine.

"I'm sorry," my brother apologised, assuming it was him she was speaking to.

"You were helping him, too, right?" Pietro asked, looking to me curiously. "Maybe I'll finally get a glance at your work."

I narrowed my eyes at him, having figured he'd put the subject to rest after last time. He merely grinned in response, finding joy in messing with me, just like his sister. Before I could say anything, my brother beat me to it.

"Don't be getting any ideas. It's just a hobby." He smiled forcefully, before glancing at me. "Isn't it, Y/N?"

"Don't be getting any ideas. It's just a hobby." He smiled forcefully, before glancing at me. "Isn't it, Y/N?"

So he was jealous. Wow.

"You don't need to hide your relationship, y'know," he continued when I didn't respond, looking to Pietro.

The silver-haired publisher choked on his drink as he looked to my brother, clearly very amused.

"I know you're together," Y/B/N said with agitation. "Everybody does. And don't get me wrong, Pietro, I respect you as a publisher."

I groaned quietly, closing my eyes with embarrassment. When I opened them, Pietro was watching my brother with an entertained smile, meanwhile, Wanda was looking between them with a twitching frown.

"But if you're going to date my sister, you should do it the right way," my brother continued stupidly. "It's not appropriate to have whatever this is." He motioned between us with his hands. "It's wrong."

I jumped when Wanda's hand slipped to my arse, squeezing it gently. Thankfully, our backs were to a wall so nobody would have noticed behind us, but I instantly glared at her and removed her hand. She gave me a cunning smile, not bothered by the consequences.

"...and if you're sleeping together like I suspect," Y/B/N was saying, making me flush with humiliation, "know that our friendship is at breaking point. I can't have that blatant disrespect in my life."

Wanda continued to attempt to grab my arse, making me slap her hand away several times, all whilst trying to manage whatever conversation was happening right now.

"I can't believe you just said that," I finally spoke up, managing to keep Wanda at bay long enough. "You're such an idiot, Y/B/N! I told you I wasn't with Pietro!"

Pietro tried not to laugh as he met my brother's intimidating stare. "I value our friendship, too, Y/B/N. Which is why I can promise you I have no... relations... with your sister. I don't like her like that, I can assure you."

Wanda snorted with amusement, before hiding behind a glass of wine when everyone looked her way.

Y/B/N seemed embarrassed as he cleared his throat. "Oh."

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, oh!"

"I guess I should apologise," he said awkwardly, looking to Pietro. "I–"

"No apology necessary," Pietro cut him off, raising a hand. "I am thankful for the entertainment however."

"I'm gonna go literally anywhere else," I dismissed myself, unable to take the uncomfortable situation any longer.

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and walked away. To my surprise, Wanda trailed after, falling into step with me.

I glanced at her unhappily, quirking a brow. "Can I help you?"

"Oh, don't be mad at me because your brother's an idiot," she said with a wag of her hand.

I gave her a suggestive look. "I told you to behave."

She pressed her lips together in a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry... Y/B/N was talking about you and Pietro and I– well, I don't like sharing, remember?"

The improper glint in her eye as she stopped before me, watching with amusement, made me feel warm all of a sudden. That day when she first told me that and we proceeded to make love flashed to mind, and she seemed to know as she had a mischievous look on her face.

Clearing my throat, I pointed a finger her way. "Behave."

I should have known by the devilish look in her eyes that she wouldn't.

[hitozy]

have you ever ‹ masterlist › denouement

tw! manipulation, mentioned underage sex, dubious consent, cheating. i also want to point out that reader is around 2-3 years younger than Iwaizumi, while Jae and Iwa are the same age. ps. this is a long chp :)

𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞

Iwaizumi has no idea of what has possessed him tonight. He doesn't know why he's walking around the city in the middle of the night a day before he should be on his way home.

He doesn't know why after the celebration he didn't follow his teammates. He doesn't know why he has barely answered your texts since after the game.

He also doesn't know why he agreed to go and see Jae, to hear her out.

He's been doing fine so far, seven months Jae clean and while the first three were bumpy; your company had made it easier to deal with. Your cheerfulness, your happiness, the adventures you've both have been planning have taken his mind off the broken heart he was nursing.

She continued to contact him, even when he begged her not to and blocking her phone was no use, she just got a new one and tried again and again. His resolve was diluted and he knew it would be a matter of time before he fell into his old habits.

lil jae: congrats on the win haji! let me invite you to a drink, im in town.

-

Iwaizumi recalls an old memory from back in high school, a few weeks before moving to California, you were sitting on his bed helping him organize his suitcase with 'essentials'. His clothes all over the place but as always, you showed enthusiasm at helping him out.

He remembers you giggling and calling him a dork while folding his Godzilla themed underwear and placing it inside his suitcase. He remembers the way you hummed some songs that you had just placed on your shared playlist because 'it's kinda your style' and it kinda is. He even remembers what you were wearing, a pair of black running shorts and a blue tank top. When you reached over the edge of his bed for his fallen socks, your cleavage was visible to his eyes, 'If a man ever peers down his shirt', he thought, 'I'll kill him without hesitating.'

But what he remembers the most is you pulling out an old shoe box from under said bed, a shoe box that held his most treasured things. Pictures from his childhood that matched the ones on your bedroom wall, doddles from your hand, your favorite flowers pressed inside a copy of your favorite book, short stories and poems, snippets of stories never finished from you. He'll never forget your teary eyes and happy smile when he took the box from you, emptying the contents carefully inside his backpack. The hug you gave him afterward still sets his heart on fire, nothing has ever been more lovely than you and your happy smile.

He also remembers Jae coming into his room right during your hug, wearing an empty smile on her face, her eyes red and raging. He's only ever seen her this mad whenever he's with you and he still doesn't get it.

She stay's to "help" when in reality all she does is glare at yn the whole time. It helps that you don't even mind the glares or the bad mood, joking that 'Jae's grumpy because we couldn't go to the movies today'.

It was late afternoon when you left, Iwaizumi had given you a bag filled with some of his stuff - things he knew you loved and adored, things he couldn't take. He watched you get inside your parents car and wave him goodbye, even though you both knew he'd be coming through your window in a few hours for movie night.

He remembers when he came back inside to find Jae naked on his bed. How angry she was and how she took it out on sex, the tension so palpable he could taste it. Once it was over, she walked towards his backpack and pulled out all of YN's things and that's when it clicked. She was mad because he was taking stuff about YN and not her, she made it clear when Jae told him, 'What the fuck is this.'

-

He remembers that hours later, he finds himself in your room squeaky clean and wearing nothing but his sweatpants and socks, his back against your front with his head against your breasts. He hadn't told you that Jae broke up with him, but he knew you had figured out he was sad because your arms cradled him since he got situated there and had not moved since.

How Jae said she wouldn't move with him in the end. How she had decided to stay in Japan and have him go to California all alone in the end, just because she wanted him to. How he begged her to come, to stay with him, to not leave him and how he watched her get dressed to go home. How she winked at him as she left with a, "Call me once you're in Cali."

How she only wants to go out when she knows he has plans with you. How she only cares about him when you're around or how messed up and used he feels ever since she took his virginity during your 14th birthday party.

He feels disgusting sometimes after sex with Jae, disgusted with himself on how wrong it is but how much he loves her still.

He didn't have to say any of that to you, the kiss on the forehead you just gave him eased it all away anyway.

-

He remembers all of this while he's kissing Jae in her hotel room, her dress and underwear discarded somewhere in the room, his cock buried deep inside of her like a starved man, Her nails racking down his chest from his unbuttoned shirt as she moaned at the feeling.

When Jae separates herself from him with half lidded eyes, she smirks, "I bet my little cousin can't even kiss right, the little virgin." She kisses the column of his neck, grazing her teeth against the skin, getting ready to mark him as hers and even though he doesn't agree with her, he stays quiet.

A memory burst through his mind as he pounds into Jae. The way your sighed his name when he settled himself inside of you, the way your nails scratched his back when he hit your G-spot, the way you moaned when his thumb circled your clit; your gummy, tight walls griped him as you came, with his name on your lips. Your soft, pillow lips that have only been his, only kissed him.

"Be safe out there, Hajime! I'll be waiting for you!" She smiled as she kissed him goodbye by the front door.

He turned to deepen the kiss, pulling her closer to him like a starved man, "Don't worry, I'm not gonna runaway, mochi."

As he walked down the steps of his house, he heard her say "I miss you already."

It's then that Iwaizumi snaps out of it.

He pushes her off of him and steps back until his back is against the wall, feeling disgusted with himself in a way he hasn't since they broke up.

"I can't do this, I won't do this, I-" he pushes himself off the wall, tucking himself in and picking up his stuff, "Never again, Jae."

Jae watches him leave, a sinister smile spreading across her face. Her gaze steady as his figure disappears into the night, "If you think you can just up and go, Haji, you are very mistaken."

She walks to where she hid her phone and chuckles as she presses send, "Lets see what my little cousin has to say, hmm?"

-

Iwaizumi was worried, it wasn't normal for you to not answer his calls or texts. He was on the road back home with the team, their ruckus would usually give him a headache, but right now? Right now he can't focus on anything except the little 'unread' mark at the bottom of his last text to you.

my one: mochi? r u ok? im on my way back home

-

He didn't expect to come back home and find you in the living room in silence. Your eyes rimmed red and puffy from crying, you didn't have to say anything for him to know what had happened.

Jae told you.

He wish he could be surprised, but Jae had been nothing but a devil all this time and he can't believe he never saw it until now. Until he married you, an angel.

"Mochi, I'm sorry. I'm very very sorry, please talk to me." He knelt at your feet, his hands on your knees trying to get you to look at him. His guilt crashing down brick by brick, he should have never gone out to see her.

"I know this means nothing to you, mochi. But I'll never see her again, only when its a family reunion or you're with me."

Silence.

"There is no excuse, but yn, please, look at me, let me explain."

She pushes him off a bit, without much force as if her sadness took away all her strength and his heart clenched. How could he do this to his best friend? Lie and lie, again and again and again.

YN-”

“No, STOP! You- you got your say, now it’s my turn.” She's shaking and her breaths are short. She's starting to have a panic attack.

I get up and advance towards her slowly, “YN you need to calm down. Here,” I place my hand on her back, “let me-”

She pushes me off, her back towards me, “Please, don’t touch me. Please, please, please.” She's sobbing and its hurts so so much.

It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.

“Remember your breathing exercises, mochi. In and out. In…”

Eventually her breathing normalizes but she still won't look at me and it takes all of my strength to not touch her.

“All I ever wanted was for you to love me, Hajime.”

Whoever said words can never hurt someone, has never been in my place. She just stabbed me without a knife and its more painful than I ever imagined.

“I wanted you to love me, to see me as your wife, as a woman but you didn’t. You don’t and I- it hurts so much.”

“But, mochi, you said you would marry me so we didn’t end up with strangers.”

“I know.”

“Then why-”

“I lied. I’ve loved you since the moment you came into my life. I’ve loved you for years, even before Jae came into the picture. I’ve loved you so so so much, I love you so much.”

“… you know about Jae? Since when?!” I made the mistake of reaching out for her, she pushed me back and said nothing. The dread of her knowing, of her finding out before today makes me sick.

“If you knew then why did you marry me!? Did you think I would change? That my feelings would change? You know I’m not like that.”

“I do know. I- thought that maybe-, but then it was clear that nothing would change but, I made a promise to you and I said it in our vows.”

“YN-”

“I know the mistake is mine. I know what all the blame is mine to take, I know it and I accept it. I’m sorry, Hajime, that’s me that you have to stay with.”

She finally turns to look at me, but I wish she hadn't. The tears are flowing steadily down her cheeks to her neck. I did this to her, I hurt her again and again, without thinking. No, without watching. Because if I had paid attention to her like Jae did, I might have seen it sooner.

“We could get a divorce, you know. That way you can stop getting hurt. Stop your heart from breaking. You don’t deserve this.”

“It’s okay. I- I give you permission to do it, to break my heart forever.”

“…What?”

She takes my hand, and in-between the tears she smiles at me as if her heart wasn't breaking in two. As if I didn't shatter her dreams for a few sloppy seconds, “It’s okay, I know what I signed up for, I knew it from the beginning. I guess I just didn’t want to accept it. So go ahead, break my heart, break it into a million pieces! I give you permission, Iwaizumi Hajime, please just - don’t leave me.”

I can't say anything, what am I supposed to say? My sweet, sweet girl is hurt and damaged and all she wants is for me to stay. I feel disgusted in a way I never did with Jae, because instead of being used, I am using her.

I bring her into my arms, and say the only words that have actual meaning between us, "I love you, mochi."

"I- I'll do better, I promise. Please YN," He gripped her shoulders tightly, "Please forgive me, I'll do whatever just, I'm so sorry, baby."

He can feel the tears spilling onto his shirt, a scorching pain expanding through his chest at the consequences of his actions. He hurt the one person who didn't deserve it, who he promised to keep safe and happy.

"Hajime, please take a bath, I wanna sleep without the smell of Jae."

His heart dropped at her words, he forgot that he had just upped and left from Jae's, only changing his clothes for comfort. His skin still smelled like her. As he separated from her, he kissed her forehead, "Join me?"

-

He laid on the bed with her hours later, her head on his chest where he could see her puffy eyes. She had washed him thoroughly to the point were he thought she had scrubbed him raw, and he couldn't blame her - he wanted to do the same since the beginning.

He pulled her closer, practically on top of him and felt her heartbeat against his own. He had done something terrible and he needed to fix it, fix this. So he needed to take the first step.

to lil jae: for someone who says they love me, u sure like to make me miserable. i don't know why u hate yn so much and tbh i don't care anymore. i don't want to see u or talk to u ever again. if u contact me, i'm gonna get a restraining order, jae. i can't do this anymore.

to lil jae: goodbye jae.

do you wish to block this number?

yes.

Remorse is memory awake, Her companies astir,— A presence of departed acts At window and at door.

Its past set down before the soul,         And lighted with a match, Perusal to facilitate Of its condensed despatch.

Remorse is cureless,—the disease Not even God can heal;         For ’t is His institution,— The complement of hell.

Remorse is memory awake - Emily Dickinson

taglist ! @daphnxy @zukoslosthishonor​ @i-am-a-hoe-for-shinya @mrsdoradominguez-barnes @anejuuuuoy

a/n! *hands you all this and runs* i'll see you soon for chp11~

but in all seriousness, i wrote this chapter with my heart on my sleeve. love is truly the strongest curse and for it to be unrequired? imagine it.

now, i'm off to write the next part! and i am sorry :) ♥

[leeknowsredeyeliner]

break up - choi hyunsuk

hyunsuk x fem reader x yoshi (?)

summary: you finally confront your boyfriend and get everything off your chest. how does it result into a break up?

genre: college au, break up au

word count: 3.8k+

warning: minor cussing, mention of anxiety, minor anxiety attack (passing out), mention of anxiety pills/meds, break up

note: the first sad fanfic i’ve ever written so i hope you enjoy :)

You're trembling at the sight of the audience from backstage, basically the entire university is present. Having anxiety and dreaming of becoming a performer is obviously not the best combination, you always need to have your pills ready in case of an emergency. You're completely used to performing in front of your classmates and a large crowd but they opened the theater until every seat was filled, you can barely see the people in the back.

The only thing that keeps you going is your best friend, he's always front seat at your recitals and other performances. Even when Yoshi's not physically there to cheer you on, you know he's watching from a FaceTime call with your moms. You've been best friends since freshman orientation, you've even thought you would end up together but there was someone else that caught your eye -- your current boyfriend, Hyunsuk.

Most people suspect that Yoshi's your boyfriend because he's always seen around you, but you don't blame them, it logically makes sense. Even you sometimes feel like Yoshi treats you as more than just a best friend. Hyunsuk tends to be busy on weekends which is totally understandable, you just wish he'd make the time and effort to see you perform just once. He's never been to any of your performances or recitals, you wouldn't be surprised if he was unaware of them. Your moms are concerned for your relationship but you repeatedly remind them it's no big deal to you and he's just a busy guy.

"30 seconds," one of the backstage staff whispers passing by you. You mentally prepare yourself for your last performance of the year. 'I can do this.' Is all you repeat in your mind. The only way you can survive is by searching for your silver haired best friend in the audience and he'll give you all the encouragement you need.

"You’re up," the same person from earlier whispers from beside you. You take a deep breath in and out to slightly calm down the rollercoaster of nervousness mixed with puke in your stomach. You make your way on the stage and before the song starts, you don't hesitate to distinctively skim the first row. Your eyes stop near the middle as you see Yoshi with a big smile on his face. He gives you his iconic thumbs up of motivation and the song starts.

You sing your heart out to the audience but caught yourself looking at Yoshi a bit too often. Then again, he's the only one out there that came for you. Not even your moms could make it because of how close the performance is to the holidays.

[7:09pm]

You gather your belongings from the dressing room and speed walk out of the hall. Opening the door to the main hallway, Yoshi is leaning against the wall holding a box of chocolates. You run up to him as his arms open wide, ready for you to tackle him. Your bodies clash together, pulling him into a tight hug. His head nestles into your neck as he mumbles, "You killed it as always, (Y/n)."

"Only because of you. You know I can't do anything without you around," you giggle. You both pull away from the hug then he takes your bag away from you, slinging it over his shoulder.

"What? Am I like your lucky charm?" He jokes and you both laugh but in the back of your mind you take it seriously, he technically is. Whenever he's watching over the phone, you make the slightest mistakes and just pray the audience doesn't notice. His live presence is much more comforting to you. "These are for you. I know you hate flowers because you consider them a waste of space in your apartment." He hands you the box of chocolates -- your favorite box of chocolates.

"Thank you. I'll finish these tonight. Do you wanna go for some cheesecake?" Yoshi and you celebrate after every performance with food or if he's feeling generous, he takes you out to go shopping.

"Ooh, I can't. I'm going out with Asahi and Jihoon. I'll make it up to you tomorrow though."

"There's no need to make up for it, the chocolate's enough." The two of you don't always need to celebrate with food afterwards. Maybe going back to the apartment and spending the rest of the night with Hyunsuk will be better anyway.

"You don't need a ride home?" He asks as you make your way outside of the building.

"It's across the street, I can walk." Perks of living close to the university means saving cash for food.

"Alright, you be safe. And don't forget to take your anxiety meds once he get home," he orders, throwing your bag at you. You say your goodbyes then part ways.

[7:32pm]

You unlock the door to your apartment and while taking your shoes off, you see Hyunsuk's daily pair. It seems like he casually threw them onto the floor with no care in the world. You neatly place them in an available cubby and put your shoes away in their rightful spot.

You walk into your room to see Hyunsuk passed out across the bed. You clean out your bag, putting your belongings away where they belong. While getting dressed into your house clothes, you hear movement from outside the bathroom. Walking out of the bathroom, you throw your hair up into a ponytail.

"When did you get here?" Hyunsuk asks as you join him in the kitchen.

"Around 10 minutes ago? How long have you been home for?"

"I came here straight after school. Where were you?" He casually responds, grabbing a popsicle from the freezer. "Out with Yoshi again?" He asks with a hint of annoyance in his voice, but maybe you're just annoyed with the words that came out his mouth. It's obvious he doesn't listen to a word you say. He really had no idea about your performance? Also, what's the reason for bringing up Yoshi in that way?

"I had my monthly performance," you bluntly say. If he really had no clue, there's no way you'd be able to tolerate his ignorance. The list of things he does that piss you off keeps growing longer and longer.

"Since when do you have monthly performances?" Your eyes follow his body moving from the kitchen to the couch. The TV flickers on and you notice his interest beginning to fade away like in any conversation you've had in the past.

"Can you please turn the TV off when we're talking?" You order him like you're his mother. Does he have even the slightest drop of respect? He treats you like his sidepiece, like you're there to entertainment him whenever he feels like it.

"Don't worry, I'm still listening," he responds with his eyes glued to the TV. His eyes haven't met yours since you've arrived.

Hyunsuk is your first boyfriend. You were never the type to date before college because the only thing occupying your mind was school. Although you started off clueless in relationships, after being with Hyunsuk for a year, you eventually learned the attributes to a toxic relationship and how certain behaviors are formed.

In the beginning, it was never like this, Hyunsuk did anything and everything just to gain your attention for more than 20 seconds, trying to win you over every day. You loved playing hard to get with him, testing his limits. One day, you gave in to him and his constant courting. The two of you became the happy couple everyone aspires to be.

"But I don't want coffee today!" You whine and jump a bit in place to show how desperate you are. "Ice cream please."

"Fine, only because I love you." The word 'no' doesn't exist in his vocabulary, at least when it comes to you. He feels bad when he sees how disappointed you get when things don't go the way you want. You and Yoshi walk through the campus on your way to the ice cream parlor nearby.

Acting like a child is a natural instinct to you. You're the youngest in the family so you were babied the most and those behaviors never faded away. You enjoy your foot to stay in the squares, never touching the lines as you walk along the sidewalks. Yoshi found your actions interesting and would sometimes copy you when he felt like it, other times he'd watch you from behind as your pace quickens.

"Do it with me," you say. It was supposed to come out as an order but the baby side of you stopped yourself. You take Yoshi's hand in yours to line him up to your speed. As you hop over each line, Yoshi walks beside you looking like a loser. "You're so lame. You owe me two ice-"

"Hey, (Y/n)!" Hyunsuk chirps from beside you, cutting you off. Hyunsuk's been convincing you to let him take you on a date for too long. Every day it's the same thing, 'How does this weekend sound?' 'Just one date.' It's not that you didn't want to go out with him, you'd actually enjoy it very much. You just want to test his patience, see how long he can last, and to what extent he'll go to.

You let go of Yoshi's hand and bring your hands to the straps of your backpack. "Uh, hi?" You act totally uninterested. You like to see him stutter and think of ways for you to say more than four words at a time.

"Did you tell Yoshi you want two ice creams? I can buy you two ice cream cones, if that's what you want." If someone is willing to buy you more than one of any kind of food, you're not passing up on that opportunity. Hyunsuk willing to pay for the food just to win you over is quite worrisome though, it's a sign of easy manipulation.

"I guess," you keep your response short.

"It's okay, dude. I can buy for (Y/n)." Yoshi says from the other side of you. He may have not gotten the message that this was a test for Hyunsuk.

"I just got paid, paying for her ice cream won't hurt," Hyunsuk throws a sassy smile at Yoshi. Hyunsuk runs in front of you to get to the ice cream parlor before you and Yoshi.

"You really got him using his money for you, huh?"

"Yup! You know, he seems to like me a lot," you state the obvious.

"Really? Hm, I don't know. To me, it seems like he doesn't even want to be around you," he sarcastically says.

"I kind of like him now," you blurt out.

"A Hyunsuk confession to me? That's a shocker." He's known about who you felt about Hyunsuk for a few days now. He was neither happy nor upset about the news, he must've seen it coming. "What? Are you finally going to answer him today?" He laughs with no idea that you've already created a plan before today.

"Um, yeah." Yoshi stops in his track but you continue to walk, not caring if he gets left behind or not. "Can you walk? I have ice cream waiting for me."

"You're going to tell him? Today?" He sounds absolutely shocked. It's hard to tell whether it's because he's afraid you'd abandon him or maybe he'll feel bad if things don't work the way you'd want.

"Is that not what I just said?" You walk back over to him and wrap your arms together. "Now, let's go."

The two of you walk over to the ice cream parlor and Hyunsuk's already waiting at a table with your two ice cream cones in hand. Yoshi orders his ice cream while you sit with Hyunsuk. "Thanks," you say as he hands you both cones.

"Yeah, no problem. I remember you always had strawberry ice cream at uni so that's what I got you," he flashes a cute smile.

"Do you not have some for yourself?" You ask and he shakes his head. A frown forms on your face, it's unfair that he's bought you dessert but left himself empty-handed. You extend your arm out and force him to take your extra ice cream cone.

"Are you free this Saturday night?" You blurt our before taking a lick of your ice cream.

Hyunsuk's taken by surprise, you're never the one to initiate any conversation that demonstrates interest but you had a sudden burst of boldness. His eyes widen and he begins to stutter, "Oh. I- Well- It's a weekend- Uh-"

You cut him off, his stuttering's cute but you want a straight up answer, "If you're not free, just tell me. We can figure out another day."

"Thursday night?"

"It's a date."

The date is what initiated your relationship, it was a new beginning as a couple and for you as an individual. By the end of the date, Hyunsuk's impatient self had asked you to be his girlfriend and you proudly said yes.

You can't put your finger exactly on when your relationship went downhill, all you know is leading up to your one year anniversary, things changed.

Hyunsuk started off sweet, caring, a whore for your attention but turned into an unsupportive and distant boyfriend. He never takes you out on random dates, walks with you to school in the morning, and most importantly, you don't sleep in the same bed anymore and if you were, there'd be a line of pillows separating you. You're the only person putting in the effort nowadays and it's tiring.

You snatch the remote from beside him and turn off the TV. "What the hell? Give me back the remote!" He slightly raises his voice but it doesn't bother you. He's done it way too many times for it to have any sort of effect you.

"Oh? You want the remote back? Here, take it." You rip the batteries out from the back and slip them into your back pocket. Mercilessly, the remote is thrown onto the couch next to him.

"What the fuck was that for?" He yells yet again. His eyes meet yours for the first time, his eyebrows furrowed and face burning red.

"I can't take this anymore! I've been taking your shit for way too long. What happened to you the past few months, huh? You are a whole 'nother person. You're not the Hyunsuk I met in literature class my freshman year," I scoff. "The old you would do anything to see me, spend time with me. Please, just tel-"

"What do you expect? People change, (Y/n)! Do you want me to stay the same for the rest of my life?" He has a point, people change but never to the extent where they begin to lose interest in their girlfriend's life.

"I expect you to act like my boyfriend! You're never there for me. I'm always at your dance recitals and soccer games but never have you been to one of mine." Your vision becomes blurry because of your teary eyes. "I- I'm so fucking tired. Tired of- of having to look in the crowd and not see my boyfriend's face. Do you know how helpless I feel up on stage? You're supposed to be my number one supporter."

"You have never mentioned your performances before. How was I supposed to know?" This is his excuse? That's the fattest lie ever made on the planet.

"What do you mean?" You raise your voice. Your voice is very unstable and so is your mind, you could break at any second. "I've been bringing it up even before we started dating. I'd tell you every month, 'I have a performance next week. Do you want me to buy you a ticket?' You always have an excuse, it always has to do with work or going out with your friends. Do you just not have time for your girlfriend?"

"No! I don't! I have a social life and I need to pay the bills. All you do is go out with that stupid Yoshi boy!" He had absolutely no business bringing him into this. Is he using Yoshi as an excuse to ignore his own girlfriend?

"Pay the bills?" You quietly say to yourself before repeating it as loud as possible, "Pay the fucking bills? Your money goes straight to drinking with your friends. I am the only one paying the bills here. Me!" His head lowers down from embarrassment because he knows he's wrong. Yes, he makes money, but where does it all go? To food and drinks with his friends the night after earning it. It's a complete waste of money and a complete waste of your time. Because of how much money he spends, you end up working night and morning shifts to earn the money that he's responsible for paying off.

"And what the hell does Yoshi have to do with this? The only reason why the two of us are together so much is because he actually makes the effort to support me. He's my best friend and you're supposed to be my boyfriend. Instead of being a jealous brat, bringing up his name in an argument that has nothing to do with him, why don't you try to act your part?" You say all in one breath.

Just then, you break down into tears. You were holding it all in for too long that the pain and frustration hit you all at once, bringing you down into a ball of tears. Your breathing was obviously uneven as you were crying but it soon became hard to breathe. Hyunsuk stayed quiet the whole time, not knowing what to say or do. Was he supposed to comfort you or let you cry on the floor by yourself? After listening to your constant hiccuping and sobs continuing for god knows how long, he kneels in front of you.

Your cries were longer than usual and from the sound of his voice, he was concerned. "(Y/n)? Di- Did you take your pills when you got home?" You shake your head in response. This is why Yoshi is always there to remind you to take your pills, he knows you tend to forget at night.

"Okay." Hyunsuk disregards everything that's been said the past few minutes to focus on you and your health, "We're going to stand up and get you to the bed." He holds you up from your armpits, lifting you up from the floor. Once all of your weight is on your feet, nothing.

You see absolutely nothing. Pitch black.

[9:12pm]

You open your eyes to face the ceiling and stretch your arms and legs. "You're awake," a voice from beside you says.

"Yo- Yoshi. What are you doing here? What time is it? Where's Hyunsuk?" The questions flood out as you have a hard time remembering what happened to you.

"A lot of questions, huh? It's a bit past 9. Hyunsuk called me and told me about the fight you had and how you passed out. He didn't know how to handle you so he asked me to come over and help. He also didn't know how you'd feel if he was the first person you saw," he lets out a soft giggle at the end.

You forgot about your fight with Hyunsuk. Everything's coming back to you: The annoyance, the slight confusion of his words. You know if he were to walk through the door right now, you wouldn't hesitate to pounce him.

"You forgot to take your medicine when you got home, didn't you?" He breaks your train of thought. He knows you so well.

"Ho- How did you know?"

"Who's the one to call you at 7:40 every night to remind you?" He asks pulling out your phone to show you a missed call from him at exactly 7:40pm. Sometimes, you learn new things about yourself, like how high maintenance you are to the point where you need another person to remind you of what to do every single day.

"I didn't have to take my meds. I just shouldn't have went off on Hyunsuk, then this would've never happened."

Yoshi sighs and gently pats your head, "We both know it was bound to happen. There just needed to be something to trigger it." Again, he knows you so well, a bit too well.

"Can you bring him here? I want to finish my conversation from earlier." Maybe you won't pounce him, you have absolutely no energy for that. But you do need this weight to be lifted off of your shoulders.

"Only if you promise to not attack him or yell at him," he holds out his pinky. You connect your pinkies and do your quick handshake.

"Promise."

Yoshi leaves the room and shortly after, Hyunsuk walks through the door sending you a soft smile. You pat the spot next to you on the bed and he respectfully and quietly sits, waiting for you to say something.

"I think it's time," you softly say. You avoid eye contact with Hyunsuk because you knew if you were to look into his eyes, all it'd reflect is pain. Even though he wasn't the perfect boyfriend, maybe didn't even act like your boyfriend at all, he loves you and no matter how he acts, you both knew that. You never stopped loving him despite how many times he angered and tested you.

"Can we please try again? I swear I'll be the perfect boyfriend to you, (Y/n). I- I was thinking while you were asleep, looking back at the past few months. You put up with so much shit that you shouldn't have had to go through and I'm truly sorry. I want to make it up to you by making things right," he says with hope in his voice. "Please, (Y/n)." You look up at him, he genuinely is sorry. The regret and pain in his teary eyes are strong, no one could see past it.

You take a deep breath to quickly recollect your thoughts, "I'm sorry, Hyunsuk. I'm not happy in this relationship anymore. This could be the time to better ourselves." You keep it short, not wanting to hurt his feelings even more.

"I- I don't get a second chance?" A tear rolls down his face.

"I've given you more than just a second chance these past few months. Maybe in the future we'll have a chance to try again together." You still love Hyunsuk. There's no such thing as a perfect relationship, there's bound to be mistakes and obstacles in the way to drive you apart. If the two of you are truly meant to be then you'll meet again.

"Maybe," he softly says. "Or maybe it's Yoshi that should be given a chance."

[spicymayo1983]

Hiya. This is part 2 of the finale. After an awkward meeting with his father Kes you are hoping things will go smoother with his friends....

Your wedding is set for the next morning, nerves are shot on all ends.

But then you lay your eyes on Zorii Bliss, Poe's first love from his tumultuous, spice runner days.

And the low self esteem, and anxiety, hit you like a ton of bricks.

Instead of feeling like the luckiest woman in the galaxy you are worried, extremely worried.

Will your wedding go off without a hitch or will you hit a snag?

Warnings, angst, jealousy, smut on steroids. PORN! Lmao. The sexiest damn wedding night ever with the space husband of your dreams. 🥰🥰🥰

Flirting with disaster chapter 7

You know that Poe is a friendly guy but that hug between him and his ex seemed way too intimate for a man who's wedding is less than 24 hours away.

You know their history. When Poe ran away from home at 16 he joined the spice runners and immediately forged a bond with Zorii, who was in her late teens.

He lost his virginity to her, and at one time they were deeply in love. You understand that they are connected for life because of that but did he really need to embrace her? Right in front of you? And the kiss on the cheek wasn't needed.

You don't want that woman at your wedding, but you don't know how to tell him. You're almost certain that he wouldn't agree with your decision.

Everyone is gushing over little Maxim, who is on his best behavior and soaking up the attention.

"He's so cute, look at his hair". Zorii tells Poe, looking at him fondly. "You sure do make beautiful babies".

Her words make Poe blush a little and bite his lower lip, with a slight smile he tells her,

"We're thinking about trying again, maybe next time we'll get lucky and have a little girl".

"I don't know, Poe". Zorii teases, laughing and jokingly punching him in the arm. "I think you're only capable of making boys".

His face turns an even deeper shade of pink and he looks down at the floor. You realize that they are friendly exes but why does her presence make you so uncomfortable?

When you return to the Dameron family farm Poe notices that you are being quiet.

"What's wrong, babe?" Poe asks, slipping his arm around you, nuzzling your neck affectionately.

"Nothing, it's nothing". You reply quickly, closing your eyes as he begins to plant soft, fluttering kisses on your neck.

"If it's about Zorii you have nothing to worry about". Poe explains, his kisses becoming wetter and more passionate. "We have a unique past that we share together and that's about it, she was my 1st, but you are my last".

"Oh Poe". You reply, tears streaming down your cheeks. "I never should have doubted you".

"You had my baby, and I want you to have more of my babies". Poe tells you softly, looking deeply into your eyes and caressing your cheek with his hand. "I can't wait for you to be Mrs. Dameron".

"You're the most beautiful woman in the galaxy, I love you and our son so much". He finishes, kissing you tenderly. "I wish you could see yourself like I see you".

You collapse onto the bed together, and Poe hungrily reaches under your blouse to caress your breasts.

"Not so fast". You tell him with a playful laugh. "Save your energy for tomorrow night".

Early the next morning your best friend Joy Nich shows up to help you get ready. She surprises you with a beautiful woven chain necklace made of beskar for you to wear.

"It's stunning". You gasp, putting it on and admiring yourself in a mirror. "You shouldn't have, it looks expensive".

"I love you like a sister". Joy tells you, tears running down her cheeks. "I've never seen you smile so much in your life, Poe makes you so happy".

"He really does make me happy". You tell her, with tears of joy rolling down your cheeks. "He is so thoughtful, he's so tough, brave but still so sensitive".

You're wearing a beautiful, white, robe like gown made of soft, gauzy material. You are wearing a crown of beautiful native flowers and carrying a matching bouquet.

You're getting ready in a tent not far from where you will be exchanging vows.

Poe is in the tent right next to you, getting ready also and having a heart to heart with his father.

"I wish mom was here". Poe tells his dad, fighting back tears. "I wish she could meet her grandson and daughter in law".

"I know we haven't seen eye to eye in the past". Kes tells Poe, putting his hand on his son's shoulder. "But I love you, and little Maxim, you make me proud".

Poe can't keep it in anymore, he breaks down and starts crying. Kes gives his son a big bear hug, smiles a little and says,

"Your mother would be very proud of the man you've become too, kid".

So far so good, you tell yourself with a smile, you've done a great job staying strong. Everyone important to the rebellion is in attendance, Rey is one of your bridesmaids and Finn is Poe's best man.

BB-8 rolls down the aisle, acting as your ring bearer.

Kes walks down the aisle holding his grandson.

The sight of your brave, handsome husband at the end of the aisle in his dress uniform, complete with the medals that he earned in battle, takes your breath away.

Just when you thought Poe Dameron couldn't look more handsome and dashing he has the audacity to show up looking like that.

"Wow, look at you". Poe whispers into your ear.

"I was just about to say the same". You whisper back.

General Organa officiated the ceremony. The two of you share your first, passionate kiss as a married couple.

The crowd goes wild and there isn't a dry eye in the room. Zorii is cheering you on with a look of genuine joy in her eyes.

Afterwards you attend your wedding reception, set up amongst the beautiful, lush jungle. But you don't stick around for too long, Poe wants to jump ahead to the honeymoon.

The two of you hike to a secluded campsite not far from where you got married, but it's still extremely private.

You're near a waterfall, and the temple. The inside of the tent has been carefully set up for your wedding night. There's a big, colorful, pillow like bed in the middle, colorful rugs everywhere, and lanterns that create the ideal mood lighting.

Flower petals lead to the bed, Poe takes you, his new bride, into his arms and carries you over to the center of the room.

He does a sexy little strip tease for you. You return the favor. His beautiful cock is hard and oozing precum for you, you're already dripping wet for him but you get even more turned on when he looks deeply into your eyes, the passion burning in his own, and says,

"I want to put another baby inside of you, tonight".

You roll over on your back and spread your legs wide open for him. Poe's hand slides between them, exploring every wet fold gingerly, delicately. You sigh deeply from his tender touch. There's a bowl of warm, perfumed massage oil sitting on a short table next to the bed that he's dipped his fingers into.

"I live to please you, babe". Poe whispers into your ear, his words sending chills down your spine. "I love you with all of my heart, mind and body".

The sensation is toe curling and pleasurable as he softly inserts three fingers inside you while gently rubbing your swollen clit with his thumb.

You cum for him, squirting like a fountain. His head ducks between your legs, tasting your juices mixed with the sweet massage oil.

With his tongue buried inside your vagina you cum again for your gorgeous husband, filling his mouth with your warm ejaculate. Poe hungrily swallows it, you get on all fours and he wraps his arms around you and slides his fat cock deep inside.

As your pussy tightly grips him your juices drip down his balls. Poe reaches around and massages your clit, making you grip harder and moan from delight.

You are both drenched in sweat from the humidity in the air. His curly hair is a mess. It feels like raw, dirty, baby making sex.

His warm, fertile seed fills your womb. Afterwards you carefully recline on your back, careful to not spill a single precious drop.

With his fingers oiled up again Poe massages your lower belly, near your uterus.

A few drops of his cum are visible on your outer lips, which excites and arouses him.

"I hope it's a little girl". He tells you, smiling a naughty little smile.

"How do you know that I'm even pregnant?" You tease, closing your eyes and enjoying the little massage.

"Poe Dameron never fails at a mission". He teases, leaning over and kissing you.

"Whatever you say, flyboy". You tease, laughing hysterically.

You fall asleep nude and cuddled up against each other in an intimate embrace. The next morning you wake up before him, Poe is fast asleep next to you, with a beautiful smile on his face.

You can't believe he's really your husband. That this gorgeous man chose you to spend the rest of his life with.

You fidget with your wedding ring, his mother's ring, that he wore around his neck for all those years.

When Poe finally does wake up you're resting next to him, enjoying the warm, tropical air on your bare skin.

"You're so beautiful". Poe mumbles sleepily.

"I know". You reply, your smile looking more confident.

"Good". Comes Poe's groggy reply.

The end

[luv4fandoms]

Cookies with the king (spn Crowley x Reader)

Nonny requested

And I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to write some domestic Crowley, so I hope you enjoy it nonny!

If you have any ideas for some Castiel or Crowley one shots (Christmas-y themed if you'd like) feel free to request them, I'm still accepting a few 😊

Words: 2,494

Pairing: Crowely x Reader

Warning: Fluff, Crowley's charm

The faint tone of music was the first thing to hit Crowley when he appeared in the bunker, followed by the faint smell of sweets. He knew what time of the year it was, and how humans often celebrated it by cozying up to a warm fire, an all too predictable boy meets girl christmas love story playing on the tv, sweets, and ah yes, lots of drinking and family fun...lovely. Though this time of year was also good for business, lots of lonely and lost saps willing to strike up a deal for some holiday cheer. As he followed the scent and music though, he soon realized that the bunker was quite empty.

Making his way to the kitchen he gently opened the door, eyes landing on your form as you mixed together ingredients, singing softly to the music that played from your phone.

"Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore, faithful friends who are dear to us,  gather near to us once more" you sang along as you placed dollops of batter onto the cookie sheet.

"Faithful friends huh? Yet you're here all alone" A rough, accented voice spoke from behind you, causing you to jump and turn around. You hadn't been expected anyone, the bunker was protected, and besides, you were just a researcher not a full hunter like the boys. But as you eyes landed on none other than the king of hell himself, your body relaxed. The relationship you and Crowley had was far less tense than the one he had with the boys, maybe it was because you appreciated his wit, even when it was aimed against Sam and Dean. Or maybe it was his charm? His voice certainty added to the mix...no you wouldn't really consider Crowley a dear friend, but he had always intrigued you.

 

"They had a hunt" you shrugged, turning back and finishing up the first type of cookies before putting them in the oven. 

"So they left you on one of you humans most precious holidays?" He asked while making his way over to where you were setting up ingredients for a different kind of cookie. You simply shrugged.

"A hunt's a hunt...They said they would try to make it back tomorrow, after all, it's only Christmas Eve" You stated as you measured things and filled the mixing bowl. Crowley watched you in silence, truth be told he was fond of you. He wasn't sure why, maybe the way you held yourself, you weren't a hunter but you still stood your ground when you needed to. Then other times, like now, you were soft, a domestic soft that had him wanting this more often. That thought had him trying to clear his head, lest it go down the path of you living in hell with him, a loving wife and commanding queen...a thought he had been having far too often recently. His gaze moved back to you, finding you staring at him as of waiting...waiting for an answer to a question he didn't catch.

"What was that Darling?" He asked, giving you his attention. He watched your lips turn up into a soft smile before you went back to your baking.

"I had asked just what the king of hell was doing this Christmas eve? Surely you have better things than to sit around with little ole me" you stated with a light laugh, but there was a tone in your voice, so small but he caught it instantly...Loneliness.

"Perhaps I simply wanted to keep my favorite researcher company" He shrugged, truth was that he came here to find Moose and Squirrel for a business inquiry, but he wasn't about to leave you like those idiots had.

"Keep me company huh?" You raised an eyebrow, watching him from the corner of your eye. You ignored his words about you being his favorite. Ignored the warmth it spread from your stomach up at the possibility that this wasn't just a one-sided interest. It was true you weren't close friends, but that didn't stop you from daydreaming about the king himself, no matter how much you knew you shouldn't. Crowley's presence alone commanded attention and respect, he was powerful, but you always felt like there was something else there, just below the surface, something that he didn't want anyone else to see. You thought about that for a moment, before an idea crossed your mind.

"Well if you wanna keep me company, how about you help me?" You smiled, pulling the dough out of the bowl and flowering the counter before placing the dough down.

"I think I much prefer watching you" he smiled, leaning against the island behind you, shaking your head you made your way over to the spare aprons and grabbed one.

"No sir, you wanna keep me company, you can help" you smiled, holding the white apron out to him, he looked at it then at you, still not moving.

"Please?" You asked, you hoped you hadn't made him want to leave, you just wanted to uncover that more domestic side you knew that was buried deep deep down in him. With a sigh he unbuttoned his suit jacket and layed it across the back of one of the chairs, leaving him in only his black button down before he grabbed the apron and slipped it on. You watched as he began rolling up his sleeves, stopping at his elbows before his eyes darted to yours. You let out the shaky breath that you didn't even know you were holding, unsure why you found the simple act of him rolling up his sleeves so appealing, unless it was simply because it was the most skin you had ever seen Crowley show.

'Dear Chuck get ahold of yourself woman, this isn't medieval times, it's just his arms!' you smiled despite your thoughts and quickly made your way back to the dough, grabbing your rolling pin and flowering it. 

"So, what would you like me to do?" He asked, his voice lower and suddenly right beside your ear, hot breath fanning across your neck as you suppressed a shiver. 

"W-why don't you roll out the dough and I'll grab the cookie cutters" You stated, your voice wavering for a moment before he nodded and took the rolling pin. You went to go grab the cookie cutters, but couldn't help sparing a glance back, watching as he worked. It was odd to see the king of hell rolling out dough, but in a way it also seemed...normal 

"If I can't simply watch you work, the same rules apply to you darling" he said with a smirk, stopping for a moment to look back at you. You let out a chuckle to disguise the embarrassment of being caught as you grabbed the cookie cutters labeled "Christmas".

"Sorry, just not used to seeing the king of hell in the kitchen" you smiled as you returned to his side, the dough all rolled out.

"Yes well, don't expect it often" you smiled at his comment as you began cutting out the dough.

"So, where did we learn this recipe hm? Back of a cake mix box?" He asked, turning to lean his back against the counter while he watched you work.

"Actually, I learned it from my grandma, she and I used to bake every year while she told me stories of her childhood in Dingwall" you replied, catching his attention.

"Dingwall? Your grandmother was"

"Scottish? Aye" you smiled at him.

"Huh" he smiled back, going quiet as he settled on simply watching you work,this time, you let him as you placed the first pan of cookies onto the tray. Trees, snowmen, and snowflakes. Next up were the gingerbread men, and a few extra.

"You've got to be kidding me" Crowley stated with a roll of his eyes as you cut out and placed down the angel shaped cookie.

"What?" You giggled

"Really?" You could see the agitation on his face as you cut out another angel shape. 

"I promised I would make a few for Cas" you stated, before walking back over to the cookie cutters and looking through the Halloween cutters.

"But how about this?" You asked, walking back over with a devil shaped cutter, complete with horns, a tail and pitchfork.

"Not accurate" he started

"But better than the bloody angel" you couldn't help but giggle at his clear jealousy over a cookie shape.

"Here" you spoke, cutting out a small crown shape and placing it onto the devil's horns.

"More accurate?" You smiled.

"You're getting there kitten" he smirked, the nickname causing heat to raise to your cheeks and you quickly looked down, cutting a few more out before turning back to him. 

"Can you reroll this while I put these in the oven?" You asked, pointing to the dough.

"Magic word?" He asked with a smirk while pushing off of the counter.

"Please" you smiled, earning a nod before he began working the dough again. You took the two pans and made your way over to the oven just as the timer went off. Grabbing the other pan out you set it on the counter before putting the other two in. The both of you worked like that for what seemed like hours, you talked about random things, mostly him asking about your life, though you did get him to spill some stories about not only hell but his life before he became a demon.

He watched you as you placed the last batch of cookies in the oven, the others lovingly placed onto plates for when the boys returned, you always thought of them, even when they left you behind on your own. In his opinion, you were far too good for them, a light in the darkness of their lives...Much like you were to him. He knew he should turn around and leave, the life he lived was not the life you deserve, you were far too kind for hell, that he knew now...But still he couldn't move, couldn't push himself away from the counter and out of the bunker, away from you, you were a weakness to him, but damnit did he want it. Want you, want this, soft music playing, the both of you in a calm, almost serene kind of relaxed as you talked. He found information about his life spilling from his lips before he could even catch it, and yet, he didn't care, the way your eyes lit up with every little detail you learned made him think that maybe...This wasn't just one sided.

You placed the last cookie on the plate, your mind running over everything Crowley had told you about himself, you never thought you would learn so much about the king of hell, and yet, you wanted to know more. This whole night had been something out of one of your daydreams, it was calm, intimate, and well...domestic, almost as if you were just a normal husband and wife and not a researcher and the king of hell himself. You wonder if this is what he would be like, as a husband, sure you knew that he had to be tough to rule hell, but maybe...Around a wife. No, you can't let your mind wander too far, your lives were very different, and besides as much as you wished for this, this calm, serene sense of home with him...You knew this was more than likely only one-sided. 

"Snow falling gently to the ground

'Tis is the night before

And in my heart there is no doubt

That this is gonna be

The brightest holiday

'Cause here you are with me

Baby, baby, I can't wait"

You heard the snap before you even registered the fact that the dirty dishes were washed and placed neatly in the drying rack, turning you came face to face with Crowley, a playful smirk on his lips as he watched your shock slowly turn into playfulness as well.

"That's cheating" you laughed, he simply shrugged.

"I call it convenient" 

"That is true" you smiled before adding.

"I should have you around more often" and just like that, a switch had been flipped and his eyes met yours, still a bit playful, but you could see the seriousness in them as well.

"Would you want that? Being around me more often" he asked, his voice low as he watched you for any signs that would halt his next move.

"To spend this special time of year with someone who

Makes me feel the special way that you do"

Your heart felt like it was running a marathon as you looked into his eyes, how come you never realized just how pretty they were? Maybe you had just never been close enough to see the way the light caught them, either way you could feel yourself falling more and more even though you knew he wanted an answer. Did you want that? Being around him more? Crowley may have started this evening out as just someone you slightly knew, but he was far more than that now. 

"Darling?" He spoke, his accent thicker as he watched you just as intensely.

"Yes" you spoke, your words barely above a whisper.

"Yes?" He asked, wanting to make sure that this truly was what you wanted because he knew, knew that as soon as he had you, he wouldn't be able to let you go.

"Yes, I want you around more often, I want to spend more time with you...Like this" You told him, watching as the smile spread across his lips, not a smirk, but an actual smile, one that  reached his eyes.

"I'd like that too Darling" he spoke, and heaven help you but the only thing you could think was.

'If you don't kiss me I might just die'

And either he read your mind, or read your face, but that playful smirk rested on his lips once more as he pulled the hand from behind his back that you hadn't even noticed he had hidden. In it, was a sprig of mistletoe that he looked down at before meeting your gaze again.

"I figured you were more of the traditional type" he stated, raising his hand above you both so that the mistletoe dangled right above your heads, you could help the giggle that escaped you, or the smile when he used his free hand to grab your waist and pull you flush against him. Your hands coming up to cup his face as you both got lost in each other's eyes once more, before he slowly leaned in and gave you, what you hoped, was the first of many breathtaking kisses.

"Walkin' with you in a winter's snow

Kissin' underneath the mistletoe

People smiling everywhere we go

It's Christmas eve and they can see we're in love"

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it ^_^ let me know what you think.

[airaaachaaan]

CHAPTER 1

I'm always having a hard time making friends. Not because of me being picky with them. I've always been thinking about my flaws, and I can say that I'm very low tempered. It's not that everyday you'll see, or pass by someone weird, right? I have a visual disability, right eye closed, And surely, if you'll pass by me, at the road, at school, or everywhere. You'll probably look at me, look away, then look again. I know many people do that, a quick glance, or, sometimes they overlook, and it kinda creeps me out. It's not that I don't really have friends, Ofcourse I have some. I can say that I'm the cheerful one, the extrovert, approachable, so I can easily have friends. I also play volleyball, so I became a part of the school's volleyball team. My name's Ayaka. Matsumoto Ayaka. 【松本彩花】My name means, colorful flower. I think it really suits me.

I've been on the volleyball team for so long, 5 years to be exact. Being around in a big group of people is quite fun, you'll get to share your thoughts to many people, and if you're talking, its kinda overwhelming to get everyone to listen to you! But to be honest, I still don't know who to trust with these guys. It sucks. I always have a feeling like, "Do they talk about me when I'm not with them?" "Are my jokes really that funny?" "Do they like me? Or they just do that because we're teammates?" I overthink a lot but, hey! It really does make sense, right?

I never really planned on joining Volleyball, I mean, it was never been my dream when I was a kid. But when the school directress saw me, she signed me up. So through the years of playing, I'm kinda getting in the hang of it, kinda intense, an absolute torture to your body, but it's fun! Specially when we have tournaments. We have this Regional Tournament yearly, it's my favorite league by the way. We got to train everyday, instead of just every other day. And we get to go to other places and stay there for a month! Ya'know, get to know your teammates more, and even get to be with the boys' team! (Internal screaming) The boys' team are from the other campus. There was a guy that I like, ofcourse. His name is Kousuke. Ishikawa Kousuke. 【石川康介】 He's not really that cute, I mean, he's not the kind of guy that will catch your attention but, guess what? He got mine!

February 2017:

It was a hot afternoon at the place we're staying, a school at a province, few stores, less highways. I was watching Anime at one corner that time, I got lazy to get my earphones at my luggage so I just boosted up the volume of my phone. I was already in the climax of the thing that I was watching, when I suddenly felt, breathing by my left ear. It was Kousuke. He was watching too! I really don't know how to respond with that, I was internally screaming, I was shaking and I didn't get to catch up with the best part of the series! Well, actually maybe the best part was, his face being that near to my face. He continued watching, then he left, and at last I got to breathe! (Sigh) But he came back with his own chair, placed beside me and we finished the show together. I didn't really know where to look? I really wanted to take a glance at his face but it's kinda awkward, right? My arms turned quite numb trying to place my phone where he can see it clearly, until that thing that we're watching, ended. And ofcourse here's the awkward part, getting up into a conversation with your crush.

"That anime is always a cliffhanger."

He said with a disappointed look on his face.

"O-Oh--yep, I t-totally agree haha"

I ended up stuttering, with a nervous laugh.

"Say, do you still have more Anime saved on your phone?"

He said while trying to peek at my phone screen. He grabbed my phone from my hand and he saw the design of multiple anime characters at the back of my phone.

"I didn't know you also liked that series eh.."

"O-Ofcourse! We just met!"

I answered him with a squint on my face.

"Well yeah, you can't put all your favorite characters on the back of your phone 'cause you'll prolly be blocking your camera lense... Haha."

So that's where the conversation started. I didn't know we actually have the same vibe! Well, I thought he's a shy type, he's always have this mysterious aura, or he always has this serious face. It's like we've been friends already for a very long time. The whole month of our stay at that school, it's always been me and Kousuke chilling, talking about nonsense things, and ofcourse, watching anime. We've been buddies the whole month. I was already expecting that my teammates would tease me, and yes, ofcourse they did. I was so scared that he might know that I liked him, I mean, I guess he already knew, but he never told me about it.

It was the last day of the month, we both brought home the bacon. Both teams, boys and girls. Ofcourse it was a very blissful moment for us, I had a good game, and I'll be seeing my mom again, but quite sad too. Like, who wouldn't be missing these guys if you've been with them for one whole month? And ofcourse, I'll be missing Kousuke. I hope we'd still be talking at our social media accounts. And also, we already exchanged numbers and emails! I hope he message me soon!

I just arrived at home, fixed my stuff, took a shower, then went to bed. I was scrolling at my gallery, just staring at all of our pictures, including the picture of me and Kousuke. Then suddenly, my phone vibrates. It was Kousuke. I didn't really expect him to message me!

-"Matsumoto-san, I hope you went home safe! I just got home and I was so tired so I thought I should message you before I go to sleep. I had a fun time with you! See you at our training!"

I was so surprised! I actually don't know how to reply him. My hands were shaking, I was so startled!

"Ah! Ishikawa-san! Glad that you messaged me!"

"No!"

"I mean"

"I'm glad that you got home safe!"

"I had so much fun with you too!! See you soon!"

"Ahhh-- what am I doing? "Glad that you messaged me!"?! What was that?! How did I even mess up with this? So stupid." I said to myself while banging my head at my pillow.

"Haha. It looks like you don't have anyone to talk to usually, huh."

"Ah, yes! That's why I'm glad you messaged me. Hehe."

Our conversation was until 11pm and I didn't even noticed. So did Kousuke. I think. Is he already sleepy? Should I tell him that I need to sleep even if I still don't want to? Ah, this sucks.

"Matsumoto-san, I planned to sleep once I got home but here I am, talking to you. Haha."

"Oh, I actually thought of the same thing haha."

See? I screwed up! Maybe I was telling to much stories, I didn't even noticed that he wanted to sleep! How dumb.

"I'm sorry, Ishikawa-san! We should sleep now! Sorry for bothering you!"

"No, it's okay! We could talk tomorrow! I'm just really tired, it's not that you bothered me. I enjoyed talking to you tho, don't worry."

"Goodnight, Matsumoto-san."

"Okay! Goodnight!"

I turned off my phone, I couldn't help but scream at my pillow! This has been one of the greatest year for me!

-END OF CHAPTER I-

[helloalycia]

cheater [two] | kara danvers

summary: just when you thought you were getting over your ex, she manages to find a way to weasel her way back in and make you doubt what you thought you had

warning/s: none.

author's note: I'll be posting part 3 tomorrow (the final part) so stay tuned! I've also got a lena imagine coming up the day after! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! :) 

part one | part three | masterlist | wattpad

Kara was becoming a frequent presence more and more in life as time went on. She was always there for me to count on, even when I didn't know I needed it, and I was extremely grateful. I wasn't even sure why she ever took a liking towards me, but I was lucky she did.

She'd come over to mine every other evening and invited me over to hers as well, and I welcomed the distraction whilst in the healing process of Anna and I's breakup.

I'd see the she-devil around work as little as I could manage, along with her new girlfriend – because of course they were dating now – but I tried not to let it affect me. Every time I found myself self-deprecating, I tried to remember it wasn't my fault. She was just a shitty person.

Eventually I stopped getting pitiful looks off people around the office. It wasn't helping with my self-esteem. Kara was a big help with that though, managing to glare people into looking the other way. It was funny after a while, how she stuck up for me like nobody had before.

I wanted to thank her somehow, for being there for me, but I wasn't sure what to do or how to even go about it. I wanted it to be meaningful, but I was never good at saying things outright. Maybe I could write it, I was always better with written words...

"...could do with a bagel right about now," Kara said, practically salivating at the thought.

I laughed, raising an eyebrow. "We literally just ate lunch. You're always hungry."

"Girl's gotta eat," she said simply, patting her stomach.

I rolled my eyes playfully, looking back to my computer for a moment. I was browsing Amazon for a new bookshelf and I asked Kara over to my desk for her opinion.

"This one," I said, turning my monitor around so she could see. "It doesn't look too hard to put together and it would fit well next to my TV, right?"

She leaned down to get a better look, nodding her head. "Yeah, that could work. Are you good at putting things together?"

I almost snorted. "No way."

"I can help if you want," she said with a laugh. "I'm pretty good at DIY if I do say so myself."

"Cheers." I smiled with amusement, watching how her eyes lit up at my dismay. Worth it.

My smile faded when I heard the irritating voice of Katy. I saw she was in our department, talking to one of the other reporters. Her whole being infuriated me and I could never control my annoyance when I saw her. She glanced at me, smirking, before continuing her chat with whoever.

"I can mix her coffee with laxatives if it makes you feel better," Kara spoke, gaining my attention. It took me a moment to realise what she said, and when I looked at her, I saw the seriousness in her eyes.

I cracked a smile, shaking my head. "You can't do that."

She mirrored my smile, shrugging. "Well, I could, but I shouldn't."

"There should be hearing aids invented that simply tune out her voice," I said, rolling my eyes a little. "She really bugs me."

"Yeah, it sucks, but at least it's a very rare occurrence that she's here," Kara said, trying to find the bright side of things.

"I guess, but– woah!"

I widened my eyes when I saw Kara suddenly reach in front of my face, catching a pencil sharpener in her hand. She looked down to me with concern and also surprise, before looking up to see where it came from.

"Oh my god, Y/N, that was totally my bad," Katy apologised, approaching my desk.

I stared up at her, surprised at the hint of mischief in her expression.

"That was supposed to go to Jack," she continued, pointing to the desk behind me. "I've got terrible aim."

Something told me only half of that was true.

"You should be more careful next time," Kara said, dropping the sharpener into Katy's hand. She was definitely not impressed as she added, "That could have hurt someone."

"Sorry," Katy repeated, flashing us an 'apologetic' smile before leaving to give Jack the sharpener.

I breathed out with relief, only just realising how close of a call that was. I looked to Kara appreciatively.

"Nice reflexes."

"Yeah," she said, half heartedly, still watching Katy with narrowed eyes, before looking to me. "You okay?"

"Thanks to you," I pointed out. "You really are my own personal hero."

Kara smiled, rolling her eyes as if to distract from the pink spreading across her cheeks. "Whatever."

I scrunched my nose, smiling at how cute she looked, before looking back to my computer. "I guess I'm buying a bookshelf. And you're gonna help me, right?"

"Right."

"Awesome."

***

Some more time passed before I realised how I wanted to thank Kara. It wasn't a big deal, nothing flashy or exciting. In fact, it wasn't the best thing ever, but it was all I could think of that didn't seem silly or fake.

I wrote her a letter. It thanked her for being there for me throughout everything, and how her being there brought us closer together as friends which I was grateful for. It said how I was lucky to have her in my life and so was anybody else who had her, too. She was gracious and kind one of those rare, beautiful souls that I couldn't let go by unnoticed without at least thanking properly.

I knew she didn't like big gifts and lavish presents, so I didn't bother. It wouldn't have felt right anyway – I wanted something more personal. So, I had the note ready to give with some flowers and a little Supergirl keyring that was soon to be explained.

I heard her knock on my door after work and that's when I readied the gifts on the kitchen counter.

"Hey," I greeted the blonde when opening the door.

She looked up and smiled brightly when she saw me. "Hey, I found those Jaffa Cakes you said you missed from home on the way here and thought I'd buy them for the movie." She held a packet of Jaffa Cakes in the air excitedly. "What d'you think?"

I stepped to the side to let her in, accepting the Jaffa Cakes, and grinned widely, unable to contain my appreciation.

"Kara, these aren't just something you 'find' on the way here," I told her, looking up to see her staring at me with anticipation. "You would have had to go to some sort of special store or something. Somewhere that specialises in British sweets and stuff."

Kara waved her hand dismissively. "It wasn't that hard."

I raised an eyebrow knowingly.

She suppressed a smile. "Okay, it was a little hard."

I laughed and moved forward, surprising her with a big hug. She chuckled, returning the embrace.

"If I knew Jaffa Cakes would make you this happy, I would've brought you a lot more," she joked as I pulled away.

"I've got something for you," I said, meeting her eyes with excitement.

"Not Jaffa Cakes I hope, otherwise this is embarrassing."

"Kara!"

"I'm kidding, go on," she said, laughing contagiously. "What have you got, Y/N?"

I put the Jaffa Cakes on the kitchen counter before grabbing the three items I wanted to give her.

"Well, that's a lot," Kara joked again, but I saw the appreciation glimmer in her eyes.

"Come sit down," I said, leading her to the couch. She followed and joined me as I sat down, facing her. "This is a thank you gift. It's kind of dumb, a little embarrassing, but I want to give it to you."

Kara had a smile permanently stuck on her face as she watched me. It made me feel a little nervous under her gaze, but I kept going.

"So, I wrote you a letter because I'm really bad at saying things," I explained, holding out the envelope. "English. Saying– speaking English. God, why am I so nervous?"

She laughed and accepted the envelope.

"But yeah, that's everything. So, you can read that first," I finished, nodding.

I watched hesitantly, as she pulled the note from the envelope and opened it up. Her eyebrows scrunched together with concentration as she read, and I knew I'd written a lot but it didn't make me any less patient to see what she'd say afterwards.

After what felt like forever, she looked up with an expression I couldn't read.

"I made it weird, didn't I?" I said, chewing on my lower lip.

Kara pressed her lips together and shook her head. "Y/N... I... you have a wonderful way with words."

I breathed out with relief.

"Thank you for saying those things," she said, resting a hand on mine, sending shivers up my arm. "It was sweet. And you're welcome."

I smiled softly. "I'm glad you like it." I held out the flowers adding, "These are for you. Just a little something extra."

Kara chuckled, accepting the flowers. "They're beautiful."

"And finally, there's this," I said, holding out the little blue box. "It's kinda stupid, but yeah."

She accepted the box, too, opening it up to reveal a Supergirl keychain.

"So, Supergirl is National City's hero, right? Well, I thought it would be funny because you're, well, you're mine. I mean, you helped me through my shitty breakup, and even before then, you've always been a big help with work. I just thought it could be a little reminder that I'm grateful for all the good you do. Like Supergirl, y'know?"

Kara lifted the keychain from the box and laughed, nodding her head. "This is amazing, Y/N. I love it."

"You do?"

"Yes," she said, lowering the keychain and meeting my eyes with her excited blue ones.

"Good. I... good."

She grinned, leaning forward to give me a quick hug. I smiled to myself, glad she liked it. My hammering heartbeat relaxed when we pulled away.

"Now to find a place to put it," she said, making me chuckle. "Wait a minute..." She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out her keys, attaching the keychain onto them, joining a fluffy cat and some other keys. "There. Perfect."

"Perfect."

***

I watched as the barista put whipped cream on my hot chocolate and sprinkled chocolate powder on top, making me excited. It was a chillier day in National City today, so I was picking up a drink on my break at Noonan's when I felt a familiar presence beside me.

"Y/N, hey."

I glanced over my shoulder and swallowed hard when I saw Anna, smiling awkwardly at me.

"Here you go," the barista grabbed my attention, placing my drink in front of me. "Enjoy!"

"Cheers," I said, grabbing my cup, before turning around to see Anna still, watching me. "Er, hey."

"I see you're also on your break," she noted, nodding to the drink in my hand. "Tea?"

I shook my head, still wrapping my head around the fact that we were speaking. I'd been successfully avoiding her for a few months now, and eventually I got over her and what she did to me. I didn't understand why she was attempting to talk to me now though – surely she had gotten the hint?

"Hot chocolate," I corrected her, pursing my lips, unsure whether to leave.

Anna accepted her drink from the barista before glancing at me. "It's been a while since we've spoken. I've been meaning to have a chat with you. I know you didn't want to speak to me, but I thought that it's been a while since then, so maybe you're up for it now?"

I raised my eyebrows. "I don't really know what there is to say, Anna."

"Please," she added, her voice suggesting a hint of desperation. "I won't be long."

I felt the heat from my hot chocolate in my hand remind me that I was going to head back to CatCo, but Anna seemed like she had something important to say. And I felt like I was emotionally mature enough to finally hear her out, or at least be civil with her, for the sake of our work relationship.

"Yeah, sure, okay," I agreed reluctantly, before leading her to a table by the window.

We sat opposite each other, clutching our takeaway cups nervously, unable to meet each other's eyes. Until finally, she spoke.

"You seem well," she said softly, and I could feel her gaze on me, "since, y'know..."

"Since I broke up with you after you cheated on me," I reminded her, meeting her eyes.

She licked her lips, nodding. "Right."

"What was it exactly you wanted to talk to me about, Anna?"

"I broke up with Katy," she said abruptly.

"It wasn't exactly a relationship destined to work out considering the circumstances in which it formed, was it?"

She gave me a knowing look. "Y/N."

I shook my head. "What do you want me to say, Anna? How would you like me to react?"

She was staring into my eyes as if expecting me to know what she was thinking, but I didn't. Not anymore.

"I honestly couldn't care less if you broke up with her," I said, truthfully. "It doesn't affect me. Quite frankly, nothing you do affects me. I've moved on."

"I shouldn't have cheated on you."

I breathed out slowly, trying to contain any oncoming anger I was feeling. "I don't care anymore."

"It's nice that Kara is helping you through," she added, a hint of jealousy in her voice, making me roll my eyes.

"Sure is."

"Are you guys a thing or something?"

I stared at her dumbfounded. "You're kidding, right?"

"No," she said, shaking her head. She was deadly serious.

I chuckled with distaste. "You think I owe you an answer? After everything you did to me?"

"So you are together," she said, a little disappointedly.

I clenched my jaw. "No, Anna, we're not. We're just friends if you must know. Not that it's any of your business."

She nodded, glancing down at her coffee cup with a hint of a smile. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes once again.

"Did you wanna talk to me just to remind me of all the shit you put me through?"

"No, no... that's not it," she said, meeting my eyes again. "I broke up with Katy."

I sighed. "You said."

"I broke up with her because I'm still in love with you."

I raised my eyebrows with surprise. Definitely wasn't expecting that.

"You don't seem mad about that," she pointed out hopefully.

"I don't seem happy either," I bursted her bubble, zoning back into reality. "This ought to be good."

"I'm serious, Y/N," she began, what I think was, sincerely. "I'm in love with you still."

I stared at her, so fed up of feeling everything because of her. I didn't even know how to react – I knew I didn't love her, I stopped a long time ago. But I was so exhausted with dealing with what she put me through that my brain didn't know what to do as she was speaking.

"You remember the part where you cheated on me, right?" I asked, quirking a brow.

"You're not taking this seriously," she decided.

"You bet your arse I'm not taking this seriously," I agreed, narrowing my eyes. "You broke my heart, Anna. You went off and slept with another woman whilst we were together – you cheated. You made me feel like shit."

"I know that," she said regretfully. "I know. I was horrible! I didn't appreciate what I had, okay? You were always so nice and loving. You cared about me so much and it became suffocating, infuriating! I hated it, that we were so..."

"Perfect?" I filled in for her, feeling a lump forming in my throat.

"Exactly," she said, her eyes softening as they met mine. "You loved me too much and I hated it then, but I miss it now. I miss us. I'm here to ask you for another chance."

I pursed my lips, wondering how on earth she thought she could have me back after everything she'd done. And now knowing why she'd cheated in the first place, something I thought I never needed to know... I didn't want to admit it, but it fucking hurt.

"You just told me that my love, the way I treat the people I care about, is suffocating," I said, swallowing hard. "Why the hell would I want to be in a relationship with you? Aside from the fucking obvious?"

I pushed my stool out and stood up, grabbing my bag and hot chocolate.

"Y/N, no, wait–!"

"You know, I don't remember you being this much of an arsehole when we were together," I said, staring at her one last time before storming past her and out of Noonan's.

As I headed back to CatCo, I tried to understand what the hell just happened. I was over Anna – I'd worked so hard to get over her, and with Kara's help, I had. I was convinced that I didn't need to know why she cheated, I mean, why does anyone cheat? I didn't think there'd be a reason. But now, knowing that there was a reason, and it was because of me apparently, it hurt. That same pain I felt those few months ago after finding out she was cheating, returned, even if it was for a split second.

Was I really too much when with those I cared about? Did I care too much? Was I too kind? Too loving? I didn't think that was possible, but now... I shouldn't have believed anything Anna said, yet it was lingering in the back of my head and I couldn't get rid of it.

When I reached my desk, I sat down and tried to get on with some work, but my head was still elsewhere, processing what Anna had told me. She still loved me, okay, that didn't bother me as much. I didn't love her at all, not anymore, not after how she treated me. She cheated on me because I was too much for her, too 'perfect'... that one was still a horrible thought embedded in my mind now. I had ironically pushed her away because I cared too much about keeping her close.

I'd barely gotten any work done when I saw a message pop up on my computer screen. It was from Kara, who was probably sat at her desk on the other side of the room.

KARA: Hey, we still on for takeaway and a movie tonight at mine? I'll let you pick the food.. :D

I was about to respond with a 'yes', but then I thought about what Anna said. I hated that she was making me second guess my friendship with Kara, but if what she said was true, then the last thing I wanted to do was push Kara away because I was too clingy.

ME: I think I'm gonna be staying late tonight to finish some work off. Maybe next time?

Yeah, that would work. I just needed to hold off for a bit. Kara and I had been hanging out quite a bit lately, and after giving her that keyring we– god, that keyring! That was so stupid! That was clingy, for sure. If I kept this up, caring for her too much, she might end up like Anna – feeling suffocated and trapped. I needed to slow it down. Give Kara some space to have a life, too. She'd been there for me so much that I barely let her do her own thing. It surely must have been annoying for her. The last thing I wanted was her hanging out with me because of some obligation she felt she had.

KARA: oh, okay, that's fine! anything I can help with? I don't mind staying back with you

ME: I should be okay, thanks anyway

I saw she wrote something else, but I decided to leave it at that and get on with my work. I still felt my heart hurting a little, and I wasn't sure if it was because of what Anna said or because of my newfound fear of losing Kara at my own hand.