#'a second-rate person' YES KATE YES

[ssahotchnerr]

I need a 'you came' - 'you called' moment with our beloved Aaron. Either if he shows up for the reader or the reader shows up for him.

aftershocks

cw; bau!reader, takes place after 4x1 mayhem, descriptions of violence

you couldn't sleep.

you've been tossing and turning for hours, frustrations growing inside you as the clock hit one, two, three am.

you had returned to quantico from new york yesterday, and the adrenaline that had been racing through you the past few days had still yet to lessen. as if your mind and body still believed something horrible was about to happen; you felt as if you were buzzing- with anticipation, uneasiness, fear.

every time you closed your eyes, it replayed. so vividly as if it were happening right before you again.

the franticness the city had fallen into, trying to get ahold of your team and failing, finding out that one of your government issued vehicles had exploded. aaron and kate's vehicle. aaron.

kate hadn't made it. but aaron had.

your mind kept coming back to the what ifs; the idea of sam waiting a few more seconds before initiating the explosion. if they had been any closer...

or, what if aaron and kate had entered the car? they would've been right above where the device had been planted. on the driver's side.

aaron always drove.

you currently choked back a sob at that one.

however, you had managed to keep it together through the case's entirety. how you did so, you still had no idea. and as much as you wished you could've been by aaron's side, at the scene of the explosion, you were selfishly grateful it had been derek, and not you. seeing aaron in that state, covered in blood in a scenario where he could've easily not made it, it would ruin you.

and now, in the comfort of your apartment, alone with your thoughts, it was too much. too much to handle alone.

and only one person could ease your mind. he may not know it, but he meant everything to you.

"hotchner."

just the sound of his sleep-filled voice through the phone brought you to tears. he's alive.

he's alive.

"hi, it's me." you held back another sob, hoping your voice maintained some normalcy.

it hadn't, and within less than a second aaron was wide awake. "what's wr-"

"i just needed to hear your voice." you interrupted, clutching onto your phone with a shaky hand. "i know it's late, i'm so sorry, but-"

"no, please don't apologize." he cut you off this time. his voice was soft- comforting. "what is it?"

"i just wanted to make sure you were okay." your voice cracked in the middle of your sentence, and you exhaled a breath in attempt to calm your nerves.

"i'm okay." he whispered softly, repeating again to give you the confirmation he knew you needed. "i'm okay."

"i was... am, so scared." you admitted, biting down onto your lip hard. "i'm so scared to lose you. in new york, you were so close, too close. you could've..." you couldn't finish your statement, as if it would your somehow change the outcome. make it real.

"i'm here." aaron insisted, his tone firm but exceedingly gentle. "i'm right here."

"i know. i just..."

"do you want me to come over?"

you immediately froze at his question. yes. "no, you don't have to. it's late, and you have jack. so it's fine. don't worry about m- it, please."

"but he's at-"

"i'll just see you at the bau. only in a few hours, right?" you forced a laugh, a single tear falling from your eye. "goodnight."

he started to say something else, but you had already hung up.

after hearing his voice, you felt somewhat better. your heart rate had slowed, but an empty feeling in your chest was still present- as if some unknown force was still going to take aaron from you unannounced. you simply stared at the ceiling, accepting your inevitable fate of doing so until the sun came up, until there was a soft knock on your door.

your heart did a leap as you pushed back your comforter, quickly heading to your front door. as it was nearly four in the morning, the most logical thing to do was check through the peephole to see who the culprit was.

but you didn't. you knew in your heart who it was.

you opened your door to reveal aaron. his hair was still disheveled from sleep, he was still in his pajamas. it was strange seeing him in such casual attire- flannel pants and a grey crewneck- rather that his usual suit, or even just a simple button-up or sweater. it was more personal, vulnerable even.

"you came?" your words left you in a breath as you looked at him in disbelief, your bottom lip already trembling.

there was something in aaron's eyes you couldn't quite place, and you could've sworn you've never heard his voice so gentle. "you called."

just as the other way around, he would do anything for you.

the sob you had been holding in for nearly two days finally broke through your chest, and aaron didn't hesitate to gather you into his arms.

"i'm here." he mumbled into your hair, cries shaking through you. "i'll always be here."

[olsenmyolsen]

This Is Me Trying - One - (A Y/N Parker Spider-Woman X Kate Bishop Story)

masterlist

Summary: The Winter semester is challenging as you fall behind on exams and essays all while an old threat emerges.

Word Count: 3.3K

Content: College stress, cutie Kate Bishop

You, Y/N Parker, loved Christmas time.

You loved how it changed the city from a smelly concrete jungle into a smelly concrete jungle but with snow!

Lights went up with trees covered in decorations. Lattes got better, and so did the cookies.

The air got colder, and sometimes the people got warmer. Whether it was buying things for strangers or for a lifelong friend. Random acts of kindness increased, but on the flip side, so did the rate of crime.

Plus, swinging in the cold was awful, but with some insulation in the suit, it helped.

All of this to say you still loved this time of the year.

"You know, since you love it so much, how about you let me go? You know, like you said, kindness of strangers and all that!"

You looked at the guy webbed to a pole who just mugged a woman coming home from work and tilted your head.

"You know what you're right. Tis the season!" The man nodded as you took a few steps closer. "However, on second thought!" The man's eyes widened before you webbed his mouth shut.

"Marv, how many times are we gonna do this, buddy?" You patted the man's head as the sirens were approaching.

"Happy Holidays!" You yelled as you swung up to the nearby rooftop, looking for the woman whose purse was in your hand.

As you stay perched on the corner, your phone starts to ring. It was Peter—your best friend and brother. You debated whether to answer it or not, but eventually, you gave in and pressed the side of your mask.

"Hey man, what's up?"

"Not much... I know it's late, but I- I was just wondering if you started on Dr. Ohnn's paper yet? I'm completely lost. H-He knows we're sophomores, right?!"

You chuckled and sighed.

You haven't started on the paper yet.

"Sorry, Pete. I've been busy..." You heard Peter let out a disappointed sigh.

"Y/N... you're out, aren't you?" You felt bad. For the last couple of weeks, Peters has been asking you to take it easy with your after-school duties due to the number of exams these previous few weeks have had and, as mentioned before, the crime rate, but you haven't. If anything, you tacked on more. "Y/N, you know how dangerous I still think this is."

You rolled your eyes. "Yes, Peter, I know, but-" Before you could finish, you saw a person jump from one rooftop to another two blocks down from you. "Hey Pete, I gotta go..."

"Wait Y/N... Y/N!"

The line went dead as you tapped the side of your mask and took off, swinging purse in hand to the stranger on the rooftop.

As you front-flipped from your webbed, you laughed. "Well, if it isn't the purple bird!" You said when you got up from your landing pose, scaring the crap out of the archer. He jumped and drew his bow on you before realizing who it was.

With an exaggerated groan, he withdrew his weapon.

"What do you want, Spider!?" He sounded annoyed. You put your hands over your heart. Purse still in hand. "Ouch! I just wanted to check up on the man who destroyed 30 Rock last year."

Clint Barton rolled his eyes.

"It was a tree and a skating rink. Get over it." You raised your hand and mocked the archer as you stepped onto the roof's ledge.

"Where's the youngster?" You asked switching topics. Clint raised an eyebrow. "What are you spying on me now?" You put your hands up. "As if! Just curious. Making conversation. It's not my fault you two happen to fall into my patrol area."

Clint looked at you. "Your patrol area?" You nodded. "It's called New York. Ever heard of it?" Clint rolled his eyes again. "You can be a pain in the ass sometimes, you know that."

"I've been told."

"By friends?" You laughed. "No by enemies. Wait..? Why did you hear something?"

Clint cracked a smile. "Maybe." He hadn't, but he enjoyed this back-and-forth you two played. Like his protege, it was nice to have someone around who reminded him of the heroes of the past. People that brought hope for the future.

"So is that purse yours or?" Clint looked up from his binoculars at you. "No. It's not my color." When Clint didn't laugh, you continued. "Lady got mugged, and I don't know where to find her."

Clint looked from the purse to you and did it two more times. "What?" You asked when no words were spoken. Clint huffed. "You have her purse. It probably has her ID." You tilted your head before your eyes got wide. "Oh! Her address!"

Clint nodded yes and grumbled about you before looking into his binoculars again.

"Thanks, bird man!" You said as you looked at the address. It wasn't far. "Same time tomorrow?" You asked as you twhiped away.

Clint sent you a thumbs-up even though he wasn't paying attention. But you didn't know that. You saw a thumbs up and smiled.

You were getting through to the old man.

As you twhiped to the woman's place to return her purse, a bright-eyed Kate Bishop saw you.

"It's the Spider!" She very awkwardly whispered to no one else before running to the building; she had no idea you had just left from.

And when she got to the top: "Clint!" She shouted, making the archer jump before realizing who it was. "What!?" He said, looking at her as she smiled with excitement. "The spider! I just saw her!" He nodded like a dad would. "And?" He said. "And! And! And isn't that cool!" Clint shrugged. "I guess. She was here. She actually asked about you." Clint held in a smile.

It was a not-so-secret that Kate had a slight crush/admiration for the web-slinging hero.

"And!?" Kate took the binoculars from Clint and awaited his answer. "And... that was it. Nothing else. She joked around. I rolled my eyes. That was it."

Kate was going to press for my information, but Clint was useless when it came to details so mundane.

"Ugh. Fine. Here." Kate tried to hand the binoculars back, but Clint shook his head. "Look and tell me what you see." Kate looked through them and into the window of a known wheelman. "Tracksuits." She said, making Clint nod.

"See the guy with the awful chops?" Kate shifted her focus to a guy with bad facial hair. "Yeah."

"Look past him on the wall." Kate did just that and smiled. "I thought people only drew on blueprints in the movies?!"

"Our guys must watch a lot of movies," Clint said as he chuckled.

Kate put the binoculars down and looked at Clint. "After last year, do you still think Kingpin and these guys are connected? I mean..." Kate made a gesture that said, "really, these guys??" while pointing in the direction of the Tracksuits.

Clint shrugged. "I think it's best to believe they're connected than to not. Plus.. drugs and money still need to be run for guys like Kingpin. Any disposable person that's easy to pay is like Christmas to these guys."

Kate thought about it and nodded as she looked through the binoculars again. "Remember when we destroyed 30 rock."

Clint groans and closes his eyes. "It was a tree and an ice rink. Not the whole city!"

While Kate was busy trying to figure out what annoyed Clint and what Kingpin was planning next, you were busy climbing into your dorm through the window.

You tore your mask off as your feet landed on the floor. You ran your covered hand through your freshly shortened hair and took a deep breath before frowning. You sniffed the air before lifting your suit close to your nose. "Ah, man.."

The city really got to it tonight.

You tossed your mask into the hamper in your closet as you started wrangling out of your suit. You've been meaning to make adjustments to your suit since your arm muscle has only grown, but you hadn't, which left it a bit tight to get out of sometimes.

Lucky for you, you never had people drop by unannounced, so you could always take your time-

"Y/N is that you- OH MY GOD!"

You turned towards the voice of your brother as the top half of your suit fell, showing off you in your black sports bra and toned abdomen.

"Peter!" You yelled as he threw his hands over his eyes. "I didn't know. I'm sorry!" He shouted as he went to run out the door but hit your wall instead, causing him to fall to the floor, knocked out.

An hour later, as you moved your clothes from the wash to the dryer, Peter woke up. And after scolding him about not knocking, you and him got to work on Dr. Ohnn's paper.

But with your exhausted brain and body. Plus Peter's... mild concussion, you two didn't get far. So, just as you were about to suggest calling it for the night, your roommate came home.

Where she was or who she was with was always a mystery to you.

"Hey, losers!" Michelle-Jones, aka MJ, greeted you and Peter as she ran to grab the TV remote sitting on the table. She clicked it on and found the local news channel. "MJ, what are you-" She held up a finger and shushed your brother. "Look!" She pointed to the screen as a reporter was standing in front of a run-down apartment building that was on fire. "It's the fifth one this month!" MJ stated. "Everything thinks I'm crazy, but I know insurance fraud when I see it."

You and Peter weren't sure how to continue.

"Okay..." You started. "What's your point?" You questioned, hoping your roommate and friend was going somewhere with this. "Obviously, someone is doing something very illegal."

"Okay..." Peter said. "What can we do about it?"

"We can't do anything about it. But someone here can." MJ started motioning her head towards you, making you sigh. "MJ. I've told you multiple times. The pictures were a summer thing. I don't take their pictures anymore!" MJ rolled her eyes. Clearly not believing you. "Whatever you say..." She narrowed her eyes at you. "Spider!"

Before you could argue back, MJ got up and went to the fridge before taking a box of pizza to her room. "I'm gonna crash. Night."

"I brought that pizza..." Peter quietly said as you collapsed onto the couch. "You were gonna give it to her anyways." You turn your head to Peter. "Was not!" He defends, but you see through him. "You've had a crush on her for the last year, so please let's be honest here."

Peter closed his mouth and then said: "You're the one not being honest with her."

"Dude."

"Sorry," Peter mumbled. "It's just she's going to find out on her own if you don't tell her." He whispered. You nodded. "I know. I know. But you and I both know that the fewer people that know, the less I have to worry about. The less people get hurt."

Peter wore a sad smile on his face. "You're right. I.. I just hate lying to her."

You looked at Peter as he brought his knees close to his chest on the other end of the couch. "I'm sorry, Pete." He nodded. He knew it was easier for you to do this if the less people knew about your other life, but he wasn't sure how much longer he could lie to MJ.

The following morning, after Peter returned to his dorm, you woke up late.

Apparently, in your sleepy daze, you hit 730 into your calculator app and not your alarm clock application. On top of that, you forgot to charge your phone, so as you panicked to get ready for the day, you quickly put in the cable to charge.

You grabbed your closest pair of jeans and threw on your school sweater, all while grabbing the textbooks scattered on your desk.

You ran into the kitchen and grabbed your last pair of pop tarts before heading to the door and slipping on your vans. You zipped up your bag and bolted out the door.

However, you immediately reentered your dorm, ran into your room, snatching your glasses and phone, now on 16%.

_

The lecture hall was full by the time you entered. The booming of the door attracted the attention of everyone.

Your brother included. Your eyes found his, and he gave you a weak smile as you sat at the first seat you could find.

When you pulled out your textbook and looked up, you saw Dr. Connors sigh before he continued speaking. "As I was saying. Yes, just because the holidays are upon us doesn't mean we won't have our test on Friday. I want something fun to grade over the break, people." He gave an awkward chuckle that few students, including you, gave back. "Oh, and don't forget. Your papers on physics are still due by the end of the school year. If you've forgotten... well, there's a reason I'm tenured, and this class lasts all year." He smiled and proceeded to dismiss everybody.

Everybody but you.

"Y/N Parker. A moment."

You knew it was coming, but you kept your head up high. You look to Peter, and he nods. He'd see you after class.

"Dr. Connors, look, I'm sorry about being late-"

"Late?" He cut you off. "You missed the whole dang class." You sighed and adjusted the bag around your shoulder. "Look..." Dr. Connors started. "You're a bright student. I've seen it firsthand, but lately... it's like you're not even here. Your grades have been steadily declining. You always appear exhausted."

You nodded. "I'm trying. I wanna be here!"

"Then be here." He said before he sighed. "You still haven't told me what your physics paper is on."

You perked up at that. "I plan on doing it about fusion and Dr. Otto Octavius."

Dr. Connors sighs. "Well, planning is not a major at this university." He walks past you and goes to the giant board in the middle of the room. He then stops. "Octavius is a friend of mine. Better do your research, Parker." You nod. "I'd really hate to see you fail."

"I don't want to, sir." You say, making Connors look at you with a sad smile on his face. "I can pass along your information to Octavius. Whether he contacts you or not is up to him. After that..." He looks at you. "It's up to you, Parker."

When you exited the lecture hall, you found Peter talking to your mutual friend Ned. The closer you got, the more you saw Peter panic and tell Ned to "shut up."

"What's going on?" Peter shook his head as if nothing was wrong. You looked to Ned, who sheepishly looked away. "Ned." You drug his name out.

Ned took one look at you and broke. "I think I might know about the fires around the city!" He smiled and looked excited. It paid to have Ned be the guy in the chair.

You looked at Peter. "You didn't want him to tell me?" Peter sighed. "Y/N, you have so much going on already we don't need you." He gestures with his hand as if he was shooting a web. "Right now. Besides, you haven't even started on your essay, and you just got in trouble with Connors!"

Before you could defend your lack of action, you get interrupted.

"Hey guys!"

Immediately, your stress melted away as you looked down at Kate Bishop. Captain of the Archery Team. Your friend and study partner.

Oh, and your crush.

Katherine Elizabeth Bishop.

"Hey Kate!" You said a little too excitedly, something that everyone caught on to. Thankfully, they chose not to make a big deal out of it. "Hey, Y/N." She looked at you and smiled.

There goes the butterflies.

"So what are you three amigos talking about?" She bounced on her heels as she looked away from you and to the other two. "Oh, nothing!" Peter said. "I don't think you're allowed to say that?" Ned added with a confused face.

"Doesn't sound like nothing," Kate said, making Peter glance at you. "Sounds like Y/N is getting in trouble with Connors." She replied as she turned to you with a teasing smile. "Let me guess..." She made a thinking face. "Too busy studying for our History test?"

History test!! Oh crap, that is Friday!

"Okay, based on the look I just gained, you forgot." You nodded. Kate made a hmm noise but kept her head towards you as she thought.

"Shit," Ned spoke up. "Peter, we gotta go, or we'll be late!" Peter looked at his watch and came to the same conclusion. "Gotta go! See you, Y/N! Bye, Kate!" Peter and Ned took off running down the hall and out the doors before they sprinted across the courtyard.

"What class do they have?" Kate asked.

"Robotics."

"Sounds about right." She said. "We should probably get going." Kate smiled and gestured her head in the general direction of your History class with Kate. "Don't worry about the test," Kate said as you two walked side by side. "You always do just fine." You shrugged her compliment off.

Kate noticed. "But I was thinking if you want..." You looked at Kate and noticed her fingers interlocking with one another. "Maybe you could come to my dorm to study some more. Besides, I still need help on the laws and how they changed once the Sokovian Accords were ratified."

You and Kate had always hung out in mutual gatherings and settings. You two were good friends, but you had never been to her dorm.

On top of that. Alone.

You suddenly felt very warm and wary of your every move.

"That sounds great!" You managed to say. "When were you thinking?"

Kate thought. If it were up to her, you'd come over tonight, but Kate wasn't sure what her roommate Cassie was doing. Plus, she and Clint had a hot new lead to follow up on. "Ummm, is it cool if I text you?"

You nodded. "Sounds great." You smiled widely and pushed the door to your History class open. Letting Kate walk in first. You and Kate walked to your seats and sat beside one another.

"Shit." You heard Kate mumble when she opened her bag. "You okay?" You asked. "Uh yeah.." She bit her lip. A habit you noticed that she only got when she was embarrassed. "What's wrong?" You asked when you tore your eyes away from her chewed-on pink lips.

Kate sighed when her lips parted. "I forgot my textbook. I thought I packed after Clint- Clint-on Clinton and I got back from Archery, but I guess I didn't." Kate didn't look your way.

She was now warm and aware of every move she made.

"Hey, I surprisingly remembered mine." You pulled yours out. "We can share." You moved it in between the two of you. "Really?" She charmingly lifted her eyebrows. "Really." You said.

Kate let out a little cheer and wrapped an arm around you. "You're a lifesaver!"

If only she knew.

Kate didn't remove her arm from around you as quick as she usually would have; instead, you could feel her hand slide up your muscles to your shoulder.

Kate had been noticing your muscle growth as of late but didn't know where it came from...

Eventually, Kate removed her touch from you.

Yet you still felt her.

"It's no big deal." You said about sharing the textbook. But you and Kate both knew that based on your actions recently, you remembering to bring your book or not falling asleep in class was a miracle.

This was Kate's first time forgetting a book, and she could sense Clint's disappointed sigh.

Kate smiled as she watched your fingers turn the corners of the page in the textbook. Her eyes lifted to your fingers, to your sweater, and up to your face. She watched your side profile as you silently read a paragraph to yourself. She only stopped when you looked her way and hid a smile when you pushed up your glasses. "What's up?" You quietly asked.

"Do you want to come to my archery practice tomorrow?" Kate whispered back.

Kate wasn't sure what you had going on in your life. You and her were close but not close, like with Peter, Ned, and MJ. So she never pushed.

Plus, she liked you and didn't want to ruin what you two might have.

But when you said, "Yeah! That sounds awesome!" Like a dork, Kate smiled.

dividers by @/benkeibear

[lifesizehysteria]

A Mother’s Blessings | A Bridgerton Fic

Part 8: Daphne

Fandom: Bridgerton (TV) Rating: Gen Pairing: Violet Bridgerton/Marcus Anderson Characters: Violet Bridgerton, Daphne Bridgerton, Francesca Bridgerton, Eloise Bridgerton, Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Bridgerton Summary: A collection of moments through Violet and Marcus’ courtship in which Violet seeks the blessings of her children. AO3 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7

Violet felt her heart pounding in her throat as the carriage pulled up in front of Aubrey Hall. It was the first week of December, and the winter air was cold, but at least it was not raining as she waited outside. The rest of the family took refuge inside the foyer, but Violet would not let a little winter wind keep her from greeting her girls properly as they arrived back home. 

The footman opened the carriage door, and Eloise burst from inside, ignoring his offered hand and nearly jumping from the step, her dark hair swinging around her face, the bright pink of her cheeks a startling contrast to her pale skin. 

“Eloise!” Violet practically sang her name, her arms already outstretched as she approached her to wrap her in a tight hug. For once in her life, Eloise did not pull away immediately, instead settling her chin on Violet's shoulder, squeezing her back nearly as tightly. “Oh, how I have missed you!” 

“I missed you, too, Mama,” Eloise said, sounding sincere as Violet soaked up every second of her embrace. 

“What about me?” came from behind in a sweet, melodic voice that was music to Violet's ears. 

Letting go of Eloise, she turned to her younger daughter, beaming. “Oh, my darling!” She pulled Francesca in. “I am so happy you are home!” she said, sure she would burst from joy. When she let go, she took Francesca's head into her hands just to look at her for a moment, taking in her glowing face that she had missed so much. 

“I am happy to be home, too, Mama.”

Violet looked over her daughter’s shoulder, then, letting go of her face and bringing her hands down to her arms, she looked at her, perplexed.

“Where is John?”

“He decided to stay with his family. He is not one for large crowds, you know.” Francesca gave a small shrug. 

“And you did not wish to stay with him for your first Christmas?” Violet asked, surprised. Not that she was unhappy about it. She was delighted, in fact, if a bit sad for her daughter.  

“He insisted I come. He knows how much you wanted me here. And we will have plenty of Christmases together,” she said with a soft smile. 

Violet hummed, still beaming as she turned and gestured Eloise over. 

“Come, come,” she said as she linked one arm into each of her daughters’. “Let us get out of the cold. Everyone is waiting inside.”

They strode arm in arm to the house while Violet felt as if she might just float right away. 

Inside was a cacophony of greetings resulting in the usual chaos in which Violet had learned to find a particular kind of peace. They were a loud and boisterous bunch, but they were all a piece of her heart and only when they were all together, as they were now, did she feel whole. 

Hyacinth practically threw herself onto Francesca, and Benedict pulled Eloise into an uncharacteristically affectionate hug. The girls were passed around from one person to another in a whirlwind until Francesca realized just who she was hugging. 

“Anthony! You are here? And Kate! I thought you were to go to India!” 

“You are right, Sister. We were,” Anthony said, letting go of her so she could kiss Kate’s cheek. “However, we realized we did not want to risk Kate having the baby on the way, so we decided to stay. And it is a good thing, too, because I do fear that is exactly what would have happened.”

“We will leave for India in the spring, so long as there are no pressing family matters to keep us here,” Kate told her with a glint in her eye. 

Francesca’s face brightened with realization. “The baby! It is here!” 

“Yes,” Kate laughed, “he is.”

“May I see him?”

“He is sleeping, but after his nap, of course.”

Francesca clasped her hands in front of her, a demure but sincere smile on her face. “I cannot wait.”

Violet could not hang back any longer. Although Eloise had already been swept away by Penelope, and she had resigned to catching up with her later, she was not about to lose Francesca to someone else, too. She stepped up beside her daughter and linked her arm through hers again. 

“Surely, my dear, you must be parched from your travels. Come, we shall have some tea in the drawing room.”

“I am rather hungry,” she said, and Violet nodded, smiling.

“Then I shall have some sandwiches brought out with the tea.” 

Violet led Francesca to the drawing room by the elbow, her other hand holding onto her daughter’s forearm as if two hands might keep her more securely by her side. Daphne, Violet noticed, followed not too far behind. 

The three of them settled in the drawing room around one of the small round tables, Violet requesting a tray of sandwiches and biscuits along with their tea, and it was not long before it was all set before them. 

“When did you arrive, Sister?” Francesca asked. 

“Two days ago,” Daphne said. “We were fortunate to have missed all of the poor weather on the way and arrived a day earlier than expected. Which is all for the best because the carriage ride did nothing to improve my morning sickness.”

Francesca’s face lit up. “You are with child again?”

Daphne’s cheeks turned pink as a hand came to rest on her stomach. “I am.”

“Oh, that is wonderful! I am delighted for you!”

“It is such happy news,” Violet agreed, reaching over to squeeze her daughter’s hand. She had been overjoyed when Daphne had told her the previous morning.

“Thank you.” Daphne smiled, returning the gesture, a sincere smile on her face. “And what of you, Fran? Any announcements to share?”

Francesca’s smile faltered slightly, her eyes flitting down towards the table as she shook her head. “I am afraid not.”

Sensing her daughter’s unease, Violet reached her hand across the table, which Francesca took. “Oh, that is quite alright, dearest,” she said in a purposefully light, reassuring tone. “You mustn’t worry. It is still so early. You have plenty of time.”

Francesca gave her a small, grateful smile that did not make it to her eyes as she let go of her hand. 

“Yes,” Daphne said with conviction. “In fact, it is quite fortunate that you and John have this time to spend getting to know one another before having children. You must simply enjoy it, and when children are meant to come along, they will.” She finished her point with a firm nod, as if the matter were settled. 

“I suppose you are right,” Francesca agreed. “Children are quite noisy, and we do both enjoy the quiet.”

“Oh, yes, your life will never be as quiet as it is now!” Violet laughed. “You might as well take in all the silence now that you can while you have it.”

“That is true, Mama. I am not sure I can even remember what quiet sounds like,” Daphne said, amusement coloring her voice. 

“Well, I have been experiencing quite a bit of it lately, and I must say, I simply cannot get used to it after so long,” Violet said before picking up her teacup. 

“Poor, Mama,” Francesca said. “Though, surely, Lord Anderson is helping to fill some of that silence.”

Violet nearly choked on her tea, setting it down with a clatter. 

“Lord Anderson?” Daphne turned to her sister with a puzzled look, then back to her mother. “Lady Danbury’s brother?” 

“Ye-es…” Violet drew out the word as if the delay might help her acquire more words regarding the matter, but it did not. 

“I am sorry, Mama. I assumed Daphne knew.”

“Knew what?” Daphne asked, sounding more indignant now that there seemed to be something unspoken she was not privy to. 

“You have spoken about him in your letters to me, I assumed you did to her as well.”

“I have, but only briefly. You were there for the season, so it made sense for me to speak of it with you. And it was not until the end of the summer that I even knew for sure, and then I did not want to tell her through a letter. That seemed so impersonal,” Violet clarified. 

“Tell me what?” Daphne demanded. 

“Mother and Lord Anderson are courting,” Francesca blurted out, then covered her mouth and looked apologetically at her mother. 

“Courting?” Daphne asked, her mouth hanging open as she stared at Violet, who offered her a tight-lipped smile while her hands twisted the napkin in her lap.

“Yes,” she admitted in a breathy tone. “Although we have been taking things quite slowly, and it was not until just before we returned to the country that we began officially courting.”

“Well, what exactly were you doing before?”

Violet shrugged, letting out a nervous laugh. “Getting to know each other, I suppose.”

“And now you are courting?” Daphne asked, her eyes narrowing on her mother who nodded her head. “But not engaged.”

“Oh heavens, no! No, nothing of that sort.” Violet laughed nervously again, her face growing hot. She was not sure when, if ever, she would get used to talking about her own personal life with her children. Perhaps, she was beginning to understand why so many of them were so reluctant to accept her guidance on the marriage mart.

“I should like to meet him,” Daphne stated. 

“He is really lovely,” Francesca said. “I like him quite a lot. Though, I would also like to get to know him a bit better, now that he is truly courting you.”

Violet cleared her throat, her chin tucked down by her chest, her eyes flitting about, unable to settle in any one place. “Well, luckily for both of you, he will be joining us for Christmas.”

“Really?” “He will?” They spoke at the same time. 

Violet chuckled and picked at her thumbnail under the table. “Yes. You know that Lady Danbury has joined us for the holiday for several years. I thought, now that she and Lord Anderson have reconciled, it would be nice to extend him the invitation so that they might be able to celebrate together. Not to mention, it would give you all the chance to get to know him. It is important to me that you are all comfortable with him, and that you all…approve of our…courtship.”

“Oh, there is no need for our approval, Mama,” Daphne said. 

“Besides, he is a wonderful gentleman,” Francesca added. “Why ever should you worry about our disapproval, even if it were necessary?”

Violet’s eyebrows lifted and she rolled her eyes slightly, thinking about her eldest son. “Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way, dearest.” 

“Is it Anthony?” Daphne asked flatly, not even trying to hold back the annoyance from her voice. 

Violet did not say anything and instead avoided looking at her daughter at all. 

“Mama, you cannot let him get in the way of your happiness,” Francesca said quietly, for which Violet smiled up at her, appreciative of her support. 

“What, exactly, is the reason for Anthony’s objection?” Daphne asked, eyebrows arched haughtily. 

Violet looked up at her, noticing just how similar her eldest daughter and eldest son could be. Perhaps the only reason they were different at all was because of the expectations placed on them by society based on their sexes. The realization made her smile. 

“He thinks I am replacing your father,” she said with some exasperation, closing her eyes for a moment and shrugging one shoulder. 

“That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard.”

Violet let out a tight laugh, thinking she could not agree more. “Yes, well, you know how Anthony can be.”

“Indeed. I will speak to him, Mama.”

“Oh, no, Daphne, that is not necessary,” she rushed to say. “He just needs some time, I think, to get used to the idea. He will come around,” she insisted, although she was not sure she fully believed it. He had made an effort since coming to Aubrey Hall to get to know Marcus better. At least, he was no longer disappearing whenever he called, and made a point to make polite conversation with him. It truly was a vast improvement, even if Violet had hoped for a bit more warmth from him by now.

“Mama, this is Anthony. He does not just ‘come around’ to things.”

“Daphne,” Violet said in a warning tone, “he is your brother.”

“Yes, and I love him dearly. That does not make me blind to his stubbornness and the areas in which he is lacking.”

“Daphne,” she warned again, but she was completely ignored. How similar they were, indeed.

“Look at how he almost ruined things for me,” Daphne continued, her tone decidedly level, showing no sign of excitability. Violet almost felt in awe of her, despite the way she was speaking about her brother. “He does not understand what it is to be a woman in this world, and if he is opposing your courtship under the assumption that you, of all people, are somehow trying to replace Papa when he very well knows how deeply you have loved and mourned him, then he is, quite frankly, an imbecile.”

Both Violet’s and Francesca’s mouths dropped open, Violet’s eyes so wide it looked as if they might just pop right out and roll across the table. Never had she heard her daughter speak in such a manner. It was rather shocking. And yet, despite her instinct to defend her son, she did not. What Daphne said, her defense of Violet and her choices felt, well, rather validating. She realized that she agreed with her daughter and that it felt good to have someone so thoroughly on her side, though perhaps she would not have used the word imbecile.

“That is…rather harsh,” Francesca said quietly. 

Daphne lifted her nose up into the air, an almost bored look falling across her face.

“I do not think it is harsh at all. And even if it were, a harsh truth is still a truth,” she disagreed, firmly but as gently as she could. She and her sister had very different relationships with their eldest brother, and since Violet had never known Daphne to be undeservedly unkind, she knew she would not take it out on Francesca, which was yet another thing for Violet to be grateful for.

A tense quiet fell around the three women, and Violet, never one to sit well in any silence, took a sip of her tea to give herself something to do. After another moment, Daphne cleared her throat.

“I do not think the tea is agreeing with the baby,” she said, letting her hand come to rest over her stomach. There was a stiffness in her voice that made Violet sure she felt just fine and was using it as an excuse. “And Belinda should be waking from her nap soon. I think I shall go to the nursery.” Turning towards Francesca, she offered an olive branch. “Would you care to join me? I am sure the children would love to see you.”

Francesca blinked and looked down, clearly not quite done processing what was an unusually tense interaction between her and her sister. “I should like to stay and visit with Mama, but, perhaps later? I would love to see them,” she said, a small smile turning up the corners of her closed lips.

“Very well,” Daphne said with a nod, returning her sister’s smile. When she went to walk away, Violet caught her arm, and she turned back towards her. “Yes, Mama?” 

Violet looked up at her daughter, her bright eyes glistening slightly at the corners. She reached up to take Daphne’s face in one hand, her daughter bending in order for her to more easily reach and so their faces were closer together.

“Thank you, my dear,” Violet said softly, her thumb brushing over her cheek.

Daphne smiled warmly, placing her hand over her mother’s. “Of course, Mama. If anyone deserves a second chance at happiness, it is you. Do not let anyone take that from you.”

“Oh, my darling girl.” The glisten in her eyes turned to real tears that fell as she closed her eyes, bringing Daphne closer so that she could press a kiss to her forehead. Pulling back to look at her, she said tenderly, “However did I end up with such a strong and wise daughter?”

“I must take after my mother,” Daphne said with a gleam in her eyes that made Violet let out a wet laugh. She was not so sure of that. Daphne seemed to possess ten times her courage, and whatever wisdom Violet had now, it had not yet been learned when she was Daphne’s age. No, her daughter would surpass her in every imaginable way, and as she squeezed her hand and watched her walk from the room, she was grateful for it. After all, that was what she had always hoped for.

[sparethcsympathy]

Michelle and Soldier Boy for ship memeee 💕

ULTIMATE SHIP MEME! || @twiicetheheart

General:

Rate the Ship -   Awful | Ew | No pics pls | I’m not comfortable | Alright | I like it! | Got Pics? | Let’s do it! | Why is this not getting more attention?! | The OTP to rule all other OTPs

How long will they last? - Fucking. Forever.

How quickly did/will they fall in love? - I don't wanna say too quick, and i don't wanna say it took forever for them also. least for soldier boy, the second something happens to her that involves dealing with homelander. whether she was hurt-- or just feelings hurt, i think seeing the look on her face--- broken and all, that's when he realizes... that he hates seeing her sad, hurt--- and that's when it hits him that he loves her.

How was their first kiss? - oh my god. you know michi and i haven't talked about that, but i do have an idea of when they first kiss. def think it's when he tells her about his past-- like his real past, and also telling Michelle about his time with the russians-- maybe not entirely, because lbr he's still trying to block our most of his trauma and also probably can't recall what ELSE they done to him. -- but i imagine when he finally gives his name to Michelle, not his supe name. his real name. like letting her in--- fully. which he hasn't done in a long time. and also i think Soldier boy would be the one to make the move first, it would have been soft. despite who he is, cause he's not a soft man-- but with Michelle ? he's definitely got a soft spot for her. It would have been sweet and slow, filled with so much emotion, want & just vulnerable.

Wedding:

Who proposed? - lbr soldier boy would. he's old school. man bs.

Who is the best man/men? - .... nobody. LMAO WHAT FRIENDS ? xD

Who is the braid’s maid(s)? - damn idk. starlight maybe xD though she's gonna be like Michelle--- him ? LMAO idk guess we gotta see what bg characters are Michelle's friends.

Who did the most planning? - Michelle would. but why do I feel like she would try to still have him involved in SOME STUFF.

Who stressed the most? - Michelle. She's planning it after all.

How fancy was the ceremony? - Back of a pickup truck | 2 | 3 | 4 | Normal Church Wedding | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Kate and William wish they were this big.

Who was specifically not invited to the wedding? -

Sex:

Who is on top? - soldier boy is top dog-- but that doesn't mean he won't switch to let Michelle *cough cough* ride him.

Who is the one to instigate things? - soldier boy ! LMAO C'MON how can he not ? she's a babe.

How healthy is their sex life? - Barely touch themselves let alone each other | 2 | 3 | 4 | Once a couple weeks, nothing overboard | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They are humping each other on the couch right now

How kinky are they? - Straight missionary with the lights off | 2 | 3 | 4 | Might try some butt stuff and toys | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Don’t go into the sex dungeon without a horse’s head

How long do they normally last? - listen soldier boy is a supe, he's never out of energy he's always up for it, and also women can last so ayyye ! these two can go hand in hand-- unless Michelle gotta be somewhere and THEN a quickie is in the works.

Do they make sure each person gets an equal amount of orgasms? - yes, soldier boy definitely is a man when it comes to wanting his women to cum. so yes, he will make sure she reaches climax before him ( which also means he cares about her, putting her needs before his )

How rough are they in bed? - Softer than a butterfly on the back of a bunny | 2 | 3 | 4 | The bed’s shaking and squeaking every time | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Their dirty talk is so vulgar it’d make Dwayne Johnson blush. Also, the wall’s so weak it could collapse the next time they do it. // SO i think they can be both. cause it's SB and he def would have soft moments with Michelle, but also he's a dirty talker when needed.

How much cuddling/snuggling do they do? - No touching after sex | 2 | 3 | 4 | A little spooning at night, or on the couch, but not in public | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They snuggle and kiss more often than a teen couple on their fifth date to a pillow factory.

Children:

How many children will they have naturally? - maybe two. soldier boy did say he wanted to be a dad after all.

How many children will they adopt? - none sorry kiddos.

Who gets stuck with the most diapers? - Michelle but don't think she doesn't have soldier boy help-- she makes his ass.

Who is the stricter parent? - soldier boy ? in some parts, and Michelle in other parts. so equal-- but Michelle still would be softer.

Who stops the kid(s) from doing dangerous stunts after school? - Michelle LMAO

Who remembers to pack the lunch(es)? - also Michelle

Who is the more loved parent? - i think they are both loved. but the kids would def be clinging to Michelle more.

Who is more likely to attend the PTA meetings? - Michelle. can you imagine soldier boy ? god no.

Who cried the most at graduation? - Michelle. soldier boy @ himself was like : don't you dare cry pussy. don't do it-- fuck I'm crying shit.

Who is more likely to bail the child(ren) out of trouble with the law? - soldier boy lbr. he's like i got you kid, i got you don't tell your mother.

Cooking:

Who does the most cooking? - michelle. soldier boy can't cook for shit.

Who is the most picky in their food choice? - i think Michelle. cause soldier boy looks like he has more of an appreciation for good after being in the box for a long ass time.

Who does the grocery shopping? - Michelle. listen soldier boy did it once, and he only got meat/jerky/junk food/beer

How often do they bake desserts? - i think Michelle does it a lot when she has the time. cause she seems like she knows how to bake real good.

Are they more of a meat lover or a salad eater? - soldier boy loves meat. I see Michelle being our salad girl for sure.

Who is more likely to surprise the other(s) with an anniversary dinner? - Michelle would be the one to do this. soldier boy though will surprise her-- and try to cook.... :) didn't go well though.

Who is more likely to suggest going out? - soldier boy cause he can't cook to save a life, and to take her out and show off his lady.

Who is more likely to burn the house down accidently while cooking? - soldier boy.... for sure.

Chores:

Who cleans the room? - Michelle does

Who is really against chores? - Soldier boy lmao !

Who cleans up after the pets? - both do. if they have

Who is more likely to sweep everything under the rug? - SOLDIER BOY

Who stresses the most when guests are coming over? - neither do. cause do they really have people come over ? LMAO.

Who found a dollar between the couch cushions while cleaning? - michelle. so it's hers now :) !

Misc:

Who takes the longer showers/baths? - both. both do.

Who takes the dog out for a walk? - if they have one i think they would both do it together.

How often do they decorate the room/house for the holidays? - Michelle does it for each and every holiday, and also ben enjoys it cause he's been gone for a long time-- and like i said i think appreciates things more.

What are their goals for the relationship? - stay alive is number one for sure. but also have each other back no matter what.

Who is most likely to sleep till noon? - neither

Who plays the most pranks? - neither

[asexual-spongebob]

hi so um. I wrote a hypothetical Wikipedia article for the waves that lap the shore. Hope yall enjoy.

The Waves that Lap The Shore 

The Waves That Lap The Shore is British-American Octonauts X H2O: Just Add Water crossover that first started airing on October 15th 2023 on Netflix (US) and BBC (UK). 

It started off as a Fanfiction posted on Tumblr, AO3 and Wattpad. However, the author and show creator, Kitty.L. Wayne (more known by her online usernames, Kittysboba and Asexual-SpongeBob) got permission to make it into a show. 

It was produced by Mainframe Studios, Silvergate Media and Brown Bag Films and was written Kitty . L. Wayne.

The theme song “No Ordinary Girl” is by Kate Alexa, The same theme song as second season of H2O. The end credits song is the Mako Mermaids (or otherwise, Mako: Island Of Secrets) theme song. 

It is also well known for rock music to be used as background music, a notable example being Weezer’s “Only In Dreams” being used in an episode of the same name. 

Its first season is still currently airing and has 20 episodes planned, 19 of which have aired. 

Surprisingly, unlike most Octonauts episodes it’s one big episode. No segments.

These episodes can range from 10 -24 minutes depending on the episode.

Not to mention, unlike both shows it’s based on, It is rated TV-14 for usage of cursing and mental health issues. 

It was renewed for a second season in late January of 2024. 

The show takes place in Ireland (first half of season one) and Australia (second half of season one + beyond)

Plot: 

The Octonauts go to Ireland to study sea creatures, Shellington stumbles upon some mysterious sea caves while going for a walk and decides to check it out. Little does he know this would change him, his partner’s  and friends lives forever. 

Trivia:

Surprisingly, in this show there is romantic relationships. Unlike one of the shows it’s based on, Octonauts. Those relationships being Shellso, Twashi and Kwazini. Shellso being the most shocking to fans.

Not to mention its inclusion of LGBTQIA+/ Queer themes. And mental health issues. 

Both Kwazii and Paani have ADHD.

Kwazii and Paani are also Demisexual and Demiromantic.

Shellington is autistic and he is also a trans man. He is also bi. 

Peso was the first person to find out about Shellington being a merman.

In the US dub, Peso can be heard cursing in Spanish, for example at the end of Kisses Of Ash he is seen saying “Sí. Estamos cansados de cojones.” Which translates to “Yes. We are tired as fuck.” However in the UK version he just says cuss words in English.

Peso has AUDHD and is transmasc (he/it) and is also gay. 

Kisses Of Ash is based off the h2o episode “Bad Moon Rising”.

Paani becomes a merperson in episode twenty, as seen in the trailer for the episode.

The weirdest episode was episode two, “The Quest For Mussels” , where we see Shellington slurping out the flesh from mussels. It is also considered the grossest episode by fans and writer themself, Kitty.

In this show, Kwazii has RSD. It was confirmed in episode 18 “The Disappearance”. 

Shellington has the same power as Cleo, Peso as the same power as Emma and Kwazii has the same power as Rikki.

It took awhile for Shellington to discover his power over water, while it didn’t take long for Kwazii, Peso and Paani. 

Many people were shocked to find out that the series is rated TV 14. 

It was first released in the US and UK.

Rock Lobster by the B52’s can be heard in episode 15.

Shellington is seen listening to Weezer’s “Why Bother” in episode 12.

Kwazii likes the Spice Girls.

Tweak and Kwazii are seen singing Sublime’s “Smoke Two Joints” in episode 13.

Professor Inkling didn’t make his first appearance until episode 5.

Paani is seen listening to Nirvana’s “Scentless Apprentice” in episode 19.

Please expand this part of the article 

List of episodes- 

Season One:

Newfound Scales

The Quest for mussels 

Curiosity Kills The Cat.

Catnip and Moon possession

Shellington’s apology 

Vegimals to the rescue 

The Treasure Chest

Sea Sick Sea Otter

Kwazii,Peso, Dashi and Tweak and the moonstruck sea otter

Peso and Shellington and the Angelshark

Peso and Shellington and the sleepover

Hello, Mako.

Kwazii’s rescue 

Only In Dreams (We see what it means)

Kwazii and Paani’s dinner (gone wrong)

Kisses of Ash

Grape Soda.

The disappearance

19:  The Meeting

20: And Then There Were  Four (Unaired) 

[silverhallow]

This means War

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett

Mafia AU

Rated: T. Kidnapping

Word count: 910

Summary: what’s the worst pain a person can go through…?

Author's Note: this is set in the Mafia Au but it’s a one we’re they never went legitimate…

Enjoy

“Lady Penwood…” came the voice of her trusted advisor… John Footman had been by her side through thick and thin and remained loyal even after she’d joined the Penwood Crime family with that of the Bridgerton Crime family when she married Benedict and her second in command, Kate Sharma married Anthony.

Together they’d become the most feared crime family in the country and no one fucked with them…

Or she thought.

She looked up from her note book, her pen perched between her teeth as she figured out her next moves.

She and Anthony ran different parts of the business. She handled the illegal goods and he dealt with everything else. She had the connections.

“Yes John what is it?” She asked, glancing at her husband who was sketching again.

Sophie loved that he’d sometimes just sit and draw her whilst she was working and now she was pregnant again with their second child, he was obsessed and couldn’t stop drawing her.

“I… erm… there has been… there has been an incident” John said, the hesitation was noticeable and Benedict didn’t like the nerves coming from their head of security and he put his pencil down and got up from his slouched position.

“What kind of incident?” Benedict asked.

There were a million possibilities going through through his mind at that very moment but what came out of his mouth had not even made the top 1000 things he thought it could have possibly been.

“Ms Metcalf and the security team… they… they were attacked on their way back with Master Charlie…”

Sophie’s face drained of all colour as she felt terror like she’d never felt before.

Benedict stood up “are… are they okay?!” He demanded

“I…I…” John stammered

“Out with man!!!” Benedict yelled

“Ben! Stop! Just give him a chance!” Sophie managed to get out. She needed her husband to keep his cool, to keep calm… at least for now.

Revenge would come later.

“Jameson and King took a bullet each, Emily has a broken nose and concussion” John managed to explain and Sophie was getting irate at the thought of someone touching the security team around her 18 month old son and his nanny.

Emily was practically family. She would be family eventually as she was engaged to Edwina but that was besides the point.

Sophie had made it clear in the last that her family was out of bounds… and to attack the men around her son… this was unforgivable and was tantamount to declaring war…

But she noticed he hadn’t said anything about Charlie “what about Charlie? Is he safe?” Sophie asked

“I… they took… they took…” John stammered trying to fight back the tears he felt and the news he didn’t want to pass on.

“Took who?”

“Ma…master Charlie…”

Sophie let out a scream of pain and fury like she’d known she could manage, it was a sound that put the fear of god in anyone who heard it and Benedict’s noise was something akin to that of a wounded animal.

“Who where they John? Who the fuck has my son?!??” Sophie screamed.

“Please calm down Lady Penwood!”

“Don’t Fucking tell me to calm down!! Someone has my baby!!!! I will fucking not calm down!!!”

“Sophie I get your furious and worried and I am too but please… just please try and calm a bit for the baby… we will find out” Benedict said turning on John

“What is being done?”

“I’m scanning all the CCTV in the area. They weren’t too far from the house when it happened sir. I’ve sent for Eloise, Mr Anthony and Edwina to help… we have some evidence as Emily fought back”

“I want everything on my desk in an hour. Everyone is to be called in. No Fucking excuses. This a fucking code red. Anyone who doesn’t show, and doesn’t have a fucking good excuse is fired and assumed to be part of it and will be dealt accordingly!!! Whoever has taken my boy is going to Fucking pay for it…the gloves are off. They’ve picked a fight with the wrong Fucking family and anyone who gets in my way… will pay the fucking price” Sophie declared.

“Right away with Lady Penwood” John said and ran out of the room and the moment he was gone Sophie’s strength left her and Benedict saw as he rushed to his pregnant wives side and caught her just in time and held her as she sobbed.

“My baby!! They’ve got our baby Ben” she cried

“We’ll get him back. They’re stupid to think they will get away with this. We will get him back. I swear on my life. Come hell or high water and if they’ve hurt a single hair on his head i will personally make sure they pay for it with blood a hundred times worse than they have done to him” Benedict vowed as tears fell down his own face.

He wanted to go pound the pavement, bang on the doors of all their known associates and enemies and demand they tell what they know.

They needed Anthony here. He’d keep a calmer head than them right now and help them through this.

It was the longest hour of their lives as they waited for news and their family. And finally Anthony burst in, a face like thunder, looking scarier than Sophie had ever remembered seeing him as he barged In “we’ve got a lead on Charlie!”

[mediaevalmusereads]

A Lady by Midnight. By Tessa Dare. Avon, 2012.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Genre: historical romance

Part of a Series? Yes, Spindle Cove #3

Summary: After years of fending for herself, Kate Taylor found friendship and acceptance in Spindle Cove—but she never stopped yearning for love. The very last place she'd look for it is in the arms of Corporal Thorne. The militia commander is as stone cold as he is brutally handsome. But when mysterious strangers come searching for Kate, Thorne steps forward as her fiancé. He claims to have only Kate's safety in mind. So why is there smoldering passion in his kiss?

Long ago, Samuel Thorne devoted his life to guarding Kate's happiness. He wants what's best for her, and he knows it's not marriage to a man like him. To outlast their temporary engagement, he must keep his hands off her tempting body and lock her warm smiles out of his withered heart. It's the toughest battle of this hardened warrior's life . . . and the first he seems destined to lose.

***Full review below***

Content Warnings: graphic sexual content, prostitution (due to desperation/exploitation), violence, animal death, brief use of the g-slur, references to torture, depiction of PTSD

Overview: I enjoyed Tessa Dare's second installment in this series, so I figured I'd continue on. Enough said.

Writing: As in other books, the prose in A Lady By Midnight is notable for its quick pace and humor. Dare's writing is easy to follow and easy to love, as it communicates everything clearly while keeping the reader entertained. I don't think I have much to add that I haven't discussed in other reviews.

Plot: The non-romance plot of this book follows Kate Taylor, a working-class orphan who is searching for information about her past. After the mistress of the orphanage where Kate grew up rudely turns her away, Kate is surprised when three siblings (one of which is a marquess) and their elderly aunt turn up at Spindle Cove, claiming that they are her cousins. Kate is eager to be accepted by them, but insists on more evidence being gathered to confirm her identity. In order to provide some kind of protection should the marquess and his family prove dangerous, the Corporal of the local militia, Corporal Thorne, insists on faking an engagement between himself and Kate. Over time, Kate not only unravels details about her past, but about Corporal Thorne as well.

I personally found the mystery of Kate's past to be quite engaging. Because Dare writes Kate as so desperate to learn more about her parents, I also wanted to learn more in order to see Kate achieve some kind of identity. I furthermore found the mystery of Thorne's connection to Kate to be quite intriguing. Thorne's perspective indicates that he knew Kate before she came to Spindle Cove, but Kate doesn't recognize him. Because the info isn't given to us right away, I was curious to learn about this past and how it would throw a wrench in Kate's quest for identity.

The only thing I didn't quite like about this plot was the pacing towards the end. After Kate figures out who she is and decides she wants to be with Thorne, a few things happen which puts the relationship and Kate's future at risk. Personally, I felt like Dare rushed through these events and mainly put them in for a more dramatic ending, and while they could have worked well with a slower pace, as it stands, I found the end a bit too rushed.

Characters: Kate, our heroine, is sympathetic in that her quest for an identity is understandable and pulls at the heartstrings. I very much enjoyed that she was deeply affected by her past yet didn't let it turn her heart to stone. Instead of feeling rejected or being obsessed with walling herself off from emotion, Kate is overflowing with kindness and love, and I loved that she used her longing for a family to form deep connections both with the people of Spindle Cove and with the Gramercys.

Thorne, by contrast, is incredibly stony, and part of his arc involves learning to open up and let people in. I appreciated that Thorne's gruffness isn't presented as some manly trait to swoon over, but is instead a character flaw that Kate means to improve. But there was a point where I was quite irritated by Thorne, which occurred towards the end. In my opinion, Thorne is stubborn to the point of ridiculousness, but granted, that is also something that is presented as a flaw.

The Gramercys - which included 2 sisters (Harry and Lark), a marquess (Evan) and an elderly aunt (Aunt Marmoset) - were incredibly charming. I love that the two sisters took to Kate so readily and did their best to make her feel loved and supported. Evan was pleasant until he got angry or something could potentially affect his family; at those moments, I found his temper and badgering to be rather irritating and they soured me on his character somewhat. Aunt Marmoset was perhaps my favorite; I loved the way she looked after Kate and fed her little spice drops, and I adored her easy-going attitude. Overall, it was just nice to see a family dynamic that was almost universally supportive and invested in doing the right thing (rather than doing things to appease Society).

Romance: The romance between Kate and Thorne was engaging, partly because of their mysterious connection and partly because I like seeing emotionally constipated men crack. Kate spends a good portion of this book trying to find the cink in Thorne's armor, and even when he opens up sexually, Kate is insistent that their relationship can only work if it is emotionally intimate as well. At times, I did find Kate to be a little pushy, but overall, I think Dare wrote her that way for dramatic effect and to make the narrative function, so I don't think I can complain too much.

TL;DR: A Lady By Midnight is a fun romance about an orphan's search for identity paired with a love story about being emotionally vulnerable. While the pace towards the end was a little quick, the overall narrative was a fun read, featuring a sympathetic heroine and a loving, supportive family dynamic.

[sunshinetomorrow]

some people asked for an image description, and i wasnt initially sure how to convert a flow chart like this into something understandable with purely text, but i think i managed! the description is under the read more.

[ID: A flowchart titled "Kate's Guide to the 10 Point Rating System." The subtitle reads "follow this chart to get a rating in 30 seconds or less!*" with an asterisk leading to a disclaimer on the side. The chart is a breakdown of several questions with branching path answers that all lead to a number between 1 and 10.

The top question is "Was your net reaction to this thing positive?" with answers "yes" and "no." The no option leads to the question "Was your net reaction to this thing negative?" The no option to this question leads to the score 4.

The yes option to the positive question leads to the question "Did you like it enough to want to revisit it?" with answers "yes" and "no." Answering no leads to another follow-up question: "Was it cohesive, or were there parts of it that didn't really work?" The option "parts didn't work" leads to the score 5. The option "cohesive" leads to the score 6.

Returning to "Did you like it enough to want to revisit it?" and answering yes leads to "Did it stand out or impress you with it's quality?" The two options provided are "i mean i liked it but it didn't really stand out" and "my attention was grabbed." The former leads to the score 7. The latter leads to another question.

The next question is "Did it REALLY blow you away???" The options provided are "i mean it was great!" and "YEAH!!!!", typeset in all caps with 4 exclamation marks. The former leads to the score 8, while the latter leads to the final question on this side of the chart.

This final question reads "Is this an all-time personal favorite of yours?" The two options are "maybe one day?" and "it really really is." "maybe one day" leads to the score 9, and "it really really is" leads to the score 10.

Returning to the very top of the chart and answering "no" to a positive reaction and "yes" to a negative reaction leads to the branching paths with low scores. The first question reads "Was it dull overall or genuinely unpleasant?" The option "it just kind of sucked" leads to the score 3. The option "it hurt me" leads to the final question on this other side of the chart.

The final question reads "Did it have any redeeming qualities or sections to it?" The options are "maybe some stuff that wasn't as bad as the rest of it" and "it really could not get worse." The former leads to the score 2. The latter leads to the score 1.

There is a disclaimer offset to the left of the chart. It reads: "usage note: this scale is not intended for anything resembling 'objective' judgement. it is optimized to express the subjective feelings you came away from a piece of media with. and key aspect of it is that YOUR RATINGS ARE MEANT TO CHANGE! a piece of media that has the POTENTIAL to be a 10 may come off as an 8 when you first engage with it, and then increase with each listen. ratings are subjective, there should be no pressure to determine the 'correct' rating for a piece of media." end ID]

i just made this for myself, but multiple people have told me they find it really useful so i thought id share it!

[meancaroline]

The Kraken’s Sacrifice, by Katee Robert

Ratings:

GoodReads Rating: 3.44 ⭐️

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Purchasing:

On Kindle Unlimited?: Yes

Kindle E-book: $4.99

Audiobook: $5.95

Paperback: $10.99

Review:

Catalina makes her deal with a demon out of desperation.

With no where to go and no one to miss her, she doesn't see a reason to not go to the magical realm to serve a demon for seven years. Her personal issue and “too much” personality be damned, once the seven years are up, she'll return to the human realm richer than she's ever been and be able to do whatever she wants.

Thane doesn't want a human bride. Or the potential child she could sire him. He made up his mind years ago to abdicate the throne in favor of his younger sibling. But, since that hasn't happened yet, he has to take a bride to be on equal standing with the other monster territory leaders.

Whatever kind of human he was expecting, he never could have predicted Catalina, who annoys him as much as she excites him.

But there are hurts dark and deep as the waters of Thane's territory surrounding both of their hearts. Will Thane and Catalina be able to open up to each other, or will this contract be made null and void before more damage can be done?

The Kraken's Sacrifice is the second entry in the A Deal With A Demon series. And like its predecessor, The Dragon's Bride (⭐️⭐️⭐️), I find the length to be too detrimental to the storytelling. Though there is character growth, for both characters, I was vacillating between loving and hating both of them. Their motivations were understandable: Thane is a widower, still mourning the loss of his husband five years prior, and Catalina is a victim of neglect bordering abuse with attachment issues. And the way they both nearly immediately fell into bed together made sense; neither of them are in the correct headspace to make healthy relationship choices.

Additionally, Robert hits us over and over again with doubt as to whether-or-not the relationship would actually work.

Yet, the sex they quickly get to turns out to be the catalyst for several difficult conversations and a beginning of a change in thought and action for both Catalina and Thane. Kind of like a more tentacle-y version of the wolf attack in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Speaking of tentacles: Thane is a kraken. Tentacle smut features heavily in this book. Catalina gets more tentacle than cock in most of the sex scenes, and even when Thane finally goes for penile penetration, the tentacles still feature heavily.

If you think you'd enjoy The Kraken's Sacrifice, l'd recommend reading The Dragon's Bride first. Though the couples are brought together through similar means, you will need the latter book for the general setting and basic understanding of what is going on and why. And given Catalina and Thane are more at odds than Briar Rose and Sol, this is not the same story with a different coat of paint applied.

Additionally, I'd caution reading this book if you are uncomfortable with themes of unplanned pregnancy and abortion. Both play a role in later parts of this story.

Originally posted on Lemon8 11/11/2023

[arpov-blog-blog]

..."More Encouraging Economic News - A second measure of inflation, the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, (PCE), fell by 0.1% last month. The other big inflation measure, CPI, was 0% in October and just 0.1% in November. Now we have PCE coming in at -0.1% in November. Yes, this means by this measure, overall prices are now *falling* - remarkably good news. With wages continuing to grow at a 4-5% annualized rate while prices are holding steady or even falling we are in the midst of particularly good run for American workers.

Joe Biden and the Democrats are ending the year on a very upbeat economic and political note. The economy is closing strong, consumer sentiment is rising sharply, we won elections across the country in 2023 and our poll numbers have ticked up in recent days.

MAGA = Fraudsters, Liars, Criminals, Charlatans, Bigots, Misonynginists, Insurrectionists, Fifth Columnists = The Very Worst of Us. WTF Happened To The Republican Party? - Truly, it’s a daily parade of horribles. Rudy ordered to immediately pay $148m. More Ziegler sex tapes emerge in Florida. In Texas Kate Cox was forced, over the advice of doctors and a lower court, to carry to term. DeSantis bragging in an interview about removing 2 duly elected prosecutors in Florida because he didn’t like them. Ongoing attacks on our public health systems, ones that caused hundreds of thousands to die unnecessarily. The most corrupt Supreme Court in history. The RNC Chair caught on tape actively working to overturn an American election, other party leaders now in AZ, GA, MI, NV, WI indicted or having admitted guilt, an investigation begun in New Mexico. More than 1,200 people have already plead guilty in an historic party-wide conspiracy to overturn an election and end American democracy. GOP leaders repeatedly echoing Putin, delaying Ukraine aid, slavishly doing his rancid bidding. George Santos. MAGAs abusing their power in the Senate to hold up hundreds of appointments to the Pentagon, dozens to the State Department and shut down government programs critical for our collective security. Promises of mass detention camps and mass deportations. A sitting Congresswoman kicked out of a movie theater for groping her boyfriend. The head of CPAC, a highly influential conservative organization, charged with sexual assault and financial improprieties. Trump declared ineligible to run in 2024 for leading an insurrection; already found liable for attempting to rape a woman in a department store and for committing massive years long financial fraud; stole and almost certainly shared our country’s most important national security secrets; parroting Hitler for fuck’s sake.

Trump has given his allies permission to be the very worst of themselves, and of America. It remains shocking on so many levels, and as unpleasant as it is, we cannot look away. It’s a reminder of why we are here, and why we are going to do everything next year to make sure we win."

[hard-core-super-star]

as a DC/Marvel fan you should know that there is no correct timeline, everything happens at the same time, that is, there is no “first” conversation. fax.

why would I be bored? you're so cool wtf 🤨 and okay, so if we were to talk about them I would follow your encouragement... which is definitely not what's happening here, definitely.

the therapy thing caught me off guard- but yeah, things are getting so fucked up it's kind of sad actually. I have nothing to add since you're literally taking the words out of my mouth here. I'm not particularly a football fan, not that kind at least, so I didn't even know about the existence of this team and these fans before. I was definitely happier when I didn't know they existed to tell the truth and you're right about them being disgusting, I only got a glimpse with some fans who commented on Hailee's pics in the game (mostly made by men. not trying to generalize but wow, how shocking) the urge to throw up was real.

It seems that now it's time to sit back and hope for the bare minimum. that's it, let's focus on the good things, meaning: Kate's so-called quirks. (yeah, sometimes it can be hard not to see Hailee herself in her characters-)

– 🌟

you know what? that's a very good point and i could probably make a very cool reference or joke to expand on it but my brain is tired so...my bad

first i'm mysterious and now i'm cool? my ego is going to end up being massive at this rate. i'm very glad we're definitely not talking about them because this article does a great job at explaining a lot of things but it's also kind of a long read. and i definitely wouldn't like to point out the similarities between michelangelo and emily dickinson or the fact that said similarities in their poetry is what sent me down a bunch of rabbit holes, not all.

you have no idea how refreshing it is to find someone who understands what i mean and feels the same way. it's hard to explain how tired yet worried i am. it's all just an endless loop that ends in me getting more and more annoyed each day. i've never liked football and i'm so pissed hailee is the reason i've learned so much about it. everything i know about JA and the buffalo bills has been against my will but my insta explore page doesn't care and keeps making me see it. [AND YES, i second that. i know "not all men" and whatever but every comment i've seen from his fans is disgusting. and it only furthers my belief that she cannot be happy or okay because on what earth would someone like hailee be okay with those misogynistic assholes]

yes, please, i kept saying how much i didn't want to think about the situation and ended up writing a bunch of really long rants 😶 i would 119% prefer to talk about kate and all the thoughts i have floating around in my brain about her. [i'd also love to hear some of yours because i can't help but wonder how universal my way of understanding kate's personality is. last point about hailee, the fact that all her characters are queer/queer-coded in some way is incredibly telling hence my constant 'the closet is glass' comments because...come on]

[empyreanwritings]

May Book Review

Happy Place - Emily Henry: Now I came to be horny, and I was instead incredibly SAD. I always expect a little angst when we are looking at exes to lovers, but MAN this was not exes that are gentle enemies to lovers - this was yearning and pain and miscommunication that hurt. Yes it ends horny and happy but STILL I was not emotionally prepared. Overall Rating: 9/10

It Happened One Summer - Tessa Bailey: This is only my second Tessa Bailey book, but I knew I was in for a treat when I saw it was not only slightly enemies to lovers but also grumpy x sunshine. One thing I really appreciate about Tessa Bailey is that she builds up to the angst really well so you always know it's lingering there and something is going to happen, but she does not make you suffer long. If I had suffered long, knowing how hard Piper tried to see Brendan in the end but he didn't know that, I would have sobbed blood frfr. Overall Rating: 10/10 and cannot wait to read the sister book to it

Secretly Yours - Tessa Bailey: Now I am convinced Tessa Bailey books are the reason my standards are so high. I want someone to talk to me the way Julian talked to Hallie - I will not settle for anything less at this point. Everything about this story was so good - I love seeing a structured man get so disheveled over one person. I literally gobble it up every single time. And I won't lie - while the story was wonderful, the smut was what really fucked me up. Absolutely recommend for the smut alone, but it was still enjoyable nonetheless. Overall Rating: 20/10

Radiant Sin - Katee Robert: One thing I really enjoy about Katee Robert is the fact her books all build upon one major plot, but you never feel a story is unfinished because of it. Every relationship is fulfilled while still building on the major plot that you know will continue throughout the rest of the books and I LOVE it. Apollo and Cassandra are definitely one of my faves in the Dark Olympus series. I wouldn't say they are my top bc that spot is being held by my throuple in the last book, but their story was still delicious. VV light D/S vibes and forbidden relationship bc he is her boss. Obsessed. Overall Rating: 9/10

Hook, Line, and Sinker - Tessa Bailey: NOW THIS BOOK I WAS SO READY FOR. After reading It Happened One Summer, I knew I wanted to see something happen with Hannah and Fox. There is something I love about seeing a man with a bad reputation absolutely change all of his ways for one woman and not even realize she is why. He is a Simp - through and through, and I love it. I devoured this book in less than a day bc I could not put it down. There were definitely some parts that made me emotional bc as the youngest sibling, I relate to how Hannah views herself and wants to change things, and her journey was written so well. This and It Happened One Summer are definitely going to be on my reread list once I make it through my TBR. Overall Rating: 10/10

Practice Makes Perfect - Sarah Adams: I will be real and say this book took me awhile to finish. I can partly blame being on vacation, but I wasn't as into it as I wanted to be. There were a lot of heartwarming moments, and I love the grumpy x sunshine trope, but this one definitely reminded me of old school Wattpad fanfic days. I'm pretty sure if you replaced Will with Harry Styles, no one would bat an eye because it was definitely that type of vibe. I do think it was a super cute story, and there as minimal spice if spice isn't something you always want to read. I don't want to not give this book credit bc it was definitely romcom worthy, I think I was just hoping for a little more,,,something. I'm not entirely sure what. Overall Rating: 7/10

[sophielovesbooks]

ALRIGHT I'VE FINISHED!!

So now I shall pass judgement. 🥰

1000 Ships - Kate Weinberg

Good! A good start to this anthology. I love her writing style. The story was quite simple but somewhat emotionally complex. Plus it features a character from her novel "The Truants"! 8/10 stars

Pythia - Olivie Blake

A weird one, let's be real. A bit absurd. Refreshingly different, though, and partly in interview style. I enjoyed it overall. 7/10 stars

Sabbatical - James Tate Hill

Hm, not sure about this one. It was fun to read it but sort of absurd, once again? The ending to me was bizarre rather than rewarding? But hey, at least it wasn't boring. 5/10

The Hare and the Hound - Kelly Andrew

Amazing!! Probably my fave in this book, if I had to pick one. The plot was just super engaging and fun, in my opinion. The dialogues between the main character and his mates were EXACTLY the type I love to read. I adore that trope where you are not sure whether the main character is losing their mind or not. Another character was really intriguing to me as well. I sort of guessed the main twist but that's okay. The style flowed so nicely as well and was so atmospheric. I don't like to hand out perfect ratings, but actually? Yeah, whatever, I'm feeling generous. 10/10 stars

X House - J. T. Ellison

Lmaooooo! I straight-up HATED this one! A poor imitation of the dark academia genre with stunningly amateurish writing imho. This author, for whatever reason, cannot keep their tenses straight?! Like, how did this one go through peer review aka editing?? The style was so incredibly clunky as well, like a how-to on what not to do. Ridiculous plot. Odd pacing. Laughable characters. It's a big no from me. (I've read another book by this author that I didn't really care for, so that checks out, I suppose.) Most entertaining hate read I've had in ages, though! 1/10 stars

The Ravages - Layne Fargo

Good! Fun. Cute. Not, like, super remarkable in my personal opinion. But well written with a plot that's easy to get into and a likeable sapphic main character. Touches interestingly on toxic relationships. Yeah, I enjoyed it. 8/10

Four Funerals - David Bell

Hmm, well. Not awful but not great either, in my view. Also the plot didn't feel very dark academia to me, to be honest? The atmosphere just wasn't there? It made an okay short story but it wasn't anything special. I didn't like his novel "Kill All Your Darlings" much, either, so again, this story sort of confirmed my opinion of the author's writing. 5/10 stars

The Unknowable Pleasures - Susie Yang

Oh shit, actually this one might have been my favourite?! Or it's a close second at least? Really, really engaging. Really drew me in. So interesting and unique as well. A story that doesn't provide simple answers and makes you reflect. The ending... wasn't super satisfying but that was kind of the point. It's interesting because I remember DNFing a book by Susie Yang because I didn't like her writing style, but here I really enjoyed it. So I should probably give her another chance? Again, feeling generous I'll go with 10/10 stars

Weekend at Bertie's - M. L. Rio

This was the story I bought the whole book for!! I was so excited for it and... it let me down a bit. I feel terrible writing this, but it is what it is. It wasn't bad by any means, don't get me wrong. Only the prose didn't flow as nicely as in some of the other stories, I thought. I felt like it was overly complex at times. And the plot... was okay, but a bit strange as well. Creative, yes. But a bit odd. And the biggest point of criticism is that, unlike IWWV, it didn't feel super dark academia to me. So... squinting and feeling sort of guilty I think I'll go with... 7/10 stars? Okay, no, that's brutal, 8/10 stars

The Professor of Ontography - Helen Grant

ANOTHER REALLY GOOD ONE! I literally just read it this morning so it's all fresh. But yes, two really likeable MCs and a cute romance. The setting was so fleshed out, it almost felt like a novel? Like, there was more than just that short glimpse that you often get with a short story? This one also encapsulated the dark academia genre perfectly in my view. A mystery with horror elements. Loved it. Another 10/10 stars

Phobos - Tori Bovalino

Yeah, quite good. Not too bad. All about secret societies and inition rituals. We got some fairly interesting character portraits in not a lot of pages. It was suspenseful. Can recommend. 9/10 stars

Playing - Phoebe Wynne

This one was okay. The writing was good and atmospheric. But I think it was meant to be twisty and to me the ending was so obvious from very early on so I kept wondering whether anything surprising was going to happen. And it didn't. I'm also not sure the author selected the best scenes to write out/depict in detail for this particular story, if you know what I mean. I'm making it sound worse than it was, though. 7/10 stars

And that's it! If you've read this book, let me know what you think.

I am doing sometimes super fun today. It's Sunday and I don't have any pressing responsibilities. So I've decided to do sort of a spontaneous readathon, something I have never done before!

For as long as I like, I'll stay in my little reading nook with coffee and snacks and read. 🥰📖☕️ Hopefully I'll finish In These Hallowed Halls, which is a dark academia anthology.

Would anybody like me to rate each story once I've finished the final one? 😊 (Because trust me, I've got opinions!)

[kitchenisking]

Fic Rec☺️

Hey guys! I've been having a crappy few days and when that happens I like to disappear into the amazing world of fanfiction. So to anyone who's having a hard time of it or just wants to escape how crappy the world is sometimes or just want to read... Fic Recs😁🙃

The Night of the Dance by christinchen - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 1822, sterek)

Stiles is taking Derek to prom and he's freaking out about it

Dream by dylan_blaze_nightstars - (Rating: G, Words: 645, sterek)

"Stiles leaves his window open no matter the weather or season after Derek leaves.

It’s the only thing left for him to do. Wait for his return."

Howl A Little Louder For Me by raisesomehale - (Rating: Mature, Words: 13543, sterek)

Stiles just looks at him. Studying him. Eyes slowly narrowing like he thinks he’s lying. The hand holding his mother’s conduit drops to slide inside his pocket. And then he just stares down at Derek. Addressing him.

“Why are you here, wolf? This close to The Wall, this close to Samhain? You must have a death wish.”

“Just,” Derek’s eyes slip shut and he exhales heavily through his nostrils, “Just take me to the hunters.”

A beat.

“Even I’m not that big of an asshole.”

Chased by tryslora - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 11213, sterek)

Alpha Seeks Omega

I am looking for an Omega to chase. Primary gender doesn’t matter. Age doesn’t matter. I just need a good, fun, long chase. Details will be kept confidential. This isn’t about sex; it should be platonic. Omegas due for heat will not be entertained.

Stiles needs this job...

Spoiler: it doesn't stay platonic.

Parent-Teacher Conference by misswhimsy - (Rating: G, Words: 1202, sterek)

“So you know how I was talking about sitting in on one of Eli's classes after the parent teacher conference thing?”

“Yes.”

“I may have requested they transfer him to one of the other classes.”

“What? Stiles, he's in second grade, what could have possibly happened?”

Nighttime Runs and Warm Beds by justanotherbusyfangirl - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 1248, sterek)

Derek returns home from a run to find a familiar body in his bed.

Bleeding Out For You (even if it's the last thing i'll ever do) by whenwordsmakesense - (Rating: T, Words: 1203, sterek)

"You're bleeding because of me."

And there it is. Derek's guilt at hurting him plain to see, making Stiles want to scream because Kate is fucking dead but she still won't stop ruining them—ruining Derek.

All the progress Derek makes, all the genuine smiles he lets others see, all of it vanishes after one nightmare with her in it. Stiles knows healing isn't linear, knows it like the back of his hand, knows it personally, but he still hates this.

OR

Derek has a nightmare. This is the aftermath.

Hearts On Fire by frownypup - (Rating: Mature, Words: 6617, sterek)

Fate brings Stiles to ending up as a fireman, and he loves every second of it. Derek hates the job because fire took things from him. If it takes Stiles too, Derek...he just can't.

Not Your Disney Romance by Rawren (Deshonanana) - (Rating: Mature, Words: 42065, sterek)

After a long-forgotten agreement of an arranged marriage between Derek and the daughter of another pack's alpha resurfaces, Stiles takes it upon himself to become the most amazing fake fiancé that a clueless, desperate alpha werewolf could wish for.

How far do I have to go to get to you by toomuchplor - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 5189, sterek)

Stiles never knows if it's worse when Derek Hale steps out of the shadows or when he slinks back into them; either way, Stiles never expected to have this many feelings about his stupid old yellow owl shirt.

[astoryisaloveaffair]

Sure Shot - Part 1: Artificial Nocturne

Pairing: Clint Barton x BlackWidow!Reader, Yelena Belova x Kate Bishop

A03

Summary: Yelena’s newest rescue needs a safehaven. She might know just the place.

Word Count: 4200

Rating: E, 18+, Lemon

Warnings: Reader is an ex from the Red Room, so expect anything to deal with that. age gap, masturbation (M & F), cussing, fluff, mentions of missing Natasha

A/N: Here is a fic no one asked for but my brain demanded it be written IMMEDIATELY.  Clint does not have Laura or any kids in this, but everything else happened the same. I can do what I want. Mostly un-betaed but thanks to @musings-of-a-rose​ for being a sounding board and single handedly being responsible for me falling in the Clint trashcan. JK, it was the show. I expect no one to read this but it’s for me so I don’t care lmao.

Suggested Song: Artificial Nocturne by Metric

“Kate Beeshup.”

The familiar drawl emitting from the phone almost had Kate falling off of her couch.

“Yelena?”

“Yes, it is me.”

Kate sits up rod straight. “Are you okay?!” She blurts out, forgoing a greeting. A flicker of panic rises up her chest as she worries what would make this one-time assassin of Clint Barton call her. Even if she was actually really excited to hear from her.

“No, no.” The voice sounds again. “Everything is fine Kate Beeshup. But I do need some help.”

“Of course!” Kate breathes. “What do you need?!”

You’d never been to Iowa before. You’d been almost everywhere in the world, but not here. It makes you nervous. You hate the unexpected now.

The raven haired woman driving the SUV, Kate, finally pulls up to an old farmhouse, slightly run down looking but still nice. Her eyes shift to Yelena’s in the passenger seat, who looks to you.

“Okay. We are here. Are you ready?”

You don’t really have much choice. You nod, nudging the napping Golden Retriever off your lap. “C’mon Lucky.” 

As the three of you exit the car and you and Kate gather up your belongings, barely anything for you, you look up once more to the porch of the house, noticing that now there is a man standing on it, leaning against a column of the porch with his arms crossed and a grumpy expression.

Great. He looks like an asshole.

But as Lucky darts right to him and the three of you get closer, his face breaks into a huge grin, and he jogs down the stairs to meet the girl Kate to wrap her in a massive hug, Lucky jumping at their heels. Smiles look good on him, warming up his demeanor as his eyes crinkle into little crescents, his prominent round nose scrunching up in a way that’s almost…cute? He leans down to give Lucky a few pets before turning in your direction.

He greets Yelena first, advancing towards her with that same grin and pulling her in a hug before she can even say anything. She grumbles in his embrace. “I tried to kill you Clint Barton, what is this.Stop it.” She lightly slaps him on the waist, and he lets go with a chuckle and a shrug.

“You’re Nat’s sister. So…you’re also mine. And I kinda like you, kid.”

A weighted silence hangs in the air for a few seconds and you watch Yelena closely, your mouth parting slightly in surprise when you see the tiniest hint of a tear gathering in her eye, before she quickly blinks rapidly and re-composes herself. “Clint Barton, do not make me like you.” She snips jokingly, trying to lighten the mood.

He huffs a laugh again, patting her on the bicep before finally turning to you.

Yelena ushers you forward. “This is my sister I told you about. I have freed her from her bonds but she is in need of a safehouse right now. I didn’t know who else to ask.”

“This is the best you can find.” Clint reassures. “Fury bought this as a hideaway if we needed to disappear. I’ve kinda taken it over, fixing it up. But I wanted to keep it as a safehouse. For everyone.” The sides of his thin lips tick up in a tiny smile, and he meets your eyes again.

It’s clear he’s someone who has also had his share of personal hardship, even if you hadn’t known he was Hawkeye, in just the way he interacts with you. He lets you come to him. You step forward, looking deeper into his eyes. 

You know the saying is stupid, but the eyes are the windows to the soul. You could read anything you wanted of a person in their eyes, and it was one of the first things you were trained to do as a Widow. You’d never seen eyes quite like his. 

They were the color of ice, or like steel, or a broken mirror, the splintered shards lined with a deeper ocean blue. Eyes that looked cold at first glance, eyes that had dealt with too much, but if you looked real close you would see warmth in the hint of hazel around his pupils. They were open and honest. No shifting, no nervousness. Just…at ease.

You gave him your hand and shook it. “Hi. Thank you for helping me.”

He takes your hand, grip strong. “Yea, no problem. Got plenty of room.” He shifts awkwardly, then turns and heads back into the house, waving the women forward. “Come on, let's get you settled at least.”

The house was warm and rustic, and you felt yourself relaxing more as you looked around the first floor before following Clint, Kate, and Yelena, and Lucky up the stairs to the second floor. He points down the hall. “I’m right there. There’s four more and a bathroom too.” He turns to you. “Not that I don’t think you can handle yourself, probably better than me, but I would feel most comfortable with you having the room next to mine. That way if anything happens…I’ll hear it.” He grimaces, realizing he might’ve said the wrong thing. “I mean, if you’re comfortable–”

You cut him off. “I agree. I…don’t know how long I might be here. We should be close to each other. Two are better than one.” You see him visibly relax, and you can’t help but tease him a little. “But I would totally kick your ass.”

His eyes sparkle, and he steps forward to grab your backpack and heave it onto his shoulder. His gray tee was fitted and the sleeves accentuated the curve of his bicep, strong forearms, and thick hands, and almost three quarters of it is covered in a incredibly detailed sleeve tattoo that you can’t make out from where you’re standing, which reminds you that you’ve forgotten to follow him to your room. You looked behind you, but Yelena and Kate seemed to have wandered off already with the dog to find their own rooms.

The room is simple, an iron bed frame and a double mattress covered by a muted floral print quilt. There was a dresser that you would barely fill up one drawer in, a little bohemian rug on the floor that didn’t match the rest of the colors in the room, two night stands each with lamps on them. Pretty standard, and better than you had spent most nights in your life. 

Clint shifts from the foot of the bed, putting your backpack on the soft quilt. “This all you got?”

“Um…yea. I— I was in the middle of something when Yelena found me. I didn’t bring much for the job.” You shrug. “Just this.”

He nods, clearly understanding by your body language that you don’t want to say much more. “No problem. Agent Hill and Nat stocked up some of the closets here with a bunch of clothes, in case something like this happened. Poke around some of the closets and take whatever you like.”

You give him a small smile. “Thanks.”

“Alright…well I’ll let you get settled.” He takes care to not touch you as he moves around you and toward the door, turning in the frame to look at you one more time. “Hey.” He murmurs. You look up at him. “It’s gonna be okay kid. Okay?”

You nod and smile at him, and he reaches out and cups your arm real quick with a reassuring pat before disappearing out the door and back down the stairs, the scent of his cologne lingering in your room well after he leaves.

Fuck he smelled good.

Clint sighs, pressing his fingertips to his forehead and rubbing to release the exasperated tension. He hopes you’re comfortable, and he replays his actions in his head and silently chastises him on being so inarticulate.

But god dammit, you just had to be pretty. So fucking pretty Clint almost went braindead when he first saw you, stumbling over what to say to sound normal.

Obviously you would be. You’re a Widow. All of them are attractive. Like Nat…he shakes his head, pushing those thoughts away. There was no going back and redoing. It was clear but never spoken, and he had to be happy with that. She was a great friend. His best friend…

He was going to do anything he could to help you. For Nat.

“What’s with the mohawk?” Clint jerks his head up at the sound of Kate’s voice and the clacking of Lucky’s nails on the wooden floors. 

“Oh. Easier. It’s hot.”

“You look like a dork.” 

Clint rolls his eyes. She continues,

“She still upstairs?” 

“Yea. I'm sure she’s still kind of disoriented, so I just left her alone.” Clint replies.

“Probably the best move.” Kate turns as she hears Yelena thunder down the stairs. 

He looks at her as she turns the corner into the kitchen. “Room okay?”

“Did not think I would ever have a sleepover with you, Clint Barton.”

“Are you going to call me my whole name the entire time you’re here?”

Yelena smirks.

“It’s kind of her thing.” Kate chimes in, her eyes lighting up as she observes Yelena. 

“Well now that I know it annoys you, yes I will, Clint Barton.”

He stares at Kate with a pointed look before turning with a sigh and heading towards the back door. “I got some shit I have to finish up around the shed. Make yourselves comfortable.”

Kate had thought this entire situation would be awkward. She’d spoken to Yelena all an hour tops, and now she was sitting across from her on a couch watching sitcoms, sharing space with her for a few days. The thought of it thrilled her. 

Kate sighs, relaxing back into the cushions, her legs curling up on the sofa and angling her towards Yelena, Lucky on the floor under her feet. It takes a few moments for her to realize Yelena is observing her. She meets Yelena’s gaze, watching her green eyes dip down and back up in a clear display of admiration. 

“You look nice today, Kate Beeshup.”

Kate feels her cheeks burn, breaking the eye contact to look down at her outfit, a black sporty crop top covered by a purple plaid flannel shirt, some ripped jeans and her Doc Martens. Nothing special, at least she didn’t think so. “Oh. Thanks.”

Yelena nods and looks back to the TV, continuing to speak to Kate, eyes never leaving the screen. “I did not expect you to help me.”

“You didn’t?”

“No.”

“...Oh.”

“Thank you.”

She smiles softly. “You’re welcome.”

A few more moments pass by and the two of you resume watching The Office, but out of nowhere you feel the soft skin of Yelena’s hand closing over yours. She circles her thumb against your skin, then gives your hand a tight squeeze before letting go and standing up. “I will make food for us now.” She turns and abruptly walks out of the room without another word. 

Kate was fully expecting a nice big pot of mac and cheese with hot sauce, but the scent of something else wafting through the house finally drew her to the kitchen to see what was being made. 

Yelena was leaning against the oven, occasionally stirring a large crock pot as she played on her phone. Her hands were stained red, the same color as the sliced beets laying next to her on a cutting board.

“Wow…that smells amazing!” Kate slowly approaches Yelena, peering over her shoulder at the concoction. “What is this?”

“Ah!” Yelena exclaims, lying her phone down on the counter. “Yes. I found some beets and cabbage, so I have made some borscht for us.” She steps back to allow Kate closer, hips touching as they both look over the soup.

“I’ve never had it. It looks so good! Is it…a dish from your home country?”

Yelena smiles, eyes shining bright and Kate feels as if she might just melt. “No, this is Ukrainian dish. But many Russians cook it.” She dips a spoon into the broth and hands it to Kate for a taste, watching her plump mouth suck the broth off the spoon.

“Holy shit.”

“You like?”

“Yea! Is there anything I can help with? We should have a side too.”

Yelena beams. “We are of the same mind! There is French baguette just there. Bread is good for dipping.”

Kate moves to another counter with the bread, finding a serrated knife and cutting it up into pieces, eventually deciding to put some butter and garlic on them and toss them in the oven.

When Clint heads back into the house, tired and sweaty, he’s almost knocked backwards by the delicious smell, even more so when he sees the dining table set with bowls, a giant pot of soup, a plate of toasted garlic bread, and one bottle of hot sauce.

“Wow…”

You turn towards him in your chair where you had been giggling with Kate. “Yelena made us some food.” You know you should look away but you can’t, his chest is slightly heaving and there is a sheen of sweat on his skin that for one moment you consider licking off him before you mentally slap yourself. 

 The three of you dig into a great meal, chatting amongst yourselves and getting to know each other more. The bond that Kate and Clint obviously have for each other is blatent, and the odd friendship they both seem to have with Yelena is extremely amusing to watch. Kate is energetic and excitable, and you can see how Yelena can hardly part her eyes from her. 

A hollow feeling in your chest almost bubbles out into a sob as you realize that you are completely alone. You don’t know who you were taken from as a child, ancestry tests had come up with nothing. You had Yelena, but she would not be staying more than a few days, she had taken it upon herself to clean things up and secure you a new identity. You like Kate, and Clint seemed nice, but they were still only acquaintances. You almost wish to be back under the chemical mind control, because at least then you didn’t feel how isolated you were.

“So,” Clint says, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. It makes the muscles bunch and annoyingly hard to look away from.. “What’s your thing?”

You furrow your brow. “My thing?”

“Yea. Nat had her shocking batons, amongst all the standard things. Yelena’s got guns. What do you like to use?”

Yelena’s eyes flick to yours, intrigued to see how much you were willing to share about your past life. 

“Oh. I like projectiles.”

Clint’s eyebrows rise, scrunching his forehead in a cute way and making his eyes widen as he leans forward and looks straight into your soul. “Projectiles?” 

“Yea. Like knives, chakram, shuriken, kunai. Got a whip too.”

He seems impressed with that answer, and for some reason it makes your chest clench at the thought that Hawkeye was interested in your skill set, your heartbeat quickening at the light praise. You absolutely hate it.

“You’ll have to show me. Got lots of targets around here, obviously.” He smirks and you can’t help the chuckle that pops out of your mouth. You cover it with your hand and look down, and when you glance back up he’s still looking at you with an expression you can’t place.

Eventually Kate retires to bed with the dog, Yelena shortly after. You watch TV silently with Clint for a while, occasionally looking over at him and discreetly admiring his form, sometimes giggling at a comment he makes. You actually find him kind of hot, even though he’s much older than you. His smile is endearing and you’re starting to like his stupid little mohawk. 

And Nat had loved him. If Natasha Romanoff trusted him, so could you.

With a sigh, Clint heaves himself out of his armchair, handing you the controllers. “I’m headed up to bed. If you need anything, I’m on the other side of the wall.” His fingers brush yours during the handoff, and you notice his fingertips are extraordinarily broad, the nail beds wide, nails curving up and over his fingertips just a little. “Stay up as long as you like.” 

You nod, saying you would stay downstairs a bit longer, and he turns and heads upstairs. 

You sit for a moment, then change your mind, deciding you should probably just go to sleep too. Your sleep schedule’s been a mess the past few days and you should try to get ahead of it. You pick up the book you’d selected earlier from the bookshelf and quietly ascend the stairs to not wake anyone. As you are just able to see the next floor, you realize Clint’s bedroom door is open. You screech to a halt.

He crosses in front of the doorframe, his Mohawk slicked back, clearly from washing up. You’re about to look away and dart quickly to your room next to his  when he when he appears in the doorway again, pulling his sweaty shirt off in one go, the muscles of his broad shoulders rippling as he tosses it to the side. You can hardly breathe. 

His skin is littered with scars, pajama pants slung low around his hips. Tiny little love handles, no doubt from being technically retired, dip into a narrow waist line with the faintest hint of an Adonis belt. He pulls his arms back, bending his sore spine as he cracks his back., then turns around.

Fuck.

Nevermind. He still looks good. Really good. The hint of his fading abs are highlighted by the low lighting, and it’s like your highly trained brain has a mutiny on you and completely shuts down. 

Pecs. Chest hair. Abs. Little belly button. The tiniest puff of a tummy. A thick patch of hair condensing to a happy trail descending from his belly button. Arms…big hands. Holding the tee he was about to put on. You look up.

He’s staring at you.

“Oh shit! I’m sorry!” You cover your eyes and stumble towards your room, slamming the door behind you and leaning against the wood. You are absolutely mortified and you curse at yourself quietly. You’re not used to being such a fucking mess. You’d only come back from the chemical control a few days ago after being under for years. You’re still confused and turned around, your emotions all over the place and your adrenaline won’t stop pumping so hard you could feel your heartbeat in your head, your thoughts racing around so fast you think you can hear whooshing sounds from them. 

It wasn’t you. You were a Widow of the red room, a highly trained assassin. You were calm, cool, and level-headed, confident and assertive. Strong. Fierce. You were —-

A soft knocking interrupts your thoughts. You chase the noise, turning your head so your cheek rests against the wood of the door.

You hear him murmur softly through the door, but you can’t discern what he’s saying. You open the door a crack and focus on a spot behind his head, still too annoyed with yourself to make eye contact with him. 

“Hey. I’m sorry. I should have shut the door. I didn’t think you’d be right behind me.”

You sigh, still not meeting his eyes. “No, no I’m sorry. I just…changed my mind. Sorry if that was weird.”

He takes a chance, curling his fingers around the side of the door, opening it more so he can see you. The movement catches your attention, and you finally make eye contact.

You swallow, the hairs on your arms raising up over the goosebumps pebbling your skin. God, he smells so fucking good, like burnt wood and ginger soda, some top tier cologne and a little hint of sweat. It’s completely dismantling all your training and leaving you a stupid yearning mess. Something you’ve never been.

“It wasn’t. I’m just sorry you had to see my old ass body and I wanted to make sure you were okay.” 

You can’t even respond, you're still amped up from accidentally seeing him and his absolutely not too old body. He knocks twice against the door as he turns back to his room, sending you a smirk as he shuts his door behind him.

You try to sleep but you can’t, your mind won’t settle and your fight or flight is still pumping and you can’t stop thinking of Clint fucking Barton and his steely grey eyes, that stupid haircut, that patch of hair right above the incredibly visible outline of his cock through his pajama pants; can’t stop thinking about why he seems to be able to paralyze you like no one else could. 

You need to release the tension. You’re too riled up. You close your eyes and center yourself and your thoughts, your hand trailing down between your breasts to trace around the skin of your stomach before siding it under your waistband. You sigh as you reach your clit, rubbing it lightly as you seem to melt into the mattress, your other hand cupping your breast to thumb at your nipple.

You think about the way his voice rumbles out of his chest. The light smattering of chest hair that poked out of the low V neck of his tee, what it would feel like to run your fingers through it. What it would feel like to have him press against you, to kiss you so fierce your teeth accidentally clack together. To feel his nose tracing from your ear to your neck as he leaves marks and kisses all the way down. What those unique fingers would feel like inside you. The noises you could pull from him as you ride him. His forearms framing your head as he pushes into you, how you would curl your fingers around that tattoo sleeve to ground you while he fucks you relentlessly. How you would thread your fingers into his hair and muss it up, tugging on it as he makes you cum. 

You circle your clit faster, your other hand pinching your nipple harder and you grit your teeth to keep as quiet as you can, but you can’t help the low whine that comes out of your mouth when you thrust two of your fingers inside of yourself..

Hawkeye. Fucking Hawkeye. You wanted to fuck Hawkeye. You wanted him to fuck you so hard you couldn’t remember your name, leave bruises from his fingertips all over you, push his cum up inside you.

You shatter with a soft cry, slapping your hand over your mouth as the tension finally snaps. You allow yourself to lose yourself in the waves of euphoria that crest and crest and then tapers out as you gasp and shiver to recover. When you catch your breath, you force yourself up with a groan clean up before collapsing back into bed, finally relaxing enough to slip into sleep.

The house is old, and often in old houses, walls are very thin. He’d tried as hard as he could to tune it out, to cover his ears with his pillow, but your tiny, barely audible little whimpers he could hear through the wall made him so fucking hard he couldn’t resist. 

His head pushes back into his pillow as he strokes himself,  pausing for a moment to spit in his hand for extra lubrication before resuming and quickening his pace, switching to a corkscrew motion every few pumps to switch it up. He’s panting, doing a far better job than you to keep quiet and he thinks about those tiny little noises and how he wanted to make them louder, to make you cry and scream out his name, and how utterly fucking wrong that is because he is almost double your age and he’s barely known you a day. 

But he can’t stop, not when you sound so sweet, not when he thinks about you under him whimpering like that, not when he hears when you cum with a muffled cry you try so hard to smother. He cums with a low groan, finishing himself off in his hand and all over his pajama pants and stomach to the sound of you coming down off your high. 

It’s all he will allow himself. He tosses it up to needing to blow off steam, promising himself not to think of it anymore. After cleaning up and changing his pants, he curls on his side in his bed, holding a pillow to his chest to make his bed feel less lonely.

Sign up for my taglist for this one if you want! 

[joyfulhopelox]

Board-shorts and Choppy Waves | KTH

╰►Pairing: Taehyung x Reader

╰►AU: summer love, meet cute, surf, s2l, i2l

Genre: fluff, with a tiny bit of angst

Rating: pg

╰►Word count: 17.6k

Warnings: mild swearing

╰►A/N: This is my contribution to the Summer of Love Collab, a collab i had not intended to be in but it just so happened that i fell in love with the story and i had to write it, the banner really did not come out as I'd planned but such is life! But be prepared for two idiots to fall in love. Where The Holiday (summer version) meets Gidget! I want to thank @notyouroppar for being not only the most amazing person for reading this over for me but also for fuelling my hype! secondly i want to thank everyone in this collab for being amazing and last but not least i want to thank @hobipaint and @yoonjinkooked for helping me get through this and for believing in this Taehyung!

Did I use Umji as inspiration for Ye Won? Yes. Is Taehyung’s surfer squad the almost complete real life Wooga Squad? Yes. That being said, enjoy! 💜

Copyrights for the story and banner @joyfulhopelox

╰►Summary: A city girl through and through, not used to anything but the hustling and bustling of the streets. From people with phones attached to their hands, the only accompanying noise you had on your way to work was the honking of angry drivers. However, even someone with a devil-may-care attitude can be fed up with such a life. In a desperate attempt to escape, you embark on a crazy adventure that leads you to Hawaii - on a surfboard! Living under someone else’s roof, you find that this may not have been the break that you strived for when the annoying brother comes into play. Riding a wave is like riding the subway, he told you, yet why did his hand holding yours feel like riding a rollercoaster?

Between a job that kept you tied to your desk, and a job that required you to run around town, trying to please everyone and their mother with your projects, you would’ve chosen the former. Correction, now you would choose the former one.

As a bright eyed child though, you’d chosen the latter. And somewhere in between trying to meet the producers– your hands overflowing with a stack of papers which balanced a precariously placed cup of coffee, and a video call with the actor’s managers– who had the audacity to request a jacuzzi on set, you were beginning to regret the decision.

“Yes, yes. I got it!” Weaving expertly through the hectic flow of people coming out from the subway, you tried to grip the phone tighter between your ear and shoulder. “No, no, unfortunately we cannot agree to those requests.” Humming in response, your ears painfully assaulted from the other end of the line, you apologised as your shoulder bumped into another and carried on without waiting for a response. As much as you wanted to stay and apologise, you didn’t have the time. If you learned one thing in this job, it was that lateness was not viewed nicely. As a newbie in the field, your punctuality has been subject to disapproval more than once.

“We shall see what we can do about that.” Not bothering to wait for the response on the other end of the line, you ended the conversation thankful for your balancing skills. Phone now added onto the pile, you continued weaving through the flow of people coming your way. Realising you hadn’t checked the time, you urged your legs to go faster, cursing that you decided to wear heels on a busy day like this. No matter how nice they made you feel, a day spent in pain whilst trying to be efficient was not worth it.

The building where your fate was sealed seemed to loom over you. Gazing up at it you swallowed, your throat dry. You knew without conviction you would get nowhere in the industry, and so with new resolve you made your way through the glass doors. Show time.

It only took a few hours for your blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels. Ever since walking through that door, it felt like nothing went the way you’d imagined it to. The meeting that was supposed to start on time was so delayed, you had to postpone the following meeting with the agent representing your newest addition to the cast. The rest tumbled down with the speed of an avalanche. Not having signed up to run around in heels for coffee, and especially not when you were one of the people meant to pitch the new series, your feet were throbbing and your patience wore thin.

The cherry on top of the cake was the call you received at the end of the day from your boss. It wasn’t an unexpected call, but dare you say, untimely. The call was short and sharp, delivering the blows that would ultimately lead to accepting your friends’ invite for a bar night.

The bar where you usually met your friends was surprisingly empty, though you suspected it was because it was the middle of the week. The few groups that littered the area made it easy for you to spot your obnoxious pair of friends. It seemed they were already on their second round of drinks, judging by the number of empty glasses and Georgie’s animated talk.

“I swear that’s what happened!” As you made your way towards the group, you heard Kate declare her ridiculousness with sincerity as the rest laughed at her. With a roll of your eyes, you slid in next to her.

“What did I miss?” You cheerfully interrupted their storytelling, sharing ‘hello’s’ with them and the obligatory catch up of mundane stories.

Taking a careful sip out of your drink you silently observed the ruckus they created around the table, their cheerful loud voices making you smile inwardly. You missed this.

“So, Y/N, how is that promotion going for you?” Georgie leaned over the table, seemingly to make herself heard over the loud music. Yet, by the suspicious raise of her eyebrows you were aware of what she had been implying. Your almost-fling with your boss.

“Georgie – no.” You shook your head, your attempt to shut down the conversation a poor one at best. “We are not going there.” Taking another sip of your drink you tried to come up with something to deter them from prodding further.

“Oh come on!” Kate insisted, her eyes wide. “You live like a prude married to their work most of the time,” She waved you away when you tried to poke her. “The one time you aren’t and you have a small chance at dating!” She exclaimed and you reached out to cover her mouth.

“Shush it, will you? Any louder and everyone in the bar will hear about my dating plight.” You argued back, frustrated with the situation you’d landed yourself in.

“-He’s my boss.” You countered, knowing full well that if you didn’t explain at least part of your reasoning, there was no way this would end. “Plus –“ you held out your hand to stop them from interrupting you. “He already has a girlfriend.” You took another long sip of your drink, satisfied with the way their faces dropped.

Georgie, to her credit, decided to keep her opinions to herself, occupying her time with swirling her own drink around. However, Kate, whom you’d known the longest, stared at you, eyes narrowed as if trying to figure you out.

“So what was that dinner about then?” She prodded further and you sighed, dramatically lowering your glass onto the table.

“Look, that dinner–“ You leaned forwards fixing them both with your gaze, a small smile forming on your face. “Was definitely about a promotion.” You said conspiratorially.

Unprepared for the joyful hoots from your friends, you leaned back as they both scrambled to hug you. They had been your best friends since college and they knew you better than anyone, especially the struggles you had to go through to even break into the film industry and get the position you were in now. Let alone a promotion.

By no means were you in a bad position, it definitely kept you in the city, and you could afford a good two bedroom apartment near Central London. but remembering the way you had to run around for coffee, not being able to refuse tasks left a bitter taste in your mouth. Definitely this promotion would not only open more doors for you, but also allow you to say no. The joy you felt as soon as you got the call earlier that evening washed away the pain of your blistered feet, and with a renewed spring in your step you had gone to the bar to share your good news with your friends.

“Oh my God, Y/N!” Kate exclaimed, clapping her hands enthusiastically. “This is amazing, you definitely needed this! How soon will you be filling the new role?” She inquired and your mood dropped instantly, reality washing over you.

Disentangling yourself from her hug, you sighed. “It’s a possibility, it’s not yet certain.” Your voice sounded gloomy, knowing full well that a possibility was not a certainty. “I still have to see this project through.” Tapping your fingers to the side of your glass you continued. “It’s a long few months of waiting now. I have done my job, all that needs to happen now is for the rest of them to do their job.”

Georgie looked at you empathetically, she knew what you meant. She, herself, was in a similar position to you. The silence that followed between the three of you was not uncomfortable by any means. The bass of the music pounding around you kept you company, an unneeded headache. But worth it if it meant you got to talk to your friends.

“So…” She trailed off, her eyes scouring the fuller bar. “What will you be doing now?” Turning her attention back to you, she raised her eyebrows at you. “Date? Holiday?”

The question took you by complete surprise, drink still in your mouth in the midst of swallowing, you struggled to not choke. Kate patted your back, an almost sympathetic look crossed over her face, only to be quickly replaced by a smirk. “No but seriously, Y/N.” Glaring at the both of them for ganging up on you, you shrugged.

“I have no intentions to be dating, and you know that.” You pointed at them, eyes narrowed. “As for holiday…” You trailed off. You couldn’t even remember the last time you had a holiday. Sure, you took your required days off, but you never left your apartment during those days. And to be completely honest, you only used them to catch up on work you did not get to do during the week, respond to emails you didn’t get a chance to, and order the occasional takeaway with a film in the evenings. But even that could count more as work than relaxing. Being in the film industry, you rarely found yourself enjoying a production without thinking about the ins and outs that went on behind the scenes to put it all together. The thought of an actual holiday has never even crossed your mind.

“-I do take holidays.” You weakly argued, but when you met the girls’ eyes you shrugged noncommittally. “Look, I can’t afford to.” You simply provided. That reason seemed to be enough to quieten them both, until Kate jumped up.

“I know!” She exclaimed, her palm slapping the table hard. “How about a house exchange?”

You stared at her oddly, wondering how much she’d had to drink, but she didn’t seem flushed, nor to be staggering on her feet. Instead of insulting her with questions about her sobriety you waited for her to explain herself. “You know, like, the ones where you do it through an agency.” She supplied, but at your furrowed eyebrows she sighed. “Kind of like an AirBnB, but this one is about you contacting a person who is willing to exchange their horse for a short period of time, and you are providing them with yours as a payment.”

At her explanation, your eyes went wide with surprise, your mouth hanging open. “Wha-?” It baffled you, the idea that someone would willingly not only supply you with their house, their sanctuary, but also they would agree to come and live in a stranger’s house. “What sort of scam is this?” You finally settled.

“It’s not a scam!” Georgie jumped in, the tone of her voice betraying her excitement. “My friend did it, and she loved it!” You watched her with a careful eye, trying to decide if both of your friends had had too much to drink. At your unconvinced look, Georgie sighed.

“Look, it’s worth thinking about it, you get to see pictures of the house first, and also talk to the owner beforehand. It’s not like you have no contact with them before you even get there.” She stated, carefully watching your expression turn thoughtful. As much as you enjoyed the idea of being able to live in someone else’s house, without paying too much for it, you had trust issues. You couldn’t just let anyone in your own home, just like that.

“Is there insurance? What about a contract? Will I be able to go anywhere? What if they steal something?” Before you could continue with your incessant worries, Kate interrupted you, a hand on your arm.

“Of course, there is insurance. This is all done through an agency, it is not like you email a stranger out of the blue-” At your unconvinced expression she carried on. “And there is a contract, and background checks, and you do get to pick which place you want to choose.” She breathed a loud sigh. “Look, Y/N, this may be a good time for you to take a break.” She patted your arm as if that would have convinced you that what she was saying was true.

Well, it was true, but they both knew you were a workaholic. It would take more than that to get you to let go of your responsibilities and take care of yourself first. Georgie followed Kate’s suit, her words sealing your fate.

“And you don’t want to date, so this is the best way to make sure that you take care of your own needs first.” Your alarmed expression made her continue. “You need a break, you have nothing else to do but wait, all you will do is worry and fret.” She waved her hand around as if to disperse the worries and fears mentioned.

“And-” Georgie leaned forward as if to share a secret and you mirrored her movement. “Think about it this way, you’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii.” She smirked and you let your mouth drop, her idea already a seed in your mind.

She was right, Hawaii has always been a place you wanted to visit, never having the time or money to do so. This would be perfect for you. Still worried you nodded your head, enough for her to lean back a satisfied look on her face. She knew her job was done, but she couldn’t help but add. “And you never know, you may find your Surfer Charming there.” Georgie wiggled her eyebrows at you making Kate laugh and you narrowed your eyes at her, an offended look on your face.

“Georgie!” You then realised what she implied earlier. “Also, how does dating have anything to do with me taking a break?” You sounded indignant, and the three of you burst out laughing.

It took a few weeks for you to remember this conversation. They had been right, all you did during that period was fret, wait, and call people more than once trying to figure out if everything was going on as planned. These calls earned you more than a few groans and even some rejected your calls after the tenth time you tried to reach them within a day.

Deciding you’d had enough of your own brain, you chanced a look at the website Kate mentioned. The sight of all the reviews made you breathe out easier, of course you were going to head there first, the need to know how legit this whole business was too strong for you to get caught up in the lovely pictures littering the website. Once satisfied with the reviews you then let yourself fall into the hole, sinking in deep, and by the time dinner rolled round you had a few options you were considering as a potential. One in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Hawaii.

You bit your lip, this was one of the hardest decisions you had to make, the idea of doing this frightening. Needing more encouragement, you decided to call Kate once more to get her opinion on it, but before you could hit the dial, something caught your eye. The Hawaii exchange, the person in the bio stated they would prefer an exchange with someone from your own town, boring old London. Scrolling through the pictures once more, the airy feel of the house, along with the art that was tastefully decorating the space drew you in more and more. What sealed the deal in your eyes though, was the last picture, a view of a grand pool, the flowers that were scattered all around the garden giving you the feel of the paradise you craved. In the background the view of the ocean and the waves eased your worries and made your eyes glisten with hope. This was it.

Cursor over the email address, you read the name once more before you smiled to yourself.

‘Dear Ye Won,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing in regards to the home exchange; I happened to come upon your one and I was instantly drawn to it….’

The morning came quicker than you expected, the sound of your alarm blaring throughout the airy beach house jolting you out of bed in an unpleasant manner. You cursed at the inanimate object for not only waking you up, but for being the reason you had to move out of your comfortable spot under the duvet to turn it off. Deciding your joints were not in pain today was an easy feat, you didn’t crumple to the ground like you had previously and you could turn your head without feeling like your head’s being pounded by a rock.

The flight over from London had not been a pleasant one, the crying child next to you hadn’t allowed you to close your eyes for a second. He was not at fault and you knew that, no one could last unscathed through an 18 hour flight; but, the throbbing headache you sported now was definitely blaming him. To make matters worse, the flight to Honolulu had been delayed enough that when you landed you had little to no time to spare before your flight over to Maui. You’d think that they would have more flights in a day towards such a popular destination, however, you were soon to find out that it was not the case.

Bags in hand, trying to multitask, desperately running towards what you assumed to be your gate, whilst checking the status of your flight as you passed by the information board– it was all a disaster waiting to happen. And when a disaster is waiting to happen, chances are it will. One moment you were skillfully dodging a passerby and the next you found yourself bumping into a solid chest, the wind knocked out of you. Derailed from your goal and with the pain of having bumped your nose into someone’s torso, it took you a good moment to realise what had happened.

“Tsk, look where you’re going.” The deep voice held the annoyance of someone who’d just been through a rough day, and normally you’d do your best to apologise. However, you’d had just as rough of a day and it was still not over, not to mention you were in a hurry. Pleasantries would have to wait.

“I’m late. And you could also look where you’re going.” You simply announced with a huff not bothering to look up, the tip of your nose still throbbing.

“Did I mention anything about your lateness, does it seem like I have time?” The man, judging by the voice, retaliated. You rubbed the tip of your nose to make sure that nothing was bruised before you glanced up, your eyes narrowed as the obvious rudeness of this person. The sight that greeted you was not what you’d expected, and once again, under normal circumstances you would have paused to gawk. He was beautiful, there was no other way to describe him. His light brown hair was quite shaggy, offering him an unkempt appearance, the bandana that tied around his head keeping his bangs from obstructing his eyes. And what eyes, his gaze locked onto yours, the ebony colour intensifying the coldness in them, you found yourself lost for words.

“Well, are you going to move out of the way?” He nodded his head impatiently as if that would simply remove you from his path. With those words, the bubble you were in completely dissipated, reality crashing down on you. You were still late. With a gasp, you didn’t bother responding to him; your grip tightened on your bag and you dashed around him, praying that those few minutes were not wasted and the flight hadn’t left without you.

Now, seated at the counter of the vast kitchen, a coffee cup in hand, you had time to think about the events from the airport. With a pained sigh you admitted to yourself you’d been the one in the wrong, not only having bumped into an innocent passerby, but also starting an argument with them instead of apologising and being on your merry way. You were certain that under normal circumstances you wouldn’t have reacted this way.

“Oh, well…” Muttering to yourself you took a last sip of your coffee thanking the stars the person who offered you the place had enough stocked to last you for a couple of days. Having arrived late last night, you hadn’t had the time to explore the area, let alone think about stocking up on food. To you, it felt like a holiday - and in a way you supposed it was, only you were without the ease of being in a hotel and having a restaurant at your doorstep.

The lack of traffic echoing in your ears felt unfamiliar, the stillness of the house reminding you of a horror film where the protagonist is only seconds away from being snatched. Only, you were not in an old abandoned house. One quick glance around told you a lot about the person that swapped homes with you. Their interest in art and interior design was clearly reflected in the way they had decorated the house. The rooms were wide and airy, yet the abundance of paintings and figurines scattered everywhere made it resemble an art gallery. Walking around trying to familiarise yourself with the house, you decided that this home would be your little piece of heaven for the next month. Especially when you reached the end of the house and stumbled upon a lovely back garden, the fence lined with palm trees and gardenias scattered all around a clear pool. Excitedly, you rushed back to your bedroom for your swimsuit. Exploring the area could wait a few more hours. You were on holiday, and what could be more holiday-esque than taking a dip in a pool, in Hawaii!

Deciding on the first suit that you came across, you debated whether or not you should cover yourself up until the pool, but before you could make a decision a loud thud coming from the front door jolted you.

With your heart pounding, you padded towards the corridor at the sound of a voice yelling “Ye Won! Open up!” as they kept pounding against the wooden door. Aware that it was not your house and afraid for the door’s hinges you ran to respond.

In a rush to get to the door before the person on the other end broke in, you had completely forgotten to cover yourself up. When the thought suddenly occurred to you, it was already too late. You had the front door wide open ready to greet whoever was one the other side.

“Thank God you responded I was ready to break the door- What the fu-” A deep voice greeted you and you couldn’t help but stare dumbfounded at the man standing in front of you. A very handsome man. His ebony eyes and light brown coloured hair looked too familiar for your liking.

“You- the airport- what?” He sputtered pointing at you, rubbing his eyes as if he was unable to believe the sight before him- and what a sight you were.

You felt as if the proverbial rug had been swept from under your feet. Once his words finally registered in your head you realised the promiscuous position you were in. Not only was the stranger you almost assaulted at the airport in front of you, but you were also standing there on display in a bikini. Your attempt to calm yourself down was futile, the adrenaline coursing through your veins giving way to your fight or flight reflexes. And you chose flight. With a shrill scream you didn’t think twice before slamming the door in his face, your heart threatening to pound out of your chest.

“Fuck.” What was he doing here?

You didn’t know how long you spent leaning on the door, heart in your throat, your mind devoid of any rational thought but when another pounding vibrated through you, it broke you out of your daze. Jumping up, you shook yourself off from any theories as to why the stranger you argued with in the airport could be there. Making sure you were presentable, with a trembling hand you reached for the door, hesitating.

“Open up!” With another loud pound against the wooden material that made you jolt away from the door, the man carried on yelling. “Open up or I am using the key, and I don’t care about whatever various states of undress you are in!” His voice turned dark towards the end, the huskiness in it making you shiver involuntarily. You weren’t a pushover, so with the intention to get him straight you swallowed your pride and opened the door abruptly, catching him mid knock.

“What do you want? Who are you and what are you doing here?” Tapping your foot impatiently, you resisted the urge to look at him more than necessary. Just like you did at the airport, you found him incredibly attractive. With his ruffled dark locks - this time tied in a bun at the top of his head, another bandana keeping the strays away from his face. His light coloured shirt contrasted greatly with his slightly tanned smooth skin and the boardshorts he was wearing were giving away a bit too much for your imagination to not run wild on you.

Mouth wide open, he didn’t offer you the same consideration, his eyes raking over your covered form, his intense dark gaze making you shift on spot. Arms crossed around your chest in an attempt to preserve your decency, you narrowed your eyes at him. “You come here, almost breaking the door down and don’t even have the decency to introduce yourself to the person living here?” You asked pointedly, your tone sharp, the annoyance clear in your voice.

“Just as you did when you bumped into me yesterday?” He was quick to retaliate, his stance mirroring yours. No one said anything for a few seconds, the air around you felt charged with electricity as you tried your hardest to not stray away from his dark brown eyes. You cocked an eyebrow mockingly, daring him to be the first one to break the staring match.

“Taehyung.” He conceded after a few more seconds, the weight of your stare too dangerous for his imagination. He had to admit you were beautiful, and the sight of your angered state made you even more attractive in his eyes. Deciding it was a biased opinion, he put it down to the fact that this is the only way he’s seen you up until then. The fiery glint in your eyes accentuated by rosy cheeks from the blood rushing to your face in anger.

Hearing his response and accepting it as defeat, you lowered your arms, a satisfied smirk on your face. But before you could loudly announce your win, he carried on, his response nailing you on the spot. “And this is my sister’s house.”

Eyes wide, you gaped at him. “This is what now?” You couldn’t believe your ears, his words ringing in your head as dread washed over you. “You mean to say, you live here?” You felt the telltale signs of anger readying a harsh email back towards the woman who exchanged houses with you.

Taehyung’s eyes widened, the preposterous idea making him guffaw. “What? No!” He was quick to refute. The clear panic in his voice at the thought was enough to make you sigh in relief, sending a mental apology towards Ye Won. “I’m here to see Ye Won, are you the maid?” He looked you up and down thoughtfully. “She did say she was going to get a maid, but if she’s not home I wouldn’t go around gallivanting–“ He pointed at the shift covering you, “up and down like this.”

With an indignant huff you wondered if Ye Won would be ok with you breaking her brother’s nose. Having exchanged emails with her for the better part of a month, you discovered she was not only a genuinely nice person but also considerate as she made sure to walk you through not only the house’s quirks, but also different customs in Hawaii and things to do to occupy your time. Though, you thought eyeing Taehyung with distrust, not that considerate.

“So–“ Taehyung glanced inside, his height making it easy for him to do so without struggling too much. “Where’s Ye Won?”

Scoffing at him you prepared to close the door in his face. “She’s not here, she’s in London.”

If you weren’t so annoyed at his earlier indiscretion you would’ve laughed at the way his face fell, mouth agape. “What do you mean she’s in London? Then why are you here?” He pointed at you accusingly.

“Look, it’s my first day here and I would like to spend it in a meaningful way.” You threw him a pointed look alluding to his behaviour from earlier. “If you want more details I am sure your sister can give them to you.” You placed a hand on his chest, pausing at the feel of muscle underneath your palm. Shaking yourself out of it, you reminded yourself you didn’t know this person, nor did you want to. “Now if you will excuse me.” You lightly pushed him out the doorway before shutting the door in his face.

“What a character.” You muttered, your thoughts completely taken over by the excitement awaiting you for the day.

“Kate, I’m telling you, it’s all fine. I have a long list Ye Won gave me of things to do.” Phone pressed to your ear, you reassured your friend on the other side of the ocean.

“And?” She inquired and paused hoping for more information from you. When the pregnant pause extended she sighed exasperated. “Y/N! Come on, you’re in Hawaii! What about any hot guys?”

You laughed at her, only for your thoughts to drift to the ponytailed devil you’ve met earlier. “Mnope.” You drawled, occupying yourself with the flowers in the garden. “Nothing worth mentioning.” At the whine on the other end, you felt the need to defend yourself. “Kate! I’ve only been here for a night! There is no way I could’ve met anyone in this amount of time. And also–“ you raised your voice trying to mask the blatant lie you just told her. “I am not here to meet anyone. I am here to relax.”

Kate snorted, the thought of you and relaxation in one sentence amusing to her. “You mean you will actually not think about work? Check emails? Fret about details?”

“Shhh, I know what you are trying to do.” You laughed at her ridiculousness. “Yes, I will rest. And no, I will not be hunting any men.” You added ending the call before she could speak her mind about your personal choice of staying single.

On second thought, you had absolutely no clue what you wanted to do. Going over the list Ye Won so kindly provided for you, you felt overwhelmed. It wasn’t that you weren’t any good with lists, you lived for them, your job relied on them more than you cared to admit. This list though, entailed you relaxing and having fun, two concepts which you’ve rarely experienced since leaving university.

“Not this,” your finger skimmed over the list, making a mental note to ask Ye Won what exactly did ‘going mental at the Sailor Jerry Festival’ meant. “Aha! Beach!” You exclaimed, face lighting up with excitement. “I know how to do that!” Glancing underneath the list of beaches your eyes caught her suggestion of what to do on said beaches. “Should I–?”

Smiling lightly to yourself, you nodded. Surfing. Look for Hyung Sik. Giddy at the thought of doing something out of the norm, you imagined what Katie and Georgie would say if they knew. Gathering your things you decided it was worth a try, if only to get yourself familiarised with the area and walk to the beach. Well, surf’s up I guess.

The road to the beach was littered with stalls ready to exhibit the best of what Hawaii had to offer, and you spent more than you had planned just in awe at the multitude of colours around you. The music and the atmosphere surrounded you fully, and you happily immersed yourself in the experience. For the first time in forever you felt free, the breeze coming from the ocean soothing your worries.

After a journey that took you an hour longer than intended, you reached the beach, your eyes scouring for the hut Ye Won mentioned. Past the showers, down towards the Surfer’s Den bar, you tried to remember the instructions written on the paper. Feet buried in the soft sand, your eyes wandered towards the way the soft waves broke as they reached their final destination, the music of the sea lulling you into a daydream.

“Yo-” The sound of someone yelling broke you out of your daze and you craned your neck to catch a glimpse of the source. “You’re gonna run into the tables.” Finally spotting the man waving at you, you stopped, your brain registering what he was trying to tell you. Looking around confusedly, you realised you were a few centimetres away from slamming into one of the tables that belonged to the bar.

“Oh,” squinting, you waved back to the man in thanks when your eyes caught the sign above his head. “Surf’s up.” You mumbled to yourself before your eyes lit up in recognition. “Oh! This is it!” You quickened your pace, hoping to reach the hut before you had the chance to change your mind. The man had his back towards you now, too preoccupied with a surfboard, the sheer size of it making you gulp.

“Uhm, excuse me.” You tried, your voice cracking. You didn’t know why you suddenly turned shy, you were used to talking to big names, people who could eat you for breakfast, you never faltered once. Why were you all of a sudden becoming a wallflower?

With new resolve, you tried again, your voice a notch higher. “Excuse me, are you Hyung Sik?” You asked as the man suddenly turned around, almost clocking you in the face with his elbow.

“Oh shit, I'm sorry.” He apologised, seeing your disgruntled expression. “No bubs, I’m not name’s Woo Sik.” Your heart sighed in relief at this, you could come another time, you promised yourself. But before you could turn around and run for the hills like you’d planned to, the man carried on, crushing your escape plan. “But he’s inside, I can bring him out for you.”

You wanted to tell him no and that it’s okay, but before you could utter a word he had already gone back inside, coming out with another person behind him. Wait. Another two people behind him. Were all the guys in Hawaii this hot? You questioned, the sight of their handsome faces making you freeze on spot.

“Here she is.” The man you spoke to before, Woo Sik, turned to one of the men following behind him. You assumed him to be Hyung Sik and you turned towards him, prepared to stick a hand out in greeting.

“Oh shit man, she is beautiful.” The man exclaimed and before you could decide whether you were flattered at the compliment or alienated by the thought of them talking about you behind your back, he rushed towards you, and pulled you into a friendly hug.

“Welcome to Surf’s up. I’m Hyung Sik, I’m assuming you are looking for a teacher?” He let go of you, hand still on your shoulder and you raised your eyebrow at him.

“What makes you think that, I could just be–“ you glanced at the sign behind him that read boards for hire. “Looking to hire a board...”

Hyung Sik looked you over for a second and you fought the urge to squirm under his gaze. “No offence bubs, but you look like a city person. We had one of them once,” he turned towards his friends and chuckled, “he’s a pro surfer now but, man, you city bros are so easy to read.”

The comical way in which he threw his hands up in mock frustration made you burst out laughing. You knew you should’ve taken offence at what he said, but you couldn’t find it in you. He seemed too genuine in his opinion for it to be an insult. And it’s not like he was wrong.

“Right, yes, I am looking for a teacher.” You nodded, sheepishly.

“Well bubs, I would love to be yours, I have a feeling you’re a cool one, but unfortunately I have some business I need to take care of.” He sighed dramatically.

“Oh don’t I know that.” You laughed, preparing yourself to leave once more, the hope in your heart rekindled. If he was busy you would definitely have to come again later. “Well– Ye Won’s suggestion will have to wait then.” You spoke to yourself.

“Ye Won.” The man whom you haven’t been introduced to spoke, eyes gleaming with surprise. Hyung Sik let out a loud laugh at his friend’s obvious behaviour. The man was handsome, his crooked smile and short hair giving him an air of youth that you deemed attractive. But judging by his reaction, he was already spoken for so with a shrug you nodded.

“Hush man,” Woo Sik laughed, slapping his friend over the back, the sound of it making you wince. “This lovesick fool is Seo Joon. He may be handsome, but he’s a tool.” He filled you in.

You laughed, your eyes tearing up. Between your pearls of laughter and the men’s bickering you missed the new addition to your group. “Don’t worry, I deal with tools more than I care to admit.” You winked in Seo Joon’s direction, your eyes catching sight of the man behind him. “Speaking of tools- Taehyung“ you muttered rolling your eyes. The men looked at you confusedly, before said man made his presence known.

“Y/N. You're stalking me?” He took a step towards you, the smirk on his face infuriated you.

“Perfect timing, Taehyung.” Hyung Sik wound his arm around Taehyung’s shoulders. “You got a new student.” He looked at his friend pointedly, and you had a feeling it was not a request as much as it was a command.

Taehyung prepared himself to object before you stepped in. “Oh no no, it’s ok. I can come back another time.” You tried to escape out of it, the prospect of having Taehyung as an instructor was not sitting well with you.

“Nonsense. He may be an ass, but he’s the best surfer we have.” Seo Joon smiled at you reassuringly before he lightly kicked his friend in the shin. “Stop staring.” He said amusedly, bringing your attention back to Taehyung.

“He may be a good surfer.” You said unconvincingly, “but that doesn’t make him a good teacher.” You shrugged at Taehyung’s now offended expression.

“Ohhhh I like her, can we keep her?” Woo Sik laughed, throwing his arm around your shoulders making you blush.

Taehyung looked pointedly at his friend’s arm around you before he grabbed your forearm and pulled you to him. “Fuck off Woo Sik. I’ll show you a good teacher.”

Before you could protest, he pulled you away, marching towards the side of the hut, you in tow. His friends’ laughter and teasing comments from behind were not lost to your ears. “Careful Taehyung, you may end up drowned in the ocean.”

“Right, first, you need to-” Taehyung started, only to realise he had been speaking into thin air, your form already ahead of him, ready to reach the water. “Oi!” He yelled after you, the panic settling into his heart. The waves were too dangerous for you to get in there straight away. Sprinting he ran as fast as he could, grabbing your shoulder right before you could reach the edge of the sand. “What do you think you are doing?” He huffed, trying to catch his breath.

Looking in between him and the water confusedly, you pointed at it as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “I’m uh, taking a dip?” You stared at him, eyes narrowed. “What do you think you’re doing?” You pointed at him, his shirt having unbuttoned after his mad sprint. You would’ve lied if you said it wasn’t distracting, the sight of his collar bones drawing imagery in your head you didn’t wish to have.

“Hyung Sik gave me you as a student, and we are going to learn how to surf. And this” he pointed at you, giving you a chastising look as if you were a petulant child, “is not how you do it.”

“Did I agree with you being my teacher?” You huffed, the idea of being alone with him, in water not sitting well with you. “You can learn how to surf, I will just enjoy my time swimming until someone else is available to teach me.”

Taehyung stared at you, your stubbornness shocking him into silence. “Y/N, you’re a bore.” He shrugged and you gaped at him, offended by what he was implying.

“I am not!” You almost stomped your foot, only stopping yourself when you remembered you were a grown adult not a child. “I can have fun, thank you very much.” Taehyung cocked his eyebrow, the unconvinced expression on his face spurring you on in an attempt to defend yourself. “I once went rock climbing!” You proudly declared, hoping that this would be enough to redeem yourself. You didn’t know why you felt the need to prove him wrong, but the impulse had been there ever since you met him.

“Oh, right. And let me guess, you’ve never done it again after that?” He teased you, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Feeling the need to defend yourself you almost lied, ready to tell him that you had done it multiple times after that, but in reality you knew it was not true. So with your head slightly lowered you mumbled a response.

“Ah, I knew it. Tell you what?” He proposed and you looked up at him, your breath catching in your throat. The way the morning sun caught his brown eyes, making them sparkle, made him look devilishly handsome in your eyes. If it was not for his attitude, you would have probably went for Georgie’s advice and tried to flirt, but this was a hopeless case. “I will make you lose that stuck up city shell in a couple of days.” He proposed, the smug smile on his face egging you on.

You didn’t know what possessed you to agree with it, it may have been your desire to prove him wrong, it may have been your guilty pleasure of being near him, but you readily grabbed his hand and shook it, sealing the deal.

“Fine. Now-” You looked at the ocean, the prospect of being on them on a plank making you gulp. “Where do we start?” You glanced at him, the defiance replaced with uncertainty. You were out of your element, and you were ready to admit that.

Taehyung stifled a laugh at your constipated expression, his heart warming at the thought of you placing his trust in him, regardless of your previous encounters. “Not here, City Girl.” He winked, his hand still in yours, he pulled you further in. “We need to get you used to being on the board first. And those waves will do nothing but swallow you whole.” He pulled you towards the sand, his board already placed on it in position.

“Oh so you are not putting me on a plank in the sea like pirates do huh?” You jokingly nudged him, shoulders more relaxed at the thought of being on land for the time being. Taehyung couldn’t help but laugh at your joke and as he motioned for you to stand on the board he added.

“Nah, we only make you walk the plank as an experienced surfer. For the moment you are a swabby.” He nudged you with his shoulder, making you lose your balance. “Oh lord, we need to work on that.” He sighed and you whined indignantly.

“I was not prepared! I swear my balance is better than that.” Trying to prove him wrong you went to get yourself back into position, only to miscalculate how soft the sand underneath your feet was. With a loud yelp you hurtled towards him, hand barely grazing his shoulder in a futile attempt to steady yourself, and you landed painfully on your knees. Mortified at having displayed such graceful behaviour in front of him you groaned.

“Told you.” Taehyung smiled at you and offered his hand to help you up. Pulling you back onto your feet, you steadied yourself and before the smell of him combined with the scent of the beach could throw you into a daze, you stepped away from him with an awkward cough.

“So what do I do?” You could have cursed yourself for sounding so shy, but the nerves that were piling ever since you arrived at the beach got the better of you. Smirking at you, Taehyung pulled you back onto the board.

“Well, now that I’ve witnessed you fall for me once, let’s work on your balance.” Gaping at his brazen attitude you bit back a snarky remark, settling for cursing him under your breath as you deliberately stepped on his feet.

The rest of the day, you spent in agonising pain, your feet on the board and the sun beating down on your back, your mind muddled with thoughts of the man who happened to have lost his shirt due to the heat, as he put it.

“So we are done?” You couldn’t help but blink at him in gleefulness. The prospect of being near him for longer than necessary made your heart beat out of your chest.

Taehyung laughed at your hopeful expression, undecided whether the small bursts of happiness he felt were because he was just about to burst your bubble or if it was something else.

“Oh no, this is not a one time lesson.” He picked up the surfboard, his warm hand on your naked lower back pushing you towards the ocean.

“We are going to be here for a while.” He smiled at you innocently, and your breath caught in your throat as he leaned down, his breath fanning over your face with a carefree expression. “Every day.” Oh shit.

The morning came too quickly, and you struggled to get yourself out of bed. The prospect of getting more bruised and battered than you were already was not an incentive. Thinking of the previous days of activities reminded you of the man that promised you a fun week. Taehyung drove you up the wall in more ways than one. Half the time you didn’t know whether you wanted to throttle him or kiss him; his demeanour giving you whiplash every time you argued with him. You couldn’t say you had a normal conversation with him since you’d met. First, the airport where he more than readily called you an asshole, then his first appearance at his sister’s house when he called you a maid. The tip of the iceberg were the surfing lessons he’d been roped into by his friends.

Lessons where he insulted you and your skills, whilst his hands were resting on your naked skin, as he tried to steady you on the board. Remembering how his slender hands held you by your naked waist as he barked at you to hold yourself up all but made you groan in frustration. How could such an attractive man have such a sour personality? You couldn’t explain it to yourself, especially when his friends seemed to be the nicest people you’d ever met.

Thinking about their interactions, the brotherly link between all of them, the way Taehyung interacted with them, his carefree attitude and boyish smirk as they teased each other about one thing or another - gave you even more of a headache. Seeing him like this made you realise that there was more underneath the front he put up when talking to you, and you would be lying to yourself if you said his blaise attitude towards life didn’t draw you in.

A knock at the door broke you out of your thoughts, and you scrambled to get out of bed, your foot getting caught. Stumbling, you didn’t think twice about the way you looked, or the fact that you had just woken up; you headed straight towards the front door, opening it.

“Are you going to make it a habit to present yourself in the worst ways possible?” Taehyung’s amused tone greeted you and you yelped, the urge to shut the door once more too strong. But before you could give into the impulse, his foot stuck through the doorway and he slipped inside before you could do anything.

Humming quietly to himself, he made his way towards the pool as if this was his own home. In a way you supposed it was. “Uh, want some coffee?” You offered and he waved you off, not bothering to answer as he slipped outside. You rolled your eyes at his behaviour and turned around towards the kitchen for a much needed coffee, but not before you made a beeline for the bathroom to make yourself presentable.

A few good minutes later, most of which was spent in the bathroom rearranging your hair, you made your way towards the back of the house towards the garden. The early morning air, spiced by the fresh smell of the ocean with floral hints from the gardenias in full bloom, made you smile. Your tense posture relaxed as you sipped your coffee. You took in the bright yellows reflecting in the sky, and the pool which housed a bare chested man.

Sputtering, you coughed out your mouthful of coffee, almost tempted to rub your eyes in case what you saw was a mirage made up by your tired brain. What was Taehyung doing in your pool? His back was towards you and you took the time to observe the way his muscles strained against his sun kissed skin. Mouth hanging open you gulped, the sight of his bare back too much for your brain to handle.

You glanced away before you cleared your throat loudly to get his attention. “Care to tell me what you are doing in the pool?” You questioned, your eyes observing the bushes of manfern. You waited for a full minute before you got a verbal reply, the splashing sounds coming from the side an indication of him approaching you.

“Care to tell me who you’re talking to?” He mocked, your stubbornness amusing him. Pushing himself out of the pool as you turned around to give him a piece of your mind was a disaster waiting to happen. Your words caught in your throat, the sight of his bare chest and water dripping down it reminding you of how lackluster your dating life had been until then.

“Fu- You of course.” You exclaimed, your brain struggling to form a full sentence without a swear word in between.

Taehyung enjoyed the way your cheeks flamed red, the sight of your flustered face made him as amused as it did aroused, with the knowledge that he had been the one to make you that way. “Then, is there a reason you are not looking at the person you are addressing?” He couldn’t help himself, the need to tease you further overweighing everything else. Your reactions were gold to him and he planned to make the most of it.

“Is there a reason you’re naked?” You shot back, your eyes narrowed.

“I went for a swim.” He replied calmly as if you were missing the obvious. “Plus I am not naked, I'm wearing shorts.” He motioned towards his lower half and you couldn’t help but follow his movements, your eyes stuck on his narrow waist and happy trail leading towards imagery you’d rather have not thought of. You redirected your gaze at him, his smirk making you want to clock him in the face.

“Amazing.” You muttered not sure exactly what you may have been referring to. “Now that you are out the pool, can you put a shirt on?” You made a point by grabbing the towel sitting innocently on the back of the lounge chair and throwing it at him. Desperate to change the subject you hurriedly added. “What are you doing here this early? I thought we were meeting at the beach.”

Taehyung struggled not to laugh at your plight and instead he shrugged nonchalantly. “We were, but the waves are wild today. There is no way it’s safe for any of us out there.” He toweled himself and you tried your hardest to keep your eyes trained on his face instead of his well defined abs. “Thought it would be best if we went rock climbing instead.”

His proposition was enough to make you forget his state of nakedness, and you gaped at him. “Definitely not!” You shook your head, arms crossed in defiance. “Nuh-uh, no way.”

“Why are you being such a sourpuss?” He demanded, hands crossed over his chest and you tried your hardest not to stare. The sunrise was casting its rays over the two of you, causing the sheen of sweat and water clinging to his tanned skin to glisten. His stance did nothing to help with your staring, or your desire to reach out and run your hands over his bicep, if only to prove whether or not his skin was as soft as it looked.

With a hard gulp, you forced your gaze away from his naked chest, praying that he hadn't noticed the way it lingered there for a second too long. Locking eyes with his amused ones, the tick at the corner of his mouth suggested otherwise and you felt yourself flush. Mortified at having been caught ogling at the person you’ve readily declared to dislike. His words barely registered in your head as you bristled, “I am not a sourpuss.” You declared, copying his stance, arms crossed over your chest a defiant glint in your eyes.

Taehyung wondered if you realised that your position accentuated your bikini clad upper body. His mouth suddenly became dry as he tried not to stare at the way your breasts pushed upwards, or think how much the blush still dusting your cheeks made him want to act on impulse and kiss you senseless. As rough and blunt as you’d been until then, he couldn’t deny his attraction towards you, your wit and honesty drawing him in.

“I am just cautious.” You were quick to defend yourself, interpreting his stare as his rebuttal towards what you’d just declared. “I don’t like heights.” You mumbled, your arms dropping to your side, turning your gaze towards your feet.

Taehyung’s gaze softened, a small smile flitting over his face before he straightened himself and with a hard tone he replied, “It’s not that high, and you literally decided to ride waves without a second thought. With this at least you have a harness and protection.” He motioned towards the angry wall of water, its height and aggressiveness the only reason why he decided to forego his lessons for the day. He looked at the waves wistfully; for him it would have been the perfect time to ride. Throwing a glance in your direction he shook the thoughts away. You weren’t ready for this, and if turning his back towards the session meant keeping you safe, then he would do it without a second thought. He wouldn’t let you know though, your clear distaste for anything remotely caring coming from him had been made clear earlier that week.

Sighing you nodded, he was right. Gathering your last bit of courage, you straightened yourself, shoulders square staring him straight in the eyes. “Okay, let’s do this.”

Taehyung nodded at you, the desire to take your hand to comfort you was strong, your quivering lip giving away the nervousness underneath the bravado. To prevent himself from further scaring you away, he stuffed his hands inside his pockets and motioned with his head towards his car. “Let’s go then.”

****

The sight of the tall wall in front of you made you gulp, rampant thoughts of how you were going to fall running through your head.

“You scared?” Taehyung asked, his eyes searching yours. At the discomfort he found in them he smiled ruefully. “You’re scared.” He declared and you huffed at him, puffing your cheeks.

“I am not!” You stomped your foot in discontent, closely resembling a child, and Taehyung couldn’t help but laugh. Realising what you’ve done you relaxed your stance before you slowly nodded. “I’m not good with heights.” You mumbled, admitting this to him made you feel ashamed and you couldn’t bring yourself to look him in the eyes.

Taehyung cleared his throat, berating himself for making you feel self conscious. His intention was to plan an activity that you would not only find fun, but also liberating, not to make you feel inadequate. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with not being good with heights!” He said but you still looked unconvinced. He stopped, his mind trying to find a way to make you feel better. “Ah, did you know I was terrified of water?” At your surprised stare it was his turn to blush. Sharing information not many people knew about him, not even his closest friends, made him nervous.

“You? No way?” Your mouth dropped incredulously. Having witnessed him in the water, you could have sworn he was born in it. “But...you’re so good!” At his sheepish nod you smiled at him, the thought of having knowledge about something so personal to him made you feel warm, a wave of affection washing over you.

“But don’t tell the guys, I’ll never hear the end of it.” He whined and you couldn’t help but laugh at him, the tense atmosphere disappearing into thin air.

“So how did the mighty Kim Taehyung end up loving the water?” You inquired, enjoying the conversation that ensued between the two of you. For the first time since having met him, you spent your time admiring the boyish grin and carefree attitude directed only towards you instead of afar.

****

“Oh my god Taehyung, stop!” You laughed, unable to control your amusement at his actions. Taehyung smiled softly to himself, your laughter echoed in his brain like a song on repeat. Turning towards you with a silly smile he motioned towards the front.

“You ready?” The queue was getting smaller and smaller and you were becoming more and more nervous. Your palms began sweating, and you were certain the feeling of stickiness running down your spine was not just the sun beating down onto your naked back. The encouraging chants in your head weren’t doing a good job of keeping your anxiety at bay anymore and the churning in your stomach was a telltale sign of nausea.

“Y/N, seriously, please stop.” Taehyung grabbed your hands, and you jolted not having realised the tight hold you had on the straps of your bag. Ignoring the warmth of his smooth long fingers prying yours away from each other, you bit your lip, the butterflies in your stomach kicking up a flurry. You could’ve sworn they weren’t there at the beginning, the churning in your stomach feeling different from before. Refusing to glance his way, you kept your eyes locked onto the wire that could be your potential demise. The sight of it combined with the shouts from the people going down was doing nothing to calm your nerves. You didn’t even notice when you allowed Taehyung to interlink your fingers together, or when you gripped his hand tightly in a desperate attempt to ground yourself– but he did.

Taehyung’s gaze flitted towards your hands, the feel of your tight hold on his hand drawing his attention. For a second he allowed himself the illusion of hope, but as soon as he saw the paleness of your skin he quickly acted, afraid you may end up puking before the fun had even begun.

“Come on, we can leave if you want to.” He pulled at your hand gently, the action making you aware of your own deathgrip on his. You let your hand drop, acting as if his touch has burnt you. It may just as well have, the feeling of his warm hand on yours persisted, even after you’d separated.

Chancing a look at the wire and attempting to calculate the distance between it and the ground you hesitated. Your body was screaming at you to turn around, your fear of heights making you tremble on spot. Yet your brain kept reminding you that Taehyung was there, and you wanted to look brave in front of him- if only to prove him wrong. You knew how to have fun.

Hesitating to look him in the eye, you shook your head hoping he wouldn’t be able to read your body language. The urge to grab his hand for comfort was strong, but instead you satisfied it by gripping your shorts tightly. The line moved slowly, and with each step you took closer towards the front you felt the intensity of your trembling knees. Your mouth felt stuffed with cotton balls, and you prayed that Taehyung couldn’t see the way your hands were shaking.

Taehyung observed you for a few seconds, his thoughts at war with each other. On one hand he wanted nothing more than to grab your hand and lend you his strength, on the other, he knew that you would not accept it. Your pride was too strong to accept any consolation from him. However, when he caught sight of your hands almost ripping the pockets of your shorts he made a quick decision to reach out for your hand once more, his strong grip not allowing you to pull away from him even if you wanted to.

Not like you wanted to, as soon as you felt his fingers intertwined with yours, you gulped. Your first reaction was to pull your hand away, but the way his thumb absentmindedly drew patterns on the inside of your wrist made you pause. Was your pulse raised because of your fear of heights, or was it something entirely different this time?

Your fretting thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a cheerfully familiar voice shouting both your names from across the road. “Yo! What are you doing ‘round these parts?” You turned around to face Seo Joon, surprised to discover the question was aimed at you instead of Taehyung. Confused as to why he’d address you first, you pointed to yourself questioningly.

“Yes, you.” Seo Joon laughed. “This loser’s quirks don’t phase me anymore.” He motioned with his thumb towards Taehyung, whose face resembled a perfect picture of a tomato.

Before an argument could break out between the two friends you readily replied, “I uh, Taehyung decided that the waves are too dangerous today, so he brought me here instead.” You shrugged, not meeting Seo Joon’s careful gaze. You didn’t know why, but the way he stared at you made you shy away. He was a handsome man, and you thought that from the beginning. Not like any of Taehyung’s squad was anything but handsome, but Seo Joon’s good looks paired with his wit made you think of him more than the rest.

Your attention focused on the tips of your shoes, you missed the way the two men glanced at each other. Seo Joon’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Did he, now?” He wondered thoughtfully. “But the waves are perfect for a ride today, this sort of aggressiveness,” he stressed out the word and you looked up at him. “Is perfect for a surfer.”

With a cocked eyebrow in Taehyung’s direction, your lips curled into a smile as you turned back to reply to Seo Joon. “Oh, well, he clearly needed a break today then.” You wiggled your brows at him, mocking Taehyung’s habit of dipping out of training and his usual lateness. Leaning towards Seo Joon you whispered loudly, intended for Taehyung to hear. “Do you think he used me as an excuse to get out of it today?” You laughed when Taehyung sputtered in protest.

Seo Joon laughed along with you, the meaningful gaze towards his best friend not lost on you. “Ah, I don't think that is the case Y/N, late as he is, that boy lives riding those waves.” He pointed his thumb towards the ocean. “You should see him and how grumpy he is when we get choppy waves.” He laughed, this time it was his turn to wiggle his eyebrows at you. “I think he had something better in sight this time though.” He winked at you, and you felt the blush returning with furious vengeance. “I wouldn’t blame him.”

You knew what he wanted to imply, but the small glimmer of hope and warmth that took roots in your heart was quickly crushed by Taehyung’s rebuttal. “Don’t get ahead of yourself man, I may be able to ride the waves, but she can’t.” Before he could continue his phone beeped and he excused himself to take it.

You glanced after him, your wistful gaze making Seo Joon smirk as he elbowed you. “Don’t take him seriously, these waves are perfect for you to learn. He’s just a worrywart.”

And just like that, the warmth took hold of you once more, and you smiled hesitantly at him. “Well, if he is such a worrywart, why take me to this place knowing full well I have a fear of heights?” You shrugged, remembering where you were, the thought of hanging above ground only secured by a wire making you shudder with anxiety.

Seo Joon eyed you suspiciously and opened his mouth to say something else but before he could say anything, Taehyung clapped a hand on his back, phone in his other hand. “Ye Won asked about you.” He shrugged as if he was talking about the weather. However, the glint in his eyes and the way Seo Joon blushed made you think there was more to it that met the eye. Looking between the both of them questioningly, you decided to keep your opinions to yourself.

“Right,” Seo Joon awkwardly laughed, “it’s time for me to hit the waves.” Ducking away from Taehyung’s arm, he waved at you and did his signature handshake with Taehyung. “Oh–“ He turned to glance at you with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “To answer your question, maybe he just wanted to hold your hand and couldn’t find a better excuse.” He winked at you, disregarding the blush that took over your cheeks with a vengeance.

“Yo, what are you telling her?” Taehyung narrowed his eyes, prepared to clock his own friend if needed. He knew that Seo Joon had nothing but respect towards you, but the furious red that coloured the tip of your ears made him doubt the relationship the two of you had.

Seo Joon rolled his eyes at his friend’s possessiveness over you, and with a well placed slap landed on his back he loudly stated, “That you need to man up. Oh… and remember to tell her about the party Hyung Sik’s throwing tonight.”

“The what?” You glanced between the two, blush subsided, wondering what they had’t told you.

“Our monthly get together. Don’t worry.” He advised when he saw you bite your lip. “Woo Sik will pick you up if this one doesn’t grow a pair.” With that he disappeared as soon as he came, leaving you and Taehyung to deal with a load of unpacked baggage.

The two of you stared at each other in stupefied silence, thoughts running through your head.

“Uh–“ Taehyung mumbled, the panic of having been put on the spot by his friend rendering him speechless.

“Don’t worry, Woo Sik can come and get me.” You hurried, the heat from your blush refusing to go down. You ignored the way your heart constricted when he didn’t argue against it, and instead pulled you out of the line.

“Yeah, it’s late. Maybe we should call it a day, so you can get ready.” Taehyung didn’t know what possessed him, but hearing you accept his friend’s invite so readily made him feel bitter,

****

True to his word, Woo Sik came to pick you up, his dashing figure clad in a colourful shirt. The bright green contrasted greatly with his baby blue shorts, and you couldn’t help but laugh at him.

“What? Am I not a perfect summer vibes model?” He gestured to himself and you chuckled, shaking your head at him.

“Of course you are.” You stepped around him patting his shoulder as you went, only to come face to face with the man who occupied your thoughts earlier. “Oh–“

Taehyung smiled at you, “Hey.” He greeted with an awkward wave and you were almost tempted to pick on his lack of snark. But one look at his sheepish grin made you pause.

“Hi?” You returned the bashful grin, your heart pumping blood straight to your face, a flush making its way onto your cheeks.

“I uh, came to pick you up?” He motioned towards the car in the driveway. “Well, we did.” He added to your confused expression. “I don’t have a functioning car.” He clarified, hands running through his hair- a nervous tick you’d picked up on.

“He means to say, he totaled it earlier this month, so I'm the designated driver.” Woo Sik shook his head, turning around to walk to his car. “You coming lovebirds?” He added, smirking to himself as he heard the two of you sputter behind him. “I wanna get going before sunrise.”

****

The party involved a lot of dancing, drinking and avoiding each other. Either using a member of the squad or the toilet as an excuse, you managed to not see Taehyung for longer than a few seconds for most of the night.

Exiting through the back into the garden you took a deep breath in, the stifling atmosphere from inside felt too much to handle. The sound of crickets and birds drowned out the sound of the heavy bass coming from inside the house the further you walked away from it.

“Hey.” The sudden appearance of the man you had been avoiding the whole night made you jump and you couldn’t stop the loud curse that slipped past your lips.

“Shit, I'm sorry!” He apologised, his hand grazing yours. There was a brief awkward silence as you sat down on the bench next to him and gathered the courage to speak up.

“Thank you.” You whispered, your hand pulling at his colourful shirt. This time he chose to wear a pattern, foregoing the usual creams, and you were glad for that. Pretending to observe the swirls and shapes on his top you didn’t raise your eyes to meet his. “For earlier.”

Taehyung was silent for a moment, his eyes taking in the scenery. The sight of the unusually calm ocean, baby waves breaking onto the golden shore brought him a sense of peace. He was annoyed that the waves were choppy that day, however, he did it for a reason and that was enough for him. “It’s nothing.” He shrugged hoping he sounded impassive. “You paid for a lesson which I couldn't deliver, it would’ve been a waste of time to not do this.” He shifted in his seat, the drink in his hands suddenly becoming the most interesting thing he’s ever seen.

“O-oh right, yes of course.” He was right, and you knew it, but you couldn’t help the crestfallen look on your face as you toyed with your top.

You were a fool to think that he may have done it for you. How could he, the only reaction you’d shown him since you met was anger, annoyance, and very little interest. Your city girl, devil may care attitude making you act self sufficient. Never once have you considered that it may be a hindrance. The city was ruthless, you needed to be as strong as possible to survive in the midst of a dog eat dog world. Especially in your field. There was no place for weakness. But maybe this caused you to forget the simple joys of life.

However, since coming here a couple of weeks ago; living in paradise and having the chance to discover a life outside of pavements, and the rush of the 8am crowd trying to get to work, you visibly let down your guard. Meeting Taehyung, as much of a rocky start you two have had in the beginning, ended up being a blessing in disguise. Him and his squad showed you what living outside of your head and responsibilities meant - and you couldn’t be more grateful towards them. Especially the handsome man that decided to make it his personal mission to show you what ‘living life really meant’ - as he put it.

Truth was, despite your differences at the beginning, you knew you’d developed feelings for him. Seeing his affectionate side carefully chipped away at your perfectly crafted city girl tough act. Cautiously glancing at him, you took your time to commit to memory his calm and peaceful features, the ocean breeze blowing through his hair. And as you gazed at him, the shining dots from the city around you casting their glow over the both of you, you let yourself admit you were in love. In that moment nothing else mattered, not even the hefty amount of alcohol you drank. In retrospect, it should have been a warning sign, a signal for you to stop and think about your actions.

At the time, you didn’t care, the alcohol merely liquid courage for you to do what you had always wanted to. Carefully taking a step towards Taehyung, you reached for the hand closer to you, fingers brushing over his. As soon as he froze, you did too, your breath caught in your throat, scenarios of him walking away from you running through your head. It only took a second though, for him to alleviate your worries, his hand completing the journey of yours, fingers tightly woven together.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Taehyung breathed and you looked up at him in surprise. You didn’t know whether you said it out loud, or he was a mind reader, nor did you care. Those words were all you needed to hear. With a satisfied smile you bravely pulled yourself closer to him, head leaning on his shoulder.

****

The blissful feeling that wrapped itself around your whole being as you closed the door behind you, felt like a dream. Taehyung’s hand in yours, the two of you giggling like children as you drunkenly bumped into walls, you had never felt so carefree in your life, and you basked in the feeling, somehow aware, in the back of your mind that it may not last forever. But for that night, nothing else mattered but the two of you, and the summer evening was sweetened by the taste of alcohol on your lips.

“Shhh.” You loudly whispered bursting out into uncontrollable laughter when you realised the ridiculousness of the situation. Pulling him all the way into the garden, you settled for the bench behind the main palm tree. A bench where if you say you couldn’t see the sea, but if you dared look up, you could see the stars hanging above your head. Doing exactly that, your eyes narrowed, your whole attention onto the pitch black blanket littered by jewels.

“What are you doing?” Taehyung asked curiously, when you started counting the stars out loud.

“Counting stars.” You stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You should try it.” You turned around with a soft smile on your face as the moon and stars formed a halo around you, giving you an ethereal glow.

“I–“ he ran a hand through his unruly hair, the dark brown locks reminding you of deep rich chocolate. “You are leaving soon right?” He hesitated, the words bitter on his tongue. You couldn’t find the strength to reply, the words stuck in your throat so you settled for a light nod.

The silence that settled over the two of you felt uncomfortable and you shifted, the bench you two sat on making it difficult for you to not lean against him.

“Sorry.” You mumbled, feeling the beginning of a blush wash over you. He felt hot, the smell of sun and sea clinging onto his skin and you wanted nothing more but to bury yourself into his embrace.

Taehyung’s deep inhale brought you out of your own thoughts, finding the heat emanating off of him distracting. “I wish you wouldn’t leave so soon.” He whispered under his breath, making yours hitch in your throat. You glanced at him from under your lashes, only to discover that his whole attention was on the sky above your heads.

“What are you doing?” You blinked at him, throwing back at him his question from earlier. When he turned his attention back to you, the twinkle in his eyes seemed to shine as brightly as the lights above you.

“I’m wishing on a star.” He simply said, turning his attention back to the blanket of stars, completely oblivious to how his words had shifted your world.

****

Following your blissful few days with Taehyung, reality set in with a call that was enough to bring your world to a halt. Everything seemed to be sinking down into the ocean you had come to love. As you stared at your laptop screen, the words you wrote to Ye Won the day before about still sticking around in a hotel for another few weeks felt completely moot. The thought of having to not only say goodbye to her, but also her brother, the man who showed you that life was indeed more than pavements and pay raises, brought tears in your eyes.

It felt too good to be true, and maybe in a way, it was. You lived your summer of love, as brief as it had been, it was time to return to the real world. The words that kept ringing in your head after the call you had with your manager made you fall deeper and deeper into despair. You’re fired, the project fell through. No explanation as to why this would have been the reason to fire you, nor why they were not firing anyone else that had worked on that project, the call ended and left you empty and lifeless.

“Y/N.” Taehyung’s voice reverberated through the corridor as he made his way in and broke you out of your daze. With a sniffle, you wiped the stream of tears that continued to run down your face, but it was a futile attempt as not a second later he walked into the kitchen, catching you mid sob.

“Y/N.” Taehyung was not expecting to come in and find you looking so crestfallen, the dejected look on your face was a spear through his heart. Blissfully unaware of your situation he wondered what happened. “Are you...crying?” He cautiously approached you, not knowing what to do. His instincts telling him to comfort you, he tried to touch your trembling hand but you pulled away from him with such force he had to take a step back.

“I need to go.” You stood up from the counter, your eyes locked onto the clock ticking on the wall. A good reminder that time cannot stand still for you or your fancies. Taehyung’s pained expression did little to phase you, the panic in your heart, as reality began to set in, overriding any other thought or feeling. Despite the blissful weeks you’ve had with him, being accepted by the crew you knew it was time to wake up and realise this was not your reality.

“No.” Taehyung’s determined tone made you falter, and you looked at him eyes wide open in surprise.

“What do you mean no?” You questioned him, the weight of his words hitting you like a hammer to the head.

“You have been the better part of these past few weeks, I can’t let you go just like that. Not after that night. I don’t know what happened to make you change your mind, but it is fixable.” He explained, his hopeful expression making you resent him, and most importantly yourself. You fell into the trap of summer love, where emotions explode. But just like any other explosion, once the debris settles, there is only dust and ruin left. He had done nothing wrong, if there was one person to be blamed, it would be you. It hurt to know you were the one at fault, yet he would also be paying the price for your stupidity.

“Unfortunately my life doesn’t just revolve around you, or Hawaii, or this carefree attitude. I lost my job Taehyung.” You exclaimed, putting the necessary distance in between you and him, the distance that you should have made your heart set as well. “I have to find a job now, and all my life is back in London. This is borrowed time. Not my life.”

“Can you not see me as part of your life?” He pleaded, a last desperate attempt to grasp at smoke.

“I’m sorry.” You shook your head, the heaviness that settled over your heart almost suffocating. In fact the sight of him did little to bring any good memories that you’ve had in this place, it only served as a reminder of what you couldn't have. Of what was not yours to take. “I’m sorry, I-” You paused wondering what you were doing, why were you bartering your heart like that. You cared for him, that much you knew yet, your mind knew it wasn’t enough for you to drop what you had known for a whole life.

“My flight is leaving soon.” You whispered, the silence that followed your earlier outburst too much for your guilt to be able to handle. You knew you were damaging a budding relationship, that you dared not think, may have been the best relationship you’ve ever had.

Taehyung didn’t dare utter another word. He couldn’t. He knew you needed to get away, he was more than aware that you needed space, even if that meant he had to watch you drag your suitcases out the door that shut right behind you, putting more and more distance between him and you.

****

“Georgie, no!” You shook your head vehemently at your friend, her pleading face doing nothing to soften your resolve. “I am not going to accept this.”

You quickly paced around the room as you hurriedly unpacked your bags from your trip doing your best to ignore the other person lounging like a cat on your sofa. You’d been away for a couple of days, the old city of Edinburgh being your destination. You may have enjoyed your time there a bit too much given the workload of your new job. So much that you barely had time to breathe. But this was what you needed. Time spent not at work meant time for your brain to start thinking about an island, and waves, and most importantly, surfers. Specifically one surfer.

“Come on, Y/N!” Georgie’s pout almost reached the floor yet you still wouldn’t budge. “It’s been a while since you’ve been on a date!” She tried to reason with you. Unbeknownst to her, this only served as fuel for your rising anger.

“Look Georgie, I have been on a date, and I did tell you about it.” You angrily slammed the dirty laundry in the basket. “And before you say anything, yes I did enjoy myself but–“ you paused, the strength you had earlier waning. Suddenly you felt tired, and with a sigh you let yourself fall onto the couch next to her. Rubbing your eyes, your mind once again invaded by sun kissed skin and the smell of salt, you tried your hardest to keep everything at bay.

“Oh love.” Georgie shifted on the couch, her warm hand enveloping yours in comfort. “I’m sorry, it’s just–“ she paused, offering your desperate look a rueful smile. “I just want to see you happy. You lost your job–“ you started to protest but she held her hand up to stop you. “As I was saying, you lost your job, and lost your heart, and all in the span of two months. And then you come back, get a new job within weeks and act like nothing has happened. I’m just worried about you.” She squeezed your hand and you felt your carefully crafted mask slip away. She was your best friend, if you couldn’t talk to her then who could you talk to?

“I just, I miss him.” The admittance tumbling out of your mouth made you feel so much lighter. Not better by any means, it just reiterated the feeling of hurt and hopelessness. You were more than aware it was your fault you’ve been feeling like this.

“It’s my fault.” You whispered, the desperation causing your voice to crack. Georgie sighed, and enveloped you into a hug, allowing you to hide your wayward tears into her top.

“It’s not your fault.” She argued, patting your back in a comforting way. “It isn’t.”

“But it is!” You sniffed, another sob wrecking through your body. “He confessed for God’s sake! And I left!” Not bothering to hide your sobs, you let yourself go, crying for what may have been, crying for Taehyung and his crestfallen expression when you announced you were leaving.

“Go back.” Georgie simply said and you pulled away from her, an incredulous look on your face.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t want to hear from me again.” You shook your head, your tears at bay for now. Sliding away from her, you put some distance between the two of you and you rubbed away the last stubborn tears. “It’s ok, I can do this. It’s just another hiccup.” You didn’t know where this strength was coming from, but you weren’t going to question it. You were not back in Hawaii anymore, no. You were in London. And you couldn't afford to live the same life you did in Hawaii. Emotions would have to wait.

“Right.” Georgie nodded at you unconvinced.

“Look–“ you sighed, “I will go on this blind date. If only to get used to being amongst Londoners again.” You laughed wryly, the feel of a new resolve making you hopeful. Yet, why did it feel like your heart was shattering even further?

When you agreed to go on a blind date you weren’t expecting to find yourself in front of the Tiki bar in the middle of the city, completely overdressed for the location. Glancing up at the colourful sign you sighed, trust Georgie to set you up with someone you would most likely not click with in the least.

Entering the bar, you tried to not get overwhelmed at the overly done decorations, tempted to stop a waiter, tell them how much you hated the place and leave. Had it been you before London, you may have even done that, but now you swallowed your words and instead approached them for a table.

“What name?” He inquired, tapping on his Ipad and you paused realising you had no name to give them.

“Uh, Y/N?” You tried, but when he shook his head your face fell. How were you meant to find the table without a name? You couldn’t just walk around the whole place asking people if they were waiting for their very late blind date.

“Excuse me, it’s Kim.” A deep voice spoke from behind you and you froze. Not only did you recognise the name, but also you recognised the voice better than your own. You dreamt of that voice. You didn’t dare turn around, not wanting to get your hopes up. Kim was a fairly common name, and London was big, maybe you were wrong.

Steeling your heart, hoping it didn’t jump out of your chest with how fast it was beating, you turned around.

“Hello, I'm Kim Taehyung, I believe I am your date for the evening?” Your mouth fell, eyes wide open and you seemed to have lost the ability to speak. Only when the waiter asked you to follow him did you move, your feet carrying you automatically as your mind was too busy trying to comprehend the situation.

“This place is all wrong.” You heard the mutter coming from behind you and you would have laughed had it not been for the rampant way your heart seemed to be racing. You wanted to turn around, to ask him what he thought he was doing there, but you didn’t have the courage to do so.

Brought to a table near the open windows, you chuckled at the discrepancy between the atmosphere inside the bar and the crisp air of nighttime London.

“It’s ridiculous isn’t it?” Taehyung joined you at the table, his hesitancy to pull the chair for you sorted by the waiter. Still chuckling, you glanced at him, the sparkle in his eyes making your breath catch. You would be lying if you said you hadn’t missed this, the glint in his eyes when his boxy wide smile took over. The mole on the tip of his nose, which you couldn’t see because of the lights in the bar but you knew it was there, having been close enough to him to observe it in detail.

“You’re not a Londoner.” You whispered to yourself and he laughed lightly, having heard you. “What–“ your voice cracked and you cleared your throat, clammy hands wiping themselves onto your skirt underneath the table. “What are you doing here?” You decided to take the bull by the horns, not wanting to waste another minute with mindless chat. The two of you have been through enough to skirt around sensitive topics.

Taehyung looked at you, the smile slipping off his face slowly, until it was gone, his expression becoming thoughtful. You had the urge to poke the crease between his furrowed eyebrows, loathing the knowledge he felt like this. But you chose to stay seated, hands gripping at your skirt, waiting for his response. You didn’t know when he became the one person who could make you or break you, but he did. The power this man had over you was absolutely impressive.

“I, uh–“ he rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish look on his face.

“Better yet, how did this,” you motioned between the two of you “–happen?” If you saw the flash of hurt cross Taehyung’s you didn’t mention it. Patiently waiting for him to answer, you knew you were putting him selfishly in a tight spot. He wasn’t the one who decided to give up on you. It was the other way round.

“Ye Won and your friend may have had something to do with it.” He sighed, his attention to the bypassers across the street. He tried hard to not look at you, he didn’t want to see once more the rejection in your eyes.

Waiting for him to turn around to face you, you stayed silent. You wanted to reach out across the table, his hand conveniently placed for you to grab it. But the knowledge of what he may be feeling stopped you, you had no right.

“But, why?” You stammered, your thoughts in disarray. There was so much you wanted to tell him, ask him, but you couldn’t get yourself to utter them outloud.

Taehyung turned his gaze back to you, the intensity with which his eyes bore through you made you shiver, your breath caught in your throat. It felt as if your soul lay naked before him, and as much as you wanted to look away you couldn’t. For a few seconds neither of you dared to break the silence that settled between the two of you.

“I promised–“ he paused to gather his thoughts, and you waited breath abated. “I promised I would always be there.” He admitted and you let out an involuntary whimper, his words piercing through your heart.

Taehyung gathered all his strength to carry on with his confession, the thought of you rejecting him once again weighing heavily on his mind. Last time he bit the bullet, diving in head on not considering what you may have been feeling, his own wishes overpowering any other considerations. “So I want to be there, regardless of how you want me to be there for you.”

He tried to be as nonchalant as possible, but the pleading look he offered you betrayed the emotional storm he felt inside. His words shifted something deep inside of you. As a city girl born and raised between pavements and tall buildings, you learnt that courage to stick up for yourself was an important survival trait. Hearing him confess his feelings not only once, but twice, made you realise that courage lies in more than one aspect. And you’ve been nothing but a coward.

“I’m in love with you.” The words tumbled out of your mouth before you could stop them. Eyes wide at your own admission you waited for him to say something.

“I–“ Taehyung felt disarmed. He had a long speech planned, he knew you’d not be easily swayed so he came with a foolproof plan, that not only Ye Won may have had a hand in but also your friends. To hear you say you were in love with him, as ecstatic as it made him feel, his brain struggled to catch up with what was happening.

“Look, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have sprung this on you. But I don’t think I would've been able to live with myself if I didn’t get this off my chest.” You reasoned. “I was stupid, and inconsiderate, and I’m sorry–“

The warmth of his hand enveloping yours made you freeze, your eyes locked onto the table, unable to meet his. Neither of you said a word for a while, the tropical music playing in the background making you feel uneasy.

“Where is the waiter?” You tried your hardest to change the subject, eyes scouring the place, doing your best to not glance at the dark haired man in front of you. The subtlety with which you tried to pull your hand away from him didn’t go unnoticed as Taehyung squeezed it, his attempt at keeping you there with him.

“Y/N.” The desperate plea in his voice stopped you dead in your tracks, your eyes now searching his instead of a place to escape to. The pain in his eyes made you realise he thought you were planning to reject him once more, completely oblivious to reality.

“You think I am going to leave you?” You breathed out, shocked. Taehyung didn’t reply but he didn’t need to, the frown marring his face was enough proof. You knew it wasn’t appropriate, but the ridiculousness of the situation made you burst out in laughter.

“I just told you I loved you, you idiot.” You huffed, Taehyung’s eyes widening at your obvious annoyance.

“But–“ He stammered, trying to make sense as to why you’d ask about the waiter.

“We should go.” You supplied shrugging while still looking around for the missing person. The relief Taehyung felt at your words could be easily read in the chuckle that escaped him. “I don’t know about you, but I'd rather not cause a scene here.” You finished, and when you still couldn’t locate the waiter you abruptly got up, pulling Taehyung along with you.

“Are you saying this is going to go down with a big emotional confession?” He couldn’t help himself as he teased you, the glimmer of mischievousness you found in his eyes making your heart beat faster.

“Oh shush you, otherwise I’ll leave you here.” You said as you navigated through the tables. There was nothing wrong with leaving before telling someone, but with his hand in yours, the lightness in your heart after your admittance made you feel like you were a teenager about to jump into the neighbour’s pool for a midnight swim.

“Can’t do that,” he teased as you both made your way outside into the chillier London air. Once out of view, he pulled you to him. “You just admitted you loved me.”

Hearing him say the words out loud made your breath catch in your throat. And without a second thought you stood on your tiptoes, your palms resting on his chest for stability. “Well loverboy, I can always take it back.” You whispered, your lips ghosting over his in a shy kiss.

In hindsight, you should have known not to tease him, as the force with which he wrapped his arms around your middle and pulled you to him, his lips searching for yours took you by surprise. The heat of his lips, slightly bruising, felt familiar, like home, and you soon lost yourself in it. A satisfied sigh escaped you and you let your hands wonder, as he coaxed your lips open, his tongue searching for yours.

The loud whistle from a taxi driving past you made you remember you were still in the middle of the city, out in the open for everyone to see.

“And we still managed to cause a scene.” You laughed pulling yourself away, his hand not leaving your midriff. “Let's go, where are you staying?” You asked, quickly realising you didn’t even know why he was there in the first place.

“The office.” He shrugged as if it wasn’t an important bit of information and you looked at him questioningly. “I uh–, came here for the opening of my new branch. My office decided to extend from the US to the UK which was the perfect opportunity .” The tone of his voice was so neutral you could’ve fooled yourself he was talking about the weather instead of important information which he ought to have shared a while ago.

“You–“ you stopped yourself from chastising him, he could fill you in on this later. For now you just wanted to enjoy your newfound summer love and hopefully help it grow into something more as time went by.

“You didn’t think I only surfed right?” He laughed, his fingers digging into your hip as he glanced down at you. Blushing at his softened gaze you shook your head and mumbled under your breath. “What was that?” He cocked his head to the side, his smile growing bigger.

“Doesn’t matter, you can tell me all this when we are on the tube.” You hurriedly supplied, before looking at him with an impish smile. “Or, we could–“ you stopped walking and turned around to face him. “Just do,” you placed a suggestive hand on his chest, your voice low, “other things on the tube.”

“The tube?” His eyes widened and you laughed reaching up on your tiptoes to kiss him again. Grabbing his hand and giving it a squeeze you pulled away and winked at him.

“Don’t worry, it’s like riding a wave.”

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