#'how was your day' 'was stressed out BUT I did see the sunlight hit through the window just right at sunset today'

[rabbitindisguise]

my therapist gave me this exercise where instead of undercutting postive thoughts with "but [negative thing here]" I need to undercut negative thoughts with "but [positive thing here]" and she prefaced this with "I know this is gonna sound stupid but trust me, it can work" so I can't even be mad that something that sounds so trivial actually helps a Lot

[lover-of-mine]

Me? Wanting to talk about the locker room scene in comparison to the cemetery scene to make a point no one asked about? Raise your hand if you saw this is coming 🙋‍♀️

Anyway, this is madness written by a gifmaker/video editor who hates coloring the cemetery scene with a burning passion and who spent the better part of the past 2 days trying to make a coloring work for the locker room scene, who also did some asking around with other editors who also seem to be having issues with the scene, and who spends way too much time thinking about Buck and death (someone drown that man, please).

I'm gonna start this off by saying that I don't really believe the cemetery scene will be directly addressed on the show no matter how much I wish it would. But something about the cemetery scene besides the actual content of the scene that keeps me up at night and had me writing multiple fics dealing with it, is the fact that the sky is only blue behind Eddie.

Why is that relevant in any way, shape, or form? The colors when the focus is on Buck or both of them have this almost yellowish tone that the focus on Eddie doesn't have. The sky and colors strongly imply that they added a filter to it in post-production to ensure the colors looked like that, along with the fact that it is a scene that's really weird to color something that happens when they go too hard on the filters *cough* crossover *cough* pilot *cough*. What does that have to do with the locker room? The locker room also has this almost yellowish tone that makes it hell to color. But based on my 2 days of testing different colorings and techniques, it seems to be a hell of a lot worse when the shot has that wall over there where the sun is hitting as a background.

That suggests that they wanted the scenes to have a specific lighting that they achieved later. Considering the way that the tendency of the cemetery is that the colors get muted or weirdly blended together and that the locker room goes YELLOW, I am assuming that they messed with the colors on the cemetery to make the colors look faded, giving it that gloomy feeling, which in turn made the sky almost white, and that they needed that sunlight reflecting on the wall to look that bright, which made the scene look a lot more yellow than it should. Seriously, trying to work this out I legit make it look like Buck is a Simpsons character.

Okay, but Anna, why did you make this particular connection? Well, the word is muted when Buck is talking about starting to date Natalia and then the sun gets brighter when he talks about them breaking up? COME ON. He's calling the relationship boring and the word literally gets brighter as he says it, madness.

Buck talking about dating Natalia -> Buck talking about breaking up with Natalia (please don't judge the gifs I don't want the stress of coloring them combined right now lol)

But that's the same reaction. Dude is smiling going in, he's smiling going out.

And considering Buck's relationship with his own death and the way I strongly believe that what drew him to Natalia was the fact that she didn't think his death was a tragedy and he wasn't ready to deal with the reality of had happened to him yet, to get him to the point where death is boring is progress. Makes me fear for my Buck breakdown wishes, but it is progress for that particular aspect of Buck, considering he has a very intricate relationship with death down to the fact he was born as a hail mary to prevent it. We have multiple near-death experiences, we have him saving the lives of people loves multiple times, the first time we see him he's saving a kid who drowned, his first big conflict is the fact that he's not handling not being able to save someone's life all that well, I can keep going, but you see my point, right?

The arc with Natalia, even though we didn't see the originally planned conclusion since the actress couldn't come back, had this point of Buck looking at what happened to him through the eyes of someone who didn't know him before and was actually excited about that happening, so he could distance himself from what happened and look at it from a "safe" distance. That distance also allowed him to ignore the very important "I need to do this for myself" thing from the coma dream because Buck is terrified of being alone, and that definitely includes the fear of finding out who he is by himself. Buck is bad at being alone, from meaningless sex, to hanging on to Abby too long, to hanging on to Taylor too long, to jumping in with Natalia, the first pretty girl who looked his way, it all makes this part of him very clear (parenthesis because I just had a thought, yes, Buck latches on to Taylor out of fear of being alone triggered by Eddie almost dying, but he thought he could have died himself considering the crane and everything about it and also the way he could very much have been shot at the same time as Eddie, he latched on to Natalia because he did die, he also almost died on his first date with Abby and Abby actually reached out to him when he was feeling all sorts of bad over someone dying, and he is held at gunpoint and watched a death that deeply affected him before he started dating Ali, so we have death as a connection here too, if that makes sense, I might have to come back to this thought later).

But the thing is, when you look at 6a for Buck considering the fact that Buck is passively suicidal, in a very I'm not trying to get killed but I don't think I don't care if I do die way, and how he probably thought he was going to die in a blaze of glory saving someone, and how he actually died in a pretty run-of-the-mill call, by something no one has any control over it, Buck's relationship with what he thought death was and would be for him changed. For one, Buck was not ready for how much it affected everyone around him, he never considered what the grief of losing him would do to the people he loves, but also, Buck's main excuse for his near-death experiences/impulsive behavior that puts him in mortal danger was "but I didn't actually die" like with the blood clots or "I didn't get the worst of it" like with the shooting, I think even the tsunami a little bit with how he felt about losing Chris. But he did actually die, and considering the fact that he went up that ladder when Chimney was ready to go up and Eddie also got hit by the lightning, he also got the worst of it. So he lost his own coping mechanism.

So he arrived at a point where death is boring and he is smiling like an idiot at Eddie welcoming him "back to the world of the living" and that could have fun implications going forward. Because, one, he still hasn't dealt with a big emotion in a healthy way, and two, Bobby is in mortal danger. Considering his reaction to Bobby being dead in his coma world and the fact that he has no coping mechanism left when it comes to death anymore along with his own relationship with water and danger we could have some fun reactions to these types of triggers for him there.

And thinking about the way Oliver keeps talking about Buck learning more about himself and also about Buck leaning on Eddie, someone who had his own journey dealing with multiple layers of his relationship with death, they have a fun space to play with there, with Buck's relationship with death, Eddie's relationship with Buck's death, and everything else that could happen with Eddie fully dealing with Shannon's death, and Buck dealing with anything really, Daniel, his own death, his fear of being alone, all as someone who actually wants to live, who's not just moving because he's alive and has no other alternative.

That's it for today, as always, if you reached this I love you 💜

[louis-the-french-one]

Hey ! I hope you are okay :)

Can I request a fic with Timothée Chalamet with a GN!reader when they are at the Wonka or Dune premiere and they got a matching outfit or something small that matches (I just love matching details) and maybe fans saw it and the internet went "wild"! And it's just fluff and cute :)

Don't pressure yourself if you don't want to do it ! Like always I love your fics <3

See you later my friend!

Timothée Chalamet x GN!reader

Type: fluff

Relationship: dating

Summary: Reader and Timothée have been dating for a few months and they finally make it official on the Dune premiere red carpet

Warnings: mention of stress and slight anxiety

Use of Y/N

1.240 words

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Timothée’s alarm rang loudly, echoing in the bedroom. The young man sat up and checked his phone, it was 7am on Thursday February 15th, the day of the Dune part 2 premiere. His heart pace quickened in his chest, anxiety creeping in. His breaths were short and harsh when a light in the room was turned on. Turning his head in the direction of the shuffling Timothée was met with a kiss gently being placed on his cheek, he calmed down instantly, smiling as he reached out to caress the person’s face. After a moment, he turned his whole body towards them, staring into the eyes of his lover. The quiet of the morning accentuated the comforting aura of his partner and the young man felt his body relax. Except for his heart, which pace had gone up again, but it was not because of stress any more, his heart was being hit by waves of deep feelings, of love. His partner took both of his hands in theirs, playing with them gently. They must have felt Timothée’s anxiety and were making sure he was okay, waiting for him to say the first words. But neither of them wanted to break their sweet sleepy silence.

To both of their disappointment, the silence was broken by the sound of the electric blinds opening. However the atmosphere stayed comfortable as they laughed, protecting their eyes from the sunlight.

“Hey love.” Timothée said while placing kiss on his lover’s lips.

“Hey.” Y/N answered in their sleepy voice.

“Did you sleep well?” The young man asked.

“I always sleep well when I sleep with you.” They laughed. “Did you?”

“Yeah.” He smiled, “Are you ready for today?”

“I think so… But are you? You seemed really stressed.” Y/N squeezed their boyfriend’s hand.

“Y-Yeah, I was… I am. I really want it to go well. Everyone worked very hard on the movie and tonight we’re finally presenting it to people. But I’m also, we, are also presenting our relationship to the public. And don’t get me wrong I am so ready for that, it’s just, stressful.” He explained.

“I know darling, I’m sure it’ll be okay, everyone’s gonna love your movie. And as for us, you know if you wanted to wait a little longer…” Y/N started.

“No, no, no. We’re gonna go. I want to do this with you. Wearing our awesome matching outfits to show everyone how iconic we are.” Timothée said with a certain pride that made his partner laugh.

After a bit more of talking, the love birds shared a breakfast in the hotel they were currently staying at for the premiere. A great number of staff joined them in their room when Timothée let know that they were ready to start the day. They went through all the safety protocols again, kept repeating the exact time when everyone needed to be where they needed to be, Timothée’s publicist and manager ran by him what he could and could not say in interviews before finally the stylists arrived.

Then Timothée and Y/N were staring at the beautiful clothes had been brought to them, they had loved the pitch but finally seeing it, it seemed even better. Both outfits though Y/N’s was less eye-popping, consisted of a black top and shiny gold bottom; as per accessories, Timothée had a beautiful Cartier necklace that was matching a bracelet that his lover was to wear.

The pair wanted it to be no doubt that they were in fact dating, and they had had fun pitching to the stylist matching details ideas for all the outfits they were to have during the press tour. They were having even more fun now actually putting on the first of the long list of outfits to come. Timothée couldn’t stop complimenting Y/N every time he laid eyes on them, which never failed to make them blush. When they were done getting ready, with clothes on, hair and make-up done, they went to sit down on the bed, and stared at each other, just like they were that morning. Timothée went to kiss his partner, which Y/N happily accepted and they kissed him back. Soon enough somebody came and told them the car was ready and they were to leave in 5 mins.

The car ride was short, Timothée and Y/N just enough time to discuss the pose they were to take for the pictures before they arrived. The young man got out first, then holding out his hand to help his lover out of the car. Hand in hand, the two of them made their way to the red carpet. Journalists all around the place were screaming to get their attention and get the perfect picture of the couple. It was all a bit overwhelming and Y/N was thankful for the comforting hold their boyfriend had on their hips. A few minutes later the awaited moment was over and Y/N was led inside the theatre as Timothée stayed for alone and cast pictures and interviews.

When was time for the screening, the cast entered the theatre. Timothée’s gaze fell into Y/N quickly, he couldn’t wait for them to see the movie.

The movie was amazing, everyone loved it though if asked Y/N would say they loved it the most. They were so proud of Timothée and hugged him tightly when the credits rolled. After a few last words from Denis, people started leaving. Timothée and Y/N quietly rejoined the car and talked about the movie all the way back to their room. They kept talking about it as they got undressed, showered and got ready to finally sleep. Once laid in bed, Y/N pulled out his phone and checked his Instagram. Their whole feed was pictures of the premieres, and mostly pictures of them and Timothée.

“Timothée Chalamet debuts relationship on Dune 2 red carpet.” The young person read aloud for their boyfriend to hear.

“Oh right, the articles and pictures are out now, how do we look?” Asked Timothée as he got into bed.

Y/N gave their phone to him.

“Damn we look amazing baby!” He said planting a kiss to their forehead.

“Yeah, especially you, you looked so hot like that, it was simple but effective.” They laughed.

Timothée’s curiosity took the better of him and he found himself looking at the comments. To his relief, he was met with thousands of nice comments hyping up their relationship.

“LilTimmyTim98 says ‘OMGGGG THEY’RE SO CUTE TOGETHERRR’, well I agree, we looked adorable.” He hands the phone back to Y/N.

“Well Chamalamabingbong said ‘Imagine rizzing Timothée Chalamet, they’re so lucky’ and I agree with that.” They laugh.

Y/N continues reading the comments, occasionally showing some to Timothée. The fans seemed to had reacted well to them dating. Most of them wishing the couple the best. Y/N had never been tagged so much on socials, everyone was talking about them and Timothée, they had even seem passionate fans already calling them the best famous couple of this era. They were very thankful for these comments, as they made the negative ones seem ridiculous. They and Timothée were in love, and now the world knew and everything was going well.

“I love you.” Y/N suddenly said.

“I love you too.” Timothée answered softly before kissing his lover. “Now let’s go to sleep.” He grabbed Y/N’s phone and turned it off. The couple then soon fell asleep in each other’s arms.

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[wooahaeruby]

Chapter 2: Umbrella to Stand Under, Together

Chapter Word Count: 3,230

TW

Possible "triggers" but not really All unrealistic government stuff, hacking, coding, etc. Don't take that shit serious, I just needed to add it because I needed the filler and for context later for jokes.

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The rain let up. It was the fourth day that it pelted the ground without fail and drenched the city in gloom. 

You weren’t surprised. Long, random bouts of rain weren’t uncommon but were definitely unwelcomed by you and any passerbyers on the busy streets. 

It was early, as it typically was when you left for work, and the fog that shrouded the city only added to the drowsiness that was taking over your senses. Your heels were no match for the rain but you were smart enough to pack them in a tote and wear flats to better traverse the slippery sidewalks and subway tunnels. Peak rush hour had you stressing yet your steps never faltered as you squeezed into the subway car and stood with your hand grasping the railing for stability. 

You flatten out your dress pants the best you could, shivering at the small wet patches that dotted the fabric from the rain. You’d hate to have to walk home in them unless the sky magically opened up to the warmth of spring sunlight. The long sleeved, powder blue blouse you wore wasn’t any better, barely keeping in warmth without the jacket you slung on as you hurried out the door. A lot of work needed to be done today at the office and you shook off the annoyance that you held, not needing to be huffing over stupid clothes when you’d be behind a computer all day. 

The office building wasn’t too far from the subway entrance, it provided your much too short daily need of exercise since you wouldn’t bother driving a car in the overpopulated streets of the city. 

At the top of the steps, you were ready to weave through the busybodies that lined the street when a hand stopped you, gently holding your elbow. 

“Don’t you want a nice umbrella to walk under, honey?” The voice caught you off guard but familiar nonetheless. It was silvery and bright, laced with a bit of teasing and a heavy drop of sarcasm. “Can’t have you getting soaked in the rain.” 

Another day, another act. 

You hummed and let your arm be linked at the elbow with the man, taking in his sharp nose and long, handsome face. “I’d love that, nice to see my husband is always caring for me one way or another. Though I wonder, how did you manage to be here early enough to catch me?” 

“Ah, well you know, the early bird catches the worm and a loving wife keeps my head down from the clouds to remind me to pamper her.” He held the umbrella above you, hoping it was enough of a shield to keep the both of you mostly dry from the never ending rain. 

“Good morning, Seokmin.” You properly greeted, a smile on your face as he laughed to himself. 

“Good morning, beautiful.” Seokmin hummed, letting his usual long strides match up with your smaller ones. “Thought I’d be nice since you almost always forget your umbrella when it rains.” 

“Not sure if you are calling me dumb or being thoughtful so thank you either way.” 

You shared a laugh, the conversation settling for the loud patter of rain and the rush of feet hitting the pavement. Stepping into the building, you parted to remove your backpack and tote bag, sending them through the x-ray machine for security. You waited to be ushered forward through the metal detector, clearing it without an issue. Gathering your things, you waited for Seokmin, walking side by side through the second checkpoint where you each scanned your badges to pass through the gates. 

“Email said we have a lot to do today, is it on SVT or is it stuff regarding the governor?” You asked, letting him press the button on the elevator. 

“Depending on how fast you work, we are still running confidentiality on something for the governor and if you get it all done, maybe you can try and go back into finding information on SVT.” 

Huffing out a sigh, you pouted. With new elections coming up, you had been swamped with cyber threats and finding the faults in them to send the proper authorities once identities were discovered. Your division worked mainly for the governor and mayor, however you were tasked with deep diving the web for any and all information you could find on the elusive underground group. SVT was hard to track, always covering their behinds and hiding behind thick firewalls that were ever changing. Any given day investigating them was tiring and fruitless. 

One of the most frustrating parts of your findings was the encryption integrated with the firewalls. In college you majored in cybersecurity investigation and cryptography, you knew how the codes were written, how to solve them easily, but whoever was running point on SVT’s knew what they were doing and did it well. Each code was unique and almost a thumb print into who the person behind the screen was. You spent years looking over codes from your classmates, you could point out almost all of them just by their coding alone. The code for SVT…it felt familiar, you don’t know how it did but you thought you had seen the encryption code pattern previously and you’ve mainly kept that fact to yourself. Honestly you thought you were just going mad from staring at the screen too long and needing something to keep you focused. 

Stepping off the elevator onto your level, Seokmin walked you to your office, letting you unlock the room and flick on the lights. 

“I’ll email over what I need from you by the end of the day.” He gave a small wave, flashing a bright smile before making his way towards his office but backtracked and leaned against the door frame for a moment. “I can drive you home later if it’s still raining. Like I said, can't have you getting soaked .” 

Fixating your eyes on his, you raised a brow. “I’m sorry, boss , are you flirting with me? On company time?” 

“Always, honey.” He left you with a wink and walked off once more. 

You hung your coat on the wall hook and pulled out your heels to slip on, knowing if you didn’t do it now you’d forget and you wouldn’t hear the end of it from your older coworker who were sticklers about how you dressed to work. As you sat down at your desk, you turned on your computer tower, one with some of the best specs you knew, seeing as it was fancy government money that provided it. Once you had joked that you would steal it and replace the gaming PC you had with it since it ran so smoothly. 

Awaiting Seokmin’s email, you reviewed tasks and projects needing to be finished by the end of the week with your team outside of your work from Seokmin. Simple encryption and reviews were needed in regards to them but it was just a repeat of almost every project provided by the upper management. Occasionally it was different with a breach in security walls and needing to repair and strengthen them but it was more rare than what anyone in the media depicted with multiple teams watching over the servers. 

Once the email hits your inbox, you set to work. It was easy work, really only needing to spend a majority of your time layering encryption to protect the assets data. The layer of code took the longest, having to skim through line after line to make sure your work was clean even though it was yet just wanted to double check. With your desire to finish and move from the first task, you skipped lunch and snacked on a protein bar from the top drawer of your desk. At some point you closed your office door and opened the blinds the slightest bit, a signal to your coworkers that you were focused and if they needed you they would need to knock and wait. 

Slumping back in your chair, having kicked off your heels and sat criss-cross, both hidden under your desk, you were satisfied with the work you finished. Did it take a majority of the day? Most definitely, but it was done and a quick email told Seokmin you were moving onto the SVT firewall and diving into any dark web clues. 

SVT wasn’t your company's main focus. As a subcontractor company under the bureau of investigation, you mainly worked for the state and the governor's office, however with the city and the rings that ran under the night’s sky, your company also tried to assist in searching up any leads on them. If you were to be honest, it was your favorite part about the job. The group had come to light in May 2018 when you were just finishing your second semester of college and while you didn’t condone their actions, you were intrigued by how fast they grew under the police’s nose. 

It only further pushed you to top your classes to find a way to work for a division that even looked into them a little bit. You wanted to stay in the city after college and got a job at your current place of employment after finding out you would be getting paid decently. You were overjoyed when you got your first assignment against the infamous group. It felt even more fulfilling when Seokmin, your boss then and still now, complimented you on the work and the speed you got things done. 

Speaking of the devil, he knocked on your office door later in the day. You called out for him to enter, taking note of the time close to clock out for the day. 

“Anything juicy?” He asked, knowing you well enough to have an idea of what you were already diving into. 

You shook your head and looked back towards your screen as he closed the door and rounded your desk. “A forum is making a comment about bringing down their business but I’m not really sure what that is aside from a silly threat they probably wouldn’t take seriously. The profile attached to it isn’t interesting, similar comments are made for other gangs so I’m not really interested in it.” 

Seokmin peered over at your screen, watching as you scanned another few comments and huffed.

 “I get a headache anytime I try breaching their servers. It’s like they know I’m trying to get it and add another layer to keep me out.” 

“Ah, don’t think like that!” Your friend rested against the back of your chair. “Maybe they are just trying to keep their stuff strong so no one gets in, who knows!” 

You leaned your head back, looking up to Seokmin who looked down at you with his dazzling smile. Breathing a sigh out from your nose, you closed your eyes. You weren’t satisfied with your findings so far and needed to get something solid to report to your higher boss just to ease the slight obsession you had. 

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” He patted your shoulder and spun you in your chair, laughing at your sitting pose and the lack of shoes. “Tomorrow can be a new day and a fresh start.” 

He gave you little time to get out of your desk and clock out, muttering something about changing your clock out time just a little bit with a wink. 

Seokmin, ever the gentleman, something you joked about since he started playfully flirting with you a few weeks into your start at the company. He found your curiosity with SVT interesting and liked you even more when you joked with him in return. Other colleagues within your division were absolutely under the impression the two of you were dating no matter how much you denied it.

In the nearly two years you’ve worked with him, it felt like a blooming friendship since day one. While Seokmin was your boss, he was only two years and some months older than you. He never made you feel uncomfortable or misheard in the mostly male dominated workspace and never let the friendship you nurtured interfere with either of your work. He was a person you could rely on, someone who you didn’t feel like a burden to when traversing adult life or needing help. 

Most surprising was how ready he was to be there for you. A year into your friendship he had said that if you ever needed anything or needed help with a situation to give him a call. 

You took him up on that offer once last summer when you had a date go downhill and you camped out in the bathroom of a nice restaurant until Seokmin showed up, dressed in dark jeans, a fitted black shirt, and a shiny pair of boots. The guy that asked you out was a major dick that had some very…controversial opinions on women and you didn’t feel safe just walking out of the place alone. You hated that you didn’t notice the red flags prior. Seokmin had promptly escorted you out and into his car, locking it and going back in to pull the man outside to speak. He didn’t tell you what was said between them when got back in the car, but he told you that the guy wouldn’t be bothering you anymore. 

In a fit of coping with the situation, you joked the entire way back to your apartment that he was living some double life and was all cool and some hotshot outside of the smiles and teasing you had received at work. He neither confirmed nor denied it, but the next day at work he had brought your favorite morning pastries and coffee with single rose, saying that any man that tried to date you wasn’t worth it. It warmed your heart that you had someone care about you platonically like he did. 

He took you home from work, bugging you if you needed to stop anywhere since he was driving you. You insisted that, no, you didn’t need anything and you just got groceries delivered to your house the night before so everything was set. With the best hug you could provide over the center console as your parting gift, you quickly left and hurried your way across the sidewalk and into the apartment building you called home. 

It didn’t…seem right. As you tried to process the encryption and the message hidden behind it, you leaned a bit too close to the screen and squinted. 

Just a series of coordinates, a date, and time posted? Tonight? 

This couldn’t be right but you were unsettled to say the least. 

Quickly you wrote down the information on a sticky note, having looked up the location and jotting it down alongside everything else. As fast as heeled feet could take you, you hurried out of your office and down the hall towards Seokmin’s office. A quick peek inside showed him only typing something on his computer and you knocked hastily, trying to catch your breath. 

Hearing his signal to come in, you pushed the door open and scurried behind his desk, slapping the sticky-note down on whatever papers were in front of him. 

“Good afternoon to you too, what is this, honey?” The teasing in his voice was laced through each word. He sat back in his chair, raising an eyebrow at both you and the note. 

“I found this while intercepting some messages between some people while sifting  through SVT leads. Do you think it means anything?” Your voice held hope as you asked. 

Seokmin peered over the note, moving his head side to side in thought. “I can send it over to my supervisor and see what he thinks. Don’t know if it will be worth it though. Did it come with any message or just this?” 

“Just this.”

Nodding, you watched his face morph between two faces you couldn’t properly place but they both faded into a small smile. He gave a small pat to your arm, “I’ll keep you updated on it, try and get some more digging done if you can. It is a Friday though so don’t expect anything from the higher ups.” 

You knew it was right and the grimace and roll of your eyes you gave showed just how annoyed you were. When you read over the coordinates and looked it up, you had a nerve wrecking gut feeling that it meant something, even if it was simply a distribution of products. Maybe you could even look into it more yourself…

“But Seokmin-” 

He cut you off with a click of his tongue and a stern look. You’ve seen him serious before but never this serious. Seokmin had set his jaw some and squared his shoulders, sitting up straighter in his chair. 

“You know how it goes, you give the information, I relay the info, then the feds try to handle it.” He paused, words direct. His gaze turned hard, almost like he could read your mind. “Don’t do anything stupid, Y/N. I know you too well and this doesn’t mean you do more than what your job is.” 

Honestly you should feel offended, but staring down at him from your standing position, you could see the tension in his shoulders. You bit at your bottom lip and sighed out your nose. With him holding your gaze, you nodded, letting your shoulders drop and sighing once more. 

“I just think it’s really important, I haven’t had this feeling in a while since we found that a few cops aligned with them but were killed not long after we found out and the feds sent people to look for them…” 

Seokmin’s face softened, letting the tension ease from his body and he took your hand, gently patting the back of it and nodding along to your words. He had seen how disappointed you were when the department saw the news that the cops died. 

“I know, beautiful. Let me pass this on and hopefully they will do something about it.” 

Returning back to your office and shutting the door, you sat behind your desk, staring at the clunky screen of your computer monitor. Your mouth twisted and contoured as you chewed on your lower lip, thinking over what Seokmin said. With how your management has worked before, a part of you already concluded that they would think the information was lacking and wouldn’t investigate it at all. They’d probably think whoever found the message was an idiot since it had nothing backing it aside from being in with SVT leads. In a fit of rebellion, you wrote down the information and slid it into your backpack.

You had declined Seokmin’s offer to take your home and opted for the subway, needing a bit of time to think. He had told you that no supervisor took the shred of information seriously, as expected, and that you should simply move on from this lead and wait for another to come forward. 

You couldn’t accept it if you were being honest with yourself. Why would all that information, albeit so little at the same time, be sent? 

It didn’t make sense, it really didn’t. 

Pacing about your apartment, stepping through each room while lost in thought, you debated whether to do something extremely stupid or not.

Tag List is Open! Comment on the BSH Master List to get added!

Tag List:

@unlikelysublimekryptonite @iiaweirdo

[juminies]

gentle intimacy

brief details of showers in your marriage

jumin x reader, 1355 words, domestic fluff

read on AO3

♡

The first time you shower together, it’s out of convenience. You wake up and blink through the harsh morning light. Jumin is still sleeping soundly next to you; a quiet, gentle snore just barely hitting your ears. Peace in contrast to the war of the sunlight in your tired eyes. He’s facing away, but even still you’ve seen his sleeping expression probably hundreds of times by now. It's almost permanently ingrained into your brain.

You smile as you turn over to look at the clock to see how much longer you can sleep, and–

Oh no.

You’re practically jolted awake, instead. You lean over to shake your husband.

“Jumin?”

He groans groggily in response, his tired brain still not quite registering the sound of your voice.

“Honey,” you say with a little more urgency. “It’s almost 7.” This wakes him up, too.

“What?” he asks, eyes widening as you hurry to get out of bed, it dawning on the both of you simultaneously that you need to leave for the airport in less than fifteen minutes. He picks up his phone and a quick glance over at his screen gives you evidence that driver Kim is already waiting outside for you, and all you can think is thank God our luggage is already packed.

“I need to shower,” you tell Jumin, heading for the bathroom. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”

“Wait, I’ll come with you,” is his response, muffled slightly by him practically throwing the bed covers halfway across the room.

And, well, this scenario is not in any way romantic, really. You’re both just trying to wash up as quickly as possible, and in all honesty, upon stepping into the hot stream of water you can’t help but feel it would have just been more convenient for one of you to brush your teeth and use the toilet while the other showered, then switch over. It ends up a kerfuffle of limbs getting in the way of other limbs and elbows to the ribs all wound up by a string of apologies and quiet laughter, and even more laughter when after an accidental hit with a bottle of shower gel you remember the penthouse has two showers.

You manage to beat the scramble to leave on time by only about a minute. Driver Kim asks Jumin why he seems so flustered as he puts your suitcases into the trunk of the car, and Jumin chuckles as he tells him, “it’s really not what you might think.”

You can’t pretend you didn’t enjoy it just a little bit, in the end.

The time after that you wake up sick, your head pounding.

“Perhaps we should call Doctor Jung?” Jumin suggests, pacing back and forth in the lounge. A look of concern is plastered across his face. He had left before you woke up this morning, and you wouldn’t bother him while he was working over an issue so trivial.

Neither of these things are an uncommon sight when he’s stressed, however.

“I’m fine,” you insist. “It’s just a cold.”

He stops pacing and turns to look at you, his expression softening as your eyes meet. Then you sneeze, as if on cue, causing Elizabeth 3rd to stir on your lap. She nuzzles her nose between her front paws. Jumin shakes his head.

“Still, I’d rather we were safe and have you looked over,” he sighs, walking over to where you're sitting. He puts his hands on your cheeks, then gently moves one to your forehead. “You have a temperature,” he adds, and the way you look up at him prompts him to kiss the top of your head. “Please?”

“I don’t feel as bad as I did this morning. We don’t need Doctor Jung to come all the way here just to diagnose me with the common cold,” you tell him. He goes to protest and you can’t help but giggle, preemptively cutting him off. “How about we compromise, and if I’m not better in a couple of days then I give you permission to call the doctor?”

“As long as you let me compromise, my angel, by staying home from work to care for you tomorrow. And running you a bath now.”

“You don’t need to do either of those things, darling. I promise, I’m okay. Though I do think hot water could do me some good. I’ll just shower.”

“Then let me join you?” he playfully proposes. You huff with a smile, defeated by how flat out charming he is.

“If you must.”

He quietly undresses you (another part of his compromise, apparently), leaving little affectionate kisses and kind words on your warm skin as he goes.

You feel a sense of relief immediately when the water hits you, it evens out your chills and aids your stuffy nose. Jumin steps in behind you not long after, wrapping his arms around your waist and bending down to place another kiss on your shoulder.

“Now let me take care of you,” he whispers. “My love.”

And he does just that. He shampoos your hair as though you’re the most delicate thing he’s ever touched; holds you in the warmth like he would never dream of letting go; gives you kisses even through your proclamations that you really really don’t want him to get sick.

(Of course he does get sick, a couple of days later, like you said he would. You joke that he did it on purpose to spend more time with you, but repay his gesture with no second thoughts.)

Then the most recent time, where Jumin has been away in Europe for work. For the last couple of years he has been taking you with him on business trips when he can – he’s a good negotiator, and realistically nobody can (or would) say no to him bringing you along. He tried this time too, but it was arranged at such short notice that there was no way you could have joined him. You hadn’t initially been too phased, aside from the fact you tend to struggle to sleep without him these days.

Tonight is one of those nights. No, this week has been one of those weeks.

Sleep deprivation has been consuming you at a swift pace. You're led to believe your lack of sleep has even begun to bother Elizabeth 3rd by now. You feel sorry for tossing and turning in bed so much that she can’t get any more comfortable than you can. But you’ve tried everything. Everything that usually helps you to sleep has been rendered utterly useless. Your last resort would be to call Jumin, but you know he couldn’t answer now even if he wanted to.

And it isn’t helping, you’re sure, that you expected him to be home to sleep with again tonight.

So you continue to toss and turn.

You get out of bed at about 2:15, head to the kitchen for water. Go back to bed. Get up. Go back to bed. Get up. Go back to bed. And you’re actually half asleep when you hear soft voices outside. The door being unlocked, and locked again. A heavy sigh. In the silence that follows, a wave of comfort so powerful washes over you that you’re almost certain you’re dreaming, finally.

Then the shower turns on, and no, you’re awake.

You get up again, make your way to the bathroom. You tap on the door gently, and push it open just enough to poke your head into the room.

“Jumin?”

The water gets quieter.

“Can I join you?”

You can hear the blissful relief in his voice when he responds, “do you even have to ask?”

He pulls you in tight as you step into the water with him. “Did I wake you?” he mutters into your hair.

“I’ve barely slept all week,” you chuckle.

“Nor have I.”

In a strange way you’re reminded of the first time. You think of the hundreds between. And soon you will fall asleep in his arms again, head against his chest, his heartbeat more comforting than the drone of the shower ever could be.

[howtowhumpyourhiccup]

Price

Chapter 13 - Two Can Keep A Secret

Summary: Set during RttE, based on the episode "Gold Rush." The entire point was for Hiccup to get Berk's Gold back. Well, he's far from his goal now.

Warnings: Implied sexual slavery, implied captivity, pregnancy

Rating: Explicit

Dead Dove: Yes

Words: 667

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Characters: Hiccup, Toothless

Pairing: Vigcup, Rycup, Hiccstrid

Author's Notes: Hiccup has somethings to tell Toothless. 👀

Enjoy!

-XOXOX-

All that gold needed to be taken home in pieces and not even big pieces, heavy as they were. So that is what the Dragon Riders did in the following days. All except for Hiccup, who was brought to Dragon’s Edge by his dragon instead. There he could shower, eat whatever he wanted instead of whatever Viggo approved of, and where he got to rest up in his own bed. That last one was especially important, he was so fatigued and his friends figured it was the stress, it was all he had been through.

They have no idea what the real reason is and he has no idea how to tell them.

The second he hit the many soft layers of furs, felt himself be embraced by the warmth of his dragon, he fell asleep and didn’t even move a finger for hours upon hours.

As the evening approaches and the sun sets, that’s when Hiccup wakes up. It was roughly early morning when he finally arrived back home at the dragon base, the first rays of sunlight accompanied them on the last of their travels. He slept the entire day away. He hasn’t bothered to change clothes, still in his scratchy, now slightly-less stiff three piece outfit. Tunic, pants and underwear. He slept curled up on his bed with Toothless curled up around him, his foreleg used as a pillow for his head.

This is the most rest he’s had in so long, that’s what it feels like. And the reason for that are Ryker’s early morning visits and Viggo’s late night ones.

No, that was the reason, he realizes about the same time that he realizes that he woke up on his own for once. No Viggo tearing him out of his sleep to have him brought back to his cell, no Ryker waking him up “the way he loves it.” Opening his eyes, the first thing he sees are Toothless’ black scales, the first thing he smells is his familiar draconic musk and Hiccup realizes that he’s home. Truly home. Because he’s with Toothless.

He snuggles closer to his dragon, wraps his arms around his neck and holds him. Toothless wraps himself tighter around him. Reuniting with their friends had been overwhelming, but reuniting with Toothless felt natural. It felt good, right. Even though his Bud had to take one look at the state of him and he knew, that hadn’t mattered.

The entire flight with his friends to the island where Viggo had hidden his gold felt uncomfortable, like there was an enormous weight on his shoulders, all eyes on him. Hiccup was afraid to do or say anything that would betray anything that he did with the Grimborn Brothers or let them do to him to his friends.

But the entire flight here, with just Toothless, had been utterly quiet and in the utmost comfortable way.

“Bud?” Hiccup whispers, afraid to be heard by anyone but him, like they aren’t supposed to be home alone now. Toothless gives a soft noise, closest earfin perks. His eyes are open, but he doesn’t move from his spot.

“I, uh… I need to tell you something and I don’t know ho-how to tell the others,” the dragon gives another soft noise, telling him it’s okay to tell him. Whatever it is, he’ll listen.

“I think I’m… I think I’m having a baby.”

And if he told this news to another human being, there would probably be outrage. Questions, tears, yelling, he would regret ever even thinking of telling another soul. He didn’t even tell either Viggo or Ryker of his suspicions, too nervous of their reaction. But Toothless isn’t human and simply throws his foreleg around him to imitate a hug and he licks the nearest body part he can reach, his cheek and ear, before he makes him settle again and take as much rest as he needs.

And settle is what Hiccup does, feeling secure entrusting himself and his secret with him.

[jaidens]

hiii can you please write something where daniel comforts or supports a reader who's at home dealing with chronic illness symptoms (specifically nausea)? maybe he just goes to check on her and give her a hug and take care of her 😭 i could use it rn. sorry if this is really specific or uncomfortable to write! only if you're up for it <3

Will Never See A Love As Pure As It

pairing [s] : daniel larusso x reader

warning [s] : | chronic illness symptoms | nausea

a/n [s] : requests are open!! thank you for your request! I did my best to research chronic nausea or illness symptoms.

The week before had been perfectly and completely fine: and then it hit you. Suddenly, your head felt woozy and your vision would blur. You felt like you needed to throw up constantly and your stomach would churn. Daniel had known about your illness symptoms and that nausea had been there. However, on the first day, it was absolutely horrible and took over your senses.

Your parents told you to skip school whenever you tried to give up and you could barely walk down the stairs. You were contained to your bed with a trashcan right next to you. You had gotten stressed about the work you would have to do the next day at school. You had to stay in bed, but you had almost forgotten to eat and drink water all day, after you had taken a long nap.

You wake up and the nausea has only worsened. You looked at the clock on your bedside table and it was after school ended. You sit up against your wall of pillows that you have that leans against on your wall. Suddenly, you hear a gentle knock before your door opens. You look up to see your boyfriend, Daniel, standing there with two bags and a pitcher of ice water. “Hey there.” He says quietly, and closes the door behind him. Your room is dark with the windows covered with thick blinds and curtains blocking any sunlight that's peeking through the windows.

You groan at him with a small smile. You have to close your eyes when another wave of nausea runs across you. “Have you eaten today?” Daniel asks you and opens the bag to take out small foods to munch on. He pours you a cold glass of water, and holds it up to your mouth and lets you drink out of it. It's calming and relaxing as he does it, and it relaxes the constant churning feeling in your stomach.

You let out a small ‘Thank you’ and lie your head back. Daniel is sitting on the edge of your bed, his hand rested against your leg. “How are you feeling? Your mom said you were having a bad wave of nausea.” You nod and go for another sip of your ice cold water. “A little bit. How was school?” You ask him this time as you grab his hand. For some reason, Daniel always knew whenever you needed stuff and it was absolutely thrilling.

He opens a box of saltines crackers and hands it to you, letting you pull out whatever portion you think you could relax and keep down in your stomach. Once you finish munching on the crackers, you take another sip of the cold water. Daniel's presence is comforting and makes you smile the way he cares for you. He scoots up on your bed and sits down next to you. You turn your head to look at him and you drop your head on his shoulder and close your eyes.

“School was fine. Johnny was his usual self. I was worrying about you whenever I didn’t see you. Are you sure you're fine? I can go get some nausea medicine if that would help. ” Daniel answers you as he messes with the hem of his own t-shirt that you're clad in. “Can I just have a hug?” Daniel's arms wrap around you, tugging you softly into his chest. You readjust your position slowly, letting your head fall against him and practically lay on top of him.

Daniel turns on the television and turns the sound down just enough to where you can both hear it. He grabs the crackers again and holds them next to you and you take more to snack on. A bad wave of nausea passes through once more making you groan and grab your head and shut your eyes quickly. He grabs the cold water and helps you drink from it in an attempt to relax the churning in your stomach.

Daniel holds you close and gently strokes your back. Eventually, you fall asleep in his warm embrace, relaxed and happy with Daniel.

[seaofdaydreams]

Now that I'm doing my evil playthrough, I have some things to share on romancing Astarion in Act 1!

I remember watching goblin party videos on Youtube and seeing comments lamenting that Astarion doesn't trust you because in that version, you wake up to him basking in moonlight instead of sunlight which means he didn't trust to stay with you through the night.There was also some talk about how in this version, he never fully turns his back to you? I never noticed that though; it looks the same to me...? Might need a side by side to tell.

I put off the goblin vs druid quest until the very last moment because I was struggling with killing off a lot of people I had grown to love my previous playthroughs. I hit high approval with Astarion very quickly and ended up getting propositioned way before I ever got to the goblin party.

And Lirael woke up to Astarion in sunlight.

So now, I feel like it's not quite about him trusting you or not. Lirael did plenty of messed up stuff before she dealt with the druid grove. I feel like it's just that you have to wake up to him in moonlight because how else is Minthara going to try to murder you in your sleep in the dead of night for plot purposes?

But anyways, because the "meeting in the forest/back scars" scene had already happened, I was curious to see how this night would pass. Of course, Lirael talks to Astarion first and he gives the "Here's my treat, etc, you will come to my bed, won't you?" lines instead of offering a drink and proposing a toast. Lirael's been smitten since pretty much day one and agrees to spend the night together.

Lirael didn't talk to Minthara during the party and gets ambushed immediately by her after I click the LR button and propositions her a second time. For a myriad of reasons, Lirael really doesn't want to. But Lirael might gain safe passage to Moonrise and important information about the Absolute from sleeping with Minthara and Lirael is someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to gain power so that she can survive and thrive. So she reconsiders despite having refused earlier. After a few moments, Lirael gives in and agrees, despite being pretty uncomfortable about it.

I click long rest and we go to the "Who will you sleep with" options. I chose Minthara. We fade to black. And you know what?

ASTARION SHOWS UP INSTEAD OF MINTHARA. "I hoped you would come. I have missed you. And now you're all mine, and I'm all yours."

Bruh. At first, I thought it was because I knocked out Minthara non-lethally (I may or may not have saved and killed all the goblins in camp for chasing Scratch, stressing out the Owlbear, and for cutting the lute out of Alfira's cold dead fingers) but it happened even when I left the goblins alone and Minthara wasn't knocked out. Normally, it seems accepting one proposition can lock you out of others (my first playthrough I agreed to share a bottle with Shadowheart not realizing she meant sex and Astarion was pissed) but Astarion was still propositioning even after I tried talking to Minthara first and agreeing to spend the night with her.

I know it's probably a bug but I like to think that Astarion noticed how uncomfortable Lirael was and swept her away before she could do something she regretted. 🥰🥹

Anyways, tldr, I'm now convinced that Astarion does genuinely like and trust you whether you're evil or good in Act 1.

[fireluc-loml]

"Absence At Work"

♪ Synopsis: You must sleep for work tomorrow but your husband complicates things for you ♪

♪ Pairing: F! Reader X Diluc ragnvindr

¡TW!: AFAB, SMUT, OVERSTIMULATION, HICKEYS & ROUGH SEX.

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

I swear to God… you were supposed to go to sleep as early as possible. You knew very well that the agenda you had for tomorrow was very overwhelming. That's how you came home to "sleep" directly after a hard day...

Although apparently someone forgot that his partner was also very stressed, after all your husband Diluc was dedicated to wine industrialization in Mondstad. These times of the year, where things start to get more and more complicated, were not easy for everyone. Although it seems that you and your husband shared the feeling when you met in the room. It all started as a simple caress, kisses here and there... But you couldn't deny that you didn't want to devour the man in front of you. Who would blame you? How long has it been since you enjoyed your intimacy with him?

How long has it been? Your body became a mess of moans and more moans, clothes thrown on the floor, condoms dripping semen and mainly your husband abusing your poor pussy, His ruby-colored eyes never stopped staring into yours... How come your delicate and gentle husband has become such a beast for the first time in bed?

Your body would definitely be numb by tomorrow, his cock didn't stop hitting all your spots and when he said that in a few moments he was going to stop it seemed that his lust made his resistance increase and like the good wife that you were, you took everything he gave you.

The sunlight that slowly filtered through the curtains lifted you up, by that time your husband was hugging you with his strong arms.(in reality, it seemed like he would never let you go since you were too attached to him but your barely awake mind wasn't processing anything), His face was serene and calm despite how much he enjoyed devouring you the night before.

You wanted to see what time it was but your husband, who did not deign to let you go, made it impossible for you. You moved your body a little to look out and see the clock, but he hugged you more and despite his sleepy state, He murmured for you to stay still.

Maybe... it was worth not going to work? After all, your body was covered in hickeys from your breasts to your neck and you had no chance to cover them.

(English is not my first language, so feel free to correct any errors)

[moonferry]

fsioy chapter 7.

i am so distraught but this chapter is finally finished. i went through an entire range of emotions while writing this so.. sorry in advance. we have ourselves Another long one guys im sorry. i have so many words but literally all i can do is apologize for the havoc this is going to wreak. i feel like a shell of the man i once was after writing this chapter. it feels like a part of me exploded once i wrote the final words. this is by NO MEANS the end of fsioy, so don't worry, but this one is a doozy.

warnings: military enlistment/drafting, previous death mentioned

summary: it's finally time for kent to leave for his deployment. however, jodi has a side quest before they begin packing. once they return, they pack and exchange heartfelt goodbyes.

word count: 4631

other chapters: chapter masterlist

ao3 link: here

April 19XX, Downtown Zuzu City – Middle Of The War | Day Of Deployment

Kent awoke the next morning - far earlier than he had originally anticipated. Once his eyes opened, he was immediately filled with dread. He glanced over at his digital alarm clock. 5:30 A.M. it read. His bus left at noon - which gave him about six hours to pack and stress over everything. Great, Kent sighed to himself, just great. Since he was already awake, and it looked like he wasn’t going back to sleep anytime soon - given the small stream of sunlight shining through the gap in his curtains and the looming sense of foreboding that clung to him like stale air - he decided he might as well get started. 

Kent glanced around his room once again, his chest heavy as his eyes lingered on every object. This has been his room for as long as he could remember, this house had been his home, this bed was well…his bed. Despite how trivial it seemed, Kent was going to miss this house and all its quirks: how the hallway was too narrow to be comfortable, how the tin on the roof always caused his radio to lose signal, how the floor creaked and groaned if you hit the wrong floorboard. This house had more flaws than he could count, but each one filled his mind with a rush of memories, and Kent would be lying if he said he wasn’t going to miss it. 

His eyes continued scanning the room before landing on the spot of his bed next to him. Instead of it being the usual emptiness, save for a few crumpled blankets he kicked off in the night, there was a figure curled up, her head barely sticking out above the covers. Kent blinked his eyes in surprise, reaching up to rub his eyes to make sure he wasn’t seeing things.

 However, the surprise soon wore off and he let out a small sigh of relief when he realized it was just Jodi. Kent’s expression softened as he watched the slow rise and fall of her chest. This was one of the rare times Jodi’s hair was completely down – Kent was amazed at just how long her hair actually was – and it was messily pooling against the pillow, some strands even sticking to Jodi’s sleeping face. 

Kent smiled to himself as he remembered the final events of the previous day. He felt extremely giddy: he couldn’t believe he had gotten married. To Jodi, nonetheless. It was like a dream come true, if you know, your dream only happened because there was this large timer looming over your head. While he was happy about the marriage, a small part of him couldn’t help but feel guilty. He knew Jodi had these big dreams - things she wanted to accomplish in her life - and Kent hoped he hadn’t harmed her chances of following those dreams. He cared about Jodi, he truly did, and it would absolutely crush him if she had to give up something she loved because of him. 

His mind was momentarily quieted when Jodi rolled over and sleepily reached for his hand, though she still had her eyes closed. Kent wondered what she was dreaming about. He let her take his hand and gently rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. Kent shook his head with a soft chuckle. So much for his plan of getting started early. Oh well, he didn’t mind. In fact, if every morning started like this, he wouldn’t mind at all.  Despite the soft moment, his heart sank. This would probably be the final time something like this happened - at least for a while. It made him even more reluctant to leave. 

Kent waited a bit longer, even if his hand was now going numb, he couldn’t seem to make himself start packing. At least, not yet. Something about the act of packing, of putting his own belongings into a small box, of having to choose only what was deemed “essential”, of having to leave everything behind made everything seem too real. He didn’t want it to be real. He wanted to scream, to protest, to plead with Yoba not to make him go, but he wouldn’t. He knew that it wouldn’t do anything but strain his voice and waste his breath. So, he did all he could. He simply waited: waited for Jodi to wake up, waited to start packing, waited for his life as he knew it to end. It was all too much for him to bear, but he would bear it anyway. Because someone had to. Because he had to. 

Kent brought his knees towards his chest, wrapping his arms around his calves, and buried his face into the rough fabric of his pajama pants - a pair of old, holey sweatpants that he’d grown too tall for. He sniffled, desperately trying to choke back his tears and keep himself quiet. It’s not like he cared if anyone saw him crying, he just didn’t want to wake Jodi. He didn’t want her to experience the horror of the present, he wanted to keep her safe in her dreams, to wrap her in the biggest blanket he had and tell her that it had all been some crazy nightmare. But it wasn’t. It was real and he would have to face it soon enough. He stayed in this position for a little bit longer, only glancing up when he felt a gentle hand against the small of his back. 

“Hey, Ken,” Jodi spoke, the sleep still vivid in her voice. She pushed herself into a sitting position and turned to fully look at him. A small, knowing frown formed on her lips, but she asked anyway, “Are you alright?” 

He shook his head. Jodi nodded and wrapped her arms around him, pulling the much taller boy closer to her. Kent laid his head on her shoulder before returning the hug. Jodi moved a hand up and cradled the back of his neck, gently running her fingers through the short hairs at the base of his neck. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Jodi asked, glancing down at her husband with a concerned expression. She knew the answer, but she still wanted to listen to Kent anyway. After all, she knew that this would be a tough time for both of them. 

“I’m scared, Jo,” Kent expressed. He felt that, whenever he was around Jodi, he didn’t have to hide what he was feeling. He knew she wasn’t very likely to judge him - he literally broke down in front of her a week ago and all she did was comfort him. He didn’t know how someone like him managed to get so lucky and end up with someone like Jodi. He wasn’t brave, or strong, hell, he wasn’t even all that interesting, yet Jodi saw something in him. Kent honestly didn’t know what it was. He wasn’t sure he’d ever know, to be honest. He glanced up at Jodi, his fear very plainly plastered across his face. 

“I know,” Jodi replied, resting her hand on the side of his face. She caressed his cheek before adding, “I’m scared, too.” 

“It’s normal to be scared, Kent,” Jodi added, pausing for a moment before looking at him lovingly and continuing, “We can be scared together. You aren’t doing this alone, you know. You have me and your mom. So many people who care about you. But you know what?” 

“What?” Kent replied, tilting his head to the side curiously. 

“You’re going to make it through this,” Jodi answered, moving her hands to fully cup Kent’s cheeks and looking him directly in the eyes. She spoke once again, “We’re going to make it through this. Together. You are the most amazing person I know, Kent. If anyone can get through this, it’s you.” 

“But.. I’m not strong, or brave,” He protested, a small look of defeat forming on his face as his brows knitted together.

“I know it feels like that, but you are so much more than you know,” she spoke, shaking her head at Kent’s claim. 

He sighed, closing his eyes as he leaned against her again. He mumbled softly beneath his breath, his voice breaking slightly, “I don’t know if I can do this, Jodi. I wish my dad was here. He’d know what to do.”

 “I wish there was something I could do to help,” Jodi replied, gently caressing Kent’s cheekbone once again. Jodi thought for a moment, and felt a small “lightbulb” appear over her head. “Maybe there is..,” She mumbled to herself. 

Kent raised an eyebrow skeptically. He wasn’t sure what Jodi was suggesting and the way she seemed impressed by her own idea scared him - just slightly though.

“I hope you aren’t talking about using a spirit board to contact my late father,” Kent spoke, his eyes widening in fear. Just the idea was enough to send a shiver down his spine. Not like that was something Jodi would do, obviously, but he could never be too sure. Usually, Kent was the one with the crazy ideas that Jodi was frantically saying “No” to. 

Jodi shook her head with a light laugh. She loosened her grip on Kent and practically jumped to her feet, her pajamas wrinkling in response to the fast movement. 

“C’mon,” She urged, making a motion for Kent to stand, “Get dressed. There’s someone I want you to meet.” 

“Jodi, I’m really not sure about this…” Kent admitted, though he stood and walked towards his closet, “I mean, I have to pack and all.” 

“We’ll make it back in plenty of time. You can pack later,” Jodi replied, already shoving an armful of clothing at Kent’s chest. She scrounged through a small box on the floor (she had brought a few changes of clothing from her mother’s house after the wedding, intending to go back and gather more once she saw Kent off) and pulled out the least crumpled of her supposedly neat clothing items. Now that she thinks back on it, she didn’t really take the time to fold them all. She was far too excited about the events that took place earlier. 

She ducked into a nearby room and quickly dressed herself. A few minutes later, she walked back into Kent’s bedroom, braiding her hair as she walked. She pushed his door open and was greeted by a now dressed Kent. Jodi walked over, grabbed Kent’s hand, and hurriedly exited the small house. They walked for several minutes, weaving in and out of the alleyways and taking shortcuts whenever they could. Eventually, they arrived at a small cabin at the outskirts of the city. 

Jodi approached the door and gave a soft knock. 

While the two were waiting for whoever was inside to answer, Kent looked at his wife quizzically and asked, “Jodi, where are we? Who lives here, anyway?” 

“You’ll see,” Jodi replied. So much for gaining information, Kent thought to himself. Before he could ask more questions or ask Jodi to explain further, the door creaked open and revealed a man. 

“Jodi! What a surprise,” The man spoke as he opened the door, moving out of the doorway and into the open. Kent examined the man suspiciously: he had gray hair – all of which was neatly slicked back –, a kind expression, an inviting presence, and Jodi seemed to know him. The man looked towards Kent and then spoke to Jodi once again, “Ah. Who’s this?” 

“This is Kent,” Jodi replied cheerfully, motioning to her husband before motioning back to the man and adding, “Kent this is my father, Samson Sawyer.” 

Recognition washed over Kent and he made a small “oooohhh” expression and extended his hand. 

“Nice to meet you, sir,” Kent spoke politely. Jodi’s father took Kent’s hand and gave it a firm shake. 

“Likewise,” He replied. Samson motioned for the two of them to enter the building, closing the door behind them. Once they were inside, Samson turned to face them and raised an eyebrow. “What brings you by? Jodi typically only visits on weekends,” He asked, looking Kent up and down. 

Jodi looked at Kent, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder before whispering in her father’s ear. She explained that Kent recently lost his father - leaving out the details, as that was up to Kent to share or not - and mentioned how she thought her own father could help. 

“You see, Kent.. Kent leaves today,” Jodi explained, a small hint of sadness in her voice, “He’s been drafted.” . 

“Ah,” Samson replied, giving a small, curt nod, “I see.” He pulled up some chairs for the three of them and motioned for Kent to have a seat across from him. 

“So, Kent, Jodi tells me you recently lost your father,” The man started, clasping his hands together over his lap before speaking again, “That must be rough, son. I have three boys of my own - love each and every one of them - I couldn’t imagine what they’d do if I.. you know.” The man’s voice filled with compassion and he sent Kent a sympathetic look. 

Kent gave a small nod, though his expression turned a bit sour. He knew this man was only trying to help, but he was tired of sympathy. Everywhere he went, people greeted him with “oh, poor thing” or fawned over him, as if he was the one who had died. He didn’t want people’s kind words or their “thoughts and prayers”. He just wanted his father back, and that wasn’t going to happen. 

“Sir, with the utmost respect,” Kent started, looking up at Samson while trying his hardest not to grit his teeth, “I don’t understand how this is supposed to help me.” He glanced at Jodi and mouthed a small “sorry” before attempting to stand. 

“Please, sit, and let me finish,” Samson spoke gently, motioning back to the seat. Kent did as he was told, though he wasn’t sure why. “I’m not here to coddle you, Kent, and I’m sorry if I offended you. You’re scared, right? Any normal person would be,” the man explained.

Kent nodded. He glanced confusedly at Jodi and made a small gesture that said “what’s up with this guy?” Jodi simply smiled back, encouraging him to keep listening. 

“I had to send off all three of my boys. All three of them. As a father, there is nothing scarier than sending your children to experience something as unpredictable as war. Under better circumstances, I would’ve been right there beside my boys, but I couldn’t - heart condition, you know. I understand what you’re feeling, son. I’ve watched this happen three times already. It doesn’t get any easier. Now, I may not have known your father - and I don’t know you that well, either - but I know that I am so proud of you, and he would be, too. It takes guts to do this, kid, even if you didn’t have a choice. It takes guts to wake up every morning and face the reality of this situation - the fact that this is something you can’t weasel your way out of. Even the ones at the front of the enlistment lines are scared, Kent. You’d be a fool not to be.” 

“What I’m jabbering about basically boils down to this: your father would be just as, if not more so, proud of you as I am. It’s alright to be scared. Everyone is,” Samson summarized, giving Kent a reassuring pat on his kneecap. 

The man’s words seemed to ease Kent’s mind. He gave a thoughtful nod as he mulled over the speech he just received. He had to admit, receiving advice from an older man like this, it reminded him of his late night talks with his own father. His heart ached and he placed an open palm on his chest, as if trying to reassure himself. 

“Thank you, Mr. Sawyer,” Kent replied, extending his hand once again - intending to give Samson a handshake of gratitude. 

“Please, call me Samson,” Samson replied. He gave a light laugh and stood up, moving closer to the other. “I don’t do handshakes, boy,” He explained, grabbing Kent’s hand and pulling him upward. He wrapped his arms around Kent, encompassing the boy in a firm, fatherly embrace. 

Kent hesitated - his mind filling with memories of the last time someone hugged him like this. It had been the last time he’d ever seen his father and he had regretted his inaction every day since. Kent slowly returned Samson’s hug. He felt tears well up in his eyes as he tightened his grip around the man’s midsection. Kent felt that small tear in his heart - the gaping hole that opened up when he received the news of his father’s death - smooth over, as if someone had placed a bandage over the injury. Kent knew that Samson could never replace his own father, but it still felt nice to receive some paternal affection. 

When the older male pulled away from the hug, Kent was shaking slightly - his face wet with the smallest streams of tears. He sniffled slightly before sending Samson a grateful smile. 

“Thank you, Samson,” Kent replied quietly. He moved his hand upwards and wiped his face with the back of his thumb, hiding the faint traces of tears. Jodi had walked over to the two and gently intertwined her fingers with Kent’s, quietly whispering that they should probably head back soon. 

Kent nodded and made his way towards the cabin door. However, Samson spoke once again before the two could exit. 

“By the way,” He started, calling out to Kent to get his attention once again, “Take good care of my girl. She’s a good egg. You don’t want to lose someone like her.” 

Kent looked at Jodi, who had already exited the building and was waiting on Kent to follow her. He smiled to himself before turning back to Samson and saying, “I will, sir.” 

“Samson.” 

“I will, Samson.” 

With that, Kent exited the small cabin and ran to meet Jodi. Once he caught up to her, he looped his arm around her waist and held her close as they walked. 

“All done?” She asked, glancing back at the cabin as her father closed the door before peaking out the window and waving. 

“I think so,” Kent replied. 

“Then let’s go get you packed,” Jodi suggested, leaning against Kent as they walked. She smiled to herself. The interaction with her father went much better than she’d hoped. She would never tell Kent this, but she noticed how he reacted to the embrace. She knew how much something like that meant to him (and maybe she was the one who suggested it to her father in the first place, who knows?). 

The two managed to get back to Kent’s family home. In truth, not much time had passed. Maybe an hour or two at most. Kent reluctantly sorted through his belongings and - with Jodi’s help - determined what items to bring. Jodi had yet another idea and quickly placed the neatly folded shirt into Kent’s suitcase before rushing to her box. She crouched down and began sifting through her own belongings. Jodi dug through her stack of clothing before pulling out a small, fabric hair tie. She walked back to Kent and placed it on his wrist. 

“Here,” She said as she looped the fabric over Kent’s wrist before adding, “so you’ll always think of me.” 

“Jo.. I can’t take this,” Kent started, a small frown forming on his lips, “it’s your favorite. You always wear it.” 

Jodi gave a soft laugh before smiling up at Kent. She placed her hand on Kent’s wrist and gave it a reassuring pat as she spoke, “Then you better make it back so you can return it to me, hm?”

Kent shook his head with a light laugh - clearly he wasn’t going to change Jodi’s mind. He carefully slipped the hair tie off his wrist. He then brought the hair tie towards his chest and clasped it in both his hands. “I’ll take good care of it,” Kent spoke, sending a grateful look towards Jodi before adding, “You know, until I give it back.” 

“Good,” She spoke, playfully poking Kent in the sides, “Because I’m expecting that back, mister. You said it yourself: it’s my favorite.” 

He laughed, squirming out of the reach of Jodi’s pestering fingers. 

The two continued to pack in silence. A dreary mood seemed to wash over them as the hours continued to tick by. It didn’t help that the sky outside darkened with the presence of storm clouds - as if the weather outside was reflecting the way Kent felt inside. 

Eventually, a soft knock was heard from outside his bedroom door and Kent glanced up. His mother peered inside and mentioned that it was time to head to the bus stop. Kent’s journey had three parts: a bus from the city to the local train station, then he’d take the train to the docks, and finally he would board a boat and be delivered to the assignment station overseas. Kent took a deep breath and stood up. He reached down, grabbed the handle of his suitcase in one hand - Jodi’s hand in the other - and exited his room for what he hoped wasn’t the last time. 

The bus station was only a few blocks away, so the walk ended far quicker than Kent had anticipated. He glanced at the small group of people gathered around him - there was his entourage (Jodi and his mother) and a few other families who surrounded their sons or older brothers. 

Kent turned to his mother and a look of concern washed over his features. He approached her, gently talking her hands in his. Kent glanced down at his mother. 

“Are you sure you’re going to be alright, Mom?” He asked, his brows furrowing and knitting together. Kent knew the death of his father had hit his mother extremely hard, but recently she seemed far more cheerful - as if something had changed over the last few months. 

“Yes, dear,” His mother assured, reaching her hand up and resting it against his cheek. 

“I mean, if you aren’t I can beg them to let me stay, maybe fake an illness-” Kent spoke, his words forming into a worried ramble. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. 

“Kent,” his mother interrupted with a small chuckle. She gently caressed his cheek, smiling up at her son before speaking once again, “I’m going to be alright. I have Jodi, and Ruby, you know that.” 

Right, he knew that. Ruby was his mother’s “closest friend” - someone his mother knew for years, a woman with short hair and a magnetic personality (surprisingly never married, though. Wonder why) and had been by his mother’s side since the news of his father’s death was delivered. Kent knew his mother and Ruby seemed to be extremely close. He’d never confront her about this, but he swore his mother referred to Ruby in a way similar to how she referred to his father or how he referred to Jodi. He didn’t mind, though, Ruby was nice. She even ironed the suit he wore for his own wedding. Besides, Kent wanted nothing more than his mother’s happiness. 

“I’m just worried about you, Mom,” Kent replied with a small sigh. He knew his mother was able to take care of herself, he just didn’t want her to get lonely. Even though their home was too small for three people, it was far too big for just one. 

“I know, darling,” His mother replied once again, “but I’ll be fine, trust me. And - before you say anything - I will not get lonely. Rue promises to visit every afternoon.” 

Kent nodded and pulled his mother into a tight hug. 

He moved and glanced at Jodi. His Jodi. Despite knowing it would come to this, Kent didn’t realize saying goodbye would be this hard. He walked over and gently rested his hands on Jodi’s cheeks - softly cupping her face. 

“I guess this is it,” He mumbled sadly, glancing down into Jodi’s eyes. 

“I guess so,” She replied. Jodi placed her hands on top of Kent’s and gently squeezed his wrist. 

“Tell me not to go,” Kent pleaded, the familiar saltiness filling the corners of his eyes, “Tell me not to go and I won’t. I’ll find a way out of this, if you want me to.” 

“Oh, Kent,” Jodi spoke, sadness filling her own voice as she said the next words, “You and I both know I can’t do that.” 

“I know,” He replied, giving a humorless chuckle, “but it was worth a shot.” 

“It’s not forever, you know,” Jodi reasoned, “You’ll be back.” 

“Yeah, but I’ll miss you,” Kent sighed, gently rubbing his thumb across Jodi’s cheek. 

“I’ll miss you too, Cactus,” She replied, leaning her head into Kent’s hands. She closed her eyes contently and enjoyed the bittersweetness of this moment. She was sad Kent was leaving, but she knew it was always meant to happen this way. The world worked in funny ways like that: it gave you something you wanted - no, needed - to the point it made your chest heavy with longing any moment you were away from it and then it took it away like it never mattered. Jodi always hoped she’d end up with someone like Kent but when she finally had him, he was being violently ripped away from her. She couldn’t do anything. Despite how much she wanted to beg Kent to stay, she knew he would. That was why she couldn’t do it. If he managed to avoid it this time, there would be many other times afterwards. No matter how fast he ran, how desperately he tried to avoid it, he couldn’t run forever. Jodi knew this and that’s why she couldn’t let Kent stay for her. 

A small, somber smile formed on Kent’s lips as he heard the familiar nickname. He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss onto Jodi’s lips, closing his eyes to fully savor the moment as he tried, once again, to memorize everything about the person he loved. Her long, peachy-auburn hair - always neatly braided -, the way she hid her mouth behind her hand when she laughed, the softness of her touch, the warmth of her kisses, her amazing personality and contagious laughter. Everything he loved about Jodi. His Jodi. He opened his eyes and looked lovingly into her light blue eyes. 

Kent could’ve stayed there forever, watching his future unfold in Jodi’s eyes, but he was interrupted by a voice shouting that they would be loading the bus soon, that the bus would be leaving soon. Once again, Kent was running out of time. 

“I guess you should be going,” Jodi mumbled sadly, glancing up at Kent with a small frown. 

“I guess so,” Kent replied. He gathered his bags and started walking towards the bus. However, he only made it halfway before running back to Jodi and wrapping his arms around her - lifting her off the ground and spinning her around. He gently sat her on the ground before pulling her into a tight embrace. 

He rested his chin on top of her head, enjoying what little spare seconds he could. 

“I love you, Starfruit,” he spoke, closing his eyes as he held Jodi close. Kent pressed a soft kiss onto the top of her forehead. He reluctantly pulled away once another reminder was shouted by the bus driver. 

He gathered his bags and boarded the bus. Once he took his seat, he looked out the window - watching life as he knew it being left behind. There goes his entire world - everything he’s ever known, left at a bus stop.

[souled-out-2023]

February update

This semester is flying by, and I haven't had the time to write here in a while. So while I've got hold of a few extra minutes, here's how things have been going.

First off, I think I'm finally over my ex. Lately I've been realizing how much freer I feel without him, how I've really reclaimed myself in these past few months. I genuinely feel more like myself than I have in months, maybe even in the past year. It's fantastic when that realization just hits you on a random weekday, that it's done. That those feelings don't sting the same way, don't twist deep in your gut the way they used to. It doesn't all completely disappear, but it fades. And with that, it gives way to a lot of fantastic realizations.

I've realized that I had to leave him behind, to figure out how much more I deserve. I came to college far away from home, and I remember the tensions it created in our relationship when we used to talk about me leaving. I feel now like coming to this college actually freed me from him. It forced my hand in the most god-sent way, made me let him go. I remember being here for my tour a year ago (almost exactly), loving this school but stressing about my relationship. I remember feeling so torn, wondering if there was a totally different life waiting for me, beyond all the turmoil and heartbreak that my relationship was bringing. I remember fighting with him while I was at my orientation last summer, knowing that it was over on the flight home. Seeing the most beautiful sunset over the wings of the airplane, like a sign from some other power that I had so much more beyond him. I broke up with him that night, and although it hurt like I was dying, I've come to realize what a blessing it all was. What a gift it was to be whisked away from home, with a blank canvas and four years in front of me. And what a feeling, knowing that dying sensation was worth it to be born again.

This year, I've been able to do so many fantastic things, pour more energy into myself and the things I love. I've met friends that feel like extensions of my own soul, who love me in a truer, deeper, purer way than my ex ever did. I care about them like my own family. I've tried new things, from joining clubs to playing intramural sports to visiting new places. I've gotten to do some amazing art projects, develop my style, focus more on learning how to eat right and work out more often. But I've also learned when to rest, when to slow down. When to take a break from the bustle of the weekdays and just enjoy myself. It feels impossible to explain the depths of this feeling, but I just feel so much more alive than I did a few months ago.

To anybody going through a breakup, just know that the heartache is worth the future that lies ahead. I had a hard time believing that just a few months ago. It felt like I had such a hard road off in the distance, like it would take me years to feel like myself again. The truth is, you don't know how long it will take. But slowly, you'll start feeling new again. The sunlight will last a little longer each day; you'll feel more like a new person, yet at the same time, more yourself than ever. Before you know it, you'll be out on the other side of your breakup, amazed that you made it through. But you did. You made it. You have every reason to be proud of yourself for getting through. And even if you aren't through yet, you should still be proud that you're making each day, just getting by. That's a feat in and of itself, and someday, you'll be incredibly grateful that you made it.

So, the point: Hang in there. Great times are coming, little by little.

A

[uvobreakmylegs]

Moving Up

mafiaAU! Shalnark

Warnings: arson, mentions of torture, mentions of death, Shalnark being a creep

Word count: 4.2k

You had to call him eventually.

As you looked over the charred and foamy pile of what had once been store product, you could only put off the inevitable for so long. Arson was serious, to say the least, and you were told that if anything like this happened, you needed to call him so that he could decide where you went from there.

So why were you stalling? Probably because with a lot of floor cleaner, trash bags and a lot of hard work, you could clean up the mess without anyone even knowing what had happened. Sure, it would take all day and would only cost the store money, but it wasn't like you would be making anything today with the burnt pile that currently sat in the middle of the floor.

But the first big issue with that plan was that your boss had told you to make the call. He had been the one to discover the fire and subsequently put it out, and after doing that he made you come in on your day off, gave you a run-down of what had happened and then gave you the order to call the troupe. Trying to get out of doing that would just cause him to give you grief for it later.

And the second thing was that the Phantom Troupe always inevitably found out any secrets anyone tried to hide from them. They had lackeys all over the city and a reliable information network that traveled fast. It wouldn't surprise you if one of their underlings was aware of the fire and that word had already reached the ears of the man you were supposed to call. That would leave you in an awkward position of trying to come up with an excuse as to why it had taken you so long to contact him.

How long had it been, anyway?

You glanced over to the clock.

….. It'd been over an hour. Somehow you'd wasted an entire hour pushing off the inevitable.

Ah, fuck.

Resigning yourself to your fate, you scrolled through the contacts on your phone until you reached his name, and then hit the “call” button.

The phone only rang once before the call was picked up, and you heard a familiar voice happily greet you by your name.

“Hey, Mr. Ryusei,” you answered.

There was a brief pause. Then you heard him click his tongue in disapproval.

“Why so formal? I thought I told you what you should call me.”

Goddamnit

“Right. You did. I'm sorry, Shalnark.”

That seemed to be enough to placate him, as he sounded happy again when he spoke next.

“Not a problem. What can I do for you?” he asked.

“Someone set fire to some stuff at the store,” you told him, figuring it was better not to dance around the issue.

“Really? So you got hit by an arsonist?”

“Yeah, looks like it.”

“Have you called the police?”

“You told us to come to you first, so we didn't.”

“Good, good,” he said, “I'll be down there in a bit to check things out, then.”

“You're coming down?” you asked, a bit surprised.

“Of course! How did you think this was going to go?” he said as he laughed.

“I'm... Not sure, I guess,” you said, then quickly added “I just don't want to waste your time.”

“It's not a waste at all. I'm always happy to set aside time for you.”

“Oh. Okay.”

Realizing that your last response was incredibly lackluster, you hastily said “Thanks. I guess I'll see you in a bit, then.”

“Yup! See you then.”

And with that, the horribly awkward phone call came to an end.

You leaned back against the counter as you took in the current state of the store: the shutters at the windows that were still pulled down, the little bits of sunlight that still managed to trickle in despite the front being closed up, and the eyesore that was the pile of products that, when you had first walked in, had still been smoldering.

There was still a burning smell floating around in the air even though the fans were running at full blast, and you felt like it was causing you to have a headache. Though it was just as likely that it was caused by the ever-building stress of your current life situation.

You had been aware of the mafia activity within Yorknew. It was something that was well-known to most but wasn't talked about much, and you had gone in thinking that it shouldn't be too big of a deal. If that many people knew about the mafia activity and still went out of their way to live in Yorknew, it couldn't have been as bad as you might have assumed.

Of course, you turned out to be wrong.

Mafia dealings were more extensive than you realized. Something that you hadn't thought of were protection rackets. Businesses within a mafia families' “territory” were forced to give a percentage of their earnings to that mafia family just to ensure that the business could stay up and running. The small electronics store you where you had taken a position as an assistant manager was caught in that deal with the Phantom Troupe, something you had learned the hard way when your boss had been a bit late with a payment one month, and you came in one morning to see him being threatened by a few intimidating men in dark suits.

If it wasn't for the fact that virtually all of the businesses that operated within Yorknew were part of the troupe's protection racket or that of a rival family, you would've tried to find another job somewhere else. But since you were guaranteed to end up in the same situation regardless, you stayed.

As long as you kept your head down, things would be okay.

But despite that plan for yourself, you somehow managed to catch someone's attention.

You weren't sure how or when it had happened, but somehow Shalnark Ryusei of the Phantom Troupe had become aware of you. And evidently, he was infatuated.

It was after you had shut off the fans, once you felt that the smoke in the air was mostly if not entirely gone, that you heard the door at the back of the building open and then shut after someone stepped inside.

Shalnark soon walked in through the back, smiling as he greeted you.

“So glad to see you again,” he said.

“Same here.”

You couldn't usually match his energy, but you did your best to give him a genuine smile as you responded to him despite the current circumstances.

Shalnark let out a low whistle as he looked at the damage in front of him.

“Dang, they sure did a number on this place. How much did they destroy?” he asked.

“I'd need to check to be certain, but that's definitely several thousand jenny worth of product that's gone up in smoke,” you said.

“Well, that's no good.”

No shit, you wanted to say.

But unless you wanted to end up in a body bag, you would never say anything like that to someone as important as Shalnark.

Although the man had never been terrible to you, there were stories that had reached you of the things he had done to people, either by ordering someone else to do it or taking care of matters personally. Lots of stories of people being tortured and suffering for a long, long time before they were finally put out of their misery.

No, not a good idea to make this man your enemy.

“The cameras are still working, right?” he asked, pointing to the security camera that hung above the check out counter.

“Of course.”

“Have you taken a look at the footage?”

“Yeah.”

“I'd like to see it then, if you wouldn't mind leading the way.”

“Sure.”

You turned, heading towards the small room that served as an office at the back of the building, and Shalnark followed behind.

Something that always surprised you was that he never barged in front of you to take the lead. You had heard a lot of stories about those who worked in the ranks of the mafia coming into a business that was under their protection and acting like they owned the place. Yet Shalnark never did that. Not with you, at least.

On your very first day of meeting him, he had been incredibly polite and just seemed so nice that you had a hard time believing he had anything to do with organized crime. And even after learning more details about him through your coworkers that whispered those stories to you during those moments when no one else was in the store, he didn't change his demeanor even when you were certain that he knew you knew what sort of person he was.

It seemed like he wanted you to like him. And despite being high up in the ranks of the troupe, he would find reasons to make his way down to the store, always managing to come in during your shifts so he could get a brief chat with you while claiming he was there to check out the new phones.

Your boss picked up on the fact that he liked you faster than you did, and soon he was offloading the responsibility of handing over the protection funds to the troupe on you, which also ended up meaning that the one who dealt with Shalnark was all on you.

Your coworkers seemed to feel sorry for you while you were confused as to why you were the one handling things from that end. Meanwhile Shalnark didn't mind at all, and even commented once that he enjoyed how much time the two of you were now spending together, as brief as that time still was.

Somehow even after that you hadn't caught onto the fact that he had a thing for you.

Your realization came during another time when you had been leading him back to the same small office. You happened to glance back at one point, and had caught him looking you over. He didn't even seem to mind that you had seen that, as he just smiled and shrugged as if to say that it was no big deal.

It seemed that he liked letting you lead him around because it allowed him to keep his eyes on you just a bit longer.

Since then, Shalnark had pushed certain boundaries. Asking about your personal life, standing closer than was necessary in order to speak with you, and letting his hands linger a little longer any time the two of you had physical contact with one another. And then the most recent thing in telling you to refer to him by his first name.

Your response had been to try and keep things as professional as they could be while being polite with him, and ignoring those moments of him touching you.

It wasn't like you were really in any position where you could reject him.

“Who was the one who put the fire out?” he asked, breaking your train of thought.

“My boss.”

“Why isn't he here?”

“I..... I think he needed to take care of other stuff,” you said.

“'Other stuff'? So he's got more pressing matters than the fact that his store was broken into and had product set on fire?”

“I guess.... He didn't really say.”

“Just as well. I prefer talking to you over that guy.”

“Right.”

That time you failed to keep the dread out of your tone, and he picked up on it.

“Something wrong?”

“Not really. I guess I'm just surprised that you would come down here yourself to look into something like arson.”

Shalnark laughed.

“You pay us to protect you, right? We wouldn't be holding our end of the bargain if we didn't look into this.”

“And besides,” he added, “arson is a pretty big deal. The damage would've been a lot worse if your boss hadn't found it, right?”

“I guess....”

While you agreed with him on how serious the situation could've been, you still didn't completely believe that it was normal for him to come down to investigate this himself. Then again, someone like him shouldn’t have been spending as much time as he did in a dinky little electronics shop like this one.

You let out the smallest sigh of relief as you came upon the office door, grateful that this conversation would be coming to an end as he would be focused on the security footage. Opening the door to the office, you entered and stepped to the side to allow him access. You felt more at ease once he took his place in the single chair in the room, opening up different tabs on the computer as he looked for the security footage. He clicked on the video when he found the relevant footage, and you leaned against the wall as it began to play.

The clip that played showed three figures dressed in black coming in through the back of the store, wasting no time as they ran up to different shelves and grabbing all they could before they dumped the products into an empty space in the middle of the room. Once the pile had been built up, one returned to the back and produced a jerrycan. Soon enough the pile was on fire, and the three ran out the back.

There wasn't much left to the video, and Shalnark stopped it when the footage showed your boss discovering the blaze and quickly putting it out.

He was staying quiet, and he had pulled out his phone and began to type something out. Whether he was texting someone or putting something down in his notes, you weren't entirely sure.

You figured it was a good idea to stay quiet until he decided he wanted to speak with you.

That turned out to be sooner than you thought it would be.

“Seems like another attack by our friends the Shadow Beasts,” he said as he put his phone back in his pocket.

“Shadow Beasts?”

You felt like you had heard the name before, but other than that, it wasn't ringing any bells.

“The Shadow Beasts used to be the ones in charge before we came in,” Shalnark explained, “they've been having a hard time since we cut down their numbers significantly. But they seemed to have gotten a second wind since they've been trying to regain their territory. The last few days a lot of the other businesses we protect have gotten hit, too.”

“They've been setting fires in other places?”

“Some have gotten set on fire. Others have been getting drive-by shootings, one place got robbed. Surprisingly, the arson is the least violent of their options.”

“.... Has anyone died because of this?” you asked.

“Oh no. Nothing like that yet, fortunately. I think only two people have gotten hurt so far.”

“Are they okay?”

“Hm? I think one is still in the hospital. I'm sure they'll be fine.”

His tone had been rather flippant when he said that.

You were always taken aback by Shalnark's lack of empathy. Granted he was willingly working as a member of local mafia and that sort of position would require an attitude of not giving a shit about others, so maybe it shouldn't have surprised you as much. Yet you always found yourself being deceived by the kind look he had about him. On the surface level he didn't seem like someone who happily participated in orchestrating the deaths of others, but every time he opened his mouth you were reminded of that fact.

And it only made it even more disturbing that this man somehow managed to be fond of you.

“Should we be worried about them coming back?” you asked.

“I doubt it. They're just trying to scare you while also trying to get our attention. And they've succeeded in the latter, so now their focus is going to be on trying to get rid of us, however it is that they plan on doing that.”

“Are you worried?”

Shalnark laughed when you asked that.

“About the Shadow Beasts? No, those guys are idiots,” he said, “we can handle whatever it is they throw at us. So don't worry; by the time next week rolls around, they won't be an issue anymore.”

“Ah, okay.”

He was talking about killing them. It was hard to imagine that he meant anything else when he said that they wouldn't be an issue anymore. Even if the Shadow Beasts were just as bad as the troupe, you didn't want to think about them getting killed off. Especially not with the methods that the troupe would likely use.

You stayed quiet as Shalnark finished up on the computer, seemingly sending off the security footage to someone through an email before he logged out. He turned back to you, saying “if you can get me a complete list of all of the things that were destroyed and their value, the troupe will give you some jenny that should cover most of the amount. That way the store doesn't suffer too big of a loss.”

“Okay.”

He seemed taken aback by how quiet you were now, as he asked “something wrong?”

“Ah. Sorry. Just a bit..... Frazzled, I guess,” you said.

“It's a bit scary to think that the store could've gotten shot up. And kinda weird that the arson was the better thing to go through,” you continued.

Shalnark nodded as though he understood.

“I get that,” he said.

Then he smiled.

“But since you brought that up, I wanted to ask you something.”

Already that made you feel nervous, but you stayed quiet as he continued.

“How would you like to work for the Phantom Troupe?” he asked.

…...

“Work..... Work for the troupe?” you repeated.

“Don't worry, you wouldn't be doing anything that would make you uncomfortable,” Shalnark clarified, “I'm thinking more of a position doing paperwork and whatnot. You could do that, right?”

“... Why would you want me for that?” you asked.

He smiled at you again, and then stood up. Once again he was pushing that boundary of personal space as he stood far too close to you, even going as far as to place his hand against the wall next to your head so he could lean in further.

Shalnark spoke your name in a low tone, then said “you know that I like you, right?”

…. Do you deny that?

No, you caught him that one time, and he knew you weren't that naive to not recognize the ways he'd been trying to get closer to you. Denying that would either make you look like a liar or just stupid. Or both.

So you nodded, and his grin widened.

“So since I like you, I want to see you do well. And you could do a lot better working for the troupe instead of slaving away at this place,” he said.

“Wouldn't that be bad, though?” you asked, “if you get me a position and it's well-known that I got it because you like me?”

“The boss doesn't really care about that sort of thing. All he cares about are people who can do their job and do it well,” said Shalnark, “you're a hard worker, and I know you wouldn't do anything to embarrass or disappoint me.”

He tilted his head in question as he asked “right?”

“.... Right,” you agreed.

“So, how about it? You want in?”

“Uh.... Could I possibly... Take some time to think it over?” you asked.

“Of course,” he answered, “sleep on it and then get back to me.”

“Sure.”

At least there was some relief in not needing to come up with an answer right away. Although you got the sense that the only answer Shalnark would accept would be 'yes'.

…. What would he do if you tried to say 'no'?

“Well, I've got to be heading back,” Shalnark then said.

Finally, he stepped away from you, smoothing out his suit while you let out a quiet sigh of relief.

“We'll all probably be pretty busy for the next few days, but I'll make sure to send whatever money you need for the stuff that was destroyed,” he told you. You nodded, glad that the conversation had gone back to the business side of things.

And then he crossed those boundaries again.

“What'll you be doing for the rest of the day?” he asked.

“I'll... Need to check in with my boss on what to do,” you said, “Probably get started on cleaning up this mess.”

“Ah, I feel bad for you. Clean up is always the worst.”

“Someone has to do it.”

He smiled at you again after you said that, and despite knowing better, you felt compelled to ask “what?”

“Like I said, you're a hard worker. And you're wasted on a place like this,” he told you.

“How about at the latest you call me next week to tell me your decision? By then our issue with the Shadow Beasts should be taken care of,” he continued.

You nodded.

It looked like he was about to leave as he made a move to walk to the open door. But when he looked at you again, you could see a thought suddenly flash through his head.

Then he leaned in and kissed you on the cheek.

You didn't know what to do for a moment.

And then the realization of what just happened sunk in and you felt the heat rising to your cheeks as you looked at him in shock.

“Sorry,” he said, “I couldn't help myself. You're too cute.”

He patted you on the head as he added “I happily await your reply.”

Once again, against your better judgment, you asked “what if I say no?”

He laughed.

“I can't imagine that happening,” he said, “I said so earlier: you wouldn't do anything to disappoint me.”

With one last smile and wink sent your way, Shalnark left the office, letting himself out through the way he'd come in.

You stayed where you were against the wall, processing what had just happened.

You didn't want to work for the troupe. While you had accepted that you couldn't avoid mafia activity completely, it was one thing to pay up to a mafia family. It was something else entirely to be working for them. Getting involved in the criminal underworld to that extent would change your life, and not in a good way.

You didn't want to do that.

But with that last thing Shalnark had said, it didn't sound like he was giving much choice.

…. So you should just leave Yorknew, then? Quit this job and move back home? And if your parents asked why you were coming back, you could just tell them that life in the city was too much for you to handle. It's not like that excuse would be a lie.

Even if Shalnark was so infatuated with you that he wanted you in a position where he had easier access to you, not even he would go so far to hunt you down for leaving. You hadn't accepted his offer, so you weren't part of the troupe. Not even he would be able to justify wasting resources on someone who wasn't even a member of their mafia family. He'd have to give up on you.

In your head, all of that made sense, and while you felt badly for whatever person Shalnark would end up going after next once you were off the table, it was reasonable that you needed to look out for yourself. And if going back home and starting over there was the way to do it, then that was what needed to happen.

This would work out okay, you told yourself.

This would work out okay and you wouldn't need to deal with Shalnark or the troupe anymore.

With that thought in mind, you pulled out your phone and scrolled through the contacts list again, this time going to your bosses' name. You'd relay the information Shalnark had given you to him, and from there he'd likely tell you to clean up the mess that had been left behind. No need for police as the matter was being taken care of by the troupe, so no need to hold onto any of the destroyed products.

You'd probably call in a few other employees to see if they could come in and help you, and when you were done with that, you'd go back to your apartment and begin the necessary arrangements to head back home.

You'd be okay, you told yourself.

But despite the inner pep talk you'd given yourself, the second you walked back into the main part of the store and began the grueling task of cleaning up, a sense of dread returned to you. Like your plan was far more unrealistic than you thought and Shalnark would realize what was going on before you could get away.

But he couldn't make you stay here.... Right?

Suddenly you weren't so sure about that.

You'd be okay, you once again said to yourself.

But the more times you repeated those words in your head, the more it seemed like you were just lying to yourself.

[mackeydoodledoo]

The Florals: Chapter 7

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x (Fem MC)Reader

Summary: You and your best friends are one of the most popular local bands. After a gig you meet the bartender, who has caught your eye and interest.

Chapter Warnings: Depressed Wanda

A/n: This chapter will focus more on Wanda, it’ll be better this time :)

Chapter Key: Italic = Thoughts, [Words] = Song lyrics, ~~Words~~ = Phone call/voicemail, “Bold/Italic” = Thought but out loud, +*+ = Time Skip

Chapter Theme: Can’t Get out of Bed - Crimson Apple | That’s So Us - Allie X

--------------------------------------------------------------------

*Wanda’s POV* You wake up to the bright sunlight rays. When you check the clock, you realize that you were late for work... Again...

[I can’t get out of bed] [Tangled in sheets, life; it wears me down]

You pick up your phone to see a couple of missed calls from Oliver and your boss. 

~~Hey Wands... You doing okay?... Just making sure...~~

~~Wanda I don't know where the hell you’ve been but you’ve been no-calling and no-showing. You're. Fired.~~

Wait.. What?... I’m sure I got approved to take time off... Right?...

You repeat the message and sure enough, you were fired from your grocery store job.

Honestly... Finally, that was a shit job anyway...

The realization hits...

“Shit... Vision is not going to like it...” You groan at yourself

[I can’t get out of bed] [Trust me I’ve tried, I just need some time] [It’s happy in my head} [Trapped in large tracts of a tattered mind]

You search through your notifications, hoping there could possibly be one from Strelitzia... But, you also didn’t expect one. How would she forgive you?... You felt guilty about ghosting her. Since then, you were fighting the urge to simply reach out to her, out of fear of hurting her more. So you waited...

And waited...

And waited...

For her to text you...

Nothing...

The way she genuinely cared for you; took the time out of your own time to make extra time for her especially when you had other plans that you would often be late to because you were helping Wanda, when you took care of her injured leg when you, her, Poppy, and Lark went to an abandoned place adventure. The kiss you and her shared the night she abruptly left your car didn’t leave her mind either. That was her first kiss with a woman.

Did it always feel like that?... Soft, gentle? Slow?... 

You were pulled out of your thoughts when she hears the bedroom door opening.

"Wanda," Vision says, nearly surprised, "I thought you went off to work already."

"Called in," Wanda says, lying to him that she got fired, "I thought you went to work?"

"Forgot something here," He says, "Are you feeling alright?"

He comes to sit next to her at the edge of the bed.

"I... I don't know..." Wanda says, rubbing her temples, "One point I feel okay to take on the day and then the next I want to be in bed all day..."

"Hey hey calm down Wanda, everything will be alright," Vision attempts to calm you down, "I've noticed that you've been stressed lately. Why don't I treat you out today?"

"What about work?" You ask

"The album release party is tonight, Whatever it is I have can wait until tomorrow," Vision says, "I just need to pick up a couple of spare audio equipment."

Oh... He finally decides to attempt to make extra time for me?...

“Take your time getting ready,” He says, I’ll make you some coffee.”

He stands from the bed and exits the bedroom, heading into the kitchen.

[Drink some water] [Take another pill] [You’ll feel better]  [Trust me you will]

You reluctantly force herself out of bed as you go to freshen yourself up. 

+*+

Vision takes you to the cafe he took you to on your first date with him and if you were going to be honest, you actually enjoyed it...

“Feel any better?” He asks

“Sort of,” You sigh

“What can I do?” He asks

[You don’t understand] [This is just the way that I am]

“I don’t know Vis,” You sigh again, “I just... Wanna be okay for the release party tonight.”

“Speaking of...” He begins, “I have the dress picked out for you. We just have to go and pick it up after this.”

Oh... I wanted to wear dress pants...

“You don’t look too happy about it Wanda,” Vision points out

“Oh, I’m thrilled!” You lie, adding a smile to top it

“Then what’s the matter?” He asks, holding your hand

“Vis, I told you, it’s just been a rough few weeks...” You sigh

“I just want to better understand the situation,” He says

“It’s fine, let’s go pick up my dress and go home,” You sigh

You get up from your seat, exiting the coffee shop

+*+

You sit at your vanity, applying your makeup as Vision was adjusting his tie along the stand-up mirror on the other side of the room. 

“Are you almost ready Wanda?” Vision asks, finishing his tie

He looks at you through his mirror, looking at you. You nod as you turn away from the mirror, beginning to put them u=on tunic you see Vision kneeling down.

“Here, let me,” He says

You watch unenthusiastically as he puts on your shoes. You could tell how much effort and precision he’s putting into the knots of the laces in your shoes.

“You don’t have to be that precise Vis,” You sigh, your eyes rolling in annoyance 

“It’s no big deal Wanda,” He says,” You deserve it.”

Since when did he care about what I deserve?

You felt your phone go off. You open it and sadly for you it wasn’t a text. Sadder that it was a reminder of Strelitzia’s birthday and Annual Halloween show they put on.

“What is it Wanda?” Vision asks, looking up at you

“Nothing Vis,” You say, discarding the reminder notification

He stands as he adjusts his suit and tie, “Ready?”

You nod. He holds out his arm, for you to take... You reluctantly take it as you stand from the seat.

+*+

You were barely paying attention to Vision when the city scape was passing you by as you were both heading to Vision’s workplace for the album drop party. However, en route to the studio, you passed Banks Theatre...

“Strelitzia!”

“That girl?” Vision sighs in annoyance, “Forget about her. She was only using you.”

She never used me at all...

You try to watch Strelitzia and her bandmates begin entering the venue; greeting the people who showed up. 

*Strelitzia’s POV* “Wanda!” You shout

“Dude what?” Lark comes up to you

You look over your shoulder but immediately try to spot the car you could have sworn Wanda was in. But, it was too late, you couldn’t see the car anymore. 

“Sorry, it was nothing,” You fully turn to them

“We gotta go in,” Rose comes up to the both of you

Before you followed Rose and Lark into the theatre you look out to the direction of Wanda’s car once more before following suit.

*Wanda’s POV* You were overwhelmed by the amount of applause that had corrupted your eardrums as soon as you and Vision entered the room.

“Congratulations Vision!” One of his coworkers immediately comes up to him, “I’m sure she’s excited!”

“What?” Your head shoots up to Vision

“Oh, you didn’t tell her yet?” His coworker goes wide-eyed

“Don’t worry about that Wanda,” Vision chuckles it off, “Just something from awhile ago.”

You nod, but still on edge about his coworker just told you. Well, technically him...

[Drink some water] [Take another pill] [You’ll feel better] [Trust me you will]

As the party went on, you were trying to keep yourself to a corner as you could barely cling onto the will to get through the rest of the evening, especially the party.

“Wanda would you come with me for a minute?” Vision asks 

He holds his hand out for you to take. Knowing eyes were upon you, you take it out of spite. He then leads you to the center of the floor, beginning to get everyone's attention.

“Wanda Maximoff, from day one, I knew there was always something special about you,” Vision begins 

Oh... This again...

“I know it’s been a rough couple of months for you and myself,” He continues

What did you have to go through that would be worse than what I went through?...

“But, I know for sure that no matter what happens, we can overcome it together, for the rest of our lives,” He finishes

Oh... 

“Wanda Maximoff, will you marry me?” He finally breaks the question

You look up and around Vision’s coworkers... Phones out, smiles across their faces.

How could he do this without talking to me about it first?...

The thought of Strelitzia came to your mind... 

“But... I love Strelitzia....”

"What?" Vision asks

Oh shit...

You could have sworn that you were keeping your thoughts to yourself. Turns out you just mumbled it to an entire crowd of Vision's coworkers.

"Wanda?..." Vision asks, "What do you mean you're in love with that Strelit-... That firey haired girl?"

"Her name is Strelitzia Bates, Vision," You correct him

"But you've only known her for a couple of months," He states

"Thats true, but she's been there for me in more ways you haven't these last couple of years," You finally confess

The both of you could hear the crowd change their expression as mumbles and side conversations hit; phones still recording.

"You always put your music before me," You begin spewing everything, "Strelitzia is also in music, but she always made time. Scratch that, she makes extra time, risking herself being late. Just to make sure I'm where I need to be. I’m done... I’m done Vision... Being your second choice.”

You begin storming out of the party. 

“Also, I’m done being controlled on what I can and can’t like!” You lastly add, “I’m done being your little housewife!”

Almost instantly Vision breaks into a run after you. You quickly hail a cab and get in once a cab pulls over for you.

“Where to miss?” The cab driver asks

“Banks Theatre,” You say, “Step on it please.”

The cab drives off before Vision could catch up to you to try and persuade you into staying. He watches in despair as he watches you drive away like a runaway bride. 

You pay the cab fee and make your way into the theatre; music blaring from the front door. You walk into the main floor; how different the setting was compared to the end of summer: A decently sized crowd in the front row, people seated at either the high tables all around or at the bar. You stick around the outer side as you slowly make your way towards the stage from the outer parts of the theatre.

The room echoes when the song Strelitzia’s band was performing ends.

*Strelitzia’s POV* “We’re gonna dial this back a bit,” You begin speaking

You get up from your drum set as Pine begins walking back: switching places as the singer/drummer. 

“This goes out to someone I shared this song with,’ You begin, “For context, I didn’t write this, it was almost 3am and this person and I were jamming to this song on the way home from a concert... I don’t know if you’re out there... But... This is for you...”

Lark begins playing a high-pitched keyboard sound as Poppy begins strumming chord on her acoustic.

Why did this sound so familiar to Wanda?

[Can't do crowds, not our scene we get anxiety] [That’s so you] [That’s so me] [That’s so us]

Wands shoots her head up to you as you continue singing.

“I’m here Strel...” Wanda whispers to herself as she unconsciously inches towards the stage

[Seen each other cry] [You make me not wanna die]

[What I like about you baby] [Is how you annoy me daily] [But you still fucking amaze me] [That’s so us, That’s so us]

Wanda hums with you as you sing the chorus, unconsciously getting even closer to the stage.

you look out to the crowd and notice someone making their way towards the front of the stage. 

Oh, someone wants to get a better view.

You get up from the seat you were sitting on and people begin moving when they realized that you were going to hop off stage. However,  finally having the spot light off you, you were able to distinguish the person trying to get a front row spot. However, turns out that person was trying to get your attention and yours alone. 

Wanda?...

Just as she stops mere inches away she leans into the microphone.

[When I’m sick] [When I’m sad] [You always bring me back] [When you’re wild] [When you’re mad] [I’m your girl]

You couldn’t help but smile. She really turned up after all...

[Shit gets real] [Good and bad] [But we cry] [’Til we laugh] [Through the pain] [Through the fads] [That’s so Us]

The both of you were able to harmonize on the fly throughout the rest of the song: standing where you two stood, aside from the stage lights, a sole audience spotlight on the both of you.

“You came back,” You say, eyes nearly filled with tears

“Happy Birthday Strelitzia,” Wanda says, smiling

As your bandmates play the outro to That’s so Us, Wanda finally felt the confidence to coil her arms around your waistline. You lean down to meet her lips halfway. 

Chapter 8

[mithrilhearts]

for the August summer theme challenge —

how’s about “field of daisies?” perhaps either Ed/Stede or Thorin/Bilbo go on a little picnic 🥹 inspired by the pic below lol

YES!! So sorry this took me a hot second, but I absolutely adore this prompt, and the picture really put it together for me. I hope you enjoy some nice loving Bagginshield.

I'm linking the prompt lists below for each week, if there's one you want to see, let me know!!

-> Summer Stories (Week 1) -> Summer Stories (Week 2) -> Summer Stories (Week 3)

A Field of Daisies

“Tell me again where we’re going?” Bilbo asked curiously, tilting his head to the side as he kept in stride with Thorin, who had been suspiciously tight-lipped about the afternoon’s events. It wouldn’t have bothered Bilbo, or even seemed out of character, if Thorin hadn’t been stifling a grin the entire time since they’d set foot out of the mountain.

It was one of those looks that Bilbo expected from Fili and Kili when they were up to no good–not their uncle, who just so happened to be a respectable king nowadays.

“If I told you that would ruin the surprise,” Thorin commented softly, finally not fighting the urge to just grin widely as his hand moved to find Bilbo’s, lacing their fingers together and giving the hobbit’s hand a small squeeze.

“You’ve been acting squirrely all morning, so if you think you’ve been subtle, you’re wrong.” Not that Bilbo was going to complain about their current arrangement. Walking hand in hand away from the mountain entrance and towards the side. A place that was often hit by sunlight and yet shaded by trees. It was a place Bilbo had wandered through a time or two since the snow had melted from the past winter. A winter that had been more than stressful with Thorin’s recovery, as well as the recovery of Fili and Kili–and nevermind the coronation, or dealing with Dain’s dwarves for an extended period. It had just been a long past few months.

“Just play along then,” Thorin urged, squeezing Bilbo’s hand as the ground beneath them morphed from dirt and rock to grass and a few buds beginning to bloom with the spring season. “For me, Kurdûn.”

And Bilbo always managed to get goosebumps anytime Thorin spoke those foreign words of his. There was something rough and tough about them, but also soft and sweet in which they were spoken, and one day the hobbit was determined to find out exactly what they meant without Thorin side-stepping the questions he asked. “Fine, I’ll play along. Do you want an over-the-top reaction? Or something more subtle? I can manage either.” After all, false niceties in the Shire were not an uncommon thing.

“Whatever your heart desires, now, close your eyes.”

Bilbo’s feet came to a halt, forcing Thorin to halt in the process. “Fili and Kili have done this to me before. You’re going to lead me around and purposely knock me into things…and if I end up with a bucket of water over my head, nothing will stop me from twisting your beard, Thorin Oakenshield–”

As Thorin laughed, something akin to a cackle, Bilbo’s lower lip jutted out in a pout, but also confusion.

“Just close your eyes, I promise, nothing bad will happen to you. You just have to trust me…”

The fact of the matter was that Bilbo did trust Thorin, and with that came his compliance. He’d closed his eyes and allowed the dwarf to guide him along, which was rather impressive. Thorin had warned him of the little things–fallen logs, a dip in the ground, anything that might have made Bilbo falter if not given the warning.

“Are we almost there?”

“Yes, you can open your eyes now.”

Those hazel eyes opened, adjusting to the sunlight once more to reveal a field of daisies, far more than Bilbo would have ever imagined this far away from the Shire. A field shaded by a large tree, and for a moment it felt like he was back home. His heart burned with a yearning to just drop into the field and stare at the sky and tree branches that would be hanging overhead. To get a dose of home and feel rejuvenated. Much as he loved these dwarves, a life surrounded by stone had started to get to him, making Bilbo feel a little isolated–like a flower that craved sunlight to survive but never received the necessary rays.

“I’d never imagined there would be so many flowers so close to Erebor…” Bilbo breathed, squeezing Thorin’s hand in return only to pry his eyes away from the cozy-looking field to stare at the dwarf who’d brought him here. “How did you…?”

“An act of nature, perhaps a blessing by your Yavanna. I like to think of it as a gift from her to Mahal, a way to make them feel closer even in our part of the world.” To combine flowers and the mountainside, sounded rather poetic when thinking of what seemed to define both dwarves and hobbits. “Did you look closely beneath that tree?”

As Bilbo’s head jerked back to look towards the base of that thick tree, the hobbit wiggled his hand away from Thorin’s, jogging over to look at the quilt that had been laid out. It was all too familiar to him and made that burning in his chest ignite even more. “That’s Belladonna’s old quilt…” One that Bilbo had left home safely in his smial. And upon that quilt was a basket stuffed full of food that was reminiscent of the Shire–Bilbo’s nose could pick apart those particular scents anywhere, even among a field of daisies.

“I know you’ve been missing home, I know the feeling. Your heart aches for it, needs it, and while I cannot physically move the Shire closer, I figured…I could bring a little bit of it to you if anything.”

Bilbo sank to his knees, pressing his hands into the fabric of that quilt made many years ago as his eyes grew a tad misty. It was such an incredibly sweet gesture, and there were so many questions as to how Thorin had managed to pull all of these strings, but if there was one thing that Bilbo had learned over the course of his journey with these dwarves, it was that when one, especially Thorin, set his mind to something, it would happen.

“Bilbo? Are you alright?” Thorin had been watching carefully, watching Bilbo’s shoulders rise and fall, to sink into something of both relaxation and disbelief–it was the same feeling that had moved through Thorin upon setting foot within Erebor again. It was overwhelming, exciting, and emotional. It brought a softer curve to the dwarf’s lips as he approached, careful to keep his boots away from that quilt he’d had sent over with a caravan from the Blue Mountains. “I hope everything is to your liking, Kurdûn.”

“I’m just–I can’t–” Bilbo was struggling to find the words as his eyes gazed up towards Thorin, misty and hopeful as his hand shot up to tug Thorin down to the quilt, paying no mind to any dirty boots or a few crushed flowers around them. With his hand still firmly gripped into Thorin’s coat, Bilbo used it as leverage to pull himself closer to the dwarf, pressing his lips to that of the king who held his entire heart. “Thank you.” Two simple words breathed out against Thorin’s lips upon pulling back, but for once, Bilbo was rendered into a rather speechless state.

It was just the reaction that Thorin had been hoping for, and perhaps even more! To put someone like Bilbo–sharp and witted tongued Bilbo–into that state of silence, it felt like a grand achievement more unobtainable than winning back the mountain. And yet, much like the mountain, here Thorin had managed it with a swell of pride in his chest. “Anything for you, love.”

And for a field of daisies to be the backdrop? Well, that had just been luck–a gift by Yavanna herself, for there was an abundance of loyalty and love between Thorin and Bilbo, which was exactly the message that these little flowers signified. It was a message that rang loud and clear to the hobbit who deserved this and so much more, and Thorin couldn’t wait to spoil him with every opportunity he had.

But first…a Shire-style picnic beneath the budding tree leaves overhead and within a field of daisies.

[bonky-n-steeb]

surprise surprise..!

𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙭 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮 || Steve is not the only one who is unhinged.

𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 || abduction. stalking. this is actually funny. crack fic. it’s not really dark but still heed the warnings.

I have decided to not do taglists anymore, so if you wished to be notified of my newest updates please follow @bonky-n-steeb-lib and turn on the notifications!

This is 100% how I’d react if Steve Rogers took me lmao. I hope you like it ;)

You snuggled closer into the covers as the warm rays of sunlight fell on your closed eyes. The bed was very cozy and the temperature was just perfect. But then, why hadn’t the alarm rang yet? You opened your eyes to check the time and that’s when you woke up with a loud gasp.

You weren’t in your bedroom.

You were pretty sure you went to sleep in your own house. You scanned your eyes around in panic. You were in a very neat and beautiful room which most likely must be the master bedroom of the house. The decor of the room was top notch.

Most importantly the room had a homely feel. It was like one of those houses the rich couples in movies had. It wasn’t some dirty basement you’d expect to wake up after getting kidnapped. Because you were kidnapped right?

You peeked out of the huge window which was adorned with expensive curtains and the scenery was very unexpected. You were in the midst some picturesque lush green fields.

You weren’t in your city either.

You were just about to jump out of the bed when the door opened. “Steve?!” You were shocked to see the blond walk through the door. He was carrying a tray containing breakfast and your stomach growled with hunger due to the aroma.

“Good morning!” His tone was chipper but his eyes were watching each and every move of yours. This wasn’t your first meeting with the ex-Captain America.

You had first met Steve while working at an animal shelter. You had gotten along well and then a few days later he had coincidentally turned up at the same library you went too and that was how your friendship began.

You met almost every other day and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t love him. He called you to check if you reached home safely and he remembered your favourite order at your regular cafe.

Steven Grant Rogers was your dream man.

“What are we doing here?” You asked pointing at the surrounding. He placed the tray on a table and sat besides you on the bed. He gave a comforting smile before he began.

“Sweetheart, I know this is going to be difficult for you but I want you to know I did it all for you. I couldn’t just stand and see how stressed out you were with your job and how lonely you felt.

You’re so amazing. You deserve someone who would take care of you and stay by your side. So while you were sleeping last night I got you here. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. No work. No bills. This place is far away from all the rustle of the city. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. And it’s ours.”

Your forehead was creased up and your eyes were leaking tears. You sniffled and he leaned in closer to you. “I knew this would be hard on you, but you don’t have to do anything alone anymore. Come here.”

He pulled you in a hug and you went without any protest. Steve felt the tension leave your body as you rested your face on his pec. Steve had expected you to get angry and try running away. But nothing could’ve prepared him for the next words that left your mouth.

“Thank you.”

You broke out of the hug and kissed him on his cheek. “Oh Steve! Do you have any idea how long I’ve been imagining this day? I never thought it would ever come true. I… I love you so much Steve. I always have.”

You went back into his embrace. Steve blinked his eyes as your words seeped through. And once the realisation hit him, a huge smile graced his beautiful features. “Really?…. Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think we’d be so similar. Why do you think I joined that shelter? I heard you visited it frequently so I took a job there so as to meet you. I’ve loved you for so long, you have now idea.”

“I love you too!” He exclaimed. Steve was the happiest guy in this entire universe. He had always thought you’d be his soulmate. And you really were.

“And I joined the library because I knew you’d be there.” Steve had followed you around since the very first day and had memorised your schedule. From your favourite cocktail mix to your tick of chewing your lips.

“Did you… follow me?” You sweetly fluttered your eyes at him. “Yes. I couldn’t stop. I had to know about you! And the streets aren’t safe either.” You smiled even wider than before and titled your head. “I did the same for you too.”

“Are you getting it?” You asked excitedly.

“We are meant for each other. You’re my soulmate!” He declared kissing your forehead.

“You’re my knight in a shining armour. I mean, if this was Disney we’d sing a song right now.” You chuckled and looked at Steve with heart eyes.

“I love Disney!” Steve said pulling you close. And with eyes filled with mischief you simply answered, “I know.”

[ao3komorii]

Tangling with the Lifeguard (Pool Party Sett/Reader)

The Pool Party Sett story is done! I’ve gone with a beach!AU sort of setting where league races exist in a modern-day beach sort of place. Also sorry to any MF or Syndra mains, they don’t really come out the best in this xD Hope you enjoy, and as always, there is a smut warning for the end!

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The sun was shining high in the sky, crystalline waters lapping against the shore as beachgoers took advantage of the perfect summer day. Taking in the scene from your place in the shade of a tree on the border between the beach and parking lot, you let a smile grace your lips as you mused on just how much this place seemed to not change, even after so many years.

The last time you had set foot on this beach, you had been twelve years old, full of excitement and unaware of the harsh realities of the adult world. Your parents had brought you here for that summer, now thirteen years ago, the beautiful beach an unforgettable experience. You had left after that summer with treasured memories, and a new friend, that same friend the very reason why you had returned to Port Navori beach after so long.

Taliyah had been the same age as you, with fairly lax parents who let her roam the beach by herself, even as the small twelve-year-old she had been. You had bonded instantly, spending almost every day together, and keeping in touch through letters, and later emails and text messages.

You had long said that you had wanted to come back and visit the lively beach town, but the timing hadn’t been right, not until this year.

You were done all your schooling, and had quit your high-stress, low-pay job, and as Taliyah had said on your last phone call, you had no reason not to visit. Her parents had been travelling the world since they retired, so you would have her house all to yourselves.

In your absence, Taliyah had become a fairly accomplished surfer in the local scene, working at an ice cream shop on the beach to support her expensive pursuits. She had been so insistent that you couldn’t find yourself able to refuse her offer; work in the ice cream shop with her in the day, and then spend the rest of your time catching up with each other. You had missed your friend dearly, and had accepted the offer without a second thought.

And now here you were, waiting at the beach’s edge for Taliyah to show up. She had told you to dress for the beach, sounding casual as was her usual, so you had worn a swimsuit with a short, flowy shoulderless dress on overtop. Unwilling to look like a lobster by day’s end, you had carefully layered yourself with sunscreen, and now all you needed was for your friend to get here already. Just when you were about to get out your phone to text her, an excited call of your name had you re-stowing the phone in your bag and looking back to see your friend bounding across the parking lot towards you.

Taliyah, dressed in a two-piece water suit and carrying a tropical-flower-print surfboard, came to a stop before you, leaning her surfboard against a tree to free her arms to tackle you in a hug.

“You’re finally here!” she grinned, surprising you with the strength of her hug. “We’re gonna have so much fun!”

“So what’s first?” you asked as you pulled back from the hug.

Taliyah hummed. “I guess I’ll show you the shop.”

You followed her onto the beach, recognizing the small bright blue building from the pictures she had sent you before. Taliyah took you around the back, fishing a key out of her pocket before unlocking the door and leading you into the small room.

There were large tubs of ice cream in the middle of the room, the walls lined with containers of various toppings and machines. On the back wall from you were two windows, glossy menus pasted to the doors that would display out when they were opened. Upon walking closer to the menu signs, you noticed something.

“Hey, it says we open at nine, but it’s ten-thirty…”

“It’s fine,” Taliyah replied with a shrug. “The owners are pretty chill. If anyone complains, I’ll just tell them I had to train the new employee.”

You playfully rolled your eyes. Sometimes you really envied Taliyah’s ability to be so carefree. Her calm energy was a big help for you, having got advice from her on numerous occasions over the years.

Taliyah came over to where you were, eyes flitting boredly to the menu boards before turning her attention back to you. “So I’m thinking we get you taking orders while I make them.”

“Works for me,” you agreed. It certainly sounded easier than figuring out what a poro float was supposed to be. You never knew ice cream stands had such fancy options now, used to the simple menus of ice cream cones and bars back at the shops in your hometown.

You were about to open the order windows when you were stopped by a rustling noise from the back of the store. You turned to see Taliyah digging in a cardboard box in the back corner, pulling out some folded-up fabric that was the same sky blue as the stand.

“Didn’t think you’d get away without an embarrassing uniform, did you?” Taliyah teased, tossing some of her fabric pile your way.

You caught the bundle, unfolding it to find an apron with Poro Palace Frozen Treats in pink bubble letters, little white fuzzy animals dotting the apron. There was an accompanying blue visor hat that looked like something out of a kid’s store. You reluctantly slipped both items of clothing on, looking back to find that Taliyah had done the same.

“Stylish, huh?” she smirked, striking a modelesque pose.

“We look like we work at an amusement park, Tali,” you laughed.

“Feels like it sometimes with all the annoying kids that come by,” she replied. “Okay, you can open it up now.”

Taliyah settled herself down in a chair in front of the section of ice cream tubs, and you reluctantly turned to unlatch and open the windows, unsure of exactly what you were getting yourself into.

The small room lit up with the outside sunlight streaming in from your window to outside, the immediate glare of the sun making you wish you had worn sunglasses.

Almost immediately, the masses were upon you. You noticed a woman with several children in tow who perked up as she laid eyes on you, striding over to you with her children right behind her, pushing each other as they scrambled to be the first one to get over to you.

You heard Taliyah groan behind you. “Get the pen ready. They always have the most annoying orders.”

You rose an eyebrow, but picked up the pen and notepad that sat beside the cash register as the woman came to a stop before you.

“You know, I’ve been waiting for an hour already. You young girls don’t know how hard it is for mothers,” the woman complained, not letting you get a word in edgewise. “Alright, tell her what you want.”

“I want a brownie sundae!” a small boy with blue hair who clearly intended to make full use of his outdoor voice shouted. “But with cotton candy ice cream and pop rocks and I want only blue candies!”

“Uh…” The kid was talking too fast for you to write, but luckily Taliyah had your back, a got it ringing out from behind you.

You weren’t sure how you had managed to get their orders out before they melted, messing up their total several times before Taliyah had to come and help you out. With a last snide look and a fistful of blue napkins, the mother and her little terrors left the stand at last.

“She’s the worst,” Taliyah said, bringing your weary gaze her way as she cleaned off an ice cream scoop. “I accidentally put one red candy in that kid’s sundae once and he screamed until I remade the whole thing!”

You winced. “Feels like we got off easy today.”

“Yeah,” Taliyah agreed. “Helps that they order the same thing every time, so I’ve got some practice.”

“Are they all this bad?” you asked, turning away from the window after seeing no potential customers nearby.

“Not all of them,” she replied with a strained smile. “I swear the heat just brings the jerk out in some of the people here.”

Speaking of jerks… your conversation was interrupted by an impatient-sounding throat clearing noise from behind you. You whirled around to see a redheaded woman with heart-shaped sunglasses and a revealing swimsuit leaning against your counter. She was staring at you like you were gum she had stepped in, flipping some hair over her shoulder when she knew she had your attention.

“Five cherry snowballs,” she said, dropping a few coins on your counter, some of which bounced and hit the floor. “To the red umbrella, thanks ice cream girl.”

Without any further interaction, she turned on her heel and strutted away, hips swinging as she went, leaving you wondering what had just happened.

You slowly turned back to face Taliyah again. “Um, do we usually deliver?”

“Nope,” she answered. “Not to people like that anyways.”

“But…” you protested weakly. You knew Taliyah got away with a lot here, but you didn’t want her to lose her job because some rude girl complained to her bosses. “I’ll just take them over and next time I’ll just say we don’t deliver.”

“Still tempted to put rocks in their snowballs,” Taliyah joked as she set about piling the scoops of red ice.

Soon you had a tray with five cherry syrup-coated piles of shaved ice in little plastic bowls with accompanying little plastic spoons stuck in the side of the dishes.

“I’ll be right back,” you said, heading past Taliyah to the back door, opening it to find yourself back out in the mid-morning heat.

The sand still felt uncomfortably hot underfoot, even with your flip flops on. With how hot it was out, these would have to be delivered as soon as possible to not be a puddle by the time they were eaten. Your only problem was that you had no idea where to go.

The redhead had said that she would be at the red umbrella, but of course nothing at this ice cream stand would be that easy. Standing just outside the hut, you were treated to a veritable rainbow of colored beach umbrellas. You counted at least ten red ones scattered across the beach, none particularly standing out to you. You didn’t have many options, and were forced to go with the most tedious one; checking every red umbrella until you found the girl and her group.

The first umbrella had been a bust, as had the next five. The sixth had led to a sweaty old man who told you that you were just in time to help him sunscreen his back. By the time you had hurriedly fled from that creep, it had been about five minutes of searching, the snowballs on your tray looking considerably droopier than they had been when you had left the shop.

You stared down at the tray of melting treats, unsure of what to do now. Should you go back and have Taliyah remake the snowballs? Try a few more umbrellas and hope you got lucky? You really hadn’t been anticipating this much stress when you had agreed to work here with Taliyah for the summer.

You frowned at the now-more-water-than-ice treats, your decision made. You couldn’t serve these, not as melted as they were. You would go back and help remake them and see if Taliyah had any insight as to which red umbrella was the right one. You turned around to head back to the stand, only to trip on your overheating flip flops and fall forward with a cry.

You had closed your eyes with a flinch as you fell, but opened them with a start as you heard a grunt from right in front of you. Looking up from your position in the burning sand, you felt like your heart was going to stop in your chest.

Standing before you was the most attractive guy you had ever laid eyes on, with fire red hair and a pair of black animal ears that looked soft to the touch. He was dressed in a tight pair of swim shorts, a lightweight red jacket tied around his waist. He had a flower lei around his neck, but that was the only thing that he wore on his top half, his insanely-well-built torso on full display, a torso you realized with horror was currently splattered with red syrup and shaved ice.

You looked from the hot guy to the ground, the sand around you speckled with plastic cups, spoons and napkins, your tray turned upside down in the sand. You slowly risked a gaze back up, only to see the guy staring down at you from behind his pink-tinted sunglasses as a clump of ice fell from his stomach to the sand just in front of your hands.

Embarrassment forced you to spring up, grabbing some stray napkins from the ground and dabbing them against the mess of syrup and ice on the man’s abdomen.

“I’m so sorry, I–” You looked up from your apologizing to see the man silently staring at you, your hand freezing in place as you realized that you were basically feeling this guy up through the napkins, the realization making your cheeks burn with shame and embarrassment.

“I’m really sorry!” you cried out, pulling your hands back. He still hadn’t said anything, and you realized that you couldn’t just stand here like an idiot, your flight instinct kicking in as you reached down to grab your tray before moving around the man and fleeing in the direction of the ice cream stand.

“Hey, wait!”

The man tried to grab your arm as you passed, but you were faster in your embarrassment-fueled retreat, and soon the hot stranger was far behind you. You didn’t stop running until you were back at the shop, the empty sand-logged tray clutched tightly to your chest, your heartbeat pounding in your ears as you shut the door, making eye contact with a confused Taliyah.

“Hey, are you okay?” she asked, getting up to approach you when you didn’t respond. “Talk to me. What happened? If that snob said anything to you–”

“No, no, she didn’t,” you replied weakly, sinking to the floor with your back against the door. “I didn’t even get to her.”

“Then what happened?” she pressed, bringing you a glass of water and prying the tray from your hands at last.

She ushered you to your feet and down into her chair, taking a seat on one of the counters. You took a deep breath, taking a sip of the water before recounting the events of the past ten minutes to Taliyah, who listened silently.

“…I didn’t know what to do, so I just ran,” you finished, setting your water down to bury your face in your hands.

“It’s no big deal,” Taliyah replied gently. “Everyone has embarrassed themselves in front of someone. Remember that time I tripped over my board in front of that group of tourists?”

“I covered him in cherry syrup, Tali,” you groaned. “I don’t think I’m cut out for this.”

“It’s your first day,” she stressed. “You’re bound to mess some things up.”

She stood up, returning to the shaved ice machine. “Now how about we remake those snowballs and then I’ll–”

Taliyah had frozen in place, a plastic cup in her hand as she stared straight ahead.

“Tali?” you questioned, standing up. “Are you–”

“That guy you dumped the snowballs on,” she quickly interrupted. “Did he have majorly cut abs and animal ears?”

“Uh, why?” You felt a jolt of fear shoot up your spine as you followed her gaze to see the man from earlier currently approaching the shop, well-defined abdomen now minus the sticky mess you had spilt all over him. “Oh god, it’s him!”

You and Taliyah exchange wide-eyed glances before you dove down out of sight, hiding behind the tubs of ice cream like they were a fortress.

“Please get rid of him!” you begged. “I’ll do whatever you want, I just can’t face him!”

You heard Taliyah sigh. “Fine, but this means you’re coming stone hunting with me tonight.”

You agreed immediately, even if the prospect wasn’t overwhelmingly appealing. Taliyah was always eager to add to her collection of shiny stones, but was so picky that it often took hours to find just one stone that met her standards. But right now you were so desperate that you would have promised her anything just to make the angry hot guy go away.

From your position behind the ice cream tubs, you could only hear Taliyah’s voice clearly, the general noise of the beach preventing you from hearing what the furry-eared man was saying. You wanted to peek out from your hiding spot, but found yourself chickening out. You really didn’t need him catching sight of you and making Taliyah’s job even harder.

You had gotten so in your own head with panic that you had completely tuned out of your surroundings until a hand waved in front of your face and you realized Taliyah was crouching in front of you, calling your name.

“You okay?” she asked worriedly.

“Is he gone?” you replied quietly.

“Yeah, he’s gone,” she confirmed, standing up and grabbing your forearms to pull you up with her. “Now help me remake those snowballs and then I’ll fill you in.”

You bit your lip as you scooped shaved ice into a row of plastic cups as Taliyah readied the cherry syrup. Soon you had five pristine-looking snowballs on your slightly-sandy tray, the sight of them bringing you back to your moment of collision with the cute guy.

The tray was snatched from your field of vision by Taliyah, who headed over to the rear door. “Be back in a few. Try not to freak out too much while I’m gone.”

And then the door was closed and you were left alone. Looking over at the order window, you decided that you were probably safer to just resume your position behind the ice cream tubs, unwilling to risk being out in the open in case the guy decided to come back.

While she was gone, you couldn’t help but fret over exactly what had been said between your best friend and the mysterious hot guy. She didn’t seem to be upset, so clearly their conversation hadn’t been that intense. Or maybe it had; Taliyah was a fairly relaxed person, so it would be difficult for a random angry customer to really get to her. But that didn’t quite make sense either; if he had yelled at her, you would have heard it over the noise of the beachgoers. All you were doing was overthinking yourself to death, exactly what Taliyah had told you not to do.

And it was there you remained until Taliyah returned, closing the door behind her and placing the serving tray in the sink before she turned her attention to you at last.

“Calm down, it’s fine… I think,” she said.

“You think?”

“Well he didn’t seem mad,” she explained. “He asked if a girl that looked like you worked here and I said you went home sick. Said he’d come back another time.”

“Another–” Oh god. Was he really so angry that he was willing to come back just for the chance to yell at you?

“I can see you freaking out,” Taliyah scolded. “Don’t. You’re fine. Musclehead or not, he’s not going to kill you just because you spilled shaved ice on him.”

She was probably right; hot shirtless guys on the beach likely had more important things to do than yelling at clumsy ice cream shop workers. By tomorrow, he would probably forget you ever existed, and you could go back to enjoying your time working alongside your best friend.

 The rock collecting that night had been long and boring, at least for you. Taliyah hadn’t found any rocks she liked enough to take home, only ending the search after she had found some sea glass that she had deemed acceptable to add to her collection. You could only hope that you wouldn’t owe her any more favors any time soon, unsure if you could survive another late night rock hunt.

The next morning, you entered the shop alongside Taliyah, who put her bag down and began to set up the day’s supplies. Considering it was ten minutes past opening time and Taliyah had insisted that she didn’t need help setting up, you decided that you might as well just open the order window for the day, hoping that mom and her group of demon kids wouldn’t be waiting out there, only to unlatch the widows and see something arguably worse.

The window had only been open a peek, but it was enough for you to see the large figure of the man from yesterday standing ten feet or so from your shop, his back facing you as he stared out at the beach. In your brief glimpse, you also noticed that the jacket wrapped around his waist had a white plus sign in a circle as well as the word lifeguard in white blocky letters above it. Oh god, of course you had gone and pissed off a lifeguard on your first day here.

You shut the barely-open windows with a too-loud slam that made you wince before you quickly locked them again and rushed over to Taliyah.

“Tali, he’s here again!” you hissed.

“Huh?” she replied, pausing her task of refilling a container of sprinkles. “Muscle guy?”

You nodded frantically and Taliyah frowned, putting the sprinkles down and approaching the order window herself. You watched as she opened the window ever so slightly, peering out for a few seconds before closing it back up.

“Well… can’t say I was expecting him to actually come back,” she said evenly.

“What do I even do?” you asked, staring at the order windows like they would burst open at any second and reveal you to the clearly-determined lifeguard. “He’s a lifeguard, Tali! What if he bans me from the beach?”

She rolled her eyes in response. “He can’t just ban you from the beach. Lifeguards don’t have that much power. If they did, I would’ve been banned a long time ago for all the times I’ve surfed after hours.”

“Then what does he want with me?” you asked, looking away from the window.

Taliyah shrugged. “You’d have to ask him that.”

“But what if I… don’t?” you replied weakly. “He’ll give up eventually, right?”

“I mean, maybe?” she said. “But it might be easier to deal with him now and get it over with.”

You saw her point, but it wasn’t her that was being pursued by a tall, muscly lifeguard with a vengeance!

Taliyah clearly caught the reluctance on your face and sighed. “Fine, I’ll switch with you for today. Now let’s go over how to make the basic stuff before we open.”

True to her word, Taliyah had allowed you to hide in the back making orders, telling the lifeguard guy that you were off today. You watched him walk away from behind the shaved ice machine, hoping that your ordeal was finally over, but your hopes were quickly dashed the next day as you went to open the store again, only to see the same broad back facing you from just outside the shop.

Taliyah had reluctantly agreed to switch again that day, and the day after. But by day four, even the promise of helping her scavenge for rocks again wouldn’t get her to agree to switch.

You closed the window again, turning to Taliyah with pleading eyes, but she was having none of it.

“It’s been four days,” she said, arms crossed. “Clearly he’s not giving up. You should just see what he wants.”

“But…” The thought still terrified you. You knew you deserved to be yelled at for what you had done, but it was made that much worse by the fact that the subject of your plight was just about the hottest guy you had ever seen.

Taliyah shook her head at you. “Okay, but I’m not doing orders again today, so if you want to keep hiding from him, we’ll have to move onto plan B.”

Plan B, as it turned out, was a mascot suit of sorts; three fluffy poros stacked on top of each other like a snowman. A poro each made up your upper and lower body, the last poro being the head of the costume. You looked incredibly awkward, the arms and legs of the costume hairy and tipped with little brown claws. You were momentarily stunned by the sheer lengths you were going to just to avoid this guy, but you were already in the costume, so you reasoned that you might as well follow through with it now.

Taliyah put the costume’s head on you and your world was plunged largely into darkness, minus the mesh one-way view out of the top poro’s eyes. You were helped to the back door, some fliers for the store shoved into your hands.

Taliyah helped you walk out front, and you were pretty quickly swarmed by kids. You couldn’t see the lifeguard guy, but the relief that coursed through you was short-lived, swallowed by the immediate explosion of business brought on by your costume.

One thing you hadn’t considered in your haste was the heat. You weren’t sure if it was the costume or if today was hotter than usual, but very quickly you found yourself becoming a sweaty mess under the weight of the dense, furry costume.

The longer you were in the costume, the worse you felt, but you were determined to stick this out. So you handed out fliers and posed for photos with children while Taliyah ran the stand.

You wished that you could wipe the sweat from your face, but you weren’t sure if you could even reach up to remove the costume’s head yourself due to the awkward shape of the costume. So you endured the ever-increasing heat, only feeling wearier as the time ticked by.

You waved goodbye to a group of kids as they left with their ice cream cones, the sweltering heat really bearing down on you. As you went to turn and head back to the stand to ask Taliyah to help get the head off, a wave of dizziness crashed over you. You took one step towards the stand, and then another, and then it all went dark as you felt yourself falling forward, too weak to stop your descent to the ground.

 You woke up with a heavy head, feeling foggy with confusion. The last thing you remembered, you had been heading back to the stand…

Immediately, you realized that you weren’t at the ice cream stand, and you weren’t wearing the poro suit, or even your beach dress. Sitting up in the cot you laid in, you found that you were wearing only your swimsuit.

As you sat up, a blue ice pack that you hadn’t realized was there fell from your forehead and into your lap. Picking it up, the pack only feeling slightly cold, you turned to look around the room, still unsure what exactly was going on.

You were in a room of some sort, guessing it was afternoon by the minute amount of light filtering into the room, even through the closed curtains. There was a fan gently whirring above your head, but otherwise the room was silent.

There was another cot beside yours, and a table nearby with a few red first aid kits stacked on it, some bandages messily spilling out of one of them. There was a sign pulled over the door, the side facing you reading come on in, we’re open.

You got up from the bed, shuddering with disgust when you noticed just how sweaty your whole body was. The bed squeaked as you got up from it, your knees hitting a bedside table between the cots that you hadn’t noticed had been there. On the small table was a glass of water, as well as a white fan that was emblazoned with what looked to be a group of cats waterskiing.

You picked up the fan, letting out a small laugh at the silly-looking cartoon cats on the fan. It looked like something you could win at a carnival booth.

“If you can laugh, then I guess you’re feelin’ alright.”

A deep voice from behind you made you jump, fingers fumbling the fan, which fell onto the floor with a clatter that was only made louder in the quiet room. You turned to look behind you, only to fall off the cot in shock when you saw the very lifeguard you had been trying so hard to avoid standing in the doorway of a small office you hadn’t noticed was there.

“Hey, careful!” He quickly crossed the room to squat down in front of you, taking your elbow and helping you back up onto the cot. You were too stunned to resist and found yourself falling into his chest as a wave of dizziness hit you.

“You okay?” he asked, and you tried to nod, but your head was spinning too much to focus. “Hey, hold still.”

He placed his hands on your shoulders, keeping you steady against him until you were able to regain your focus. When he was satisfied with your condition, he pulled back, releasing your shoulders and instead reaching out for the glass of water on the table next to you.

“Drink,” he instructed, handing you the cup before standing up. “I’ll be right back.”

He stared at you for a moment before finally turning back and heading into the office at the back of the room.

You watched him go, feeling on edge, but complied, bringing the glass up to your lips and taking a long drink. The last thing you wanted to do was give this guy more reason to be upset with you. You were surprised at just how refreshing the water felt, and you had soon downed the entire glass, placing it back on the table when you were done.

“Alright, lay back down,” the lifeguard instructed as he returned.

“What?” you replied. What was he going to do to you? How had you even got here? Where was Taliyah?

He stopped before you, furrowing his eyebrows as he looked down at your shaky, terrified form. “Are you–”

“I’m sorry!” you exclaimed, bowing your head. “I didn’t mean to spill the snowballs on you! If you need to yell at me, go ahead. I’m sorry I didn’t just come out sooner and–”

It had occurred to you mid-ramble that he had yet to say anything, and you cut off your babbling, slowly looking up to find him staring at you with what you could only describe as a bewildered look on his face.

He blinked. “Is that why–”

“I’m so sorry!” you interrupted, bowing your head again. “If you want to ban me from the beach, I get it!”

“Ban ya from the beach?” he replied with a bark of laughter. “The only thing I wanted to do was get your number.”

“My… what?” You had to be hallucinating. There was no way he had just said that.

“Lay down first,” he spoke sternly, and you complied, still feeling stunned by his words.

Once you were laid down, he picked something up from the bed, which you recognized as another ice pack. He placed it on your forehead, the cool pack immediately flooding you with a feeling of relief. Closing your eyes, you let out a tired sigh, suddenly feeling fatigued.

“Get some rest, princess. We’ll talk when you’re up again.”

You took his advice, the cooling from the ice pack lulling you back to sleep, your eyelids too heavy to keep open.

When you woke up again, you felt infinitely better, your head clearer and body feeling less overheated. The ice pack on your forehead was room temperature, and it was now dark outside. There was a light illuminating your left side as you sat up in bed, turning to see the office in the back with its light on.

The cot squeaked under you, which was responded to by the squeak of a chair from inside the office, the red-haired lifeguard emerging from the office and approaching your bedside.

“Feelin’ any better?” he asked, and you nodded, biting your lip nervously. “Got you some more water.”

You looked over to the bedside table to see the water cup refilled and took hold of it, grateful to have something to focus on other than the intimidatingly muscular man before you.

You drank the entire glass before you forced yourself to finally address the situation before you. “Um… why am I here?”

“You passed out,” he replied bluntly, taking a seat on the cot next to yours. “Overheated yourself in that rat costume.”

“They’re not rats, they’re poros,” you replied, unsure of what to say.

He let out a huff of laughter. “Poros that important to you that you’re willin’ to fry yourself for ‘em?”

“No, that was…” you trailed off. Well, you might as well just admit it. If he had gone out of his way to care for you after you had passed out like an idiot, then he deserved the truth. “I was avoiding you. I was scared you were going to yell at me. My friend didn’t want to keep covering for me at the window so I decided to wear that stupid poro costume.”

“So that’s what that was about,” he replied. “And here I thought you were avoidin’ me ‘cuz you weren’t interested. Gave up on gettin’ your number and then got news that someone passed out from heat stroke.”

You were still having a hard time comprehending the asking for your number part, so you instead chose to focus on the other half. “Heat stroke?”

“Not sure what you expected, wearin’ that costume in this heat,” he said. “Can’t say nobody’s ever been afraid of me before, but giving themself heat stroke just to avoid me is a new one.”

He sounded somewhat self-deprecating, and you immediately felt bad. You had clearly misjudged him, and realized that he hadn’t even mentioned the snowball incident himself.

You forced yourself to meet his eyes, even with as awkward as you were currently felt. “I’m sorry for giving you so much trouble, and for spilling snowballs all over you. I’m just really sorry.”

He laughed. “Ain’t nothin’ for you to apologize for. I’ve had worse get on me since I started workin’ here, and usually it ain’t from a cute girl.”

You tensed in your seat, tearing your gaze from his to look down at your feet, your cheeks feeling warm.

“Hey, don’t go overheatin’ yourself again,” he scolded, standing up from the bed. “If you’re not interested, that’s fine, but I think it’s best if I take ya home. Don’t need your friend yellin’ at me again if you pass out on the way back.”

As much as you wanted to deny his assertion of you being not interested, you couldn’t muster up the courage, so you instead quietly accepted his offer of help. You would have to ask Taliyah what he had meant when you got back.

It was surprisingly cold on the beach at night, the icy breeze sending shivers along your skin. You stared out at the dark ocean waves, entranced by the water crashing against the sand, when your focus was broken by some soft fabric being laid over your shoulders.

You turned to look over your shoulder to see Sett just behind you on the steps of the lifeguard office, the jacket that was usually around his waist now laying on your shoulders.

He caught your curious look and raised an eyebrow. “You nearly cooked yourself to death today, I ain’t about to let you freeze yourself to death now.”

“Thanks,” you replied quietly, reaching a hand up to keep the jacket around your shoulders.

Your feet met the soft sand as you followed Sett towards the parking lot. The beach was totally empty, an odd contrast to how things were in the daytime. It felt weird to actually see the shape of the landscape unobscured by giant beach umbrellas and a sea of bodies. You only looked away from the empty scene when you realized that you had left the sand, and Sett was staring expectantly at you.

“…what?” you asked, getting the feeling that he had said something that you had missed.

“Which way?” he repeated with a quick glance at the street ahead of you.

“Oh right,” you replied. “My friend lives on Sandstone Way.”

Sett’s ears perked up. “By that tacky souvenir shop?”

“Yeah,” you laughed. “Right by there.”

You giggled at Sett’s assessment; you had noticed the eye-hurtingly brightly painted store when Taliyah had walked you to her house from the train station. She had rolled her eyes at the store as you surveyed the display of t-shirts with embarrassing designs on them, stating that sometimes they got some good rocks in, but it wasn’t worth the amount of tourists always asking for directions when she was walking around the neighborhood.

Looking over at Sett out of the corner of your eye, you were struggling to think of anything to say. He was dressed in just his sandals and shorts, his sunglasses forgone and giving you a clear look at his golden eyes that seemed to glow in the dark.

“So this your first summer here?” Sett asked, breaking the brief silence as you walked side by side. “I know I’d remember you if I’d seen ya before.”

“I was here for a summer when I was a kid,” you answered. “But everything looks so different now. Maybe I just saw this place differently when I was a kid.”

“Nah,” he dismissed. “It never used to be this busy here. Tourists bring money to this place, but it means it’s always loud around here.”

The conversation was slowly helping you feel more comfortable with the intimidatingly handsome lifeguard. You felt dumb for putting so much energy into avoiding him.

“So have you always lived here?” you asked.

“Born and raised,” he answered with a grin that you couldn’t help but feel looked a little sad. “Ma used to work at the boating shop… and the laundromat… and the candy store.”

“All at the same time?” you asked incredulously.

Sett shrugged. “Didn’t have much of a choice. Pa ran off on us when I was a kid, and it wasn’t like anyone would hire a fatherless runt to work for them.”

“Sounds like it was hard,” you replied. “Did you ever find out where he went?”

“For his sake, I’d better not,” Sett sneered. “I heard ma cry missin’ that scumbag more times than I can count. There ain’t a family here for that bastard to come back to.”

“How is your mom doing?” you asked as you turned onto Sandstone Way, passing by the tacky tourist shop, the flashy paint on the walls too bright even at night.

“She’s doin’ good,” he answered, finally looking happy with a satisfied smile. “Got her to quit her jobs when I started workin’ enough to pay the bills.”

“You’re a good son,” you complimented him. “She’s lucky to have you.”

You smiled at him, coming to a stop before Taliyah’s house. “Well, this is me. Thanks for walking me back.”

“Take care of yourself,” he said. “I don’t wanna see you passin’ out again.”

“I’ll try not to,” you replied. “No more poro costumes for me.”

“On that topic,” he purred, leaning closer to you. “You never gave me an answer.”

“An answer?” you squeaked, flustered by his sudden closeness.

“I’ve been tryin’ to get your number for days now,” he replied, and you did your best to supress a shiver from running up your spine. Was this real life?

You wet your lips with your tongue nervously, unable to miss how Sett’s sharp eyes watched the movement.

“I, um, I don’t have my phone on me,” you said, immediately realizing how dumb you sounded. You didn’t need your phone on you to tell him your number! You hastily made to amend your statement. “…but if you come by the stand tomorrow, I’ll give it to you!”

“Oh?” Sett’s grin was wide, gold eyes flashing dangerously. “I s’pose I could find some time to stop by. See you then, sweetheart.”

Sett turned to walk away, but you stopped him with a call of his name. “Wait, your jacket–”

“Keep it for the night,” Sett replied. “I’ll get it from you tomorrow.”

You reluctantly agreed, stunned silent by his bold flirting, his jacket sitting warm on your shoulders as you watched him walk away. You stared at his broad back until he was out of sight, only then turning to head inside, knowing Taliyah would be waiting.

 The next morning she was still on you as you spent some extra time getting ready.

“I still can’t believe he gave you his jacket,” she teased with a grin. “I mean, I figured he was probably into you, but–”

“You what?” you replied as you paused styling your hair.

“I kept telling you to talk to him,” she replied. “No guy like that is going to wait outside your work for days in a row just to yell at you for spilling ice on him. But I didn’t think you’d believe me if I told you.”

“I just feel so stupid giving myself heat stroke just go avoid him,” you lamented.

“Yeah,” Taliyah frowned. “If I had realized it was that hot out, I never would’ve let you go out in that thing.”

“It’s my own fault for being so dumb,” you insisted.

“But hey, it all worked out, didn’t it?” Taliyah grinned as she slipped on her water shoes. “You’ve got a hot lifeguard coming to visit you at work today.”

“Don’t remind me. I’m still super nervous,” you said, adjusting your beach dress over your most flattering swimsuit.

“You’ll be fine,” Taliyah replied. “He’s clearly super into you. You should’ve seen him when you passed out yesterday.”

“What?” You had been so tired last night that you had only told her the basics before crashing for the night, completely forgetting to ask her what had happened yesterday.

“Someone got him when you collapsed,” she told you. “You should’ve seen his face when he pulled off the poro head and saw it was you inside the costume! I tried to come with, but he told me he’d handle it. I maaay have threatened his life if anything happened to you, but just a little.”

You laughed. So that’s what Sett had been referring to.

Taliyah came up from behind you as you stared at your appearance in the mirror, resting her chin on your shoulder and meeting your eyes in the mirror. “Relax, you look great. Fuzzy ear boy isn’t gonna know what hit him!”

“Fuzzy ear–” you sputtered, laughing at Taliyah’s choice of words. “I guess his ears do look pretty fuzzy.”

“Well if he lets you pet them, tell me how soft they are!” she teased, pulling back from you to grab her bag. “Now let’s go. You’ve got a boy to meet!”

You somehow felt even more nervous today than you had the few days you had spent avoiding Sett. You were still having a hard time wrapping your head around the fact that a guy that looked like he had walked straight out of a fireman’s calendar was coming to your little beachfront ice cream stand for the sole purpose of getting your phone number. And his jacket, which was folded neatly on the countertop beside you.

You weren’t exactly sure when he was going to come. Usually, he would be there waiting outside in the morning before you opened, but all you had opened up to today was a sparsely-populated beachfront, no handsome lifeguards to be seen. By two in the afternoon, your anxiety had begun to get the better of you.

“Stop pacing,” Taliyah scolded you. “He’ll be here.”

“But what if he decided not to?” you said, taking a deep breath to try and calm yourself down. “What if this was just a joke?”

“Then I’ll go kick his butt,” she responded plainly. “He’ll come. Relax.”

You were about to reply, when a ding of the service bell at the order window had you spinning around, ready to take an order, only for the words to die on your lips when you laid eyes on the well-muscled lifeguard with the fuzzy black ears just outside the order window, sending a grin your way.

“Here to pick up my order,” he said, leaning an arm against the window.

“Your… order?” you replied, too entranced by his appearance to properly make use of your brain.

“A pretty girl promised me her number if I came by,” he replied, looking down at you through his sunglasses.

“I… right… I…” You turned back quickly to see Taliyah staring expectantly at you, mouthing the word number at you. Right.

With slightly shaky hands, you reached for the small notepad at the front counter, taking that and a pen in hand and trying not to focus on the fact that Sett was watching you as you began to write.

Double-checking that the number was right, you handed the paper to him, your fingers touching as he took it from you. Remembering about your other promise, you reached over to grab the lifeguard jacket from the counter beside you. You went to hand him his jacket, surprised when he didn’t take it from you.

“What time do you get off?” he asked, and you answered a quiet six. “Give it back to me then.”

With a short wave and a grin, Sett made a show of stowing the phone number in his pocket before sauntering off and leaving you standing there slack-jawed.

“See? Was that so hard?” Taliyah called from her seat at the ice machine. “Now you just have to keep it together for your date.”

“I don’t know if I can,” you said, leaning back against the counter.

“You did last night, didn’t you?” she countered. “He’s just a guy. A really hot guy, but still. Don’t freak yourself out. You deserve a nice guy. It’s just a bonus that he has more abs than spiders have legs!”

You let out an amused huff. Taliyah was right, as she always was. You needed to get over yourself and let yourself have a good time tonight.”

But for now, you had customers to deal with. You and Taliyah let out a shared groan as you saw the nightmare mom and her army of brats heading towards you. You both returned to your posts, hoping their overly-complicated orders would be right on the first try this time.

 Taliyah let out a yawn, stretching her arms high above her head before beginning the process of cleaning up for the day. After the last customer left, you hastily closed the order window, not wanting to give anyone the chance to come and beg about how it was only five minutes past closing and they’ve been wanting a banana split all day. You had learned your lesson from that mistake on day two.

Once the order windows were closed and locked, you joined Taliyah at the side counter, helping to return all the different containers of toppings to their rightful places. You found your hands moving slower, your nerves slowing you down in order to prolong the inevitable.

Taliyah eventually got tired of your pitiful attempt at stalling for time and gently removed the container of blue sprinkles from your grasp. “Just go, I’ll finish up here.”

“Are you sure?” you asked, and Taliyah sent you an unimpressed look. “Okay, fine, I’m going, I’m going.”

“I hope you know I expect all the details later!” she grinned as you made your way to the door, hesitating with your hand on the door handle for only a moment before opening the door.

It was mercifully less warm outside today than it had been yesterday, not to mention that you were also minus a heavy mascot costume. Yesterday hadn’t ended too badly for you, but you would still prefer to not end today in a hospital if you exacerbated your current heat-sensitive state.

You weren’t sure if you preferred if Sett was already there, or if you got there first to wait for him; neither option seemed to abate your nerves. But of course, the lifeguard was prompt as always, leaning against one of the beams that held up the awning above the order window.

You didn’t think you had been making much noise walking along the sand, but he seemed to hear you, turning to face you with a grin as you approached.

“Ready?” he asked as you came to a stop before him, tucking some of your hair behind your ear in an effort to keep your cool.

“Yeah,” you answered, impressed that your voice hadn’t come out squeaky with how nervous you were.

“Good,” he replied, before his grin turned teasing. “Was half expectin’ ya to come on our date in that rat costume.”

“Poro!” you corrected again, trying not to get flustered by his mention of this being a date. You weren’t sure what else it would be, but you couldn’t help the butterflies that fluttered in your stomach when he had acknowledged the obvious.

He surprised you by taking your hand, pulling you along with him as you tried desperately not to stumble and fall into the sand.

The beach crowd was beginning to thin out, people heading home or to one of the many beachfront restaurants nearby. Watching as a kid packed up his sand toys, you wondered if one of those restaurants was where you were headed as well. Sett hadn’t told you anything about what the plan was, and you found yourself curious when he led you to the bright white lifeguard office.

At first, you had thought that maybe he had forgotten something, at least until you followed him into the small building to see what looked to be the table that had previously held all the first aid kits, now decked out in a soft-looking purple picnic blanket. On top of the makeshift picnic table was a spread of various tasty-looking finger foods, the scene completed by two chairs pulled up to the table, cushions with a starfish pattern placed on the seats.

You were perhaps too dumbfounded by the sight, as you snapped out of it to Sett calling your name, looking over at him to see him looking surprisingly tense. You should probably say something, you realized.

“It looks great,” you said, meaning every word as you looked over the table. “Are those cabbage rolls?”

“Ma helped me make ‘em,” Sett explained, looking bashful for the first time since you had met him as he raised an arm to scratch at the back of his neck. “Helped me with all of this, actually. Never done anythin’ like this before.”

“You mean a picnic?” you asked curiously.

Sett chuckled. “Picnics. Dates. Not a lotta women ‘round here who wanted anythin’ to do with a fatherless half-breed.”

You had a hard time believing that; you had noticed several mothers checking him out as they packed their family’s stuff to leave the beach. But the hint of something sad in his eyes made you reconsider. You had no memory of seeing someone like him that summer you had spent here, but it wasn’t like that was a surprise to you. You and Taliyah had been in your own little world at that time, only ever spending time with each other.

“Well I’m excited to try your cooking,” you said, figuring a change of subject was for the best.

Sett grinned as he sat down. “Should be decent. Haven’t poisoned anyone since high school.”

Your eyes widened, hand freezing on its path to grab a cabbage roll, startled eyes darting to his.

Sett let out a bark of laughter at your alarmed face. “Relax. Wouldn’t poison ya. Maybe those kids that keep swimmin’ into the boating zone, but not you.”

“Thanks… I think?” you replied, biting your lip as you stared down at the cabbage rolls, weighing your options.

“Wasn’t real poison anyways,” he scoffed, taking some rolls from himself. “Not my fault sugar and salt look the same.”

You laughed, grabbing some food for yourself at last. “I suppose they kinda do.”

“Ma didn’t wanna hurt my feelings, but I knew when I tried some myself,” he explained.

“It was nice of her to try,” you offered.

“Too nice,” he said. “Ma is always too nice. Never said anythin’ bad about my old man, even after what he did. Had to work three jobs for years because of that bastard, but not a word.”

“Well I’m sure she’s glad she has you,” you commented. “Even if you give her food poisoning sometimes.”

“Once,” he corrected, taking a bite. “Learned my lesson the first time.”

You followed his lead, finding the food to be entirely poison-free, and actually the best home-cooked meal you had eaten in a long time. The conversation moved to swapping work stories, and you were unsurprised to find out that the mother and her the demon children had been a thorn in Sett’s side as well.

“They really buried sleeping sunbathers in sand?”

“Five times in a day one time,” Sett grouchily confirmed. “Last time Braum went to handle it. Said I would bury those little assholes under the sand if I had to go yell at them one more time.”

You sympathized with his pain. You felt lucky that you had only experienced the tip of the annoyingness iceberg with that group of little terrors.

“Braum?” you inquired as you both left the lifeguard office, the beach now fully dark.

“Fellow lifeguard,” he answered, nonchalantly taking your hand in his as you made your way off the beach. “Bald, giant moustache, even bigger than me. Better at the whole gentle-but-firm thing than I am.”

“Oh, I think I’ve seen him before. He comes by for poro pops sometimes,” you said, mind drawing a picture of the surprisingly friendly man in the small purple swim bottoms with a weakness for poro-shaped ice pops. “So are you the head lifeguard then?”

Sett considered your question. “Guess I am the boss of ‘em. All of the other lifeguards are always comin’ at me with problems to solve. The extra pay doesn’t hurt either if I wanna keep momma from feelin’ like she has to work.”

“Say thank you to her from me for the dinner. It was really good,” you said as you passed by the familiar tacky souvenir shop.

“She’ll be happy to hear it,” he replied with a soft smile that made your heart thump in your chest. “I know she wishes she had more to cook for than just me.”

You both came to a stop before Taliyah’s house, and you sneakily glanced over just to make sure Taliyah wasn’t peeking out from a window, which she wasn’t. You turned your focus back to Sett, only to find him closer than he had just been. How was he so good at sneaking up on you?

A large hand came up to cup your jaw, thumb brushing against your cheek, and your face was tilted up towards Sett’s. You were glad it was dark out, because otherwise you knew your reddening cheeks would be obvious.

“Still afraid of me?” he asked, voice low, lips so close to yours that you could make out a small scar that crossed over his bottom lip.

“No,” you answered, making no move to pull away as you stared up into his eyes. “Not unless I was about to taste your high school cooking.”

“Smart,” he replied with a smirk. “But I’m talkin’ about right now, because if you don’t turn and run into that house, I’m gonna kiss you.”

Your bag almost tumbled from your grasp, but you held fast as you stared at Sett, whose own had already become half-lidded. You had no words to describe how much you didn’t want to run right now, so you didn’t use any, instead angling your face further upwards, trying to make your willingness abundantly clear.

With a grin, he leaned down and kissed you.

Pulling back slightly, he dove back in, his other hand coming to your waist to pull you against him. You happily leant into him, your hands on his firm chest.

When he pulled back again, you opened your eyes at last, feeling almost as dizzy as right before you had passed out from heat stroke.

Sett looked content, and you were only hoping you looked half as composed as he did right now. He leaned back in to give you one more peck before pulling back from you entirely, the cold from the air outside immediately apparent as soon as you were minus his warm hands against your skin.

“Think I’ll stop by tomorrow,” he said. “Been cravin’ a cherry snowball for some reason lately.”

 Sett was a man of his word, you learned, though you were less happy to see him the next day when he asked if he could order a cherry snowball served like last time, and then laughed as you had proceeded to sputter like a broken machine.

His visits became daily, sometimes bringing Braum with him, who continued to surprise you with the sheer amount of poro pops he was able to consume in one sitting. Quite a few nights a week, you had found yourself all around Port Navori with the half-Vastayan lifeguard. You were surprised at how supportive Taliyah was being, considering you had originally come here to spend time with her.

“Gives me more time to surf,” she answered with a shrug when you had asked her. “And maybe that boyfriend of yours can convince you to stay here after the summer is over.”

“Boyfriend?” you yelped, and Taliyah raised an eyebrow.

“You aren’t? I thought he would have made it official by now. It’s been over two weeks… have you guys even done it?”

“Taliyah!” you scolded her, switching back to professional mode as a group of people approached the stand.

As you helped prepare their orders, you couldn’t help but think about what she had said. You and Sett had kissed quite a lot actually, but he had yet to do more than that. But it was far too embarrassing a subject for you to have the confidence to broach, so you had resolved yourself to just be content with things as they were.

It was just your luck that right then was when Sett had decided to make his daily visit to the stand, approaching the counter as the other group left.

Taliyah apparently wasn’t done pestering you for the day as she sped to meet him at the counter before you could get there yourself.

“Hey!” she greeted Sett with a sly smile as you stood frozen behind her, nervous about her motivations. “You’re on your break, right?”

Sett raised an eyebrow. “What about it?”

“Well,” she said, in the voice you knew meant that she wanted something. “There’s a surfing contest I entered, and it’s almost my turn and it won’t even take that long and–”

“Tali!” you interrupted, rushing over to the counter.

“All I need is an hour,” Taliyah insisted, before pulling you beside her at the counter. “And she needs some help while I’m gone since lunchtime is when most of the people come by.”

“I’m fine, I–”

“I’m in,” Sett cut in, eyeing you with almost palpable smugness.

“Awesome!” Taliyah replied, immediately shucking her apron and hat onto the floor in her haste to get out the door. “Have fun, see you after I win!”

“Taliyah!”

Your call of her name fell on deaf ears as she already had her board and was out the door, leaving you standing at the counter with Sett still leaning against the counter.

Sett reached up to pull his sunglasses off, tucking them into his packet, his golden eyes fully uncovered and sparkling with mischief, the sight alone making you feel weary.

“Well? You gonna invite me in?” he asked. “Not sure I’d fit through the window.”

You scrambled to meet him at the back door, not wanting him to try and get into the shop through the order window that was less wide than he was. It was a strange feeling to open the back door of the shop to a guy that was almost too tall for the doorway, and another thing entirely to try and corral him into behaving as you tried to keep the ice cream stand functioning while Taliyah was gone.

“Aren’t lifeguards supposed to set a good example for others?” you huffed, wiping ice from your apron. At least he hadn’t made things truly equal and put cherry syrup on the ball of shaved ice he had pressed against your neck.

“Not when I’m off the clock,” he answered. “Besides, it’s my once in a lifetime chance to see what workin’ one of these is like.”

It would definitely be only one time if you had anything to say about it. If the almost-hour with him here had taught you anything, it was that Sett was not cut out to work in an ice cream shop.

The scoops of ice cream he doled out were easily twice the size of the ones Taliyah did, which made for happy customers, but a less happy bottom line if he was here for more than an hour. He was also lacking Taliyah’s patience, and you were forced to sideline him when an especially picky middle-aged woman came by who insisted you remake her smoothie four times until it had an acceptable pH level. The woman’s complaints had miraculously stopped the moment Sett had approached the window himself, becoming so invested in flirting with the handsome lifeguard that she had snatched her next smoothie attempt from you without complaint, not even glancing your way as she batted her eyes at him, only leaving when he excused himself with an excuse of needing to make more orders.

You approached Sett to check on him and found yourself pulled down into his lap as he leaned back in the chair.

Huffing, he pulled you against him, nuzzling against your neck. “Don’t know how you deal with that. Couldn’t pay me to make her damn smoothie one more time.”

“You get used to it,” you replied. “Don’t you deal with worse as a lifeguard?”

“Yeah,” he grunted. “But nothin’ sayin’ I gotta be nice when I deal with ‘em.”

“That’s true,” you laughed.

“If anyone complains, they can go somewhere else. Ain’t another beach within a hundred miles as well-run as this one,” he bragged, kissing at your neck.

As much as you were enjoying his sudden affection, you knew time was running low until Taliyah would return. You made to pull back to tell Sett that, but were instead pulled into a kiss that took you a few breathless moments to find the strength to escape.

“This Friday,” he murmured, face inches from yours. “There’s a party at the pool. You should come with me.”

You had heard about the exclusive pool parties on this beach from Taliyah, but hadn’t expected to ever get an invite. The pool, which was at the far end of the beach from the ice cream stand, was as exclusive as it got. Gated with walls so high that you couldn’t see in, it was the membership-only place to be for all of the elite in the beach town of Port Navori.

“Is that… okay?” you asked hesitantly.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” he countered, and you didn’t really have an answer. “It’ll be fine. Come. Have some people I wanna introduce ya to.”

The door burst open at the same time as you nodded your agreement, revealing Taliyah clutching both her dripping board as well as a shiny blue ribbon.

“You won?” you asked, trying to disentangle yourself from Sett, who reluctantly let you up.

“Easily!” Taliyah gloated. “Nobody else stood a chance. So how were things here?”

“The money ain’t worth the drama of this place,” Sett griped.

Taliyah laughed. “Smoothie lady come back with a vengeance?”

“I’ll take kids buryin’ sunbathers up to their ears over this any day,” he replied with a grimace, standing up and stretching.

At his mention of ears, Taliyah had brought both hands up to her own head about where Sett’s were on his head, and you quickly waved at her to cut it out before he saw. Thankfully she did, but you could tell that you were going to get asked if you had pet his ears yet as soon as his fuzzy ears were out of earshot.

“I’ll text ya the time when I know it,” Sett said, giving you a quick kiss on the head and a two-fingered salute to Taliyah before heading out the back door.

“So?” Taliyah asked, pulling the chair up to the ice cream station after she had stashed her prize ribbon in her bag. “Are they as soft as they look?”

“I didn’t pet them,” you answered.

“It’s been over two weeks!” she complained. “Has he at least asked you to be his girlfriend yet?”

You shook your head. “He did invite me to a pool party with him on Friday at that fancy pool.”

“Really?” Taliyah responded, eyes wide. “You have to tell me what it’s like! I mean, I’ve seen satellite photos, but it’s not the same…”

“I’ll probably be too nervous to remember any of it,” you grumbled.

“This is your chance!” Taliyah encouraged. “By Friday it’ll be three weeks. You need to ask him if he sees you as his girlfriend or not.”

You reeled back, waves of anticipatory anxiety rolling over you. “I don’t want to scare him off. What if this is just casual to him and I’m too dumb to see it?”

“Then you’ll know,” she replied. “I know you. It’ll eat you up if you put this much energy into a guy without knowing how he feels about you. So ask. If he says no, then at least you’ll have an entire store’s worth of ice cream to drown yourself in after!”

Taliyah was right. She was always right. You knew that you couldn’t keep whatever this was up without knowing where you stood with him. The more time you spent with Sett, the more you wanted, and if he intended to keep things casual, you would rather know sooner so you could make an informed decision.

So that would be the plan then. Go to the party, have a good time (and get some photos of the pool for Taliyah) and then ask Sett about the state of your relationship. Sounded easy in theory. You could only hope you could muster up the courage to go through with the plan when the time came.

 After hearing that the party was to start at four, Taliyah had gone all out, closing the stand at two so she could help you get ready to impress the snobs. You hadn’t put up too much of a fight, happy to have her help and her company, as your nerves only climbed higher the closer it got to four o’clock.

“You’ll be fine,” Taliyah said as she styled your hair. “You’ll only feel worse if you don’t get an answer from him. And with how good you’ll look at the party, he won’t be able to say no!”

“Thanks, Tali,” you replied gratefully. “I promise I’ll get you a bunch of photos of the pool. And whatever else you want.”

“What I want is for you to stay here for good,” she said. “So really I’m just doing myself a favor by helping you. This place has been a hundred times more bearable since you’ve been here, and I want it to stay that way.”

“Still,” you persisted. “I feel bad that you’re going to so much trouble. If you want anything, just let me know.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Taliyah dismissed with a wave of her hand. “You should get going, don’t wanna be late to the fancy pool party.”

She practically shoved you out the door, and then you were alone, walking down the mostly-empty sidewalk. As you walked along the street, you couldn’t help but dwell on the possibilities. What would happen at the party? What would Sett say?

If he told you that he wasn’t looking for anything serious, what would you do? It was hard to have an answer for until you were in the moment, since a lot of it would depend on what Sett’s answer would be.

You walked through the parking lot, and then onto the beach, passing by kids building sandcastles and games of beach volleyball as you walked towards the end of the beach where the pool was. As you made your way to the fancier end of the beach, you began to notice the differences that marked the split between here and the side of the beach that you were usually on.

The shops on this side of the beach were much fancier, the sand littered with designer beach chairs and umbrellas. It was crazy just how different two ends of one beach could be.

The pool was noticeable from a great distance, or at least the wall white walls that surrounded it were. At least you weren’t going to get lost and miss the party entirely.

You approached the pristine white stairs that led from the beach up to the pool entrance, equal parts excited and apprehensive. The entrance was an open doorway, covered by a deep blue curtain and guarded by a muscled bouncer in white. The sight alone was intimidating; why hadn’t you just asked Sett to meet you beforehand?

You plastered a reluctant smile on your face before approaching the man. “Hi, I–”

“Name,” he interrupted, not looking up from his clipboard, sunglasses too dark for you to see his eyes.

Well it wasn’t like you hadn’t expected some level of standoffishness from the elite side of the beach. Keeping your smile up, you told him your name, waiting the prerequisite few moments for him to leaf through the list.

He seemed to have found what he was looking for, as his hand with the clipboard went to his side and he moved over to the curtain, pulling it to one side to allow you to enter. He had said nothing further, but seemed to be staring in your direction, so you took that as your cue and walked towards the now-open entryway and into the pool.

The entryway led into a hallway with pristine white walls, soft lighting hanging overhead. You could begin to hear chatter as you got closer to the end of the hallway, exiting into an explosion of sight and sound.

The pool was huge, and there seemed to be an intricate gold pattern on the tiles at the bottom. The pool was surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, tropical foliage bordering the inner walls around the pool.

There were people all over, in and out of the pool. There was also a bar in the center which seemed to be very popular, as many people were carrying around intricate-looking cocktails.

More than the scenery or the people, your eyes were scanning the area for Sett. You checked your phone again to make sure, finding that it was the time he had told you to be here for. Maybe he was just running late or…

Your rising concern was broken up by the tap of designer wedges on the granite heading your way. You looked up from your phone to see two girls heading towards you, one of which you realized you had seen before.

The stuck-up redhead that had been the reason you had been out on the beach to spill the snowball on Sett in the first place was striding towards you, not a hair out of place underneath her likely-expensive sun hat. At her side was a lilac-haired woman in a swimsuit with a plunging neckline that was color blocked with various shades of purple. Together they made quite a striking pair, but your previous encounter with the redhead had you wishing that Sett would get here soon to save you from the impending conversation.

“Look, Sarah,” the purple-haired one sneered as they came to a stop before you. “So eager to pretend she’s one of us that she rushed right over.”

You took a step back, but that only seemed to embolden them.

Sarah lowered her sunglasses, staring at you like you were in her way. “Sad when they don’t know their place, Syndra.”

“Sett invited me here,” you replied defensively.

The women exchanged a pointed look before Sarah raised an eyebrow at you, a hand on her hip. “You ever think about why that was?”

“What?” you replied, unsure of what she was getting at.

“She doesn’t get it,” Syndra said with a cruel undertone in her voice that unnerved you.

“Look around,” Sarah said sharply. “Really look. Do half the people here look like they belong?”

You looked around, not sure what you were supposed to be seeing. A man with a hook-nose sat at the pool bar, flanked by women in skimpy bikinis. A humanoid form that seemed to be made of water conversed poolside with a large purple man in a ratty straw hat who was holding a ukulele. What were you supposed to be noticing?

“Sett is too nice to break it to you, so the job falls to me,” Sarah said with a smirk. “This is our annual loser fest. Charity case race. Bring-a-freak-to-work-day.”

“Pig party,” Syndra supplied.

“Yeah, pig party,” Sarah repeated, noticing your confused look. “Don’t know what that is? Poor thing.”

“I don’t–”

“It’s pretty simple,” Sarah interrupted. “We take half the summer to find the biggest freak we can, and then we bring them all together and crown a winner, and by the looks of you, Sett is really going for the top prize.”

You gasped, eyes wide, suddenly feeling like you were going to be sick.

“Aw, you really thought he liked you, huh?” Syndra mocked with fake sweetness.

“He didn’t… he never…” you stammered, clutching your bag to your chest.

“Well duh,” Sarah replied haughtily. “He wanted to win. Do you tell a pig when it’s about to become bacon?”

“What is meaning of this?” Braum accused, storming up to your group. “I have not heard of such a thing!”

“Need-to-know, Braum,” Syndra dismissed.

“And you didn’t need to know,” Sarah added.

You felt numb. This whole time… is that why Sett wouldn’t ask you to be his girlfriend? Why he never did more than kiss you? All this time, he had just seen you as a prize pig for an ugly date contest? It all made sense now, why he had been so desperate to get your number. He had never liked you… it had all been one sick joke. You should’ve known; nobody as attractive as Sett would ever see you as anything but a freak. And was too cowardly to come and tell you the truth to your face.

“Look, she’s crying,” Syndra taunted. “Don’t cry! Soon you’ll be queen pig!”

You couldn’t do this. You couldn’t stay here with all these people who saw you as less than human as your heart was breaking into pieces. You were so, so stupid, now wanting nothing more than to cry in peace. So you did, turning and running as fast as your legs would take you out of this awful place.

“Bye, piggy! We’ll ship you the ribbon!”

You heard Braum shout your name, as well as the cruel laughter of the women, but you didn’t stop running. Not when you got to the beach, nor the parking lot or the tacky souvenir shop, the sayings on the gaudy shirts too blurry to read through your tears. Your feet didn’t stop until you were at the doorstep to Taliyah’s home, out of breath, tears running down your cheeks.

The door opened, Taliyah’s face appearing in the doorway. “Hey, did you forget– wait, what happened?”

 “Settrigh, stay still!”

Sett frowned, but did as his momma requested, allowing her to tie the ends of his hair after she had finished arranging it. He loved his ma dearly, but he really didn’t have time for her to redo his hair ten times right now.

It was getting way too close to the start time he had given you, and with how nervous of a person you were, he had intended to be on time, but that was before his mother had discovered the reason why he was cutting their visit short today.

Ma was aware that he had been seeing someone, had been ever since Sett had needed help making food for their first date.

“You do intend to let me meet her, Settrigh?” she asked, stepping back once she had fixed his hair to her satisfaction.

“Yes, ma,” he answered, standing up from the chair.

He wasn’t exactly surprised by his momma’s eagerness, considering this was the first girl he had ever dated, let alone considered introducing to her. This world was shallow; he had learned that early in life, which may be why he found himself so drawn to a girl who had put her all into having nothing to do with him. You broke up the monotony in this busy beach town and gave him something to look forward to other than seeing his ma for the first time in a long time.

Sett knew he was working on a time limit. You had mentioned that you had planned on only visiting Port Navori for the summer, and the summer was half over already, which meant his chances to convince you to stay were also halved, which is where tonight came in.

He had been taking things slow, not wanting to come on too strong and scare you off like he had watched happen to many a beachfront pick-up artist. He had been unwilling to rush things and lose you, but the slip of the calendar into August had forced his hand.

He would be lying if he said he wasn’t a bit apprehensive as to how today would end. How would you take him asking you to be girlfriend? He could only hope that he hadn’t misread you entirely.

He didn’t go to the pool parties often, but it seemed like a good way for him to introduce you to his friends, as they didn’t often all gather outside of those parties. He knew you would likely feel out of place, but Braum would be there, and he intended to stick by your side the entire time. And then after the party, if things went well, then maybe he would end the night with you as his girlfriend, but the party would be the first step.

As he left his ma’s house, he found his mind turning to the party. If you were wearing that red swimsuit you had worn last week, then it was going to be a difficult night for his self-control. His desire to take things slow had really taken a hit then, his only saving grace being ma’s lecture on being a gentleman pounding in his head as he tried not to look at how your chest was half-busting out of your top as you leaned over to pick a thread off of his glove. You were really too hot for your own good, which made him all the more eager to see you.

He knew he was running late, the party having started at least ten minutes earlier. It wasn’t his style to be late, but he was also pretty helpless to defy his ma. He only hoped that you hadn’t given up on him and left.

He took the shortest route possible, which included a short trek through some bushes that left him more leafy than he would’ve liked, but it was all forgotten when he spotted the stairs that led up to the pool entrance.

He was able to bypass the doorman who was only half as big as he was and seemed to be wary of interacting with him, stepping out of the way as Sett approached. He pushed past the curtain, hurried steps heading down the hallway. You hadn’t been waiting outside, so clearly you had been able to get in. He tried to fight back the excited grin that wanted to take over his face, but it was a losing battle as he entered the pool area, eyes immediately scanning the area for you.

“Your cruelty is unimaginable!” Braum’s booming voice carried easily through the air. “That girl has done nothing to be deserving of such treatment!”

What had Braum so worked up? Generally he was an easy guy to get along with, easily Sett’s most tolerable co-lifeguard. Not much phased him, which was a little concerning. But Sett had other priorities, the most important being locating you.

You weren’t in the pool, and didn’t seem to be sitting in any of the chairs. Maybe you had gone to the bathroom and would be right back–

“Well how else was she supposed to know Sett is too good for her? She clearly wasn’t going to see reality without a little help.”

Sett’s ears perked up, his attention snagged by the mention of his name, but especially by the latter half of the sentence. He turned around to see Sarah Fortune with Syndra at her side, who had her arms crossed and looked bored. In front of them was Braum, looking more irate than Sett had ever seen him.

“What’s this about?” Sett asked in a warning tone as he approached, the fur of his ears standing on end, leaving him feeling like he wasn’t going to like where this was headed.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” Sarah dismissed, flipping her hair behind her shoulder with a flick of her head. “We just showed a daydreaming little clout chaser the way out.”

Sett’s eyebrow rose. “A what?”

“Your ice cream girl,” Braum cut in. “These two have told her that this is a party for pigs. They have told her that you intend to bring her here to win ugly contest, and then she had run off.”

“What?” Sett growled dangerously, but the two women remained nonplussed.

“We did you a favor,” Syndra stressed. “If we get a reputation of letting just anyone in, then we’ll lose all status as members of the ruling class of the food chain. So we decided to throw this little pig party to make you come back to your senses.”

“You’re one of us, Sett,” Sarah added. “This pool doesn’t have room for little nobodies who don’t know their place.”

“Rather be a nobody than whatever the hell this is,” Sett snarled angrily, the full knowledge of the truth turning his bad feeling to a mix of simmering fury at the two women, and worry for you. He hated himself for being late and allowing this to happen to you. “Save your concern and don’t talk to me again.”

“But we were–” Syndra started, but Sett wasn’t in the mood.

“If you even look at her again, you’ll have me to deal with. And unlike that girl you just bullied outta here, I ain’t so nice.”

With that, Sett turned on his heel and stormed towards the exit to go do his best to fix this mess.

Braum quickly followed behind him. “My friend, I am sorry I could not stop them in time.”

“Ain’t your fault,” Sett replied. “Wish I’d have known. Gotta go see if she’ll even talk to me at this point.”

“I wish you luck,” Braum said as exited the hallway and emerged out into the sunny late afternoon.

Sett parted from Braum, taking the stairs two at a time as he surveyed the area, trying to see if he could catch sight of you. He quickly crossed the sand, making a beeline for the ice cream stand, even if it seemed like a longshot. He passed by a group of kids throwing sand on an older man sleeping on a towel, but ignored it and kept going. If anything was on fire, Braum could put it out. Sett’s sole focus right now was finding you and hoping you’d let him explain himself.

His chest felt heavy with anger and regret. How could he have let this happen? He hadn’t realized how cruel those women could be, and it had led to them making you believe he thought you were some freak he was using for convenience, which could not be farther from the truth.

Seeing those two talk about you like you were a pariah had brought him right back to when he was younger, to what he had endured at the hands of people just like Syndra and Sarah. People who had ostracized him, did their best to make him feel like he didn’t have a place here. Sett-the-beast-boy-bastard; the words had haunted him for a long time.

He had grown tough in response to the years of bullying, but you hadn’t. This was your first exposure to how awful this place could be. He and ma had dealt with it for years after pa ran off; he had nearly gotten expelled from school after a particularly bad fight with a kid that had made one too many nasty comments about his ma to his face.

Sett stopped, letting out a frustrated sigh as he saw the large closed sign on the front windows of the ice cream shop. So that was a bust. Without giving the store a second look, he continued on towards the rocks and then up to the parking lot.

There was only one other place to try. Chest tight, Sett followed the same path he had the night of your first date, the same path he took every time he walked you home. The walk there was one long blur, his feet unable to stop moving until the familiar house was in sight. Without a moment’s hesitation, Sett approached the front door, rapping his knuckles against the wood. When no answer came, he tried again, and after a few moments, the door opened to reveal Taliyah, who glared once she caught sight of him.

“What do you want?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

“Is she here? I need to talk to her,” Sett said, urgency bleeding into his voice.

Taliyah sighed, stepping outside and closing the door behind her. “You’re lucky I’m even talking to you after this. You don’t deserve to talk to her if that’s how you let your friends treat her.”

“They ain’t my friends,” Sett argued. “If I’d have known they were gonna pull that shit–”

A sly smile lifted the corner of Taliyah’s lips. “Good answer. If you had said anything else, then I’d be slamming the door in your face right about now.”

“Then can I–”

“Talk to her?” Taliyah interrupted. “Nope. Not a good idea.”

Sett’s face must have taken on a darker quality, because Taliyah retreated back a step, raising her hands in the air in mock surrender. “Relax, tough guy. I didn’t mean it like that. But she’s a little too upset to talk to you right now.”

The information only made Sett feel worse. He wanted so badly to talk to you, to do what he had wanted to do before this mess had happened and make you his girlfriend. You had never felt farther away than you did right now.

“Give me some time to calm her down. I can get her to be at the pier at seven, then the rest is up to you,” she said, levelling him with a stern look. “I know this wasn’t your fault. That’s the only reason I’m giving you a chance. She really likes you, so try not to make her feel any worse than she already does. Bye.”

And then Taliyah was gone, retreating back into the house and leaving Sett standing on the doorstep.

 “Brought you some water,” Taliyah announced as she entered the room, glass in hand.

“Who was at the door?” you asked.

She shrugged. “Someone looking for my dad. Told them he’s not here.”

You nodded. It was probably too much to hope that it would be Sett. You winced as you thought his name. You hated how much you wanted to see him, someone who had used you to win some popular kid ugly date contest.

So it had all been a lie then? All the things he had told you about his life, his family? Every time he had kissed you, was he picturing kissing one of those girls instead? Is this really what popular people did for fun? You felt stupid for falling for it, for falling for him. You were so stupid.

With some prompting from Taliyah, you took a sip of the water. After she had made sure you had drank the whole glass, she sat down next to you, taking the glass from you and setting it down on the bedside table.

“I should have known,” you croaked.

“Known that popular girls are bitchy? Maybe,” she responded.

“That it was too good to be true,” you corrected.

“You’re acting like you’re eighty,” she scolded. “There are other guys out there. Ones who don’t have shitty friends.”

“Yeah, I know,” you replied. “But I really liked him. And I didn’t even get to pet his stupid fuzzy ears.”

“Well if you’re joking, then you must be doing okay,” she said. “How about we go do something to take your mind off of things?”

You frowned, and she rolled her eyes. “Not right this second. I’ll give you until six-thirty to get yourself ready to go.”

Taliyah got up off the bed and headed towards the door. “I’m not gonna let your night be ruined because of a couple of snobs.”

She closed the door, leaving you alone with your thoughts again. You laid back on the bed, intent on taking some time before you got ready to just veg out. As much as the notion of going out didn’t excite you right now, it was probably better than being a mopey mess all night. There would be other guys; it was just a shame that you had liked this one so much.

Two hours later, you were walking down the street with Taliyah. Your getting ready to go had consisted of washing your face of all the smeared makeup from your crying, brushing your hair into a semi-decent state and then watching dumb cat videos on your phone until you felt like you didn’t want to crawl in a hole and die.

Taliyah had assured you that you didn’t look bad, which you might have believed if you hadn’t seen yourself in the mirror as you were leaving, but at this point you were beyond caring about how you looked right now.

Taliyah had refused to tell you where she was taking you, and so you were forced to follow her down the familiar path towards the beach, unsure of where it was you were being led. Part of you was worried that you might run into Sett, but then the more rational side of you took over; he was likely back at that pool, partying it up with those girls and lamenting that you had run off before he could win his ugly date prize. It was crazy to realize just how flawed your judgment had been.

You had expected to be walking onto the beach, as it was where you two usually spent most of your time, but Taliyah didn’t go to the parking lot, instead heading towards the rockier section of the beach. You hadn’t been over here before, only vaguely aware of the area as a prime fishing location, bait shops and the like lining the street across from this part of the beachfront.

She took you past the fishing spots, down to near the end of the beach, where there was a small pier that went about thirty feet out into the sea. Like most of the beach at this time on a weekday, the pier was empty, most of the fishermen also having headed out with their day’s catches.

Taliyah led you down the pier to the small bench at the end of it, pushing you to sit down. When she didn’t do the same, you looked up at her, confused.

“I’ll be right back,” she said. “I’m gonna go grab something to help cheer you up. You just enjoy the view for a bit.”

You decided to follow her advice, staring out at the water. There wasn’t much to see other than some boats in the far distance and some buoys bobbing in the water that marked the swimming section from the boating section.

It was kind of nice in a way, the calm waters helping you to relax as you watched the waves roll in and out. You stayed like that for a while as you allowed yourself to zone out until you began to wonder how much time had passed. Pulling out your phone, you saw that it had been almost twenty minutes, and yet there was no sign of Taliyah as you looked around.

You had assumed that she went to get you two some food, which likely was still the case. Some of the places here tended to have rather large dinnertime crowds, so a twenty minute plus wait wasn’t exactly unusual. You had no idea where she had gone, so all you could do was wait. If she wasn’t back by seven, you would just text her and ask what was up.

You let yourself be taken in again by the rolling waves as you continued to wait, trying to recall what kinds of restaurants there were on the beachfront. It couldn’t be that fish and chips place; Taliyah had spent a full half hour last week complaining about how stale their food was. Or the taco place, since it had been closed for renovations for the past week. You had been trying to think of a third option when your concentration was broken by someone taking a seat next to you on the bench.

You looked over, expecting to see Taliyah back with some food, but instead nearly jolted off of the bench when next to you was the very man you were out here trying to forget.

Just seeing him when you were feeling so pathetic sent a jolt of you weren’t sure what up your spine, your flight instincts screaming at you as you made to stand up, only to be stopped by a firm grip on your wrist.

“I know you don’t wanna see my face right now,” Sett said. “But I can explain.”

“Explain what?” you replied meekly. “Those girls explained enough.”

“I haven’t,” he insisted. “Just listen for a minute. Then you can leave, or punch me, whatever you want.”

You took a look around, still not seeing Taliyah anywhere. You weren’t sure what he could have to say that would make much of a difference, but you sat back down, and he let go of your wrist.

You turned reluctantly to face Sett, waiting for him to talk first.

“Never told ‘em to do somethin’ like that,” he said gruffly. “Didn’t even know about it ‘til I got there and you weren’t there.”

“But they said…” you started, taking a breath to keep yourself calm as you prepared to recount the hurtful words. “They said you were only spending time with me so you could win their whole ugly date contest.”

Sett’s eyes narrowed, the skin of his knuckles tightening on his curling fists. “First I’ve heard of it. Ain’t no way you’d ever place in an ugly contest anyways.”

His words threw you. “Wait, so you don’t think I’m ugly?”

He snorted, a grin playing at his lips. “Well I was plannin’ on askin’ you to be my girlfriend after the party, so nah, I don’t think you’re ugly.”

“You–” you gasped, pulse skyrocketing. This was not how you expected this conversation to go. You were half convinced you were experiencing auditory hallucinations until Sett reached over, pulling you into his side.

“This is my fault,” he spoke lowly. “If I hadn’t been late, I’d have been there to stop that from happening.”

“What happened when you got there?” you asked quietly.

“Braum told me what happened, then those two tried tellin’ me they did it for my sake,” he growled. “I thought I was used to seein’ through bullies from how I grew up. Doesn’t matter now, they won’t be botherin’ you anymore unless they wanna find out why momma says I got her temper.”

“Why were you late anyways?” you asked.

He groaned, leaning his head back against the bench. Even with the sun mostly set, you could clearly see a pink tone to his cheeks.

“What is it?” you pressed, curious about why the intimidating lifeguard was suddenly being so shy.

He let out a long sigh, finally meeting your eyes. “Ma was doin’ my hair.”

You looked him over, realizing that his hair did seem to be tied differently today. The only thing that looked the same was his ears, just as fluffy as they always looked. You could almost hear Taliyah’s voice screaming in your head to pet them. Speaking of Taliyah…

“Taliyah!” you gasped, trying to extract yourself from Sett’s grip, but failing. If Taliyah was to come and see you here with the guy she had taken you out to forget about… “My friend, she’ll be back any second and–”

Sett laughed, and you were immediately left with the feeling that you were missing something.

“She ain’t comin’ back,” he said amusedly. “I’ve got you all to myself for the night… if that’s what you want.”

“Taliyah set me up?” you breathed, not having suspected a thing.

“I asked her to,” Sett explained. “Wasn’t about to let you go ‘cuz of some shallow assholes.”

Taliyah was much sneakier than you had given her credit for, you realized, but you couldn’t bring yourself to mind right now. Though that didn’t mean you weren’t hungry, your previous stress melting away and removing the only distraction from your empty stomach.

“So,” you hummed. “Are you still going to ask me to be your girlfriend?”

You still had no idea what would happen by the end of the summer, but you really wanted this. You wanted him.

“Yeah, was plannin’ on it.”

 You had thought about it all the way back to Sett’s house. Was it really for the best to go back to your city when the summer was over? Back to your parents’ house to find an equally demanding and unfulfilling job?

The more you thought about it, the more you wanted to stay. Taliyah was here, Sett was here, and other than your brief nasty encounter at the pool earlier, this summer had been the best one you’d had in a long time.

Sett seemed intent on giving you more reasons to stay as he was on you pretty much as soon as you entered his house. You had been standing in the entryway, looking at a picture of what must have been Sett and his mother when he caught you off guard, picking you up from behind.

You yelped, turning your head back to face him just in time for him to dart forward to snatch a kiss.

“You’ll have time to look around later,” he said as he walked down the hall, nudging a door open with his shoulder and then taking you into what looked to be his bedroom.

Once again, you were scarcely granted a look around before Sett had overtaken your attention yet again. You were swiftly carried over and deposited on the bed, Sett eagerly caging your body down against the sheets with his own.

“I wanted to go slow,” he said against your ear. “Didn’t wanna mess things up. But that’s not what you want, is it?”

“No,” you gasped as he snaked a hand under your dress, and then under your swimsuit bottoms. “I… I want…”

“This?” he inquired, thumb brushing against your clit, causing you to jolt against him with a breathy moan. “Waited a long time to hear that.”

Seeking more room to work, Sett pulled back to reach down and pull down your swimsuit bottoms, tossing them to the side. You watched with reddening cheeks as he returned his attention to you, head disappearing under your dress next.

His first lick against your pussy felt back-archingly good, but you didn’t have a lot of room to move with Sett’s hands holding your lower half in place. His tongue felt slightly rough, bringing pricks of pleasure-pain along its path.

Closing your eyes tight, you tried not to squirm, but it was difficult as Sett’s tongue prodded inside you before moving back to sucking at your clit. It felt good, almost too good, but you found yourself wanting more than his mouth against you.

“Sett,” you moaned. “Please…”

You weren’t sure if he got the message until you reached down to grasp at one of his hands. He pulled back from you, wiping one forearm against the wet lower half of his face as he sat back. His position on his knees on the bed allowed you a good look at the decently-sized bulge in the front of his tight swim shorts.

Sett caught your eyes, reaching one hand down to cup his cock through his shorts. “All you, sweetheart. Still think I think you’re ugly?”

You somehow managed to shake your head, speechless from his ardent display of his body. Sett seemed to bask in just how speechless he had made you, a sexy grin overtaking his face as he stared down at you.

“Couldn’t ask for more than this,” he said. “But if you want more…”

He was such a tease. With a burning face, you relented.

“Could you just put it in me please?” you asked, too shy to make eye contact.

“Can do,” he replied, and you could easily hear the smug satisfaction in his voice.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Sett stood up from the bed to pull his shorts off, wincing slightly when he pulled the tight fabric over his painfully-hard cock. Tossing the shorts to the floor, his attention quickly returned to you.

Giving his cock a few slow strokes, he watched you sit up on the bed. Feeling a burst in confidence from his display, you reached down to the hem of your dress’ skirt before pulling it up and off your body, Sett’s hungry gold eyes unable to look away from you as you moved onto your swimsuit top.

Once your top was off, Sett struck, pulling you towards him. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he pulled you onto his lap, reaching around to your front to cup your breasts as his mouth went straight to your neck. His hands were warm against the sensitive skin of your breasts, rolling your nipples under his thumbs as his teeth scraped against a sensitive spot on your neck.

You felt his hard cock under you and shifted yourself against it, Sett letting out a deep groan in response. You could feel how wet you were, but this wasn’t enough. You needed to fuck him, needed this building tension to come to a satisfying end for you both.

You turned in his lap, looping your arms around his neck and leaning down to kiss him. Sett was happy to meet tongues with you, one hand resting on your ass until you pulled back from the kiss.

You met eyes with Sett, who began to help you lift yourself up, lining up his cock with his other hand. When he brought you back down onto him, you both sighed as you were fully seated on his cock at last.

“Nothin’ else would feel as good as you,” Sett groaned as he began to help you move and up and then back down onto him. “Never wanted any girl as bad as I want you.”

You were much less coherent, moaning out his name as your hands grasped against his chest. With a further burst of confidence, you reached a hand up to his ear, running your fingers along the fur and enjoying the resulting groan, the next upward thrust of his hips hitting even better into you. Maybe you would leave this out at Taliyah’s interrogation later.

“There,” you moaned as he shifted you in his lap, his cock hitting even deeper inside you. “Right there, Sett.”

“You’re so tight,” he groaned, pulling you down into a rough kiss as he held you close, thrusting up into you as you eagerly moved along with him, needing to make this gorgeous man under you cum.

Sett came first, stilling for a moment before pulling you slightly back to put a finger to your clit, letting you cling to him as you followed him over the edge.

Once you had both come back down from the clouds, you were set back gently on the bed so Sett could run off to grab a cloth to clean you up with. You watched him leave the room, still having a hard time comprehending just how you had ended up this situation.

You definitely had some phone calls to make tomorrow. Your parents would be surprised, but you would probably focus on the Taliyah part rather than the new boyfriend part of your reasoning. Taliyah would be overjoyed for sure; you’d have to thank her for her meddling when you saw her.

As Sett returned, you realized something.

“Wait, is your mom home?” you asked in horror. You hadn’t made any effort to be quiet during sex, forgetting about his mother until he re-entered the room.

Sett laughed at your mortified face. “I don’t live with ma, so no.”

“Oh god,” you breathed in relief. “I was worried I was too…”

“She ain’t here,” he replied as he joined you on the bed, handing you the cloth he had grabbed. “You can be as loud as you want.”

You dropped the cloth, burying your head in your hands, Sett’s amused laughter ringing in your ears as you tried to content with just what you had signed yourself up for.