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mingispelvis · 1 year

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Chilli Pepper Vibe

Genre: mingi x afab!reader, smut w a little fluff but a LOT of plot

Length: 5.5k

Summary: You go abroad with your friends and are blessed to run into Ateez at your hotel.

NSFW warnings under cut

Warnings: oral sex female receiving, oral sex male receiving, fingering, alcohol consumption, unprotected sex (WRAP IT UP), not pulling out, use of slut, use of baby girl, there's a LOT of plot sorry this is kinda fluffy also at the end

Idk how NDAs work and idk how to end it sorry!!!!!

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Girls trips hit different when you’re all gainfully employed. Seulgi had just made partner at Bae & Kang law firm. Joy was recently promoted to Zone Manager of her company, with a hefty bonus to boot. And you? You finally finished residency and were officially able to practice medicine on your own. Despite the three of you being in your mid 20s, you had all continued to push each other and you all achieved great things.

Thusly, girls trip.

Seulgi, being type A, organized the entire trip from start to finish. To her, vacation starts the moment you step out of your front door. She arranged an Uber Black to take the three of you to the airport, got you all first class tickets, and arranged a very expensive penthouse for the three of you to stay in. She wouldn’t even tell you where exactly you’d be going, just to “bring your sexiest party clothes, a few swimsuits, and your passports”.

“Our final plane before we land at our destination will be at gate, ummm,” Seulgi paused to check her airline app to see where the three of you would be waiting for the next hour. “Ah, gate A57”. You and Joy eyed the terminal signs as you walked towards A57, passing “Los Angeles, California”, “Seattle, Washington” “Atlanta, Georgia” and then “Moscow, Russia”, “Beijing, China”, and “Seoul, South Korea.” A57 came into view and underneath, in bright orange pixels, read “Tokyo, Japan”. Your jaw dropped open and Joy began to squeal. “No way, no way, no way. Seulgi. You did NOT get us tickets to Waterbomb.” Joy jumped up and down, neck pillow flopping against her back. Seulgi shrugged her shoulders and attempted to fight a smile, but Joy squealed again and grabbed her into a huge bear hug, causing a grin to explode onto Seulgi’s face. “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW!” Joy’s scream was muffled as her tight hug squashed her mouth into Seulgi’s shoulder.

“Umm..hold on…what’s Waterbomb?” You asked, giggling slightly at your friend’s antics. At this, Joy and Seulgi stopped hugging to stare at you like you’d grown an extra head out of your shoulders. “Ew I forgot she’s only a casual KPOP girl.” Joy rolled her eyes as she plopped down in one of the chairs at the gate and kicked her feet up onto her suitcase. Seulgi took the time to explain the massive festival, the amazing kpop acts, and the water guns to you and by the time your boarding zone was called, you were stoked about getting to go.

The flight to Tokyo was long and uneventful, the ride to the hotel was short and sweet, and the check in process was smooth. The three of you were staying at a 5 star hotel famous for waiting on their guests hand and foot. The elevator up to the penthouse was smooth and when you stepped into the hall, you were shocked to find only two massive open areas on either side of the elevator. “The other side is the other penthouse. We have this entire half of the floor to ourselves. That’s how big this place is.” Seulgi explained. As if your jaws couldn’t drop enough, Seulgi scanned her thumb print and the door to your vacation palace unlocked with a quiet click. “They don’t have my thumb print, right? I didn’t authorize them to have that information!” Joy joked. You couldn’t even think of the logistics as you stepped into what could only be described as luxury beyond your wildest dreams. Marble floors, brilliant chandeliers, gold plated silverware (goldware?) 200 inch large screen TV with surround sound speakers, full bar, and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city of Tokyo. The balcony was a walk around that you could access from the living area or any of the bedrooms and had a hot tub, a small infinity pool, and another outdoor bar. Each of the three bedrooms had a king sized bed that you actually had to walk up two steps to get into and a full bathroom attached. The bathrooms had clawfoot tubs made of more gold, massive showers, and a towel warmer. Despite having handed over your credit cards to Seulgi so she could split the price of everything equally between the three of you, you had no idea the measly 4 digit price you paid could amount to such elegance.

The long travels and time change hit the three of you hard, so after gawking at the amenities the penthouse provided a little longer, the three of you washed up and hit the sack, hard. So hard, you didn’t wake up until almost 3pm the next day. Luckily, traveling queen Seulgi had accounted for this and had allotted two rest days into the rigorous itinerary, delivering every meal up to the room by room service to be had on the balcony or on the edge of the pool.

“I wonder who’s on the opposite side of the hall from us in the other penthouse” Joy questioned between massive bites of her meal. She was standing in the pool with her upper half lounging on the poolside.

“Probably some big shot oil tycoon and his 3 wives,” you joked, nursing an afternoon mimosa. Joy giggled and downed another bite of her meal. For being so thin, she had one hell of an appetite.

“Actually,” Seulgi started with a smile. “I booked this hotel because it’s usually one of the ones idols stay at since it’s super close to the festival area and the hotel is known for its discretion. I bet it's a kpop group.” Joy dropped a grape into the pool, mouth agape, body frozen as she stared at Seulgi. You watched the grape bob away towards the other side of the pool. Joy still hadn’t moved or spoken when you turned back.

“Joy? Babe? You alright?” You gave her shoulder a light shake.

Joy took a deep breath before shouting, “A KPOP GROUP!? YOU’RE TELLING ME STRAY KIDS COULD BE RIGHT NEXT DOOR? OR EXO? OR-” Joy jumped out of the pool at this point. “We gotta go over there and find out who it is!”

“No! What are we gonna do just knock on the door and see who answers? It could be a girl group too, you know.” Seulgi stated.

Joy jumped again, “TWICE!?” Joy feigned fainting, “catch me Nayeon!” You all three laughed and Joy jumped back into the pool. “We should get some drinks and just have a party tonight. A light party, so we can go explore tomorrow, but a party nonetheless.” Joy suggested.

“Hell yeah we’ve relaxed enough. It’s time to get fucked up.” You agreed.

“I know a place we can get some good stuff for cheap. We spent an arm and a leg on this trip. I'm not paying the big bucks for alcohol.” Seulgi stated, cleaning up the plates (as is her duty as the resident mom of the trip). “Let’s head there now so we can be back before dinner and get some food in our system before we get trashed.”

You and Joy did as you were told and obediently threw on a swim suit cover-up to travel to the store. 2 bottles of champagne and a box of soju later, the three of you returned and got dressed for dinner. After your bellies were full, the three of you put on your “party pajamas" (short shorts, crop tops, and fuzzy socks) and got the snacks and drinks ready on the living room table.

“Shit we need ice for the champagne don’t we. I’ll go grab some from the ice machine down the hall. We’re gonna need more than the refrigerator has at the moment.” You grabbed the empty champagne bucket and headed to the room where the ice machine was located. Well, where you thought it was located. The ice machine room was empty and you pouted while thinking about where you could get ice. You walked back to the room, but before you went back in and admitted defeat to your friends, you saw the doors to the staircase and thought you might as well try one floor down. Entering onto the floor below you headed back to the area where the ice machine could be, but stopped when you saw two figures standing in the open area after the penthouse suite door. Though the lighting was dim (a 5 star hotel can’t light their hallways?) you could see a third figure gesturing, and then backing up and pointing their phone towards the first two as if they were recording. You slowly walked closer when you heard “Ok, shi-jak* [A/N: begin].” T-Pain’s “Booty Wurk played and the two figures started dancing. The moves were executed flawlessly until one of the figures in a black cap made an imperceptible (to you) mistake. Groans from the other two were heard and the taller male in the front, in a gray cap, turned to playfully shake at the other. You took this as your chance to pass through. “You guys are really good at dancing,” you started as all three boys jumped, startled at your sudden appearance. You passed by them, but not before taking in just how beautiful they all three were. “Oh, thank you.” The one in the gray cap nodded to you. You headed to the ice machine, but subconsciously felt like someone was watching, so you took a quick peek over your shoulder to see all three men watching you. Dipping quickly into the ice room, you put your hand over your heart and felt it flutter.

Woah. Were they checking me out? You thought to yourself as you pressed the bucket under the ice machine. The clanking and crunching of the machine and the ice hitting the metal bucket was a mere whisper compared to the thumping of your heart and whooshing of blood in your ears.

Fuck it. It’s vacation. You convinced yourself as the ice toppled over the lip of the bucket and landed with a clack on the floor. When you came out, the boys were dancing again. You walked just close enough to let them know you were watching, and then leaned against the wall. The boys finished up their attempt of the dance and you stepped forward.

“Wow! You guys are really so good!” you fluttered your lashes even though you weren’t sure if they could see in the dim light. “You should be professionals. I wish you could teach me to dance!” You stepped a little closer to the three boys.

The boy holding his phone chuckled while the one in the gray cap thanked you again. You fluttered your lashes again and flashed a sweet smile. “I’m Y/N. And you are?” You turned to the shorter boy in black. “Oh, uh, I’m Wooyoung”. He smiled lightly.

“I’m Yunho.” The boy in the gray cap waved and then shoved his hands back in the pockets of his white cargo pants.

You turned to the final boy and your eyes widened and pulse quickened. You hadn’t gotten a good look at him when you first passed by, but even in the dim light you could see he was a ten out of ten. You strained your eyes and pleaded with your pupils to let you see this man in all his glory.

“I’m Mingi. Nice to meet you, Y/N. And, for the record, we are professionals.” He smiled.

“Oh? Are you in a dance group?” You questioned, never breaking eye contact with Mingi.

“Something like that”, Wooyoung answered. “More like a KPOP group.” He barely finished his sentence before he was lightly slapped in the chest by Yunho.

“Oh that’s really cool. Which group? Maybe I’ve heard of you.” You played it cool even though your heart was threatening to beat itself out of your rib cage.

“Ateez.” Mingi said proudly.

You did your best not to fangirl hard. You’d been listening to Bouncy continuously since Joy sent it in the group chat. Due to your rigorous doctor schedule, stanning wasn’t something you had time to do- thus, Joy’s “Ew, casual KPOP girl” comment in the airport.

“I think I’ve heard of you guys before.” you nodded and flashed another cute smile. “Well, I have to get this bucket of ice back to a few bottles of champagne,” you emphasized your sentence by holding up the bucket and patting it a few times. “But if you guys ever want a break from idol life, my friends and I are one floor up with drinks and snacks.” You passed through the three boys once again, turned around, and started walking backwards so you could express your final sentence to them, “and we’ll sign NDAs, no problem.” You whipped back around before the three boys had a chance to watch you sink deep into embarrassment, fear, and confusion.

Did I really just tell three international superstars I’d sign an NDA to party with them? I haven’t even started drinking and I’m already doing stupid shit. You chastised yourself as you quickly made your way back up the stairs and into your penthouse.

“Finally! We were gonna start without you!” Joy shouted, her back to you as she sat on the couch fiddling with something you couldn’t see.

“We did start without you.” Seulgi corrected, clicking something on her computer and watching the big screen TV at the same time. She seemed to be setting up her computer to cast to the TV to play music.

“You guys will never guess what happened to me and who I met.” You started, setting the bucket on the kitchen counter and tucking the two champagne bottles snuggly within the ice. When you turned back to your friends, they were both staring at you excitedly.

“WHO!?” they yelled in unison.

You went to go sit on the couch. You started off your story of the disappearing ice machine much to Joy and Seulgi’s dismay, and even kept an air of mystery by not revealing the names of the boys until the proper point in the story, after you’d gotten the ice.

“So I’m like, my name is Y/N what’s yours? And he goes ‘Wooyoung’ and the next dude goes ‘Yunho’ and the last dude goes ‘Mingi’.” you recount. At each name, Seulgi gasps and Joy squeals. You continued before they could interrupt you.

“Then Mingi’s like ‘Yeah we are professionals’ and I’m like ‘yeah are you in a dance group?’ and Wooyoung goes ‘We’re in ATEEZ’ and I lowkey pretended like I’m not obsessed with Bouncy so I can stay chill.” You were speeding through the story to make it to the most important part before Joy exploded with questions.

“So,” you continue “I say ‘yeah I’ve heard of you guys. Well if you wanna come up and party with us we’ll sign the NDA!” You bury your head in your hands and pull your knees to your chest while Joy and Seulgi, essentially, freak out.

“Are you telling me Ateez could come up here and party with us!?” Joy stands up on the couch in excitement. Seulgi quickly brings her down a peg to reality and says “They probably won’t but at least Y/N got to flirt with hot famous guys.” Seulgi pauses for a moment before a squeal escapes her mouth and she taps her feet on the floor in glee. “WE COULD PARTY WITH ATEEZ THOUGH!” Seulgi grins. With that, Joy jumps lightly off the couch and pops open a soju bottle. She grabs three shot glasses and pours the bottle evenly across all three. “Well,” she starts “we should be ready when they get here!”

You three take the shots like champs, open the snacks, and turn up the music. After some light mixed drinks and a few good songs, the three of you had almost forgotten about your supposed super star visitors. A knock at the door stops the three of you in your tipsy rendition of Kai’s Rover. You look at each other in confusion, and then turn towards the door. You head over and peek through the peephole. A young Asian woman, probably the same age as you, with an ipad is standing outside the door. You open the door just wide enough to be polite.

“Hi.” You say tentatively, confusion clearly showing on your face.

‘Hi! I’m one of the managers working for KQ and I think I have something you’ll want to sign.” The lady turns her iPad around and you see NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT in big bold letters across the top of a document. You feel hands on your shoulder and the door swings wider.

“YES. WE’LL SIGN. WHATEVER IT IS WE’LL SIGN!” Joy practically screams in the woman’s face.

The manager laughs and begins to quickly scroll through the massive document, highlighting the major points (basically, keep it quiet or we’ll sue you for your entire life and the life of your future children) and then hands you a stylus.

“If you agree to the terms and conditions, sign, print, and date here. If you have any questions let me know and I’ll be happy to answer them before you sign. If you’re no longer interested-” before the manager can finish her sentence, Joy snatches the stylus out of your hand and signs off on the document. She hands the stylus to Seulgi and she does the same with speed.

“So, they’re coming up here? They’re all actually coming?” You ask, raising an eyebrow and begging the answer to be yes.

The manager chuckles and says “this non-disclosure agreement covers any potential meetings with the idols mentioned within it on the dates mentioned within it.” She punctuates her sentence with a smile and moves the iPad towards you. Joy nudges you in a manner that lets you know that you will not be ruining this for her. You sign with shaky hands.

“Perfect!” The manager turns the iPad back around and taps on it a bit. “And if you could all input your emails here, you’ll receive a copy of this for your own records.” You put in your emails, and the manager hits send. “Thank you! Have a good night!” The manager bows, and heads down the hall. You slowly close the door and turn to look at your friends. You stand staring at each other, excitement buzzing between the three of you as not one of your brains can form words. Seulgi was the first to break the silence.

“Well…this is happening.” She said as if she was trying to convince herself to keep calm. Joy walked off like a zombie in a trance to sit back on the couch and stare out into the distance. “This is happening.” She repeated in the same tone as Seulgi.

“This is happening!” Joy rocketed up from the couch. “I gotta go put on some makeup!” Joy rushed into her bedroom, and you heard a distinct zip of a makeup bag followed by the continuous clacking of makeup containers hitting each other while being dumped out. You and Seulgi finally had the wherewithal to leave the foyer and head back to the couch. You took a generous swig of strawberry soju when you heard another knock at the door. This time, all three of you ran to the door to answer it. You were closer, and, therefore, faster, and opened the door with a grin.

“(Y/N)!” Mingi raised his hands above his head as if he was greeting an old friend. “I brought drinks and friends.” You moved to the side to welcome Mingi in, Yunho, Wooyoung, and San following behind him.

“These are my friends Seulgi and Joy.” You introduced your friends but before you could give them the eyes that meant “please be cool”, they began to fangirl.

“Oh my gosh Wooyoung you’re my bias! It’s so cool to meet you guys!” Joy giggled and jumped Wooyoung with a hug. “Oh I’m so sorry!” Joy jumped back as quickly as she had hugged Wooyoung. “I should have asked first- can I hug you?”

Wooyoung laughed and nodded, coming in for another hug. Yunho, Mingi, and San greeted you all and you all headed to the couch.

Joy, the official party girl of the three of you, immediately began to pour shots while Seulgi turned the music back up. The party had commenced full swing, with all of you jumping, dancing, and shouting lyrics as loud as you could. After an hour and a few drinks, you were just buzzed enough to let your inhibitions out the window, so when Bouncy came on, you lost it.

“EVERYONE SHUT UP I LOVE THIS SONG” you yelled, arms out as wide as possible to clear the makeshift dance floor (aka the area where the coffee table used to be). The song got as far as Yunho’s “one, two..” before it stopped. You whipped your head around to Seulgi with a look on your face that clearly said what the fuck!? But before you could verbally protest, Seulgi pointed to the TV. She’d pulled up the music video.

“Since you’ve never seen it.” She stuck her tongue out, but you didn’t see her. Your eyes were glued to the screen. By the time the video ended, you had made a dangerous decision. Watching Mingi clear out a bar with a fake gun, belly roll, and dance had you trembling. You knew you had to have him. You devised a devious plan in the blink of an eye. “Play it again!” you whined. “I wanna dance AND,” you stood up to emphasize the second request “I want you all to sing your parts!”

The boys laughed and agreed as Seulgi re-started the music video. You began dancing as Mingi rapped “What you wanna do?”. Your plan was in motion and so were your hips. You spun around and swung your hand in the air like you were swinging a lasso. You slowly approached Mingi, who had sat down on the couch. When the chorus hit, you straddled him. Your heart was beating faster than it ever had before, but your mind was determined. You kept lightly moving your hips and swinging your imaginary lasso. Mingi looked at you with eyes wide and mouth slightly open, corners of his mouth turned up in disbelief. You pushed a little further- putting your hands on his shoulders and singing along:

“Slow it down, make it bouncy

지금부터 fly

좀 다른 spicy 청양고추 vibe”

You looked Mingi in the eyes when you felt his hands on your hips. “Don’t forget to rap your part.” You leaned close with a small smile and mouthed “fix on” in time with the song. Mingi began rapping, and you began the next part of your plan. You wrapped your arms around his neck and began to kiss at his neck. You heard his breath catch slightly, but he didn’t miss a beat of his rap. You moved up to his ear, bit lightly, and moaned “mmmm”. You applied a little more pressure in your grind and you moved to snake your fingers up the hair on the nape of his neck. You kept kissing his neck and, when his rap had completed, Mingi slowly slid his hands down to cup your ass. You could hear San and Wooyoung confidently slurring their way through Seonghwa’s lines. You’re surprised you’re not embarrassed about slutting yourself out in front of your friends, but the growing bulge pressing into your crotch is making it a little easier. Pulling back and placing your forehead on Mingi’s, you stare in each other’s eyes and reach a silent understanding. You slide off of Mingi and grab his hand, leading him to your bedroom.

You shut the door, but can’t turn around because Mingi has pressed his body against you. He wraps his arms around you and kisses your neck. He spins you around and crashes his mouth into you, tongues wrestling and arms wandering. You push him towards the massive bed and pull away from the intoxicating kiss just long enough to warn him to watch his step. You pull off your shorts and shirt and Mingi does the same. Mingi sits up against the headboard and drags you back into his lap. You both moan and grind into each other- Mingi clearly not able to choose between massaging your breasts or squeezing your ass, so he settles for one for each hand. You’ve had enough of the humping and pull away. You trail kisses down Mingi’s body, clearly heading to give him the best head of his life, but he leans forward and grabs you before you can make it to your prize. Mingi flips you over and tears your panties off like he’s unwrapping a christmas present.

“Shit.” Mingi mumbles as he pushes your legs out and back for a clear view of his meal. He looks up at you as he lightly runs his middle finger through your slick covered folds. Your breathing is heavy and your heart is pounding.

“You want it, baby girl?” Mingi raises an eyebrow at you. You nod fervently, but that’s clearly not enough. “Lemme hear you baby. What do you want?” Mingi teases in the sweetest, sultriest voice you’ve ever heard.

“I want you to eat me like it’s your last meal, Mingi.” You respond, grabbing a fistful of his hair. At this Mingi’s eyes flutter shut and he gasps.

“Don’t let go,” Mingi growls, then he dives in. He wraps his lips around your clit and sucks, and makes quick work of his tongue. He slowly pushes his middle finger inside you and hooks it right into your g-spot.

The speed at which the pleasure overcomes you has you grabbing Mingi’s hair with your other hand and releasing a deep moan. Mingi slurps and moans as he fingers you deep. You pull him off of you and he looks up at you with confusion. You begin to crawl down towards his crotch, bulge straining painfully through his boxer briefs. Mingi gets it immediately and flips over onto his back to continue his work on your clit while you unearth his throbbing cock. Watching the thick, long member spring out of its cage has you clenching around Mingi’s finger. He moans and adds a second as you squeeze the base of his cock. He’s already leaking, so you squeeze a little more out to lubricate his dick. You lick a stripe from the base to the tip, and then take Mingi in his entirety. Mingi’s head falls back and he moans deeply.

“(Y/N), fuck, just like that.” Mingi pants and speeds up his fingers within you. You feel your orgasm approaching but you’re determined to make Mingi remember you. You move off of Mingi, which removes his fingers from you, and turn to face him. He looks down at you and you stare in his eyes as you deepthroat him. You hollow your cheeks and work your tongue up and down, cupping his balls with one hand and running the other up and down his thighs. Mingi lightly places his hands on your head and you can feel him throbbing in your mouth. You can tell he’s getting close and remove him from your mouth with a pop. The heat of the moment over takes you and you go to straddle him, line him up, and sink down on his cock. Mingi’s eyes fluttered shut and he shuddered out a moan. You began a slow pace, up and down, while simultaneously circling your hips. You threw your head back and dug your nails into Mingi’s toned abs. He gripped your hip with one hand and began mercilessly rubbing your clit with the other. Your legs went weak as your orgasm built up again, and you sat down on Mingi, fully taking his entire length. Mingi pulled you forward so you were laying on his chest. He hooked both of his arms around your waist, lifted his hips, and began fucking you senseless.

You came within seconds, gripping Mingi’s cock tight- he could feel your walls fluttering and your orgasm dripping down onto his thighs.

“Fuck Mingi, yes! Make me cum!” You moaned into his ear. Between your pussy death gripping his cock and you dirty talking in his ear, Mingi couldn’t handle it. His hips stuttered, his breath became ragged, and his moans became louder and louder. He pounded into you harder and harder until he finally stilled deep within you. You felt him throbbing and spilling his release as you were coming down from your own high.

Mingi rode out his orgasm still holding your body tightly to his. You pushed your torso up so you could see Mingi’s face clearly- hair sticking to his forehead by beads of sweat, eyelids low in bliss. Mingi took a deep breath and finally came to. His eyes got wide and he swore in korean.

“Oh God. I just…fuck…I didn’t pull out…I’m…are you…” Mingi’s mind was clearly racing and you put your pointer finger to his lips to shush him.

“Shh. It’s okay. I’m on birth control, I’m clean, and I’d never do that to you. I promise.” you comforted him.

Mingi’s eyebrows creased together and raised in a face that relayed “you promise?” then he nodded and released the breath he’d been holding. He then rolled over, still holding you tight to his body, so you could be flat on your back when he pulled out. “Stay there!” he requested as he ran off to the bathroom to get you a warm towel. He came back smiling, ready to provide you with excellent aftercare. He found your clothes that had been scattered over the floor, and handed them to you as he put on his own clothes. A pang of sadness hit your heart as you realized your night with Mingi was over, and you went into the bathroom to collect yourself (and to pee. You always pee after sex!). You looked in the mirror and saw how rosy your cheeks were, hair all over your head, and all you could do was smile. You were thankful that you had this experience. After quickly brushing your teeth and washing your face, you opened the bathroom door and peeked back in the bedroom. Mingi was nowhere to be found. You realized simultaneously that it was silent in the penthouse. You assumed the girls went to bed and Mingi left with the rest of his members. You crawled into bed, fluffed your pillows, and turned off the lights. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You woke up hot. Really hot. And paralyzed. Not sleep paralyzed, paralyzed like you were in a straitjacket. You slowly realized someone was in the bed with you. You could hear a soft snore from behind you. You twisted around to try and see if Joy had had another nightmare and wanted to cuddle with you for “safety”. The figure behind you aroused and you strained your eyes in the darkness to see who the hell caused you to be drenched in sweat.

“Hey, did my snoring wake you?” A soft, deep voice asked. Your eyes adjusted to the darkness and you saw Mingi’s sleepy face, eyes still shut tight. You were glad his eyes were closed because you were grinning like an idiot. “No, I just had a funny dream.” You lied as you cuddled up, face first into his chest. Mingi held you tight, kissed your forehead, and immediately fell back asleep.

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The smell of bacon wafted into your dreams and knocked on your brain until you regained consciousness. The sun was beaming into your room and you gave yourself a nice, full body stretch. While stretching, you realized how roomy your bed was. You turned over and noticed your empty bed. You sighed in content, happy for the night you had. A piece of cloth under the unused pillow caught your eye. You lifted the pillow and noticed Mingi’s shirt, and a note.

“Had a great time last night. See you at Waterbomb. Have you and your friends meet us backstage ;) -SMG”

You grabbed his shirt, stuffed it into your face, and took a big sniff. You didn’t care that it was creepy and delusional. You’re happy he left you a memento of the night you shared. The door to your room creaked slowly open, and you popped your head up as soon as you noticed it.

“SEULGI SHE’S UP OH MY GOD.” Joy screamed and sprinted full speed towards your bed. She flopped down next to you as Seulgi ran in behind her.

“TELL. US. EVERYTHING.” Joy enunciated her words by shaking your shoulders.

You relayed the night to your best friends. You concluded by showing them the note. Joy and Seulgi shrieked and their voices overlapped in excitement- fantasizing about how the day was going to go. You tuned them out and looked wistfully out the window as the sun continued to shine into your bedroom. You began to grin as you thought about all you were going to do with Mingi again.

#ateez #ateez smut #mingi smut #reader x mingi #song mingi smut #mingi x yn #yn x mingi #mingi x reader #wonderlandnet

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circle-with-me · 5 months

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in this light, you are mine - jolly karlsson x nick ruffilo

collaboration with @deathblacksmoke

pairing: jolly karlsson x nicholas ruffilo

tags/content warning: ⚠️ 18+MDNI!! au of sorts // tattooer nick/non-bad omens band jolly,roommates to lovers, pining, rough oral sex (male receiving), handjobs, anal fingering, anal sex, overstimulation, cum eating.

tag list: @concretenoah @malice-ov-mercy @sitkowski @somebodyels3 @baddestomens @cookiesupplier @collective-heartbreak @tearfallpixie @broken0mens @collapsedglasshouses @lma1986 @lacktoesandtoddlerants @meekahy @to-be-written @sammyjoeee @catharsis-in-darkness @unicornfairytail @itsafullmoon @slutfornoahsebastian @cheyyyyr @agravemisstake

word count: 4.2k

author’s note: this fic has been teased for quite some time now and i appreciate everyone’s patience and support as we’ve shared snippets and hyped it up. working with my bestie @deathblacksmoke has been incredible. i think we’ve created something wonderful and hope to share more with y’all in the future. thank you to our lovely @darksigns-exe for the beta 🩷

dividers by @saradika-graphics 🩷

“Where is it?!” Jolly grumbles, angrily sifting through his clothes hamper for the third time. He has checked his closet, under his bed, his drawers, the laundry room, everywhere for his favorite hoodie but it was nowhere to be found. The hoodie was a bright yellow and navy thing, very hard to miss. It was merchandise from a hockey team in his hometown in Sweden, even if they weren’t that great, it was still comfortable.

He racks his brain thinking of where it could be when he remembers his roommates' propensity to steal his clothes. Normally, Jolly wouldn’t mind sharing. The issue is that Nick takes his possessions without permission. His favorite snacks frequently disappear from the pantry; his shirts are stolen without being returned.

Jolly even found he had used the last bit of his very expensive shampoo when he was in the shower. He became so enraged that he jumped out of the shower in only a towel, covered in soap. The moment he located Nick he began shouting at him in Swedish, pointing the empty shampoo bottle at him. Nick just stood there, red-faced and flustered.

Jolly’s shampoo was left alone after that.

He surmises he’s discovered the culprit of the missing hoodie, instantly stalking down the hallway to Nick’s room. Jolly bursts through the door without knocking, annoyance plastered all over his face. The look swiftly fades as soon as he lays eyes on the younger man.

His roommate was indeed wearing his hoodie and while Jolly expected to be perturbed he instead found himself entranced. It wasn’t the hoodie itself so much but that he was only wearing the hoodie along with some white crew socks. It was so large on him that Jolly wasn’t even sure if he was wearing boxers underneath. He definitely looked, however, unable to take his eyes off how it had ridden up Nick’s thighs in the position he was sitting.

Nick says his name but it’s more of a question – an inquiry as to why Jolly just angrily stomped into his room. Jolly doesn’t answer, however, slowly backing out of the room and walking back to his own. He lies back on his bed huffing, attempting to make sense of what just happened.

They haven’t been roommates for long — maybe six months at the most. Jolly was left alone in the house after his last relationship ended. His band wasn’t big yet, but they went on small tours throughout the year. He didn’t want the house to sit by itself while he was gone so he placed an ad for a roommate.

Nick was the only person who replied that was even remotely suitable to live with. He had a job at a local tattoo shop and a good head on his shoulders. He even liked some of the same music as Jolly. Nick assured him that he was quiet and would barely know he was there, so he took a chance.

Their schedules being what they were, it was rare they saw each other during the day. Nick always stayed late at the shop and Jolly either was out of town or playing local shows late into the night. Both of them slept well into the afternoon if they didn’t have plans and kept to themselves.

One night, Jolly returned home to find Nick cooking, almost every dish in the kitchen was sitting dirty in the sink. Jolly had no idea how it took that many dishes just to make spaghetti, but he overlooked it. He teased Nick about what could possibly possess him to cook a whole meal at two in the morning and he shrugged as he handed Jolly a plate.

“My mama always told me that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

Jolly remembers how he had to fight away the butterflies in his stomach that night. The sweet smile Nick gave him didn’t help. The tightness in his throat made it difficult to swallow down the feelings he wasn’t ready to deal with yet.

After that, their late-night kitchen meetings became more frequent. They weren’t always over a huge meal. Most of the time they had stove top ramen or ice cream. Jolly finally felt like he was starting to get to know his roommate more, but the more comfortable they became the more he felt the need to pull away.

Jolly found himself staring at him longer than he should. He’d walk around in nothing but thin pajama pants, his soft belly slightly protruding over the waistband. Often he would catch himself wondering how it would feel to run his hands down the sides of Nick’s torso. Was he ticklish there? What kind of soft pretty noises would he make when he nipped at the flesh by his hip bo-

Jolly shakes his head, clearing the thought out of his brain. Just the memory of his filthy ideas were enough to get him worked up. He pinches the bridge of his nose, willing the stiffening in his pants to go away.

But he does feel something — a giddy sort of nervous energy when he arrives home to find Nick’s car in the driveway, wondering what he’s up to and hoping for another chat in the kitchen. A longing for Nick not to steal his hoodies, but to give them to him to wear when they’re apart. It’s a feeling he wasn’t expecting, hasn’t known quite this well before, but it’s enough.

It’s enough to have him moving back towards Nick’s door, knocking lightly before twisting the doorknob once more.

Nick sits perched comfortably atop his bed with one knee bent up against his chest and the other looped around the front of him. His arms are wrapped around his leg, head gently laid on top of his knee. The black-rimmed glasses he wears are screwed up on his face from the angle but he doesn’t seem phased by it. His black hair is tied into a bun that shakes slightly when he laughs at whatever he’s watching on tv. Jolly can’t seem to muster the strength to look away.

Nick glances over at him, propping his chin on his knee. He speaks but Jolly can’t hear him from all of the blood rushing through his ears. He’s far too preoccupied with the way Nick’s hand is now drifting against his thigh. Jolly swallows harshly, pushing his tongue out to wet his suddenly dry lips.

Nick smirks, patting the space in front of him. Somehow Jolly manages to push himself forward to sit on the bed with him. He opens and closes his mouth a few times to speak but finds he can’t articulate his thoughts. If he’s being honest, he’s unsure if anything going through his mind should be spoken out loud.

Jolly has a hunch that Nick knows what he’s thinking about though. He doesn’t miss the way Nick’s eyes wander, from his eyes, down to his lips and back up again.

Without thinking, Jolly takes Nick’s face in his hands and kisses him firmly on the lips. There’s no discussion, no exchange of words between them, but something about the look on Nick’s face told him it was okay.

Nick fumbles with the bottom of Jolly’s shirt to tug it over his head. Jolly complains to no one in particular about the inconvenience of clothes. Nick smiles against his mouth, nipping hesitantly at Jolly’s bottom lip. He breaks the kiss, to Jolly’s protest, lying back against his pillows in an invitation for him to follow.

Using both hands to spread Nick’s legs, Jolly kneels between them. He taps a finger on Nick’s knee as he contemplates where he wants to start first. He detects a hint of self-doubt on the younger man’s face and rushes to set his mind at ease.

Their lips collide with each other, to his surprise Nick is the first to request access with his tongue and Jolly gladly allows him. He moves his hands to the hem of his hoodie, gliding them up Nick’s thighs. He jumps at the contact and gasps into Jolly’s mouth. He chuckles, continuing his exploration.

Jolly wraps his fingers around his hips squeezing at the flesh. Nick makes another sound akin to a whimper. He squeezes again, another whimper.

“Mmm.. So responsive.” Jolly says, nibbling at Nick’s lower lip. “I haven’t even made it to my favorite parts of you, yet.”

Both hands slide up Nick’s belly, pushing the hoodie up as they move. His muscles twitch when Jolly’s fingers brush at the top of his waistline and he forces himself to hide a smile. Nick is ticklish. The flesh of his stomach is just as soft on his lips as he had imagined. The noises he makes when he sinks his teeth into him are even better.

Nick’s fingers dig into Jolly’s shoulders. Jolly bites down a little harder and he hisses, earning a quiet apology and his tongue soothing the area. Nick rolls his hips but Jolly presses him back down into the mattress.

“Patience, raring,” Jolly says, dragging his tongue over the patch of hair at the bottom of his stomach. “I’m still playing.”

Jolly feels his cock twitching against his chest. It takes every ounce of restraint not to pull him out of his boxers and suck him off. He hasn’t done that in a long time, though. Probably since his mid-twenties. His skills have gone to shit.

Nick interrupts his thoughts when he wiggles beneath him, a demanding whimper commanding his attention. Jolly cocks an eyebrow, waiting for him to use his words.

“Why’d you stop?”

Jolly crawls up his body, their faces now parallel to each other. Their lips graze, and Jolly pulls away playfully when Nick tries to kiss him.

“Sorry, love.” He pins him down with the weight of his hips, grinding Nick’s hard length against his own. “Bit distracted by everything I want to do to you.”

Nick wraps his hand around the back of Jolly’s head and crashes their lips together. The surprised noise he makes at his sudden surge of confidence turns into a strangled moan as Nick pushes his hand into Jolly’s sweatpants, closing his hand around his cock.

The expertise of Nick’s hand working him over has Jolly seeing stars. His touch is just on the right side of too rough. Reluctantly, he pulls Nick’s hand from his pants. Nick makes it clear he’s not pleased, however Jolly never lets go of his wrist—spitting in his palm and returning it, moving his hand for him to spread the saliva over his cock.

He stifles his moans against Nick’s mouth, and he swallows everything Jolly offers him. It doesn’t take long before he’s buried in the crook of his neck, hips desperately jutting into Nick’s fist. He nips at every centimeter of skin he can reach, uttering praises after each one. Nick’s hand moves faster in time with his thrusts, filthy gasps flooding his ears.

His orgasm builds quickly and he wants to succumb so badly, but he pulls Nick’s hand away again. He doesn’t complain this time, a smirk playing on his lips. Jolly sits up to catch his breath, passing a hand through his hair. Nick follows, seizing the opportunity to mark up his stomach.

Jolly can’t resist admiring him as he methodically nibbles his skin and soothes the area with his tongue. His thick eyelashes flutter so prettily as he blinks. The full lips that press against his body are soft, his top lip bearing a perfectly accentuated cupid’s bow.

His nose, Jolly thinks, is his favorite part. It grazes against him and he briefly wonders what it would be like to feel it pressed into his stomach while he’s deep in Nick’s throat. A shiver runs down his spine at the thought and he absentmindedly squeezes the back of Nick’s neck. His eyelashes flutter again; blue eyes moving upward to meet Jolly’s.

“Was starting to think you would never catch the hint,” He mumbles against his stomach, sucking another bruise into the flesh. “I’ve been waiting for a long time for you to make a move.” He slides his hands down Jolly’s sides, flexing his fingers around his hips.

“As you can see, I had to take matters into my own hands,” He pulls away slightly and Jolly’s grip on his neck tightens. It eases when he sees Nick’s fingers dipping into the band of his pants pulling them down enough to release his aching cock. The way that Nick licks his lips at the sight of him is dizzying.

“You mentioned one night how it drove you crazy to see your partners wearing your clothes. So I decided I’d give it a shot.” Nick takes him in hand, collecting the mess that had gathered at his tip. Jolly bucks into his hand and he smirks. “I guess it worked, huh, baby?”

Jolly removes his hand from Nick’s neck and places both hands on his shoulders, his hold now bruising. He’s putty in his hands and Nick knows it. A cocky smile spreads across his face as he slowly jerks him, occasionally placing soft kisses and licks on the head but nothing more.

“N-Nick…” He whines.

“Do you ever think of me?” Jolly groans at the question, his mind racing through all of the times he’s come over his fist thinking about the beautiful boy beneath him. He manages out a pathetic yes, eliciting a quiet laugh from Nick.

“I’ll tell you about a time I thought of you and then you can tell me one, how about that?”

Jolly doesn’t answer, he just stares down at him in anticipation.

“That day you got mad about your shampoo,” Nick giggles. “You came out of the shower dripping wet. Face all red. Yelling at me. So angry.” He wraps his lips around him and Jolly gasps. He pulls away as soon as he feels Jolly start to push into his mouth.

“It was so hot seeing you mad, hearing you yell in Swedish. You were so upset I bet you didn’t even notice how hard I was.” He reaches his hand underneath and massages him, a quiet “fuck” falling from his lips.

“You know, we should really invest in better towels, Jolls.” Nick says, wrapping his tongue around the velvety head. “I could see the outline of your dick through that paper-thin towel you had on. I came so fucking hard touching myself that ni-”

Nick’s sentence is interrupted by Jolly’s thick cock being shoved in his mouth. He waited as long as he could, but when a pretty boy is bragging about touching himself to the thought of his cock — why shouldn’t he give him what he wants?

Nick struggles to adjust to the girth in his mouth. Jolly grips his messy bun, his other hand grabbing his chin. He soothes his jaw, encouraging him to relax. With each thrust into Nick’s mouth, his eyes fill up with tears. The way he looks up at him as he swirls his tongue around him has Jolly feeling feral.

“That’s it, Nicky. Take it all. Cocky boys get their mouths stuffed.”

Muffled gagging noises send vibrations straight through him as he hits the back of his throat. A tear rolls down Nick’s cheek and he’s quick to wipe it away with his thumb, rubbing lightly over the cheekbone as a silent check in. Nick taps his thigh once in reassurance. Jolly smiles and praises him, his fingers twisting into the hair at the nape of his neck.

“You wanna know if I ever think about you, huh?” He grunts, rutting into Nick’s mouth. Nick hums in response, eyes fixed on Jolly.

“That night — God, that night you came to my show. We got really drunk afterward. You were bending over the pool table at the bar lining up your shot.”

“Had on those skin tight black jeans, fuck, when you looked back and winked at me. Knew you had caught me.” Jolly swears he can see Nick smiling around him. The glint in his eyes gives away that he remembers exactly what night he’s referring to.

“Couldn’t decide if I wanted to drag you into the bathroom or take you home and shove that pretty face of yours into the mattress.” Jolly pushes Nick’s head down further onto him and he gags. Tears fall freely from his eyes but he makes sure to give Jolly another tap to keep going.

“Instead I just fucked my fist in the shower when we got home. Moaning your name and hoping you couldn’t hear me.”

Nick moans at his confession, swallowing around him. Jolly throws his head back, pulling his hair by the roots. He slows down, drawing himself down his tongue until he pops out of Nick’s mouth. Gasping for air, he immediately grabs Jolly’s shaft to place him between his lips. Jolly laughs, pulling him off of him by his hair.

“Is my pretty boy drunk on my cock?” He breathes. Nick nods almost too eagerly, saliva falling from his open mouth. Jolly licks his lips, dragging them between his teeth. “Do you want me to fuck you like I’ve wanted to all this time? Fuck you in my hoodie and make you mine?”

Nick scrambles up Jolly’s torso to beg against his lips. Jolly lets him plead, plant kiss after kiss against him, relishing in the moment he’s wanted for so long. He gently pushes him back onto the bed, leaving Nick looking bewildered. He discards his sweatpants on the side of the bed, never breaking eye contact.

At the sight of Nick on his back for him, wide-eyed and eager but so very shy, his brain empties. This beautiful boy, putting all his trust in him, so pretty and pliable—he has to give himself a moment to enjoy it, to find his center.

Slowly, he lowers himself to cover Nick’s body with his own. As he kisses him, he savors the way Nick sighs into his mouth, threading his fingers through Jolly’s hair and relaxing further into the mattress.

He suddenly finds himself underdressed, completely bare above a mostly-clothed Nick, and he needs it to change immediately. Nick lets out the prettiest little whine when his boxers are slid down his legs. It’s music to his ears.

“Do you have—” he starts to say, burying his face in Nick’s neck, exasperated. Almost all of his confidence from moments ago has dissipated. It’s been a long time, is the thing. Without putting much thought into it, he couldn’t say when he last did this. He came in here so unprepared. But he has to get inside him. “Do you have lube, Nicky?”

Nick nods urgently. Jolly swears he can feel him vibrating beneath him.

“Bedside table,” he says. “Top drawer.”

He feels out of his element, shaky and unsure as he pours some lube out onto his fingers. He’s not exactly a novice, he has experience, but something about Nick and this entire situation makes him feel like a blushing virgin again. He has to make this good for him. He has to make it perfect so he can have it again.

Lying on his tummy with Nick’s legs slung over his shoulders, it all feels so real. Nick is the one presenting himself, vulnerable and bare for Jolly for the first time, but it’s Jolly who feels on display. It’s Jolly who feels like he has a hell of a lot to prove.

He gets his bearings with an experimental little swipe of his index finger around the tight ring of muscle. Nick moans so sweetly at the first push in, relaxing for him impressively, and Jolly finds his confidence coming back to him.

“Jolls,” Nick whines, already bearing down impatiently on his finger. The squirming has him wondering if he should press a hand to his hip, hold him down, but he decides against it. He’ll let the boy have his fun. “Jolls, please, more. I need it, baby, please.”

Never one to say no to such a pretty boy, especially when he begs like that, so polite, so sweet, he adds another finger. The relaxation, once again, is immediate. Nick accepts him so readily, almost like he was prepared for this but—no, he won’t think about that. Even as he pulls his fingers back out, going back in with a third just to see.

It’s a stretch, but barely. It’s suspiciously easy.

“You’re already open, aren’t you, love?” Jolly asks. Though the angle isn’t perfect to see Nick’s expression, he can see the way Nick lifts his hand and covers his face, so fucking shy. “Taking my fingers so easily, Nicky. You’ve been playing with this pretty little hole, haven’t you?”

God, he wishes he could see his face. He wishes he could have a hand on his soft skin as it heats with embarrassment like he knows it is right now. It’s enough, though, to see the way Nick nods so urgently. He knew it.

“Please, Joakim,” Nick gasps. He’s so desperate for it. Jolly thinks he feels pretty similar. “I need you to fuck me.”

How could he ever say no to that?

For all of the urgency he felt previously, suddenly he finds himself no longer needing to rush. The man who is so beautifully wrapped around him breathes into him like he’s his only source of oxygen. He continues to meet Jolly’s thrusts even as they slow into a languid pace.

The slower Jolly moves inside of him, the more anguished Nick’s whimpers become. He presses his head against the pillow, moaning Joakim repeatedly and he isn’t sure he can go back to hearing him call him Jolly ever again.

He kisses the tears streaming down Nick’s face, whispering quiet praises. Alternating between his neck and clavicle, he leaves soft bites marking his territory. They’re mostly for him. A reminder to himself that this moment is real. For once, he’s not going to open his eyes and it all be a fantasy.

Jolly grabs the headboard for leverage; pushing long and deep strokes into him. His other hand holds onto his waist, pinning him down to keep him in place. He feels Nick squirm beneath him, desperate for more.

“J-Joakim.. Ahh.. Please..”

“Shh. It’s okay, love.” Jolly whispers into his skin. “You’re doing so good for me.”

Nick threads his hands into his hair, pulling him in for a needy, wet kiss. His efforts to plead for more again fail as Jolly grinds deep into him. He feels Nick’s legs tremble around him and he doesn’t mind when they loosen a little. He runs his hand up his thigh, back to his hip, and underneath his hoodie to Nick’s dripping cock.

He cries out, arching his chest into Jolly’s as he begins to jerk him just as slowly as he rocks into him. Nick whimpers something unintelligible, squeezing his eyes shut. Jolly observes him as he falls apart beneath him, never imagining anything or anyone could be this perfect.

“I-I.. F- Oh-oh my god.” Nick stutters, dragging his lips between his teeth.

“I know, baby. It’s a lot isn’t it?”

Jolly’s question is answered when he feels Nick clench around him. He loses his grip on the headboard nearly falling on top of him but manages to recover in time. His resolve breaks, snapping his hips and moving his fist over Nick faster. He gasps then whines and Jolly fucks him harder, desperate for him to make that sound again. Nick’s cock twitches in his hand, and he feels him tighten once again.

“You’re so close, raring. I can feel it. Let go for me, I’ve got you.”

Nick chokes out a sob; white hot ropes of cum pulse over Jolly’s hand and onto Nick’s belly. Nick watches as he works him through it, panting, fingers clutching the sheets. Jolly presses their foreheads together and their eyes meet. Nick pushes his hair out of his face, pressing their lips together. Jolly sighs against his mouth, kissing him harder, lips curling into a smile before he’s gasping and releasing inside of him.

He’s barely caught his breath before he releases his hold on Nick, pushing his semen coated fingers into his mouth. Jolly hums, savoring the flavor - he tastes just as good as he imagined. Nick wraps his hand around his wrist, tugging his hand towards his own mouth. Jolly smirks, allowing him to taste what remained of him. It’s a filthy yet beautifully intimate moment between them, and he can’t look away.

They settle into each other's arms, sinking as far into the mattress as possible. The silence between them is comfortable. He listens as Nick’s pulse slows down; the rise and fall of his chest lulling him into a sense of security. He wants to tell him everything, every single thought and feeling roaming inside of his head. For the moment, he’s perfectly content laying here with his beautiful boy, softening inside of him.

Jolly’s fingers twist around the hoodie strings. It’s almost funny how upset he was such a short while ago. He can’t imagine it belonging to anyone but Nick now.

#jolly karlsson fanfiction #joakim jolly karlsson fanfiction #nicholas ruffilo fanfiction #bad omens #bad omens fanfiction #jolly karlsson x nicholas ruffilo #jolly karlsson smut #nicholas ruffilo smut

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waitingonher · 1 year

Note

44+7 with percy please ?

EMMY'S 100 EVENT CELEBRATION

percy jackson + give me a kiss first. + i'll pay.

content warning: nothing

authors note: pls im on fire rn. 3 fics released in 3 days?!?! i LOVE not being in a writing slump! oh and why the employees would let little teenagers hold a $130 necklace?? idk 🤒🤒

the expanse of the jewelry shop almost seems dizzying as you roam through the rows and rows of display cases. you and percy eye a variety of accessories, from diamond encrusted rings to dangly ruby earrings. but as your boyfriend follows only a few steps behind you, he thinks that in comparison, you’re the real jewel here. and yes, he does acknowledge how cheesy that realization is, but with the way your eyes are twinkling at the sight of everything and the way you have that gorgeous smile on display, it doesn’t seem very cheesy anymore.

moments later, you find yourself holding an absolutely gorgeous necklace that’s caught your eye. the way it gleamed and glistened underneath the bright white lighting of the store had you hooked the moment you saw it through the display case. looking up, curious green eyes meet your gaze, brows raised in question, “do you like that one?” percy asks, studying your features.

“yeah, it’s super pretty,” you nod your head with enthusiasm, “i think the color of the jewel goes well with my skin tone,” holding the necklace against your neck, you wiggle your brows.

your boyfriend hums. but not as a sign of agreement, more so just acknowledging your comment, because in all honesty, percy’s never really understood the whole “it goes well with my skin tone” thing. the truth is, your boyfriend wholeheartedly believes that you could pull off any color, and he means any color. throw on the ugliest shade of orange known to mankind and he’d still end up complimenting you.

“how much is it?” percy inquires, mentally going through his wallet. unsurprisingly, if he doesn’t have enough cash for the necklace, your boyfriend would find some way to pay for it. even if it means singing or dancing (very poorly) on the side of the street for some stranger’s pity change.

you didn’t even think of the price. oops. grabbing the tiny tag, you turn it around to read the price, and in big bold numbers, it reads $130. so much for adding it to your jewelry collection. you groan and flip the tag towards percy, “love, look at the price! if only it wasn’t so expensive, then i could-”

“i’ll pay,” percy declares, his voice confident and sure, as if dropping $130 for you was no big deal. for you, having your boyfriend spend that much money on you is absolutely ludicrous. but for percy, he’d spend any amount of cash if it means seeing you happy, and if this necklace that matches your skin tone so well makes you happy, then so be it, “no if’s or but’s. let me pay for it, y/n.”

did you hear him correctly? percy wants to pay for your $130 necklace? of course it’s not unusual for him to offer to pay for your things, because he always does. but the thing is, he always ends up paying for it in the end. and you fear that today is going to be the same.

you wave your hand in dismissal, “no, i can’t let you do that. besides, i bet they have some cheaper knockoffs online,” your mind already fills with all of the sites you could check, and you hope this argument makes your boyfriend back down.

percy quirks a brow, “and does a cheaper knockoff guarantee good quality?” he knows you, so he knows your vehement hate for crappy jewelry that’ll end up rusting or oxidizing after a couple of showers.

“okay, well i guess not, but-”

“come on babe, you already know how this is gonna end,” percy gives you a knowing grin, as if he’s replaying all your past dates in his head, “so let’s skip the bickering and get to the part where you let me pay for this necklace.”

boy, is he determined. you sigh, knowing that no matter what you do or say, percy will somehow figure out a way of getting you and the necklace to the register, “fine. but i’m covering lunch today, okay?”

your boyfriend nods his head, “sure,” but his less than eager tone coupled with his overly exaggerated smile makes you not very sure if you’ll be able to actually spend any money today, “now let’s go pay.”

with that, you and percy head in the direction of the register, his hand on the small of your back as you lead the way. yet again, another win for your boyfriend.

“y/n, wait,” percy reaches for your shoulder and turns your body around to face him. he can’t let you walk away with a free necklace, can he? you hum in reply, awaiting his response. good, his brain is finally working and he’s going to say nevermind, you think. a win for you! or so you think, “give me a kiss first,” percy adds, his straight face morphing into a cocky smirk. not a win for you.

but hey, who are you to deny a free necklace and a kiss from your boyfriend? you shake your head and roll your eyes at him, but percy can’t help but look at your smile. now that’s what he wants to see, your beautiful, beautiful smile. your boyfriend leans down as he gently cups the sides of your face and places a kiss on your lips. it’s short and it’s soft, but it’s perfect. and it may be even more perfect than the very necklace in your hand.

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thisapplepielife · 10 months

Text

Written for the @steddieholidaydrabbles December challenge.

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

Prompt Day 4: Meet-Cute At Work | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: Weed, Language | Tags: AU, Mechanic!Eddie, Business Guy!Steve, Fluffy Meet-Cute

Steve's car is making a noise that doesn't sound good, not at fucking all. So, he reluctantly makes an appointment for his car to be worked on at the local body shop in this new, little town he moved to a couple months ago. He doesn't love the town, and he doesn't love the look of this garage, either, as he pulls into the parking lot. It looks run-down. The sign is peeling, and it could really use a coat of paint.

But his car needs to be looked at, it's just not running right at all, and that strange noise can’t be great. He's too far from home to take it to his regular guy, so having it done here, in this dingy little shop is happening, whether he likes it or not. And he does not like it. In fact, he hates it.

But it’s the only place in town: Munson’s Garage.

When he walks inside, the guy at the front counter looks normal enough, an older man in a clean, plaid shirt, who probably owns the place. A little gruff, but Steve relaxes a little, because this guy is clearly experienced. So, it’ll probably be okay.

But apparently that guy isn't doing the work, because he yells, "Eddie!" and the guy that comes to get his keys, Eddie he supposes, is weird. He’s probably Steve’s age, but he has long hair, and is in a filthy pair of coveralls.

Steve’s taking in his appearance, when the guy fucking trips over nothing, like he’s one of the Three Stooges. Steve can only stand by, and watch in horror as Eddie reaches out a black, grease-covered hand towards Steve to catch himself.

He makes contact with Steve's shoulder, and his pristine, starched, white Armani dress shirt.

Eddie's eyes go wide and horrified, so Steve takes a deep breath. It's fine. It's fine. It's just a shirt. A very fucking expensive shirt, but a shirt.

"Jesus H. Christ, I'm so sorry," Eddie says, taking a step back.

"It's fine. It's just a shirt, I've got a dozen more just like it," Steve says, and that's true. It's just a shirt. He can replace it.

His car? He likes his car and wants it running right, and this clumsy fool is his best bet at the moment. So, he'll play nice. Robin would be so proud of him for taking the high road right now.

"You're Steve, right?" he asks, wiping his hands on a red shop rag that really can't hold any more grease at this point, Steve's absolutely certain.

Steve takes a good look at him. He’s dirty, head to toe. Steve wonders if he’s always this dirty, or if he’s really managed to get this filthy before noon.

This guy can ruin his shirt, but he cannot sit on his cream-colored leather seats. No fucking way.

But Steve nods.

The guy smiles, big and bright, teasing him, "Well, if you don't give me those keys, I can't take a look at it."

Steve reluctantly hands them over, and stands at the window, as this guy walks outside and looks in the window, and then strips off his coveralls. Then doesn't know what to do with them, and he kind of spins in a little circle.

He's an odd duck.

Eddie finally makes the decision to run them into the shop, and returns to the car.

Underneath the coveralls, he's wearing clean jeans, and a clean t-shirt, thank god, with the sleeves ripped off, and he has tattoos all up and down his arms. Steve can't look away, until his car, and the guy, are gone.

He talks to Wayne, at least Steve assumes that's his name, if the goofy hand-drawn caricature that sure looks like him, and name plate, are to be believed. And Wayne tells him to come back tomorrow, so Steve calls a cab, and plans to come back and get it tomorrow evening.

He does. But he's running late. His meeting ran over, and he's scared the place is going to be locked up tight. But Eddie is sitting out front of the shop, in street clothes.

A pair of ripped jeans and a leather jacket. His long hair loose around his face. And he looks good, great.

"I'm so sorry, my meeting ran way over," Steve says, jogging away from the cab.

"Don't sweat it, man. But I want you to test it, so maybe you can just take me home?"

Steve can do that. He can definitely do that.

They climb in, and it has been detailed, cleaner than he left it, but it smells fucking skunky.

Steve laughs, "Smells like a skunk's ass in here."

"Oh shit, I didn't smoke in your car, dude. I swear. No way. It just must be, like, clinging to me," Eddie says, stretching out his t-shirt and bringing it up to his nose, inhaling.

Then he is looking at Steve, clearly suddenly unsure, "Or…a skunk got into the shop?"

Steve laughs, "Okay. Sure. That sounds totally legit."

Eddie laughs, and relaxes. "Good. Good. I was worried for a second that you might not be cool."

"I'm cool!" Steve argues, pulling out onto the empty road.

"If you say so, Suit and Tie."

Steve grins, "Just give me directions."

"Well, first, you need to turn around and head the other way," Eddie answers dryly.

Steve grins, and flips a bitch in the middle of the deserted street.

The car drives great, Eddie did a good job. Steve smiles at him, "Thanks, man. It's running great."

"Glad to hear it," Eddie says, telling Steve when to turn.

Steve looks over at him and smiles.

"So. You got any more of that skunk weed?"

Eddie tosses his head back and laughs, "Sure do. Wanna come in and smoke?"

Steve nods, happy.

And that's how Steve Harrington not only gets a new mechanic, but a new weed dealer, and a new boyfriend, in this town that's looking pretty great now.

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddieholidaydrabbles and follow along with the fun!

If you want to see more of my entries into this month-long challenge, you can check them out in my Steddie Holiday Drabbles tag, right here!

#steddieholidaydrabbles #meet-cute at work #steddie au #steddie brainrot #silly fluff #steddie ficlet #steve x eddie #steddie #eddie munson #steve harrington #mechanic eddie munson #wayne munson #thisapplepielife: short fic #thisapplepielife: steddieholidaydrabbles

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canmom · 3 months

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Annecy photodump 4 - assorted

This one is just straight up posting my holiday photos. But there's a few little anecdotes along the way.

On Saturday, I unexpectedly ran into a protest passing along the road between Bonlieu and Pathé (the two most important places in Annecy). I'm not entirely sure what it was they were protesting, but it was interesting hearing the familiar rhythms of protest chants with French words.

It was funny seeing Liberty Leading the People printed on a protest sign after watching a film about the context behind its painting earlier in the week.

French coppers wear these little sailor hats, upholding the tradition of police everywhere to wear dorky headwear...

I was standing by the lake trying to take a selfie with my DSLR when this guy in an Unreal Engine t-shirt sitting nearby offered to photograph me. I tried to say 'yeah so it's in aperture priority mode' to which he replied 'don't worry, I'm not a noob', switched it to manual and rapidly adjusted the aperture and exposure, and proceded to take some insanely nice photos of me.

By contrast in my own attempts, the sky is way overexposed...

So thanks, that guy! I am entirely shown up with my own camera, but one day I'll learn x3

BD Fugue is the big BD (comics) shop in Bonlieu. It's a wonderful place to just go in and look at all the enormous glossy books. For example, historical comics...

or go over to the fantasy section for some 30-odd volumes of Elfes...

There were a whole lot of similar comics to this series called stuff like 'Orcs' and 'Wizards'. (I don't remember the exact titles.) Must be quite popular!

As well as comics, it stocks books on animation and animation history. Conveniently, a lot of these are in English. I held off on buying comics in French (mostly...) but I got a very technical book on animation timing and a history of European animation, both of which I'm sure I'll be turning to a lot in the next year.

The VR room has a lot of bright coloured floors which provide some very nice examples of indirect diffuse-diffuse lighting, which is very expensive to render in games.

There's something inherently funny about seeing people immersed in VR like this.

Annecy has an abundance of old churches and cathedrals. Here's a few, inside and out...

I think these are mostly Catholic, though I don't really know enough about church architecture to say. I was a little disappointed to find out that you can't go up to that little glass dome on the roof of the cathedral, but on the other hand, it is a very pretty dome.

On another note - I've been in a number of cities over the past couple months - London, Glasgow, Belgrade, Geneva, Annecy - and in every single one I've seen graffiti and stickers saying 'free gaza'. (Though I also saw a weird little Zionist street stand with a bunch of leaflets and shit in Geneva.) Here's some graffiti in Annecy and a BDS sticker from Zagreb. I don't want to draw too many conclusions from this - the governments of most of these countries are still doggedly backing the genocide - but it does feel striking to see support for Gaza expressed at least in the graffiti culture of so many places.

One of the coolest things about Annecy is that the Alps are always kind of like... just hanging out in the background. They're so enormous it's hard to photograph them really! But here's a few shots with Alps chilling behind.

And to wrap things up, one last DSLR selfie.

À la prochaine, Annecy!

#annecy 2024 #l'aventure de canmom à annecy #photography #thanks for teaching me how to say 'until next time' in french tumblr!

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joe9cool · 1 year

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Collide- Epilogue 2- Lost in This Moment With You

A/N This is fan fiction purposes only. I do not know anyone on or associated with The Chargers. Also you do not have my permission to post my work anywhere else.

BREAKING: SARA WOZNIAK IS REPORTEDLY ENGAGED TO JUSTIN HERBERT!

ET EXCLUSIVE; SARA WOZNIAK IS ENGAGED TO NFL PRO JUSTIN HERBERT

Wedding bells are in the air for the [TV show] actress 28 and the Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback 26. The couple are engaged. People exclusively reported the news as the Academy Award nominee was spotted around LA wearing a sparkler on that finger.

A TIMELINE OF SARA WOZNIAK AND JUSTIN HERBERT'S RELATIONSHIP.

PATRICK HERBERT, JUSTIN HERBERT'S BROTHER COMMENTS ON SARA WOZNIAK ENGAGEMENT. "I'M VERY HAPPY FOR THEM."

There it was, the news now public. Justin and Sara had made the decision to go public with the news shortly after Sara's birthday. Both phones were blowing up like crazy, their management teams containing all of the press and requests for comments. Sara had begun wearing her ring in public, which was splashed all over tabloids as she walked the red carpet for the Royal Film Awards. People thought it was Sara's style, some thought it was ugly, others thought it was creative.

They were bombarded with packages from every designer, every venue far and wide, roses and expensive gifts from celeb brands and friends with personal boxes congratulating them. Some were cute, others were obnoxious and they had a laugh as they tore through them. There were even gifts for Eugene and Nova, as they made appearances on her social media.

The planning began, and they hired a low key wedding planner, someone who wasn't known for working with big celebrities.

They had a date set and stone.

May 24th 2025 in Oregon at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

It was gorgeous and overlooking the coast. It was to be a full wedding weekend, with rehearsal, then the wedding, then a brunch to send the couple off to their honeymoon.

With everything booked, and save the dates being sent out next week, Sara could breathe some sigh of relief. They were in Pittsburgh, along with Justin's family for their engagement party that her parents were throwing at their house.

There were people everywhere, all of their friends and families. While her fathers side had nobody (Willa and her family were cut off) her mom had many siblings, cousins and friends who had children that grew up with the girls. Her dad had his friends, his business associates and clients who got to know the family and watched Sara grow up.

It was funny, because Sara always faded into the background with these kinds of get-togethers, most people didn't really care. But now, all eyes were on her and Justin, and they were both uncomfortable, it was a classic case of being careful what you wish for.

Back in Oregon, Mark and Holly threw a casual barbecue get together with Justin's side. His buddies from Oregon came, and Sara found herself blending in with them all so well. She laughed at the jokes and old stories they told, and teased Justin making him bright red at times. Her family didn't come to that, and she was glad as she didn't want to overwhelm the Herbert family at their house.

But now, they were all in her territory. Patrick and Mitch and their girlfriends, eyes widened at the big house that sat on secluded acre land. "Oh my god." Sara groaned as Justin drove up on the pebble-stone driveway.

Big white balloons were tied to the mailbox. Flowers lined up the driveway. Pink roses, her favorite. Cars were already parked, which meant a ton of people. Guests were already on the side of the house underneath a tent. There was a bartender with a full bar. Patrick laughed as he saw more balloons of rings and 'she said yes' sign above the door. "Oh man, we are wayyy out of our element."

Once parked and out of the car, they walked into the house, where tons of people were chatting. A sign that was held on a canopy.

Celebrate two lives becoming one,

Welcome to Justin & Sara's Engagement Party.

"There's the bride and groom!" Her uncle shouted, and all eyes were on them. They were passed around in hugs. Next thing they knew they were wearing 'Bride' and 'Groom' sashes (Sara knew Justin would never hear the end of it from his brothers)

Cathy introduced the Herbert family to everyone and quickly, they understood why Sara stayed away.

"We never thought she was going to find someone!"

"Can't believe she is going to be getting married! When I saw she adopted her cat I told my husband we should start worrying."

The group all laughed and Justin was immediately uncomfortable. "So tell us, son." Another guy continued. "Why her? I mean professional athletes you could have supermodels! I don't understand it."

Justin had enough. "Well you don't have to understand anything. We love each other and she's the most beautiful woman inside and out. Now excuse me." He walked away from the group to find Sara, heading into the kitchen where he ran Into his mom and dad speaking with one of her cousins. Once she walked away they turned to her son. "Wow. Her extended family sure is…" Holly started.

"Interesting." Justin finished. Not wanting to really say what he was thinking.

"How on God's name is Sara so cool and she comes from a family like this?" Patrick walked up with Carly.

"Patrick!" Carly scolded.

"What? It's true." Pat shrugged. "It is. But we don't need to say it out loud." Carly took a sip of her drink.

"Did you know what her cousin just said to us?" Mark scoffed. "Boy aren't you glad that the bride's family is paying. You wouldn't be able to afford all of this." He mocked her voice. Everyone's eyes widened. "What?" Justin's face was stern.

"That's nothing. Isabelle is calming Mitch down after what one of the old wall street dudes said about Sara." Justin faced his younger brother. "What did he say?"

"Uh.. it should probably wait til we leave." Carly saw Justin's anger and hoped her boyfriend got the hint."

He didn't. "He made a disgusting comment about hoping Sara went with a form fitting dress, one that accentuated her… he said her gifted chest…" He trailed off, not wanting to totally repeat the gross comment about his future sister in law.

Justin's face was red. "Point him out. I want to talk to him." Mark grabbed him. "Son now is not the time or place. Let's just get through this evening."

"Hey guys! Having fun?" Sara walked up to the group,and instantly everyone could see Justin look relaxed. She looked gorgeous, in a white jumpsuit with white lace heels. Her hair was styled to perfection. Justin squeezed her hand. "Yes babe, everything is great."

"Oh there they are! The bride and groom to be!" Two middle aged women walked up and hugged Sara. "Linda, Delilah, this is my fiance Justin, his parents Mark and Holly and his brother Patrick and his girlfriend Carly. Where's Mitch and Isabelle?" She looked around. "I Guess they are around somewhere, but these are my mom's friends."

"Congratulations baby girl!" The two ladies smiled, then addressed the others. "We watched her grow up. To be honest, we thought she would never find someone!"

Justin bit his lip, this was the theme of the night. Everyone just loved to mention how they thought it was impossible for Sara to find someone. Sara just smiled. "Yeah that's what everyone has been saying."

"I mean, can you blame us?" They laughed, while the Herbert family stayed quiet. "So anyways. Where are you having the wedding? Mansions in the fifth are beautiful for weddings. Or are you thinking of New York like Ryan and Michelle?"

Sara smiled. "Actually. We are getting married in Oregon, at the golf course hotel off the coast" She looked up at Justin, who smiled down at her.

The one wrinkled her nose. "Sweetie, not there, Oregon is so redneck, and just not it. Trust me, you cannot have a nice wedding in Oreg-"

"Justin and his family live in Eugene." Sara bit back. Linda's eyes widened. "Oh really? Wow I'm so sorry. Well I'm sure it's beautiful if you live there." She covered up her insult with another insult. She then changed topics. "I see you haven't eaten."

"Oh I'm going to make a plate, I've been running around greeting everyone-"

"Well that's a good thing. You need as much weight off as you can to fit in the dress. I can actually give you the name of Macy's trainer, she will make you the thinnest you have ever been!" She pinched Sara's arm. "Tone up those arms!"

"Linda! Delilah! Can you help me with something?" Cathy called over her friends and they left. Holly addressed Sara. "Are you okay?"

Sara shook her head. "Yeah why do you ask?" Justin put his arms on her shoulders. Mark cut in. "Those comments they made, and everyone else."

"Oh those! Yeah trust me I got used to it. I've heard shit like that my whole life." She grabbed a champagne flute off a waiter's tray. "If they say anything to you. Please let me know. I'll put them in their place."

Mark shook his head. "You shouldn't have to deal with that."

She waved her hand. "It's fine. Why do you think we chose Bandon Dunes?" She looked at Justin and he smiled at her. "The max is 190 people, but we will probably only have 100. Keep it close to family and friends."

"Have you two chosen the bridal party yet?" Holly asked.

"Yes, it's going to be 8 people on both sides. Our ask boxes are done, we just need to hand them out." Justin looked at Pat, "You and Mitch are obviously my best men."

Before they could say anything else Cathy yelled for the family to join in pictures. They had a professional photographer gather both immediate family and their partners, gathered under the big balloon arch. Then it was Sara's side, then Justin's then just the soon to be married couple and their parents. Once that was done Justin was pulled to have a celebratory cigar with Mike and his friends/business partners, while Sara was in the kitchen with her mom and sisters.

"So you guys settled on a venue? In Oregon." Sara didn't miss the tone of disappointment in her moms voice. She knew that it bothered Cathy that her youngest became closer to her fiance's side of the family. Sara popped a grape from the table in her mouth. "Yes, it's more low-key, and it's on a golf course. Plus it will be more convenient for Justin's family."

The Wozniak's had a ton of money, whereas the Herbert's were just a middle class family. So Sara wanted to be more accommodating to his family. Plus she was hoping it would deter a lot of friends and family from coming. She wanted to enjoy her day, Katie and Brittany spent most of their time going around and talking to people and thanking them. Alyssa had a small Vineyard wedding and got to enjoy her day.

That was what she wanted.

"There are so many gorgeous golf courses and hotels around the area. With all your connections and us paying for it. We could easily have four hundred people." Sara practically choked on her drink. "Yeah… uh that sounds terrible. But also mom, me and Justin can pay for our wedding."

"There's no doubt about that… but we didn't pay for your college.." She trailed off and everyone knew what she meant.

"It's fine. I got this. The venue is booked, I'm meeting with Valentino to design my dress. Justin and I have our bridal party picked. Our wedding planner is set. Easy peasy."

Brent walked up, hearing the last of the conversation. "Oh you naive fool." He kissed his sister in law on the cheek. "Sorry I'm late, you look gorgeous." He held up a bridal gift bag. "I'll set this on the massive gift pile in the dining room."

Sara was shocked. "I thought I said no gifts!" She followed Brent to the dining room and gasped as she saw the massive pile of perfectly wrapped presents, bags, and envelopes covering the massive table.

Brent snorted. "These people never listen. Any chance they can to flex their money they will." He laughed as he looked over the pile. "Damn I see a Waterford Crystal bag. Alyssa and I didn't even get that."

She laughed. She loved Brent, and Justin got along with him well, so well that he planned on asking the hockey player to be in his party.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------

Mike passed around Cigars to the group of trustees or whatever they were. Mark and Mitch were there, Mark taking one Justin and Mitch refused. He wasn't a smoker, it was way too toxic. Luckily Mike didn't press the issue. "Isn't Cathy going to be upset?" Justin raised his brows as he watched the group light theirs. Mike shrugged. "What Cathy doesn't know won't hurt her, besides I've done this with all of my daughters' weddings."

Charles walked up and took one of the cigars from the box on the patio furniture. Overlooking the crowd, one of the men spoke up. "Thought we'd never see the day Mike. I always thought Alyssa was the last one."

Mike nodded. "Believe me I thought that too." He clapped Justin on the back. "You sure you can handle her son?"

Justin laughed. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't love her."

"I'm glad. She deserves someone like you." Mike took a puff.

Another older, pudgy man cut in. "See my son over there?" Justin followed his finger to see a man in his thirties, scowling at Sara, who was a few tables over talking to her friends "He has the biggest crush on her. I tried to set them up but your daughter wasn't interested."

Justin's turn to scowl. How inappropriate was that to say in front of her fiancé? Suddenly he remembered Sara talking about a man hitting on her and attempting to set her up with his kid. Was this the guy from the steakhouse?

Mike shook his head. "Oh for the love of God let it go. You have been trying to set them up since they were teenagers. She doesn't want your son. They were interrupted by someone calling for Mike and he excused himself.

After a few minutes of silence the pudgy man kept talking. "You're a lucky son of bitch Justin."

His eyebrows rose. "I know." He spoke icily. He was hoping the man dropped it after that.

"The way she's going to fill out that dress is gonna be the main attraction for sure."

Maybe it was the fact that this dude knew Sara as a small child and was now saying inappropriate things about her, maybe it was the alcohol, or the fact that all afternoon he has to listen to the love of his life get cut up and made fun of and he finally snapped.

Before anyone could say anything, Justin was in the guy's face. Everyone around was frozen in fear. "Listen." He spoke slowly. "You will never get to see how MY WIFE looks on her day because you and your son won't be invited, and if you say one more comment about her I will throw you over this porch. I don't give a fuck if youre my father in laws associates. In fact I think he wouldn't take very kindly to you talking about his daughter like that, or the night at the steakhouse. Understood?" The older man's eyes widened, confirming he was the steakhouse guy.

The man, terrified, nodded. "Um yes. Umm I think me and Jonathan should go. Congratulations again." He walked off to gather his wife and son. Justin turned to the other men who had looks of shock on their faces. "That goes for all of you too. Understood?" They all nodded and went their separate ways besides Mark and Mitch. Justin was breathing heavily and Mark went to comfort him. "Good job son, that guy was an ass."

"Is everything okay?" They all looked to see Sara coming up the steps, looking worried as she approached Justin. "Gerald and Jonathan just came up to me asking what I saw in you?"

He saw red. Quickly turning, he went to find him but was held back by Sara, or as much as she could. "Hey hey baby what's wrong?" She got in front of him and stared at him with her big brown eyes and he felt himself melt. Bending down to kiss her, he blushed when the cheers of the crowd that had gathered around them.

"Awww that's so cute!"

"Practicing for the big day I see!"

—-------------------------------------------------------------------

"You both look gorgeous!" Pierpaolo greeted Sara and grabbed her hand to admire the ring. "Stunning. It fits you so well, and with the emeralds!" He looked at Justin. "You sir, did an excellent job!"

He blushed. "My brother's girlfriend helped a lot, I just knew I had to incorporate emeralds somehow."

The designer hummed. "Are the wedding bands going to have them too?"

"We were talking about it. We had a virtual consultation with the jeweler about the bands." Sara cut in.

"You can tell us all about it, come on! We have a lot of people wanting to celebrate with you!" He ushered the couple to the backyard of his massive mansion. Once the Pittsburgh celebration was over, Pierpaolo and his family insisted on a luncheon to celebrate their engagement.

Of course Sara insisted he keep it small, but designers never listened, and all of Sara's celeb friends, as well as others who just wanted it to be there for a social event were there.

Sara sensed Justin's anxiousness and grabbed his hand as they made it out to the backyard. They were dressed for the occasion, with Sara wearing a white halter dress mixed with green that Valentino designed, the straps made up of diamonds. Her hair was done up and she looked gorgeous. Justin looked handsome as well in a tailored suit.

They were met with tons of greetings from Timothee, Rosie and Jason, AnnSophie, Bella, and others. There were about fifty people, and it seemed small and intimate. Everyone mingled, and then they all sat down for a four course meal. While enjoying their meal Rosie spoke. "So I was doing a cover shoot for vogue and I overheard something from Anna."

Pierpaolo gasped. "You know Anna would blacklist you if she heard you speaking about confidential matters."

She waved her hand, "Please. But anyways, Anna wants to do a massive vogue feature on your wedding!"

Sara's eyes widened while Justin nearly choked on his wine. "Oh wow. That's amazing. I will definitely have to consider it."

"What's there to consider? Do you know how many people would love that! Plus they would set you up big. You know Anna, she would make sure that you have the best venue. Beverly Hills has the best hotel for weddings. It hosts for 500 people, plus Wolfgang Puck would cater."

Sara pushed her salad around. "I mean, we have already decided to get married in Justin’s home state, more private and lowkey."

"Well I suppose Anna could do something with that. You're from Washington right? She acknowledged Justin.

"Oregon, actually."

"Ooh that's different, I've never been there before, so Jason and I will have fun exploring when we arrive. Justin's eyebrows shot up. He glanced briefly at Sara, who was trying to hold back a small laugh. "Yeah its beautiful."

The rest of the night went by smoothly. Finally they departed, using Justin’s excuse to get ready for camp. Pierpaolo assistants loaded their car with gifts from the guest. Apparently no one liked to listen

When they got home, they tacked on the boxes in the guest room (they still haven't opened the ones from Pittsburgh, but Sara sent out thank you notes)

Justin looked over at Sara, "I'm off tomorrow before camp starts, should we tear these babies open?" Not saying a word, she walked over to the fridge and opened it. She held up a bottle of their favorite wine. "We need some encouragement to open these, especially from my family."

Taking sips straight from the bottle, Justin grabbed all of the gifts from the guest bed and began to open them. They opened the cards first and were pleased to see that whoever gave money to local charities in their honor.

The first box was wrapped delicately and while all of them were most likely professionally wrapped, there was a homey touch to this and Sara squealed knowing exactly who this was from. It was from her Great Aunt Kay, who at the age of ninety, still had a very sharp mind and could quilt with the best of them. All of the nieces that married were given a king sized quilt made by her, showing their personalities. They opened it and unfolded the custom quilt. It was white, with silver edges and in cursive at one corner, Justin and Sara Herbert.

"Wow." Justin whispered, feeling the luxurious material. He had met her Aunt Kay at the engagement party, and she was the sweetest lady. "This is beautiful." Taking it from Sara, he draped it over their bed before returning back to the pile where Eugene and Nova were inspecting to see if any of the gifts were for them. "Spoiled brats." Sara shooed them away, only for them to come straight back.

Justin grabbed the next gift, which was very oddly shaped and untied the bow, opening the purple wrapping, it was a gift basket that someone had put together.

Candles, crystals, prenatal vitamins, and pregnancy tests? "uhh" He turned it to face his fiancé, whose eyes widened. "Oh my god that's from my cousin Siobhan! She's a doula and very into all that! She gave my sister's one! It's all good luck with fertility!" She shook her head, "all of the women on my moms side including my sisters have gotten pregnant in the first six months! It's something of a weird tradition."

He laughed and tore the clear wrapping to get a better look at everything. He looked at the crystals as she explained each one relating to pregnancy and childbirth. "I didn't know you were into crystals"

She shrugged. "I mean I'm not an avid believer, but I think there is some truth, and she constantly talks about them all the time." There were two boxes of clearblue pregnancy tests, a small gray bear, and two candles as well as pregnancy booklets.

"Yeah those are definitely going in storage. We agreed on no kids until at least the first year." He nodded and put it off to the side before continuing.

There were household items, which was silly because living together they had pretty much acquired everything. Sara unboxed a big sign that read 'The Herbert's' established 2025. She giggled as Justin rolled his eyes at the corny item. Sara opened a grill kit followed by a voucher for a cooking class. Justin frowned. "You're a great cook." She laughed. "I think it's a case of something we can both do." Along the lines there were a ton of marriage books, cook books. Sara blushed as she pulled out tons of lingerie and skimpy night shirts, Justin examining every piece. "Oh my god!" She cried out pulling out a powder blue lace baby doll piece. It was completely see through, and the underwear was like a jersey with 'Herbert' and '10' on the butt.

He hummed as Sara held it up to her. "I'm definitely tearing that off. Matter of fact I think you should model it right now, make sure everything fits." He smiled. "If it doesn't I can rip it right now." He laughed as he dodged the balled up wrapping paper she threw at him.

After everything from her family and friends were opened they moved on to the small boxes from celebrities. Immediately Justin was floored. "Rolex watches? Who the fuck gives Rolex watches as an engagement gift."

Sara laughed. "Hollywood does." She opened a crystal vase, no doubt very expensive.

There was a grand total of at least $500,000 in gifts and despite being with Sara two years, he wasn't used to it. He almost fainted when Sara took him to meet Christopher Nolan.

Justin opened the last gift, which was a PR package. "Hell yes!" It was tons of Nike clothing, which included matching Bride and Groom Nike sweats for him and Sara. "This is awesome! I'll wear this on our wedding day!"

"You wear that at the altar and I'll walk backwards."

—--------------------------------------------------------------

Wedding planning was no joke.

It was October, and Justin was on a high professionally. The Chargers were ahead of the Chiefs in the division, thanks to the win against them on the road.

However, personally, he was very worried.

Sara was working on promotional events, followed by wedding planning. He tried to help as much as he could by picking out the place settings (he didn't even know that was a thing) food. (Some people were vegetarian/vegan, others had dietary restrictions.) They finalized the dessert buffet and picked out the cake and the flavors.

He knew that her family was giving her a hard time about the location. They were worried her Aunt Kay wouldn't be able to travel to the west coast and in the midst of an argument with one of her sisters they called her selfish which left her in tears. (Justin had a mind to fly to Pittsburgh and give them a piece of his mind)

Then there was the issue of the officiant. Justin wasn't tied to any denomination, but Sara was technically raised catholic and made all of her sacraments, so they wanted her to be married in a church. That meant Justin would have to take classes and be baptized, and he would be willing to do it, but with the demands of the season it would mean punishing the whole wedding back a year. Something both he and his fiance didn't want.

The biggest upset was that Sara was in Cannes promoting a new film she was in. On an off day she went diving with some friends and was wearing a bikini.

There were pictures, and edited ones to make her look bad to the press. The comments calling her fat, her social media comments had to be limited, and she had to take a break.

Not to mention Taylor was taking joy in this She was throwing subtle shade at Sara in every way, so much so that there were news articles written about it.

She wore similar outfits that Sara wore and put shady captions, and liked comments that were trashing her. Justin wasn't stupid, he knew that got to her. While they were very much past it, it still hurt her to see her being attacked so lowly.

When he confronted his fiancé, she laughed it off, saying she had the ring and she was nothing but a jealous bitch. He knew her like the back of his hand. Not to mention her actions spoke otherwise.

When she wasn't away she was constantly in the Chargers gym working out, she would come with him early in the morning and be a sweating, panting mess by the time he would check in on her.

It was so noticeable that a trainer pulled him aside. "We need to talk about Sara…." He started. "I know this is probably not my place, but she is overexerting herself. She got off the treadmill today and she nearly collapsed. I gave her a Gatorade but she refused, saying it's too much sugar."

"Oh my god." Justin walked by him and off the field, and quickly found one of the rooms, where Sara was hunched over, seemingly struggling to breathe.

He called out for help, and got down on his knees. "Baby. What's wrong?" The team doctor was there immediately and got Sara to sit up. He shined a light in her eyes before pinching the skin on her arm. "She's dehydrated, not enough electrolytes." The doctor shook his head. "We got to get you into the room so I can start an IV. Can you walk?"

She nodded, still breathing heavily before standing up for a second and falling back, immediately Justin lifted her in his arms and carried her to the recovery room, where the doctor started an IV. "Have you eaten today?"

She nodded. "I had a hard boiled egg and some avocado toast" the doctor shook his head, and the trainer spoke. "She's been on the stairmaster for an hour."

Justin's eyes widened. "Babe!" He looked over at her, who looked down "that is enough for that much workout. You know how I eat "

"I'm sorry, okay! Me and all of the bridesmaids got measurements this Wednesday for our dresses! I wanna look good."

"And you will! Sara I'm still going to be at the end of the aisle no matter what!" He shook his head. "Please, If you want to tone up that's fine. But this way isn't healthy and you know it."

At this point it was just the two of them in the room. She looked down. "I'm sorry, I'm just stressed. Everyone and everything is coming down on me, and work too."

"I'm sorry I haven't been around to help." She sighed. "It's not you, you have been more involved than most men, and you've been taking care of everything on your side with the groomsmen. I really didn't know what I was up against."

"What is the final count with the guest list?"

"Two hundred and fifteen people." Sorting out the list was hard. Justin's family was pretty decent sized. Sara didn't have too many family, but she did have friends, and so did he, plus Mike and Cathy did get to invite a couple family friends who Sara actually liked. They invited Jerry and his wife, both management teams, some of Justin's teammates and coaches and other people from the celebrity world. He snorted. "We can only hope many people don't come."

She laughed and he smiled, before kissing her quickly. "I'm taking you home" and then when I get off I'll bring home dinner. What do you want?"

"Salad sounds good." He gave her a look. He also knew she was dieting like crazy, when he noticed the absence of certain foods in the house. She sighed. "A burger and fries please. With a side salad."

He smiled. "There's my girl." I'll be right back

@DanielPopper: Herbert was called off of the field for a bit. He's back on now, maybe had something to do with his fiance, who I'm told has been coming to practices.

@user1: sounds excessive

@user2: why is she even there? So worried your man is going to cheat?

@user3: @user 2 Maybe she just wanted to spend time with him?

@user4: I don't understand why he chose her over Biscotti.

Liked by Taylor biscotti

—----------------------------------------------------------

"Doesn't she have a man? Why is she still so concerned with yours?" AnnSophie was helping taste test some of the food. The hotel, excited to host a marriage for the King of the state and his a list bride, where more than accommodating. Allowing them to bring in their own chef and catering for the day and shutting down the hotel for the weekend. Sara and Justin paid a decent price and would make sure to tip and send a thank you note to all the staff when it was all said and done.

"I don't know." Sara took a bite of the mushroom soup as one of the starters. "Ooh Annie this one is soo good!" Her friend stuck her fork into the bowl and tasted it. "That is delicious. Does Justin like mushrooms?" Sara made a face. "I think so.." shooting a quick text to her fiance, she sighed. "I swear we should have eloped like you guys."

Her friend laughed, "Once the hoopla and the shock dies down its worth it. My mom's still pissed though." Sara rolled her eyes. "Yeah but your mom is a bitch and never liked Joey and tried to keep you guys apart."

"True." Sara's phone dinged and she picked it up. Reading the message, she wrinkled her nose. "Justin said no mushroom soup. He likes chicken noodles."

"How about you put the menu choices on the invitations? Let the guests decide?"

"And what If they don't mark anything?" Her friend shrugged. "Then they get what they get." Sara's phone dinged again and she grabbed it. "Oh it's Bella sending me a photo of her dress!" For the bridesmaids Valentino made sure they were done first and quickly. Sara chose sage green, satin material, and a loose, comfortable fit. They were beautiful, and so far the bridesmaids loved them. She was a little worried for her sisters and Isabelle, who had to send in their measurements because they were on the east coast. But Pierpaolo was a genius, and every girl looked gorgeous in their gown.

"So what is the timeline for the ceremony?" Sara was marking stuff down to send to catering. "Well, our ceremony is at 3:00pm. Give people and us enough time to get ready and take pictures, then cocktail hour is 3:30ish, then the reception starts at 4:30-9pm, then the after party begins at 9:15pm" She smiled devilishly. She wanted a few hours of debauchery with their friends and to play whatever music she wanted. "Get this, it's gonna be somewhat of a throwback 2010s emo party."

"No fucking way!" AnnSophie's eyes widened. "That's so cool!" Sara nodded. "And best believe me, I'm dancing on Justin."

"Girl he is going to be so red!" She nodded evilly. "I'm twerking on him for sure!"

—-------------------------------------------------------------

"So your mom sent me a copy of the vows she wanted the minister to read." Justin got into bed after a long day. Sara looked up from her IPad. "Oh god." She rolled her eyes and pet Nova, who was laying on her stomach. "I told her I didn't want a catholic ceremony. You know how long those are? An hour! Not to mention there is nothing personal about the couple! It's the same Bible verses and music! And my heels are sky high! I'm not standing that long!"

He laughed before pulling the text up on his phone. "I told her the ceremony is about thirty minutes, and we need the time for our vows. She wasn't too happy about that. But here it is." He gave her his phone and she read it, her nose wrinkling. "What's up?"

"For you it says 'love and honor you' , for me it says 'love, honor, and obey.' I'm not obeying shit, I don't even obey my dad." Justin busted out laughing. "You were sure to obey last week." He nuzzled his face in her neck and knew she was red.

"Well I'll just tell everyone I'm only obeying in the bedroom." He pulled back. "You wouldn't."

She laughed. "Watch me." He growled and bit a spot on her neck and she squealed. "You know the week of the wedding you cant leave any bites"

He huffed. "What's the point of a fancy expensive makeup artist then?" She swatted at him. "Have you gotten the suits?"

"Yes. What about the bridesmaid dresses?"

She nodded. "They all pretty much have theirs, I'm going to New York next week with my mom, Katie, and Brittany for the first dress fitting." She smiled. "I'm excited. I trust Pierpaolo with my vision."

"Can I get a peak?" She looked at him like he had four heads. "Absolutely not. You don't get to see my dress until the day." He huffed and she laughed. He tried a different tactic, snuggling into her neck. "Please." He whispered before kissing her neck. She moaned as he dragged his lips to a particular spot he knew she lined. "Just at least tell me some hints"

She needed a few minutes to get her thoughts together but then finally spoke. "It's A- line style, lace" He stopped and sat up. "I have to Google it." He admitted and she busted out laughing. "Baby please wait until the first look. I promise it will be worth the wait."

He smiled. "You always look good. So I'm extremely excited."

—---------------------------------------------------------------------

"Oh Sara" Cathy gasped as Sara came out of the dressing room and stepped up on the platform, the assistant carrying the cathedral train. "God it feels so real seeing you in the dress." Brittany wiped her eyes, Katie was holding the phone as Alyssa was on facetime back in St.Louis.

Upon looking at herself in the mirror, it did feel real. Standing in the dress she would be wearing as both parents walked her down the aisle. Sara found herself getting emotional as this was the dress she always pictured herself in. It was simple, not too much for an outdoor ceremony by the coast. It was off the shoulder, hiding her broadness, it had a slight train and Pierpaolo suggested a long, cathedral lace veil.

It was a-line, like she wanted, not too puffy, but enough to give her the princess feel and still flatter her shape. "Now how are we doing the hair?" The assistant asked as she fluffed the train. Sara thought about it. "I honestly don't know, I have a hair trial tomorrow with Jonathan." Jonathan Van Ross was one of Sara's friends who offered his services for the wedding. "He thinks I should do a half up, half down thing. Like Kate Middleton"

Her mom cut in. "I still think we should do a soft updo. Sara sighed. "Well we will see tomorrow, don't forget to visit the jeweler for the wedding pieces, and the florist for the flowers and bouquets."

Once the appointment was finished, and the assistant made the final markings of where it needed to be tailored and with the custom made sky high heels Sara was in (she needed all the height standing next to Justin at the altar) Sara and her mom and sisters were walking the streets of New York. It was still early morning, so many people were on their way to work and couldn't stop and notice the famous celebrity bundled up in the chilly air.

The shrill ring of her phone began playing, and Sara looked to see it was Vogue's office, she sighed and answered. "Hello?"

"Hello Ms. Wozniak, I am the personal assistant to Anna Wintour, and she requested you and your family's presence at her brownstone for lunch this afternoon." Sara's eyes widened. Stopping to look back at her group, she put her hand on the mouth piece. "Anna Wintour wants us to have lunch with her later at her place."

"What!" Even after almost ten years of their sister being famous they were still in awe of the megastar she was. Who just gets invited to The editor of vogue's house on a whim? They nodded and she went back to her phone. "Yes, we accept. Um, what time should we be there?"

"Anna will send a car for you all to the hotel at noon." Okay so they had three hours. She didn't know how Anna knew they were all in town or what hotel they were at. Probably someone from the Valentino team tipped her off.

Window shopping was limited, but they managed to make it back to their hotel and be ready by the time the limo arrived. They walked to the car amid all the photographers outside, and their cars following them.

They were ushered inside the massive brownstone. Servants were walking briskly and carrying trays. "Wow." Katie whispered.

Upon walking into the living room, there were greeted by Anna herself, always fashionable and looking like she belonged in vogue herself. After exchanging greetings, they were relocated in the dining room. Anna immediately began asking Sara about wedding planning.

Sara cringed inside as the food was being placed in front of them. Lemon arugula salad and champagne for the first course. She now knew why Anna called her up at the last minute and insisted she and her family come.

She turned down the vogue offer shortly after Rosie mentioned overhearing the news. An extravagant, luxurious box came in the mail. It was a spa package for her and Justin, full of the most expensive facials and massage treatments from around the world. "What the hell is a gold facial?" Justin asked when reading the description, his eyes widened at the price he looked up. "Worth $500,000!"

Sara had wanted to send it back, but Heidi strongly advised against it, saying. "You can turn down the front cover offer, but you NEVER ever return a girl sent front Vogue or Anna herself. You will get blacklisted from all fashion shows." Thankfully Heidi worked in fashion PR before working for celebs.

She had hand written a note to Anna appreciating the offer and the gift, but at this time she would have to decline. Word spread around the fashion world and the press fast, and while many people praised Sara for wanting a private wedding and not wanting it splashed everywhere, others critiqued her for thinking people cared that much. They called her an entitled bitch, and Justin didn't escape critics. They blamed him for her changing herself. (Which was ridiculous, Sara was always a private person before him) but then NFL critics came after him, this was no surprise, as many people came after him, Bosa, and even Josh Allen, who was engaged to Hailee Steinfeld one of Sara's friends, of trying to be the next Brady.

It was ridiculous, and stupid. Sara wasn't going to be totally private. She understood that guests were going to take and share pictures, and she was fine with that, but she didn't want a whole spread and sell pictures for money and all that.

For some reason Anna didn't get that. "I love the fact that you're including so much of your fiancé's hometown in there. I must say, we never covered a celebrity wedding in Oregon."

And you won't Sara wanted to bite back, but she knew she had to be careful and respectful. Though she was an A list celebrity whose new film was getting Oscar buzz, Anna still had so much power and influence over the biggest connections, so she had to tread lightly. She wished Heidi was here, or someone from her team but this wasn't meant to be a business trip in any way. Anna knew that, so this was an opportunity to catch the star at a vulnerable moment.

Anna continued. "I can just see it now, you in your dress, and your fiancé, looking so handsome, posing overlooking the ocean with fireworks."

Sara took a sip of her cocktail waiting for her to continue, beside her, her mom and sisters were uncomfortable. It was clear that Anna had no plans to address them at all. The editor continued. "We can make the arrangement work. Although when we came to you back in July, we could have booked the Villa Pozzolo in Italy, seating over three hundred people."

"While that was much appreciated, Justin and I are sorta keeping it towards friends and family. We just want to be surrounded by people we know and love."

Anna hummed while taking a sip of her tea. "I noticed you haven't taken a bite of the food." Sara looked down at her plate. She had only taken a few bites while others had eaten. It was probably all of the knots in her stomach. "I'm not really an arugula person." Out of nowhere plates were taken away and replaced with a small cup of soup. "I kept the portions small. You look so good with your weight loss. I don't want to destroy your diet and force Pierpaolo to make all of these changes. Your dress is too gorgeous to make last minute alterations." How the fuck did she know what her dress looked like? "It is beautiful, exactly what I wanted." Sara smiled.

"And just think, one of our photographers would capture every angle beautifully. Plus a full spread. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

"And I acknowledge that, and I'm super honored for thinking of us, but we want this day to be about us celebrating with friends and family. Plus there are so many people attending that would not feel comfortable by all of this. I want everyone to relax and enjoy the day."

Anna pursed her lips, a tell tale sign she wasn't happy. "And you think your guests wouldn't be too happy with our presence? A day that is about you and you're worried about your guests?"

"Well yeah, I mean not all of them are used to this celebrity. I mean it was the main reason that Justin and I split when our relationship came to light. It's a lot for me sometimes, and I'm in this business." Sara didn't like to bring up the past in her relationship. In fact, this was the first time she spoke publicly to an outside member about the breakup. But fuck, this woman wasn't talking no for an answer.

She shook her head. "I swear I've always stood by celebs not mixing with athletes, but you can't help who you fall in love with I guess." They were interrupted by the waiter again, taking away the small soup and replacing it with a small portion of salmon. Ignoring the implied insult Sara continued. "We just don't really want all of this media attention, people can post photos and all of that. But we aren't going to be seeking out magazine specials."

Anna nodded again. "But you must at least allow us to cover the venue and give us small details. Maybe an official photo to post on our social media?"

It was never going to end. Anna was determined to get her way. Sara knew early on that was one of the main reasons she became editor in chief.

"I'll think about it." —-------------------------------------------------------------------

"I cant believe she was so insistent, why couldn't she take no for an answer?"

Isabelle and Sara were sitting outside her office. After she and her family left Anna's, Sara dropped everyone off at the airport. Once that was done, her stomach rumbled once the knots faded away and she realized she hadn't really eaten anything at the brownstone. It was still lunchtime, and she was close to Isabelle's office, so she called up her bridesmaid and they met for lunch. Sara giving her the recap of everything that happened. "I don't know, but she won't stand down. And I feel like I'm going to have to give in on something. Even if we have a minor feature, but I know they are going to take over. They want security so one gets a sneak peak of the ceremony before they post it, then everyone there is on edge."

Isabelle nodded. "I know, you guys had to tell his cousin to lock down their profile, and delete a bunch of people." Last year, she posted a summer recap, one photo included Justin and Sara snuggling on the beach, it was screenshotted and posted everywhere within a couple of hours. She received tons of messages asking about the couple, so she had to take it down and make some major changes. "I don't know, I just don't want to be this typical celeb. I want to make sure Justin’s friends and family love me."

"Sara, they absolutely do love you" Some friends of his had issues with the press when Sara came around, and she became a bit of bad gossip. It got back to her and Justin and he explained that this was his world and if they didn't like it they could distance themselves. Sara felt bad, and Justin had to reassure her that he didn't talk to those friends outside of the state. It was his good friends who didn't care, and they were now in the wedding party.

"I know, I guess all of this stress is getting to me. Justin and I should just run away to Scotland and elope. Someone's wedding video popped up on my YouTube and it was beautiful. I thought I wanted this wedding, but I just want to be married, and have his name already."

"You're taking his last name?" Sara nodded as she took a bite. "Yeah, I know everyone is sorta against that. But it's only personally I'll be known as Sara Herbert, professionally I'll stay Wozniak." She and Justin had agreed to the change. Call her old fashioned but she loved the idea of taking her husband's last name. It was sorta unifying. "I'm just sick of all these people acting like it's their wedding, or they have a right to be there. It's not a celebrity star studded event, it's not a chance for the elite to show off how much money they have or a fashion show. It's my fucking wedding!"

"Speaking of famous." Isabelle nodded to her left, following her glance, she saw in the distance A man hiding behind a long angled lens pointing in their direction. Sighing, they wrapped up their lunch and bid their goodbyes.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------

It was always nice to be home.

It was December 1st, the wedding almost 5 months away. Bridesmaids and grooms attire was finished. Pierpaolo and his team did an amazing job making sure everything was tailored. All there was left to do was keep up with fitting so nothing had to be changed last minute. Her dress and veil were almost finished. Venue was picked out, cake was customized and ordered. Final guest list was completed, just needed to approve invitations and send them out, but that wouldn't be till February.

Speaking of, the Chargers were on top of the AFC, there was serious talk about them possibly going all of the way. Sara never mentioned it to Justin, but she felt like this was the team's year. It would be perfect and chaotic, her and Justin both getting rings.

November was the busiest month for the couple. Sara was all around Europe doing talk shows, finishing touches on a movie with Andrew Garfield, who was the most pleasant and respectful man she had ever worked with. Then there was the Lord Huron release party for the album in Los Angeles, then she had to be back in Oregon to check on venue prep, then it was back to New York for a photoshoot.

She had never been so tired in her life as she got in the door. Justin was in Texas for his SNF game and she was hoping to nap for a while so she could stay up and watch.

Unfortunately that wasn't the case, as her phone rang and she saw it was the planner. She stood there for a moment before deciding to pick it up. "Hello?"

"Hi sara." She sounded nervous over the phone. Uh oh. "What is it? I'm so tired, so this better be good."

"So uhh someone in your wedding party dropped out."

"Huh? Who?" Sara knew her entire party, and while she would be concerned, she would also rip them a new asshole for not telling her and instead going to her planner.

"It's the officiant." Her eyebrows drew together in concern. "Deacon Rodgers? Justin's family's preacher. I don't understand, Justin told me everything was fine on that end. He was supposed to come visit us next week!"

"Well he just informed me today he had some family issues and would not be able to officiate the wedding. Now the problem is everyone is booked because it is a four month notice. Everyone requires at least six months in advance."

Sara felt like she was going to have a full on bridezilla meltdown. She had done a good job keeping calm when things went wrong. Like Alyssa telling her that Brent might now be able to make it because of the NHL playoffs schedule going into June, her mom trying to invite all of their friends. Her dad wanting to pay for everything, wanting to make up for lost time. It was nice, but exhausting. In all honesty she was used to being ignored. She found solace in Justin's family. While she loved being close to hers, it was just chaos. Mark and Holly were just quiet people, they didn't have the money that the Wozniak's did, but they had each other.

Back to the issue at hand, she told her planner that she would deal with it, right now she just wanted to rest and watch Justin's game. After hanging up, her phone rang again, this time it was a three way call with her manager and agent, reminding her she had an appearance on a popular talk show promoting her guest appearance on Law and Order.

She washed her face and did her nighttime routine, even though it was the afternoon. Sara put down the blackout curtains so the room was dark. "Nova Eugene! Knock it off." She heard the cats stop wrestling, and within a few moments she was out.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------

"Baby. Wake up." She felt soft kisses on her face. Justin was home, she adjusted her eyes to the dark. "What time is it?"

He looked over at the clock on his nightstand. "2am. Did you see the game?" She shook her head. "Shit. I slept so long I was supposed to get up to watch. I guess I was more tired than I thought." He laughed and kissed her. "Go back to sleep babe."

Too late, she was wide awake now. "Well I slept for like 12 hours. I'm not tired anymore." Feeling mischievous and needing to relieve some stress, she climbed on top of Justin and began kissing him. "It's been a bad day, and I just want to forget." Pulling down his briefs, Justin flipped them over so he was on top. He missed her so much, and now that she was home with little to no obligations for quite some time he was excited to spend time with her when he could.

It didn't take long for them to come apart. Her gasping for air as he released with a groan, collapsing on her. After a few minutes, he rolled off. "Fuck I missed you." She cuddled up to him. "Same. I'm so glad I'm home. Did you win your game?" Feeling bad that she missed it. He nodded. "Yeah we won in overtime."

"Good." She paused, deciding to rip the band-aid off. "So Deacon Rodgers can't do the ceremony."

"Huh?" Justin didn't expect that to be the post sex convo. He looked over and rolled so he faced her. "What are you talking about? He was supposed to come visit us." She laughed. "Funny I said the same thing, but apparently last minute family issues."

"I don't see how that affects us. We are getting married in May."

"That's what I thought, but apparently now it's short notice to find someone."

"So what does that mean?" She shook her head. "I don't know. Do you know anyone who can officiate a wedding?" Justin shook his head. "I mean can't we hire a judge or something? Or Google someone?"

"I mean yeah, but can we find someone who would be willing to sign a NDA about us and our guests?"

"Good point." Sara sighed. "I just want to be married." He nodded. She cuddled closer to him. "Let's do it."

"Huh?"

"You have a Victory monday?" He nodded. "We won. So yeah."

"Let's go to the courthouse tomorrow and do it."

"But what about the wedding?"

"We can still do that. We will just have two dates." He laughed. "Sara, no."

"Huh?" He kissed her. "You told me before that you didn't like the idea of two anniversaries. Plus when we say our vows, I want them to be known to everyone that it's you and me."

Sara smiled. "You're right. It just sucks. We said small, and it's not shaping up that way. So many people are able to make this trip or want to come and it's just alot."

"We could scale it back, tell them to get lost." She chuckled. "Oh yeah Mr. Nice guy. Tell everyone to beat it." He laughed. "We could lie about the venue and We can figure this out tomorrow." He yawned. "I'm tired." Sara, still restless from the sleep schedule, threw off her covers and slipped on a big band t-shirt. Justin frowned. "Where are you going?"

"I'm hungry, and I forgot to feed the cats their dinner!" On cue, both cats meowed loudly. "Just give them a few treats and come back quickly." He yawned again. Sara nodded,she wasn't going to do that.

Going into the kitchen, Sara took out their raw foods with their treats and goat milk. Once their bowls were filled, Sara grabbed boxed Mac and cheese and began making it. While she waited for the water to boil, she pulled out her laptop and began looking at their private wedding website. She edited the preacher's name off of the party section and looked at the timeline for the day. She still had to have a practice run for hair and makeup. Oh god she didn't even know how she wanted her hair! She would have to incorporate the heirloom hair piece somehow!

At this point she was assembling the Mac and cheese on autopilot. While eating she was searching for other things to incorporate at the reception. Photo booth, the lights on the dance floor-

"You do realize this is what we have a wedding planner for right?" She looked up from the laptop to see Justin with a sleepy smile. She nodded. "I know, I just don't want to seem like an uninvolved bridezilla. I want this wedding to scream 'us'." Justin came around the counter and wrapped his arms around her. Pressing a kiss on top of her head. "I know baby, it will, and I'm off so the rest of the day we can sit down and go over everything. We are way ahead of schedule, you know." She nodded, yawning again. He grabbed the bowl and scooped what was left from the pot in the bowl to store in the fridge for now. Once everything was cleaned up he carried her to bed. Climbing on top of her he told her. "You know if you aren't tired I could go for another round." He smirked.

She smiled. "Ehh I could take care of myself. You need your sleep." She tried to roll over but Justin grinded his hips into hers and she moaned. "Absolutely not too tired for this." He smashed his lips to hers and she moaned, wrapping her legs around his waist. Justin was grateful she forgot to slip on underwear as it was easier access. She moaned once Justin was inside of her. "Fuck I love you." He whispered in her ear and he began thrusting, her too breathy to reply back to him.

As she lost herself in pleasure, she knew everything would be okay, because in the end her and Justin would be married and that was all she wanted.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------

"What did I miss?" Sara was out of breath as she took her seat in the box. AnnSophie shrugged as she handed Sara a glass of wine. "Ehh nothing much, Jets are up by a field goal." It was the wild card game against the Jets, and Sara was nervous. Playoff season put her on edge and for good reason. It caused her to stress eat, which wasn't good because Valentino rep was supposed to come by next week for another full fitting for her dress. She saw Joe was fixing up a plate of food for his heavily pregnant wife. "Isn't Alisha like due to give birth any day?" Sara questioned as she saw her friend waddle over to grab the plate.

Joe looked over, hearing his friend. "Yes! And I'm on edge thank you very much! I was going to watch the game at home, but she wanted to go and you try arguing with a pregnant woman."

After a few glasses of wine, Sara made her way to the buffet table. AnnSophie was filling her plate. Having taken a break from modeling and stepping into behind the scenes of fashion since marrying Joey she was able to relax on dieting and other things.

However Sara was paying close attention to her friend and bridesmaid. She took no sips of her wine, and was avoiding certain foods at the table and yawning alot. Sara had never been pregnant, but AnnSophie had, and she remembered her friend's symptoms from the first time around. At halftime she cornered her by the buffet while she was chowing down on the Caprese salad.(AnnSophie hated tomatoes) "alright spill it, is Lexi going to be a big sister?"

AnnSophie pursed her lips for a moment, then sighed. "Okay I'm 8 weeks, I was going to tell you next week at the fitting. I promise I could still fit in my dress and I'll take care of any alterations." Sara stopped. "I'm so happy for you and Joey!" She hugged her friends. "Does anyone else know?"

Her friend shook her head. "No, we haven't even told his parents or brother and my family…." She trailed off. Sara smiled. "I swear I won't, I'm so excited for you guys and Lexi!"

The blonde laughed. "We haven't told her yet. Joey is worried that she is going to start asking where babies come from."

As they discussed the pregnancy in secret, they were interrupted by the game starting again. The Chargers were up by a touchdown, but before halftime, the Jets were close to the goal line.

It was a tough game, but the Chargers won, and Sara greeted Justin and they went back to the house to cuddle with the cats.

Sara had a good feeling about this year.

—--------------‐—-------------------------------------------------------

"THE LOS ANGELES CHARGERS ARE HEADING TO SUPER BOWL 59 IN NEW ORLEANS!" The announcer yelled as Sara and the WAGS went crazy in their seats. Sporting their customer made jackets with their guys name and number on the back. She had gotten the idea from Alyssa who said that every hockey team did a jacket for the wives in playoff season. Sara got Pierpaolo to design a navy blue jacket with the bolt logo, and on the back with the name and number.

It was a hit with the Chargers WAGs and the NFL, and people wanted the jackets to be put up for sale. Justin always loved Sara in his jerseys, so when he saw her in his jacket he loved it.

As she and Justin's family made it down to the field, she decided to stay off to the side and let Justin’s family share the joy and excitement on camera as Erin Andrews interviewed him. She looked around, the joy and celebration of everyone. She smiled as she saw Joey swing both AnnSophie and Lexi around, being careful of a pregnancy that was now public knowledge as of last week.

Sara couldn't help but think of a couple of years ago, when she watched Justin defeated at the Jags loss. Every announcer shitting on him and the team, questioning him and his capabilities. How heartbroken she was, then upset with the article and heartbreak of them splitting.

Now they were here, Justin was going to be playing in the superbowl, they were engaged to be married in less than six months. It all seemed like a dream, and she was going to wake up in her home and realize the last couple of years didn't happen-"

"Sara!" She broke free of her daydream and realized she was being lifted up into the air and swung around by her fiancé. Wrapping her legs around him he kissed her, and soon there was a swarm of cameramen and television stations surrounding them, capturing a very rare moment between them. Setting her down, they were met with a Los Angeles Fox news reporter wanting to ask Justin questions. She went to leave but Justin grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him, an action that didn't go unnoticed by everyone who knew them.

Justin's large arm was wrapped around her the entire time as he was answering questions about the game, and all of that. Finally the reporter addressed Sara. "Sara, how excited are you to witness Justin and his team reach the superbowl?"

It was funny because being a veteran at Award shows and live interviews it was a totally different ballgame being on the field. Sports wasn't what she was known for, and seeing all of this surrounded her made her nervous. "Yes it's so exciting, I'm so proud of Justin and his teammates. It's a long season, and these guys played their hearts out. To see them being rewarded for all of their hard work it's such a great experience and I couldn't be prouder." She looked up and met Justin's eyes and they shared a smile.

"Well no matter what happens in New Orleans you will be getting a ring for sure." They all laughed, and Justin thanked the reporter before going to celebrate.

They took pictures on the field. Sara and Justin, then Justin and his family, and Sara and Justin with his family. It would be given that some members of her family would fly out to the superbowl.

The celebration back in the locker room was insane. They were in Kansas City, so they couldn't do too much damage, but the music was blasting, champagne was flowing and spilling, and someone was handing out cigars and cigarettes. AnnSophie took Lexi home, not wanting both her and her kids to be exposed to that. Sara took a cigarette and lit it up. Justin gave her a look as he wasn't smoking. She pointed at him, "I don't want to hear anything. I'm under a lot of stress and trying to relax." He left it alone, but she knew she would get some sort of lecture later.

Sara made sure Justin enjoyed the moment. Watching him joke around and dance with teammates. It was a perfect scene, and so far, life couldn't get better than this.

—---------------------------------------------------------------

The weeks leading up to the big game were insane. Sara made travel arrangements for her family to travel to Louisiana. Almost everyone besides Alyssa and Brent were attending. Her parents would be staying behind with the grandkids as Brittany, Katie and their husband's would be attending.

Then the Lady Chargers decided to throw Sara and another Bride a joint bridal shower. It was very sweet, and once again Sara found herself lugging gifts.

In between all of the sanity, she threw complete wedding control to the planner and her mom. She wrote down her major requests for the wedding after party and food. It was out of her hands until the game was finished. While Justin was packing in between practices and getting ready for the send off rally. Eugene decided to break his foot, so he had to be rushed to the vet and be put in a cast. Luckily, her assistant volunteered to stay behind to take care of the cats,as she was fond of them both being around Sara often.

Her stylist picked her superbowl outfit, and her hair and makeup artists would be making sure she looked pristine as well.

Before they knew it, Justin and his team boarded the plane to Louisiana while she and the other WAGS tended to last minute things. Luckily the Chargers team let the WAGS and their families private planes to travel.

It was the last day before she was set to leave. Her bags were packed, hotel arrangements were made and she was to set out at 8am the next morning to pick up AnnSophie and Lexi.

While she was waiting for her assistant to show up to pick up the cats her doorbell rang. Figuring it was her fiancés manager she ran to let her in. However it was the last person she expected to see.

Latrell was the latest addition to her team, he was a lawyer who specialized in finances, recommended by Katie. He was sharp, all business, and he never cracked a smile or laughed. Justin told her he made him feel uneasy.

"Hello Ms. Wozniak. May I come in?" He never called her by her name, no matter how many requests she's made. "Um, actually it's a bad time since I'm getting everything ready for tomorrow."

"Yes, I know about your super bowl trip. Congratulations to Mr. Herbert by the way. You must all feel very proud." She nodded. "We are all so proud. Now if you don't mind, what does this concern?"

He sighed and entered the home. Putting his briefcase on the couch he opened it and pulled out a stack of papers. "I've been trying to contact you since the news of your engagement, but you've been impossible to schedule a sit down appointment with, so I took the liberty to draw this up."

Sara shook her head confused. "I apologize, but I don't know what is so urgent that it couldn't wait til after the wedding." He stopped and gave her a hard look, and she felt like she was a child about to be given a lecture by her dad. "I hardly think a prenuptial agreement could wait till after the marriage documents are signed, correct?"

She couldn't say anything. She hadn't even thought about it. Her and Justin were worth tons of money. Sara did have generational wealth, and technically was due to inherit property from her parents and a generous lump sum of money.

Justin would never take that from her IF they divorced. But then again he did break up with her.

But that was so long ago…..

It was only two years ago….

"Ms. Wozniak?" Sara snapped out of her daydream. "I'm sorry Latrell, I wasn't purposely ignoring you, but I hadn't thought about that really."

He nodded. "That's why I'm here. I took the liberty of discussing matters with Justin’s team. They were trying to reach him, but to no avail." It made her feel good to know that she wasn't going to be the one blindsided by this. Latrell continued. "I drew up a basic agreement, anything money, property accumulated before your marriage will remain yours and vice versa. The California laws of a 50-50 marriage will not apply In the event of a divorce. If Mr. Herbert commits infidelity you will be entitled to half of his earnings during the marriage. Your future c-"

"Woah woah" Sara put her hands up. "I really appreciate this Latrell, but I think this should be a matter I discuss with my future husband, don't you think?"

"No offense Ms. Wozniak, I anticipate the next few months you are not going to have time to sit down and discuss this with Mr. Herbert."

"Well I'm not signing anything without reviewing this, and having Justin here is important. I'm sorry but this will have to wait."

Latrell shrugged and went to the door. "Suit yourself, but Sara, you guys aren't any average couple. It is in your best interest that your net worth of fifty million is protected. Don't you think so?"

She nodded. "I'll call you." She saw him at the door and bid goodbye.

This was the last thing she needed right now.

—------------------------------------------------------------

"Holy shit this is insane." Rachel Joseph-Day was looking around in awe. They were all seated towards the back in the first level of the stadium. Sara had never been to New Orleans, so this was an amazing experience.

She had been in contact with Justin through the phone, the tables had switched for the media obligations. Justin was the main star, which she knew he hated. He was very poised in all of his media, even answering a few questions about her that he knew they were going to ask.

She knew people thought it was weird that they hadn't posted publicly about each other. The only crumble they gave were liking each other's posts or being tagged in friends' postings. It worked for them, and love wasn't dead because they were private to the whole world. Private not secret

During the pregame show her nerves were growing. Fellow celebs were taking their seats, stopping to say a few words of congratulations and good luck.

Her nerves calmed once Justin's family arrived. They were sitting behind her, as the other wives and girlfriends were taking up two rows next to them were her family, and Justin's coach from Oregon. They all talked before she and Katie decided to get snacks for people who wanted them

The concession stands were busy, and people stopped to take videos of Sara walking, and some influencers stopped her for photos. "I know I've seen you be all famous, but it's still weird seeing you like this. To me you will always be the emo dork who would steal my makeup." Sara laughed as she was in line. "Yeah be lucky I stole all of the tits so I couldn't steal your shirts!"

Once they ordered they began to walk back to their area when they heard a voice. "Hello Sara."

She froze, she recognized that condescending, bitchy tone. She looked next to her and sure enough it was the NFL's very own Taylor. "Hi Taylor. Always good to see you again." Sara took the cordial route. It was all petty high school drama anyway.

The blonde huffed. "Wish I could say the same." Sara sighed. "Well it was nice seeing you." She went to walk away.

"Your outfit is a little weird don't ya think?" Sara looked at her sister,who was concerned. "Katie, this is Taylor, the one I told you about." Her sisters face hardened. "So nice to meet you Taylor, I've heard a lot about you."

"Good things?"

"Not really." Sara had to hold back a laugh. Taylor continued. "I really admire your baby sister, she has perseverance. I mean no matter how pathetic she looks she keeps going!"

"Listen bi-" Sara held her hand up to stop her sister. "Listen Taylor. I don't know what your problem is, we are almost in our thirties. Well, I am. Can't you grow up just a bit? You're just upset you didn't get to me, and I got the ring in the end." She held her hand up to show the sparkler. "See? It's over. I'm marrying Justin this summer and you're just mad because it isn't you." Taylor was speechless, Sara saw there were a few people looking. "It was so nice seeing you! Enjoy the game!" She gave the old friends appearance wave and walked back to the seat.

Katie smiled. "I'm so fucking proud of you. That was so mature-"

"I should have accidentally spilled something on her." Sara cut in.

"Well there goes my compliment about you being mature." They both laughed.

From her seat, she had a view of the press on the field. She saw Taylor, who was now using her position to be on the sidelines for most likely the entire game. They met eyes, and once again Sara's left hand went up to move a piece of hair from her face. The blonde scowled and looked away.

Before the group all knew it, the lights dimmed and the announcer came on, ready for the introductions. The Chargers were wearing the powder blue yellow pants combination. Sara loved the yellow pants, as it showed off everything.

Once everyone was on the field and they did their usual theriatrics it was officially time for the game to begin.

Sara felt like she wanted to throw up.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Four minutes on the clock, do you think they can score and avoid OT?" Taylor Pipkens spoke as she was nervously tapping her nails against her drink. Sara had an urge to bite her acrylics, but she knew her mom would bitch her out if she was caught on TV. They were watching at home with the kids.

The Cowboys were resilient, constantly on the Chargers back and taking a slight lead in the third quarter, however Prescott threw a costly interception that tied them up.

Now the clock was winding down, and the Chargers had the ball. The punt return didn't give them much help as the Dallas defense seemed to have a second wind.

Sara and the group were in their own little world. A few times she was shown on the jumbotron and the major broadcasting channels flashed to her downing a glass of wine, which Heidi messaged her that she was now a meme on Twitter, she didn't see the tons of messages her friends texted her. She would be fighting for her life in the group chat the next morning. She'd worry about that later.

So far Justin decided to run to get a few first downs, and they were almost in the red zone. She couldn't sit down, she was standing up, as well as the other wives and Chargers fans. It had been quite the time since it was announced that the Cowboys would be facing the Chargers. She had been getting death threats and hate messages. Some were good natured ribbing, but there were some that definitely got blocked.

There was two minutes left as Justin threw to Mike, who got stopped at the five yard line. It was now second down, and everyone in their section held their breath as Justin dropped back, a quick search and he threw to Quentin in the end zone, who caught it easily despite being covered by the Cowboys safety.

"Yes!" Everyone erupted at once. High fives were passed around, and Sara hugged people she didn't even know. Reaching over to high five Mark and Holly, there was 1:10 left, and it was up to the defense to stop Dak.

She had faith. Joey had been playing amazingly, so much that he was named the top defensive player. It was wonderful that despite the bullshit he faced from the outside world, he came back and proved everyone wrong.

Unfortunately, The punt was good, and the Cowboys started at the Chargers 40 yard line. "I think I'm going to throw up." Sara spoke to herself.

"You know if mom sees you, you are getting it. You know mom hates that more than anything." Brittany laughed and she realized her hands were in her mouth. "Sorry." She muttered.

It was third down, and as Dak tried to run, Joey anticipated his move, and down the quarterback went and the ball came loose.

It was all slow motion for Sara as she saw a sea of blue dive for the ball.

"They got it!" Mitch yelled! And tears began to stream down Sara's face as the team celebrated.

That was it

The Chargers were Superbowl champions!

The clock ran out, and powder blue and yellow confetti began shooting all over the stadium. The next few minutes was all a blur for Sara as she was passed around for hugs. Holly was in tears as the whole Herbert family was. AnnSophie was holding Lexi tight with Joey's mom and brother.

The usher got them and escorted them down to the sidelines to watch Roger Godell present the Lombardi trophy to Justin. Through the blur of her tears she saw him raise it up as she was taking video after video.

Once they were allowed on the field. Justin immediately reached for her and picked her up, swinging her around. This time, the tears flowed between both of them. After sharing a passionate kiss Sara spoke. "I love you so much! I'm so proud of you! I mean look." She gestured to the celebrations around them. "This is all for you!"

He nodded. "It is for all of us, including you." She shook her head. "We will argue about that later." He put her down and greeted his family. Holly began taking the confetti and stuffing some in her purse.

"Justin! The NFL network wants to interview you." Ashley guided Justin towards Taylor with the microphone and the cameraman. Before Justin could reach her he turned around and grabbed Sara's hand pulling her towards him. Her eyes widened. "No Justin, this is your moment."

"We are doing this together." Taylor's eyes were as wide as saucers as the couple approached. "Okay we are on in three, two, one."

Taylor had to conceal her shock. "I'm here with Justin Herbert, the superbowl MVP. Justin, how important is this win to the city of Los Angeles?"

He smiled. "It's big, the fans in LA and San Diego have deserved this for so long, and to get back on the plane and bring it home is exciting."

"Justin that final play of the game, what was the atmosphere? Was there any panic?" It was obvious that Taylor was going to act like she wasn't there, so Sara angled herself off camera as much as she could (Justin's arm was still around her) so she could greet other members of his family. She didn't hear his response but was pulled back by the blonde's next question

"I'm sure any off season plans will have to be delayed this summer."

"No, it will just make it more exciting. He looked at Sara who smiled back. "We got to get another ring in a few months. So it will be a great off season."

"Well congratulations again." They both didn't miss the bite in Taylor's voice. Once they were out of ear shot they busted out laughing.

Eventually, Justin and the team went to get changed and ready to head out for a night on the town.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Annie!! I love our baby but I wish you weren't pregnant right now!" Joey smiled as he took a swig of champagne. His wife rolled her eyes. "Someone has to keep your ass in check. I'll probably be heading back towards the hotel to relieve the babysitter soon."

In New Orleans fashion, a parade down Bourbon street was held. The team and their families were walking down the street to the cheers of the crowd. Even the ones with kids were there, although the celebration was anything but appropriate.

"You realize we are going to have to get on a plane hungover tomorrow?" Sara giggled as she took a sip of champagne from the bottle."

Justin chuckled. "Baby I think you had way more than I did." He adjusted the championship hat on her head.

People were popping champagne, others were popping confetti cannons. The scene was chaotic, and beautiful in some way. Jazz bands were playing, and people were dancing in the streets, not even caring about football, just wanting to enjoy the party atmosphere.

Fireworks began going off, and Justin was lost in the moment, Sara was dancing and laughing at a comment Mike yelled. It was a high he never wanted to let go off. He had everything he ever wanted, well except one thing and he couldn't wait till May.

Grabbing his fiancé's hand he pulled her off to the side. "Justin what's wrong?"

"Let's get married." She began giggling and he was confused. "What?"

"Justin we are!" She showed him her ring. "Remember? Are you sure you haven't had too many…"

It was his turn to laugh. "I mean tomorrow when we go home. Let's go to the courthouse and get married."

She sobered up quickly. "I thought you said…"

"I know what I said, and I was wrong, I don't want to wait another moment without you being my wife. I love you and I want to marry you as soon as possible." He grabbed her hand. "If you want to."

She thought about it. Her team would be upset, their families would be upset. But it wasn't about them.

"Let's do it."

A/N: I had to bust this up into two parts because it was wayyy too long. But what do you think? Should they marry at the courthouse or just wait til their actual wedding?

#justin herbert #alexa writes collide #Sara and Justin canon #nfl imagines

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mllemaenad · 4 months

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The Magnus Protocol: Well Run

That was ... pretty blatant. Freddy basically did the old pantomime bit: "She's behind you!"

Okay, so: Sam and Celia are going to the theatre, and they are going to see The Pillowman. Now, I have not seen The Pillowman (as Sam suggests, theatre tickets are expensive), but it is a black comedy about a man who is arrested when the details of a series of murders appear to be drawn from the plots of his stories.

It seems a stretch to relate the whole plot, but there's a lot here about a fuzzy line between fiction and reality.

The most obvious connection there is Mr Bonzo: he's a character whose pranks, while disturbing from the get go, have now transitioned into brutal murders. However, Mr Bonzo is not in this story: an unnamed caterer is.

The story ends with the caterer discovering that Lady Mowbray is, in fact, right behind him, ready to conclude her hunt. At which point Celia discovers that Lady Mowbray is also right behind her, and perhaps ready to begin another. Fiction blends into reality, and Freddy uses the story to shout a warning.

And the thing about the caterer guy is that he had another life – another identity – and that life was violent and disturbing. It seems to have been a long time ago (he mentions having worked with his current crew "for years"), and he seems to have been actively distancing himself from it.

I've got a pin in this guy, too, as a possible member of Starkwall. Now, to be clear, he has definitely served in the military, and there is absolutely no reason a military man might not have had multiple roles. But the only thing he explicitly connects to his military service is a familiarity with cooking for the kind of people who fundamentally believe they are better than everyone around them.

I don’t know how else to describe her. This big, imposing, like – some Roman statue brought to life and given a gun. I kept thinking of my army days, cooking for the top brass. She had the same eyes, like they didn’t see people any more, just “assets” and “resistance.” – The Magnus Protocol: Well Run

His other assertions, about knowing how to kill, and what it feels like to face down a gun, are made entirely context free. And the caterer ran. My, did he run. He notes at the beginning that the event for the which this nightmare was the catalyst took place "a couple of months ago", and he's been evading his pursuers ever since. Lady Mowbray seems to be particular in her choice of prey – she had no interest in hunting the caterer's staff herself – and I am not sure I believe that just any military man would have suited her. There's a whiff of "infamous massacre" about this one.

And it goes back to the blur between fiction and reality, because this whole thing is a pretty straightforward allusion to The Most Dangerous Game, in which a bored, exiled aristocrat hunts men for sport. While the caterer is significantly less eloquent than Rainsford, it's hard not to see the similarity between the description of General Zaroff and Lady Mowbray:

Rainsford's first impression was that the man was singularly handsome; his second was that there was an original, almost bizarre quality about the general's face. He was a tall man past middle age, for his hair was a vivid white; but his thick eyebrows and pointed military moustache were as black as the night from which Rainsford had come. His eyes, too, were black and very bright. He had high cheek bones, a sharp-cut nose, a spare, dark face, the face of a man used to giving orders, the face of an aristocrat. Turning to the giant in uniform, the general made a sign. The giant put away his pistol, saluted, withdrew. – The Most Dangerous Game, Richard Connell

Although if I'm honest, right now my mental image of Lady Mowbray is "Audrey from To the Manor Born decides shooting her way back into the house is a socially acceptable move", and that is almost certainly not what they are going for here.

So if we're talking about stories, why is that relevant? Well, Lady Mowbray is fascinated by Celia.

Lady Mowbray My, we are an odd one, aren’t we? [She sniffs again, exhales.] Lady Mowbray And braver than we look. Celia (low, steady) You’re not allowed to be in here. Lady Mowbray I was invited. [The dogs’ growling intensifies.] Lady Mowbray A fine specimen… strong and… different… [Another inhale, exhale, slow] What is that…? – The Magnus Protocol: Well Run

And it is at least plausible, at the moment, that Celia herself is a character from a story. Specifically, she is a character from The Magnus Archives.

If she is that Celia, Lady Mowbray is right: she is indeed remarkable. She was one of only a handful of people to escape a torture chamber in a world run by eldritch gods, and live free. Granted, she had help, but that does not make her less unusual.

And if she is that Celia, that means she is also Lynne Hammond, a woman who was almost absurdly pragmatic about being haunted by a burning woman.

Lynne I mean… she burned me a bit. Martin Oh! Oh wow! Okay, er, like, are you okay? Did you – Lynne Oh. Martin Was there, was there a lot of damage? Are you – Is there…? Lynne No, no, no. It’s… er, just, just a few hairs. My right arm. I mean they, they’ve grown back. Martin Like, like a few hairs? So then… And then she disappeared and you…? Lynne I went back to sleep. [MARTIN GATHERS HIMSELF WITH A LONG INTAKE OF BREATH] Martin Right. Erm… And, well, then what happened? So, y’know, y’know, you’ve been burned by this, mys-mysterious ghost, so what did you do? Lynne I mean, I moved out. Martin And nothing… nothing since then? Lynne Well, no. I’ve, I’ve moved. – The Magnus Archives: I Guess You Had to Be There

In that case, Celia, like the caterer, has another identity she has left behind her. And while she is no killer (as far as we know), she is very much a survivor. I mean – what do you even do with that? The lady faced down a burning ghost and then went back to sleep.

Of course that's all speculation. Celia could be someone else entirely. But even if that is so, I think it is still true that she has left some life behind her.

Celia And before you ask, no, there’s no dad on the scene, not even sure who he is. I had a… couple of wild years after I moved here. It was a really weird time for me, but somehow I got lucky enough to come out of it all with him. – The Magnus Protocol: Futures

There's a story in all that – one she has not told all of yet. Lady Mowbray wants to hunt, sure, but her particular interest seems to be in bringing people's pasts back to haunt them.

But if the episode's case is directed at Celia, Alice is nevertheless the main character of this one.

There's a ... lot going on there, and it's almost hard to track which pieces fit with which others. There's a lot of watery imagery even before we get to the point of the matter: Luke's bands are called "Dredgerman" and "Penny for the Well", and the beer they order, Doom Bar, which is apparently real (I know nothing about beer except that it tastes revolting), draws its name from a treacherous sandbar that was apparently cursed by a pissed off mermaid.

The most obvious connection to all of this is Marked, although it's hard to tell if this is a power-themed manifestation (something is into drowning), or if this is more directly related to Ink5oul's tattoo-related grave robbery. Alice doesn't mention tattoos – not on her brother and not on the victim, but that's hardly conclusive as she clearly has other things on her mind.

None of that is what really interests me, though. I'm more interested in the meta level of how these stories are told. And there are two here, even if one is short and bleak: the tale of the caterer on the run, and the tale of the drowning victim's last gasp.

Because this goes back to the nature of stories again.

The first interesting thing is the tape recorder. Because the tape recorder is a choice. Alice is there, with her phone, and whoever is listening does not use that. It can use Alice's phone – it does in the scene with her brother – but just now it isn't recording Alice. It's recording the drowning victim, and Alice happens to be there. And for that, it pulls out a tape recorder. So why for this?

The second thing is the way the stories are told. Both narrators are astonishingly coherent, and this is especially true for the victim, who in theory had too much water in her lungs to even talk.

Now, obviously this is how these stories work. I believe at least some inspiration for the style was drawn from M R James, so there's nothing surprising in the use of that particular style, with a lot of incidental details included by the narrator to set the scene and build up to the horror over time.

However: a) not all stories in The Magnus Protocol are like that, with some taking a more fragmented format, as they're told through emails or forum posts and b) there was eventually an in universe explanation for why people in The Magnus Archives talked like that – the Archivist was able to draw out their stories.

There's no direct connection between the way the two characters tell their stories: the caterer seems to be using a tip-off line for a newspaper, and the drowning victim is talking to a tape recorder that shouldn't be there.

But both find a voice to tell their tale that they really should not have. Not in their current circumstances. You see it in Futures, as well: Darrien starts out with a completely expected angry customer rant. But after a little bit, he drops into that habit of telling his life's story, of all the context that brought him to this point. He was talking to a support line.

So ... it's the tech. That power that John had, and Gertrude before him, it's in the tech. And not just in one app or phone or spooky tape recorder. It seems to be in everything. And it's powerful enough that it can compel a dead woman to speak.

That's interesting.

#the magnus protocol #the magnus protocol spoilers #the magnus archives

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echantedtoon · 11 months

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Demon Bride Ch30 Red Shines Bright Tonight

(WARNINGS!!: Possibly some innuendos. Mentioning of the Red Light District but THIS WILL ABSOLUTELY STAY SFW AND NONE OF 'THAT STUFF' WILL EVEN BE MENTIONED!! IT. WILL. STAY. S F W!!! Rui being a bit sick. Gyutaro habits of clawing and scratching himself, Gyutaro putting himself down, and possible mentions of blood. Not sure if this last one does count as something that should be warned about, but just in case be warned of Gyutaro's body description. Attempted kidnapping and forced marriage. Slight mention of toxic relationships. Gyutaro gets verbally bullied and has a few things thrown at him. Reader kos someone with a kick to a very unpleasant spot. A bit of spilt blood. Enmu IS his own warning.

If you don't know who Tengen's Brother is there's a picture of him above. Image is not mine.)

The streets tonight were too bright and too noisy for your senses that never experienced such a thing.

You had to brace yourself in the alley with deep breaths before with one last determined face, you braced yourself and marched out towards the crowd. Ok. You could do this. Even slipping in beside the people who you didn't know and would never know. All you had to do right now was find the doctor. Find the doctor. This place must've had a doctor somewhere! There couldn't be a district this big without having a doctor amongst them! Now only if you could find them.

You stopped in the middle of a busy street. As not one but two thoughts hit you.

Where was the doctor?! You had no idea where he was or how to get there!! And further more...HOW WERE YOU SUPPOSED TO GET THE MEDICINE?! You didn't have any money on you or anything else you could pay for it. .. Your hand reached up your body to gently touch the magatama charm on your neck. A gift from Kaigaku. ...He already used two of the expensive charms as bargaining chips to get you here. Could you use this the same way? No. No you couldn't. Kaigaku gave it to you in good faith as a gift. You couldn't go behind his back and trade it away, and you still had to give it back to him somehow. So that left you with nothing... Perhaps you could trade the weapon?? No. Who'd believe you if you said it was a demon's weapon? And it'd be a too dangerous idea. ...So all that was left was thievery. You didn't like that idea, but what you didn't like more was the fact that Rui was sick again. So if you had to steal, then you'd have to do it. For Rui. But you'd worry about that part later, right now you had to find out the whereabouts of said doctor.

Your eyes scanned around the crowd of people walking around or constantly bumping against yourself. Bright lights from lanterns and and candles given the buildings a warm glow against the dark night sky. If it weren't so crowded it might've been the perfect night for a walk. The buildings all looked similar to one another with many stalls and men shouting at others to come and buy their superior goods. The smells of all kinds of food and perfumes littering the air. It could be easy to get lost around here. Every direction your head spun saw the same things. Everything looked the same from your point of view. So in a bold move on your half, you reached out and grabbed a random woman's arm. In an instant she turned her head towards you...and blinked looking very surprised.

"E-Excuse me, Miss. I really don't want to bother you but can you please tell me where I can find a doctor around here?," You asked slightly worried and quickly. "My friend really needs medicine but I'm lost here."

The woman in the blue hat blinked again before smiling politely. "Oh. Of course." She turned her head slightly upwards and to the right. "It's directly ahead and to the right five streets over. You should have no problem finding it on the fifth street as it's the only building with a sign on the front there."

You smiled. That wasn't too far from here! You could go and be back in less than an hour! Perfect! "Thank you! Thank you so much!" With a small bow in thanks you turned on your heels and began to quickly walk away where the lady had pointed unaware of the figures suddenly appearing next to her.

"What a disgraceful action. Touching the Mistress of our kind with such filthy human hands."

"Yahaba, don't be so rude. She just needed directions."

"Hmph. Still..Are you sure you'd rather not have us track her down and eliminate her?"

"For asking directions? Don't be absurd. Come along now. My daughter's waiting for us."

People bumped and knocked against your form as you weaved through the masses quickly. All the way down the street she said. People and figures blurred past you as you pushed past nearly running through them all but being tightly packed together like a herd of sheep made it difficult to do, but eventually you did make it to the very end of the street which split off into many other streets but you turned right. And five streets over. The fifth one should be where the doctor's home resided. You went straight through. The same thing as before greeted you. Many people walking around closely more cramped than an over flowing milk bucket, making it difficult for you to see or get by them when all they did was shove you around and give you mean looks for 'daring to bump into them'. Maybe they shouldn't just barrel their way through the streets and act like civilized people! Your brain however did manage to keep track of the streets you pushed slowly past. One, two- With each street the scent of strong perfume got stronger and stronger and there was less and less shops and stalls. Three- There was no more shops now other than ones that looked like they sold things like expensive looking kimonos or make up or hairpins, etc. Everything a woman would enjoy and one or two inns. No more street vendors were calling out to come buy anything except for a woman who stood with a cart of perfume bottles. Four-

"Ah!!" You suddenly found yourself falling and with a thud landed face first on the ground when something tripped your leg.

"Watch where you're going, Wench."

You sputtered shaking your head and looked up just in time to catch the back of a black haired man walking right past your head and disappear into the crowd. You laid there for a moment blinking before scowling at where the man disappeared at. Sheesh! Was everyone around here just an asshole? Your face scowled as you got up muttering, and you would've stood up if something shiny on the ground hadn't caught your eye. You paused on your knees as the lantern lights made something on the ground shine. A teeny tiny piece of yellow shimmered at you from the dirt. Instinctively you blinked at it for a moment before reaching to pluck it out of the ground and your jaw nearly dropped eyes going wide. HOLY GODS!! IT WAS A GOLD COIN!! This shiny slightly dirty coin looked totally different than the regular coins you saved up all your life to pay back Genya and Sanemi. This coin was pure gold by the weight of it in your hand and how shiny it was. You'd never seen one up close before but here you were with a precious coin in your hands-

Wait a minute.

YOU COULD USE THIS TO PAY FOR THE MEDICINE!! Your eyes lit up. With a coin like this you'd be able to buy Rui the best medicine the doctor had without having to steal it! This was perfect! Although you did wonder how such a precious coin was just left on the ground like this...A rich person must've dropped it here. Oh well. Yours now. And that doctor was just one street over from you now. You'd be able to get there and get back to Rui sooner than you thought! With a new smile you pushed yourself off the ground and stood before continuing on your way with the coin firmly gripped in your fist. Five- You were expecting a crowd of people to be walking around in this street same as all the others you've encountered but was surprised to find instead a wall of people just standing still. ...That was odd. It made you pause briefly before you just shook your head and just pushed your way into the crowd earning you a few glares and insults in the process. Didn't matter. Rui needed that medicine! However what you weren't expecting was to push through the other side and nearly fall face first into a cleared street.

...You blinked. Wha-..What was going on?

The entire middle of the street had been cleared and what looked to be two giant crowds of men and women lined the street on either side. As if something was blocking them from crossing with each other. What was stopping them? Did something happen just now? You then looked up the street and immediately knew the reason why.

Slowly coming towards you was a parade of people. And smack dab in the middle of them all was a woman. The most beautiful woman you had ever seen. She glowed under the lantern lights like a beacon of beauty, slow steady steps she took gracefully step after step slowly but surely as if she was dancing, by the way she was doing so you knew she must've done this countless times before. Her makeup and hair done perfectly. Her robes the fanciest you've ever seen yet so beautifully matched perfectly with her complexion. But what struck you the most about her was her eyes. Her eyes were the most striking beautiful shade of blue you've ever seen a human have. In a way they weren't human, not with the way they shined in the light. However her demeanor was... Strange. As she got closer you could see the thin lipped frown on her face and slightly annoyed look in her eyes. As if she didn't want to be here, but yet at the same time there was something... Powerful almost scarily heavy about her body despite how graceful she moved. Entranced by the new sight you only stopped and stared as she ever so slowly and gracefully walked by not giving anyone in the crowd a second glance as she did. Your head slowly turning with everyone else as she passed and continued up the street with her escorts.

"Who was that?," You mumbled out to yourself.

"That is the Oiran Warabihime." You jumped at the sudden voice before turning to blink at a young man next to you who smiled. "She is the most beautiful and important woman in the district. By the looks of it she's off to greet a wealthy customer. I just wonder who it could be?"

You blinked at the man before looking back at the retreating parade. An...Oiran? That would certainly explain her. Wait...If THAT person just now was an Oiran, and she was here...Your eyes widened and twisted around you seeing the many many fancily dressed women watching the Oiran from the buildings and streets. OH NO!! This was 'THAT' part of the district you didn't WANT to be in! Was there really a doctor here? Or did you goof up and make a wrong turn somewhere. In a small bit of panic you turned back to the man in question.

"Is there a doctor on this street?!"

The man looked away from the Oiran surprised slightly before blinking. "A doctor? Not currently no."

"What do you mean by that?!"

He shrugged. "He was called out two days ago to the far side of the district. A really bad string of food poisoning broke out I heard and he hasn't been back yet."

"WHAT?!"

Your stomach immediately dropped and your face paled. The doctor was GONE?! AND HE WASN'T HERE?! No. Nonononono!! That can't happen!! This can't be happening?! You came all the way over here just to reach another dead end?! Now what were you supposed to do?! It's not like you could just summon a doctor out of thin air- You paused.Wait a second. Maybe you COULD actually summon a doctor. Enmu! He mentioned he was the one in charge of the trains right? And there was a train station close to here! If you doubled back and managed to get Enmu to give you medicine then that'll work just as well. But how long until the next train arrives?

"...Do you know when the next trains due?"

"Not until early in the morning which is hours away from now," the man answered you.

Ok. That gave you plenty of time to get to that train station and wait for Enmu. Then you'd get back to Rui as quick as possible. After all you promised to be back before sunrise.

"Thanks."

You thanked him before turning and beginning to walk off in the opposite direction. Already people were starting to walk back into the street now that the Oiran was gone and soon things would be very crowded again especially around here so you'd do well to get out while it wasn't too crowded. So you walked. Step after determined step towards the path of least resistance which was a right corner rounded back in the direction of the way you came from. People were starting to get more and more crowded by the second especially in 'this' part of town so you'll have to be quick-

"Filthy animal!! Y-You stay away from my stock!"

You heard rather loud yelling across the street from you but paid it no mind. After all it was none of your business and you had other matters to deal with at the moment.

"I don't CARE if you 'can pay'!! You're bad for business!! Get out of here before I call the guards on you!! You-..You-... DISGUSTING UGLY MAGGOT FROM HELL!!"

You wouldn't have paid attention to it and kept on walking if it was for the fact that people around you stopped walking to stare at the commotion. When more than ten people stopped to watch the source of the yelling you slowed down before coming to a complete stop. ...Your head turned over your shoulder as you noticed something else. The talking buzz died down quite a lot as people turned to stare. You couldn't see what it was however due to the crowd blocking the view. It was most likely someone harassing the girls here and if that was the case then you should just leave and yet-... Something compelled you to turn around and start walking towards the crowd. Curiosity? Maybe just boredom from staying in all the time? Or maybe it was because the same feeling you had when you saw that Oiran came back, but only much stronger.

"....It must be REALLY NICE to be able to set up shop here and not have to worry about anything. You're not the most attractive guy, in fact you're kind of plain looking if I'm being honest, but it must be SO nice to not worry about scaring away you're own customers." You pushed your way through the crowd now towards the new voice. "You even get the pleasure of seeing all kinds of pretty faces without having them run screaming just at the mere THOUGHT of you. ... You're really lucky you know. I was born with such ugly features that I don't even look plain like yo-"

There was a loud SPLAT like sound and all of a sudden the crowd did a gasp. You had finally breached to the front of the crowd and you had froze at what you saw. There was a small wagon like stall sat there in front of a building, on it was the BIGGEST MOST MOUTH WATERING dumplings you had ever seen!! They smelt of meats and fried vegetables stuffed inside them and each one was as big as your fist! But...That wasn't the thing that made you freeze. It wasn't the half angry half terrified looking man behind the wagon either. It was the six or seven foot tall man right next to him that made you freeze.

He was unlike anything you'd ever seen. In man or demon.

He must've been at least a good head or two taller than Kyogai, but you couldn't tell as he was slightly hunched over. His hair was a strange concoction of colors. Black but then faded to an almost dark green near the bottom. His height alone would've been really strange but you took notice of a lot of other things as well. The hakama coat and pants he wore looked so worn and dirty and torn as if he wore them every day and night of his life. But that didn't compare to his body. He was so...thin. Sickly so! You could faintly make out some ribs in the opening of his tattered coat, and any moment the wind would blow him away. There was also strange black markings all over his body but mostly on his face, which he had his eyes closed. However you could see why everyone gasped. Where was literal food on his face. Smeared all over his cheek and part of his lower jaw and upper neck. And right at the man's bare feet was one of those dumplings now dirty and ruined. It stunned you along with everyone else into silence. Until the wagon man spoke again.

"Th-Th-There! You w-w-wanted food?!" His voice was shaky and nervous, face looking more scared than angry now as he raised one shaking fist while the other free hand pointed at him. "We-We-Well now Y-You can have food suited for someone like you! An animal who e-eats off the ground!!"

The much taller gangly man didn't respond for an entire full minute before his eyes opened slowly and you once again froze as almost inhuman striking blue eyed revealed themselves to the world. The. EXACT. Same. Eyes...As the beautiful Oiran you just witnessed no more than twenty minutes ago. In an instant the same feeling and aura hit you as well. A prickling powerful pulsating one that masked itself as something weak but actually very deadly. In the oirans case it was her beauty that masked the aura but for this man it was the weak looking body. You almost could feel the anger radiated off the taller man as he did.. nothing.

Literally nothing.

Not even when someone joined and threw a small pebble from the street somewhere at him. It hit his shoulder and rolled off to the ground. Then a random woman from a different direction tossed what looked like a half eaten apple his way. Before you knew it there was a flurry of uproar and voices to be heard sneering at and cussing at the man. Insults and demands flying from the mouths of everyone around you from men and women alike. All saying the most vile of things to him.

"Leave here! No one wants to see your face here anyways!" One man shouted. "You always drive away my customers whenever you come around here you inbred weasel!! It's bad enough you scare my girls but do you have to ruin our livelihoods as well!?" Another angry old woman shouted. "All you do is cause fights!!" Shouted another man. "WHY DON'T YOU EVER GET THE HINT YOU'RE NOT WANTED HERE YOU DISGUSTING MOLD!!" A beautifully dressed lady yelled from a window and you saw the thin man's head tilt just slightly towards her as she continued- "I WOULD COMPARE YOU TO A RAT OR COCKROACH BUT EVEN THEY ARE MORE PLEASING TO LOOK AT THAN YOU ARE!! IT'D BE AN INSULT TO PESTS TO COMPARE YOU TO THEIR LIKENESS!!"

And ON and ON and ON they continued their insults and yells and making little things bounce off him. The skinny man just stood there and silently stared at the shaking food vender without any emotion on his face. That was until his stuff body moved. It was SO. SLOWLY. That no one even noticed, in fact you're not sure how you noticed. Your head just snapped to his hand on it's own,only to see the fingers ever so slightly twitch and the long arm inhumanly slowly move it's way towards his back.

You weren't sure how- I mean how could you possibly know that this MEANT danger? For all you knew he could've been reaching out to wipe his face, but something made you do something without your permission. Both men were frozen when a woman's arm was suddenly thrusted between their bodies before they could even comprehend what happened-

"T H A T' S E N O U G H!!!"

A powerful pulsating soundwave traveled through the air and cut like a knife through the thinnest of wet paper, and melted away into the sky only to be repeated by a few echoes of distant memory. The only sounds being of the heavily panting woman standing in the middle of the display. Her lungs heaving and her hands raised before she growled (not human like but failed to notice-) and grab onto her head as everyone stared at her essential mental breakdown -

"What. The actual HELL. Is wrong with you people?!" You yelled throwing your arms up in disbelief. "I mean what the actual fuck is going on?! WHAT are you doing?!" You gazed at the many faces just.. staring at you lost. "Like...What the hell do you think you're doing?! You're literally pelting a man for....for...FOR WHAT EXACTLY?! FOR LOOKING DIFFERENT?! FOR BEING FUCKING HUNGRY?! FOR JUST-...LIVING IN THE SAME SPACE AS YOU?!" We're they really yelling at an innocent man...For THAT!? "HOW STUPID ARE YOU?!"

"Why are you defending him?!" The vending man asked with a scowl making you snap towards him.

"I don't know! Why aren't you giving him food?!," You demanded back a hiss in your tone and a claw pointed at him.

"Just look at him!" The man scowled harder gesturing to the dumbstruck skinny man just blankly staring. "Don't you see what he looks like?!"

"Eh?...?!" The tall man actually flinched when faster than a regular human being, her head snapped to him with a crack sound with thinned pupils I'm those purple eyes. ...She stared at his face for a few seconds before looking him up and down before looking back at the vendor.

"....Ok. And your point is?"

It was like someone slapped the man with how slack jawed he went at her deadpanned face. "I-...A-ARE YOU BLIND?! YOU'D HAVE TO BE TO NOW SEE WHAT A DISGUSTING PIG HE IS!!"

"HA!! You call that-" a thumb was jabbed over your shoulder. "-ugly? Sir, I've seen both demons and humans uglier than that inside and out and I happen to be staring at one."

"HOW DARE YOU-"

"I'll dare you all I dam want! At least I'm not stupid enough to turn away a paying customer or heartless enough to turn down a starving poor man." The man's face turned redder and he opened his mouth- "Shut up! Because I don't want to hear it. What? Just because Im not a good looking man like you I can't have an opinion? I'm not even a man but I have more FUCKING balls in my body to admit when I fucked up!"

No one noticed but light flower patterns crept along your skin under your sleeves hidden-

The skinny man only watched turning his head to the girl then to the vender then back to the woman who scowled at the vendor. What-...What was happening right now? There was a woman here?! Defending who? HIM?! ....Ok. He was sure he cracked now. There was no way a beautiful woman was defending something as ugly as him. One of these people must've hit him hard in the head with something they threw at him. O-Or maybe his hunger was making him hallucinate. Whatever the reason he just stood there staring at the woman...There was something very odd about her. But he only watched with a tilted head.

"Why you-!! You-!!"

"He was going to buy some of your dumplings right? Why not just let him and let him be on his way? If you would've done that in the first place, he would've been already out of here and none of this spectacle would've happened."

"Because the last thing I need is him putting his disgusting, dirty hands near my food!"

You paused. You turned back over your shoulder to the skinny man then back to the vender. "Oh. So it's because his body's dirty? Well why don't I buy some for him instead?"

"HA! There's no chance of that happening!! After I've been insulted and berated by a stupid wench like you!? Where's your Madam!? You shouldn't be outside without supervision with that attitude!!"

"I don't work here! Even if I was, I'll still tell you how stupid you were."

"Then I guess that makes you a wondering BITCH!"

Her body went rigid. Her pupils dilating to that of a snake's. Inhumanly she tilted her head at this sneering man. "...Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" He leaned closer to her with a smirking sneer. "You're a little bitch who I bet is real-"

C R A C K!

The crowd gave a collected gasp lol. Women covered their mouths in horror and one even fainted being quickly caught in the arms of a nearby man. About everyone looked on shocked or leaned back as the vendor man froze for a moment. For a moment he didn't seem to be affected by a kick delivered to him... Before his face paled, his eyes bulged out slightly, and the sounds of a deflating mouse left his throat before he crumbled to his knees. Then fell over onto his side in a fetal position continuing his high pitched whimpers of pain. She stood there for a moment scowling down at him before turning to the wagon...and just silently started picking up the dumplings still available. Taking a part of her kimono and pulling it up to use as a makeshift basket showing her legs. He took notice of the contrasting clothes she wore on her body. Her kimono looked new and as fancy as the other women's dresses but her boots looked worn out and a step away from falling apart. It only added to the confusion of her. Blue eyes scanned over her body but stopped when he noticed she had turned around and was staring right at him.

"Well don't just stand there. Pay him."

....He blinked. "Eh?"

She sighed. "For the dumplings of course! You said you were hungry right? Come over here and leave some money for them. It wouldn't be good to steal."

...He blinked again raising a brow. "You kicked a man down, but insist on not stealing the food?" His voice was raspy and a little high pitched for a man's voice. She didn't look away and it made him reach up a hand to lightly scratch at his neck. "That has some double standards written over it."

"I kicked him because he wasn't going to calm down but I'm not going to continue kicking him while he's down. Now leave some money for however many you can afford. I don't like stealing if I can avoid it." He still stared making her put a hand on her hip. "Do I have to repeat myself to you? You want the food, pay up!"

He still didn't move for a long moment before the jiggling of coins was heard and a moment later a small poorly made cloth bag was tossed into the wagon. Purple eyes snapped towards it for a moment before the woman turned and started walking away. He stood there for a moment before deciding to follow her. After all this was confusing to him and he was still unsure of how to act in response. Plus she carried the food he paid for, he wasn't about to let her walk away with that. People immediately retreated when he began stepping out and the looks on their faces was that of fear, anger, and disgust. So nothing new. It did make a satisfied feeling course through him that not too many would actually have the confidence to take him on in a fight not that they could actually win against him. But sometimes...It was hard to focus his power in keeping up his human disguise sometimes but such was his life. The woman was quick to walk away from the eyes of the crowd nearly to the very end of the street and there she stood patiently waiting for him to walk up to her. On instinct he did stop a bit away as most people wanted him standing far from them. Purple eyes scanned his body and he felt an irritation at the wondering eyes that he felt so many times before stare at him like something to be hidden away from the world.

"Do you have anything to carry this food in?"

"...What the hell did you just ask me?"

"I asked if you had anything to carry your food with. I noticed you don't seem to have anything to carry it with."

...THAT was the first thing she asked him?! He was standing here right in front of her in full lantern light plain as day and the first thing she chooses to ask him is if he had something to carry dumplings in?It sent his mind to real at the strange words spoken to him.

"Do I look like I carry a bag?," Was the only thing his confused brain could think of to say.

"Alright. That can easily be fixed."

What the hell was she- RRRRRIIIIPPPP!!! He stopped and went wide eyed as she put a piece of the raised kimono carrying the dumplings in the corner of her mouth, and just RIPPED the nicely woven fabric. It tore easily in her grip and the end result was her proudly holding up a large torn piece of cloth encasing the food and a long rip in her kimono which exposed her right leg from just below her knee down. If anyone looked you would've thought a dog had bitten into the fabric and torn it away with it's teeth. He found himself just staring at her leg before quickly turning his head away embarrassed.

A moment later she held out the make shift cloth bag to him. "Here. This should tide you over until you finish eating them."

You held it out to him politely but instead of being happy or just taking the food he just stood there averting his eyes to the ground. "... You're really selfish. You know that?"

You blink taken aback. "What?"

Blue eyes looked her way with a creaky turn of his head. The hand that had been lightly scratching his neck still scratching at his pale flesh. "I bet you feel rrreally proud of yourself aren't you? AREN'T YOU?! Someone as nice looking as you standing up to a crowd for some poor ungrateful hellspawn!" The scratching became faster and slightly harder as he gave a deep frown to her surprised look. "Good for you. Good for you! I bet you feel really good about yourself teaching a lesson to the ones below you just to make yourself feel above them! That's what it is isn't it? A savior complex!! That's what I am isn't is?! RRRA!!" A frustrated growl left his throat as the nails dug in more and raked. The smell and feeling of crimson filled the space. "A charity case to make you look and feel good!! Defend the poor sap who can't defend for himself! Is that it?! Well I don't need your help or your pity!! I don't need anyone defending me as a way to get their fill of hellish self satisfaction!!'' She paused as he hissed and leaned over her giving her an angry frown. "So why don't you stop showering me with fake kindness and do what everyone else does when I get angry? Get out of my sight."

She didn't move an inch. Staying wide eyed and frozen staring up at him, and he thought she must've been frozen in fear. ...He thought.So when she frowned at him, he thought again it was going to be one of the usual reactions he got. He expected her to throw the bag of food at him or insult him or storm off or maybe even attempt to slap him. What he wasn't expecting was to feel a free hand suddenly latch onto the front of his torn coat and yank. What he wasn't expecting was to be forced to be level eyed with purple irises. What he wasn't expecting was to smell the fragrance of peony flowers.

.... Peonies?

"Alright. Now listen here!" You spoke in a firm but calm and nonthreatening tone. You were getting a little tired of people yelling at you and pushing you around ever since you arrived in demon territory. "You can be mad all you want at the situation but don't you go and take it out on me because you had a bad night! I didn't help you because I 'have a savior complex' or 'pity you.' I don't even know you enough to pity you! The only reason I helped you was because I knew you were about to attack that man with the wagon! I hate it when people fight and get hurt, and judging by how powerful you look you could easily kill a grown man! I would've just walked away too and minded my own business too but like I said you looked about ready to kill." Your hand released him and he slowly leaned back up a few inches. "Besides...I know what it feels like."

He frowned deeper furrowing his brows. "To be uglier than the dirt you step on?" He asked skeptically.

In response you held up the bag to his face. "To be hungry. I can't always afford the food I need and I know what it's like to struggle and sometimes go days without eating. So here." You forcibly grabbed a hand of his before forcing the bag into it. "Take your food and eat it. Everyone deserves the right to eat no matter who they are."...Your eyes glanced down at his neck...and your hands went to the obi around your waist.

The skinny man was once again confused into silence. Not shock. Not surprise. But...confused. No one...had ever really done this before, and he wasn't again sure how to take this. Shouldn't she be disgusted by him?! Running for the hills or screaming at him?! At least give him a nasty glare? Why wasn't she acting like everyone else? Was she hard of seeing or needed glasses? Must be. It was the only way to explain this! Unless she was really dumb to not be afra-

He flinched when something soft wrapped around his neck and furious eyes snapped back to her. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

"Your neck is bleeding,Dummy," she said just wrapping the obi around his neck like a scarf patienly. "Shut your mouth and just let me wrap it before it gets infected."

"DONT TOUCH M-"

"Oh hush up." He was once again yanked down with one hand as she fiddled with his neck. "You need to calm down. Working yourself up isn't going to help anyone especially yourself. There." You released him as the obi was tied around his neck. "That ought to work. And with that my work and business with you is finished." You took a step back and watched as he slowly reached a hand up to run across his neck. "You should probably clean the wound properly when you can. It would be better when addressed. Right now I have a train to catch."

He remained silent and stunned standing there as a hand gently felt over the silk obi tied up around his neck. He didn't need this! He would regenerate in a few seconds! He wouldn't need medical attention!!... But then again she didn't know that really. Strange woman. Strange, strange woman. He looked back and spotted her walking away into the crowds of people down the street, pretty easy to spot for him really. He had to be good at spotting specific people in crowds. She walked along the road passing by people. He huffed and turned his body to leave . Whatever. He wouldn't be seeing her again.

"Eh?'

His hand continued to rub over his covered neck when blue eyes looked over and noticed that they weren't the only eyes scanning the crowds or the only ones following that girl. Red eyes followed the form of the girl walking down the street before they slowly followed from a distance. The girl with purple eyes disappeared around a corner and a moment later so did the red eyes right after her.

"....hmm."

The streets were as crowded the way back as you came here and still there was the annoyance of doubling back and heading back towards the secret inn you left. You were also very annoyed. You went through to the entire trouble of getting there and the dumb doctor wasn't even there! Now you had to rely on the chance that Enmu would be on that train which wouldn't be here for another few hours still. So not only was your time wasted but you had to find the bloody train station now. About mostly all the way back, you again stopped someone and asked one of the food venders directions to the station. After getting them you continued the long way back to said station. It wasn't easy to find either. The whole trip left you annoyed and frustrated. Enmu had BETTER be there!! You swore this was getting ridiculous! You some how FINALLY managed to get to the train station and let out a sigh of relief to see that not many people were actually there. Good. At least you'd get a break from the crowd. With nothing else to do you just walked up to one of the many benches and plopped yourself down on it. Your feet were sore and you were tired from it being so late. You just hoped Rui was alright and not sicker, that's what worried you most. With a sigh you just leaned back, head tilted up and eyes closed. This night couldn't be any worse than it already was.

Oh how wrong you were because as it turned out fate just LOVED to taunt you.

A red pair of eyes approached. Large footfalls came. A lumbering force stopping near.

"How much?"

Your purple eyes popped open bristling and you came face to face with a man looming over you. You froze as you saw him. He blocked out most of the light giving him an eerie look to his emotionless face, only his dulled red eyes piercing with any real notice. The black hair on his head held back from his forehead by some headband and most of his visible body dressed in pitch black. You both continued to stare at one another, you up at him sitting and upside down and him looming just behind you.

"How much?," His voice was as emotionless as his eyes and monotone as his face, deep and blunt.

You slowly blinked. How much? How much for what? The train tickets? "How much..for what?"

"Your debt."

...your brows furrowed. Debt? What debt? You didn't have any debts. You paid off the massive one you did owe and you didn't have any others made. So what was he talking about? "I don't have any debts."

"Then how much is your marriage contract?"

"Excuse me?"

"Which house do you work?"

A glass breaking sound went off in your mind.

Holy shi- THIS GUY THOUGHT YOU WORKED HERE!!!

"I don't work in this district!!" You shouted before shooting out of your comfortable seat. He just watched you blankly jump a few feet away. Your face almost panicked as you frowned. "I don't know what the hell gave you that impression but you are sadly mistaken about any of that!! Or do you assume all women here work there!?"

He didn't respond other than looking onwards blankly eyeing you up and down so slowly that it was like someone was examining a donkey trying to decide if it'll be worth working in the fields or not. You especially didn't like how he gazed longer at your exposed leg before bothering to look back at your frowning face again.

"Where's your escort?" His body turned to step around the bench, those piercing red eyes never leaving your form.

"I don't...have one." You backed away fully aware now how tall and muscular he was compared to you. His expression was one that sent a shiver down your back and your hairs standing on end. Everything about this screamed danger! From the slow pace he walked to the way his eyes never left your face to the way one hand slid across the top of the bench as he walked around it to you. You started taking a few steps back from. "Who are you?"

"My family name is Tengen, but that won't be important now. Or when you have time to think afterwards."

"'Afterwards'?" You took a few more steps back as he stepped out from behind the bench finally. "What the hell do you mean by that?"

"Is there a father or head of your family? I'd like to make an offer to them," he said ignoring anything you just asked. Who the hell was this guy?! What did he want with you?! Nothing good by the looks of it. His whole demeanor was that of a predator staring down at a piece of prey! "You're loud and annoying, but that attitude and forwardness is something I don't see a lot in your kind. Would make for good traits passed down."

Your kind?! You both were human?! What the hell does he mean by that statement?! It was like deja Vu all over again and your mind flashed back to the night you were chased by those demons. The same overwhelming feeling you felt when you were being chased by them returned now with each step this stranger took towards you closer and closer despite every step you took back in return.

"No?...That might make it easier then."

Make what easier?! You had no clue but you certainly didn't want to find out! Especially when he caught up to your retreating self. When he blocked out the light from your form. When your back hit a wall in the train station. And-...When a sycle shot up to press against the side of the man's..neck??? You froze. The looming black haired man also froze and his face finally gained some emotion, it was wide eyed surprise. The eyes widened and the red pupils shrank. A hand that had been reaching out for you stopped in mid air just an inch away from touching your shoulder. So there you were back pressed against a wall staring up at a man about to grab you frozen by a random sycle blade pressed to to tender side of his neck. Silence between the three of you.

"You have a debt to pay."

Something- No. Someone taller than even the man before you made himself known and ever so slowly the red eyes turned followed by the head and met inhuman blue eyes framed by forest green locks of straggly hair and uneven teeth in a frown.

"I knew I've seen you from somewhere." Your head perked up. Hey! You recognized that voice! Just behind the red eyed man was another man who was skinnier and his body was covered in markings. You could half make out his figure just behind the first man. It was that skinny man from before! "You were here almost five months ago weren't you? Weren't you?!" A free hand instantly reached up to scratch at a free cheek furiously. "Yes you were. You tried to get money out of that house with the prettiest girls and almost killed the host. Not enough beauty for you wasn't it?! You're so good looking with those glasswork ruby eyes and coal hair and yet you're greedy enough to comeback for more!!" The scratching became faster and a bit deeper just leaving light scraping across the skin. "Even your skin is perfectly tanned without any scars or blemishes! I bet you could get any lady you wanted! Hell even maybe a couple men too! But you're so greedy! So greedy. SO GREEDY!! Some is never enough for someone like you! You want more and more!! Was that pretty girl you walked off with not enough for you?!"

The red eyed man silently looked at the hand holding the blade to his throat, seemed to consider something in his mind, before looking back up at the skinny man and speaking. "The girl I took with me was no good. She hasn't been able to provide me any heirs. It only makes sense to demand back what I paid if I don't get what was promised. That ...or be provided a replacement."

The sudden realization hit you like a train and you froze. ... SERIOUSLY!?!? ANOTHER SITUATION WHERE SOMEONE WANTED TO FORCE YOU TO MARRY THEM AND 'SAVE THEIR LINEAGE'?! THIS WAS LIKE THAT NIGHT ALL OVER AGAIN GETTING CHASED BY DEMONS ONLY THIS TIME IT WAS A HUMAN AND NOT A DEMON. Although monster suited him just as nicely.

What he must've said was wrong because red eyes shrunk more when the blade was pressed further into the skin. "You get what you pay for and nothing else unless you pay more." The raspy voice trembled but not in fear, it sounded like he was barely holding back rage. "I thought you learnt that from the last time you and I crossed paths." Something about the way he spoke seemed to be familiar to the red eyed man because he didn't dare move. A grin slowly spread across skinny man's face before he chuckled. The smile threatened to split his face. "Remember when I mentioned unblemished skin? I lied.~ There's some scars still under that shirt you wear isn't there?~ Not as pretty anymore. It's your own fault."

You took the opportunity to silently slide across the wall and get out of the backed corner you had trapped in. Stepping a few feet away was such a relief that you trembled with the deep sighs you took before taking a moment to look behind you. It was the same skinny man alright, standing there hunched over one hand scratching his cheek the other holding a large sycle blade to the red eyed man's shoulder. Thank the GODS he showed up when he did. But what was he doing here? Did he follow you? Or was he just tracking down the first man he cornered?

"You still haven't paid you know. Damages are done and my wages didn't get paid by those pretty girls you were harassing even though I went through all the trouble of kicking you out and saving them. They didn't like giving money to someone so ugly, and you snuck away from me. But now I'm going to be taking what you owe me out of your skin." The sycle was replaced by a hand large enough to fully wrap around his neck and it squeezed. The red eyed man wheezed, more air being forced from his body when he was shoved forward into the same wall you were once backed up against. The shine of the blade caught on the lantern lights as it was raised-

"WAIT!! STOP!!" tinier hands leapt forward and latched onto the arm that was firmly gripped around the choking man's neck. The skinny man froze mid swing before snapping his hatred filled face at you. "You don't have to kill him!"

"He's been asking for it for too long. Stay out of something that you have no dam business in!"

His angry ranting didn't scare you off. Instead you scowled back. "Will you just listen to me?! You said he owed money right? He mentioned paying me a while ago so he's obviously must have some on him right now. Just take it and let him go!"

He gave a look like you were crazy. "You really have no say after everything he's done."

"Maybe I don't but just out right murdering someone in a train station wouldn't help your reputation! Just take the money and then if he comes back to cause more trouble then do to him what you did to him last time! It would be better in the long term. Please, please, PLEASE don't let your anger cloud your thoughts on this."

.... Dammit.

He had almost done something that he shouldn't do. It made him more angry. Daki was the one who was always careless. Master had to literally pay her a surprise visit and warn her to be less suspicious about her identity just to get through her naive brain to tone it back, and here he was almost ruining what profile he had. If he tore this pompous asshole limb from limb right here and now just like he wanted too then it wouldn't look good. He'd have to go into hiding for about a hundred years just to make sure anyone currently alive who've seen him wasn't around anymore and then reintegrate himself back into human society here from scratch. Which was already annoying to do the first time....He had to take care of this later and silently if he wanted to avoid any unwanted trouble. So reluctantly he forced his hand to release just the teeniest bit for him to breath but that could easily change.

"You're lucky you know. I'm very merciful if I want to be." A blade pushed into the black haired man's back. "But that depends on how much you give me to spare an death of peeling your skin off or plucking out an eye with my out fingers. I don't think I have to tell you what I want do I? Or maybe you really are too pathetic to comprehend what it is."

......The sound of metal jingling beautifully rang out as a satchel dropped to the wooden floors of the train station.

"Good boy. Let's see if I can teach you how to fetch." A hiss was given to the man. "Now get out of my sight before we try 'play dead' next."

He was tossed to the left by the hand still firmly gripped at his neck and blue eyes watched the red eyed man stumble forward and stop for a moment to stare back at the woman next to him, then at the blue eyed man.... before turning and walking back off towards the crowds. He gritted his teeth together watching the asshole leave. Asshole! Disgusting pervert should drop dead. A jingling sound caught his attention and a moment later the woman was holding up the satchel of jingling coins up to him.

"Here. You should take this before you forget it. You've certainly earned it."

"Hmph. I would've just gotten it myself!" The bag was roughly grabbed from your hands as he sneered. "I don't need your help! Get that in your feeble mind if you can!"

You blinked but frowned. "Well excuse me Mr. Grumps. Next time I won't be nice." You placed your hands on your hips. "Thank you for the help though. What was with that man?"

"I didn't come here to help you! Let's get that part straight! And secondly I only 'helped' because I had unfinished business with that guy." He hissed and your brows rose at just how ..demon like that noise was. "I'll have to deal with him later now. Dammit. You sure get into trouble. You know that?"

"Hey! That guy followed me not the other way around!," You clarified, "I was minding my own business waiting for the train!"

"...Are you stupid or something? The next train doesn't come for hours."

"I know that! But I don't have any other options. I need medicine and the doctor's note here and I can't just wait for who knows how long for him to come back! My only option is to wait until that train comes!"

...he rose a brow. "You need medicine and hoping to get it from a train? ...Are you an idiot or something? Unless you plan on traveling to a different town for medicine your plan makes no sense."

You sighed. "I'm waiting for someone I know ON the train. He knows about medicine and he gave me some a few days ago. I need more because a friend of mine is sick. That's why I was even in ...'that' part of the district in the first place. I just need some medicine. That's all."

"Hmm." ...His hand holding the sycle lowered behind his body and put the hidden blade away before mindlessly scratching lightly at his cheeks again. "... You're a strange woman. You say you hate fighting but kick a man who insults you." His hand gestured to your torn kimono, or more specifically your very worn boots. "You're wearing a wealthy man's dress but wear the shoes of a poor thing. You are a woman and yet you rip your dress and don't act ladylike at all." He then leaned down until you both were eye level, and again he rose a brow when you never even showed the tiniest ounce of fear or disgust. "....And you were afraid of that very good looking not to mention wealthy guy but yet don't flinch when someone as horrid as me is literally standing close enough to grab you. So am I right and you do need glasses?"

"No. I can see all your features just fine."

He smiled widely. "Then you agree with my earlier statement."

"No. I just don't find you scary."

A glass breaking sound went off in his head. "....What?"

"I don't think you're ugly either. Dunno why everyone says that."

"Eh?"......What?! Was she broken in the head?! Did she need glasses but denied it?! "What?! Can you see my ugly markings?! My deformed body?! My hair is an unnatural color!?" He leaned closer snarling his teeth. "My horrendous teeth?!"

You deadpanned. "Yes. I see all of that. And frankly I don't care. Are you going to knock that off now?"

He blanked stunned. Sputtering on his words before snarling harder narrowing his eyes. "You should fear me?! Admit it! You really do don't you?! It's alright to admit it! You don't have to be nice and pretend to spare my feelings. Everyone thinks it! I'm dirty and disgusting!!"

Your brow rose. "I'm NOT being NICE and I'm NOT pretending. I literally just don't care what you look like."

"You don't -.....YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ON MY APPEARANCE?!"

"I mean you could use a bath and a good meal but Im not going to judge you if you don't have access to those things. I don't either for most of my life so I won't fault you."

His arms dropped and his shoulders slumped and his jaws dropped. ".....What?! WHY?!"

"Because I've seen both humans and demons look and act worse than you."

"What?! How can that be?!"

"*Sigh* Ok. Would you like some examples?" He rose a brow still flabbergasted but nodded for whatever reason. "I've seen a man absolutely covered in scars and have anger issues worse than a volcano! I saw demons of all kinds with no eyes, different colored skin, four eyes, horns, tails, and markings of all kinds! I was literally chased by three demons in one night who tried to carry me away! I personally know someone with literally more anger issues than you and there's a perverted demon I see every so often who tried to flirt with me! On top of that the man you just scared off scares me more than you because he actually is dangerous. You're big and scary to a lot of people yes, but I'm not scared of you because I've seen so much diversity that your appearance doesn't surprise me in the least! On top of that you've never given me a reason to be weary of you so I don't see and reason to feel threatened by you. Now does that answer your question?"

You tilted your head at him but he said nothing. Only pausing as you stared back flabbergasted. When he didn't answer you turned back and sat down on the bench with a sigh. After a silent moment you heard someone approach you and a raspy voice spoke.

"You're serious... aren't you?"

"Glad you caught on. ...I didn't catch your name by the way. Mines Y/n."

"... It's Gyutaro."

"Gyutaro." She spoke the name softly trying it out on her tongue before giggling and looking up at him with a smile. "That's a nice name." Although why did that name sound so familiar to you? "You mentioned that man owed you a lot of money. Does that mean you're a debt collector?"

"Sometimes." He wasn't wrong. That was a part of his cover here, and he did use to be a full time debt collector before the Kizuki life. "Depends on who pays more." However he was more enticed by the first sight of a genuine smile thrown his way, pretty smile- And soft purple eyes. And the pretty smell of peony flowers in his nose. Made him feel woozy. "Then again.... sometimes money is...needed."

BU-BUMP-

A hand immediately clamped onto his chest with a shocked cough from him.

"I understand. Sometimes you just need it. I know I did...Hey. Are you related to that Oiran I saw earlier?"

His hyperventilating paused as he froze....and he slowly looked back at you. "...Why would you ask me that?"

"Because you both look alike."

He again paused. "....Eh?"

You pointed at your own eyes. "Your eyes. I've never seen another human with such a blue color, but both you and the Oiran I saw have them. You both give off the same aura and expression as well when I first saw you two. So does that mean you two are related?"

SHE NOTICED THAT?! No one's ever noticed that before... except his Master but she was a simple human! How could she have been smart enough to make that connection?! And all based off their eyes and smiles? He narrowed his eyes more at the woman calculating but her patient expression never changed.

".... She's my younger sister."

"Oh! That explains so much! You both look similar." Similar? Them?! "She's very beautiful. No wonder she's an Oiran. I've never seen another woman look quite like her before."

...He slowly nodded in agreement. That was one thing they could agree on actually. There was absolutely NO ONE more beautiful than his beloved sister. No one. "She's beautiful isn't she? It's something that I can claim and no one else can. But it comes with problems. Mostly in the form of greedy humans." And don't get him started with the headache that mating season comes with! Too many annoying suiters trying to take her away from him! That wouldn't do at all.

"Was...that man one of those men?" He nodded again with an annoyed his and snarl. "What is his problem?!"

"He paid off the debt and marriage contract for a girl from one of houses last year." He mumbled. "Pretty girl. Really nice nails and eyes. But he came back demanding to be given my sister when he didn't get what he wanted."

Your nose wrinkled in disgust. "That's disgusting! Who does that?"

His eyes widened in surprise before he scowled again. "That's what I keep saying but no one ever listens to my opinions!"

"They should! That guy's a creep and a pervert! He literally just tried to kidnap me! Who does that guy think he is?!"

"That's what I said! Who does that?!"

"A disgusting degenerate troglodyte who doesn't have enough balls in his body to even fight back against a real man!"

"EXACTLY!!"

"YOU'RE DOING THEM A FAVOR SCARING HIM OFF!! ESPECIALLY FOR YOUR SISTER!! I BET SHE'S GRATEFUL AT LEAST!! I WISH I HAD A BROTHER LIKE YOU BACK IN MY VILLAGE!!"

"YES!! FINALLY SOMEONE ELSE SEES THIS!!" It was SO good to finally have someone besides his sister agree with him!! Even if it was another woman. "I MENTION THAT BUT THEY DIDN'T PAY ME!!"

"THEY'RE MISSING OUT!! HERE!! I'LL PAY YOU FOR KEEPING ME SAFE!!"

'EXACT-....." He paused. "Wait. What?"

A shiny gold coin was held up from the bench. "Here. I know it's not much, but it's all I have and you did protect me even if it was unintentionally. So consider this payment."

The gold coin glittered bright and fancy in his face which made his eyes go wide seeing it. "Where did you get that?"

"I happened to find it after someone rich dropped it. I was going to use it to buy medicine for my friend but since I'm pretty sure I can get it for free now anyways, you should take it for your services."

She was... willingly paying him? For something he didn't do for her benefit anyways? "....Tch. Keep it." He pushed her arm away. "I have the money I need from the idiot I thrashed just now. I don't need your pitiful money when I didn't even do anything for you anyways.''

"Well then what if I hire you?"

"Excuse me?"

You smiled. "That man's still out there. He could come back looking for me so why don't I pay you to stay with me just until my train comes?" He rose a suspicious brow. "I'm serious. You don't even have to talk or anything. It'll only be for a few hours anyways, and you can have this as payment. Here. I'll even give it to you in advance so you know I'm serious." Again you held up the coin. "So what do you say?"

He hesitated but he couldn't deny it wasn't tempting. Gold even for a Kizuki was valuable....HE COULD BUY DAKI THAT HAIR PIN SHE ALWAYS WANTED WITH THAT!! It would make her so happy! And she would look so beautiful in it! And all he had to do was sit here and play bodyguard for this girl for just a few hours? That was probably the easiest job he was given. Hmm. Well he didn't have anything else to do for now, and his sister could survive without him for a little while. You blinked when the coin was just snatched from you hand to be examined closely by blue eyes... before he bit down on it between his teeth. And seemed satisfied enough to hum.

"Alright. But don't expect me to be nice and make small talk."

"I don't expect you too." You smiled and gestured to the bench next to you. "Come sit down."

He blanked. "What?"

"I said sit down. It'll be a while so you might as well sit down. You'll get tired just standing up the whole time." You smiled wider. "It's ok. I don't bite."

.....he slowly blinked. "O-Oh...Ok."

He took almost twenty minutes shuffling about and lowering himself to sit on the very far side of the bench away from you but that's fine. You won't make him sit closer to you if that made him uncomfortable. Most of the wait was silent other than a few people walking by and the buzz of the crowds behind you that didn't slow down in the slightest despite the long hours of the night. You almost nodded off a few times but woke yourself up with a start every time. You HAD to do this. For Rui. You thought you caught Gyutaro looking at you ever so often but every time you looked over he would be looking the other direction. The sleep deprivation must getting to you. It must've been near morning when you heard it. That sounds you were waiting for.

WWWWWOOOOOOO WOOOOOOOO-!!!!!

It made you gasp and nearly fall down off the bench as a metal beast steamed into the station and stopped with a wheeze letting steam out everywhere. This was it! You could get medicine for Rui!! Forgetting Gyutaro behind you, you ran towards the train sitting in the station along with a slew of other people. Up the steps and into the nearest car you did nearly tripping on your kimono and faceplanting as you did.

"ENMU- AH!!" You slipped grabbing onto a nearby seat to yank yourself back up on tired legs, getting a few weird looks from some people getting off past you. "Dammit!! ENMU!!! WHERE ARE YOU?!" You shouted looking up at the ceiling of the car. Dammit! You only had a limited time before you had to get off. Where was that perverted demon?! "EN!! MU!!" You jumped up and down and even kicked a seat in your growing frustration. "DAMMIT!! COME OUT HERE OR ELSE!!"

"There's no need for violence, Begonia.~" You whipped around meeting teal eyes. "I'm right here. My, my what a surprise. I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon.~ How's -"

Before he could even finish you had grabbed him by the front of his coat, yanked him down, and growled in his face. "Give me some more medicine for Rui and NOW!! He's running another fever and I already wasted enough time trying to get it for him!!"

"Hm. Well why didn't you just say so?~" A bottle was held up with blueish pills and jiggled at you. "I took the Liberty of keeping this in my pocket on the off chance we crossed paths again." He still kept up the smile even as the bottle was snatched from his hands. "Now these need to be given in small doses. Only give him one per fever and make sure he doesn't take them on an empty stomach."

"OH THANK THE GODS!! HE'S SAVED!!" You had to get this back to Rui and NOW!!

"Yes.~ Aren't you feeling thankful?" He tilted his cheek at you. "Doesn't it make you want to thank me?~"

"Thanks, Enmu! I owe you one later!" He blinked as something pushed past him and a second later saw your form hop off the train.

".....Hm. That's the thanks I get for keeping medical practice on me."

Meanwhile you were happily stumbling and smiling like an idiot happily clutching the bottle in your hand and running your way off the train. "I HAVE IT!" You yelled at Gyutaro who for some odd reason had stuck around to watch you hold in the air excitedly. "I got the medicine!!"

"Good for you...I guess?" He was unsure of how to react when you stopped in front of him happily heaving and smiling like an idiot.

"This is great! I have to-...I-I have to get back to Rui now and he'll be ok! This is the best news I've had in days!" You were so happy you could kiss someone!!...In fact- Gyutaro was not prepared when out of your sleep deprived mind you grabbed his cheeks and something soft smashed into his face for a brief moment. "MWAH!! THIS IS GREAT! I OWE YOU ONE FOR THE HELP LATER!!"

With one last giggle you looked at the bottle again and ran off leaving him standing there. Blue eyes bugged out of him mind with his hand paused in the middle of scratching at at his chest...When his teeth stuttered against one another...

"....EH?!"

Meanwhile in a different part of the district there was a different room with different colors, with fancier furniture, with beautiful inhabitants, with a certain woman studying her reflection in the mirror. But she paused when a strange sensation came over her. She felt a beating of a heart but it wasn't her heart. She paused in applying her makeup to glance at her chest before groaning and reaching up a lipstick back to her lips.

"Great. Looks like it finally happened. Brother finally got lost in a pretty face and fell. Just when I thought it was going to be a peaceful year. Oh well. It was bound to happen sooner or later surrounded by dozens of women....She had better be worth the trouble."

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