#........i like strawberry more than heartbreak. we should just replace the word 'heartbreak' with 'strawberry' thatd make people happier

[iwakuraz]

just listened to this one song my sister used to always put on a few years ago and wow it sounds different to how I remember. the version I hear in my head sometimes sounds Not Like That

[notanacousticsetcal]

broken pieces - calum hood

summary - an imagine based off of the song “broken pieces” by 5 seconds of summer.

warnings - angst

word count - 1.6k

a/n - this is one of my favorite things i’ve ever written omg. i feel so proud of it. i hope yall like it.

i woke up in the place we started. your clothes on the floor in that old apartment. i never thought you'd leave with out a trace.

calum stirred, slowly coming back to consciousness. he took in his surroundings. your shared bedroom in your LA apartment. he could faintly hear the buzz of traffic outside coming through a window just barely ajar. something was different. memories flooded back of last night. the argument that broke out between you. stupid stuff you spew at each other every single night about how he doesn't try anymore and how you seem bored in the relationship. how he drinks too much and should quit smoking. how you were all over that guy at the party. both of you knew the relationship was deteriorating. both of you constantly on edge, the warmth in your apartment that had been there so long ago wiped almost completely. he pinched his nose in annoyance. why had he said the things he said? he sat up sleepily, ready to face you, probably sulking and as pissed off as ever in the kitchen with a cup of coffee. he braced himself to apologize. calum blinked slowly, running his hands over his eyes and rubbing them fiercely. he couldn't believe what he was seeing. the closet was open and half empty, some scattered garments of yours laid unclaimed on the floor, left behind, forgotten, your makeup was cleared from the desk. the room looked bare. you left.

i cant shake this sinking feeling. i know you're not there and i'm barely breathing. holding onto things i cant replace.

calum sat at the kitchen island, head in his hands, the coffee ashton brought him untouched. "mate, you can get her back. this doesn't have to be the end if you don't want it to be." ashton clapped a hand onto calum's back and shook his shoulder sympathetically. "you do want her back, don't you?" calum sighed impatiently. "things haven't been good between us for a while. maybe it's for the best." ashton looked solemn and disappointed. "think about this, mate." and with that, ashton stood and headed for the door, stepping out into the quiet hallway and leaving calum to his thoughts. he wondered what she must be doing right now. she's probably staying with her sister, playing with her niece to distract herself from the heartache. calum pictured her with the little girl, giggling and smiling that beautiful smile of hers, her morning hair tousled and messy and her eyes squinty with sleep. calum felt his heart sink into his stomach. he pictured the way she looked that day at the park when he surprised her with flowers, her pink lips quirking up into a delighted smile. her cheeks flushed in the LA heat and her skin dewy in a thin layer of sweat. he could see her little yellow sundress and the way it complimented her figure. he pictured the way she sat, how she leaned into him while he told stories. how she laughed at even his lamest jokes. he felt himself getting choked up at the memory of how she looked sleeping in the morning, her hair a mess against the silky pillow and her lips the slightest bit chapped, mouth ajar. she looked peaceful. he wondered what she was dreaming about as her nose scrunched in distaste. calum's head sunk farther into his hands and his fingers gripped angrily at his hair. everything he did that day, every time his brain flipped to thinking about something - anything - else, his mind was plagued with her again. her eyes and her smile and the way she smelled like flowers and strawberries and the way her hair tickled his face and what it was like to kiss her. he couldn't even remember why he was upset the night before.

i'm looking for a way to change my mind. don't walk away. oh tell me what we're fighting for. it's turned into an all out war.

calum knew your relationship was toxic. the way you never said how you both truly felt and avoided calling each other out on your shit until you were so pissed off that it all unloaded at once in an explosion of name calling and accusations and pent up frustration and resentment. the way you both got so intoxicatingly jealous and didn't trust each other as far as you could throw one another. but calum knew what you had was so immensely passionate, so intoxicatingly fiery and overwhelmingly intense that even with the biggest of fights and quarrels, you had the most loving and intimate moments. your love for each other was so huge that you would go to any extreme to please the other person and you couldn't get enough of each other. calum knew what he had with you was a once in a life time type of love. everything logical in him told him to let you go, but his heart practically stopped beating at the thought.

our last words ringing in my head. i wish we'd take back all the things we said. i'm trying to find a way to yesterday.

calum remembered how you threw petty insults at each other that only got more hurtful as the argument escalated. he remembered the pained look in your eyes as you watched him walk to the bedroom. "i'm going to sleep." he had said. why didn't he acknowledge that you were hurting? why didn't he take a step outside himself and realize that there were healthier ways to tell you how he felt? he was immature, you were stubborn. but he could've been the bigger person. if he took that first step, he knows you would've apologized. he knows you regretted it as much as he did. calum gripped the counter tightly, exasperated and so angry at himself. why did he get so caught up in it? he would take it back in a heartbeat if he could. he just gets so riled up, you make him feel a way that no one else can. with all that passion in the form of love, there comes passion in the form of heat and confrontation. its almost like he couldn’t find a way to have one without the other.

if he had just apologized, you would be sat at the island watching him dance around cooking your breakfast. you would be laughing your laugh — the one that's so contagious that whenever you smile calum feels his lips turn up and his chest lighten. the laugh that makes a dark room feel like the surface of the sun. you would have your fuzzy sock covered feet stowed away underneath you, warm cup of tea in hand. your hair would fall around your shoulders, catching the morning light. you would look at him so fondly, his favorite look. calum wanted to take it all back. more than anything.

i'll find a way to fix these broken pieces and let go. and let go, let go, let go. fix these broken pieces and let go.

after spending the entire day in sheer agony, calum sat anxiously on the couch, desperately wishing you were tucked into his side watching the social network or se7en or train spotting. everything he used to do with you felt completely useless without you. he missed the light you were in his life. how you always seemed to be able to make him laugh and the look of concentration on your face when you read and the way you talked to duke. fed up with himself and feeling so fucking miserable, calum grabbed his coat and stormed out the door, car keys in hand. he sped his way to your sisters house, rolling through a few too many stop signs, but he couldn't be bothered. he needed to see you. he quickly threw the car in park and raced up to the door, slamming his fist against the wood like there was no tomorrow. but that's the thing, every tomorrow would feel the same — boring, bland and gray, without you. your sister opened the door, bleary eyed with annoyance written all over her face. she sighed, not surprised in the slightest. "cal, it's late." she began to close the door on him but he stopped her, a pleading look of desperation in his eyes. "please, let me see her," he begged, one arm on the wall and one on the white door. "cal, you had all day and now it's 10 o'clock and you're too fucking late." she attempted to shove the door closed with more force this time and calum was going to let her. she was right. he should've come sooner. idiot. but a small, fragile voice piped up from behind her. one calum thought he might never hear again. "no, it's alright. let him in." your sister rolled her eyes and hesitantly moved from the door frame. "don't make me regret this," she muttered. calum stayed rooted on the porch, partially in shock that you wanted to see him and partially in shock that you somehow managed to get more beautiful every time he saw you. even when he thought it was impossible. "calum, if you don't come in right now, i'm locking you the fuck outside." calum snapped out of his trance and stepped softly inside, throwing an apologetic smile your sisters way. he started walking slowly towards you but once he picked up on the heartbreak and pain in your eyes, he rushed over and pulled you into a bone crushing hug. there's that damn strawberry shampoo that he missed. he didn't want to smell anything else for the rest of his life. he felt that familiar feeling of your hands wrapping around his waist, sitting comfortably like they were made to be there. he could stay like this forever. he knew in that moment that he would do anything and everything to make sure he never had to spend another night without you. whatever broken pieces made up the two of you, he knew they fit together like an 1,000 piece puzzle. and he would spend the rest of his life gluing them back together if he had to.

[coconutheadfriend]

Fall of the sky (part 2)

Todoroki Shoto x Reader

Genre: Romance I guess?

Warnings: Angst, Implied smut, fluff? (There will be smut eventually)

Word count: 2800+

Summary:

Ah Arkridge city of laughter and full of rich, cocky assholes. Oh, and me, my name is (Y/N) and this is my story about the fall of the sky. It’s 2034 and the government declares the ground below us is inhabitable, broken, and destroyed. So people build a city, a sanctuary for the human race to keep on living. Although the one thing they chose to do wasn’t to send us to space no, it was to build a city. No normal city though, it flew. Like a plane, but looked way more magical than the human mind could ever imagine. Towering buildings and cute little homes waiting to be inhabited. Although there was a dark side to this solution, poor people were rarely seen on this island, but why may you ask? That will play a big part in my story and how I made the sky fall. I am (y/n) (l/n) and this is my story on how I made the sky fall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your head hurt, no it didn't just hurt. It was the most pain you've ever felt in your life. Your whole body hurt like hell and you couldn't remember why. You opened your eyes slowly, it was dimly lit. Your vision was blurry and the lights around you were stretched out in streaks. You opened your eyes wider and your vision cleared. You got up slowly, pain shooting through your body. "ah- shit" You fell back down and tears appeared in the corners of your eyes. You tried to move your legs but with little movement. You looked around you and saw no one. 'Where the hell am I' you thought to yourself. Suddenly you heard a door open and close and you shut your eyes, pretending to be asleep. "Damn- still no awake." They sigh and walk closer to you. 'It sounded like a guy-' you felt him take something off your forehead and replaced it with something warm and wet.

You suddenly heard another person's footsteps coming into the room. "She's still not awake? Why don't you just get rid of her Todoroki?" It sounded like a female and she came awfully close to the bed. She tapped my face rather hard, hard enough to move my face to the side. "Hey watch it, I don't want her to be hurt more than she already is." He says grabbing the girl's hand. What you assumed to be his hand moved your head back had soothed the spot that had just got hit. "I can't just leave the girl. Besides who knows what kind of condition she's in." His thumb slowly moves over to your lips swiping across it gently. "Whatever I'll be back in a bit, I need to go downtown to get some more supplies" you hear her footsteps as she leaves the room. His face gets closer to yours and you hear his whisper. "I believe that you can wake up and I'll be here waiting"

He starts t get up from the bed and your eyes shoot open grabbing his arm. "Wait! Please don't leave!" You shout tears pricking your eyes. He looks at you with a shocked face. "Uh-I won't" He sits beside you on the chair. 

This is the first time you get a look at him. His red hair splits off to white in the middle and it looks as if his face is burned but from what you could tell he definitely isn't ugly. His face chiseled but still has soft features like his eyes almost as if welcoming you home. Your thoughts were interrupted.

"Uhm so how are you feeling?" He asks awkwardly and rubs the back of his neck. "I'm ok I guess considering what happened- actually what did happen?" You ask your face confused, lifting a hand to your head trying to remember. "I thought you'd know" He shrugs "But you did fall from the sky and people call you Daten-shi, you're lucky to be alive." He looks at you and wipes some hair from your eyes. "I guess"

Then you remember. The sky, his face, the heartbreak, and most of all fear and his hatred for me. The pink clouds, and how beautiful you looked that night. The last dance you'd ever have as you fell. You thought he loved you, your dear Bakugou. But when you told him you felt like it wasn't working out he pushed you. Your heart hurt and your eyes were burning. You felt pain all over you as you moved your arms to hug yourself. "He pushed me-" You choked up, you were crying? tears had been running down your face. You sobbed out. "He pushed me off the edge-like-like he didn't care about me!" You shout and scream out a painful cry. "No one will know I'm dead!" Your nose starts to run and he pulls you into his chest. you cry into his shirt, wrapping your hand around his shirt. balling your fists in it wrinkling the fabric. You look at him and push him away. " Where am I? What is this place? The world was destroyed?!" You start panicking. Breathing becomes uneven "Am I in hell?" You look up at him with red eyes and his face shows no expression. "No you're on the ground. The real ground" He pulls your hands off him. "Stop crying, there's no point. If you tell anybody you're from the sky city, you might as well have just died while falling" He puts on a cold persona. 

"No one will come looking for you, by the way, I would know. Can you walk?" He asks getting up and tapping your legs. "I-I don't know-" You look at your legs, trying to move them. but to no avail. "Get up," He said, a little angry. "I'm trying" You choke out trying to move your legs again but nothing. "Get up!" He shouted louder than the last. He turns around and throws the chair to the ground. He walks out of the room slamming the door. 

"Why is he so upset, jeez, I'm the one that should be. I can even walk." You tear up again and move to face the wall. wrapping your hands around your body. getting cold and you start crying again. "I'm the one who has no one, nothing anymore" The tears rolling down your face were hot. You had so many questions. how did you get here, who was he and how did he live on the ground?

You closed your eyes drifting off to sleep again. 

You woke up to two people fighting to what seems like to be on the other side of the door. "Todoroki she's a waste of time! She can't even walk!" the female shouts "So was I just a waste of time when I fell!" He cries out. "No! That's what I thought, she will walk again just watch!" He says opening and closing the door to the room you're staying in. He sighs and looks at you, with the same cold face. "Sorry, how much of that did you hear?" He sits in the chair next to you. It must've gotten picked up while you slept. "Uh, what do you mean you were a waste of time?" You ask tilting your head to him. "I guess I was the same thing as you, I fell. Not from the sky though. From some rocks high up. I went through some hard times, but I got through them" he says you see his eyes get glossy. "Until I met Momo you see. She helped me through a lot of it. We're actually dating. We have our problems like any other couple, we've been mainly fighting over you. She thinks you can't walk again and I believe otherwise. I can't give up on you as so many had done with me." He coughs clearing his throat.

"Also sorry for lashing out yesterday. I just-" You put your hand on him, reassuring him "It's fine I understand how you might've felt" You smile at him softly. "Ah- you must be hungry. We don't have much to eat but I can get you some bread" You smile and nod. He gets up and leaves the room. Tears start to prick your eyes realizing that you may never walk again.

You wipe your eyes and he walks in again with a piece of bread with what looks to be some home-made strawberry jam. "It's not like the food you'd get up there but it's the best we've got right now" He hands you the food and you take a bite. Your eyes widen. "Oh my! this is so good" You smile and eat more of it. "I have some questions if you'd be ok with me asking them," You say after eating your food. Your stomach feels fuller than before. He nods "Ask away."  

You think for a second and look down to see if you had different clothes on. To see you had been bandaged up. Some wrapped around your breasts and more wrapped around your bottom half almost like shorts. stopping a bit above mid-thigh. You blush at the thought of his undressing you. "Uh, who changed me?" He blushes and looks down. "Uh I did- but I didn't look at anything, or tried to. That's probably why Mo is mad at me." He has a small smile and rubs the back of his neck. "Uh it's ok, "You say awkwardly. 

"Do you know who pushed you off?" He asks, his face returning to that old cold stare. "Yeah, I remember. His name was Bakugou, we were dating for a few months and when I went to break up with him he pushed me off. Like it was nothing." You sigh tears prick your eyes and you blink them away. "Hm, that name does sound familiar, but not very many people talk about what goes on in the sky. Bad memories for them I guess" He shrugs his shoulders. "Uh if you don't mind me asking where my dress?" You look up shyly. "Mo actually took it, she has it in her closet. even puts it on some times. which is a little weird because half the time you could've been dead at any moment. It just reminded me that she was wearing a dead girl's dress" He got chills and you widen your eyes. 

"Uh, I want to try to walk again." You say shyly trying to move your legs. They moved slightly. "Oh my god, they moved. I can kind of feel my legs. Not much though" You smile at him but it quickly disappears when you try to move them again and you feel pain shoot up your back. You let out a groan and your body falls back on the bed. Tears prick your eyes and you try again sitting up. You touch your legs with your hand. "I feel it!" His eyes sadden and he takes out a needle. "What are you doing?" He pricks your leg and you watch the blood come out of your leg. "W-what? Why couldn't I feel that?" You ask, jabbing your finger on the cut and feeling no pain. "Your body made you think you felt it." He sighs, bending down to pick you up in bridal style. "Come on we're going to the kitchen" You look at him, admiring his face while he looks ahead. "Is there something on my face?" He asks looking down at you smirking. You look away blushing. "Oh, no..." you say quietly. He places you on the counter, this is the first time you get a good look at the place it's an old looking apartment? Small looking but comfortable.

"Nice place," You say and he goes between your legs holding a spoon up to your mouth. You open it and close it when he puts it in your mouth. He pulls the spoon off and you swallow, You look up at him and his mouth is open slightly. You blush and he holds the spoon up to your mouth again repeating the action multiple times and you come up with the conclusion that is apple sauce. He picks you up and places you on your feet. you wobble and lose balance and he grabs you pulling you to his chest. "How long was I out? Also, what's your name?" You look up to him. "About a month and my name is Todoroki, but most people call me Icy-Hot" He clears his throat and places you on your legs again. You groan and fall to your knees. This happens multiple times for the next half an hour.

You end up giving up and stay on the floor for a few minutes until he sits next to you. "Give it some time" He places his hand in your comfort. "What's your name?" He asks, turning his head to look at you. Your head to look at him as well. "Y/n l/n" You look down at your hands and he gets up. "Well, Y/n. We should probably get you back to your room." He bends down to pick you up. He walks to your room slowly pushing the door open with his body. He places you on the bed and places the blanket onto you. "Tomorrow I'll bring you down to see if someone can help you. I'll get out the stuff that helped me if you want. You nod and he walks to the door turning to say something. "Get some rest, you'll need it." 

He closes the door and you look down at your legs tearing up again. "Stop, stop crying it's not worth it. He's not worth it." You blink the tears away. turning to your side and closing your eyes.

You were running from him, Bakugou and you were running through a forest. Cuts on your arms and legs, sweat drenching your body and tears in your eyes. You saw the edge and stopped running. Watching Bakugou charging at you. "NO! STOP! LEAVE ME ALONE" You heard his laugh and he pushed you off. But this time it was a dark hole. "You're not coming back from this" He laughed watching you fall.

You shot up from the bed and Todoroki slammed the door opening running to you. You were covered in a cold sweat. "H-He did i-it again. H-e pushed me- pushed me off aga-again" You stumbled out your words and you felt tears leak from your eyes. He pulled you into another big hug rubbing your back. You wrapped your arms around him, grabbing his shirt from behind.

"Todoroki! What are you doing hugging her?" She asked angrily standing in the door and crossing her arms with an angry look on her face. "She had a nightmare Momo don't get so angry." He sighed pulling away from you. He went across the room and grabbed some clothes placing them on your bed. "Here change, we're going to see if someone can help you." He said, walking you out of the room. He stood in front of the girl and pulled her with him, closing the door as they both walked out.

You look at the clothes and then your bandages around the upper and lower part of your body. Your start unwrapping the top and Todoroki walks back in with something in his hands. You let out a squeak and cover your top part with the shirt. "Oh- sorry I didn't know you were changing," He says softly. "This is the only extra we have for your upper half, sorry it's a bit of an inconvenience. Also before you had woken up Momo had bathed and shaved you, so you don't need to worry about that stuff. She didn't want me doing it for obvious reasons but here" He places the item beside you and walks out of the room, closing the door behind him again.

"Has this man ever heard of knocking?" You sigh to yourself. You pick up the item and it's a bra, a cute one too. It looks a little small for you. It's pink lace with a criss-cross back and a cute pink bow in the form with matching panties.

You put the bra on and its a tight fit, your boobs almost spilling out of it. The black t-shirt is a v-neck making your boobs very noticeable. You unbind the wrappings on your legs and you see the shave, she did a very good job. No cuts and smooth, just how you like it. You grab was seemed to be ripped jeans, you put your legs through it. It was hard but you cant seem to get them past your thighs.

"Todoroki!" You shout and he comes into the room. You blush shyly. "I need some help pulling them up" You point to your pants and he nods. 

He turns you to lay on your stomach putting your but in the air. He gets on his knees pulling your pants up he stands up and pulls it up and around your ass. He presses himself against you and grinds a bit losing himself in the way you look. "You know Todoroki, I might've lost feeling in my legs but I can still feel my ass" You say to him and he picks you up "Right sorry just testing out the waters." He blushes and puts you on his back walking out the room. He walks towards the door. "You ready to see what's out there?" He asks and holds the knob to the door.

"Yeah.. I'm ready."

Tag-list:

@we-starlight-in-the-making

To be tagged comment!

[wordscorrupt]

43??

43. “I feel like I can’t breathe.” Ft. biodad!Tony and kid Peter.

Tony had never been a heavy sleeper of any sorts. The slightest creak, squeak or even wind brushing against the windows, amongst others sounds, would drag him from his unconscious state and back to the land of the living.

Therefore, when Friday blared an alarm just before the asscrack of dawn, he was inevitably up in less than two seconds flat, sleep forgotten as he tried to get his bearings straight. He fumbled around for the light switch on the bedside lamp, letting out a groan as he flipped it on and the light assaulted his eyes.

He rubbed at his eyes, letting out a stiff yawn. “Fri, what’s goin’ on?”

“Peter is experiencing a severe asthma attack, sir. I have already informed Doctor Banner and the rest of the medical staff of your imminent arrival.”

If there was any sleep still lagging in Tony’s body, it was completely wiped out and replaced with pure adrenaline instead. Friday hadn’t even finished her sentence before he was running out of the room, racing towards Peter’s room at the end of the hallway.

“Peter!” Tony called out, nearly breaking the hinges off the door in his attempt to reach his son as quickly as possible. He stumbled into the room, flicking the light on and the scene in front of him had him frozen in place.

His eleven-year-old son was sprawled on the floor, grasping a tiny hand to his chest, trying desperately to get a breath in as his chest caved in and out. His other hand was wrapped loosely around his inhaler that had obviously done little to help this situation. His blanket was tangled up near his feet, hinting at the fact that Peter had fallen trying to get out bed, probably in his attempt to get to his dad. Peter’s terrified, tear stricken face turned towards him and Tony felt a piece of his heartbreak off and shatter in that exact moment.

It was that pang in his chest, along with the piercing sounds of his son’s wheezes that got the adrenaline coursing through his veins once more and without another moment of hesitation, Tony made a beeline to his son, falling onto his knees in front of him. Trembling hands reached out, smoothing his son’s hair back, as he cooed, “Hey, baby. Daddy’s here. You’re okay. You’re okay.”

Peter dropped the inhaler, grabbing onto the front of Tony’s shirt with the same desperation that was plastered across his face.

Tony easily scooped his son into his arms, pressing him against his chest, feeling the boy’s small arms wrap around his neck while his legs wrapped around his waist. Once Peter was safely situated in his arms it was a mad dash to the MedBay.

He was so focused on getting to the elevator, he nearly crashed into Bruce who had run up to meet them. The two didn’t exchange any words, just a shared frantic look before heading towards the elevator.

“His inhaler?” Bruce questioned as the doors closed behind them. He pressed two fingers to Peter’s wrist.

“No help.”

“Feel li’e -”

Wheeze.

“C’nt -”

Wheeze.

“ - B’eathe, ‘ad.”

“Shh, I know, baby. Don’t talk. Save your breath. Try to take nice deep breaths for me, okay? Follow my breathing, honey.”

That was easier said than done. He started taking deep breaths in an effort to guide his son’s breathing. In the end, it made little difference but inadvertently helped Tony to focus on the situation at hand rather on the devastating scenarios his mind was trying to act out.

The elevator ride down to the medbay was probably the longest minute of Tony’s life. The elevator let out a monotone ding at every floor that was passed and each one might as well have signified another year being taken off his life.

Once they reached their destination, he didn’t even wait for the doors to fully open before he was darting out of the elevator. The medical staff had been standing around, waiting for them and he could only imagine the sight he was offering them. If there was ever a time his guards were completely down it was right now as he stood there barefoot in pajamas with a frantic expression marring his face, a death grip on his son.

Bruce immediately started barking out orders and the staff quickly begin to surround them and more than one pair of arms was reaching to take Peter away from. Tony momentarily tightened his hold on his kid before the rational part of his mind thankfully took over. Peter was plucked out from his arms and the boy was desperately reaching out for his father as he was settled down on the gurney, oxygen mask immediately covering his nose and mouth. The front of the bed was moved up and Peter was propped up against it as staff cut away his shirt with a pair of scissors, making way for heart monitors to be strapped to his chest.

Tony pushed his way to Peter’s side. “I’m right here, sweetheart,” He reassured, grabbing hold of Peter’s closest hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

The next hour for Tony was all too reminiscent of the previous asthma attacks Peter had suffered through. At first, Bruce ordered for a nebulizer treatment was set up through the mask and in the meanwhile, two nurses were tasked with starting an IV in order to give him a stronger medication.  

“D’ddy!” Peter sobbed, writhing around on the gurney in a futile attempt to escape the needle the nurses were digging around in his arm. This was the third attempt.  

Tony was beside himself as he peppered kisses onto Peter’s forehead, cooing, “Shh, daddy’s here, baby. Daddy’s here. It’s almost over, I promise.” He adjusted the mask on Peter’s face, pressing down on it gently. “Just breathe, honey. It’ll all be over soon.”

“This one blew too.” Tony heard the nurse state to their partner and he gritted his teeth in anger but he refused to lash out for Peter’s sake. He knew the medical staff always had a notoriously hard time trying to insert an IV in his son.

“Last time we set one up in his foot, didn’t we?” Bruce questioned and Tony nodded his head in agreement. Betrayal settled in his chest because he knew it was going to be even more painful for his son.

Ten agonizing minutes later, Tony lets out a breath of relief as the IV was finally set up in Peter’s right foot and medication was being pushed through. The effects are almost instant as Peter’s airways are forced open. Tony’s heart nearly bursts out of his chest as he watches his son take several untroubled deep breaths. Peter turns to look at him with wide eyes, as if not quite believing the fact he could once again conduct the simple act of breathing.

“That’s right, kiddo, you’re okay, now,” Tony encourages and at this point he’s lost count of how many times he’s told his son those exact words tonight. He buries his face into Peter’s curls, basks in the smell of the strawberry shampoo before standing back up. “You can rest now. Let the medicine do its job.”

His dad’s words are like magic as the tension evaporates from Peter’s body and he seems to almost melt into the bed. His eyes flutter to a close and Tony busies himself in brushing away the stray tears on Peter’s cheeks, willing to keep his own from falling. He smooths back the hair that was plastered to Peter’s forehead from sweat and presses his lips to the cold skin, letting them linger for a few seconds. He tucks Peter in, being mindful of the IV and wires monitoring his vitals, before finally taking a seat.

Bruce lingers for a few minutes, tracking Peter’s breathing before finally concluding that he was stable. He leaves, with the promise to be back soon.

Exhaustion starts to weigh heavily on him as he tries settles in a little more comfortably in the chair once Bruce leaves. He rests his chin in his hand, watching his son’s chest rise up and down. Eventually, he drifts off, starting to wake up an hour later by several familiar voices.

One of them realizes he’s stirring and settles a soft hand on his shoulder to steady him. He doesn’t need to open his eyes to know who it is. “Hey, Pep,” He calls out, voice groggy. The woman gives his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

She waits for Tony to open his eyes and tells him, “Friday told me what was going on as soon as I came into the office. I’m sorry, I should have been here with you.”

“It’s fine.” Tony maneuvers himself back up to a sitting position, having slid down in the chair sometime while sleeping. Pepper backs away and moves off to the side, giving Tony a view of Bruce and Steve who were surrounding Peter’s bed. Steve was dutifully running his fingers through Peter’s curls while Bruce was taking a thorough listen to Peter’s chest with his stethoscope. The second Steve realizes that Tony’s awake he pulls back, allowing him to come up to Peter’s side instead.

“How is he?” Tony asks as he took Steve’s place, laying a soothing hand on Peter’s forehead, thankful his son was still asleep.

Bruce moves the metal end from one side of Peter’s chest to the other, explaining, “His lungs are sounding much better. Vitals are stable. Pulse ox is back to normal as well.” He finishes up, tucking the blanket back around Peter. “I talked to his asthma specialist a few minutes ago. He’s going to be prescribing him some new medications to hopefully prevent anything like this happening again.”

Tony nods his head as he reaches out to smooth the blanket across Peter’s chest, leaving his hand settled on top.

“He’s gonna be okay, Tony. In fact, you can take him back upstairs right now. “ Bruce saw the hesitation on his friend’s face. “I’ll be with you guys all day, monitoring him. Heck, the whole team will probably be hovering around. Let the little guy rest in the comfort of his own bed.”  

Tony finally agreed and Bruce moved to remove the IV and the monitoring equipment. Steve argued to Tony to let him carry Peter back upstairs and Tony watched with a careful eye as the super soldier gingerly picked his son up. He managed to get Peter settled in his arms without disturbing a single hair on the kid’s head. Steve gave him a proud grin which Tony fondly rolled his eyes at.

“That’s precious cargo in your arms, Cap.” Tony reminded him as they all started walking towards the elevator.

“I know.”

This elevator ride was a striking contrast to the one he had taken just a few hours before. Instead of painful wheezes emitting from his son, it was soft snores and Tony had never been more grateful.

Once they reached the penthouse, Tony led the way to his bedroom with Steve and Bruce the following suit while Pepper opted to go to the kitchen instead, most likely to start on breakfast. Once Peter was situated in bed, Bruce and Steve excused themselves, knowing that Tony was most likely going to curl up next to his son and sleep.

Tony shut the door behind them, moments later crawling into bed next to his son. He wrapped his arms around the kid, Peter immediately curling up against him. Tony smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of Peter’s head before closing his eyes, letting the sound of Peter’s gentle breathing lull him to sleep.

[jamilelucato]

They Don’t Know About Us || Loki x Superhero Reader || Part One

Summary: Y/N is a new Avengers and, while she tries to adapt to this new position, she has to deal with some new feelings for a guy who is not that good — and really older than her.

A/n: So, here the girl is basically eighteen and Loki has an appearance of a thirty-year-old in the human world. You're able to control the earth element and all the things related to it. This story happens before Infinite War, everyone is already forgiven after Civil War, Asgard still exists. 

Let me know if you guys want me to continuous. 

and sorry for any English mistakes

Part Two     Part Three

You knew you shouldn’t have got up from the bed the minute you did it. Although it was a beautiful morning, something inside you was saying: don't get out of this room. However, you were the newest Avenger and wanted to show Stark that he made a good choice by picking you.

"Good morning, Stie," you said once you were in the kitchen. The Captain America (who you friendly nicknamed as Stie) had in his hand his daily coffee and he was smiling — even if it was 8 a.m.

"Hey there, little rock" that's why you had to nickname him. Little Rock, really? "Want anything?"

"I can get it myself, no worries"

You go to the fridge and get some cake from last night. Natasha was craving a strawberry cake and she bought one too big that will probably last until next week.

"Don't you think Tasha will be a little angry 'cause you ate her cake?" Steve asked, looking at the piece you've put on a plate.

"There's so much left — she won't even notice," you said, smiling too.

You missed your family, but those superheroes were a pretty good replacement.

"Thor is coming over; you two haven't met yet, have you?" Captain said before leaving.

 "No, we haven't... oh that's gonna be good, meeting a God and all" 

"Actually, two gods: Loki is coming too" 

"Oh" you knew Loki's reputation: he was absolutely not a pure soul but he was trying to redeem himself in the past few years.

"Yeah, I know. But I won't let him harm you, little rock." 

"Thanks, Stie, I really appreciate it, but I don't think he'll try anything with his brother around"

"You really haven't met him, then"  he laughed.

Mr. Stark was knocking at your door at the moment Thor and his brother arrived on Earth. Like you couldn't have felt that!

"Come on, Y/L/N!! We're going to have lunch with them!"

"I'm coming!!" you were a little bit late because Natasha told you to dress up some more — something about those Asgardians being completely appealing. Anyway, you were finishing applying makeup in your face and gave a last glance at yourself in the mirror. You were still wearing those old jeans, but this time with a cute green blouse Clint had given you for saving his butt at that last war.

"Oh! Someone is overdressed!" Tony said when you got out of the room.

"Really? Is it too much?" his comment made you start staring at your clothes.

"No, no, no — what I mean is that you look good. It's just, you're always with the same clothes"

"-I'm not!" 

"Whatever. Take it as a compliment and let's go" and you followed him down the hall.

When Tony Stark said you were going to lunch with the sons of Odin, he forgot to mention that you weren't gonna leave the building at all, and, because all of the other Avengers were going to be there too, you did look overdressed cuz those people were now very familiar with your normal-lunch-clothes.

The looks didn't turn all at you — thank you God — but you became another pair of eyes looking at them: the gods. So, so magnificent! The blond one, probably Thor, had short sparkly hair, and he was wearing some jeans jacket and paints, very normal and casual. The other one, which you assumed it was Loki, had a shoulder-sized black hair, a mysterious look on his face, and a suit in broad daylight. You were no longer worried about overdressing.

Natasha was absolutely right — those two were totally attractive. You wondered if she had made out with any of the two.

Tony made you follow him until the seats next to the outsiders and that made you feel a bit anxious.

"Thor, how have you been?" he asked when Thor got up and 'absorbed' Stark in a hug. 

"Stark, my man!" the blond Asgardian answered, slapping Tony's back. "or should I say machine?" and he started laughing. By his manners, he wasn't Natasha's type — he was most likely to be the ones she tells jokes about.

So this leaves the mysterious one to Tasha.

"You! Certainly Stark's new hero!" Thor said, pulling you into his bear hug. You answered him with your complete name. "Well, Y/N meet my least favorite brother, Loki"

The black-haired one didn't get up for you, at least not immediately. He turned his face to see you, at the beginning with a very bored look but once he stopped analyzing, he instantly got up.

"Dear brother, do I have to remind you that I am your only brother?" he commented, turning his face to you and suggesting to catch your hand like he was about to kiss it. You were so hypnotized that you let him grab it, and he did kiss it.

"Loki Laufeyson, a pleasure to meet you, Y/N"

"Hm the pleasure is all mine...?" it sounded like a question although it wasn't your intention. In response, he just smiled. That made you want to smile back, but since he wasn't looking at you anymore, you held yourself back.

Lunch wasn't terrible — except for Thor's jokes and the lack of glances at you that Loki gave. You found out that they were staying for a week because Thor wanted to talk to some special human. Curious as you are, after eating you went straight to Natasha to find out about more stuff.

"Hey Y/N! I didn't think you'd be free until 3 p.m." she said once you found her at the liquor counter.

"Neither did I but, for some reason, Stark let me go."

"Wait, weren't sitting next to the Asgardians?" she asked.

"Yes..."

"And you managed to get up? How?"

"Well, Thor is a sight for sore eyes but his jokes are the worst!" you said remembering all the ones he told just before you even started eating.

"No denying," she said, putting her hands in the air "But what about his brother?"

"Handsome, no doubts, but I'm not cutting your grass"

"What?!? Why?" Natasha got up from behind the counter and walked over to my side.

"You said they were attractive so I..."

"You assumed I was making out with one of them?" your face burned red when she read your thoughts, then she started laughing really loud. "Loki is not my type!!" she screamed in the middle of the laughs.

"Everyone is your type, Tasha!" you screamed back, now laughing too.

"True, but not the point" she answered while cooling off.

"Anyways, I'm too young for any of them"

"But they don't know that!" she said, blinking an eye.

"Thor came to Earth because he wants to talk to ‘someone special’ so, I guess he's off the list" you purposely informed, wanting for Tasha to tell you more about that.

"Oh, Jane!" she let it out, remembering the girl's name.

"So you know her!" you said, pointing your finger at her.

"Yeah, sure, but if he asks, I don't." clearly Thor and she were friends but not that close. "They broke up, I heard."

"Oh, poor Thor" you felt bad for him mostly because he was too pretty to have a heartbreak.

"However, what about Loki? Shouldn't you give him a try?"

"Again, I'm only eighteen," you said, still laughing.

"He's probably eighteen in Asgardians years too," she said, probably remembering the time he stayed with the Avengers. "Afterall, you guys will just hook up, not get married"

"Not my type, though," you said, nodding your head, trying to look another way to cover up the lie you just told.

"Totally your type! I do remember Spider-Boy being rejected for being too nice and an open-book!"

"I did not reject Peter!"

"Not with words, you didn't." Natasha was truly pulling your leg today and she knew you too much already — it was only three months you were there.

"He is dating a girl from school anyway" you forgot his girlfriend's name but you remembered you two talking about it another day.

"You know who isn't dating?" Natasha asked, looking far behind you

"Who?" you couldn't deny you hated being single.

"Loki" she said giggling and pointing to the suited figure that stared at you through the glass wall.

You stared back at the Laufeyson. Maybe you should give him a try, after all.

[tilltheendwilliwrite]

Balance on the Head of a Pin

Chapter Thirteen

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Loki Laufeyson x OFC  |  Word Count: 5992 Warnings: smexy, swearing, angst and heartbreak

Lauren stared at the change in the pendant around her neck with awe. Towel wrapped tightly around her, she touched the web of intricately laced branches which now rested where once the delicate chain had. It was only about an inch wide, maybe two where the branches fell to a point beneath the pendant, surrounding it as if to highlight the golden rectangle. It was exquisite, like nothing she’d ever seen before, but she wasn’t so foolish not to realize there was more going on here than a simple gift.

“Loki, explain this to me?” She tapped it gently with her nail.

He appeared behind her in the mirror, chest bare, towel riding low at his waist. The smile he wore was simply sinful as was the look in his eyes when he peered at her through the glass. Tapered fingers landed ever so gently on the delicate gold filigree, tracing the design with care.

“Isn’t it stunning?” he asked, stroking his fingers up her throat to cup and lift her chin.

His touch made her shiver most delightfully. “It’s gorgeous, but why is it different?”  

Even though he’d followed through on his comment to wash everything, he’d been… mostly a gentleman about it. His soaping of her back, belly, and chest might have been a pleasant experience, but it had just been a washing, one which she’d returned in kind, washing both their hair as well.

It had been fun, actually, to do something like that for him, especially when she’d scrubbed her nails lightly over his scalp and he’d darn near purred with pleasure.

“Because,” he murmured, lightly kissing her cheek, keeping his eyes on hers in the mirror. “You are my Ástvinur, my chosen. As we learn and grow together, as our bond grows stronger the more you accept me for who I am, so does the brúðr steinn.”

“Brúðr steinn,” she murmured, touching the pendant. “Sounds fancy.”

“Very fancy,” he whispered against her ear.

The heat in his eyes had her lips parting on a sigh. “Loki.” She watched, enthralled as he ran his teeth over the shell of her ear.

“That’s four, my darling,” he crooned against her before slowly pulling away, allowing his finger to trail down her neck and over her bare shoulder.

Lauren picked up her brush with a shaking hand and began running it through her hair, hoping to regain some semblance of composure only to have him return to her back and steal the brush from her fingers to do it himself.

“Seeing as how you have enticed me out of bed at this unseemly hour, I think you should make it up to me.”

Arching a brow, she ignored the heat in her face when she muttered, “After the last twenty minutes, you’re gonna whine about gettin’ up early?”

He paused in his brushing to look at her with eyes full of censure. “An act we could have easily accomplished had you remained in my bed.”

She tilted her chin up defiantly. “You’re short-term memory is goin’, peaches. You’re the one who flounced off into the shower.”

“I do not flounce!” he scoffed. With a narrowing of eyes, he dug his fingers in along her ribs and made her squeal. “Oh, ticklish are we?”

“Loki, no!” she laughed when he did it again. “Stop! Stop! Noooo- aha!” Grabbing hold of her slipping towel, she darted out the door with him hot on her heels.

It came as little surprise when strong arms banded her waist, scooped her up off her feet and tossed her to the bed, causing her breath to oof out before being replaced by gasps and giggles as he attacked her ribs with a vengeance. She belted out a peal of laughter as she tried to keep her towel in place, pushing at him to stop. “Stop!!”

Crouched over her, Loki snickered as he captured both her hands into one of his and held them above her head. “Admit I do not flounce, and I may grant you mercy.”

She bit her lip to hold in her giggles. “Fine, you don’t flounce.”

“Very good.” He smiled triumphantly.

“But you do skulk!”

“Why you little…” he growled softly, skating his hand down her ribs.

“Ah haha!” she screamed, twisting to get away, only to finally have her towel come free. “Big bully!” she pouted when he stopped, eyes full of appreciation for her half-naked form.

“Poor baby,” he chuckled, skimming his hand up her bare flesh to caress her exposed breast. “Should I kiss it better?”

Lauren bit her lip while nodding.

The way his eyes went from sky blue to deep oceans as they warmed was enchanting.

Her eyes dropped to his lips, waiting for him to lower them to hers. She sighed and tilted her face up, the anticipation half the fun when his nose brushed gently along the tip of hers, and his breath washed across her lips.

He settled slowly to the bed, his body at her side, arm stretched out to keep hers contained. The softest touch of his lips made hers tingle. They brushed, a whisper, brushed again, brushed and made her whimper a quiet plea.

When they finally sealed to hers, she moaned, arching up, loving the shock of heat which rapid fired through her system with his kiss, with his closeness. Lauren hooked her heel behind his knee and tugged until his weight half pressed her to the mattress. But it was his mouth she focused on.

The silky glide of his tongue against hers. The way he seemed to be able to twist it in the most impossible way. He flicked it over her teeth, discovering every corner of her mouth. He moaned, deeply, and the coolness of his voice along with the magic which lived inside him washed down her throat making her shiver.

The release of her hands saw them flying up to sink into his damp locks as she kissed him unendingly, catching a breath when he let her only to have him dive back in until her lips felt swollen, and the hand on her breast wandered down her side to jack her thigh up around his waist.

His hand was making its way over her ribcage again when a loud growl came from her stomach.

“Oh!” Jumping at the unexpected noise, Lauren flushed with embarrassment.

Loki groaned softly in disappointment as his head fell to her shoulder. “I forget how often you Midgardians need to eat,” he said, sounding distinctly grumpy.

“I forgot how often you don’t,” she grumbled. “C’mon, hun. I’ll make you a breakfast that will have you wantin’ to eat.”

“And just what, pray tell, are we having for breakfast, my sweet?” Loki asked, lips gliding across her cheek. “What could you possibly feed me that would make letting you up worth my while?”

Smiling, Lauren traced her nails down his back. “Mm, you’ll have to wait and see, peaches.”

Nipping at her lip, he sighed, long-suffering and full of irritation. “If I must, but you will simply have to make it up to me.”

“Me? Make it up to a God? Why however, shall I accomplish such a thing when I am just a shy, fair maiden with not but pennies to my name?” She fluttered her lashes, smiling innocently up at him.

He snorted out a bark of laughter before fighting it back to give her a dark look laced with mischief. “By using your own two hands, fair maiden, to treat me as I deserve.”

“And whatever shall I be doin' with my hands, oh gracious God of Mischief?” she asked, a touch breathless.

“Why, what every man desires of his woman,” he murmured softly, eyes drawing down to land on her lips. Leaning closer, his mouth a breath away from hers, Loki whispered, “Bake me a cake, woman.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief as he leapt from the bed, laughing wickedly while escaping back into the bathroom.

“You’re a horrible tease!” Lauren griped.

“But a fantastic flirt!” Could be heard before the door shut tight.

***

With his chin in his hand, Loki watched Lauren move around the kitchen with an ease born of familiarity. She was at home here, cracking eggs and cutting up peaches, strawberries, and bananas. There were bowls of fresh berries on the long marble island and a cup of steaming coffee at his elbow.

She stood before the hot stove, bowl of batter in her arm, stirring gently while she waited for the pan to warm. A white t-shirt, old and thin from many washings clung to her curves, while shorts made from jeans bared the generous length of her legs.

He was having a decidedly hard time pulling his eyes away from her long limbs and colourful bare toes. The soft pink was most enticing, making him wonder if she would giggle if he nibbled upon them or if a moan would fall from her lips. Her pert bottom in those shorts wasn't helping matters either.

Drawing his eyes up, he smirked a little for her hair really did curl in the humidity already present in the early morning heat. Soft waves fell around her shoulders, caressed her cheeks, and draped down her back. She looked adorably youthful, like the girl in her Gran’s pictures.

She hummed softly while pouring batter onto the hot pan, hery smile small but happy as she did something which obviously pleased her.

Loki sipped his coffee and glanced toward the clock upon the wall, one reading just gone six-thirty, an hour he would not have been awake at without a good reason on any other day he’d chosen to sleep. Still, to watch her cook for him, just him, in a kitchen with whitewashed cabinets and marble countertops, glass front doors and gleaming steel appliances that put the kitchen of Stark’s to shame, caused his heart to clench at the domesticity of it all. 

He could get used to this.

He set his coffee down with a quiet click of porcelain on marble. “Whatever was your sister trying last night with her action? I cannot figure out her motivation for breaking into your room as she was.”

She placed the bowl down beside the stove and took up a utensil to flip the first round of pancakes. A slight sigh escaped her as the smile fell from her lips, and Loki regretted asking. “The belt.”

“Excuse me?” he asked, stiffening in shock.

“The one you made me. It wouldn’t be the first time Cissy took what wasn’t hers cause she wanted it.” Moving toward the big double door fridge, she opened it and took out a small silver bowl filled with cream she’d previously whipped up into frothy peaks.

He stared at her aghast. “She steals from you as well?”

“Borrows, hun. Only she conveniently forgets about returnin’ what she's borrowed,” Lauren muttered, putting the bowl on the counter near the berries before ducking down to open a cabinet and remove a small canister which she placed near the bowl. “That’s how Cissy explains it at least. At which point I get, Lauren Guillemin, why can't you just let Cissy have whatever this one time? ”

“Lauren,” he sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face, unable to believe the audacity and how it was compounded by what was evidently her mother.

“There’s a reason I only brought one bag. I’ve had things disappear before when I brought them home with me. Considerin’ I could smell the booze on her last night from across the room, ain’t surprised she fell against the door.” She shrugged, dismissing it. “She’s doomed to disappointment anyway.”

That Cissy was. The belt and the outfit he’d created for Lauren no longer existed. He could bring it back should she wish it, but he was really beginning to despise this family.

Flipping the pancakes onto a waiting plate, Lauren poured more batter into the pan and turned toward the island where she began spooning fruit over the hotcakes. The canister was opened and a sieve obtained to shake the fine powdered sugar over the plate. Dollops of the whipped cream were added next before she drizzled a smattering of honey over the entire thing.

Lauren set the plate in front of him with a smirk and nudged a fork his direction. “Eat.”

He eyed both her and the plate before arching a skeptical brow. “I have had pancakes on numerous occasions, my sweet. How is this any different?”

She scooped a bit of cream up with her finger, a dab with a drizzle of honey on it and held it out. “You ain't never had pancakes till you've had ‘em with fresh cream and wildflower honey.”

Loki watched her face as he took her by the wrist and brought her finger to his lips, swirled his tongue around the tip, and placed it into his mouth where he sucked it clean with a sensual purr of pleasure. “Delicious. Especially off your skin.”

She gave a slow blink, a sly smile, and leaned closer to kiss him only to suck his lip into her mouth. “It's even better off yours, peaches,” she murmured, flicking her tongue over his lip. “Eat.”

“There's something I'd like to eat,” he muttered, setting her laughing and blushing as she returned to the stove.

When he dug in, Loki had to bite back a moan of pleasure for her meal was just delicious. As he ate, he again watched her move with ease around the kitchen.

Before the pancakes, she’d mixed a large bowl of batter, poured it in pans, and placed them in the oven. The entire kitchen smelled of spiced cake, mouthwateringly scrumptious. She returned to the fridge, took a block of something - the box reading cream cheese - from it and set it on the counter. The oven was checked, and she flipped her own pancakes before turning her attention back to him.

Collecting a piece of peach on the end of his fork, he held it out to her temptingly. She walked toward him, a sway in her hips, leaned over the counter and opened her mouth.

Pulling the fork back, Loki tsked, “Closer, pet.”

Lauren skirted the counter and stepped forward. “Here?” she asked, smiling.

Turning toward her on his stool, Loki slipped his foot between hers, caught her around the waist, and pulled her forward to straddle his thigh. “Here,” he quipped, bringing the peach to her lips.

Her eyes danced and sparkled when she bit the peach off the tines.

While she chewed, Loki stroked his hand down her back, gently cupped her bottom, traced his fingers over the curve and down past the edge of her shorts where he could lightly caress her bare skin. “What would you have us do today, darling?”

Her fingers traced the line of buttons on his white shirt. “Anythin’ long as we’re outta this house.” 

“It has been some time since I rode. Yesterday’s adventure with your stallion reminded me of how I missed it.” Loki slipped his fingers beneath the hem of her t-shirt, dragged them gently over her skin, squeezed her ribs and brushed his thumb over the underside of her satin encased breast.

Plucking a strawberry up between her nails, Lauren brought it to his lips. “We could take the horses out. Go down to the river. We could swim and have a picnic for lunch.”

Sucking the berry from her fingers, Loki hummed happily. “Sounds delightful.”

“I think so,” she smiled, leaning down to kiss him gently, pulling away only when the scent of pancakes got stronger. She returned to the stove, clicked off the burner, dished up and prepared her own small mound of pancakes before taking the seat at his side.

Loki gave her stool a quick jerk, drawing it in close. She squeaked, grabbed for her plate, and made him snicker. A sharp glare was sent his way before she stole his coffee to sip from his cup. He slid his hand up her thigh and gave her a second jerk that saw her sitting nearly on his lap. Not an easy feat to accomplish, but he wrapped her leg behind his hips and settled his hand on her lush bottom to keep her in place.

Perched on his leg, she eyed him with amusement. “I could sit on my own stool.”

“But then how could I do this?” Stealing her fork, he speared a piece of banana, dipped it in the whipped cream and held it before her mouth.

Her lips twitched, fighting to contain her smile. “I could feed myself as well.”

“Oh?” he pouted, rubbing the edge of the banana against her lips. “Pity,” he crooned, pulling the fork away. “Feeding one’s beloved can be such a… sensual experience.” Lifting his foot to the rung on her stool had her sliding down his thigh, the seam of her shorts bumping up in just the right way.

When she gasped at the sudden jolt of pleasure, he tucked the fork between her lips.

“Now, be a good girl, pet, and let me have my way.” He rocked his foot on the rung of the stool, smirking as he watched her eyes darken when the hard seam rubbed and pulled just right.

Lauren reached past him, ran her finger through the last of the cream and honey on his plate and held it before his lips. “Two can play these games, Loki.”

The mischievous light was back in her eyes. He made to lick her finger when she pulled it away and sucked it between her lips, right to the last knuckle. She moaned softly, eyes on his, as she pulled it from her pursed lips, leaving it slick with saliva.

“Flames of Valhalla, woman,” he groaned, feeling the sudden throb and tightening of his core.

“Still want to play?” she teased, leaning closer.

“So many, many games, darling,” he breathed, sinking his hand into her hair.

Her arms went around his neck, and her body softened into his. “You’ll have to teach me all of them,” she whispered against his lips.

“And invent a few just for you, my heart.” He nipped her bottom lip, making her whimper. Stroking his hand up her spine and back down, he rocked his thigh into her core as he played with her lips, kissing and coaxing, leaving teasing bites and tender kisses, contemplating how quickly he could clear the space on the counter to lift her to it.

“Hey, mama! I smell somethin’ delic- oh, shit!”

The masculine voice had Lauren jerking back, but Loki only held her tighter as he turned his head to glare at the interloping male.

“Uh, mornin’, Lafayette,” Lauren mumbled, cheeks as bright a red as the strawberries on her plate.

She pushed at his chest weakly, but Loki didn’t let her go. The man was wearing a look of embarrassment, but there was envy in his eyes when the dark brown of them connected with Loki’s blue. He knew the instant his flared green for the man dragged the hat from his head and held it twisting between his fingers.

“Miss Lauren. Sorry, I didn’t expect anyone but mama to be up cookin’ this time a day.”

This time the push was less weak and followed up with a solid fist to the chest. Grunting, more out of surprise than pain, Loki finally allowed her to escape, dropping his foot to the floor so she could slide off his thigh.

Lauren smiled at him as she did, her hand stroking over where she’d punched him in apology, one Loki accepted graciously with a tilt of his head.

“It’s good to see you, Lafayette! I missed you yesterday when I was showin’ Loki around.”

Loki watched narrowly as she hugged the large stranger.

A big man, Lafayette had the ruddy complexion of a person used to working outdoors. His sun-darkened skin and bronzed hair confirmed this as fact. Bulky muscles were encased in a t-shirt already sweat-dampened and blue jeans with dirty knees, while a red handkerchief hung from his back pocket. Though he hugged back, Lafayette didn’t touch her with his hands, keeping the dirt on them from smearing Lauren’s white shirt.

“Had to run a few errands in town for Teddy, plus pick up more party things for your mama’s shindig,” Lafayette said, pulling back and heading for the sink to wash up. “Didn’t mean to interrupt… uh… breakfast.”

It came out more a question than a statement.

Getting to his feet, Loki prowled slowly toward Lauren where he collected her fingers and brought them to his lips. “Yes… breakfast,” he smiled as he kissed her knuckles. “You should finish yours, love.” From the corner of his eye, he watched Lafayette flinch at the endearment.

“I will, but I want to introduce you first. Lafayette and I grew up together. His mama is Sue Ann.”

“Ah, the lovely woman from yesterday. She was quite charming,” he said, leading Lauren back to her stool with a gentle tug, encouraging her away from the man who clearly had feelings for her.

“Yeah, mama was full of praise for you, too.” Lafayette leaned against the island and looked him over.

“Really? How delightful.” Loki smirked at the assessing eyes and played with Lauren's hair. While the man was almost as big as Thor, there would be little contest in who would win in wits or strength. The man was quite out of his depth.

“Lafayette, meet Loki Laufeyson.” Lauren smiled up at him.

“You eat, darling. I can make my own introductions.” Loki lightly stroked his palm up her arm. The move had Lafayette’s eyes glued to his hand.

“Don’t summon the staff,” she mumbled, reaching for her fork, oblivious to the tension in the room.

“Why ever not?”

“You’d shake the china. It’s fragile,” she warned, returning to eating.

“As you wish, darling.” Loki kissed the crown of her head, keeping his eyes locked on the brown ones across from him.

Lafayette’s jaw tightened.

Chuckling softly, Loki made his way around the island and held out his hand. “As my Ástvinur has said, I am Loki.”

“Lafayette.”

The large hand grasped his, squeezed in the way most men of this world would to try and intimidate a rival. It only made Loki grin. “She did leave out one thing though.” He increased the pressure of his grip ever so slightly, gaining a modicum of pleasure when Lafayette’s eyes widened.

“What’s that?” the man asked, tightening his grip as well.

He gave a slight shrug. “That I am the adopted son of Odin, brother to Thor, prince of Asgard, and the God of Mischief.”

Lafayette’s hand jerked in his. “What?”

“And one of the Avengers,” she said from behind him. “Don’t be so modest, peaches.”

Glancing at her, Loki shook his head. “Are you teasing me, my sweet?”

“Who would dare?” she gasped as if shocked at the very thought.

“Troublesome woman,” he grumbled, removing his hand from the slack one of Lafayette.

“Holy… fuck,” breathed Lafayette, stunned. “I thought you looked familiar but… sheet!” He slapped Loki roughly on the shoulder with a wide grin. “An honest to god Avenger runnin’ round Annandale Farms! Son’ bitch! Good to meet you!”

Loki blinked, surprised by the about-face in the man’s demeanour. “Excuse me?”

He chuckled, evidently amused by Loki’s confusion. “Thought you were some high society fucker Lu brought home with her to screw with her mama.”

Lauren snorted, covering her mouth as she chewed, eyes sparkling with wicked amusement.

“Did you set me up, darling?”

“Maybe, little,” she smirked, continuing to eat. “Kinda got both of you in one. A double set up. Natasha would be proud.”

“The Captain would be horrified at your deviousness, but Barnes would be quite amused.” Loki shook his head and returned to her side.

“Shit, Lu. Still can’t believe you know the Avengers,” Lafayette muttered, helping himself to the coffee.

The timer on the stove buzzed, but when she made to go to it, Loki pressed down on her shoulders. “Sit.”

“The cake.”

“I have it.” Flicking his finger, Loki moved the cake from the oven to the racks on the counter, turning the oven off in the process.

Lafayette jumped, sloshing coffee over his hand and hissing at the burn. “Fuck me!” Shaking off the liquid, he wiped his hand on his jeans.

“I see your mouth ain’t improved a lick,” Lauren snickered. “Don’t let your mama catch you using that language, or she’ll wash it out with soap.”

“Can you blame me? Damn, Lu! He just… and the cake just… and y’all are just sittin’ there all pleased as punch!”

Lauren smiled. “Takes a little gettin’ used to, but then I’ve had the time.” Her hand drifted up to rest against her pendant, hidden by the neck of her t-shirt.

Sitting beside her, Loki nudged her cheek with his nose, kissing the enticing line of her jaw. “That you have, my love.” Hand settling on her thigh, he rubbed circles with his thumb.

The clicking of heels on hardwood coming at a rapid pace had Lauren stiffening. “Yeti.” She tilted her head to the side, and Lafayette scooted around the corner into what Lauren had termed the butler’s pantry.

Arching a brow, Loki squeezed Lauren’s thigh.

“Mama. She and Yeti don’t get on. He’s a bit... brash for mama’s sensibilities,” she snickered, “It’s better if they just avoid each other. She puts up with him cause Sue Ann’s the best cook in the county. Plus he’s got a knack with the gardens no one can compete with.” She shrugged, dismissing it.

Loki hummed his understanding as Magnolia burst into the kitchen, robe flapping and hair in disarray, day-old makeup beneath her eyes, and a piece of paper clutched in her hand.

“Lauren! Have you seen George?” she asked, breathless.

Lauren shook her head. “No, mama. Why?”

“This!” Magnolia shook her fist with the paper in it. “This was left on his bed this mornin’!” Stalking forward on heels which had fluffy toes, she thrust the paper at Lauren, dismissing him altogether.

“Good morning, Magnolia,” Loki smirked, forcing her attention from her daughter. “How your beauty astounds me, transcending from night to day in such a way.” The choked sound from the pantry would be heard by none but him, though clearly, his words amused Lafayette.

“Oh, well, yes.” She patted down her hair and closed her robe. “Thank you, uh, Loki. I do apologize for soundin’ a touch… frantic. It’s just this letter has got me all stirred up.”

“Oh?” He arched a brow, leaning to read over Lauren’s shoulder. “What a pity. Montgomery has been called away. And look, my love,” he traced his finger over the hastily written line, “it appears he has acquiesced to your wishes and will no longer seek your hand.” It wasn’t what he’d wanted the idiot male to do, but at least he was out of the house and away from his Lauren.

She tilted her head, sending him a quick smile. “As it belongs to you, Loki that was only ever goin’ to be the outcome.”

“Be still, my beating heart,” he breathed, kissing her shoulder. The shudder went unnoticed by her mother, but Loki felt the quake of her desire right to his soul.

“But that can’t be!” Magnolia wailed.

“Mama?” Lauren frowned. “Why can’t that be? George knew last night I wasn’t gonna marry him. I made that perfectly clear. Why else would he have stayed?”

Magnolia paled swiftly before an angry flush came to her face. “Why for the party of course! What other reason could there possibly be? Don’t be stupid, girl!”

Going ridged at her side, Loki glared at Magnolia when Lauren flinched at the harshness. “Yes, what other reason could there possibly be for Montgomery to be in this house? To stay the night when, clearly, the reason he was here was moot?”

Magnolia blinked at his vehemence, blinked again when the words sank in and stepped back quickly.  “I… I don’t have a clue what you might be talkin’ about, sir.”

“No? Hm, I thought not.” Lifting his chin, he stroked his hand down Lauren’s spine. “Well, it seems Montgomery has left us. What a shame.”

She eyed him, worry and fear on her face. “I… I guess, yes. Too bad.” Turning on her heel, she fled the room.

Shifting his attention back to Lauren, he had a moment of concern with how still she was, staring at the last of her breakfast, the note clutched tightly in her hand. “Lauren?”

She spread the note out on the counter with both hands. “Loki, I’m gonna ask a question. I need you to tell me the truth.”

“Always, my love.” Stilling the hand on her back, he brought the other down on hers.

She blew out a hard breath, inhaled deeply and asked, “Was my mother sleepin’ with George?”

Everything about her braced as if awaiting a blow, one he was seriously disinclined to give. “Darling…”

“Oh… wow,” she gasped, his non-answer answer enough. “That hurts more than I expected.” Turning from him, she bent over her knees to pant softly.

The pain tearing through her was so intense, Loki could feel it himself. “Please, love,” he whispered, lurching from his seat to gather her close when she nearly slid from the stool. Holding her as she shook, he became aware of Lafayette watching, eyes full of pity before the man slipped away.

They both ended up on the floor, Lauren sobbing into her hands, completely destroyed by her mother’s betrayal. When harsh cries eventually became soft whimpers, he gathered her into his lap. Limp and exhausted, she turned her face into his throat.

“How long?” she whispered.

He sighed while rubbing her back. “I can’t say with certainty.”

“Hazard a guess, Loki.”

The harshness of her voice nearly made him flinch. “If not the beginning, likely near it.”

“Was this what you were hidin’?”

He closed his eyes and held her tight, wishing with all his heart this was not happening, that her family were not these wretched people. He wished almost desperately for Frigga to be alive. For her to meet and mother his Lauren. To fuss and coddle the woman who was his heart. “I’m sorry, elskan min. I’m so sorry.”

Fresh tears soaked the collar of his shirt.

A few minutes later, when the pounding of her heart was not nearly so strong, Lauren pushed back from him, but her head remained bowed, her hair falling down to hide her face. “Why?” she finally asked, lifting her head to look toward the ceiling. “Why?”

He cupped her face, bringing her eyes to his while he wiped at her tears. He’d never seen her so sad, so heartbroken, and twice in less than twenty-four hours she had cried like her soul was crushed over these people. “I don’t know, darling. I don’t know why people are this way. I don’t know why they do these things. I don’t know why they hurt you.” He drew her in until her forehead rested against his, and her fingers wrapped around his wrists. “But I won’t. I will never hurt you. Not ever. I will never cheat. I will never lie. I will never dishonour you or treat you like less than the queen you are. I vow it, my heart. I swear it!”

She whimpered softly, “Loki.”

“I love you, Lauren.” Her lips tasted of tears and sorrow mixed with shame and regret when he kissed her, but he sank past it, sank deep, kissed her and poured out his heart. He wrapped her in his love and his magic until sadness turned to fire and left him breathless on the tile floor.

When she pulled back a second time, her lashes were slow to lift, but when they did, her eyes were full of sweet affection. The sorrow was still there but muted, and a smile was beginning to bloom gently on her lips.

“That was quite the promise,” she said softly, lightly touching his lips.

He nipped gently at her fingers. “And Asgardians always keep their promises.”

She wiped at her cheeks. “I know, peaches.”

Disentangling their limbs, Loki assisted her back to her feet. “What now, darling?” Did she even want to stay? Would she ask to go home?

She breathed out, composed herself, and headed for the cake on the cooling racks. “Now, we finish your cake, make a picnic, grab the horses and get the hell outta this house before I do somethin’ else I regret.” The worry from last night was present between her brows again.

Flicking his hand at the dishes, he set everything to rights from their breakfast. “Your mother seems to have forgotten you made that declaration.”

“Figures. Magnolia ignores anythin’ which don’t fit in with what she wants.”

If there was a touch of bitterness to the words, Loki didn’t hold it against her. Lauren had gathered a bowl and what ingredients she needed for this next step of cake making when Loki moved up behind her and pinned her hips to the counter with his own then wrapped his arms around her waist. “Will you be alright?”

Her hands clenched on the countertop before relaxing to lay flat. “The worst part? I can’t hate her. She’s still my mama. I seriously want to whip George’s behind from here to the next county, and I’m a little… nauseous, but I can't hate her. Does that make me weak?”

Tucking his nose into her hair, he sighed. “No, darling. It makes you far stronger than most. Frigga said nearly the same to me once. She hated what I’d done, what I’d become, but she still loved me.”

Her hands went back to adding things to the bowl before they, again, slowed to a stop. “Do you ever wonder if the mind stone was part of the reason you gave in to the Chitauri?”

“What?” It was such a jump in topic it took him a moment to follow her leap.

“I’ve seen the files. How you used the sceptre on Clint and the others. If you could use it on them, couldn’t the Chitauri have used it on you first?”

“No… I… no.” He pulled away, frowning, shaking his head in denial. “I don’t… my magic...”

“It’s possible, isn’t it?” she asked softly, turning to look at him.

Scrubbing his hands over his face, Loki shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t think so. My magic is far too powerful.”

“More powerful than an infinity stone?”

He stared at her for a long moment, her question causing his mind to race with the implications. “There isn’t much more powerful than an infinity stone.”

Her brow arched, she nodded casually, then turned back to her bowl. “Hm, ain’t that somethin’.”

He blinked, momentarily taken aback. “Did you just… distract me, woman?”

She bit her lip, but the giggle still erupted. “Maybe.”

“What a tricky creature you are becoming,” he snickered, returning to press himself against her spine. “I like it.” Placing his hands on her ribs, he nipped at the ear her hair was tucked behind.

Laughing softly, Lauren murmured, “I know.”

“Cheeky, girl.” He liked that too.

With her laughter drowning out the sound of her tears from but moments ago, Loki sighed, happy to be her distraction, sneaking his finger into the bowl of frosting, tickling her ribs to make her squeal, and generally being a nuisance to keep her smiling.

When the feeling of being watched registered, he turned his face to the heavens, grinned wickedly, waved his hand and hid them from Heimdall's view.

He could almost hear the Guardian laugh.

Next Chapter

[jaeminlore]

How Would You Feel // Lee Taeyong

-

the prompt: could you write a song based scenario for nct taeyong based on How Would You Feel from Ed Sheerans new album?? Please and thank youuuu~~~~~

words: 2764

category: song fic + angst + fluff

author note: i kinda made the song in the readers pic rather than Taeyong’s bc i wanted to mix it up. please enjoy :)

- destinee

-

You are the one, girl, and you know that it’s true.

Taeyong grew up with people telling him he was an emotional person. He knew himself that he often got attached to things too quickly.

His feelings often betrayed him, and he learned as he grew up that it was a dangerous thing to fall in love with people quickly.

The more often he got betrayed and rejected, the less he wished to find love. Only he couldn’t always help it.

You knew all of this. Even though Taeyong was just your co-worker, he was an open book. It was easy to see that he had been hurt in the past and was hesitant to try again.

However, that wasn’t the case for you. You had known Taeyong for years. You didn’t have to guess that he had been hurt. You had watched it happen.

He grew more guarded towards girls. He deflected any advances flirty customers would send him.

Eventually, you found out that his girlfriend of two years had cheated on him. He confided in you because, at the time, you were the only on he could trust.

To help him hopefully get past her and move on, you had introduced him to your best friend, Hansol. Hansol owned a dance company, and you thought it might be something Taeyong would like to try. Something that could distract him from his heartbreak.

Now, he had sixteen brothers of different ages and personalities to confide in.

Still, his progress with girls had not progressed. If anything, it got worse. Since now, all he did besides work and school was dance.

He was good, too. He invited you to one of his shows, and you were absolutely mesmerized. You couldn’t take you eyes off of him.

The boy who seemed to closed-off was dancing like no one’s business.

More surprises came that night when he hugged you backstage, smiling widely and apologizing for getting sweat all over you.

How could you care about sweat when Taeyong was making progress towards girl?

Your heartbeat accelerated when he looked down at you and began to ask if you had watched the whole set. If you noticed had this move and that. If you had been watching him.

You couldn’t help but blush at how close his face was towards yours.

Then you realized that you had done the absolute worst thing you could do. You had begun to fall for Lee Taeyong.

-

I’m feeling younger every time that I’m alone with you.

Taeyong was slowly opening up to you. Through the weeks, he had even accepted your offer to take him out on a date (as friends, of course).

You drove him to a zoo.

It was the most non-threatening place you could think of.

Taeyong seemed to think so too, since he had a good time watching the tigers play in the water and the monkeys play with each other.

You pulled him over to the bird section, where the two of you were given little cups of nectar to feed to the birds.

“Are you ready, Taeyong?”

Looking at the boy now, you could see him gnawing on his lower lip nervously. “I should probably tell you now that I don’t like birds too much.”

“What? Why?”

Taeyong looked at you with a serious expression on his face. “Johnny said they peck people’s eyes out.”

You snorted. “Johnny was just messing with you. If you don’t want to go, we can turn around and go see the lions or something.”

“No,” Taeyong said, rolling his shoulders back. “I’ll brave it.”

Even though he spoke it, his feet refused to move from their spot.

You decided to take the initiative and grab his hand. “I won’t let them peck your eyes out, okay?”

Taeyong looked down at your intertwined hands and gulped. He finally nodded at you with a look of resolution on his face, “Okay. Let’s go.”

The two of you entered the little bird sanctuary and Taeyong’s grip on your hand tightened as a bird came to sit on his shoulder.

“Hold up the nectar,” you told him, holding up your own.

He did, and a bunch of parakeets flew onto his arm to try and get some of the nectar. “Y/n…”

“It’s okay,” you said soothingly. “They won’t hurt you.”

As soon as you said that, one of the parakeets nipped at Taeyong’s thumb. Taeyong furrowed his eyebrows and scooted closer to you. He set his cup of nectar on the floor so all of the birds would get off of him. “You lied. You owe me for this.”

You laughed at his frustrated expression. “Fine, I’m sorry. What do you want?”

“Ice cream. Two scoops and one topping.”

“Deal,” you said.

Taeyong waited while you finished playing with the birds. He never once let go of your hand, and once, as a large bird flew above the two of you, he gripped your hand with both of his.

“Are you done watching me suffer?” He whispered as the two of you walked away from the bird exhibit, hands still intertwined. His chest brushed against your shoulder occasionally.

“I’m done,” you said, looking up at him with a soft smile on your face. “Thanks for staying there even though you were afraid.”

“Yeah, well it was something you wanted to do…” Taeyong said, trailing off as he noticed the ice cream cart to his right. “Oh! You still owe me ice cream.”

“What can I get the young couple?” The man scooping the ice cream asked both of you.

Taeyong’s ears turned red, and he avoided your gaze as he looked at the flavors. “Two scoops of strawberry ice cream with sprinkles please.”

“And two scoops of chocolate with sprinkles for me,” you said, pulling out your wallet.

The two of you walked around the zoo while you finished your ice cream. Taeyong liked the zebras, while you were fond of the alligators, so you revisited those exhibits.

Soon, all of your ice cream was finished and the sun was slowly descending behind the trees, telling you that it was probably time to go.

Taeyong let you pull him to his car, as he was nonchalantly enjoying the scenery around him.

You felt it a small feat that he hadn’t let go of your hand since the bird exhibit. Perhaps he was opening himself up a bit more to you.

You wanted him to trust you more than anything. Even if he didn’t harbor any romantic feelings for you, you wanted him to know that not every girl was going to screw him over like his ex did.

Because you trusted him more than anything. He made you happy. You felt safer and more youthful around him.

-

We were sitting in a parked car, stealing kisses in a front yard. We got questions we should not ask, but…

Taeyong drove you back to the restaurant you both worked at, where you had last left your car.

He parked the car and as the radio cut off, a comfortable silence took over the car.

“Well, thanks for coming with me today, Taeyong. I have fun.” You looked over at him.

Taeyong seemed to be having a conversation with himself. His head was down as he watched his hands fiddle with the tear in his jeans. His tongue darted out to wet his lower lip.

You figured he was just being shy, so you reached for your seatbelt.

Taeyong reached out his hand to stop you. “Y/n…”

You looked up, your breath catching in your throat. Taeyong was a mere inch away from you, his dark eyes trailing down your face. As he moved closer, you let your eyes flutter closed.

His lips tasted like strawberry ice cream and you found yourself reaching for his hand, his hair, anything to bring you closer to the boy.

He tangled his fingers in your hair and pulled you closer to him so that he could gain better access to your mouth. His kisses were careful and slow; calculated, as if he wanted everything to go right.

Finally, he pressed his forehead against yours and pulled his lips away from you. You were still, watching his expression as he breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth.

“Taeyong,” you whispered. “There are questions I shouldn’t ask but–”

“Don’t,” Taeyong interrupted you. “Just let me stay in this moment a little longer. I don’t know what to feel and I’ve haven’t let anyone in like this for a long time. Don’t ruin it, please.”

Although you were a bit hurt by his words, you understood what he was saying. You knew where he was coming from.

So you would wait for him. You would be patient and let him sort out his feelings.

-

In the summer, as the lilacs bloom; love flows deeper than the river every moment that I spend with you. In the summer, as the lilacs bloom. We were sat upon our best friend’s roof; I had both of my arms round you, watching the sunrise replace the moon.

A few days later, you visited Hansol, having not seen him in awhile.

You failed to warn him ahead of time, however, so you ended up being surrounded by seventeen dancers who were all very loud and ready to spend the day together.

Not wanting to ruin their guy’s night, you stole a cookie from Hansol’s kitchen and snuck upstairs to wait for everyone to leave.

You ended up waiting a longer time than you thought you would. In an act of boredom, you opened Hansol’s bedroom window and crawled out onto the roof.

With your feet hanging off of the roof, you lay against the roof and watched the clouds drift by. Munching on your cookie, you thought about Taeyong, and the kiss you two had shared.

It had been an intimate moment. You wondered briefly if he felt the same way you did. What if he really felt nothing, and he just didn’t know how to tell you?

Through all of these worries, you could hear voices of the boys in the yard below you. They must’ve been getting in their cars to leave.

You sat up and looked down, watching everyone as they told each other goodbye and discussed which dances they would practice for the next showcase.

As you watched, Taeyong looked up and caught your eye. He furrowed his eyebrows when he realized you were sitting on Hansol’s roof.

He waved goodbye to each of the boys before looking back at you and holding one finger up.

Assuming he wanted you to wait for him, you continued to swing your feet back and forth as he ran into the house.

Soon, the window behind you opened and you turned to see Taeyong crawling onto the roof.

“Hey.”

“Hi, Taeyong.” You sent him a smile.

Once he was settled, sitting beside you with his own feet hanging off the edge, he looked at you. “You know, I hope you didn’t take what I said the other day in a wrong way.”

He looked out at the sky, where the sun was setting, before he continued. “It’s just… I’ve been hurt before, and it took me a long time to let you in. So it scared me that I was able to develop feelings for you. It still scares me, honestly.”

You followed his gaze, down where lilacs were blooming in Hansol’s garden. Your love for him only grew stronger since he had so openly confessed to you.

However, you knew Taeyong. You knew that confessing was a huge step and any sudden movement could scare him off. Still, you wished to say something that might comfort him.

He seemed worried, as if you were going to run off at any moment.

So it surprised you greatly when you felt his lean arm slip around your waist and pull you closer to him. He slowly leaned down and pressed a kiss to your temple before quickly letting go of you.

He pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, bashfully playing with the toes of his shoes. “I think I’m ready to hear it.”

“Hear what?” You asked.

Taeyong sighed, “You wanted to tell me something after I kissed you, and I didn’t want you to say it. But now I’m ready.”

You felt your face get hot. “Oh. Okay,” you looked up at him, feeling your confidence shrink under his thoughtful gaze. “You know, it wasn’t important. Let’s just watch the sunset!”

You inwardly cursed at yourself, especially after seeing the obvious disappointment on Taeyong’s face.

You hadn’t meant to hurt him. You were just afraid.

-

How would you feel if told you I loved you? It’s just something that I want to do. I’ll be taking my time, spending my life falling deeper in love with you. So tell me that you love me too.

The rain was beating down in cold pellets. You felt it creep under your neckline and into your shirt. It had come suddenly, just after your lunch break. So, of course you weren’t prepared. Without an umbrella, you struggled to run from the park (where you had been enjoying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich) to the restaurant you worked at.

You swung open the door, shivering as cold liquid soaked into your clothes and settled against your bare skin.

Luckily, there weren’t many customers so you could run back to break room without too much complaints about the puddle you left in the doorway.

Taeyong was the only one in the break room, and as soon as he saw you, he stood up and grabbed his hoodie. “Where is your jacket?”

“I didn’t bring it,” you said, teeth chattering.

“Didn’t you watch the forecast today?” Taeyong scolded you as he helped you pull his hoodie over your soaked shirt.

“Who watches the forecast, Taeyong?”

“I do,” he said, pulling the hood over your wet hair and tugging at the strings.

You laughed quietly. “Thanks, Taeyong.”

“Do you want my coffee?” He asked. “It’s decaf but it’s still warm.”

You accepted it and took small sips. Taeyong was still examining you, as if you had just been through war and were in need of medical attention of something.

“Taeyong, I’m fine.” You grabbed his forearms and smiled up at him to show him you were telling the truth.

Taeyong smiled back sheepishly. “Sorry. I get carried away when I’m worried.”

“It’s nothing to apologize for,” you assured him. “It’s nice to be cared for. It makes me feel loved.”

Taeyong stilled, dropping his smile.

You felt any progress with him fading away. Way to go, Y/n. You knew he wasn’t ready for the L-word yet.

“I’m sorry,” you said. “I didn’t mean it like that, really.”

Taeyong looked down at your hands, still holding onto his bare forearms. “Y/n?”

You looked up at him expectantly, only he wouldn’t meet your gaze.

He was too nervous from the words he was struggling to say. “Metaphorically, how would you feel if I told you I loved you?”

Your heartbeat raced as the words came out of his mouth. “I think, metaphorically of course, that I would be ecstatic.”

“It’s,” Taeyong moved his hands so that he was holding onto yours. “It’s something I want to do, not metaphorically, but I don’t know if you have the patience to wait on me. I mean, it took me three years to open up to you and I’m afraid I might be too late. I’ll have to take my time, but I really could spend my whole life loving you, if you let me.”

“Taeyong,” you grabbed his chin gently and lifted his head, so that he was looking at you. His eyes were guarded, and there was no doubt in your head that he was regretting his words in fear that you would reject him.

He needed someone to be patient and understanding. You were here to be that someone.

“Taeyong, I love you. I have for a long time, and I’ve waited for you to love me back. Now that you do, why would I reject you?”

“I don’t know,” he said. The corners of his lips turned up into a soft smile. “You love me?”

Unable to contain your feelings, you stood on your tip-toes and pecked him on the lips, feeling warmth spread through your chilled body. “I love you, Taeyong.”

~the end~

[openupblackwidow]

The Ladder Broke

Fandom: EXO Characters: Lay & OC/Reader Genre: Fluff Rating: PG Length: 2917 Words Summary:  Life isn’t always predictable, nor is it usually ever kind. The one blessing it bestowed upon me was a friend that I could confide in, could believe in, could trust, but even the good things were sometimes meant to be broken and torn apart, as I would quickly learn.

I’ve heard it said, that everyone has one person they consider their best friend for life. They say nothing can separate them, not oceans, wars, heartbreak, nothing. Some people even go so far as to say they’re soulmates. You see, a soulmate doesn’t have to be someone you’re romantically in love with. It can be a sibling, another family member, a friend. It’s someone who reaches out and touches your heart so deeply, you could never forget them, and somehow, you’re always drawn back to one another. I used to believe this, but recently, I’m not so sure.

We were six when my father finished building the tree-house in my backyard. It wasn’t luxurious, by any means, but for two six year old children, it was a castle, an impenetrable fortress that we protected at all costs. We hung curtains from the holey purple fabric my mother wanted to throw out, we drew pictures of unicorns and dragons and hung them on the wall. They were priceless pieces of artwork, and rich, thick velvety shields to keep out the sun and prying eyes. Everything in the wooden hut between the branches was worth thousands in our eyes.

It was a hot summer day, and like most children, we were seeking shelter from the scorching sun. Naturally, our hide out in the shade was an ideal location. Everything was fine until the sun began to dip behind the rooftops, and our mothers’ voices rang across the yards, urging us to return home for the evening. Like usual, Yixing and I embraced and promised we would return to protect our kingdom the following morning, he would bring the lemonade and I would bring the strawberries from my mother’s garden.

He watched as I began to descend the ladder, one rung at a time. Halfway down, my foot pressed into the wood, only to be met with a crack. Everything fell out from beneath me. I flew through the air until my body met the ground with another deafening crack and a shrill cry of pain. The ladder broke. Even through the searing ache, I could hear the thud of Yixing jumping from the platform above to the ground before his face crawled into my spotty sight. I could feel his arms around me as he gently tried to lure me toward his body. “Y/N?” he whispered. “Y/N are you okay?” Too in pain to answer, the last thing I remembered hearing was his tiny, usually quiet voice screaming for help and the sounds of feet running to us.

Obviously I lived. It was just a broken arm, but unable to stand much more of the pain, I’d blacked out before my dad arrived. I spent the next few days, watching my father and best friend repair the ladder together. It was much stronger and sturdier than before, and Yixing assured me he wouldn’t let me fall again. If it hadn’t been for his determined words, I probably never would have climbed back into our home away from home, and that would have been a shame.

Thirteen years old was too young. They all shot me pitying looks and aunts who I hadn’t seen or spoken to in years tugged me into hugs and pressed kisses to my cheeks. My mother sobbed by the window that was streaked with tears from the heavens, while I simply hung my head in the backroom, desperate for escape. The moment I saw the opportunity, I took it.

I paid no attention to the rain as it poured from the sky, hiding the tears that had started to snake down my cheeks. I stood before the ladder that had been repaired some years ago, the summer I had broken my arm. The wood was beginning to rot away, making it weak and fragile. Something in my heart ignited and without realizing my actions, I took to the first step and began jumping as hard as I could until the wood splintered. I followed through with the next, using one foot while the other rested safely above. I continued demolishing half the ladder until my feet ached and my legs could take no more, and I climbed the rest. I didn’t want anyone to find me. I wanted to make sure no one could get to me and with the state I’d left the ladder in, I was sure I had succeeded.

With my face buried in my sopping wet knees, I didn’t hear him come in. He was quiet, like usual, slipping in beside me and draping his wet coat over my shoulders for warmth. He said nothing, and I didn’t move. We sat together in utter silence, nothing but the rain singing its sad song on the roof until I finally broke down.

“Why did he have to die? Why couldn’t he have stayed home? If he’d just stayed home he would still be here!” I wailed as Yixing took me into his arms and held me tightly. My shoulder shook and my thin fingers grasped onto his shirt as his hands brushed against the tangles of my hair. “Why did he have to leave me, Yixing?”

His hold on me tightened and I could feel his chest rise and fall in a sigh. “I don’t know why. I wish I could bring him back for you, but I promise I won’t leave you, Y/N. I’ll be here with you forever.” It was a childish promise, one made in a moment of desperation to bring comfort. No thirteen year old child could possibly make such promises and keep them, but at the time, I believed it. At the time, I mended the cracks in my heart like glue, holding them together for the time being.

We sat in silence for some time longer before I finally dried up and pulled away. Agreeing we should return to our families, we stepped onto the platform and looked to the ground. My eyes immediately spotted the destruction I’d left in my angry, heartbroken path.

“The ladder broke,” Yixing pointed out.

“It’s my fault. I broke it myself.”

I regretted the words almost immediately as they brought on questions of concern. He checked my feet and legs, examined my arms and head. Only when he was certain I wasn’t hurt did he seem satisfied enough to form a plan.

“I’ll go down first, and make sure you get down okay. We can fix the ladder in a few days.”

And we did.

I’ll never forget the evening he made me a second promise. I was sixteen, pinned up in a corner of the house, dabbing my eyes with a handkerchief and throwing darts at a hand drawn poster of my recent ex-boyfriend. The house was different now. The curtains had long ago been replaced by ones without holes. Two years ago, we’d installed shelves near the roof to store photographs and collectibles. Our dragons and unicorns had been stored away in a box, and were replaced by posters of our favorite bands and a calendar of bunnies on which we marked off the days until summer religiously.

The dart corner had been a recent addition, a place where we would take out our teenage angst on our parents, bullies at school, neighbors who got angry any time we stayed out past dark and played our music with no regrets. It’d been a week since my boyfriend of one year and I had broken up and I still wasn’t over his cheating ways. Every dart I flung at the wall sunk deeper into the wood, and each time they left a hole somewhere knew in his black crayon drawn face.

“You’re still on about that guy?” Yixing murmured from inside the doorway.

As usual, his stealthy, quiet nature took me by surprise and sent a scolding yell from my lips. “Can’t you introduce yourself when you get here? Make some noise? Stomp up the ladder? Bang around outside?” After all, I did have darts in my hand and it was getting dark outside.

A goofy, familiar laugh trickled from his lips as he slid over beside me and took a few of the darts from my hand, using them to practice his aim. With each needle that met the page, he spoke soft, but serious words.

“I think… I think you should move on already. He’s stupid if he couldn’t see how lucky he was to have you. Besides, there are other people who like you too, you know…”

His hands emptied of the darts but neither of us moved to retrieve them. Instead, my gaze turned from our target to him as my brows furrowed deeply in confusion.

“Psh, yeah okay. Like who?”

Stifling silence fell over the tree-house and I thought for a moment that maybe I shouldn’t have asked, but the moment that followed answered everything I needed to know.

“Like… me,” he whispered. There was little hesitation between the end of his word and the moment he pressed our lips gently together. He was sweet, like the strawberries and lemonade we consumed on the hot summer days, and comforting like the warmth he’d given me the day of my father’s funeral. Nothing about it felt wrong, and my heart screamed with sweet joy. I had never considered Yixing more than friend, but never before had he really given me any indication that he saw me as a woman until now.

When it ended and our lips were finally reunited with the cold air, my heart still beat furiously against the prison cell of my rib-cage, begging to be returned to the place where it belonged. As if by some force of magic, I completely forgot what I had been angry about, and instead, I found myself thankful that it’d come to this.

“Y/N, I… I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but let’s make a promise, yeah?” Unsure of what this promise would entail, I hesitantly nodded my head and listened. “Let’s promise to meet here every year on this day, no matter what.”

If only I could have seen the future when I agreed to the promise.

Not long after, we climbed down the ladder and embraced, only parting when we heard the ever familiar crack of wood and watched as the ladder fell apart.

“The ladder broke… again,” I muttered in slight agitation.

“It’s okay. We’ll fix it together. We always do.”

Life isn’t always predictable, nor is it usually ever kind. The one blessing it bestowed upon me was a friend that I could confide in, could believe in, could trust, but even the good things were sometimes meant to be broken and torn apart, as I would quickly learn. He didn’t have the heart to tell me in person that he’d auditioned with a company and been accepted into the training program. You can surely imagine my surprise when I was delivered the letter from his mother a few days after he left. At the very end, he urged me to hold to our promise and that he would too, but something told me it would be impossible.

And it was.

Each year I would climb the familiar ladder to the tree-house, and each year the day would come and go. For the first couple, I even waited a few days before and after, just in case he had to adjust, but he never came. He started to write me when I didn’t respond to his texts, but I could never bring myself to rip open the envelopes. I felt betrayed, and lonely. He’d always been there for me through thick and thin, yet he wasn’t now. I knew I should have returned the favor. I should have cheered for him and wished him the best, and knowing that made me hate myself that much more.

I stuck to it, though. Every year I waited, but as the years went by, the wood of the house began to rot, the curtains became moth eaten and the drawing of my ex-boyfriend from years before yellowed and began to tear away. I eventually stopped going into the house and simply hung my legs over the ledge for a few hours before giving up. I watched from afar as Yixing made his debut and took off successfully. I smiled when I saw his face, and I silently said a prayer of well wishes for him, but my heart secretly ached.

Two years ago, my mother decided it was time to downgrade. I loaded up all my belongings and retreated to the tree-house for what I thought would be the last time. I cleaned it out, hunched over to sweep out all the debris that had gathered on the floor through the seasons, and prepared it for the little boy and girl that were moving in behind us. Their father promised that together, they would fix the old thing up and make it new again, sending painful memories of my childhood through my heart. With the last of the tree-house collection in my arms, I took what I thought would be my final look at the place.

I could see our ghostly images at the window, wearing our paper crowns and using our paper telescopes to check on our vast kingdom. I saw Yixing putting flowers in my hair as we swept and dusted in the spring. I could see the rain pattering on the small porch just outside the door and Yixing’s jacket over my crumpled up body as I mourned my father’s death. But, more vividly than anything else, I could still feel the sweetness of the kiss we’d shared after all the anger I’d built up in my heart. Perhaps it was a good thing this was happening. Perhaps I’d been holding on too long to painful memories that were simply that, events of the past. It was time for me to move on.

One last time, I descended the ladder, and one last time, I heard the snapping of wood as the ladder broke. This time, though, it wasn’t my concern. This time, Yixing and I wouldn’t team up with our tools to repair it. It was time for someone else to take over the kingdom and the castle within it. I turned my back on the old tree and walked away for what I thought would be the last time ever.

The cold weather was what brought me into the café near my childhood home that afternoon. My cheeks and nose were bitten red by the nippy wind, and my whole body shook with chills. I’d sat around for a bit, trying to ignore the urging in my heart to just walk by. Walk by the house, peek in the yard, look at the old tree-house, it ached. I didn’t want to. Over the last two years, I’d learned to close myself off to my feelings and focus on work. It was hard being a successful graphics designer in a day and age when many people had access to the programs, but I was getting there.

It’d been my day off, however, and I’d been feeling nostalgic for my old neighborhood, and the cup of coffee I used to get each day on my way home from school. It was no wonder my body was telling me to finish the routine as I had done so often.

Curiosity eventually got the best of me, and with warmth in my body, I braved the cold once more and walked to my old home. I was considerate enough to at least stop in and ask if I could peek at the tree-house, but was even more surprised when the lady of the house handed me a few envelopes with my name on them. I didn’t have to open them to know who they were from. I could never forget that familiar handwriting, even if I tried. With a thanks, I stuffed them away in my bag and walked quietly to the back, staring up at the tree.

It was different than when I had left it, but that was to be expected. The wood was new and sparkled in the winter sun, and the rungs of the ladder were thick and looked sturdy. I could vaguely make out footprints from the children running up and down them, and a smile stretched my lips.

“It looks good, yeah?” a voice called out from behind me.

I nodded and turned to look in the direction, surprised to see Yixing standing there with a kind smile on his face. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t kept up with him, but I’ll be damned if he didn’t look even better in person than he had in the photographs.

The distance between us closed in as he approached me and hesitated for a moment, scratching the back of his head, almost unsure of himself. This time, I didn’t wait for him. I flung my arms around his neck and pulled him into a hug, cherishing the warmth that still seemed so familiar and the arms that still fit so perfectly around me after all these years. Nothing needed to be said as we embraced one another and let our hearts do the talking. And for once, the ladder didn’t break.