#.and you have to understand: we do not tip in this country. but that sandwich... oh my god that sandwich........ oh my god.

[dreamerdrop]

Found a place that does ridiculously high-quality food, like, you can taste how carefully and well made it is with every bite, the texture is perfect, the flavours are harmonic, and yes, it's a little expensive, but for the moment of spiritual bliss that occurs when you get to eat something that perfect, it's worth the price and then some.

So, of course, every review is complaining that the food is too expensive for the portion sizes and they should make it cheaper... Sigh. No appreciation for the perfection in each bite at all. ):

[docholligay]

Doc what was the weirdest culinary practice that you saw on your trip?

Oh my god. Oh my god. I have discovered the basis of a massive English stereotype that has permeated American media for literal decades.

So you know how the English conquered so so so much of the world, and had a massively powerful navy, and basically invented dogfighting, exhibited WILD ASS podling energy during the Blitz, and YET, for many generations the American understanding of them has been as being precious and effete and feminine? Weak, even? How did this happen?

I now know. I have gotten to the bottom of it.

They all eat fucking burgers with a fucking knife and fork. Like, cutting into it, as if it were not a sandwich, delicately piercing it with a fork, and then using that fork to place it tenderly in their non-rhotic little mouths.

My wife and I went to a pub when we first landed in London, and the table next to us had burgers and were all eating them in this disgusting display of cultural ignorance, and my wife leaned forward and whispered, "Why are they eating it with a fork??"

Me, in panicked whisper: "They just do that!!"

My wife, eyes wide, picking up her fork: "Are we supposed to??"

Me, scowling: "No! We invented the damn thing! It's a sandwich! You eat it with your hands!"

My mother, it was one of the first things she noticed. I cannot tell you how bizarre this is to fucking see as an American, because, I am going to tell you even though someone is going to come into my inbox and claim they are a Cool American, most Americans are going to raise an eyebrow if you eat a hamburger with a knife and fork. It's like drinking a beer out of a crystal coupe, you're allowed to do whatever the fuck you want, but we ain't wearing silk gloves in the bar, Your Ladyship. I cannot fucking imagine the microplaning of my soul that would take place if I tried this in a local bar. I would be forcibly ejected on a spiritual level.

I know someone is going to take this insanely personally and tell me all the reasons that it's better to do this, but this is like me telling Chinese people you should eat noodles with a fork because I personally find it easier. It's insane. Barmy, even, shall we say. No salt and pepper on the tables? I can cope, no problem, i brought my own this time. Having to beg for another drink, and the bill, while simultaneously having them add the tip so I have to ask to take it off? Great, call it a service charge and pretend this isn't worse than tipping, fine, I'll play along. But this burger thing, get the fuck out of here. I love you, I love you so much and so many things about the country are so cool but also i am going to slap The Queen's King's Silver out of your hands onto the floor.

(I wish I could find it now, but I read a reddit comment about how this guy went...i think it was actually not the UK, but it was a burger joint in Europe and the chef was delighted to have AMericans and got so happy when they ate it with their hands. It was very cute. But yes, it is very very strange to eat burgers with silverware in the US) EDIT: SOMEONE FOUND IT

[megan-loves-surveys]

Yo.

Do you know anybody who is ambidextrous? Not that I know of.

Have you ever been 4-wheeling? No.

What’s the weather been like today? So far, it's a mixed bag - it's rained, but it's also been sunny. I'm hoping that rains goes away altogether before I have to go out.

What was the last exam you sat for? One for uni.

Will you be attending any weddings in the near future? Not that I'm aware of.

Do you currently have any unread text messages, and who from? No.

Speaking of text messages, what colour is your cell phone? Red.

Do you live anywhere near the woods? We don't really have 'woods' so to speak.

Would you ever consider a career in the tourism industry? Maybe? I did take Tourism at school haha.

Do you have any important anniversaries you celebrate? Oh yeah. My boyfriend and I's anniversary is in June, and I always celebrate Shield related anniversaries - like their debut and when Seth turned on them etc.

When was the last time you used q-tips? Dunno.

How does your hair react to humid weather or rain? It goes all weird and big haha.

What’s your favourite flavour of iced tea? Don't drink it.

Do you understand music theory? No.

How many hours of sleep did you get last night? 6 hours and 40 mins according to my FitBit.

Are you expected to act professionally at your job? Yes, cos I work in an office. But we're more casual with the clients we deal with a lot.

Infomercials: entertaining or stupid? Stupid.

What’s your favourite brand of energy drink? Red Bull and V are both good.

Do you have (or have you ever had) acne? Oh yeah.

When was the last time you got pins-and-needles? The other day.

Why did you click to take this survey? Cos I miss Bzoink and I just like taking them.

If you have glasses, have you ever smashed them? No, thank god lol.

How do you get new music? Buy or download or what? I use Spotify.

Have you ever sent someone an abusive text message? No?

Do you require a lot of time to do things or are you quick? Depends what it is. If it's typing or something like that, I'm super fast.

What will be the next concert you attend? I'm seeing Five tonight!!!!! <3

Turn the nearest television on, what’s on? I don't want to turn it on cos my Mum's still in bed.

How often do you “wake up on the wrong side of the bed”? Not that often, I'm usually fine once I actually get up and get moving.

Can you rap? No xD

What do you usually order when you’re at McDonald’s? Chicken nuggets, I don't like their burgers cos they cook onions in the patties now. Blegh.

Are there any textbooks near where you are right now? No.

What’s the time? 11:19am.

Do you know how to use a DSLR camera? No.

How’s your body temperature right now? My FitBit says my body temp was down 1C last night, so that's good.

Do you use Celsius or Fahrenheit? Celsius.

What was the last thing you got a really good deal on? Converse, pair was worth $160, I got them for 100.

Have you ever studied any ancient societies? No.

Do you like to wear long, dangling earrings? My ears aren't even pierced, lol.

What was the last reason you took medicine? Migraine.

Do you exercise regularly? Yep, I go to the gym 3 times a week and walk a lot in general.

What is your coffee of choice? (flat white, cappuccino, etc.) Mocha.

Do you pay any attention to your country’s politics? I keep a general eye on it, but I don't really like talking about it.

Are you feeling worried about anything right now? Not really.

Are you a gossipy type of person? I like to read gossip xD

When will your next meal be, and do you know what it will consist of? Lunch, prob a sandwich or crackers.

Tell me about the sickest you’ve ever felt. 2019 - it was the flu and it was so awful.

What’s your opinion on your in-laws, if you have any? Both of my boyfriend's parents have passed away, so that isn't a thing I have to deal with.

Do you make excuses often, or do you just get things done? Depends.

Have you seen your best friend today? No, I'll see her on Thursday at the gym probably.

What can you smell right now? Nothing in particular.

Any important birthdays coming up? Not really soon, but my boyfriend's is the next one.

Fireworks: yay or nay? Yay for proper organized displays, nay for personal use, waste of money.

Do you have any plans for the rest of the day? Yep, going to a concert tonight and meeting the band too <3

How about tomorrow? Any plans? I'm working. Yay...

Do you know how to do your own laundry or does someone else do it? My Mum does it, but I can do it too.

If you could eat or drink anything right now, what would it be? I'm fine for now, lunch is in about an hour.

What colour are your headphones? White, cos I have Airpods.

Think of the last long car trip you had, where did you go? Hmm... Helensville for the APW show? We left Auckland, it was that far away.

Do you have a Twitter account that you use regularly? I have one, but I haven't tweeted since 2022 lol.

Have you ever seen a horseshoe crab? They’re scary, right?! No.

What was the last movie you saw at the theatres? Bob's Burgers Movie lol, in 2022.

Are there any new movies that you’d really like to see? No.

If you could play one instrument flawlessly, what would it be? Guitar.

Do you overthink a lot of things? I can do.

Is there anybody you miss but can’t see again? Yes.

When was the last time you had a hangover? I don't really get hungover.

Do you remember much from high school? Loads.

Where would you go for the ultimate honeymoon? I don't want to get married, but if I did... I'd love to go to Japan or the USA.

Can you access the roof of the building you live in? No.

Do you know anyone who has a strong accent that is hard to understand? Not personally, but I do deal with people with thick accents at work on occasion. The best was this guy with a super strong Scottish accent, I could barely understand him but he sounded so nice haha.

If you had to get a tattoo tomorrow, what would you get? Mox's logo.

What was the last podcast you listened to? Do you listen to it regularly? I don't listen to them.

Are you more of an optimist or a pessimist, and why do you think this is? Optimist.

When was the last time you moved houses? 2016.

Have you ever held a gun? Did you fire it? No.

Do you like simple questions or deep questions that make you think? Depends.

How long have you been using Bzoink? I had it since 2009. Shame it's gone :(

When was the last time you threw up? Why were you sick? Dunno tbh.

Are you on a first-name basis with your boss? (or last boss if unemployed) I call him by his last name at work, but on the occasion we've all gone out for a drink, I call him Oliver xD

What brand is your laptop or computer? MSI.

Would you ever wear a bright orange shirt? Maybe. Would clash horribly with my hair though xD

What was the last thing you wrote in a word document? Something at work yesterday.

Who do you miss and what do you miss about them? Hmm.

What were the best and worst costumes you’ve ever worn? I don't really do costumes, but for Halloween last year my boyfriend and I went to his work Halloween party, the theme was uniforms xD I dressed as a schoolgirl haha.

Do you know anybody who is gay and married? Not personally.

What did you last take painkillers for? Migraine.

Are there any hobbies you want to get back into? Hmm, not really.

Have you ever shared a home with a friend? No.

What’s the craziest or weirdest place you’ve ever slept? A kitchen floor of a scout hall after a 21st birthday party LOL.

What did you have for lunch today and who made it? I haven't had lunch yet.

Do you believe in anything supernatural like ghosts or ghouls? Nah.

How many hours of sleep did you get last night? 6 hours and 40 mins.

Are you allergic to anything? How did you find out? Yep - some antibiotics, parmesan cheese, plums, all berries except strawberries and nickel.

What’s your favourite Thai dish? Dunno.

Do you have any alarms set? What time and what for? Not today, but I will have one set for tomorrow cos I'm working.

What are you going to do when this survey is over? Do another one.

Have you ever been on a date with someone you met online? How was it? Yes, it was fine, we went out for a few months.

What colour is the rug in your living area? We don't have one.

Do you call it a couch, sofa, lounge or something else entirely? Couch.

Who is your favourite character on Friends? Always and forever will be Chandler. RIP Matthew Perry. Runner up is Rachel.

When was the last time you used a pair of headphones and what for? I used my Airpods yesterday on my commute to work.

Describe the temperature of the area you’re in right now. It's actually a bit chilly, it's 18C, when it's usually in the mid 20s by now.

Who was the last very physically attractive person you saw? Jon Moxley, in a photo xD In person, my boyfriend <3

Have you ever had teppanyaki? Dunno.

How long does it take you to get ready before you go somewhere? Usually around 15 mins or so.

Do you find it difficult to get rid of material possessions? Yes.

What sort of games do you like to play? Pokemon, adventure games, strategy games, visual novels etc.

What was the last candy you ate? Good question tbh.

Have you ever been hit in the face? What’s the story? No.

Do you know anyone who is deaf? Yep.

Name one thing on your bucket list. Attend a Royal Rumble.

1 - When was the last time it snowed where you live? Do you like snowy weather or is it just a pain? It doesn't snow in my city, it's far too warm.

2 - Are you expecting any parcels in the mail right now? Not at the moment, surprisingly xD

3 - How long is it until your birthday? Do you have any plans for the day? It's not for almost five months (thank god).

4 - What was the last thing you had to drink? Water.

5 - Do you need to do any laundry right now? No, we did laundry yesterday.

6 - Who was the last person you got a notification from on social media? Is this person a close friend of yours? Lynnette, and she's my stepmum!

7 - Do you regularly buy things on credit? If so, how much do you owe on credit cards right now? I don't have a credit card, only a debit card.

8 - When was the last time you got a call from an unknown number? Did you answer or call them back? I don't answer unknown numbers. You want me to talk to you, reveal your number lol.

9 - When was the last time you got off work early? What was the reason and did you do anything fun with your extra free time? Last week when I was on data entry and finished up everything on my list, my boss told me I could leave an hour early, which ruled. I went to the gym and got it done earlier than normal.

10 - What do you typically eat for Christmas Dinner? Are you the one who cooks or does a family member do the cooking? My Mum cooks, and we usually have ham, chicken, roast potatoes, salad, cheese, pineapple, eggs and bread rolls, then for dessert a cheesecake or pie.

11 - What time did you wake up this morning? Did you get out of bed right away? 9am or so, and I got up to pee lol then went back to bed for a bit.

12 - Do you have any plans for the weekend? Are these plans typical for a weekend or are you doing something different? I'm going to a wrestling show with a bunch of people. I go to shows quite frequently, so this is normal lol.

13 - Would you like to work a job that involves going in and out of other people’s homes all day? (Like care work, painter, decorated etc.) No thanks. The office is fine lol.

.14 - When was the last time you had an injury? Was it a minor cut/scrape or something more serious? What happened? I hurt my hip last year while working out, I had to cut back on my workouts for a few weeks to let it heal.

15 - Do you ever watch movies or TV shows that require you to read subtitles? Oh yeah.

16 - What accents are your favourite? Scottish is the best!!! Also Irish is nice too.

17 - How many people have you texted today? Are these people friends, family members or something else? Just my boyfriend so far.

18 - Are you any good at DIY? What was the last DIY project you finished? Not my thing.

19 - When was the last time you had a haircut? When was the last time you dyed your hair (if you ever have)? I don't cut my hair lol. I dye it loads though - last time was in December cos it's expensive and lasts ages.

20 - Do you prefer wearing tight-fitting or loose-fitting clothes? I don't like baggy clothes, so tight please!

21 - Are you currently warm, cold or just right? Is the heating or air conditioning on to contribute to that feeling? I'm a tad cold, but it's not too bad.

22 - What was the last piece of good news you received? Was it expected? I got my VIP details for the Five concert tonight, I was getting worried it wouldn't show up cos other people said they got theirs.

23 - What colour socks are you wearing right now? None.

24 - Do you prefer hot coffee or iced coffee? What about hot tea or iced tea? I don't drink tea, and hot coffee.

25 - What are some of your favourite Christmas songs? What time of year do you start listening to Christmas music? Girls Aloud's Christmas EP is my favourite, it's half original tracks half covers. I start at the end of November or so.

26 - If you see cats wandering about in the street, do you stop and fuss them? Definitely! I love talking to cats xD

27 - Speaking of cats, do you own a cat? Are they a particular breed or just a moggie? Would you ever want a specific breed of cat at all? I wish.

28 - When was the last time you moved furniture around to clean behind or underneath it? Do you need someone’s help in order to do that? Hmm.

29 - Do you have any medications that you need to take daily? Is this something you’re going to have to do for the rest of your life? Not daily.

30 - Do you know how to start an open fire and keep it burning without using loads of wood? Is this a skill you use on a regular basis at all? No, never had to even think about that.

[mortraveling]

Calculating the Cost of World Travel: Tips and Strategies to Reduce Expenses

Calculating the Cost of World Travel: Tips and Strategies to Reduce Expenses  Although there are many joys associated with home, world travel can be an invigorating and life-changing experience. However, you need to have the funds portion in order if you want to reduce the stresses associated with your globe-trotting desires. If you want to know how much travel around the cost might be, we can show you how to figure it out Planning Your Itinerary: Choosing Destinations and Saving Money Planning summer vacation travel and tourism concepts with souvenirs from around the world. One of the first things that you will need to take care of is your passport. Along with that expense, you will need to calculate the cost of vaccines. Depending on where you travel, you might need none or several. After that, you will be ready to start making your plans to travel internationally. You will need to decide where to start, what countries you wish to visit along with your final destination. You might choose to make several shorter trips or one long one, based on your personal life and needs. Check out travel blogs that cover the parts of the world you have an interest in seeing. What can you find regarding inexpensive travel, lodging, or even entertainment? Some parts of the world have been more extensively recorded and might be easier to learn about. One of the first and often, largest expenses associated with going to new places is the actual travel. Whether you utilize an airplane, boat, or some other means, look for deals to minimize the impact of going from point A to point B on your budget. Budget-Friendly Accommodations: Hostels, Home Exchanges, and More Lodging is the next big expense that you will encounter in regard to your world travel plans. However, there are ways to reduce these costs. For instance, you might stay at a hostel or other low-cost place. Consider exchanging chores for a room or other deals you might find online. If you are planning to stay anywhere besides the traditional hotel or motel, make sure that the person and situation are safe. Do some checking if needed so you can have peace of mind and a positive experience. Everyone needs to eat, even while traveling. Going to restaurants and eating out can become quite costly. Consider staying at a place where you can prepare your own meals. You can also rely on things like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches if your budget is super limited. While you are traveling, it is likely that you will want to buy some gifts and things to remember your trip. You will need funds for these incidental expenses along with toiletries and other unexpected items. Preparing for the Unexpected: Health Coverage and Emergency Funds You should also have plans for any medical expenses that might arise while you are traveling abroad. Obtain a special policy for your health coverage that will take care of you in the various countries that you plan to visit. Although traveling around the world is a fantastically exciting adventure, you will need to understand your monetary needs from the start. That way, you can plan everything. Put aside a bit extra for emergencies and the unexpected. Have a great time and enjoy the people you get to meet while you are spending time in the exotic well-traveled locations of the world! Hopefully, you can now figure out how much the travel around the world cost will so you can figure out just how far you can go. via Blogger https://ift.tt/tDGcIyE March 27, 2023 at 06:29PM

[ray-ray-writings]

Dedicated to You-Technoblade

One of you lovelies asked for a Part Three to what I am now calling “The Dedicated Series” so here you go! They asked if I could fast forward a bit in their relationship, so we will be jumping in the timeline just a bit.

  Part one here! Part two here! Part Four here

My masterlist here!

This is a Technoblade x gn!reader!

Note: We are going to pretend that the war took a lot longer than it did and so about a year and a half have since passed since the festival okay? Okay! I’m going to shut up now! Enjoy!

Techno can’t help but get a little jealous as he and Y/N visit L’Manberg and run into old friends. It’s up to Y/N to remind him who they are dedicated to. 

Y/N’s POV

A wave of heat hit me as I opened the smoker I was using to cook dinner for Techno and I. I quickly pulled out the dish I had prepped and set it on the counter. As I portioned out the sausage and potatoes that I made, arms wrapped around my waist and I was pulled back into Techno’s chest. A giggle escaped my lips as Techno’s face found its way into the crook of my next. 

“Hey baby,” I greeted, turning around in his arms, wrapping my own around his neck. “Hello love,” He mumbled back, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. “Get everything done?” I questioned, softly brushing the snow out of my boyfriend’s pink hair. Techno hummed and nodded at my question. “You?” He questioned back. I also nodded in response. “I did! And I made dinner!” I cheered, turning back around to the plates of food that I had prepped. “So you did” Techno claimed as I turned around with two plates in my hand. “Thank you” He accepted gratefully. 

The two of us shuffled over to the table that Techno had crafted when we first moved into his retirement home. As we ate, the two of us chatted about our days.  I told him about the small improvements I had made around the house during the day as well as how our little farm was doing. Techno told me about how he had taken Carl to a nearby village and traded with the villagers and got his beloved horse some new diamond armor. 

“Something else I got,” Techno announced as he reached into his inventory. I watched as he pulled out a shiny compass and set it on the table. “It’s a shiny compass,” I observed, picking up, moving it and watching as the arm moved around the circle. Techno chuckled and nodded, “It’s an enchanted compass,” he corrected, “It points to a lodestone that’s in our house. I was thinking that maybe we could travel to L’Manberg and give it to Philza so he can always find his way over whenever he wants.” Techno explained sheepishly, looking at me for approval. 

“Aww!” I cooed, setting the compass back down on the table. “That’s so sweet. Of course we can do that! I adore your father and he is always welcome in our home.” I told my boyfriend sweetly, reaching forward and resting my hand on top of his. “If you’re not busy tomorrow, I was thinking that maybe we could go tomorrow?” Techno offered up.

 I hummed and nodded at the offer, “I don’t have anything planned for tomorrow. What time do you want to leave?” I questioned, standing up and picking up our now empty plates. “I was thinking sunrise? I know it’s early, but the earlier the better considering how long the journey is.” I hummed in acknowledgement and quickly washed our plates. “Sounds good. But you may have to wake me up,” I joked. I heard Techno chuckle as he stood from his chair. “I figured as such… You’ve always slept in late.” I scoffed as I turned and flicked the water off my hands at the pig-man causing him to jerk away in surprise. “Don’t act like you’re not the same way.” I teased, wiping my hands on a nearby towel. I let out a squeal as Techno rushed forward and trapped me in a tight hug and spun us around a few times. “You know just because you’re right doesn’t mean you have to say it out loud.” Techno murmured in my ear causing me to giggle and blush. “I will do what I please thank you” 

*Time skip, the next day*

As I predicted, Techno ended up having to wake me up for our journey. The trip to L’Manberg was mostly silent. That was something that I really enjoyed about Techno and I’s relationship. We were never pressured to talk when we didn’t want to. We could sit in silence for hours just enjoying each other’s company. And that’s just what we did all the way to what was once my home country. 

The sun was almost in midsky by the time the New L’Manberg came into view. It didn’t take much time after that to get to Philza’s house. Techno brought Carl around back and helped me down off of the beloved pet. Phil had a fenced in backyard so we had no worries about letting Carl roam around on his own. Techno knocked on the back door before swinging it open, “Dadza?” Techno called as he walked further into his father’s house, me trailing slightly behind. “In here son!” a response came from somewhere in the house.

I followed Techno closely as he quickly made his way through the house. Techno led me into the kitchen and there we found Phil standing at the counter, making himself a sandwich. “Hey Dadza!” Techno greeted his father rather softly. Philza looked up from his sandwich and grinned at his son. He set down what was in his hands and made his way to Techno, “Hey Tech!” Techno’s dad greeted back with wide arms. The two men quickly embraced each other tightly. “Y/N!” Phil greeted as he turned to me, again holding his arms out. I giggled accepting the hug immediately, “Hello Mr. Minecraft!” I mumbled into his chest before pulling away. Philza gave me a playful glare at my word choice, “How many times do I have to tell you Y/N? Call me Phil!” I giggled once more and nodded, “Right. Right, sorry Phil.” 

“So what do you two want?” Philza questioned going back to the counter to continue making his lunch. Techno scoffed, following his father and taking a seat on his counter despite the glare thrown his way. “Why do we always have to want something? Why can’t you believe that we’re visiting out of the kindness of our heart?” Techno questioned, raising an eyebrow at his father. “Yeah!” I chimed in, moving forward and placing myself between Techno’s legs, resting my back on his chest, “Maybe we just wanted to see you Phil! Ever think of that?!” I teased the man. Phil simply looked up at us with a quirked brow. I turned my head to glance at Techno before bursting into a fit of giggles, causing the other two men to break two. 

Our giggle fit ended shortly and Phil composed himself, “No really though. What do you two want?” I peaked at Techno, slightly asking if I could be the one to tell him. Techno gave me a slight nod and I turned to the older man with a grin, “We have a gift for you!” I cheered. Phil’s face flashed in surprise, “A gift?” He questioned, “for me?” I nodded quickly and nudged Techno. He adjusted slightly and pulled the shiny compass from his inventory. Techno handed the tool to me and I bounced over to Phil and placed it in the palm of his hand. “A shiny compass?” Phil asked, gazing over the compass. “An enchanted compass!” I quipped back with a smile. 

Techno hopped off of the counter and walked over to the two of us so that he was standing in front of Philza beside me, “It’s enchanted so it only points one way,” Techno explained. Phil shifted the compass and the needle stayed put, “So it is. But why?” “Well, it’s enchanted so it points to our house. We figured you could use it to come visit us more often. That way you can always find us and you don’t have to worry about getting lost,” Techno sheepishly explained, running a hand through his long hair. Philza’s face softened at the gift. Phil set the compass down on the counter before reaching forward and pulling Techno into a tight hug. “Thank you son. I love it.” Philza whispered in his son’s ear. I watched the tips of Techno’s ears go red as he hugged his father back. 

After a moment, Phil pulled away from his hug with Techno and reached over and pulled me in a tight hug as well. “Thank you Y/N” I giggled and squeezed the older man, “Anytime Phil. Anytime.” 

A sudden knock on the front door startled the three of us. Phil let go of the hug and quickly made his way to the front door, Techno and I following behind him. “Hello Philza!” I heard a childlike voice greet from the front door. “Tubbo! Ranboo, Quackity! Hello!” Phil greeted back. I gasped at the sound of my friends’ names. Ever since I moved to the arctic with Techno, I haven’t been able to see them. “Tubbo!” I cheered as Phil moved out of the way. “Y/N!” Tubbo exclaimed as our eyes met. The young boy rushed forward and wrapped his arms around my shoulders in an extremely tight hug. “I’ve missed you so much!” He murmured into my shoulder. “I’ve missed you too kiddo! How are you? How’s L’Manberg? How is my farm?” I rushed out. Tubbo let out a laugh, “I’m good. L’Manberg’s good. Your farm is great. Your girls really miss you though.” I let out a sigh at the thought. When we moved, I could only bring a few of my chickens with me, forcing me to leave a lot of them behind. “I miss them too. I’ll have to visit them before we leave,” I said, looking over at Techno who gave me a smile and a nod, letting me know he heard me. 

“Okay greedy! Some of us would also like a Y/N hug,” I heard Ranboo complain from behind Tubbo. I giggled and let go of the boy before I was engulfed in another hug. This time by the half-enderman child. “Hello Ranboo. I missed you!” I hummed into the tall boy’s shoulder. “Hey Y/N. I missed you too. Tubbo wasn’t lying when he said your chicken’s missed you.” I chuckled at his words. “I miss them too. I know I have my three best girls, but I miss all the rest just the same.” Ranboo nodded in understanding before letting me go. 

Quackity quickly took Ranboo’s spot in my arms. “Hey there hermosa (meaning gorgeous)” Quack greeted with a sly wink. I rolled my eyes at the Spanish term but giggled. “Hey there Quackmeister! How have you been?” I asked, quickly hugging the man before letting him go so I could look at him. “I’ve been good, but I’m great now that you’re here.” He flirted, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “You’re stupid.” I giggled with an eyeroll. “You love me.” He retorted. I scoffed in response, “Some days.” 

An arm found its way across my waist causing me to jump in surprise. I glanced over and found Techno standing there with a stony look on his face. “Hey babe!” I greeted, a little confused by the attitude shift. “Hey man!” Quackity greeted with a grin, ignoring the new tension. “Hey,” Techno deadpanned back. “We need to leave now if you want to go see your chickens.” Now I was really confused. I thought we would stay a little longer to catch up and chat. But not wanting to cause a conflict I nodded in agreement. “Okay. We need to say goodbye to everyone.” 

Techno gave me a brief nod before walking away to his father once again. “What’s his problem?” Quackity questioned with an eyebrow raised. I shrugged, “I don’t know. He could just be overwhelmed by all the people. I know four isn’t a lot but it’s just been us two for a while and it may just be a little uncomfy for him” I tried to justify. Quack nodded and quickly hugged me once more. “Well don’t be a stranger okay? Come back more often!” He playfully demanded. “I’ll try” I giggled back. 

I quickly made my rounds saying goodbye to everyone before meeting back up with my boyfriend. The two of us left out the front door, deciding that we would just come back and get Carl before we left. As the two of us strolled down the prime path, I noticed Techno’s mood didn’t change as we left all the people. “Hey, what’s wrong?” I gently prodded as I reached out and grabbed his hand. “Nothing” Techno brushed off. I furrowed my brow at his response. Normally he would tell me. Why is he being like this? 

I quickly stopped in my tracks and pulled on Techno’s hand causing him to stop too. I took a quick glance around to make sure no one was around before I pleaded, “Techno” “What?” He questioned gruffly. “What’s the matter? I know something’s wrong and I know it wasn’t that you felt over crowded in Phil’s house… What’s wrong?” 

Techno let out a sigh before doing his own sweep of the area. “I got jealous okay?” Techno finally admitted, not looking at me. “I got jealous of you and Quackity. I know that you two have been friends for a very long time. And he was flirting with you and he kissed your cheek and I couldn’t help but see red. I trust you. Of course I trust you. But seeing you with your friends today… It just makes me wonder why you would move to the middle of nowhere with someone you’ve barely known for two years.” 

My heart broke at Techno’s confession. I had no idea he felt like this. I gently reached up and cupped Techno’s cheek, turning his head so that he was looking at me. “Oh Techno” I cooed as he nuzzled his face into the palm of my hand. “I’ll tell you why I moved. It’s because I love you. I love you so much Technoblade. You’re my everything. Yes I love my friends. My friend’s have always been there for me and they will always have a special place in my heart. But you’re my future Tech. I am completely and utterly dedicated to you. I want to be with you for as long as you’ll let me.” I murmured softly to the pink headed man. “And if that’s forever?” He whispered softly, leaning in so that his forehead rested on my own. A grin over took my face as I brushed our noses together, “Then I’ll be with you forever.” I confirmed gently. 

“Do you know where we are?” Techno asked, looking around. I followed his eyes, our foreheads still touching. The smile on my face grew wider at the sight, “This is where we first met!” I giggled, “This is where I yelled at you for breaking eggs all over me.” Techno let out a laugh as he nodded, “And this is where I threatened to kill you with no hesitation,” He voiced. The two of us laughed at the memory of that day. That was probably the best day of my life. 

“I didn’t plan on doing this here or now” Techno muttered, mostly to himself. “What?” I questioned, very confused at the statement. Techno ignored me as he took a deep breath before he pulled away from our small embrace. A gasp left my throat as Techno shifted his body. I watched in shock as Techno made his way down to one knee, his hand searching in his pocket for something. “Y/N. Since the moment I met you, you have amazed me. You yelled at me the first time we met. You weren’t terrified of me like so many others were. You ignored my title and my reputation and treated me like a normal person. Something that I haven’t been in a long time. You’re my everything Y/N. I love you so much and I want to be with you forever. I want to be dedicated to you for as long as we both shall live…” Techno announced. Tears were forming in my eyes as my hand covered my mouth in absolute shock at what Techno was saying. 

Techno’s hand moved out of his pocket, a small round object now lay in his hand. “So Y/N. Will you marry me?” He questioned. The small object opened and in it sat the most beautiful diamond ring I’d ever seen. It was extremely simple, but it was gorgeous and everything I could ever want. I was rendered speechless, all I could do was nod. “Yes?” Techno voiced for me. “Yes!” I croaked out, leaping forward and crushing my now fiance in the tightest hug I could muster. The tears now flowing freely out of my eyes and onto Techno’s shoulder. Techno quickly stood up and wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me just as tightly. 

I pulled back and held out my hand, allowing Techno to place the ring on my finger. I brought my hand up to my face and admired the ring. It was even prettier up close. “We’re going to get married,” I whispered in utter shock. Techno chuckled and nodded as he wiped the tears from my cheeks, “We are” He murmured back. I let out a loud laugh before turning and crushing my lips against Techno’s. He immediately accepted the kiss and returned it with even more passion. 

After a few moments, the two of us pulled away from our kiss. Grins overtook both of our faces as we looked at each other. My eyes flicked down to Techno’s hand that was still holding the box the ring was in. Wait a minute… Is that… Techno brought up his hand and let me get a closer look. A cackle ripped itself from my throat as it dawned on me. “Did you really use an egg to propose to me?” I question, laughter still bubbling through my throat. Techno chuckled as well as he shrugged, “I knew you wouldn’t suspect it. It’s also how we met… I thought it was sweet.” He murmured, handing me the oval. My laughter died down into little giggles, “It is very sweet babe. It’s just also a little strange… But I wouldn’t want it anyway else.” 

Techno grinned at what I said and pressed another quick kiss to my lips. “I knew you would like it,” He muttered against my lips. “I did. I really did…. Now come on. I want to go see my girls and show them what we did!” “Whatever you say, love. Whatever you say”

There you guys go!! I really hope that you enjoyed this! I really loved writing it so much!

[banesapothecary]

that’s when (I’ll be waiting)

read on ao3

Sometimes, Magnus needed time. There wasn’t always a reason; the feeling would hit, and he’d find an excuse to portal away for an afternoon on his own, hiding in a corner of his favorite library in France or lazily wandering the streets of some country village. He always glamoured himself significantly, wanting to hide from everyone, not just the mundanes. He didn’t make himself disappear entirely, just fade into the background like any other random face at the train station.

Sometimes the feeling was stronger, like a riptide tugging at him until he gave up and let it pull him to sea. When those days hit, he never knew how long they would last. Those days he left never sure how long he would be gone.

Alec was patient with him; he always had been, even when he was still mortal, and time wasn’t on their side. He always watched Magnus go with a quick kiss to his cheek that said, I’ll be here when you’re ready.

The first time, Magnus had tried to explain it before he left, anxious at how Alec would take it. Past loves had never understood this need, taking it personally when he needed to be alone with his thoughts and his past weighing on him. But Alec had let him explain with an understanding smile, and when Magnus had asked if they were okay in a timid voice, Alec had told him, “As long as you come home to me, we’re okay.”

“Always,” Magnus had promised. He never broke a promise, especially not to Alec.

He didn’t leave Alec fully in the dark when he did go. He’d send him the occasional text—photos of beautiful places, a quick message when something reminded him of Alec, reminders that he loves him, messages to pass onto their son who was already off having adventures of his own.

Alec, bless him, never pushed. He replied immediately whenever Magnus texted, unless he was on a hunt with the Institute—because even a hundred years later, his husband would never be able to let go of that part of himself—and gave updates on the happenings in New York and Idris. He’d tell him about their friends and family, whatever was happening on the season of the Bachelor or other reality tv show he’d picked to binge watch.

Sometimes, if he’d had an awful day or something had happened, he texted Magnus and asked for him to call. And on very rare occasions, Alec called first, without asking. Once or twice, it had been a minor emergency at home that Alec wanted him to know about—something with Max or at the Institute. Most times, it was that Alec just needed to hear his voice, and Magnus could never deny him that. They would talk for hours on those night. Magnus would tell him about his adventures and the books he’d been reading. Sometimes Alec would do the same; others, he would only listen until he fell asleep to the sound of Magnus’s voice.

And whenever they spoke, whether it was over text or a phone call, he always, always reminded Magnus that he loved him and that he was waiting for him to come home.

Those messages were never meant to guilt him, just a fact as sure as the sky was blue, and Magnus was grateful for it. He was grateful for Alec, who somehow understood exactly what Magnus needed, even though he was so new to immortality himself. Maybe he needed this time, too, Magnus thought, even though he hadn’t lived through nearly as many centuries. If Magnus had learned one thing in his long life, it was that time was a tricky thing.

Magnus sighed, looking at one such message now from the little cabin in the Alps he’d chosen for his hideaway this time. He’d been there for a month, at least, and wandering aimlessly in Europe for a few before it. The loneliness of it had been exactly what he’d craved when he first arrived, but now it ate away at him. More and more, he found himself wishing Alec were here with him.

That’s how he always knew when it was time to go home, to go to his husband.

I’m coming home, he texted and opened a portal.

It was still light out in New York, but the loft was dim when Magnus stepped out of the portal. He moved slowly through his home, taking in the familiar sights and smells, and relaxing into the feeling of being back after a while away.

He found Alec in the bedroom, fast asleep with his face pressed into Magnus’s pillow. Magnus smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed, and running a hand through his husband’s hair.

Alec stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked up at Magnus like he wasn’t sure if he was truly there, or he was still dreaming. He seemed to decide on the former, a smile more beautiful than any sight Magnus had seen while he was away taking over his face. He sat up quickly, pulling Magnus into a hug, and Magnus relaxed fully into his arms. He’d felt at home as soon as he stepped into the loft, but this—this was truly coming home. No amount of time or distance would ever change that.

“Hi,” Alec whispered into Magnus’s shoulder, his voice sleep worn.

“Hi,” Magnus whispered back.

Alec moved out of the embrace, cupping Magnus’s cheek. “I missed you,” he said.

Magnus smiled, capturing his husband’s lips in a kiss. Every part of him felt like it was waking up, like he’d been the one sleeping only a few minutes ago. “I missed you, too, Alexander,” he murmured, only an inch of space between them. “I’m sorry for being gone so long.”

Alec shook his head. “No apologies. I knew you would come home. You always do. That’s all I need.”

“I’m still sorry,” Magnus said. “It’s unfair of me to leave for so long.”

Alec frowned, brushing his thumb along Magnus’s cheek. “No, it’s not. At least, I don’t think it is. You’ve never lied to me about where you go or what you need, and you always stay in contact and answer my calls if I need you.” He pressed a kiss to the tip of Magnus’s nose. “We have forever. It’s okay to take time for yourself as long as you don’t shut me out. As long as you know I’m always going to be right here, waiting to let you back in.”

Magnus exhaled shakily. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”

“Exist,” Alec said simply. He kissed him again, like he was signing a declaration. Magnus wondered if Alec had any idea what words like that did to him, even after all this time. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Magnus said, “more than I know what to do with sometimes.”

Alec chuckled. “Have you talked to Max?”

“A few times,” Magnus said. Their son had sent a few fire messages, never one for mundane technology despite being born in the 21st century. Magnus always teased him that there were warlocks centuries older than him that had adapted to smartphones easier than he had.

“I’ll call him tomorrow.”

“He’ll be glad you’re home,” Alec said. “I’m glad you’re home.”

“Me too, darling,” Magnus said, pulling Alec into another hug. “Me too.” They held each other for a long moment until finally, Alec yawned, breath warm against Magnus’s neck. Magnus chuckled. “Long day?”

“Mhm,” Alec hummed. “Was on a hunt until 5 this morning, and then I had to meet with Clave representatives most of the day.”

“Ah,” Magnus said. The Clave had made a lot of progress in the last hundred years or so, but there was still a long way to go. His husband had led that effort for a long time as Inquisitor, but after the first 50 years of dealing with them every day, Alec had chosen to return to the New York Institute and make smaller changes in their home community. The Clave hadn’t argued too much against his retirement from Inquisitor. They still objected to change, and an immortal Inquisitor was certainly a big one. “Have you eaten?”

Alec had gotten better at taking care of himself over the years, but Magnus knew his husband, and sometimes on particularly busy days, he still forgot to eat or else was too tired to worry about it. “I had a sandwich from the deli across the street when I got home.”

“Bed then?” Magnus asked, satisfied with that answer.

“Please,” Alec said, moving to lie down again and tugging Magnus against him. Magnus made a noise of protest, still fully dressed. “Just—” Alec waved his hand with a flourish in what Magnus could only imagine was an imitation of his magic.

He huffed a laugh, doing as he was told and changing into comfier clothes without moving from his spot at Alec’s side. He settled, feeling the weight of Alec’s body next to his.

“Missed sleeping next to you,” Alec murmured, eyes closed. “Welcome home.”

“It’s good to be home,” Magnus whispered, but he didn’t mean the loft. He meant that exact moment, tucked into his husband’s side under the covers. He meant the smile Alec had given him when he saw his face. He meant the This is right feeling that settled in his soul the moment Alec’s arms held him tight. He meant his husband. And he didn’t plan on leaving again for a very, very long time.

[oh-for-fic-sake]

April Teaser Collection!

Here is the  latest peek at my stuff sitting on my pc that will hopefully be finished over the next few weeks. I hope you find something that tickles your pickle. below the cut are The Stand In, It’s A Match, Deliverance, Mans False God, Gloria Regali.

But instead of being managing to be all sneaky and close the door hiding henry in your room like a naughty teen with her boyfriend Henry was up and awake.

"Aha! Gotcha! Who said you could sneak out of bed this morning baby? I was lonely with out you~" you screamed and just about jumped out of your skin as Henry wrapped himself around you from behind dragging you back into him, nuzzling into your neck pressing an open mouthed kiss to it. Your shout of surprize had silenced both of the women's chatter making them jump, even Kal came darting back in gruffing as he leapt up the stairs heckles and tail raised and growling on high alert. Fuck.

"now why cant i get a good morning like that?" Tee giggled crossing her arms at the both of you, your mother eyed you both with a knowing grin and hummed agreeing. Henry snapped his head up and gulped. Fuck. You and henry stood still for a few seconds far to shocked at being caught with your pants down so to speak. You shifted on your feet but henry held you still hands on your hips using you to shield his nude form from your guests he hadn't known were there.

"O-oh shit- err good morning ladies!" He said turning red his voice higher than usual as he shuffled backward taking you with him. As he tried saving his modesty, he didn't take the covers with him because- well he had thought it was only you on the bus!

"I err- shit i didn't see you there... Sorry about almost flashing you both like that..." he said with an uneven tone tip toeing back into the room, still holding you at his crotch hiding the once half hard- now softening cock.

"Good girl, where's your mother? Hmm? Your not supposed to be out and about alone are you?" Henry spoke slowly digging his fingers into the dense soft fur managing to find and hold the collar below the thick fur, then he leant down scooping up the lead what was still attached to her. Kal grunted and sat on the floor leaning his weight on henry's leg. Henry looked down and patted Kal scratching his ears chuckling. Kal's eyes still wide taking in the larger dog in front of him, it was comical Kal was used to being the biggest bear... but he was a good four to five inches shorted then this magnificent grey floofer.

"Kal, you okay there bud?... year she really is big isn't she, you best behave don't want her telling you off do you?" He spoke slowly calming both pups... and gosh did Kal look like a pup compared to her. Slowly both dogs leaned towards one another sniffing the air then with a happy yip Amii began licking kal... like a pup. Henry burst out laughing it was too sweet watching Amii sniff around his bear, whilst Kal sent his human a look clearly pleading for help as this new huge female smothered him with affection. But henry wasn't falling for it, Kal was wagging his tail just as excited to make a new freind.

Honestly henry was glad, akitas were fickle. They either liked you or they didn't. He got the feeling Kal would like this gentle giant for now he was a little awe struck over being smaller then something.

"Clark? Clark come and help me- I cant reach the milk! Its at the back again!" Martha said quietly you smiled. It took a lot of coaxing but you had indeed tried what Clark had explained as 'cow juice' and had developed a taste for it. So Martha had promised you milk every day if you liked. Which you did like. A lot. Clark pressed another kiss to you and walked off towards the milk refrigerators expecting you to follow.

You made to follow but a sweet scent hit you and you stopped mid step. It was wonderful and ripe, sweet and succulent. You pivoted and followed without much thought. Your feet found there way twisting around the display of 'leafy greens' to a bright colourful isle. You salivated at the smells. There were so many intoxicating scents you didn't know what to look at first.

You pressed a hand on a small net package full of strange green fuzzy balls. Kiwi's? You read and scrunched your face up at the peculiar name. Then plucked the bag up and held it to your nose sniffing. They smelled divine, like a type of food from home. Okriin a small soury sweet treat given to children on their birthing date. You sniffed again and almost cried. It was so similar but so different sweeter and fuller in the scent. You cautiously sniffed again and closed your eyes before tentativly prodding it with your tongue wanting to see if it tasted the same.

"y/n? Y/n?!- oh god there you are? What are you doing? You almost gave me a heart attack" Clark said racing towards you his mother behind him with the cart. He slid to a stop and blinked at you. As you scrunched up your nose.

"the texture of these are... Not very nice?" you said naively moving for the fruit again sticking your tongue out once more trying to discern if it was edible like this. Clark moved quickly gasping holding your hands that had the.. Kiwi's in it.

"no no.. No we- you don't eat them like that... You peel them and eat the inside, and we don't lick things in the shop okay?" he explained plucking the fruit from you and placed them in the cart, Martha chuckled into her chest she couldn't help it, you were extremely cute.

Kal proped himself up on his side and smiled sadly nodding. He knew. He knew the state they found you in was their fault. Thats why he was so adamant to look after you now to... make amends in a way. You'd proved you could barely survive on your own. But Kal was also angry; angry that you'd been abandoned, he had thought Bruce would atleast put something in place to look after you but he hadn't. Bruce hadn't helped you, he to busy saving his own skin and trying to fight him and the new regime. But he was more angry at himself you had been alone, with no means to protect yourself or really survive. And he should have known! He should have realised you were scared, that you would stay away from the new citizen system he put in place. That you'd fear being caught and killed like many of the others.

"I know, but we have her now... its going to be better now, we are going to right the wrongs love... we can give her the best life  look after her and nothing will ever hurt our little one again" his voice was strained his face in firm lines, hard and stone like. He truly was a god, carved in marble. Perfect. Diana nodded laying back curling herself around you. Kal drew a deep breath and shuffled closer winding his arms around his family, holding both his girls.

He chuckled when you grunted pouting in your sleep when he sandwiched you between Diana and himself. Trying to wriggle fee from the group hug.  But once again you settled after a few moments relaxing as you were now being warmed from both sides a small smile graced your face. Kal grinned and nuzzled the back of your head pressing chaste kisses to your bed ridden hair, he felt at peace having you here with him. And he meant what he said no one will ever touch his little babygirl.

"what wrong? Whats going on?" you spoke quietly trying not to stare at the clearly sick monarch. You didn't want to see it, you didn't want to think of the implications of the illness he was clearly suffering.

"nothing gets past you does it my girl?" your father spoke jovially trying to lighten the mood but failed miserably, his chuckles dying off fairly quickly and he heaved a sigh. Your uncle broke the silence and your fathers hand slid to yours under the table and squeezed your fingers tightly trying to reassure you.

"I have summoned you here to discuss something that... Is very serious and the outcome will change the lives of many people. This is something.. I wished I could hold off but I'm afraid I cannot firefly" you bit your lip and braced yourself. This was bad news you could tell. A part of you thought for a moment of marriage, your gut churned at the thought and you felt sick all of a sudden. Where you being married off as a pawn? It was likely, it still happened even in this day and age it was just covered up with fairytale romance... Story book meetings and courtships, when in reality you were told that your to marry and that was the end of it.

"Y/n you are royalty. You were born in to a royal blood line that has ruled over this kingdom for nearly four centuries... And now it is time for you to take your place within it and do your duty" your father stated in his 'work' voice for the time being he was not your father, he was a prince. Heir to the throne and head of your family. And you were to listen and obey.

"You want to give me duties as a working royal?" you said sitting straighter only quivering slightly. You dreaded this, the publicity the duty and responsibility that you'd managed to avoid so far. But you knew one day you would have to take your place.

"yes dear. We need you. Now" your father said urgently, but there was something off. Like he was holding back, fearfull in a sense and it was not like him.

"Of course i will. Father I'm no fool I understand what my position requires of me and i will serve my country. You need only ask and I will obey. I only ask that i be given time to sort things out with the university security and such would need to be increased if they are having a working royal on campus-"

"I'm afraid its not as simple as that we... Are asking you to put your studying off" your uncle interrupted you making you frown. What? You furrowed your brow and made to shake your head but paused. It made sense... If you were to come and take on duties then the media may go wild and cause an uproar... They could cause issues on campus

"How long for?" you asked trying your hardest not to frown at your father and uncle

"Indefinitely.." the king replied holding your gaze firmly. it was then you knew this was serious, more so then anything you’d experienced before.

[closedafterdark]

THANKYOU!! for writing the hyunjin scenario it was amazing!! Your writing is really good. If it okay can you write about kimlip? Where she tries to prove that she's a better fuck than heejin? Thankyou again!!!

Thanks to @nsfwtwicecatcher for helping me with this.

“Ahh, it feels so good to be home.”

Jeon Heejin kicks off her shoes and runs inside the apartment, not bothering to unpack anything from your week-long vacation. You watch her cutely jump onto your bed, landing on her tummy and sprawling her entire body. Heejin was still a kid at heart, just one of the many things you loved about her.

“Babe, we have to do laundry and clean the house. We haven’t been home in awhile.” you said, sitting down next to her.

“Oppa, you’re no fun!” she pouted, puffing her cheeks at you.

“Come on, my little bunny. We’ll feel so much better after doing these chores. We can even lounge around everywhere and order in.” you said, pinching her soft stretchy cheeks.

“Hmph.” she said, fixing your hair. “But we’re going to do more than just lounge tonight.”

“Was spending almost the entire vacation in bed not enough for you?” you asked.

“No! You forgot our bubble tea and on top of that, you fucked that bitch Hyunjin in the rental car.” Heejin replied.

You leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips.

“I told you I was sorry, baby. Plus I’m pretty sure whatever anger you had, you used in the bedroom.”

Heejin smirked as she climbed on top of you, kissing you slowly and passionately as you two fell back onto the bed.

“Bunny loves when daddy compliments her.” she replied.

“You do? Well, daddy loves when his little bunny screams for him.” you said, kissing her harder.

Heejin laughed as she kissed you, holding onto your face.

“Why don’t I give daddy a preview of what’s to come tonight?” Heejin said, giving you a quick peck on the lips before slowly getting down on her knees on the side of the bed.

Heejin gave you the most seductive gaze as she unzipped your jeans and slipped them off you. Her hands were soft and warm, pulling your boxers down right after.

“Daddy’s already so hard for Heejin.” she said, smirking. She started slowly rubbing her face against your cock, you felt the edges of her nose and the softness of her lips press against you.

“Heejin…” you moaned as she slid her tongue from your balls all the way to the tip, covering you in saliva.

“Oh fuck…”

She teased your head, drawing circles around it with her tongue as she ran her puckered lips up and down your shaft. She made sure to draw out as much precum as she could. Doing her best to lick every surface possible, Heejin began leaving trails of saliva behind.

“Does daddy want Heejin’s mouth on his cock now?”

“P-Please.”

You instantly felt Heejin’s soft, wet lips wrap themselves around the tip of your cock.

“Ahh…” you moaned out as she sucked on your tip lightly and steadily.

Heejin tied her hair into a ponytail as she sucked your cock, knowing you were going to facefuck her. The moment she finished, you held onto it with one hand and her jaw with the other as you began thrusting your cock into her mouth, feeling it touch the back of her throat as her saliva slowly dripped down onto your balls. Unlike with Hyejoo or Yerim, Heejin has given you so many blowjobs that she no longer had a gag reflex.

You wanted to do the laundry and unpack your suitcases, but Heejin sucking your cock was well worth the wait.

You woke up the next morning alone. Still sore from Heejin’s insatiable libido, you groggily rubbed your eyes and checked your phone. How Heejin had the energy to get up and leave before you was something you will never understand.

“Hi, Baby! I’m still sore from how hard you fucked me. Anyways, I’m sorry we couldn’t spend the morning together. Had to pick up a shift at the restaurant since Jiwoo unnie called out. Hope you enjoy your day off! I love you.”

As you smiled rereading Heejin’s text, another one popped up on your screen.

“Hey, oppa! It’s been awhile. Hope you and Heejin are doing good! Anyways if you’re not too busy, do you think you can swing by my art studio? I wanted to show you some of the photos I’ve taken before anyone else sees. Call me back whenever you can!”

Letting her know you’d be able to make it, you do morning stretches and get out of bed.

Twenty minutes later, you were outside an intimate looking building sandwiched in between apartment complexes. It looked out of place: the shiny, modern buildings contrasted the antique, slightly worn down look of the studio. You stood outside, checking your watch every few seconds.

“Oppa!”

Turning around, you were met with a beautiful smile. Her milky skin and sharp features complemented her natural beauty. She instantly brought you in for a hug.

“Hi, Jungeun.”

“Let me show you around.” she said after leaving your embrace.

The walls were lined with photos that she took during her various travels. She was rarely around, having her in the country for a month was already considered a miracle. But she made sure to keep the group chat updated with photos and videos of her wherever she went.

“So, oppa.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you know why I called you here?”

“Wasn’t it to show me this art studio? Because it looks really nice.”

You scanned the photos, smiling at a photo of you and the rest of the group. One of the very first times you all got together, you missed moments like those since everyone seemed to be doing their own thing now. You observe the walls until your hand brushes against a white, logoless remote.

“Jungeun, what is this?” you asked, holding it in your hand to show her.

“Oppa, wai-” Her eyes widened as she suddenly jumped in surprise after you pressed a button.

“Jungeun, are you okay?”

“Y-Yes, oppaaa…” she managed to gasp out of her throat as she felt a sudden vibration flow through her body.

You look at her suddenly weak expression - beads of perspiration on her forehead begin to form as you realize what you are holding in your hand.

“Jungeun…”

“Shh, oppa. I wore it, just for you.” she said, placing a finger on your lips before smiling at you naughtily and biting her lower lip.

You pressed another button on the remote, watching her eyes slowly roll to the back of her head as her facial expression transitioned once more. She let out a moan, clenching her teeth before holding onto your arm for support. Pushing the button once more, Jungeun moaned loudly.

“Oppa, stop! Please… I’m still sensitive.” she cried.

“The girls told me how good in bed you are. I figured it would be my turn to show you I’m a better fuck than all of them. Especially that bratty girlfriend of yours Heejin.”

You raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised by Jungeun’s straightforwardness. Her seductive smile deepens as you slowly approach her, running your hand under her dress. Her thighs were smooth, creamy and began forming goosebumps once your cold hand inspected every inch of them.

“And what makes you think I would want to sleep with you, miss Jungeun?”

“Look at me, I’m hot. Although I admit, Yerim is much prettier than I am sometimes. Just sometimes. Plus, you need a woman to satisfy you. Not that child Jeon Heejin.”

“Jungeun, you’re only about a year older than her…”

“Oppa! It’s a year and 8 months, thank you very much!” She whined, pulling your body closer to hers. You pressed the button on the remote control again as your hand cupped between her thighs, unsurprised that she was not wearing any underwear. You felt the heat radiating from her, hearing Jungeun moan as the tingling sensation of the vibrator inside her pulsed on your hand. She was already so wet from less than a few minutes of you activating it.

“Such an elegant looking beauty being so naughty…” you said to her.

“Jungeun wants daddy to know she’s a bad girl…” she said, smiling as she began planting soft kisses on your lips.

“It’s a good thing daddy’s ready to go then…” you said, pressing the button once more causing Jungeun’s mouth to open as she moans.

Disconnecting your lips from each other, Jungeun presses her forehead against yours. Both of you struggle to catch your breaths before she takes your hand and leads you into a hidden room. Jungeun’s studio was spacious, a well-designed modern space that was filled with various photos and memories from her travels. The large windows provided plenty of natural lighting, but would also give anyone who viewed inside a good view of what was going on.

“It’s pretty, isn’t it?” Jungeun asked as she held her hand up and showed you her displays.

“It really is.” you said, although your attention was fully focused on Jungeun’s soft features being reflected on the window.

She smiled, slightly blushing as she knew you were talking about her.

The soft, pink cherry blossom designed dress hugged her body perfectly as she turned around. Jungeun’s face was one of the things you found most beautiful about her, almost akin to the various photos and artworks she has that decorate the walls.

Jungeun reverses backwards, still holding your hand until she feels her back softly hit the window. You bring your hand up and gently rub her cheeks, causing her to nuzzle her face against your palm. Both of you smiled as you inhaled the intoxicating aroma of her perfume.

She looks up at you and you become enamored by her hauntingly beautiful gaze. Leaning down, Jungeun raises her head until your noses touch, causing both of you to giggle. Lingering for a few seconds, you noticed her bright red lips, seeing her lick them in anticipation before you two begin kissing, your lips coming together as her straightforwardness and the sexual tension that quickly developed between you two is finally being released.

You feel her long, thin arms wrap themselves around your neck as you press your body forwards towards her. Wrapping your arms around her waist, you are happy to discover she is not wearing any form of upper undergarment when your hands roam her back. Her tongue forces its way into your mouth, causing you to be surprised slightly. Heejin and Sooyoung told you Jungeun had become more daring ever since her time overseas, but this was not what you were expecting.

As you continue to explore each other’s mouths, Jungeun’s fingers find their way to your belt, loosening them quickly.

“I bet you haven’t experienced something like this before, daddy.” she said, her eyes filled with lust once she breaks the kiss and looks at you.

Jungeun quickly lowers herself onto her knees, grabbing the belt loops of your slacks and dragging them down along with her. Tugging your pants that were on your ankles, she grabs them and tosses them into a random corner of the room.

“Jungeun, you’re not the first girl to give me a blowjob.” you said, slightly laughing.

You felt your boxers be removed seconds later, your cock fully exposed in front of her. She licks her lips, wetting them in preparation for her next act.

“While that’s true, I meant you haven’t experienced getting one when anyone passing by can see us.” she said.

Before you could reply, you let out a soft moan as she uses her soft, delicate fingers and wraps them around your almost fully erect cock. Her tongue gives you small, wet licks from the base of your shaft until your tip. She giggles when she feels you are truly hard for her. She pumps your shaft several times in a painfully slow manner. She gathers spit from deep inside her throat, releasing it onto the tip of your cock. Making sure you were fully lubricated, Jungeun takes you inside her mouth.

You looked down and admired the beautiful young woman on her knees with your cock inside her warm, wet mouth. She giggled as she sucked on your tip.

“Daddy likes when his little Jungeun sucks his cock, doesn’t he?”

“Yes, fuck…” you moaned as she strokes you while continuing to take your cock into her mouth.

While Jungeun bobs her head up and down, you do your best to look outside. Knowing you would cum right away if you continued to look down at her, you noticed that the outside street was relatively empty. You were thankful. Although it slightly turned you on knowing someone could see Jungeun giving you head, it was still relatively early in the morning. But here you were, getting a blowjob from one of the many beautiful women you know. You always admired her beauty and gave her small compliments here and there, but there was something equally alluring about Kim Jungeun being on her knees in front of you: her rich, chestnut hair bobbing up and down.

You ran your fingers through her beautiful, slightly damp hair.

“Good girl.” you encouraged her, causing her to smile at you with her eyes as she continued sucking your cock. Gently guiding her head into a comfortable rhythm, you watched the various cars pass by. There’s no way they weren’t aware of what was going on inside Jungeun’s studio.

“Baby, stop.” you said, slowly withdrawing Jungeun’s head from your cock. She releases you with a loud pop, her beautifully shiny eyes looking up at you as she gives you a cute pout that can be comparable to Heejin’s.

“Daddy wants to fuck you now.” you continued, as you lowered yourself onto the floor and joined her. She smiles at you sweetly before straddling your lap and sitting on your thighs. Holding onto her waist to steady her, you grab onto the ends of her dress and raise it upwards. Jungeun closes her eyes in satisfaction as she raises her long limbs and allows you to remove the confining piece of clothing from her beautiful body. She was petite like Heejin, but was top two in naked bodies - along with Yerim. You wouldn’t dare say that out loud, knowing Heejin would smile at you and put your cock in a chastity belt if she found out.

Kissing you once more, you feel every ounce of her desire and lust with each connection. You savor her sweet lips, her lipstick having the faintest taste of strawberries. She tears her lips away from yours, giving you quick pecks before creating a trail on your neck. Regretfully removing herself once more, she goes to your right ear, blowing hot air that sends shivers down your spine.

“I want daddy to fuck me.” she says in a sensual whisper.

Jungeun returns to planting soft kisses on your neck and jaw as you admire the beautiful woman on your lap in front of a large window in broad daylight. She was extremely wet, her pussy juices staining your thighs as you guided her while she rubbed her crotch up and down yours.

You bring your hands upwards as her small, perky breasts are in front of you. Heejin was slightly bigger, but Jungeun’s felt a lot softer. You cupped them both, your thumbs playing with her rapidly hardening nipples. A soft moan escaped her lips as you moved your head up and took her left nipple inside your mouth. Your tongue moved up and down rapidly as you savored her sensitive buds. Most of the women you’ve slept with had pink nipples, so it was refreshing to find out Jungeun’s were darker. While you continue sucking on her left breast, your hand does not leave her other one unattended as you take her right nipple into your fingertips. As you stimulate Jungeun, you feel her wet crotch and thighs continue to dampen yours as she grinds herself on your cock.

“Come ride daddy, Jungeun.” you said to her once you tear your mouth away from her chest. Her hair is now damp, her eyes filled with the look of a woman who needed to be satisfied. She reaches behind her and finds your cock, stroking it several times and applying her pussy juices as a lubricant. Once she ensured you were thoroughly covered, she squats her body slightly above yours. Taking your cock in between her gentle fingers, she lines up your crotches together. You feel only the head of your cock penetrating her tight walls, as she spreads her legs open and allows you inside. Soft sensations of pleasure can be felt before Jungeun suddenly lowers her hips and takes all of you inside her body.

You both moaned in satisfaction, the frivolous foreplay a good build up but could never compare to the feeling of the first penetration of a new partner. Jungeun was ridiculously tight, probably the tightest woman you’ve ever been inside. The muscles of her pussy squeezing your cock in a mix of pain and pleasure the moment you enter her.

“Oh fuck, daddy…” Jungeun moans out when you are fully inside her. You assume she is giving herself time to adjust to your size before she begins raising her hips and withdrawing your cock from her body until only your tip is left before slamming her body back downwards again.

There was nothing better than your cock being inside a woman’s pussy. Heejin was a fierce competitor when it came to being tight, hot and wet - but Jungeun was in a class all her own. Perhaps it was because you’ve never actually slept with her. It could also be because you only had Heejin on your mind constantly that her friends throwing themselves at you made them feel even better. Or, it could just be your inner desires to savor the feeling of being intimate with someone that wasn’t your own girlfriend. Whatever the case may be, Jungeun was tight, her pussy having a tight vice grip on your cock as it entered and exited her body. You believe she could very well be the tightest woman you’ve fucked so far.

“Fuck! Yes, daddy…” Jungeun cried as she bounced up and down your cock, grinding herself on you while circling her hips left to right simultaneously. “You feel so fucking big, daddy. Ahh!”

The wet sounds coming from your bodies being connected is something you will never get tired of. Jungeun bounces up and down your lap, her long thin limbs firmly pushing her weight onto your chest as she rides you. Heejin was a gym rat, always wanting to keep her body toned for herself, but equally for you. You noticed Jungeun was the same, usually eating vegetables or foods that conformed to her strict dietary regimen from the few interactions you had with her whenever she was in town. You admired her cute thighs as they slammed repeatedly against yours.

You were on your back against the window, unable to see if anyone was watching you fuck the beautiful woman who owned the art studio. Jungeun didn’t care about her surroundings, throwing her head back as you hear long drawn out moans become incoherent syllables as she surrenders herself to pleasure and her desires. Repeatedly fucking herself on your cock, you feel every muscle in her pussy tighten as it builds up pleasure between the two of you.

You never really imagined Kim Jungeun had this side of her - a woman who has a lot of respect for herself and would not be intimate unless she was sure about them. But here she was, happily bouncing up and down your cock as you gave her what she wanted.

“Daddy’s cock feels so good inside me… Do you like fucking my tight pussy?”

“Fuck yes, Jungeun…” you said, a tightness forming in your chest as her hands continue to be firmly planted.

You have never been with a woman whose pussy is this tight. It helps you discover a new craving, you want Jungeun to ride you until you cum inside her, holding onto her hips before slamming them down as you fill her. But you had to teach her a lesson. No one got away with badmouthing your girlfriend Jeon Heejin without a lust filled pounding.

“Jungeun, stop.” you said, causing her to instantly stop bouncing on your cock. As she catches her breath, you notice her flushed expression. Her body is now covered in sweat, her facial expression showing you she is slightly surprised at your request.

Jungeun whines as you slowly withdraw her body from your cock, wanting you to still be inside her. As you bring yourself upwards, you bring her along with you until you are both standing. As her chest heaves while she catches her breath, you turn her around until her body is pressed against the glass window. With your cock that is now coated in her juices, you enter her tight body once more.

“Fuck, daddy!” Jungeun shouted as you were in control while fucking her. You secretly hoped someone would pass by and watching you fuck your girlfriend’s friend. Not that either of you would stop if they did, the thought of being watched would turn you on even more than you already were.

“You’re so beautiful, Jungeun… and tight.” you said as you thrusted inside her pussy. You wanted to get revenge, show her that you wouldn’t be satisfied with her thinking she was better than your girlfriend.

Lustful sounds escape her lips as you continued pressing her body against the glass while roughly fucking her.

“Shut up daddy and fuck me!” she screamed.

You smacked her ass, hard. In this new position, Jungeun was even tighter than before. Her soft, small round ass reverberated against your torso as each thrust of your cock caused her to moan. You held onto her one of her hips while continuing to slap her ass.

“You don’t tell daddy what to do! Especially when you said not nice things about my girlfriend.”

Another loud slap can be heard as Jungeun cries from pleasure.

“Are you seriously getting wet from me slapping you? You’re behaving like such a slut right now!”

“I’m not a slut, daddy! I just want you to realize I’m tighter than that slut bunny Heejin!”

You slap her ass once more as you continued fucking Kim Jungeun. Throwing her head back once more, her drenched hair flies everywhere as you held her thin waist and pushed it back towards you. You wanted to be deeper inside her, make her feel all of you. Her wet body and natural aroma during sex turned you on even more. The friction between your bodies further accentuated the sinful act.

Jungeun’s tight pussy was making you dangerously close to your orgasm. While you continued fucking her, she tried unsuccessfully to try and grip onto something from the pleasure you were giving her.

“Jungeun, daddy’s about to cum. I can’-”

“I’m cumming too! Don’t you dare pull out, daddy.” she said, the soft stream of moans and tones of pleasure escaping her lust filled mouth. “Daddy… I’m cumming!”

Jungeun’s body shakes violently as the pleasure completely consumes her and she erupts in an orgasm. Her pussy contracted and pulses around your cock as you continued to thrust. The pain from how tight she is is beginning to be slightly unbearable, but you managed to fuck her through it as her pussy allows you to enter her even easier.

“Daddy’s close, Jungeun.”

“Cum inside me, daddy. Fill your naughty slut up.” she said, her voice gradually weakening in tone and volume.

You thrusted deeper and deeper inside her pussy, her body being pushed against the window. Your repeated thrusts inside Jungeun trigger another orgasm for her as yours finally arrives. Both of you enter a euphoric high as you climax at the same time.

Gripping onto Jungeun’s hips, you thrust inside her one last time as deep as you could. Hot, thick semen releases from your cock as it enters her pussy. You fuck her with several short, quick thrusts as you prolong the pleasure you two are currently feeling.

You unconsciously wanted to stay inside her for as long as you could. The two of you could not overcome natural biology however, as your energy is depleted and you guide her onto the cold wooden floor. You managed to be still inside her, perhaps her pussy refused to let you go. Whatever the case may be, you were thankful that your bodies didn’t disconnect.

Heavy breathing and your chest pressing against her sweaty back are all you can feel as you both slowly begin the recovery from the intense sexual activity that just occurred. Jungeun tilts her head slightly so that she is facing you, causing you to tuck the damp strands of hair clinging to her face behind her cute ears.

She gives you a fatigue filled giggle as you both smile at each other. You lean forward and give her a kiss. While not as passionate as when you began, it was filled with emotion. You gave Jungeun a kiss filled with love. Being the one to break the kiss, you opened your eyes and saw her smiling softly at you once more.

“Daddy… that was… so intense…” Jungeun breathed out.

You smiled, capturing her lips once more as you were finally able to withdraw your cock from her. Jungeun moans as she feels you exit her, a stream of liquid beginning to flow out of her flushed thighs and freshly fucked pussy. You stretched your right arm out so that she could be facing you, Jungeun instantly cuddling you. Your hands roamed her lower body, gently massaging her butt. There was nothing more beautiful than the afterglow of a woman after sex. Jungeun’s natural beauty felt almost angelic, the large window that provided plenty of natural lighting allowing you to see her positively radiating.

A satisfied breath escaped her lips, letting you know just how good you made her feel.

“Oppa, I haven’t been fucked like that in… Fuck, I don’t know how long. You were amazing.” Jungeun said. “No wonder Heejin wants to keep you all for herself.”

“You were pretty good yourself, Jungeun. I haven’t fucked a pussy that tight in so long.” you said, laughing.

“I’m yours whenever you want me.” she said, giving you a tender kiss on the lips.

“Whenever that slut Heejin’s pussy can’t satisfy you, call me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” you said.

“I guess we should clean up, right? You came so much inside me.” she said, slowly struggling to stand up.

She extends her hand out, offering to help you up. As you pull her back towards you, she begins giggling as you shower her with kisses.

“Oppa, stop! We have to clean up.” she whines, laughing as she unsuccessfully tries to escape your hold.

“You’re going to let oppa leave right away?” you said, pretending to be hurt.

“No silly, I really did want to show you my artwork and the fun stuff I’ve been working on. But…” she said.

“Daddy’s getting hard again... and luckily my studio does have a shower and kitchen.” Jungeun continued, slowly stroking your cock to full erection.

“Why don’t we clean ourselves up in the shower and you make us something to eat?” she said, kissing you once more.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“And this time… you can fuck me in my ass. I’m sure Heejin’s never let you do that before.”

She continues having a firm grip on your cock before leading you into the studio’s bathroom.

[fishmongeringstudies]

twenty three: after the end of the song the singer's voice travels down the hallway into the room at the other end, where god is braiding a skein of light into your hair

it's a five minute walk from the apartment in singapore to the subway station. after exiting the building, take a right, wait for the red light to turn, then keep walking until you see a sleek gray building rising out of the pavement at the end of the path. the station is underneath. take the escalator, elevator, or the stairs. all three of them will dispense you in the same wide underground space with the polished marble floor. buy a ticket or three. walk through the gantry. head down another flight of stairs, and then another, until you arrive, at last, at the promised place.

i'm told america is a country of cars. since the invention of the gas-powered vehicle in 1886 it has been unable to rid itself of this idea, this dream of flying, faster than light being chased out of the sunset, through suburbs, cities, and towns, and so to prove its ephemeral strength to an audience which wasn't looking, the distance between each grew wider. the average american spends nearly an hour behind the steering wheel each day. in the spring my friend told me, while picking a grilled cheese sandwich apart with a fork, that he drove eight hours to get to college.

it takes less than an hour to drive from one end of singapore to the other. if the traffic is good and you don't get lost in the central business district, staring down week-old acai joints and cafes full of shimmering mass-produced wall decor, it could take less. it took me an hour and a half to crawl from the west coast to the east on a weekday morning. i went by train, bus, and foot.

motion proves existence. if i can bring this body to five different points on a map then i have left a mark on all the places in between, in each footprint pressed into the soft dirt of each route. to exist in confinement is to be visible from one place only. and that place is hell.

this morning the elevator smelled like someone threw up in it. when i stepped inside with my laundry hamper slung over my shoulder i didn't notice the smell because i was too busy making brief but awkward eye contact with the other person who had been waiting for the elevator, who whispered once the door slid shut in a voice like ginger ale poured over a bed of pearls, 'first floor?' then pressed the button with a manicured nail. the elevator dumped us on the first floor and we walked off in opposite directions. after dumping a week's worth of sticky summer heat in the wash, i came back. and so did the smell of vomit.

today is saturday, which means last night things happened in this building that i don't know about and have no desire to look into. at about midnight i heard someone screaming from some distance away and looked outside to see a skinny figure tearing down the sidewalk that led up to our dorm, pinwheeling their arms like a madman or a pigeon with a bad case of flight anxiety. they sounded like someone had put the rosetta stone through a voice distortion program. behind them, out of sight, came the echo of high-pitched, shrieking laughter. after a moment, they stopped swinging their arms and turned to stare back down the empty, moonlit path. WHAT'RE YOU LOOKING AT, HUH? they bellowed, like a god. i looked away from my window.

they say college is about trying things you will regret and doing them with a brand of stupid fearless pride unique to the peculiar creature that we call the college student anyway, because nineteen year olds don't know what fear looks, sounds, or tastes like. the logic behind this is as follows. the corporate workplace doesn't tolerate individuality on principle, so if every kid's going to have an obligatory three hour long soul-searching indie film shot about their life then they might as well do it in a controlled setting along with a thousand other kids who are going through the same thing. some of them may be film majors. in which case, your indie film will be very good. some of them may be engineering majors. in which case your indie film will be very bad. regardless, you're guaranteed to come out of your choice of higher education money-making machine with something to tell your parents that'll make them bawl their eyes out and send you, cherub-cheeked and smiling, to your room.

they say college will change your life. i know because i said it. i wrote a poem about it. when i was eighteen i said i was going to take a bottle and a bottle-opener and then i was going to hop on a plane to america and then- fireworks and stars. the disneyland effect. step through these gates and all your anxieties will go away. everyone will live forever. your grandfather doesn't wish you were dead. and magic, oh, magic lives right here, under the skin of the clavicle, where all wishes are made. mouth on neck. a resuscitation activity.

but someone needs to cut the grass. each morning at eight a man in a green vest takes a lawnmower and drives it up and down the football field across from this building. the lawnmower is loud. it reverberates in my head and makes it hard to concentrate on pretty much anything, so i get out my earplugs and i sit there in the static and resign myself to half an hour of nothing. i can only begin to imagine what it must be like to be the person sitting there, at the heart of all the commotion, making eight am on a saturday morning sound like a symphony orchestra. and then i stop trying. because imagining pain is nearly the same thing as feeling it. because our brains know how to do more than they're worth. we could replace the imagination with a photograph and a virtual-reality headset and it wouldn't live up to half the stuff that goes on behind the eyelids, to the cinematic masterpiece that we wake up to each morning. this is why we tell such good stories. this is also why we struggle to finish them.

this morning i woke up with a turquoise ocean on my tongue. in my sleep i walked to the end of the world, where a single island stood guard over a sliver of sea so bright it hurt my eyes to look at it. the island was populated with ferns and palm trees and flowers in shades of pink and silver, brimming with a vitality that stood frozen in a motif of life itself, the ferns not swaying, the flowers empty of bees. it looked like a place you went to die. we stood there staring at this snapshot of death until my mother and sister got up and began to run back towards the center of the world, to its beating red heart, and i scrambled to catch up to them but everything in my backpack had fallen out somewhere in between reaching this raft of terror and stopping to look up at the gray sky and i began to panic. i bent over to pick up notebooks, pencils, a crumpled water bottle, all the while begging the others to wait for me. just give me a minute. just give me a little more time.

under the assumption that people can and always will hurt other people, every relationship becomes a matter of discerning who will make the first cut and who will be the one left standing on stage, clutching a bloody arm and calling out for a friend who cannot reply. even the other half of your soul, narrated as such by the poets, can seek to end you. after all, self-destruction is in vogue again. it is the ultimate act of defiance against a state obsessed with keeping its citizens alive in the most horrible ways possible. it is also, always, unexpected.

under the assumption that life is a three hour long indie film about self-discovery, everything you do cannot and will not be held against you when you are twenty-eight and your boss digs up the old paper trail of who you were in college, unless you buried a body in the backyard with your best friend, freshman year. people change people change people. change. people change. people fall into rabbit holes and emerge with new hands, new eyes, new teeth. people do things. every day, we wake up and we make the decision to do things. sometimes the thing is going to the park. sometimes the thing is making breakfast.

either way, we are performing miracles. because motion is about dislocating yourself from the socket, about cutting the person out of the painting; even if you put them back in the same painting, the act of returning tips the scales significantly in favor of the heart. which beats, through all of this strange, repetitive violence, down the elevator, down the path that leads to the subway that you haven't been on since the start of february, when you believed in no one but yourself. little has changed since then. but you understand now. you are not heading for the promised place. you are the promised place; you are a promised person. you promised yourself when you were born that you would live to see the grass grow out after a long, dry winter. and now here you are, ready to live it all.

06.12.21

[the-edge-of-great]

part two of my @jatpdaily secret santa for @agentsofoakenshiield !! :) 

you can find part one here!

FRIDAY

ALEX

There are four hours until the party. Five until he and Julie sign a new treaty. Six until they confront their parents and his world changes. Oh, is it hot in here?

Alex slips through the greenhouse door quietly—the conversation doesn’t even lull—and follows a narrow dirt path further into the forest. Soft leaves brush past, tickling the tips of his fingers. Seneca is known for its forests—vast, plentiful, and always in bloom no matter the season.

“Alex!” Willie’s voice echoes like the world isn’t already buzzing with wildlife. A bee zips past his face, so there must be other noises, but he can’t hear anything. Blood rushes through his ears—badum, badum, badum—and his head throbs.

“Alex, hey—” Willie reaches for him, fingers curling under his forearms, pulling him close. “Hey, look at me. Look at me, baby. You’re okay.”

Weakly, Alex shoves at him.

“There’s no room for emotions in this castle,” Gladys’ voice reminds sternly in his head. “Emotion is vulnerability; a weakness. And you can’t be weak. Understand, Alexander?”

Willie doesn’t budge. Instead, he tugs Alex closer, taking his hands between his own.

“I’m scared,” Alex admits quietly.

“I know,” Willie whispers.

“This has to work. It has to. Julie deserves her choice. She deserves a happily ever after.”

“And so do you.” Despite the obvious—albeit weak—resistance, Willie pulls Alex into a tight hug. “Listen to me: You guys are making the right choice here. You are.”

“My parents are gonna—” Alex takes a breath. Really, he doesn’t know what his parents will do. He doesn’t want to know, either.

“Shh… Don’t worry about them. Focus on the now. You can do this, Alex.” Willie brushes a hand through Alex’s hair, smiling.

“Wish you could be there with me.”

Raising an eyebrow, Willie hums thoughtfully. “Yeah…”

“So, Julie and I are going to sneak away to the chapel during the dance,” Alex says, mostly as a reminder to himself, but Willie nods along anyway. “It has to be approved by both the Grand Priest of Seneca and the High Priest of Koray. After, we—Should we wait until after the party? Or during it?”

Willie chuckles. “Sounds like a question for the group discussion.”

Alex breathes a laugh, shaking his head. “Right. Right.”

“After everything, though, we all meet out here to celebrate,” Willie finishes.

“Or, um…” Alex’s teeth catch the corner of his lip. “They could meet out here. We could… find something to do elsewhere.”

Willie smirks. “Ah. I don’t suppose you’ve had a tour of the castle yet?”

“Nope.”

“Well lucky for you, I know all the best spots.”

Alex laughs. He dips his head, kissing him softly. “Can’t wait,” he whispers, lips hovering just far enough to speak. A beat passes between them, staring into each other’s eyes, before Willie pushes forward, pinning Alex to a tree trunk, lips on his. Alex’s hands are everywhere: his hair, his neck, his sides, fingers pressing into the curve of Willie’s spine, holding him as close as possible and even more so.

A branch snaps. Immediately, Willie pulls away. Alex’s fingers catch the collar of his shirt; he’s not ready to let go yet. A few more minutes with him, please.

Alex searches for whoever interrupted. Willie nods to the left, toward a girl who's facing away from them. It’s Flynn; she’s trying to hide behind a tree.

“Sorry,” she calls sheepish. “Was just gonna tell Willie his dad is calling for him.”

Willie licks his lips. “Thanks, Flynn.”

Her footsteps trail off as she returns to the greenhouse. Alex takes a breath, running a hand through his hair. Willie looks over.

“You’d better go,” Alex says. “Before anyone gets suspicious.”

“Right.”

Their interlocked hands swing between them. Alex gives him a small smile. “I love you.”

Willie smirks. He stands on his tiptoes and presses a soft, lingering kiss to Alex’s cheek. “Love you, too. I’ll see you after, okay?”

“Okay.”

Alex doesn’t let go until their hands are stretched as far as they can reach. Finally, they break away, and his arm falls to his side. He watches Willie disappear into the forest and hopes, with everything in him, that wasn’t their last moment together.

~**~**~**~

WILLIE

By the time nine o’clock rolls around and the party is in full swing, Willie has a plan. It’s not as important or high stakes as The Plan, but it requires Flynn and some convincing acting skills.

“Where are we going?” she demands as he guides her through the hectic maze of the kitchen. They duck under a tray full of sparkling dishes and maneuver around a pot of boiling hot vegetable soup. At the back of the chaos is a small closet stocked with spare uniforms for the staff. Willie tugs her inside and shuts the door behind them.

“So, Alex said earlier that he wishes I could be there when they confront their parents, and I got to thinking.” Willie pushes a rickety step stool in front of a cabinet and climbs on top. “We’re the only ones in the group who miss events like this.

“Well yeah, that’s because we befriended a bunch of noblemen for some reason,” Flynn says dryly.

“True, but we’ve been missing an important opportunity every time.” Willie grabs some hangers and steps down. He shows off the black pants and white button ups with a grin. “Being the son of the royal chef has its perks.”

“And one of them is… being able to pose as servants?” Flynn raises an eyebrow. “Have you seen how those people treat the working class? Hard pass, Willie.”

“Oh, come on. We’ll stick together and just try to stay near Julie and Alex.” Willie sighs. “Look, if this was any other night, you know I’d be upstairs with you watching movies like usual. But what they’re doing tonight could change everything. Even things like this!” He gestures between them. “Now more than ever, I want to be out there with them. Don’t you?”

Flynn groans. “Fine! But I’m leaving at the first royal to try throwing a drink at me.”

Willie laughs and tosses her a uniform.

~**~**~**~

JULIE

Turns out, writing a treaty isn’t the hard part. Having it witnessed and approved isn’t all that difficult, either—it helps when the Priests of each land are young and open minded to change. Also, Alex’s younger sister Lainey was apparently on board from the very beginning. Julie really likes her, too. She hopes that, when this is all over, she, Lainey, and Flynn can have a Girls’ Day.

Sneaking back into the castle is accompanied by almost no obstacles. They were counting on Luke and Reggie still being at the door when they returned, but one look from the back gate tells them the shifts changed. When they swept past the new Korayn guards, they ignored the oh-so-knowing glances the men gave each other. Julie wants to roll her eyes; she doesn’t want to imagine what they’ll tell their buddies later.

The hard part, she realizes quickly, is stepping back into the commotion with the weight of knowing you’ve just rebelled against your own country and its laws and created something that changes hundreds of years of tradition. The cherry on top is the three most powerful people in the building—her dad and Alex’s parents—congregating in a balcony overlooking the ballroom. Her breath catches in her throat.

“Alex?” she calls, looking over, searching for his hand blindly. She needs someone to hold onto, and knowing he’s just as anxious as she is makes her feel the tiniest bit better.

Alex nods, like he can see what she’s thinking. “There they are,” he mutters to her, pulling at his sleeves.

“There they are,” Julie repeats numbly.

He turns to her. “We can’t back out now, right? We’ve already done it… technically.”

“Right. You’re right. Now we just have to… to make it official. With them.”

Alex squeezes her hand. She squeezes back.

Two servers just happen to arrive at the same time when they reach the top of the stairs. Julie and Alex freeze.

“What are they doing?” Julie whispers.

“I don’t know, but…” Alex frowns. “Why are they kind of good at it?”

“They’re just walking around handing out food. Can’t be that hard.”

Just as she says that, someone bumps into Willie, who’s balancing six wine glasses on one hand. He stumbles, the drinks wobble, but just when Julie is holding her breath and preparing for the worst, Willie regains his balance and carries on like nothing happened.

“Okay,” she admits reluctantly, “that was kind of impressive.

“Oh!” Flynn stops in front of them. “Good evening, Your Majesties. Tiny sandwich?”

Alex snickers. “Servants don’t talk, Flynn.”

“What’re you guys doing here?” Julie asks, looking over as Willie nears. “You guys know my dad will recognize you.”

Willie shrugs. “My dad works in the kitchen. It’s not that weird.”

“It is ‘cause you’ve never done this before.”

“Yeah, I think that changes tonight.” Willie jabs a thumb over his shoulder. “Someone tipped me $200 earlier just for giving them an extra glass of wine.” He shakes his head. “Drunk rich people. Why didn’t I think of this before?”

“Have you guys seen Luke and Reggie?” Alex asks. “They weren’t at the gate when we came back.”

“Came back from… Oh!” Flynn’s eyes nearly pop out of her head. “Did you guys do it? The new treaty? Is it approved and everything?” Julie pats the purse on her hip. “It’s in here, Priest approved, royal family member witnessed. Now we just have to…” She nods toward their parents.

“Oh,” Willie realizes, looking between them. “Right. You guys got this, okay?”

Alex takes a long, deep breath. “We need to do this before I chicken out.”

Julie nods. “Let’s go.” Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Willie reach for Alex before his hand falls to his side. Looking back, Willie’s already moved on to the next guest. Alex’s hurries to her side, face unreadable. She reaches for his hand again.

“Mother, Father,” he greets stiffly.

“Dad,” Julie adds, smiling softly. “We need to talk to you guys.”

Dad raises an eyebrow. “Uh, can it wait? We’re having a party, mija!”

“Not this time, papa. It’s important.”

Alex adds, hesitantly, “It’s about the marriage agreement.”

His mother rolls her eyes. “This again, Alexander? We’ve told you—”

The king interrupts, “—nothing you say or do will change things. Arranged marriage is a tradition dating back centuries. You think you’re the first prince to dislike their bride?” He scoffs. “This isn't about your feelings. It’s about what’s good for your country.”

“I think there are other options that could be better for the country.”

“Besides,” Julie interrupts, sounding much braver than she feels, “it’s already done.”

Their group falls silent. Below, the party carries on. Dresses shimmer under the chandeliers as women dance across the ballroom with their partners leading the way. Glasses clink in toast somewhere. A group of women laugh near the grand piano. Julie can see Willie and Flynn, weaving around people like they’re racing to get back to the kitchen. Everyone on the ground is blissfully unaware, carefree and unbothered.

And the most powerful people in the room are silent, suffocating in stiffening air.

“What’s already done?” the King of Koray demands sharply.

Julie’s hands are shaking. She curses at herself as she digs the treaty out of her purse. The paper slips from her grasp and falls on the table. To hide her tremble, she slams a hand down on top.

“This is a new treaty created by Alex and I, approved and witnessed by both priests of our countries and, following Koray’s rules, a member of the royal family, Alex’s sister Lainey Mercer.” She stands upright; deep breath, straighten your shoulders! “In this, we agree to keep the peace while abolishing the arranged marriage law. I have full confidence in our ability to maintain a good relationship between our countries without restricting our freedoms and promising ourselves to each other when, really, that’s not something either of us want. Alex is family to me.” She shoots him a quick smile. “We’d work better running things on equal ground, from an understanding of brother and sister.”

Alex nods. “Arranged marriage is a thing of the past. It may have worked when you all were our age, but it won’t for us. We both want to lead our countries into a new era, and this is the first step.”

There’s more silence, but Julie feels she can breathe easier. At least, she thinks so—she’s suddenly aware of the death grip she’s had around Alex’s hand during the whole speech.

Dad rises from his chair, grinning. “Well, you two make a compelling argument.”

Julie beams. “Really?”

Alex’s dad bellows a laugh that would definitely swallow the aimless chatter downstairs if not for the music. There’s a menacing tone laced in that sends chills down Julie’s spine. Her smile falters. Chin up.

“You think you can just waltz in here,” he teases, walking around his chair, “show off your pathetic little stunt, and things would be different? Just like that? Ha! You have a lot to learn, kid.” He stops in front of her, inches away because that’s as far as Dad will allow. “First of all, I can spin this to make it seem like you got inside my son’s head and filled it with nonsense. For all we know, this is an act of war.”

“Funny you bring up war,” Dad says nonchalantly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well, you both know who would win that. And so do I.” Dad shrugs. “That’s why the peace treaty was created in the first place, wasn’t it?”

Julie knows little about Koray’s forces regarding the military. According to stories from Luke, they have plenty of manpower. But, her dad always told her great armies aren’t made up of only muscle.

Alex’s father is positively seething, if his reddening face is any indication. “I will not be made a fool,” he spits. Dark eyes shift to Alex. “Especially by my own son.”

Julie looks at Alex fearfully. He’s locked in a staring match with his father.

“Whether you like it or not,” he says with a shake in his words, “I’m going to take your place one day. And if this doesn’t work now, it’ll work later. You’re just postponing the inevitable.”

They relapse into another chilling silence. Julie doesn’t realize she’s been holding her breath until Alex’s father finally storms off. She hears the heavy thuds of his boots for two steps until he stops abruptly. Frowning, she turns to see what happened.

Their friends are there: Luke and Reggie standing at attention just inside the doorway with Willie and Flynn watching from behind. They’re trying their hardest not to smile, Julie can tell, which almost crumbles her resolve immediately.

“This won’t work, you know,” Alex’s father hisses, turning back to them. “You can’t build a kingdom on friendship.”

Alex and Julie share a look. Julie hums. Alex shrugs.

“Watch us,” he says simply.

Flynn smacks Willie’s arm eagerly.

Behind them, Dad clears his throat. “Well, I guess there’s just one thing left to do,” he says, reaching into his inner jacket pocket. He catches the queen’s eye across the room. “Madam?”

The queen sighs. She rounds the chair she was previously sitting in and takes the pen from Dad’s hand. “Although I’m not entirely sold on the idea,” she mutters, signing her name across the bottom of the treaty. She returns the pen and speaks to Julie and Alex. “I have high hopes for you, Alexander. You’re far more courageous than I originally thought. And you, young lady.” Julie raises her chin, smiling. His mother sighs, a hint of something warm and familiar playing on her lips. “I have a feeling you two are going to do something great together.”

“In other words,” Dad says as she leaves the room, “good job, you two.” He kisses Julie’s hair.

Julie smiles. “Thanks, Dad.”

Reggie throws an arm out to stop Flynn from lunging at Julie while Dad heads for the door. Her friends watch, waiting for their cue. Julie shares a look with Alex. Alex steps to the edge of the balcony and peers over the side. A moment later, he spins on his heel.

“We did it!” he cries.

Reggie and Luke step aside before Flynn can shove into them. She tosses her tray of sandwiches to the side and leaps for Julie and Alex, who are in the middle of an embrace. Seconds later, three other people join the huddle. When they pull away, everyone starts talking at once.

“I can’t believe you guys just did that.”

“That was fucking bad-ass, what the hell!”

“When he said ‘You can’t build a kingdom on friendship’ and you said ‘Watch us’, oh my gosh, dude!”

“I’m so proud of you guys!”

Flynn catches the first tear that slips down Julie’s cheek. Shaking her head, she reaches out to wipe it away. “No crying, girl! You just won your freedom, basically.”

“And it’s a good eyeliner night,” Julie jokes.

Flynn smiles, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Exactly, girl. You look too good to be crying.” She steps away as Luke approaches.

He hugs her close against his armored chest and presses a kiss to her forehead. She smiles, leaning into the embrace even if it’s not as comfortable as his normal hugs.

“Off topic, but um,” Alex says, eyebrows furrowing as he looks over Willie. “Why are you guys posing as servants?”

“It’s servers, Alex,” Flynn corrects.

“Yeah. Get woke,” Willie teases.

Alex chuckles. “I don’t—What?”

“Hey, let’s get out of here,” Julie suggests. “I know a greenhouse party would be way better.”

“I bet I can steal some ice cream from the kitchen,” Flynn offers. “I am an employee.”

Willie snickers. “Yeah, you guys go ahead. I promised His Highness a tour of the castle tonight.”

Julie shares a smirk with Luke. Humming, she tugs him toward the door. “Okay. We’ll catch up tomorrow then.”

Tomorrow, when she can wake up to Luke by her side without worrying about being caught. Tomorrow, when Alex can hold Willie’s hand in public and nobody can say anything because he’s the prince and no longer engaged.

Tomorrow, when they can actually feel like themselves somewhere other than the greenhouse.

Finally.

[gallivantingheart]

Me, a Princess? Shut Up!

masterlist | previous | next

⏮️ chapter 5: anneliese ⏭️

who?: jihoon/woozi x (f)reader

word count: 2800

genre/s: fluff, humour, social media!au

warnings: mild coarse language

synopsis: Life’s pretty good for y/n. Easy, even. Until someone claiming to be her grandmother says she is the queen of a small island country - and y/n, a princess.

a/n: this one’s kinda super long-ish than usual. and a bit of a filler/character chapter, but I still hope you like it 😊

**please ignore the timestamps - they are not accurate**

TAGLIST: @strykiss, @karrotkarrotkarrot, @3sriracha​, @minkwans​, 

don’t hesitate to send an ask or dm to be added!

Soonyoung doesn’t dare kick his feet up onto the antique coffee table now that your grandmother is in the building, despite how much more comfortable it would be to. The way he reclines so deeply gives away his bad habits as he clears his throat and sits up a little better. You’re glad that Soonhee has tasked the ambassador with your princess lessons for a while. Maybe a more relaxed approach might jog your memory.

“So, where did Her Majesty get to last you did this?” He says, flipping open the photo album.

You lean forward, holding your sandwich up and away from the pages. “Uh, great grandparents. So...sixth generation.”

His brows raise. “Only sixth?”

You whine, slumping as he laughs kindly at you, empty of any maliciousness. Since the security breach, you’ve really warmed up to Soonyoung, glad to have someone closer to your age to relate to and learn from. And he’s a great teacher. Patient but firm, not to mention relentless. He told you about his travels across the country and secret stories about Amaide. They gave you a better idea of the kingdom you may end up leading.

You groan loudly - bordering a roar - after mixing up your great, great grandmother with your great grandaunt (once removed) and snap the album shut.

“Soon, spare me. My brain is seizing up.”

He laughs louder this time, eyes vanishing into his round cheeks. “Okay, okay. You’re probably right. Class dismissed.”

You get up and check your phone, noting the time. Maybe you would have enough time to catch the start of Jihoon’s radio show, if you left now. Jihoon did say he wouldn’t mind if you dropped by - inviting you even before you needed places to hide. Tonight might be a good time to? You slide your kitten heels back on, pulling out your earphones. Only now do you realise that there is a constant, soft pattering from the roof - rain. At least Junwoo was driving you everywhere now, so no risk of getting too wet. Your footsteps echo through the embassy, killing the quiet you’d become familiar with in the old building.

“So where are you headed now?” Soonyoung asks, tipping his head at the attendant who hands him his coat.

You shrug your own on, as well as a felted plaid scarf. “Uh, back to campus? I’ve got a friend I wanna visit.”

The blonde checks his watch, eyebrows shooting up into his feathery fringe. “At this time? There are still people at your college?”

“Hmmm. They have a community radio station. Jihoon has a show on Thursday nights.”

“Oh, do you want a lift?”

You slant your head at him as he detours past the front desk down a short and fairly dim hallway, elaborate alcoves set into either side of the wall.

“Sure? Only if you’re going out? Otherwise Junwoo is at my disposal, so to say.” You wave your hand in a dramatic version of your grandmother’s wave.

Soonyoung nods eagerly. “Yeah! I’m meeting up with some friends in Hongdae later on tonight, so leaving a little earlier won’t hurt. Like I told you, I’ve got nothing to do now Soonhee is catching up.”

You grin, jumping for the passenger seat of the dark car Soonyoung indicates to. Darkly tinted windows, an expectation of most cars you get in nowadays.

“So, who is Jihoon? Is he the one you posted about the other day?”

You nod, carefully not looking at him as you gesture to turn right out of the gates. “Y-yeah. Ah, he’s Mingyu’s cousin.”

You flinch at your voice, stuttered and shy. You didn’t need someone else giving you crap over Jihoon. Soon’s eyebrows raise as he purses his lips, humming in thought.

“Huh. Alright.” Okay, he so doesn’t believe you, but whatever. “That’s nice that you have such a close group of friends. They obviously know about the whole princess thing.”

“Yeah. Can’t really hide something this big from people who have known you most of your life, y’know? Grandmother doesn’t know they know though.” You insist, bouncing a little in your seat.

The rain has died down into a drizzle, almost spitting, so Soonyoung turns the heater and the wipers down. But you can already imagine the cold wet seeping into your shoes, tucking them closer to yourself.

“Of course not. Her Majesty would lose it if she knew you’d broken protocol so early on. Secret’s safe with me, I swear.”

His eyes are wide and he’s quite serious about it, a little bit more desperate than you expected him to be. You don’t dwell on it as you tell him to turn again into the east entrance, past a familiar cluster of restaurants.

When he gets to a set of bollards, you sling the door open, fashioning your scarf over your head. “This is me. Thanks Soonie!”

He grins, waving. “No worries! See you next week! Be safe!”

“You too! Night.”

Shutting the door, you dash for the first spot of dry you see, turning to wave him off.

You navigate the dark campus and get out of the lift five minutes before the start of the show. It’s only then that you question whether or not Jihoon would really want you there. You’re just his cousin’s best friend he’s really nice to, maybe a friend of his yourself. You hesitate at studio 2, shifting from foot to foot as you overthink.

“You’re more than welcome to come by and watch one of the shows if you want. Mingyu and Minghao have even been in an episode or two.” Jihoon looks up briefly to smile small.

Quickly, you open the door and claim a seat next to Bumzu, Jihoon’s director and producer for the radio show. He’s quite well known in most circles, being everyone’s music and tech go-to. You put your finger to your lips, unwrapping your scarf from your head. Somehow, Jihoon is too absorbed in prep to notice you come in.

“Ji said I could come by. I hope I’m not in the way.” You whisper, unsure of the standards in the studio.

Bumzu smiles, his rougher edges softening. He passes you another set of headphones, plugging them in. The on air sign isn’t on yet, luckily.

“Not at all. We’re just about to start. Make yourself comfortable.” he murmurs. “Jihoon, we’re good to go. Cameras are rolling.”

You look over to see Jihoon settling in in his classic sweats and slides, despite being filmed.  The host’s eyes slide to you, widening in shock. He motions to you with a wave, brows quirked. You wave shyly, smiling tentatively. The on air light above you buzzes to life and you settle, fond smile pressing at your lips. A subdued but chill jingle plays, male vocals playing to introduce the show.

“Hey everyone, it’s Woozi and welcome to tonight’s Woozi Tunes, your thursday night music fix. We’ve got new stuff from Justin Bieber and our on campus artist, Bumzu.” Jihoon says into the mic, giving a short wave to a camera.

As he chatters about this and that, his eyes slide your way, holding for prolonged amounts of time. Even Bumzu smiles, waving him off subtly. You’ve probably put him off, poor thing.

“So, first up we have Golden by Harry Styles. All thanks to his new mv, which I really recommend watching. Hope you like it.” He turns a few dials and nudges his headphones off an ear.

Jihoon looks straight at you, squinting a little as he smiles. You mirror his actions, shuffling closer while carefully staying out of the various camera shots.

“Bumzu, we’ve got four in the queue, right?”

The producer next to you nods. “Yeah, an ad segment then I’ll open the request lines. So, ten, maybe fifteen minutes till live. Studio audio has been muted.”

You don’t understand any of the small terms being thrown out around you. But you don’t care too much, bundling your scarf closer to your neck in the enclosed room for something to do.

“Y/n, I didn’t know you were coming.” Jihoon says, empty of malice.

You smile but shrug. “Yeah, I ended up finishing pr- uh, study group earlier than I expected and thought I’d drop by. I hope that’s not too much trouble.”

He shakes his head, shuffling his slides back and forth over the tightly woven grey carpet. Beats and patterns wave behind his head, turning the fluorescent halo around his hair neon.

“Not at all. I’m glad you decided to come. I hope you enjoy it.”

“I always enjoy your radio shows, Ji.” You blurt out.

Your jaw drops at your lack of filter, promptly shutting your mouth as your stomach drops and flutters. Wow, maybe Minghao is a bit right - too obvious. His brows quirk, resting his elbow on his knee.

“You listen to it?” He asks.

“Of course I do! I like you-your music taste.” You clench your teeth through your grin.

Wow, you really needed to learn how to filter your brain better. At least you don’t blush easily. You chatter back and forth about the playlist for tonight and his upcoming guests - he has Seokmin and Jeonghan, a mutual friend of Joshua’s, next week to talk musicals and teaching (how they relate, you’re not really sure). You forget Bumzu is even in the room until he gently clears his throat.

“Jihoon, you’re back on in 60.” He calls quietly.

“Oh! Oh right. Thanks, Bumzu.” Jihoon glances back to you, the tips of his ears a fairy floss pink. He’s grinning though. “Psst, do you want to talk more after the show?”

You nod, shooting a thumbs up, casting a glance back up to the time, hearing the end of a Pink Sweat$ song fade out.

He’s more charismatic over radio than you realise, leaning back in his chair and chatting briefly to one of the callers requesting. Still subdued but open, cracking a grin here and there. You check the radio show’s page to see if anyone is commenting on the show tonight - you’re a frequent snooper. Jihoon has quite a few fans, not just on campus. You bop your head along to his rhythmic playlist and listen intently to his callers. Before you know it, Jihoon is hunched near the controls and ending the show.

“Thanks for tuning into another Woozi Tunes on 97.6 fm. Remember, if you want to listen to this episode or any others, podcast recordings and playlists will be available on Spotify. To play us out, a song for, well a friend. An oldie but a good one - Bruno Mars, Finesse. Woozi, signing off.”

You bite your lip to stifle laughter. His favourite artist, your favourite song. You let him murder it the summer of 2018, long after it had come out, just to annoy Mingyu. 

“And… cut. Cameras and audio are off. Another week down.” Bumzu announces, pulling off his headset.

You pull off your own, delicately setting it aside. You give a lone round of applause. “Well done everyone.”

The radio host looks to you, quietly preening as he stands to tug his jacket off the back of his chair. You stay seated out the way as they clear everything away, slotting equipment into draws and wiping down surfaces. There isn’t even any idle chatter between them, but rather than being awkward it’s a moment of peace you didn’t know you wanted. Working, content peace away from everything as of late.

“Jihoon, don’t worry. I’ll finish up.”

Jihoon’s dark brows shoot up. “No no, hyung. We’re almost done.”

“Exactly. There’s not much left and I lock up anyway. You’ve got an early seminar tomorrow. And a guest. You can head off.” The older man insists, his soft edges turning to a stubborn frown.

The younger of the two rolls pretty quick, pushing the keyboard away and nodding. Jihoon’s dark eyes flick to you hopefully as he grabs his keys and wallet from an open draw.

“Alright. Talk tomorrow. Night, hyung.”

You give the older man a wave, bundling yourself up again now that you’re leaving the enclosed space. “Thank you, Bumzu! Good night.”

You head out into the hallway, meandering down to the lift and then the small set of stairs to the entry of the arts building. The rain is heavier as you drift awkwardly, checking your phone and contemplating your journey home.

“How - how are you getting home?” Jihoon asks, flipping his hood up over his dark hair.

You shrug. “Bus. Soonyoung dropped me off, not Junwoo.”

His lips press together as he shows a prolonged nod, kicking at the lino in his slides. You click through for the bus timetable, patting your pockets for your purse. You wonder what he’s waiting for, seeing as he drove here and the carpark for this side of the campus is underground and less than five minutes. He probably had staff parking too because of the radio show.

“Are you busy?” Jihoon asks suddenly, a little sharper than you’re used to.

You shoot him some side eye, tucking your phone away. “What...when?”

“Uh, now?”

You smile, shaking your head and stuffing your hands in your deep coat pockets. “Nope, I’m free.”

His shoulders perk up and he pulls his hood back down. Jihoon’s ears are going a little pink again as he turns back for the stairs further into the building. You feel the tentative excitement rolling off him, rubbing off on you so that you mirror his frame, your own shoulders tucking up around your ears. Every shuffle of your feet echo and the light sensor above you flashes red.

“Do you want to see my new song? I know you haven’t had the chance to see much of them.”

You’d mentioned - gently hounded, you hoped would be the best alternative term - before that you would be excited to hear some of his stuff. You’re already on your way back to the lifts.

“Absolutely! Lead the way.”

You lean over the soundboard, listening intently to the demo track. His voice is distinct, so unlike what you thought it might be. Still, it's versatile and powerful when combined with the lyrics. The beat is steady and you bounce your head along.

You glance to him, leant back in his seat watching you. "You wrote this? Like, all of this?"

He hums. "Yeah. It’s the track I got an HD for.”

Jihoon's arms are crossed and you feel bad that he has to feel defensive with you. You smile then gasp when the pretty singing becomes fluid rapping. His gaze turns with your reactions, concerned. Finally, you pull off the headphones as the minute and a half closes.

"I - singing, rapping! Composing? This is amazing, Ji! I'm so glad your major is music, otherwise your talent would be wasted for sure." You proclaim.

He ducks his head and fluffs at his hair with a smile. Jihoon seems unable to look at you and you let the bashfulness slide - not. You nudge at his chair so it spins.

"Wah, you act like no one has ever said that before!"

"I - it sounds a little different coming from you." he shrugs, still not looking. "Most of them are a little amazed or they're assessors with a job of picking it apart."

You nod and sigh. "Makes sense. Still. I hope you keep that track. I'd listen to it."

Jihoon beams before his sight slides to the digital clock sitting on a shelf - how very retro and efficient - eyes widening as he sits up straight.

“I - It’s almost midnight. We better head out.”

You can’t help but pout, standing up to push your chair in. “Yeah I’ve, of course, got princess things to attend to. Bumzu said you have class, don’t you?”

His slim fingers peek out of his navy sleeves, flying across the keyboard to turn everything off. “Uh-huh. I’m supposed to be doing the readings on it now, but It’s a pretty lax class so I should be able to get away with it.”

Your mouth is flapping silently like a fish, unable to form any coherent speech to reply with. Something not scolding, nor a joke, seeing as he’d just sacrificed his valuable study time to entertain you. Then he’s in the doorway, hand hovering over the light switch.

“Are you coming, Princess? Or am I leaving you in the dark?” Jihoon looks at you expectantly.

You gasp - mostly at the teasing name - and scuttle after him, breaking out into the dingy hall, yellowing walls and all. “I - yeah, sorry! Let’s go.”

(If Jihoon sings along to the radio on the way to yours, you don’t say anything. You’re grateful that he does the same for you when the Top 40 segment comes up in the thirty-five minute trip.)

[sunsetcurbed]

you showed me faith is not blind (miracles happen)

Pairing: Alex/Willie  Words: 3,355  Rating: T  Chapter Warnings: none  Chapter: 3/11  read on AO3 

Chapter Summary:  By the time he's done getting ready it's nearly 9:15, which gives him forty-five minutes to eat breakfast and get to Julie's.

He heads to the kitchen and freezes.

Scratch that.

Which gives him forty-five minutes to avoid his mom and grandmother, eat breakfast, and get to Julie's.

(*) 

He wakes up the next morning feeling particularly exhausted. He didn't fall asleep until sometime after two the night before which, for most people on a Friday night wouldn't be an issue but for Alex, was an issue because he has band practice at ten, so his alarm wakes him up at 8:30.

He groans when the annoyingly chipper ringtone starts playing from his nightstand and presses his head into his pillow. He stays like that for a minute before accepting his fate and reaches an arm over and grabs his phone off the table. He silences the alarm and turns over onto his back to stare up at the ceiling. Yesterday had been one of the most mentally exhausting days he could remember, and yet, it had ended on such a high note that his mind was having a hard time categorizing it.

On one hand, the one and a half panic attacks were… not ideal. They took a lot out of him. And having to wrestle with the idea of him being a prince? That was a thought that didn't leave him alone. But on the other—walking around LA drinking tea with Willie talking about nothing, singing along to the radio in his car as he drove them around, calling out scores for his tricks at the skate park, sitting on the same side of the booth at Chipotle just because they're used to it from school, but most importantly, the face Willie made when he pulled into Alex's driveway. It was so happy and so reluctant, like Willie was thinking the same thing as Alex—that the day had been so nice, but that he didn't want it to end. Alex didn't get home until nine, and when he did, he simply gave his mom a raised eyebrow and went to his bedroom and locked his door. She tried knocking and yelling through his door multiple times the rest of the night, but Alex slipped in a pair of ear buds and put on Netflix and waited until well after midnight to go to the bathroom and brush his teeth.

So, yeah, Alex isn't sure where he sits with yesterday.

He sits up in his bed and throws his legs over the side, and goes about getting ready for the day. By the time he's done it's nearly 9:15, which gives him forty-five minutes to eat breakfast and get to Julie's.

He heads to the kitchen and freezes.

Scratch that.

Which gives him forty-five minutes to avoid his mom and grandmother, eat breakfast, and get to Julie's.

He walks past them without a comment to get a frozen breakfast sandwich out of the freezer and puts it in the microwave. Ava calls out a cheery hello from the living room and he calls one back as he gets a glass of water and grabs his anxiety medication, tipping a pill into his hand. He tosses it back and chases it down with water.

"Alex," his mom tries.

The microwave beeps.

Alex goes over and opens it, careful of the hot sandwich within the paper towel. He picks it up gingerly and unwraps it, but leaves it set to cool for a minute, grabbing a handful of almonds while he waits.

"Alexander," his grandmother commands.

Alex crunches a mouthful of almonds pointedly.

"Alex, they're calling you," Ava says from the living room.

"Oh, are they?" he hums, disinterested. "I didn't hear anything."

"Alex, please," his mom goes again. "Just give us a chance, okay?"

Alex looks at her and raises an eyebrow. He looks at the clock. It's twenty after nine. "I have to leave in twenty minutes. That's what you get."

His mom breathes out a sigh of relief. She jumps straight in. "I know you must be wondering why we didn't tell you. When your dad and I divorced, we thought we would both remarry, both have more children. You know how that turned out for him though. But… our number one priority was you growing up with a normal childhood. All I knew was I couldn't… I couldn't handle the primness and rules and I didn't want my child to have to grow up in that world and have to miss out on so many parts of childhood and Fred agreed with me. So we all agreed that distance was the best thing for all of us, especially when Mike came into the picture."

"Were you ever going to tell me, if he hadn't died?" Alex demands.

"We were going to tell you when you turned eighteen," his mom nods. "We even tried to wait, still, but… circumstances moved that up."

Alex frowns and turns to his grandmother. "And you? You were okay with this all?"

She flips her hands over so her palms are facing the ceiling but the way she holds her hands is still elegant rather than how most people would appear helpless. "It's not like I could disagree, now could I? I would be going against your parents' wishes, against my son's wishes. Of course I wish I could have known you, but I do understand their intentions, to an extent."

Right. He supposes she would be the most innocent party out of all of them. At least, that is, if she weren't expecting him to drop his entire life to go rule an entire country. He turns back to his mom and watches her. She crosses her arms over her chest and ducks her chin to her chest. "I'm sorry that our decision hurt you," she says slowly. "That was never our intention. We wanted to protect you."

"Right," Alex nods. He picks up his sandwich, which has cooled down considerably now. "Okay. Was that all, or?"

"Not quite," his grandmother says, holding up a finger. "I have something I would like to discuss with you."

He takes a bite of his breakfast. "Shoot."

She grimaces. "December 21st… there's an annual ball. I had the hope to present you as Prince Alexander at this ball."

From the living room, Ava gasps.

Alex swallows his bite of his sandwich and flicks his eyes towards where his sister is. She's holding onto her tablet, but it's completely forgotten in her hands as she stares into the kitchen with wide eyes and a dropped jaw. He turns back to his grandmother and shakes his head. "I told you yesterday, I wouldn't make a good prince. Again, I'm barely a functioning human."

Footsteps come running into the kitchen. "Prince?"

"Yeah, yeah," Alex huffs, ruffling Ava's hair. She's twelve now—right at the age where she's starting to care about him messing up her hair. She squeaks and ducks away from him and fixes her hair and looks at his grandmother.

"Did you say Alex is a Prince?" Ava asks.

"He is, my dear," his grandmother smiles and Ava shrieks. Alex's hands fly to his ears, nearly dropping his breakfast in the process and his mom is quick to yell at Ava, silencing her effectively.

"Does that mean I'm a princess?"

"I'm afraid not," his grandmother says apologetically. "Alexander is a prince on his father's side, and you two share different fathers."

"Oh—that's okay!" Ava turns to Alex. "You're a prince!"

"Not for long," Alex says, reaching over to tussle her hair again.

"That is… what I wanted to talk to you about," his grandmother says softly. "I already mentioned lessons once, but if we work with you until the ball… with some instruction, I really think you would surprise yourself as well, Alexander."

Alex shakes his head, laughing. "Prince lessons?" Next to him, Ava squeals again, but this time it's much softer. He looks down at her to find her beaming up at him, looking like she's a second away from clapping her hands together, too. Alex rolls his eyes.

His mom steps forward. "Yes, prince lessons." She looks between him and his grandmother and narrows her eyes. "Alex, why don't you give them a shot, okay? You're not committing to anything, you're not saying you'll be king of Beasiga one day by going to these lessons, they're just what they are at face value: lessons."

Alex narrows his eyes back at her. He knows his mom. He's gotten pretty good at reading into her unspoken words over the last sixteen years. He goes over her words again in his head and tries to find the hidden message—he's pretty sure it's a silent 'yet' added to 'you're not committing to anything'—but he can't be sure. "Okay… And?"

"And you keep your mind open." Yup. Yet. Alex holds back his scoff, because that'd be an immediate give away. "That's all. Lessons, and keep your mind open."

"Okay," Alex says, and takes another bite of his sandwich. It's cold now. He frowns, and looks at Ava who is next to him, now hopping up and down.

"Shall we start tomorrow?" his grandmother asks.

Alex scoffs. "No. Tomorrow's Halloween, I have a gig. We can start Monday. I have band practice Wednesdays and Saturdays though, so make sure you don't schedule anything on those days. I'll let you know if we book any other gigs."

His grandmother looks at his mom, confused expression on her face. "Gigs?"

"Uh… events. Shows. Where they play."

"Ah," she nods, looking back to Alex. "What sort of band do you play in? You mentioned the band yesterday but not your music."

Alex raises his eyebrows, surprised at her interest. Then he thinks—it could be because it could be considered a royal scandal. Oh, isn't that a thought. His life could be considered a royal scandal now. "Uh—we started out more as rock, but lately we've been more pop-rock inclined," he says. Then, because he can, he says, "We're actually playing a nightclub in a few weeks if you'd want to see us play. There's a VIP box that I doubt anyone has rented out for our show since we're still up and comers."

He's not expecting her to perk up. "Oh, I would love that. You'll have to give me the information and I'll see what I can have John do."

"O… kay." He glances at the clock as he takes another bite of his cold sandwich. Somehow, even though it feels like it's been an eternity, only six minutes have passed. He moves over to the kitchen table and takes a seat, finishing off his sandwich in a few bites, and just barely keeps himself from groaning when his grandmother takes a seat across the table from him. He picks up his phone and starts scrolling through it, when she asks him a question about his Rothfuss book sitting over on the coffee table. He looks over at her and frowns. "How'd you know it was mine?"

She smiles, gentle and kind, and not at all like a women who is out to ruin his life. "You mentioned yesterday that you were an avid reader, and that fantasy was one of your favorite genres. I assumed from there."

Alex nods. "Have you read it? I mean… to know that it was fantasy…"

"I have," she nods. "I make sure to spend at least an hour a day with leisure reading, though I must admit when I'm not very busy it usually ends up being more than that. How do you feel about Kvothe?"

Alex's first reaction is surprise due to hearing his grandmother say 'Kvothe' because she pronounces it completely differently than he has been reading it in his head. His second reaction is also surprise, due to her asking his opinion on a book he's reading. But then he supposes this… this is really where it had seemed their relationship had been heading. There was such an ease when they were getting to know each other yesterday, and she never made him feel like anything he said didn't matter. Yesterday she wanted to hear about his life, down to the smallest detail, and today, she wanted to hear about his opinion about an asshole Kingkiller. It was hard to reconcile that version of his grandmother with the version that told him he was a prince—that implied he'd be moving to Beasiga and ruling without giving him any say.

Sitting here talking about a book he was reading though, after just having agreed to prince lessons, the two were starting to merge. They were still different, but more overlapped now, rather than two completely separate entities. She was his grandmother, yes, and she had interest in his life. Yet she was also Queen Louisa of Beasiga, and had a duty to her country. Alex supposes he can't be too upset at her for wanting him to be prince—after all, if he declines, that means their family's reign is over. Of course, of course she'd want him to be prince. He can excuse her for being a little bit pushy at first. He relaxes into the chair, and the two images of his grandmother merge together even more.

And then he looks at the clock. He's in the middle of a sentence when he does, not having expected so much time to have passed, but when he sees that it's quarter 'til ten, he stands up so quickly that his chair falls backwards. "Shit!" he curses, bending down to pick it back up and then running to the door. "Sorry, grandma, gonna be late for band practice, gotta go! We'll finish this later!"

Alex skids his bike into Julie's driveway with a minute to spare and rushes into the studio. Reggie, Luke, and Julie call out happy hellos when Alex enters, and he echoes one back. Julie's watching him from her seat at the piano and he sends her a quick nod, telling her he's okay after their phone call yesterday. She had texted him in the evening, but he had been out with Willie, so he had told her he'd text her later and then… never did.

"Hey, uh, before we start," Alex says as he sits on his stool, "just so you guys know, my grandma is in town for the new few months, so I'll be spending some time with her. I told her no Wednesdays or Saturdays, and I told her no days we have gigs, but just a heads up, I'll be around a little less."

"Wait," Reggie frowns. "Your grandma? Didn't both your grandmas pass away?"

"Uh—my maternal grandma and then my stepdad's mom did."

"So…" Luke drawls. "Your dad's mom is in town?"

Alex swallows, then nods. "Uh, yeah. You know, I think I told you guys he passed away in July, right?" With three nods, he carries on. "Right, so, I'm the only family she has left now. So, I mean. It makes sense, right? She just… wants to get to know me, I guess."

"Aw," Reggie coos, "that's sweet. Have you met her yet? Is she nice?"

"No, yeah, she's great. Uh, she, uh, loves reading, just like me. She, uh, she's been great."

"That's awesome, man," Luke says, sounding genuinely pleased. Ever since he made up with his parents over the summer after his six month estrangement with them, Luke has put the value of family above just about everything else. (Just about. Luke's parents had to compromise that music was in their son's life and that it was there to stay.)

Julie, however, is quiet. She is staring at him with pursed lips, and he is sure she had plenty of questions—and he is sure she has connected his near panic attack yesterday evening to his grandma. He looks at her and pulls his eyebrows together, letting his head tilt slightly. Pleading and promise. Please don't let them know and I promise I'll fill you in. He sees the moment Julie gives in as her shoulders relax and she gives him a fake, but still warm, smile. "That's great, Alex. Will we get to meet her?"

Oh, shit.

"Uh," Alex squeaks, "maybe? She, uh, she—she might. You. You might. I'm really not sure? We'll have to see."

It's a testament to how long his friends have been around Alex and his anxiety that they don't think his rambling and stammering are odd or out of place here. Except Julie. She knows, but not because of his rambling and stammering. Sure, the guys know about his panic attack because Julie had texted the group, but Julie is too smart not to use that information now, while the guys had let it go once they knew Alex was safe. So Alex, seeing that Julie is still focused on him, gives her a shrug and suggests they get started on practice, which Luke and Reggie eagerly agree to, and Julie nods along to as well.

They practice, write, practice, eat, practice, write, practice, goof off, practice, eat more, and then practice more. By 4:15, they all lay on the floor of the studio going over the set list for tomorrow for what feels like the hundredth time, but they're nothing if not thorough with their sets. They're debuting Finally Free tomorrow, which they played through fully for the first time today, so they're all nervous about that, but excited, too. There's a current running through the entire group, like static electricity—he feels like if he were to touch one of them he'd be shocked. He always feels like this before a gig, there's just so much pent up energy within their group, only for it to explode on stage at their gig. He thinks it is part of what makes them so good. Through all of this, he can almost forget about… everything else. He does, even.

Reggie's mom comes to pick him up about ten minutes later, and Luke runs inside to play Carlos in MarioKart five minutes later, leaving only Alex and Julie. Alex rolls on to his stomach and pushes his torso off the floor, pulling his legs beneath him and hopping up, ready to bid Julie goodbye when she stops him. The look on her face is what brings everything rushing back. He sighs.

"What happened yesterday?" she asks in a quiet voice, standing in front of him, arms hanging loosely at her sides. She's completely open to him, and he feels his stomach twist knowing that he's about to lie to, or at least not be completely honest with, her.

Alex brings a hand up and runs it through his hair, sending his eyes to the chairs on the ceiling before looking back to Julie. "It—it really wasn't as bad as I made it out to be, I promise. I just… I got some news, that I can't share, that shocked me. Me, my mom, and my grandma talked about it before practice this morning, so… it's fine."

"All right… Are you okay, though?"

Alex doesn't answer immediately, because he learned a long time ago that if he didn't give Julie an honest, thought out answer to these kinds of questions then she would end up pressing. Gently pressing, but pressing, nonetheless. So he thinks—really thinks—about how he is. He thinks about how he felt getting the news, and how his heart lost its rhythm in his chest for so long, until Willie was able to set it right again. Until Willie was able to take all the panic and anxiety and hurt that Alex was feeling and flip it, take it and turn it into release and laughter and a sense of okayness. Then he thinks of this morning, where he made a deal, one that he can keep until he can confidently step back from his role as prince without a fight from his grandmother and then move forward with his life as if this entire thing never happened. And he thinks of being surrounded by Luke, Reggie, and Julie, and how everything else had just melted away, how it had been like yesterday hadn't even happened, how it had been like he wasn't even a prince, not even now.

And he, well.

"Yeah, I'm okay."

[padfootagain]

A Very Rose Mistake (VI)

Part 6: How You Almost Did

 Here I come with a new chapter for this series!!! I'm sorry the posting schedule is a little bit more hectic than usual, but depression is kicking my arse pretty badly, and it's harder to write then. BUT here is a new chapter!! Things are… evolving. A lot of this chapter is the flashback, because it's an important scene.

I hope you like this chapter, and don't forget to leave a little comment if you read, cause that really helps motivating me into writing, and I need that extra piece of motivation now more than ever, sadly.

No warnings here, it's pretty fluffy :)

Pairing: Harry Styles x Reader

Word Count : 4283

I.

Holmes Chapel, 2010

 "So… do you have everything?"

"Yeah, it's all ready."

"Did you take your inhaler? I won't be here to save your distracted arse this time."

"I do have it. Thanks, Lambkin."

"Fuck you, Chuckaboo."

"Oi!"

You laughed as you helped Harry carry his suitcase down the stairs. He was leaving to take a chance at X-factor. It was already crazy that he got through the first round of auditions, but now he had to travel across the country to start the first steps of the show.

Whenever the two of you talked about it though, he insisted that he would be back in the blink of an eye. He hadn't even expected to successfully get two 'yes' from the jury during the auditions, and now his purpose was to learn as much as he could from the experience, and enjoy it while it would last. It was a crazy adventure, but one he was certain would simply end in a flicker. He had asked you to get all the lessons for him that he would miss, so he wouldn't struggle too much when he would come back in a couple of weeks.

And to be honest, you thought the same about the whole thing as he did. It wasn't that you didn't believe in him enough, because you did. If there was one person that you trusted and believed in on this Earth, it was Harry. And you had heard him sing before, you knew he had talent, even if it was a little raw for now. You did not doubt though that he was full of potential, and with some hard work, could definitely stand a chance. But he was also a sixteen-year-old boy, from this little English town you called home where nothing happened, and he was your best friend. You had known each other since you were five. It was almost impossible for you to imagine him as anything else but the goofy teenager he was when around you. So, a professional singer? It was improbable up to a hilarious degree.

Still, you were nervous and sad at the sight of Harry checking the content of his backpack one last time, checking if he had everything. He would be leaving early the next morning. It was the last evening you would share before he was off for an unknown period of time, and even if you both assumed it would be but a short one, it was still scary to think about how you didn't know when you would next see him. Maybe it was simply because it had never happened before, you guessed so, at the very least. Anything unknown was scary, after all.

Harry was trying to keep a calm façade, but you were far from a fool, and knew perfectly well that he was, in reality, terrified about the whole endeavour. After all, he was going to be leaving his home for some time. Any sixteen-year-old would find the mere thought terrifying.

After you brought all of his bags to the hallway by the front door, ready for his journey the next day, you settled for a while in the kitchen, where you prepared some toasts and sandwiches for your dinner. Anne was working late, and would not be coming home for another hour or so, which meant that Harry and you could enjoy some quality time together for a little longer.

You both laughed as you almost burned down the kitchen preparing the toasts, both of you pretending for that time that everything was normal. It was almost as if you had both silently came to the agreement that for that evening, while the two of you were alone cooking in the kitchen, his journey of the next day was but a reverie, and instead, the next morning would simply be the beginning of a normal day.

You talked about video games, and TV shows you found funny but stupid, and school. You couldn't really describe why talking with Harry was so different to talking to anyone else. It was just so easy. Fluent. It came without an effort, and it seemed that the two of you could have been left there for hours on your own and would still have found some things to say to each other, some new topic to discuss. You had always attributed that trait of his to the fact that he was your best friend, and had been so for such a long time. Knowing him so well meant that there wasn't much you didn't dare to do in front of him. You weren't afraid to be yourself when he was around, never had been.

And for a long time, you reckoned that it was simply explained by you seeing a brother in him. A twin of sort that you had never had. But as puberty started its work, and your mind embraced new possible explanations and understood new kinds of relationships, you wondered if a brotherly bond was really what united so closely the two of you.

Because you weren't sure that it was all there was to it, really. Maybe, it wasn't the reason why you didn't like his girlfriends. Maybe it wasn't why you were so sad to say goodbye tonight. Maybe it wasn't why you trusted him so blindly all the time. Why you always forgave him.

But you were young, and you weren't quite sure yet of what you felt meant. Maybe you were just trying to figure yourself out, and were making a fuss of nothing.

Or maybe, Harry meant something else to you than a brother.

All you knew was that when the conversation finally quietened, slowing down to reach a full stop that filled the room with silence, his departure on the tip of both your tongues once more, you were sad and afraid like you had never been before.

"We should wash the dishes," Harry threw one last attempt at avoiding the floating threat hovering in the comfortable silence. One last ammunition used to keep his fear at bay for a little longer, and instead, bathe in your presence for a little longer.

He couldn't really explain how he felt about you. It wasn't something he had felt with the few girls he had been with before, and it wasn't either a level of intimacy that he had ever reached with any other of his friends. You were in that special box in his heart, that had only your name on it, and no one else's. More than a friend, but not a girlfriend either. Somehow, you were more than that to him. You were family to him. But he didn't see you like a sister either. Maybe he had for a while, but it slowly yet irremediably changed along the past few years. He wasn't sure to understand what that box your name lived in inside his heart was, but he was okay with that, for now. Sixteen was young after all, to understand matters of the heart.

For now, he simply wanted to be with you whenever he could, and that was enough.

He started to wash the plates in the sink, while you grabbed a clothe and started to dry the cutlery.

You didn't notice the glances he threw towards your direction, and he didn't notice the way your eyes lingered on his features as if to carve them into memory either. It was an unspoken, halfway type of zone you had settled in. It was hard to escape it now.

"Are you worried about tomorrow?" you asked, breaking the long silence that had settled in the kitchen, broken only by the distant murmur of cars passing by the street, and the water running from the faucet.

Had it been anyone else, Harry would have probably lied and pretended that he was perfectly fine.

But then, it was you, standing in that special little box of yours, and despite how fragile it made him feel, he answered you anyway.

"Yeah… I'm a bit nervous."

"I mean, I reckon it's normal to be so."

"Yeah… I mean, it's all new and I don't really know what will happen. And… huh… I think… It's gonna be hard to be away, I guess. I think I'll miss my mum a lot. And… and you too."

You stared at him for a moment, yellow photons from the lamp above your heads getting caught in the wild curls of his hair. He seemed a little lost. He was just a boy, after all.

You nudged him, trying to make him feel better.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm sure you'll be alright. Besides, you'll have fun, and make new friends over there, I'm sure. You will barely notice I'm not here."

He frowned, looking hurt at your statement, and you wondered why.

"You really think I would forget about you?" he asked, his voice a little too low, a little too deep, a little too fragile.

You shook your head, but he could see in the way you fidgeted with the cloth that you were not completely earnest with him.

"Of course not. I know you won't."

He turned off the water, the silence becoming deafening while he took his time to turn fully towards you, drying his hands on his worn-out jeans. Meanwhile, you were drying a plate, or at least, faking to do so, for there was no more water to sweep away across the porcelain. But it was easier to rub the white plate than to look at your friend at that moment.

"Hey, look at me."

When you stubbornly kept your eyes on this plate you kept on drying, Harry gently rested his hands upon yours, successfully interrupting your movements.

"Y/N. Please."

You let him take the plate away from you, putting it away before taking your chin in between his fingers to force you to turn to him. He wasn't surprised to find withheld tears glimmering in your eyes, yet the sight broke his heart all the same.

He couldn't see you cry. Never had been able to. He would have done anything to make you smile, and it had been so since the two of you were five.

He gave you a tender, reassuring smile.

"You're stupid sometimes, you know that?"

You frowned at that, taken aback. If anything, you weren't expecting that kind of response from him. But it wasn't all that he had to say.

"I could never forget you, you dummy. You're my best friend. You're… You're special to me. And whatever happens, I will never ever forget about you. Okay?"

You looked down at your feet, fleeing his green eyes that seemed to pierce right through all the pieces of armoury you had built around your soul. You nodded, slowly, your throat too tight to speak. But you weren't so worried anymore.

"You're not gonna forget about me either, are you?" he asked, his voice fragile again too.

You smiled one more time, looking up to find yourself trapped in the green hues of his irises.

"Now, you're being the silly one. Of course not. Besides, you'll be back in two weeks, tops. You're not half as charming as you think you are."

"Aren't I?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows in a ridiculous way, making you laugh.

"No, you're not."

As you both fell quiet again, you suddenly seemed hype-aware of Harry's hold on your chin, that hadn't wavered throughout your exchange. He brushed his thumb across the soft skin, making you gasp.

And all of a sudden, there was a shift between the two of you. The air across the room seemed to be filled with electricity, growing denser, and maybe it was why both of you found it harder to breathe. Or maybe it was the way you both lost yourselves in each other's eyes in a way you never had before.

You caught him as he glimpsed down at your lips. You noticed the way his eyes travelled across your mouth, as if he was hesitating, weighing his options. You saw his Adam's apple jumping as he struggled to swallow the lump that was growing in his throat. When his gaze flickered back to meet yours though, both of you could barely breathe at all, your two hearts stomping under your ribcages.

His hold on your chin had become more of a caress than a hold: gentle, brushing of fingertips against your skin, giving you back complete freedom of your movements. Yet, you didn't want to move away at all.

And when Harry leaned closer to you, it was your turn to glance at his lips, watching the two lines barely parted fall towards yours. And when you realized what he was doing, you stopped breathing altogether.

Because Harry was about to kiss you.

But then he stopped, merely an inch or so away, his breath fanning and brushing your lips, warm and staggering, uncertain through uneven pants. And he was absolutely sure that he had never felt anything as intense as this moment in his entire short life.

But he stopped, because it was you he was about to kiss. His best friend. And even if you lived in that special box in his heart, even if, to him, maybe it meant that you were more than just a friend to him, you were way too important for him to take any uncalculated risk. So instead of closing the gap between your mouths, he stood still, in his kitchen under the yellowish light of the lamp, fingers still a little wet from washing the dishes, or maybe it was more because of how nervous he was. He needed to give you a chance to step back and stop him.

So, he blinked a few times, staring at your eyes with a silent question in his green irises. To which you answered by leaning closer to him too.

So… you didn't want him to stop?

He moved his hand up your jaw, cupping your cheek instead, closing his eyes and focusing on how warm the air leaving your lungs was against his face, breaths mingling together halfway between your parted lips.

And you were about to meet when the front door of Harry's house loudly opened.

"Harry! Y/N! I'm home!"

Both you and Harry jumped away from each other as Anne was ruffling in the hallway, probably taking off her shoes and coat.

In the kitchen, you both shied away. The moment had passed, broken, and you both knew that there wasn't going to be any other moment for you to be alone before Harry would leave.

Harry looked over his shoulder, and before his mother would appear, he hurried to take your hand in his.

He seemed frightened, and a little frantic. A little desperate too, still struggling to catch his breath.

"We'll talk about it when I come back."

You stared at him intensely, and he took your other hand in his as well.

"It's a promise. We'll talk about what just happened when I come back, okay? Cause… that… that was a thing. Right?"

"Yeah… yeah I think it… was a thing."

He struggled to swallow, stuttering a little as he let down his armour before you completely, and with a shaky voice asked one more question.

"Will you… would you wait for me?"

You gave him a reassuring smile, and to his hands you gifted a tender squeeze.

"I will. I'll wait for you."

 II. 

Loch Lomond, 2020

 Harry was pretty when he slept.

Not that he was ever not pretty, you reckoned that Harry was a very handsome man in general. But there was something soft in the way he looked when he slept, peaceful, that you really loved.

Maybe it was his parted lips, or the soft sound of air leaving his lungs in a perfectly regular rhythm. The occasional little crease between his brow that appeared and vanished at the rhythm of his dreams. Or the way his eyelids trembled a little sometimes before growing still again, eyelashes perfectly bent in the most graceful curve barely disturbed by the movement at all. Or perhaps it was how messy his hair became as they rubbed against the pillow.

But you could hardly deny that the main reason was that Harry always grabbed whatever he could during the night and held onto it for dear life throughout the rest of the night. To ensure that he would not disturb your sleep – and knowing Harry, probably also because he was worried it would make you uncomfortable – he had hold onto a pillow for the first evening, making sure that he would not end up curled around you instead. And it had worked, the two of you waking up peacefully on each side of the bed.

But not today.

This morning, you opened your eyes to find that the reason why you felt so warm and snuggled up was because you were safely tucked in Harry's side, his arms wrapped around you and his nose almost brushing yours, face resting at the edge of his own pillow, legs tangled in a mess of limbs. A quick glance across the bed revealed that the pillow he was hugging when you went to bed the previous night was nowhere to be seen. You guessed that Harry had dropped it to the floor during the night, turned around, probably wearing across his features a grumpy little pout as he tossed and turned while still mostly asleep, until he found your form sleeping soundly on the other side of the mattress. And then, well, the rest was easy to guess given your current position.

There was a little voice in your head that kept on telling you to pull away. That you should have felt uneasy with your current position. And had it been anyone but Harry, yes, you guessed that you would have been uncomfortable right now and would have freed yourself with little regard for the other person's sleep. But the thing was, it was Harry.

It was Harry all cuddled up around you, holding you close, and you didn't feel uncomfortable at all. You felt safe and warm and taken care of. Because it was Harry holding you. Harry who had always been here for you, since your early childhood. You felt so safe with him all the time after all, this morning waking up in his arms wasn't different. It was safe, the same way you always felt whenever he was around.

It was barely dawn and the orange light of the rising sun bathed the room a colourful hue. It was still quite dark, despite the deep orange shades of the beams licking at the walls. Particles of light were caught in his wild curls, brown tainted with orange, and you spent long minutes studying the changes in the colours, the way the light made his cheeks look a little pinker, the way it seemed to hug his jawline, and was left stranded across his eyelashes and the stubble that coloured his skin. It took all of your strengths to refrain yourself from running your fingers across the swallows tattooed on his upper chest, but you were too scared of waking him if you did so. You couldn't help but stare at them though, the black ink rising and falling with his regular breathing. He was still wearing his cross necklace around his neck, the gold reflecting the morning light. It wasn't the first time that you saw him with a bare chest, and it wasn't the first either that he hugged you without a shirt on. But it didn't stop you from shivering in the best way when he moved his arm around you ever so slightly, his bare skin sliding across your own bare arms. Because you were trapped in his arms, your arms folded between your two bodies, your hands were pressed against your chest. But now that your eyes were settling on his skin again, a little tanned and looking so invitingly smooth, you really couldn't summon enough willpower to not reach across the inches-long gap between your hand and his chest, and you gently rested your palm against his heart. You could feel the organ beating under his skin and muscles, little rhythm pulsing through your skin. Regular, soothing, safe. Just like Harry.

After a long while staring at him, with a smile across your lips you hadn't even noticed, your gaze moved across the room to settle upon the window instead, and you watched the quiet waters of the loch as it reflected the bright gold and orange of the sky. With the trees alongside the shores also covered with autumnal hues, it looked as if someone had painted the entire scene in shades of ochre. It was peaceful, a landscape still barely awake, that only the wind carrying freshly fallen skeleton leaves seemed able to disturb.

You didn't know for how long you had remained like this, staring at the landscape outside, safely tugged in Harry's warmth, when he finally started to stir and wake up. You turned to him again just in time to catch his eyes fluttering open, green irises appearing in the early morning light that fell upon your face instantly, as if they had been looking for you as a reflex. A bright smile appeared on his lips at the sight of your dishevelled and freshly awaken form in his arms.

"Morning," he mumbled, sleep making his voice deeper than usual, raw and warm.

"Good morning," you answered with a smile of your own.

He snuggled closer to you, until you were tugged under his chin, so he could bury his face in your hair, inhaling the addicting fragrance of your shampoo.

You were so warm against him. He could feel your hand pressed to his chest, and the mere touch was enough to set his whole body on fire. Your smell was reassuring, so reassuring, like the scent of something familiar, the scent of an old memory. And he felt so safe like this, with you in his arms. Invincible. Yes, that was the word. He felt invincible, like nothing bad could ever happen while he held you as close as he did now.

Why hadn't he done that sooner? It felt amazing.

His eyes snapped open when the thought finished to form in his mind.

Why hadn't he done that sooner? Because you were just a friend.

He quickly unwrapped his arms from around you, pushing himself away and in his haste to put distance between your two bodies, falling from the bed and onto the wooden floor and the pillow that had grown cold after he had lost it during the night. He let out a loud 'ouch', and when you peered beyond the bed, Harry was rubbing his arse cheek through his sweatpants. And you couldn't stop yourself from laughing at him.

"You alright down there?"

"Oh shut up!" he fought back, looking all pouty and grumpy, and you found the sight so ridiculously adorable that you had to laugh to stop yourself from melting instead.

"Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?" you asked a little more seriously.

"My butt and my ego will be equally bruised by the incident for a few days," he replied, but he couldn't refrain a smile of his own as the situation was rather hilarious.

You laughed at that, but grew silent again when he finally looked up at you. He seemed uncomfortable, running a hand in his hair. Embarrassed, even. And for some reason, it hurt to see him react like this.

"I… I'm sorry."

"About?"

"About… how we woke up," he apologized, stumbling on his words and stuttering a little. "I… I must have lost my pillow during the night."

"I had figured that much."

"I… I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

"You didn't. It's okay."

He gave you a hopeful stare.

"Really?"

"Yeah, really," you nodded. "I mean, you were just hugging me, not much to say about it."

Nothing much to say about it? Then why was your heart still beating this fast just thinking about it then?

"I… you sure you're okay?"

You rolled your eyes at him.

"Yes, I'm sure. It's fine."

"Oh. Okay."

Harry had to admit that he was surprised that you were taking this so… well. As if it didn't have any meaning at all. When he had woken up cuddling you, holding you as close as he could.

As he finally stumbled back to his feet, he had to admit that he was not just surprised, he was also a little disappointed. Because he didn't take the situation as lightly as you did, and that was because…

He pushed the thought away before it could finish forming in his mind. He didn't need to think about this at all. It was all something from the past. He was over it. Had been for a while. No need to think of it again.

"Right. Well, still, I'm sorry."

"You were asleep, it's alright."

"You should have woken me up."

"I… I was barely awake myself, hadn't really processed what was going on yet."

It was a lie, but he seemed to buy it.

"Oh… okay."

"Besides, I've noticed by now how clingy you can be!" you joked, making him chuckle.

"Right… uhm… I'm gonna go take a shower, and then we can go grab a bite for breakfast, yeah?"

"Sure, you can take the shower first."

"Thanks."

And indeed, Harry was grateful that you granted him access to the bathroom first. Because he could hide how much he was blushing in there.

***********************************************************

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@swtxel​

[angelliev]

Lover Boy - JJ Maybank x OC - Part Two - Cherry Popping

Word Count: 2.7K

Summary: Aria learns a little more about the differences between the social classes of the Outer Banks and is exhilarated to see JJ once again. The chemistry between the two teenagers increases and so does their burning passion for each other.

Warnings: Smut, some cursing, unprotected sex. (Don’t be a fool, cover your tool) ;)

A/N: GIF is not mine. Belongs to the rightful owner. I don’t own the show or any of the characters. Hope you enjoy and thank you so much for your time. :)

Lover Boy Series Masterlist

The universe is definitely a mystery to me. I tend not to believe in fate, but that seemed to change when today took a surprising turn. It started out with having brunch with my family at the country club with the Camerons. Normally I wouldn’t mind going, but I my skin is still decorated with hickeys. For the past few days I had to cover ALL of them with makeup. Damn you JJ. He’s all I’ve been thinking about ever since the sleepover. I want to see him again. Just thinking about him makes my heart skip a beat and my cheeks turn red. Part of me wonders what he would do to me if we were to see each other again. God the things I’d let him do to me are absolutely sinful.

A snap of someone’s fingers displayed in front of my statue face pulls me back into reality and away from my forbidden fantasy. I turn to the young woman sitting next to me with a confused look. She nods towards the waiter who is waiting for my order. “Forgive me. May I please have your pesto mushroom crepe? Thank you.” I can practically feel the burning gaze from the young woman sitting beside me. My dear older sister.

Jennifer Prescott. My father’s picture-perfect daughter. Intelligent, graceful, pretty and popular. That’s how my parents see her, me on the other hand, I know her true nature. She can be mean, materialistic and manipulative. We’re always getting on each other’s nerves. She’s quite the party animal too, but my parents trust her too much to think that she would go out and do stuff like that. Even if they did now, they probably wouldn’t mind. After all, they seem to adore her matching picture-perfect asshole of a boyfriend, Rafe Cameron. When he’s not hanging out with his friends or doing business, he’s cheating on my sister and doing cocaine. Sitting on the other side of me is Sarah who whispers discreetly into my ear, “I still can’t believe they’re back together. They fight more than the kooks and pogues combined.” I nod in agreement. Sarah excuses herself to go to the bathroom and I sit while listening to the agonizing grown up talk that bores me to death. That was until a rather impolite conversation was brought to the table.

“Would it kill for these people to hurry up with our order? I swear all they do all day is sit around like sloths.” I felt ashamed to hear those words come out of my father’s mouth. I felt even angrier to hear what Rafe said next. “I understand sir. Those pogues are an absolute nuisance, they cause nothing but trouble.” I glare at Rafe. “They’ve worked more than you ever have.” I squeezed my way into the conversation, everyone turns their attention to me. “Excuse me?” Rafe asked astonished. “You heard me. They’ve worked harder than you ever have. They have grit. They’re determined. They accomplish things. What have you done besides waste your money and,”

“Aria!” My dad interrupt. “That was uncalled for.” “So are you and Rafe talking down to people like they’re worthless.” I can practically see the steam erupting from both my dad and sister. “You guys don’t know shit about them. What gives you the right to say such things?” I continue.

“Stop it Aria! This is embarrassing.” Jennifer says in a hushed tone, not wanting to attract more curious stares. “So is being related to you Jennifer.” Her jaw drops. With my anger over flowing within in me, I stand up and gather my belongings. “And where the hell do you think you’re going?” My dad questions me. “Anywhere but here.” I march away despite my father’s protest. I let out a frustrated sigh as I enter my home.

Maybe I should’ve waited for the food to arrive before stomping out. Now I’m hungry. I scan the fridge only to see that we barely have anything. I suppose now would be a good time to order some groceries. Thank god for Heyward, the lord and keeper of all the holy groceries. (Lmao sorry I love him) While I wait, I decide to scroll through the channels on the tv, finally coming to a decision.

I practically sprint to the door when I hear the bell ring, stomach growling. What I definitely wasn’t expecting was a particular handsome blonde hair blue eyed guy to be standing in front of me. “JJ?” I pause for a moment. I couldn’t believe I was gazing upon him again. “Nice to see you beautiful.” He smirks as he can see he still has an effect on me.

“Likewise, please come in.” I take a few bags from him. My hand brushed against his. “Nice place you got. What do your parents do again?” He asked looking around the luxurious home. It’s too much in my opinion. “My dad is a CEO of this pharmaceutical company and my mom is a physician.” “And what do you want to do?” “I don’t know yet. What about you?” He just huffs. “Don’t know. Something that doesn’t require college. Military probably.” I watch him help put groceries away, I can’t help but gaze at his beautiful body, with the way you can see the veins in his arms or his toned abdomen under his shirt. His fit to join the military.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you again.” I say. “Awe, did I leave insatiable?” His eyes burn into mine. I’d be the biggest liar if I said no. “Perhaps. Couldn’t get enough of you I guess.” I decide to play along with his game of flirtation. “Oh? Is that so? And just what would your parents think if they knew their daughter was getting hot and heavy with some pogue?” He says backing me up towards the counter. “Don’t know. Wasn’t planning on telling them. I figured this,” I close the distance between us and gently bite down on his earlobe. “Could be our dirty little secret.” This seems to rile him up a little. He looks me up and down. “I like the sound of that.”

He finally closes the distance between us, lips crashing together. Hands exploring every curve and muscle of each other’s body. God, I missed this. His hands on my waist. Tongue caressing mine. Being so close and intimate. This whole thing felt scandalous. Me sitting on the kitchen counter making out with the hot delivery boy. I can’t even imagine what would happen if my parents found out. Who knew fate would bring us together again?

I want it to last forever, but the sound of the front door opening makes us both jump back. “Aria?” My mother calls for me until she finds me in the kitchen. She was taken by surprise to see JJ.

“Oh, I wasn’t expecting any guests.” “Sorry, I ordered some groceries. This is JJ.” I apologize. She just smiles. “No need to apologize. And it’s a pleasure to meet you JJ. I’m Elaine, Aria’s mother.” She offers a hand shake which he takes. “Nice to meet you too ma’am.” He flashes her a smile. She pays him and tips him nicely before handing him a cold-water bottle.

“Take some water with you love. It’s hot out there. You need to stay hydrated, especially if you’re being active.” This took JJ by surprise. “Thank you. I really appreciate that.” “My pleasure love, and take this with you. You must be burning so many calories after working all day.” She hands him a zip lock bag of some of the leftover sandwiches we made last night. “Oh, that’s fine Mrs. Prescott. You really don’t have to do that.” JJ attempts to decline. “Nope I insist.” She ignores his protests. He finally gives in. “Thank you again. That’s very kind of you.” “I’ll walk you out.” I say. When we’re out of her hearing distance he says, “Your mom seems really nice. Looks I’ll have to deliver here more often.” “Speaking of that when can I see you again?” “There’s this kegger party tonight. What do you think?” “Sure. I’ll see you tonight lover boy. “Better.” He winks before strutting off.

I enter the kitchen to see my mom preparing to make dinner. “He’s a sweet kid.” She compliments. “Yeah, he is.” I was a confused to say the least. I thought that she would bring up the incident at the club. “You’re not mad at me?” She simply looks up with confused eyes. “If you’re referring to what happened at brunch, no I’m not mad. You did nothing wrong.” Well that’s not what I was expecting. “I doubt that dad feels the same way.” She just chuckles.

“You’re right about that, but he had absolutely no right to be so disrespectful and neither did Rafe. If anything, it surprised me that your father and Rafe would say such thing in front of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron.” “Why’s that?” My curiosity gets the best of me. “Because they’re actually from the cut.” That came as a shock. “I’m sorry if I overreacted, but I just didn’t think that was fair of them.” She looks at me with nothing but care in her motherly eyes. “Don’t every apologize for speaking up against something that’s wrong. I gave your father a piece of my mind before he went golfing with Mr. Cameron.” “Thanks mom, for understanding.” She simply smiles. “Of course. Now enough with that. You go enjoy the rest of your day.”

And that I did. My leg was bouncing the whole way there. It didn’t take much to convince Charis and Sarah to come. “Trying to impress someone?” Asked Charis referring to my rather revealing short sundress and hair down. “Can’t a girl feel pretty once in a while?” I hope JJ likes what he sees, and boy did he. I was satisfied to see that he was impressed. His predator like eyes roamed every inch of my body. He licks his bottom lip, making me weak in the knees. The night went on with JJ staring me down. Watching my every move. Most likely fantasizing about what he’d do to me if he had me alone.

I take a seat next to him by the fire. My naked leg brushed against his. Sending a shiver up our spines. “Wanna get out of here?” His hot breath, that smells like weed, mint and booze, whispers into my ear. I didn’t hesitate to say yes. That’s all he needed before taking my hand and leading me towards this cute fish shack by the marsh. I didn’t have time to say anything when he slammed the door shut and pushed me against the wall.

His lips attack mine like he’s been holding back all day. My hands go straight for his hair, pulling at the ends. “You have no idea what that dress does to me babygirl.” “I thought you’d like it.” My eyes flicker into his lustful ones that seemed to grow a shade darker. This time he kisses me a lot slower than the last one. It was gentler, like he wanted to take his sweet time with me. His hands clutch onto my ass. Making me gasp and giving him the opportunity to slip his tongue past my now swollen red lips. When we pull away to breathe, something in me finally awakened. Like a hidden voice that I’ve been holding back for so long. Something only he was able to awaken. “I want you JJ. I want all of you.”

He waste no time to scoop me up in his arms and begin to walk towards what I assume is his bedroom. He throws me on the bed before crawling on top of me, our lips connect again in a passionate kiss. I tug at his shirt, which he gladly takes off, along with my dress that he throws across the room. He takes his time to soak in the girl in front of him. I didn’t bother to wear a bra, which seemed to take him by surprise.

He begins to play with the harden buds, the feeling of his rings making my breath hitch. “So fucking beautiful.” His words make me blush, all the insecurities that seemed to cloud my mind vanish. Even when he pulled down my panties. My hesitation disappears when I unbuckle his belt, pulling down his pants and boxers, his erection no longer hiding. I silently gulp as I look upon the member.

“Jay?” His eyes flicker to mine. “I’ve never um,” I can’t seem to find the right words, but judging from the look on his face, he already knew. “We can stop if you want.” “No. I want this. I want it to be with you.” This makes him smile, I can practically see a spark in his baby blue ocean eyes. “I’ll be gentle. I promise. We’ll go at your pace.” His hands hold my legs open as he aligns himself at my entrance. I watch as he begins to disappear inch by inch until bottoming out. I focus on my breathing, hoping that it would distract me from the discomfort.

When I look up at him, his jaw is clenched, resisting the urge to plunge deep into my smooth folds. He leans down to litter kisses on my face as an attempt to distract me from the pain. “Just relax. It’ll start to feel better soon.” Who knew he had such a sweet side? My walls finally begin to adjust to him. The discomfort begins to fade. I move my hips and am introduced to a pleasurable sensation resulting in me letting out a surprised moan. It increases as he pulls out only to plunge back in, almost knocking the wind out of me.

He finds a rhythm that I was comfortable with. The speed of his thrusts increase as the volume of my moans grow louder. The sound of skin slapping, raspy breaths and pornographic moans fill the room. Our bodies fit perfectly together, like puzzle pieces, as if we were made for each other. He smiles at how well I’m taking him.

The sight above me was breath taking. His biceps flexing every so often along with his abdomen tightening. His skin practically glowing. Hair messy and falling in front of face. Head thrown back, mouth agape and a vein on the verge of popping. The heavenly sound of his occasional moans and grunts, a pleasing melody.

Wanting more, I pull him down so our chests meet and wrap my legs around his waist, creating a new angle that reaches the sweet spot that lurks deep inside me making me moan louder. He once again bites down on that particular spot located on my neck. This action causes a tight feeling to form in my stomach. “Mmm JJ. I’m so close.” “Cum for me babygirl. I’m right behind you.” His thrusts become faster and sloppy. With him grunting against my ear and thumb rubbing against my sensitive clit, it doesn’t take much for me to reach my peak. My eyes roll to the back of my head, which is thrown back against the pillow, and a wave of euphoria rushes through my body like electricity.

“Fuck.” The feeling of my walls gripping around him even harder was enough for him to find his own release. He stills inside me, his seed coating my what was once pure and innocent walls, and are now tainted and marked by him. The rest of his body goes limp as he lays against me trying to catch his breath. The two of us lay there, our bodies slick with sweat, taking in the warm air. A whimper escapes my lips at the lost feeling when he pulls out, some of his cum leaking out of me. Neither of us say a word. Our naked bodies tangle together under the sheets and he turns the light out. I let the rhythmic sound of his beating heart guide me into a deep and peaceful sleep.

[bnnywngs]

printemps éternel

Rating: G | 1,138 words

Fandom: Haikyuu

Pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kozume Kenma

Tags: Alternate Universe, French Countryside/Provence, based on youtube videos, Domestic Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, self-indulgent, a bit of cottagecore

can be found on ao3

The morning sun was a soft pastel light against the bedroom’s wooden floor after Shouyou moved the curtains. The french doors were easily opened after that, making his hair flutter with the cold spring wind that said his hello. Behind him, under two sets of blankets, Kenma groaned in a whine tone, complaining about being woken up with the clarity of the day.

“Good morning.” Shouyou smiled, sitting on the bed beside his husband and using his fingers to move Kenma’s hair from his face.

“Not good. Morning.” he groaned again, before blinking several times and smiling softly at the other man “Back?”

Shouyou hummed back with a nod “Already took a bath and went to the boulangerie earlier.”

“Good.” he yawned.

“I’ll wait for you in the kitchen.” Shouyou chuckled and kissed his nose tip before getting up.

When he finally emerged from the bedroom, after a quick trip to the bathroom, Kenma hugged his husband from behind and kissed his nape before sitting down to eat and drink his lovely coffee from the brand new coffee machine he bought just that week.

“Are we still going to the market in the next town?” Shouyou asked, mouth full of bread and cheese.

“Do we have space on the balcony for more plants?”

“...Yes.”

“Will you buy more plants?”

“...No?”

Kenma stared at him with slight distrust, making Shouyou whine.

“Maybe.” he said at last.

Kenma snorted into his coffee.

It’s been years since they decided to move together to France, destiny making them live in a small city in the south, and they never regret. Their neighbors were nice enough, and the neighborhood was pretty like everything they dreamed of when talking about the country, with a lot of small artisan shops, cafés, restaurants and beautiful views.

Sometimes, Kenma records some of the things they do to his YouTube channel as a vlog, showing the views, the spring time, the street markets and the occasional flea markets Shouyou loved to go to. His followers at first didn’t like it, but now they asked him for more videos, and Kenma thought that was hilarious.

Barely two hours later, Shouyou was parking their car beside an old catholic church.

“Ah, look, there’s a bread shop right in the front.” Shouyou pointed as they walked to the street market.

“It looks smaller than last month.” Kenma hummed.

“Yeah. And it’s May.” he shrugged.

“Where should we go first?”

“Strawberries!” Shouyou pulled him to the fruit stall, a bright sunshine smile on his face “I want to try one of those korean recipes.”

“The strawberry milk thing you sent me?” Kenma let himself be pulled “Oh, a basket shop. Let’s go there after this.”

“Okay~”

After filling the plastic basket with strawberry packages and some other fruits and vegetables, they walked hand in hand to the other stall, the shopping bag weightening on Shouyou’s shoulder. Kenma kneeled on the ground to look closely, picking up some baskets to try on his arm.

“This one looks like that other one you bought in Gassin.” Shouyou said.

“Really? Oh, you’re right.” he nodded “What about this one? It has a funny shape.”

Shouyou giggled before turning to the lady managing the stall “How much is it?”

After buying the straw basket, Shouyou decided to put some of their purchases inside and let Kenma carry it as they walked through the market. A dog sniffed Shouyou’s shoes and he crouched down to pet it, turning back for a moment to smile at his husband. With a kiss on the dog’s head, the red hair got up and waved to the owner before holding Kenma’s hand and continuing their strolling.

“What should we buy now?” Kenma asked, “Dinner?”

“What do you want to eat today?” Shouyou looked around and said, “I’m kinda craving curry.”

“Curry, then.”

“Curry, then.” he nodded.

“Ah, cheese!” Kenma pointed to a stall a few meters away, pulling Shouyou’s hand like a petulant child “I want some.”

“Fro~ma~ge~” Shouyou sang with a bright laugh after, his accent still quite heavy.

They spent long minutes sampling the different kinds of cheese, talking to the person behind the stall and deciding to buy three small pieces to eat later in the afternoon.

“Should we buy flowers?” Kenma asked after saying their goodbyes.

“Hm~ no. I don’t really understand why we have to buy one every time we come to the market.” Shouyou shrugged “Let’s go buy bread!”

“Do we need jam?”

“I don’t think so. Ask me again next week.”

“Sure.”

A good time and a lot of non-essentials later, they finally decided to end their shopping and went back to the car to let down their bags. After letting a small part of the windows open to air the vehicle, they walked through the busy city center looking for a good place to eat lunch. The city itself was pretty like every other they visited so far, with stone houses and buildings, old churches and older fountains. Almost all the houses had blue window shutters, making everything more beautiful with a hint of fairytail.

They found a cute small sandwich shop just under a stone house. A perfect place for the warmer weather under the spring’s sunlight.

“What are you going to choose?” Shouyou asked while they read the menu on the blackboard.

“The vegan one.”

“Ooh~ I’ll get the italian one. Anything to say?”

“No.”

Shouyou stepped in line and waited for his turn, smiling politely when the woman managing the shop asked for his order.

They walked side by side, choosing a good spot for seating and eating under a large tree and far from the crowded sandwich shop. There, on the stone bench, they could see the valley down below, with its crop fields, woodland and small mountains. Not so far away, there was another small city.

A cold wind ruffled their hair and made eating a difficult task for a moment, making Shouyou laugh when he got some sauce on his chin.

“Let’s go home?” Kenma asked after dumping their trash in the nearest garbage bin.

“Okay!” Shouyou smiled.

They walked holding hands once more, reaching their car not so long after - Kenma had to pull Shouyou hard when they passed by an antique shop. Seatbelts on, music playing softly in the background and his portable video game in hands, they made their way back home with the windows down to feel the good weather.

“This was a good day, right?” Shouyou asked after they left the city.

“Hm.” Kenma nodded.

“Was it worth waking up earlier?” there was amusement in Shouyou’s tone.

“No. Never.” Kenma wrinkled his nose in distaste.

Shouyou laughed.

They didn’t talk for a while, but then-

“Kenma.”

“Hm?”

“I love you.”

Kenma let out a fond sigh “I love you too.”

[hawkbucks]

SteveTony for anon who wanted Tony always taking time out of his day to have breakfast with Steve. Don’t have the ask anymore because that was on my now-deleted older blog. :( 

“Sorry I’m kind of late,” Tony says, out of breath as he takes the seat across from Steve, the legs screeching against the concrete. “I sort of… skipped out on a meeting.”

Steve slides a chocolate croissant over to Tony along with a cup of coffee and a couple of packets of sugar. “Ms. Potts won’t get mad?”

“Are you kidding? She encouraged me to skip. She wanted to be there even less than I did, but she’s the CEO, so she can’t exactly slink out any time she wants.” Tony rips open a sugar packet and dumps its contents into his coffee. “She lives vicariously through me, I think.”

Steve laughs. “As long as you aren’t going to get chewed out for it, I guess. Still, thanks for joining.” He scratches at the spot underneath his ear with his index finger.

“Of course.” Tony smiles, bright enough to rival the sun, and Steve finds himself clenching his hand into a fist to keep from taking Tony’s hand into his own. “I mean, you’re not exactly that bad a guy to hang with, Cap. You don’t need to thank me. I like being with you.”

The tips of Steve’s ears goes pink. “That’s… good,” he breathes out. “I like being with you, too.”

Steve quietly nibbles on the edges of his sandwich. The waitress has been giving him these sad, concerned little looks, and he can’t say that he blames her. This is the first time that Tony hasn’t been able to make breakfast; he’s in a hotel room somewhere in Korea, and Steve wonders if he’s doing alright.

His phone goes off from deep in his pocket. He fishes it out, nearly falling over in his chair when he sees that it’s Tony (speak of the devil!), requesting to have a video chat with him. He quickly accepts and props his phone up against the cup of hot chocolate that he ordered a while back.

Tony’s face appears on his screen, a cup of instant noodles being held up right next to him. “It’s not exactly breakfast. Here, at least,” Tony starts in lieu of a greeting, “but I can’t just let you eat alone.”

“Tony.” Steve shakes his head, but he can’t keep the fond grin off of his face. His shoulders already feel lighter, his mood a bit brighter. “Isn’t it 10 P.M. over there? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

“Since when have you known me to sleep before 2 A.M.?” Tony questions, raising an eyebrow.

Steve shrugs. “Fair.”

Tony nods, glad that Steve isn’t pushing the matter further. “Now, Mr. Rogers–” Tony stirs the noodles around in his cup– “how are we doing today?”

The Iron Man suit lands with a thud in front of Steve, right next to the seat that Tony usually takes. People start to mutter, a few of them taking their phones out to take pictures, but Steve ignores them. It’s easy to pretend like he and Tony are the only ones there. He picks up a napkin that scattered to the ground when Tony came. “Pretty sure that counts as littering, Stark,” he teases.

The suit retracts, leaving Tony clad only in his black undersuit.

Steve thinks his heart may have stopped. The way the undersuit clings to his body… it’s indecent, is what it is, and Steve isn’t as innocent as people believe him to be.

Unaware of the effect that he currently has on Steve (and the effect that he will continue to have on Steve), Tony goes, “Surely they’ll understand if I tell them I was in a hurry.” He takes his seat, tenting his fingers. “To see you, specifically. Times flies when you’re testing out a new suit.”

“To see me?” Steve repeats, dumbfounded. Surely the Iron Man suit would be of more importance? It’s what helps keep Tony alive out in the field, after all, and he’s sure that whatever sort of conversation he can strike up with Tony isn’t nearly as interesting as working out the mechanisms on a new suit.

“Duh.” Tony raises a hand to flag down a waitress. “The suits are nice and all, but I like you a lot better.”

“Can I ask you a question, Tony?” Steve taps the handle of his spoon against the edge of the table in a bastardization of a song that he heard on his way to the cafe. It’s funny how he can confidently stride into battle, how he can bark orders with the best of them, how he can stand in front of hundreds of reporters and not break a sweat, but when it comes to Tony he’s lost at sea.

Tony looks up at his omelette–the one that he complained about not having as many bits of ham as he’d like–and tilts his head to the side. “Sure?”

“Do you think that, maybe, instead of breakfast, we could go out to dinner sometime?”

“I don’t see why not,” Tony says. “With the others?”

“No.” Steve swallows. “Uh, just us. Like a date?”

“Oh.” Tony is silent for a couple of seconds, long enough for Steve to know that he’s screwed this up. Tony only wants to be friends, and he ruined it. He’s going to have to resign from the Avengers and move to another country or something– “I honestly thought we’ve been dating this entire time.”

Steve blinks. “What?”

“I thought we’ve already been dating.” Tony starts to laugh, but bites his bottom lip to stifle it. “I thought you were just shy about it.”

Steve hides his face in his hands. “Oh my god.”

“But if you wanna–if you wanna go on an official dinner date, then I’m up for it.”

Steve creates slits in between his fingers, just big enough for him to see Tony through them. “Italian?”

“It’s like you read my mind.”