#BUT. HIS HAIR IS GETTING LONG AGAIN. THE LITTLE CURL UP AT THE END. WOO.

[ratatatastic]

florida panthers @ anaheim ducks | 1.21.25 (x)(x)

[inoreuct]

Headcanons for Zoro and Sanji as Hades and Persephone? 👀

HERE WE GOOOOO. buckle up. this is LONG.

sanji’s persephone. the breathtakingly beautiful god of spring, kind and charming with wit sharper than a grain scythe and a marvellous capacity for divine rage. he’s a whiz in the kitchen (it’s sanji. duh.) and has a green thumb to boot; up on the surface he has a garden that’s his pride and joy, where he grows his own fruits and herbs and vegetables and rare blooms, occupying a plot of land together with the cottage that he and zeff (more on him later) stay at whenever they can.

zoro’s hades. intimidating as all hell (heh), has a MAJOR resting bitch face, and a three-headed dog with the heads named wado, kitetsu and enma. he’s a good man, just VERY emotionally constipated and he’s never had to woo anyone before; it should be illegal for someone that powerful to be so awkward but he IS.

he goes up to the surface one day to take care of underworld business, something about dead souls escaping— and he sees sanji in his garden, on his knees in the dirt, gathering herbs with his hair a mess, golden as the sun and all over his face and when he flips it aside to talk to zeff his smile is even brighter. zoro feels his heart lurch so hard he wonders if he’d gotten cardiac arrest.

and as previously mentioned, zoro has NO IDEA how to talk to this beautiful— god? nymph? human?? he doesn’t know. he doesn’t care. he wants to get to know his mystery guy but he doesn’t want to freak him out, so he just thinks FUCK IT I’LL BRING HIM TO MY HOME AND FIGURE IT OUT FROM THERE. totally not a bad idea.

zeff’s demeter. protective, sometimes TOO protective, the god of agriculture practically raised sanji himself; barely anyone even knows that he HAS a son. he has fields upon fields of grain; rice, oats, wheat, whatever sanji requires to cook and bake to his heart’s content. the entire valley where their cottage resides is known to be zeff’s territory, and he doesn’t hesitate to rain holy vengeance down on whoever trespasses.

which is why zeff is so mad when zoro pops out of the literal dirt and whisks sanji away. it’s not fun for any of the human farmers on earth that day.

when zoro brings him to the underworld, sanji’s pissed as fuck; kicks and yells the whole way down, then knees him in the balls and nearly rips out one of his earrings before strutting off like he already owns the place. what about his garden? zeff? all the humans he has a soft spot for?? who the fuck does this king of the underworld think he is, plucking sanji out of his life like this?

meanwhile, zoro lies there curled up on the ground as wado licks at his face, and for the first time in his life he wonders if making a plan would have been a better idea. he asks his shades to gather information and learns that sanji’s the god of spring, zeff’s son in all the ways that matter; but even if he hadn’t been a god, zoro would have easily made him immortal if he’d wished. the thought is wild and so out of character for him that he sits there for even longer until the shades tell him that sanji’s demanding to talk to him.

sanji finds the throne room but on the way he’d already passed multiple chambers filled with gold, crystals, extremely rare night-blooming plants— he walked by a cave with its walls encrusted with rubies as big as his head. but he misses the sun. he misses his flowers and his herbs and fuck, he had a bundle of rosemary drying in the kitchen. he really hopes he’ll get to see it again.

the shades are all polite, if a little wary, but they seem to relax more when he smiles at them. the throne room is massive, a cavern with stalactites dripping from the ceiling and ending in wicked points, and the throne itself is a twisted amalgamation of iron and volcanic glass, gold and bleached bone and pure, sparkling diamond.

he doesn’t even flinch when zoro enters with his sweeping black cloak and his liquid, inky shadows, just pulls his lip up in a sneer; he doesn’t give a shit who this big shot is. doesn’t care for the crown of ivory and obsidian set atop his brow. he knows where he is, knows exactly who he’s dealing with, and he stomps right up to zoro, shoves a finger in his chest and says, “what the fuck do you think you’re doing.”

the shades obviously didn’t see the whole getting-kneed-in-the-family-jewels spectacle, because there is a collective audible gasp. the court goes deadly quiet. zoro feels his shadows subconsciously swirl around him, building the silhouette behind his back into something out of a nightmare, but he makes an effort to disperse them as soon as sanji looks.

“i want. to court you,” he ekes out, eyes big and mouth pinched, and sanji suddenly realises that this man is just very, very awkward and obviously has not interacted with many living people for a very long time.

and no matter about anything else, zoro looks earnest. he takes a deep breath and his shoulders shift beneath his cloak, lifting his chin— but his expression screams pleasesayyespleasesayyespleasesayyes and sanji… doesn’t have the heart to say no. what will a few days hurt, right?

so they come to an agreement. sanji will spend a month in the underworld and allow zoro to court him, and if by the end of that time he doesn’t want to stay, zoro would personally see to it that he got home safe. he isn’t a prisoner, either; he is free to wander in the upper world for half the day. twelve hours of sunshine, and twelve hours in zoro’s domain.

if sanji’s honest with himself, the underworld honestly isn’t bad; zoro spares no expense to ensure he's comfortable even though he doesn't come see sanji himself very often in the beginning.

(sanji doesn't know it yet, but it’s because zoro's deathly terrified of sanji genuinely hating/fearing him or the underworld, or not being happy. he'd brought sanji down because he'd fallen hard and fast in love but if sanji ever truly did want to leave, it wouldn’t be a question. zoro would send him back up with his weight in jewels and gold as recompense.)

it's a little lonely, but not horrible; sanji befriends the shades and talks to the passing spirits, and word spreads that the king's crush (oh, zoro would have a conniption if he heard) is to be treated with the utmost respect, not just because of the order zoro proclaimed but because he deserves it. sanji is kind and understanding and snarky and fun to be around, but he also gives solid advice and he's a good bit more emotionally aware than zoro. the shades haven’t gossiped this much in years and honestly zoro’s concerned about their work ethic, but he walks past a tea-spilling session one day and hears sanji giggle and all thoughts of stopping it fly right out of his brain.

zoro snoops around secretly and finds out that sanji’s birthday is within the month. the last day of their stipulated month, in fact. so he calls in a favour from luffy (apollo!! the sun god!! his best friend!!). he spends two weeks, almost three in a cave he’d picked out, carefully pulling gemstones and groundwater to the surface, getting his shades to bring down soil and seeds and consulting with dead farmers about how the hell he’s supposed to pull off what he wants to pull off, because he HAS to pull it off.

all the while, he’s still courting sanji; having tea with the god of spring, trying not to embarrass himself and mainly just trying to win sanji over. he gets so enthralled by sanji recounting a story once that he drops an entire crystal teapot, heart hammering as one of his shades phase through the ground and catches it before it can shatter. sanji looks a little perplexed about how it suddenly disappeared, but zoro urges him to go on and he lets it go.

(zoro had never been that panicked in his entire immortal life.)

i can’t believe it WE NEED A PART 2 I’M OUT OF CHARACTERS

(part 2 here)

[hazelkjt]

quarrel — for the single-word drive!

"Quarrel- A heated argument or disagreement, typically about a trivial issue and between people who are usually on good terms."

Light snowfall danced upon the winds at Falcon's Nest, the sun fighting its never ending battle to pierce the clouds. The cold atmosphere usually gets to Hazel, but something else was currently on her mind at the moment. Someone else, more specifically. As the Au Ra waited by the airship landing zone for the next flight back to Ishgard, her gaze was fixated on a certain young Elezen tending to his bruises and aches. Despite the obvious pain he was in, Emmanellain de Fortemps had a curious smile across his face. "Ugh...I know I had asked you not to hold back against me old girl, but you may have gone overboard this time." He remarked to Hazel with a pained chuckle in his voice. The Auri woman turned her face away from the man and scrunched her nose. "I have no idea what you mean, I sparred the same way I always do." She spoke while trying her best to keep her disdain as low as she could, to little effect. There it was again. "OId girl." A term of endearment Emmanellain used for his female friends, however few he has. Hazel knew she shouldn't hold it against him for using it with her, she knows that...but regardless...

"...or perhaps the fact that you have been fighting more fiercely of late means I truly am improving! Lady Laniaitte is sure to take notice!" And the mention of her brings Hazel back to Emmanellain's rambling she was ignoring. Hazel turned back to face the Elezen, the look on her face enough to wipe the dazed grin from his. "Is something the matter, old girl?" He asked, genuine confusion in his voice. Hazel had kept her mouth shut for as long as she could, but just couldn't stand it anymore. She stands up, hands curling into fists as she stares daggers at Emmanellain. "How long do you intend to keep living in your own little fairy tale about her? There's no fucking way you're this dense. You've got something resembling a brain in there, Emm." A slight scowl formed on her face as she began to air her frustrations. Emmanellain stops rubbing his bruised ribcage and leans back on the ground, breaking eye contact with Hazel. "I...haven't the slightest what you mean, haha!" He forces a smile to the surface, but the shaking in his voice gives it away. So Hazel continues to press the subject. "Oh come on Emm, it's the most obvious thing on the star. She doesn't care for you! At all! You're just a nuisance to her!" Emmanellain begins to stand and opens his mouth to respond, but Hazel cuts him off, taking a step closer and folding her arms. "No matter how much you try and improve or impress her, it won't work! So why in all the hells are you so determined to try and woo her when-" Hazel suddenly stops mid-sentence. Idiot! What, were you really gonna say 'when I'm right here!?' How stupid can you get!?

The pained look in the Elezen's eyes is quickly discarded as he lets out another chuckle, closing them with a self-assured smirk rising on his lips. "Ah, old girl, you must be mistaken. Love is not something that is created in an instant, and...let us call it general annoyance is not the natural opposite of love. The fates call Lady Laniatte and I together, and one day-" Hazel cuts him off once more with a stomp of her foot, tail flying up behind her in anger. "Would you wake up already, dumbass!? Even you can't be stupid enough to believe that!" Emmanellain's brow furrows, but his smile remains. He opens his eyes to make contact with Hazel's, but her intense stare quickly makes him avert his gaze to the side. The young man is more visibly flustered, playing with an end of his hair for a moment before continuing. "Ahh...well...have you ever heard of the expression 'Tis better to give love without receiving love, than to never have loved at all?' Quite the simple yet powerful saying, I would say." Hazel's tail drops in surprise, she hadn't expected him to give in so quickly. "...So you do know? Then why the hells do you keep trying when you could be giving your 'love' to someone who'd be happy to give some back!?" The Au Ra's cheeks slowly turn a light shade of pink as she processes what she just said. "I think um-y'know, uh-I mean, there's gotta be someone out there!" She stammers, cursing her voice for getting a little higher pitched and her tail for beginning to sway side to side.

The smile fades from Emanellain's face for a moment before another takes its place, one very obviously forced. He scoffs and crosses his arms. "What, others interested in me? When my much more esteemed and accomplished brother is right there as well? That's quite a reach, old girl." Hazel's nose scrunches again as she frowns. "Stop calling me that..." She mutters under her breath, but the flash of confusion on the Elezen's face makes it clear he heard her.

Eager to change the subject, Hazel once again glares at Emmanellain. She could feel her anger getting to a boiling point. "I thought you were past this whole comparing yourself to Artoirel thing? You don't have to be better than him at anything! Just a better you!" The young Elezen rolls his eyes and runs a hand through his hair. "Oh, do not misunderstand me old girl-ah, apologies. Hazel. I am quite comfortable with who I am...comfortable enough I suppose. But as you said yourself, I am not that big of a fool. His reputation precedes him, as my reputation precedes me." Hazel found herself grinding her teeth as the man continued, her temper rising once again. "I understand well enough why those seeking courtship would not give me more than a passing glance. And I have made peace with that...so I instead give my love to those around me, even if I receive none in return." A sad smile rises on his features as Emmanellain brings his arms up, as is presenting himself. "After all who would harbor love for a man like me?" And there it was, her breaking point. With a growl and her tail pointed straight upwards in anger, Hazel lunges forward and grabs the straps of Emmanellain's armor. The Elezen became wide-eyed in both confusion and fear as Hazel glared at him, her cheeks beginning to burn bright red...and tears beginning to form in her eyes. Before the man could say anything or push her away, she yelled directly in his face.

"I DO, YOU IDIOT!"

Emmanellain could only stare in shock as Hazel fought back tears. "Wh-" his question was interrupted by Hazel pulling him into a tight hug. "I love you..." Her voice was barely more than a whisper, he could barely make out what she had said. The two stood there in silence, only the occasional sniffle from Hazel to break the quiet atmosphere around them. Eventually, Emmanellain spoke up. "...How long?" He asked, still too shocked to return the hug he was receiving...alongside the aches and pains from training.

Hazel prepared herself to answer by taking a few deep breaths, loosening her bear hug on the bruised man ever so slightly. "I don't remember when...but it's been a while..." She weakly gets out, slightly louder than before. Emmanellain is finally able to close his gaping mouth and begins to stir, hesitating still however. "Me?...are you sure?" The uncertainty in his voice was clear as day, almost as if he was also about to cry.

Hazel responded by holding him tighter in her arms. "Shut up and hug me back already." With a strained chuckle, Emmanellain slowly brought his arms around the Au Ra, taking a deep breath himself. "Of course." And with his final words, the two stayed in silence while awaiting the airship, both oblivious to the streak of sunlight breaking through the dull grey of the clouds.

[wooyoungmybelovedhusband]

[3:45] - Smut

Pairing : Daddy! Wooyoung x F! Reader x Mommy! Seonghwa

Warnings : Oral, slight thigh riding at the end, making-out, slight dumbification, just pure smut! Minors DNI

@lemonhongjoong ily for this idea-

Your head lays on Seonghwa's chest while you were sprawled out on his lap, his pretty thigh in between your thighs, rubbing against your thigh. Your moans only ever get louder when you feel the way Wooyoung's thick fingers smack your clit harshly while his plumpy lips continue to latch onto your clit, sucking harshly on your bud. "M-Mommy, Daddy's mouth f-feels so good." Your whisper lowly, a choked sob escaping you when Wooyoung's lips suck harder on your clit while his tongue darts downwards. "Mmh I know princess, look at the way you're making us so hard, you're enjoying this too much aren't you, dirty girl?" Seonghwa playfully teases you, his hands coming down to caress your sides softly.

"Daddy! S-So good" You cry out loudly when you feel Wooyoung's tongue slip into your hole with ease before pulling out and slamming into you again. Wooyoung hums against your wet pussy, his tongue lapping at your leaking juices making lewd noises echo through the room. His hands come up to grip your thighs before he lets his head bury itself between your thighs. His pointy nose pokes at your nub, making you grind over it slightly. Tears instantly prick at your eyes from the pleasure which builds up inside you, Wooyoung's tongue drilling into you with no mercy.

Your back arches into Seonghwa's broad chest, his lips nibble softly onto your ear shell, and his warm breath hits your soft skin. "Such a good girl for mommy and daddy aren't you, pretty girl?" His question is thrown to the back of your head as the pleasure takes over your mind making it cloudy. You could only care less about it from the way your loud moans resonated through the room and your hands gripping the couch as if holding onto your dear life. "Answer me, pretty girl." The whisper now was not a whisper, it was an order from Seonghwa, his deep dominant tone sends chills down your spine making your brain swiftly scramble for words.

"Y-Yes mommy, j-just a good girl for both of you." You could feel the way Wooyoung's lips curl up in a smirk, your hands now grip onto his long silky black hair, and you cry out in pleasure. "D-Daddy, gonna c-cum" You whimper loudly, your thighs almost closed around him if not he had held them apart so fiercely. Pulling his tongue for a quick second, Wooyoung speaks lowly with a grin never leaving his lips. "Cum on Daddy's face princess, you want to do that badly, don't you?" His lips immediately attack your sensitive clit again, and before you knew it, your cum splattered all over Wooyoung tongue making a complete mess. He definitely doesn't miss a chance to lick up all your juices in seconds, his lips sucking your clit to clean you off your mess.

Content with his meal, he pulls away from you, "Such a good meal, hyung. Our pretty girl is such a mess for us, isn't she?" Seonghwa chuckles softly from his words, "Of course, Woo, our cute little girl loves being eaten out by us, look at how fucked dumb she looks." Seonghwa's hands grope your hips making you squeak in confusion. He moves your hips back and forth on his thighs, making you cry out loudly. "M-Mommy, too s-sensitive n-now" Your hands try to stop him from moving your hips so mercilessly only for your wrists to be pinned above your head by Wooyoung, who captures your lips. You moan into the kiss, and your eyes roll back when Seonghwa flexes his thigh under your sensitive bud. "Come on pretty girl, you can give us one more can't you? Cum on my thigh and we'll reward you."

©️ All rights reserved to @wooyoungmybelovedhusband. Do not copy, steal, repost or report any of my works.

[little-svt]

FEMME-READER | FLUFF | Size regression

Wc: 2.2k+

Taglist: @pastel-princess-please @kiki-woo @fishsquishh

Run to You

By no means was Jeonghan out of shape or weak. He was known to be able to pull great athletic feats and have seemingly endless energy out of nowhere when the time arose. But most times, his stamina was short and he’d more than often rather be asleep, surviving on too much caffeine from a stream of never ending iced americano and his responsibility to you; his hyper little angel. And, God, did you like to keep him on his toes.

Thankfully, he wasn’t completely alone in looking after you, making sure you got out all your zoomies before bedtime. Every so often, he’d call up his dongsaengs and set up a playdate with a little who was sure to tire you out.

“Thanks, Jihoon-ah. Really… I love my little gremlin but I don't know how you handle yours.”, Jeonghan chuckled into his cell, pulling his lip between his teeth as he leaned back to peek around the corner, making sure you were still where he left you. The only time you seemed to sit still was when you were sitting in front of the television with your favorite snack.

Ending the call with a small smile, he finished getting his bag together, making sure his baby would have anything you could possibly need and some you didn’t for your afternoon at the park. When you were finished eating, he began the long process of chasing you around, yelling after your giggles that were surely insanity, and making sure you were ready in your play clothes. And he still had to figure out how to get ready himself. All the while, running in circles, he reminded himself that the pay off would be well worth it.

“Okay, angel. Up.”, Jeonghan shook his hair out of his eyes, tossing his bag over his shoulder with a huff and held his arms out. He enjoyed this part, trying not to grin at the way your face always lit up.

“Uppies!!”, you giggled, running toward his arms so he could lift you and prop you on his hip with a drawn-out groan as he straightened his back. Thank god it was only you around, he’d have to admit he was getting old.

“We are gonna go get Appa a coffee before we stop at the park. Think you can manage?”, he chuckled, carrying you out the door.

“Uh-huh! Can I hab a strawberry milk again?”, you asked, twirling and curling his soft, black hair around your fingers as he walked you down the hall.

None of his friends could ever understand why Jeonghan constantly ignored their advice. Especially when he so frequently, and annoyingly, one might add, complained about being tired and having a broken back. You were perfectly capable of feeding yourself, walking on your own, drinking from a cup, yet still, Jeonghan wouldn't hear of letting you do a single thing on your own. Sometimes he wondered if he needed you more than you needed him. Couldn’t he just find that in taking care of any of his dongsaengs? No. In fact, he’d rather die. (A joke of course). It was just you. The bond he had with you, the desire to be needed by you, to care for you, couldn’t be replicated in any way. He enjoyed helping you escape, wholeheartedly. You so greatly deserved it.

“You want more sugar? Didn’t Appa let you have cereal for breakfast because you didn’t want eggs?”, he asked, though there was no way he’d say ‘no’ to you. Not in the end anyways.

“I want cereal because Uncle Shuji says Appa cooking is stinky!!” You corrected him quite blatantly with a giggle. Cooking was not one of his many talents, he had to accept that. Still hurt, though.

Sighing with a shake of his head, he put you down in the elevator. After pressing the button for the ground floor, he made sure his wallet was in his pocket, you only wanted to lose that once and Mingyu had lost his enough times for all thirteen of them. Then Jeonghan held his arms out for you again once the elevator door dinged and opened. Not a single smile nor pout for him? So much for ‘your face always lit up’ when he called for you. Maybe he really did need you more than you needed him.

“Can we run to the shop, Appa?”, you asked innocently. Ah, there it was. Your head was always more in space than he could ever imagine it to be. Malicious was not a word in your vocabulary, even when it came to criticisms on his cooking. Your intentions were simple and pure.

Still, frowning at your rejection, Jeonghan looked out the elevator doors, trying to imagine the path to the shop. It was only a couple minutes down the road but he’d likely be chasing after you most of the day anyways.

“How about you save all your energy for Soonyoung-ah, yeah? You little boogers can run your hearts out when we get to the park.”, He prayed for mercy and thankfully, you complied.

With their busy schedules you only got to meet with Soonyoung, sometimes Mingyu, maybe once or twice a month at most. And exactly as he hoped, each time you’d fall asleep not long after he picked you up to carry you home for the evening. You’d be much more docile and cuddly the next couple of days once you’d tired yourself out. The little demon they called Hoshi always managed to be the best outlet for letting out all of your energy.

Jeonghan watched and chatted with you fondly as you pointed out little things during your walk to the park, picking up a rock you deemed was special or spotting a puppy on the streets around you. After stopping for a coffee and that strawberry milk, the two of you made it to your destination fairly quickly. Thankfully, Jihoon always agreed to meet closer to home so Jeonghan wouldn’t have to worry about traveling with you. Though maybe not so lucky for him when dealing with Hoshi.

“Appa~” you complained, sitting on the park bench hand-in-hand in front of the playground “when will Hoonie Soonie get heree??”

“‘Hoonie Soonie’, huh?” Jeonghan logged that one with a snicker before squinting at a Jihoon shaped man in baggy clothes, not that he was dressed much differently, “Oh, there-“

“HORANGHAEEE!!” You squealed, your hand tearing from Jeonghan’s as you ran excitedly across the playground to crash into Hoshi who bounced around with you, more than happy to match, even double your energy. Jeonghan was surprised he was able to dress the kid in two separate articles of clothing. Though it was just a T-shirt and overalls, most of the time it was a battle to get him out of his tiger onesie at all.

The two of you immediately took off in a game of tag while Jihoon found his spot next to Jeonghan, sighing as he leaned back as they watched their little ones, finally able to relax a little now that his little tiger was occupied. But maybe he jinxed himself. An hour full of giggles and squeals later, both you and Hoshi ran up to the bench giggling and covering your mouths.

“Appa…look what I found!” you moved your little hand from behind your back, opening your fist to show a particularly interesting shaped woodchip. After staring at it for a moment, not quite sure how he was meant to react, glancing at Jihoon who had no answer for him, he had no choice but to wing it.

“Wah… can Appa take a closer look? Where’d you find this, Angel? While you were playing by the slide?” Jeonghan smiled a bit too wide, convincing you that you were laying him right into the palm of your hand.

“We found it and this boy tried to-” Hoshi’s mouth was quickly covered by your free hand. Nothing suspicious at all. Jeonghan cracked a genuine smile, his little miss bossy pants.

“Isn’t it cool?? You can have it if you and Hoonie come play with us! But you have to chase us and then we get to chase you!!” You revealed your grand plan. Now how could they say no.

Victoriously, you pulled and tugged on Jeonghan’s sleeve, giggling as you urged him to get up quickly. Hoshi already had Jihoon up who was bickering and cursing under his breath, as expected. The only thing that finally freed them from endlessly circling the playground that seemed a bit too small for two grown men was Jihoon’s suggestion to get food. He knew his little rascal would be hungry sooner or later.

“I want bread! Bread! Bread!” Hoshi chanted, bouncing along as the four of you walked back to the bench to fetch your bags.

“What did we talk about? Real food. You can't just eat bread.” Jihoon threw his bag over his shoulder and held out his hand for the pouting tiger.

“Appa, I want bread too.” you whispered into his ear once Jeonghan picked you up and propped you on his hip again.

“Bread it is!” Jeonghan sometimes gave in a little too easily, but once you had your mind set, it was the path of least resistance. Of course insisting you ate something more nutritious before you could have your bread wasn’t totally giving in.

After dining in at a small restaurant nearby and making sure their two little ones had full tummies, Jeonghan and Jihoon were dragged back to the playground where they’d take part in all of your silly games. This time you and Hoshi were wild animals, a tiger and a bunny, the explorers had to catch in order to stop the end of the world. ‘How or why was the world ending’, you ask? They had no idea.

“That one looks like a fishy!” you pointed at the clouds passing overhead as you lay in Jeonghan’s lap.

The four of you had finally taken a rest on the green, more shaded area outside the playground after Jeonghan almost got on his knees to beg you. Cloud watching could be a pretty fun activity too. Especially on a random afternoon with your Appa and a full tummy at the park.

“That one looks like a tiger!!” Hoshi called out once he finished rolling across the grass back to your little group after attempting to do somersaults a safe distance from Jihoon’s head..

“Yah.. you can't call every cloud you see a tiger.” Jihoon lifted his head from the ground to see the cutest little hamster-like pout.

“Can too.” Hoshi grumbled, flopping on top of his Appa with a thud that had both you and Jeonghan cringing as Jihoon groaned.

“Yea that's enough. You obviously have more energy. I'm gonna go chase him around a bit more before it gets late. Comin’?” Jihoon asked Jeonghan while he sat Hoshi up and straightened out his clothes.

“I think we’re still cloud watching, aren't we Angel?” he smiled, brushing your hair out of your face as if he wasn’t begging for mercy telepathically and hoping you could hear him.

“Still watchin’! That one looks like Uncle Cheolie!!” you giggled.

Following your finger Jeonghan laughed to himself when he spotted the oddly shaped cloud, not quite sure how you’d come to that conclusion. Snapping a picture, he’d be sure to tease him about it later.

The breeze was hitting just right, a gentle wind sweeping through his hair as he watched you watching the sky, Hoshi’s laughter and Jihoon’s squabbling, even the hustle and bustle of the city outside was distant and somehow pleasant. The sun slowly began to lower in the sky, orange pinks, blues, purple and orange blooming through the fluffs of clouds above. Jeonghan’s eyes closed as he took a long, deep breath, opening them again before he dozed off. Much like the sweet, sleepy thing resting now in his lap.

“Asleep already?” Jihoon laughed, picking up his bag from the ground and adjusting Hoshi who he had on his back.

“Too tired to walk?”

“You’re right. But it works every time.” they grinned.

“Same time next week?” Jeonghan pulled you into his arms and stood up with his things, your head finding its home on his shoulder.

A hopeful sentiment really. It was more likely they wouldn't have another playdate for weeks to come. But they’d enjoy the payoff of this one while they had the chance. Jeonghan, tired and achy limbs and all, would still take the long way home as the light left the sky so he could hold his hyper little angel, asleep in his arms, just a little longer.

🧸Endnote: HAPPY HANNIE DAY!! And happy late bday to me! [1001] Three-year-old size regression validation written for those littles who have deep childhood trauma and need help getting back safely. Also bc if Jeonghan actually tried to pick me up his twig paper mache bones would literally… 😭 wah anyways. I know i'll be very busy for the month of ocotober, i would like to be able to work on and post maybe a short halloween headcanon or drabble with Admin II so keep your eye out for that <3 ~ 🐶🐰🍓

🧸Masterlist🧸

[appynonna]

Our Universe

Chapter 11: Angel Baby Pairing: Poly!OT8xoriginal chararters Rating: 18+ Word Count: 2,387 Words

Trigger Warning: pet names.

This is a work of fiction. By no means is it meant to be taken seriously and does not reflect on the people used within the story.

Previous Chapter -> Here

Master list -> Here

Arthur notes: Hello, Deary I am sorry for the long wait. It has been a lot between school, work, Life, Friends, and Doctor appointments. I have been officially diagnosed with PTSD, no surprise to anyone. I have the next chapter started and it will hopefully be out by the

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Everything was fuzzy, and my head was pounding. I could still feel my momma pulling my hair and dragging me across the floor, I could hear her screaming at me as she cut my light brown curls out.

Her words cut deeper than the shears ever could, Making my heart bleed. If this is what my mom thought it had to be true. Maybe I was what she was saying.

"Angle?" It wasn't her voice this time, It was soft but deeper. I looked around trying to find it but everything was still so fuzzy. "Angel baby" It called out again. "Can you hear me" It continued "I'm right here, We haven't left you" It kept calling out.

-3rd Person POV-

Yeosang patted Seonghwa on the shoulder standing up "I'll be just inside if you need me" Then, I walked inside to a Concerned Mingi looking at him. Wooyoung was distracted by the TV and Jongho looked when Mingi started to speak, Yeosang cut him off " Don't ask" He said sitting back down and Pulling out his phone.

"You still talking to that girl?" Mingi asked him as he was still playing with Woo in Mariocart. "What?" Jongho asked, "What girl?" He asked Mingi looking up from his book.

"Oh our little Yeosang knows" Mingi smirked "Yes, We are still talking. End of story" Yeosang Replied knowing that if he didn't give them something they would keep asking, Jongho Nodded " I can respect that" Jongho looked back down at his book as Mingi Nodded too, "well I can't" Woo whined " Your cheating on us" Wooyoung gasped loudly, " You have betrayed us!" He fakes cries onto Mingi's arm.

"Get the hell off of me" Mingi pushed Wooyoung off him " Leave Yeosang alone," A voice said from behind the sofa, Turning to find Hongjoong looking around the room "Where is Hwa?" He asked looking at Yeosang "Currently outside on the terrace talking to Yechan"

Hongjoong nodded before walking around to the side of the sofa where Wooyoung from Hongjoong. When he got over to him, Hongjoong grabbed Wooyoung by the back of the back of the neck dragging him back down the hallway.

Wooyoung could be heard shouting as they went, "No, I'm sorry. I don't want to go to the bedrooms" Mingi laughed "Better him than me" He said laughing and turned from the TV to look at Yeosang. "Are you happy?" Mingi asked the older male, Yeosang smiled at him " I am" He told Mingi.

Mingi reached out to pat Yeosang's leg.

"That's all that matters," Mingi said and then held the controller to Yeosang "Want to go?" Yeosang nodded, taking the controller.

-Villa -

Yechan stayed in the closet on the off chance that she would be needed.

"Angel?" Seonghwa called out and Ari shook her head "No, you left me" She kept mumbling. "Angel baby" He called out again "Can you hear me?" Hwa asked the crying girl "I'm right here, Angel. We haven't left you" He kept going "You are safe Angel." Ari just shook her head

"Yechan are you still there" Seonghwa called out as Ari Started to Hyperventilate again.

"I'm here" Yechan called out. "Go get something that smells like me," He asked her. Standing up Yechan walked to the bathroom to look in the dirt hamper, but it was empty.

"Of course it's empty" SHe mumbled walking back to the bedroom, Matz was lying on the bed. The cat stared at her like he had been caught doing something bad "That will work" Yechan walked over to the bed getting Seonghwa's pillow. The cat lay down in the warm spot the pillow previously sat on.

Walking back over to the closet she could hear Ari's breathing "Ari. In through your nose, and out through your mouth" Seonghwa was trying to help the girl breathe the best he could from the other side of the phone.

Walking up to the girl with the pillow in hand, Ari was trying to get away as Yechan got closer. "I'm sorry Ari," She said shoving the pillow onto the girl's face. Boxing her in between the pillow and the wall.

"Yechan, what is going on" Hwa asked trying his hardest to see out with the phone pointing up. He was only able to see the underside of Yechan's breast with her kneeling over the phone.

"I'm smothering her obviously," She said in a smart-ass tone. Ari fought for a good few minutes and even managed to draw blood from Yechan's arm when she grabbed her with her nails.

Yechan was watching Ari closely. She finally stopped fighting and took a deep breath Wrapping her arms around the pillow and holding it tightly to her as she cried.

"Ari?" Yechan asked lightly, pulling the top of the pillow down, Ari hiccuped and looked at Yechan. "Channie?" Ari asked confused. Yechan couldn't stop her face from scrunching up to the horrible nickname, As she watched the younger girl more closely. Ari's eyes were rapidly unfocused then refocused "Yechan," she said again looking around the small room.

Seonghwa's clothes hung on the right side and Hongjoong's were on the left.

It was simple to tell what belonged to who. Seonghwa's clothes always had a more feminine touch as hongjoong stuff was mostly pieces he made himself.

"Why are we in the closet? Ari was still very much confused by the look on her face.

-Ari's Pov-

The feeling of something push up to my face. No matter how hard I was fighting, it wouldn't move away.

I fought against it not wanting to end here, I needed to get back to Hongjoong and the other. I could leave like this, Having them think I left without a goodbye.

They would never forgive me.

I faintly could smell the black coffee with a hint of vanilla that reminded me of Seonghwa. I could feel the energy leaven me as I fought less. The bittersweet coffee left me with a warm feeling inside my chest.

I could feel myself starting to cry as the fight left my body. I'm sorry Seonghwa.

"Ari?" A voice above me said as the coffee and vanilla smell left. Channie, It was Yechan.

As the light came into focus, I could feel the headache rapidly approaching. Looking around I found that Yechan was Kneeling above me.

I looked around confused, seeing that we were at. Sitting in the closet of my lovers, I looked back at Yechan. "Why are we in the closet?"

Yechan laughed sitting back down and then picking up the phone that was lying in front of me on the floor. "She's back now," She said then looked at me "Good morning Bunny," Yechan said then turned her phone to me.

Seonghwa looked through the phone at me smiling, His brilliant white teeth shining in the low light. I slowly reached taking the phone from Yechan, "What happened?" I looked back up at Yechan. She emailed and pushed a piece of hair behind my ear.

"Let's go downstairs and talk," She said standing up and offering her hand. I let her help me up. Wrapping myself in Hwa's fur coat, Yechan helped me down the stairs slowly. My legs shook the whole short walk.

Between Yechan, Seonghwa, and Yeosang they were able to explain what happened. What was missed in the last 12 hours.

They told me what was found in my blood, Yechan filled them in with what all happened after they left and I told them the last thing I could remember—walking into the changing room at the new dress shop.

"There is where Yunho found you right?" Yeosang asked, I turned and looked at Yechan "Ya, it was." She was looking everywhere but the phone propped up in front of us as I sipped on water.

"What did you do" I turned to Yechan. She smirked and ran her tongue across her overly pointed canines. "No one to hurt, so don't worry about it" Yechan gave me a sweet smile.

"Oh," Yechan said after a second "You need to call Rhea" She then passed me my phone. The device had too many missed calls and texts to count.

"I told her you would call when you woke up," She said pushing me up "Beside your dogs need to pee" She smiled pointing a thumb toward three sleeping dogs. Not the first of them paying any attention to me.

I shook my head And gave a short whistle. Rocky started asleep but Django and Siren got up and hurried to my side.

Walking outside I sat down in the hammock next to the inground pool, Siren jumped up into the swing with me laying his white head on my chest. He looked up at me with his big blue eyes.

"I'm ok boy" I stretched the space between his ears.

Unlocking the phone I Open the messages. There were mostly messages from Rhea and Kai. A few from just random people I would talk to now and then.

I laughed when I opened Kai's messages. They started normal then turned into chaos very fast after about 20 minutes.

"hey hey hey hey hey, Are you dead? I bet you're ignoring me! Hey heye hey heye heye heye heye. Ari Ari Ari Ari Ari AAAAAARRRRRRIIII" And the messages kept going like for a while, By the time I got to the bottom my side was hurting from laughing. I messaged him back "Chill out my dude" A few moments later a message came back "Fine, I'll call off the search party," Kai replied

I didn't bother looking at Rhea's messages, I just went straight to calling her. Pulling up the phone's app it shows me all the most recent calls. It almost looked to be from Rhea, But one stood out the most.

Namjoon

That was weird I thought, I'll call him back in the morning. I called Rhea, She answered before the first was done.

"I'm awake" She shouted, I couldn't help but laugh at my friend "I awake" She stated again "Who is this?" Rhea asked then there was a rustling sound. Most likely Rhea checked her phone.

"Ahh," She suddenly screamed "Your alive" She was being dramatic at this point "Where have you been?" She asked, Her voice still full of the sluggishness from just waking up as she was becoming more aware.

I told her it was a long story to try not to make her panic. "It's only 3 am, I got time," She said then made a sound "Get your fat furry ass off me," Rhea said suddenly "ok, I'm back. Now explain"

By the tone of her voice, I knew this was about to be bad. "Rhea, I don't know if you want to know. It's not too serious. I was only drugged, That's it" I said trying to Deescalate the issue, Hoping that she would drop it "You what?" She screamed at me, I could hear the cats in the background running.

Pulling the phone away from my ear, I was still able to hear her but not make out what she was saying "Are you done yet?" I asked. She screamed "no" at me and then kept yelling. I was unable to understand her fully as she rapidly kept switching back and forth between what sounded like a mix of Korean and Spanish.

Starting the sentence in one language and ending in a different one.

The phone then disconnected. I looked at my phone and then back to Siren. "I think I made her mad," I told the pearl-colored dog.

Walking back inside Yechan was still on the phone with what looked to be Seonghwa, He was leaning back laughing on the other side of the phone as she said something to him that I didn't quite get.

Walking over I sat next to Yechan whose arm was thrown over the back of the sofa, Pulling the coat over my legs.

"I'm guessing that San changed my clothes?" I asked no one in particular, as I was wearing the set that San had the matching set to. "He did" Hwa answered, then looked up. "Did you eat breakfast?" He asked, Knowing my old eating habits. I shook my head "No, but I ate some pizza around lunch at Rhea's salon" I told him hoping he would drop it.

The unspoken rule was as long as you were honest no one could get mad, Sometimes it doesn't always work but we try.

"You need to get something for dinner, Ari." He chuckled a little "Or an early breakfast at this point" Seonghwa added, Yechan got up "I'll make her something" She said heading to the kitchen, I turned getting on my knees as she walked into the kitchen. "I'm not hungry" I yell "Too bad. You're going to eat." Yechan yelled back as the pantry door opened.

"Ari, as much as I like this view of your ass," Seonghwa said behind me. I turned back to him. Picking up the phone I looked at the screen and laid on the sofa using the blanket draped over the back as a pillow.

I could smell Mingi's expensive colognes on it. It was a strange combination, but it fit him perfectly. A mixture of Mandarin, Cedar, Sage, and Seasalt.

"What is it, Angel?" Seonghwa asked as I snuggled into the blanket and fur coat, surrounded by the smell of my family. "Nothing, Just missing you," I told him.

Seonghwa smiled at me "I miss you too, Angel" His eyes were happy little crescents in the pale light. "Look at this" he turned the switch around showing me what he had been playing. His eyes poked out from behind it, and a gust of wind swept his hair to the side. "Your hair is getting long," I told him, His eyes narrowed with a smile. " I know," he said then pointed to the screen.

"This one is me" He pointed to the little human person, then to what looked like a hamster "This is Flurry, She is friends with Judy" he pointed to the pink and blue bear "And this one back here is Bill" I laughed at him as he kept rambling on about his animal crossing village.

[hongcherry]

can i get uhhh one short seungkwan ice cream fluff :thinking emoji:

melting for you || bsk

"An impromptu ice cream date with your friend, Seungkwan, ends unexpectedly."

🍦 Paring: friend!Seungkwan x Reader (gn)

🍦 Rating/Genres/AUs: PG-13; Fluff, friends to lovers

🍦 Warnings: None! (but ofc lmk if I missed something)

🍦 Word Count: 1k

🍦 Author's Note: Order up! Thanks, anon 😉 We're going to ignore how late this is lol. Happy first Boo Seungkwan fic on my blog woo &lt;333 (also, if there are parts that make this non-gn, plz lmk!)

seventeen masterlist | main masterlist

“Chocolate again?” A teasing snicker erupted behind you. 

You didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Despite this, you peered over your shoulder to show your friend the best eye roll known to humanity. 

Seungkwan laughed, not affected by your sassy response. 

“Why change something that’s already good?” you argued. 

“To be adventurous,” he replied and stepped closer. 

You kept eye contact with him when he neared. The rapid beating of your heart was a dead giveaway of how you’ve grown to like him as more than a friend. 

Seungkwan leaned in as he whispered in your ear, blonde hair tickling your cheek, “Maybe you should try something new with me.”

The sentence was simplistic. It had no foul language and wasn’t alluding to anything inappropriate, yet your brain thought otherwise. Try something new as in cross the friendship line you had drawn in your head? It surely would be an adventure, but you weren’t sure if it would be a delightful one or a dreadful one. Dreadful if the feelings aren't reciprocated.

Seungkwan’s chuckle broke you from your thoughts. He stepped back, and you inhaled deeply, not noticing how you had held your breath. 

“I’m more comfortable with things I already know,” you mumbled, turning around in hopes he didn’t see how flustered you were. 

“Sorry,” you said to the cashier you ended up ignoring. “Do I pay here?”

The cashier smiled and shook their head. “It’s been paid for already. You can just wait over there until it’s done.”

You furrowed your brows. You definitely did not pay yet. You opened your mouth to protest, but Seungkwan’s voice stopped yours. 

“Can I get a double green tea scoop, please?”

Then you realized. 

It was he who paid for it. It had to be. 

You stared at your friend with accusing eyes as he completed his order. He must have done that when he cornered you earlier. That sly little—

“Scoot over, silly,” Seungkwan said playfully, ignoring your glare and leading you to the side so the next customers could order. 

“You didn’t have to do that,” you huffed. 

Seungkwan shrugged and slipped his wallet back into his pants pocket. 

“You tell me that too many times,” he sighed. 

“That’s because you pay for me too many times,” you explained. 

Seungkwan smiled, grabbing both your ice creams that were done. He handed you yours and guided you to an empty table. 

“And every time I’ll tell you the same thing: I do it because I want to,” he said before taking a spoonful of his ice cream into his mouth. 

Before you could argue again, he shook his head and gestured to your melting dessert. 

“Don’t waste my money. Eat your ice cream.” Although his words could be seen as harsh, his teasing tone told you he wasn’t mad at all. 

You watched him for a second longer before obliging. You’ve already tried the flavor before, yet it still tasted just as amazing as the first time. 

Seungkwan observed you silently as he ate his ice cream, a small smile on his lips. 

You noticed his lingering gaze and suddenly felt shy. 

“Did you want some?” you asked, holding out your ice cream cup to him. 

“Might as well try it since you always get this. I hope it doesn’t disappoint,” he commented and scooped some up in his spoon. 

You eyed him while he consumed the treat. His lips curled upward as he pulled the spoon from his lips—lips which you found yourself staring at a little too long. 

“It’s good,” he reviewed, “but good enough to get it every time?”

For the second time that day, you rolled your eyes, earning another laugh from Seungkwan that had your skin heat despite the chilly treat you were eating. 

You pushed down the warm feelings that kept resurfacing in your chest for the next twenty minutes. Seungkwan spoke about his recent get-together with his friends, but frankly, you weren’t listening as well as you should’ve been. 

By the time Seungkwan walked you to your car, you were peering anywhere but at him. You had hoped your flickering gazes went unnoticed by Seungkwan, but that was wishful thinking.

“You’ve been acting strange today,” he said.

“How so?” you wondered, eyes squinting from the bright sun. Seungkwan smiled softly and adjusted himself so you could see him easier.

“You seem…distracted,” he commented.

“I just have too many thoughts up here,” you replied, a finger tapping on your head.

Seungkwan chuckled, “Am I in one of them?”

“I-in one of what?” you questioned while gazing down at the keys in your hands.

“Your thoughts.”

You sputtered as you tried to speak a coherent sentence. In the end, you simply answered, “No.”

Seungkwan’s mouth dropped slightly in a silent “ah.” It was obvious he did not believe you, but to keep what little sanity you had, you imagined he did.

“Can I do something?” Seungkwan asked. 

Your sight moved back to him, eyebrows knitting together at his sudden request. Seungkwan took a small step closer and carefully raised a hand to your cheek. Although you weren’t sure what he was going to do initially, you had a pretty good idea about it now.

“Yes,” you answered.

Seungkwan’s smile was the last thing you saw before you shut your eyes. His lips on yours were soft. If your heart was jogging at the mere sound of his laughter, it was now sprinting from the simple kiss.

Seungkwan was the first to pull away. You were left a little dazed–half tempted to pinch yourself in case it was a dream.

“Am I in your thoughts now?” he smirked, a hint of mischief in his tone.

“You never left,” you confessed quietly.

Seungkwan grinned, a thumb brushing your lower lip as he replied. “I know.”

If it weren’t for him leaning in for another kiss, you would’ve combatted his smugness with a clever comeback. However, that would have to wait for another time. 

Why was the mint ice cream so good at poker?

Because it had so many chips.

©️hongcherry // DO NOT REPOST OR MODIFY Please consider reblogging if you liked this work. Feedback/commentary is always welcomed.

[achaotichuman]

Five times Lucien Vanserra proposed to Tamlin, one time Tamlin said yes.

So, I wrote this like six months ago, put it on Ao3, took it down a week later. Now we're here. If you like sappy, totally, completely, undeniably in love Tamcien, then you'll like this.

The first time Lucien proposed to Tamlin he had barely known the male two weeks and had been completely off his face on Faery wine.

Their group of friends had decided to hit a bar on the far south side of the Autumn Court. Tamlin had happened to join them and Lucien was excited to get to know the male a little better.

They had first met when their fathers demanded a meet up after a mishap with some trade between the Autumn and Spring Court, both Lucien and Tamlin had snuck off and found solace in each other's company. 

The Spring gardens had been lovely to look at but not nearly as lovely at looking at the youngest Prince of Spring. Light golden hair that fell down his back and shoulders in soft waves, it was cut softly around the front nicely framing his face. He was not nearly like any other Prince he had ever seen.

Unlike the other heirs of the Courts, Tamlin had a softness to him that balanced out his warrior build. Along with an other-worldly sense of balance. Lucien had found him strolling through the dense gardens of Spring. The gardens were unlike anything, they were in a confined space, but seemingly left to their own devices, branches and flowering vines curled over each other in a way that would seem erratic and chaotic anywhere else but fit the Court so well here.

Tamlin had stood up on the tips of his toes and wrapped a hand around an unfurled rose. When he removed his hand the flower was in full bloom with specks of shimmering gold floating off of the petals.

Ground Magic they called it. The magic that allowed Spring Fae to control the growth and life of plants.

Lucien, in a moment of uncharacteristic clumsiness, stepped on a branch. Immediately the Spring Prince turned to him, and Lucien’s breath caught in his throat at the sight of those bright green eyes.

Tamlin narrowed his eyes and Lucien stood there dumbly. He wasn’t like this; he shouldn’t be like this. Normally he could easily fall into small talk, using his charm to woo people into connecting with him, but not with this male. Lucien felt like he was six years old again and standing before the whole Court, wholly on display and vulnerable.

“Who are you?” Tamlin asked quickly.

Lucien blinked, he opened and closed his mouth like a dead fish, just staring.

“What are you doing in my garden?” Tamlin asked, sounding more threatening, that snapped Lucien out of it.

“I was getting away.” Lucien said quickly, nearly smacking himself at how high-pitched and awkward his voice sounded.

Tamlin tilted his head slightly, then in two smooth leaps he was before Lucien.

Lucien, logically, didn’t have much to worry about if the lordling thought him to be a threat. Their builds were quite similar, even if the male before him was a good fifteen years older and taller than him. And Lucien knew he was quick enough to easily overpower those even twice his size. Still, he was intimidated.

After a moment Tamlin asked, "You're one of the Autumn Princes, right?”

“Um, yes, yes! Lucien.” Lucien stuck out his hand. Good Gods what the fuck was wrong with him?

Tamlin again regarded him with suspicion, then he tentatively took Lucien’s hand. His fingers were long and slender, with callous’ on his palm. 

“Tamlin, nice to meet you.” He said, eyes still looking him up and down but significantly relaxed.

After Lucien got past his original awkwardness, Tamlin and he began to talk. The Princeling showed him around the gardens, apparently most of it was allowed to run on its own, but occasionally a gardener would come through and trim it up, and Tamlin would often help. He gave Lucien a detailed explanation on what certain plants were and the meaning behind them.

They ended up staying out there for four hours. Lucien said nothing but marvelled at the garden, usually he hated it when people rambled and didn’t allow a word in, but something in him told him to shut up and pay attention to what this male was saying.

Eventually Eris came to find him. It was time to return to Autumn.

Lucien and Tamlin ended up meeting every morning on the border for the next two weeks. Catching fish from the river and talking till late afternoon.

Lucien didn’t quite know what got him so invested in the Princeling, but they became good friends quickly.

Which led him to propose to the Spring lord in a drunken state.

Poor Tamlin had just been sitting at the bar, listening to the music, conversing with one of Lucien’s many friends and enjoying the atmosphere when Lucien came stumbling up to him, barely being able to stand upright.

Tamlin had laughed and gotten off his chair to help stabilise the drunk Prince. Lucien laid eyes on that pretty face and got down on one knee.

Lucien took the metal ring off his own finger and showed it to Tamlin, slurring “Marry me!”

Not even a question, more of an outright demand.

Tamlin had stared at him for a moment, his face caught between shocked and incredibly amused. He then laughed and helped pick Lucien up off the ground.

“Alright, my Fox, that's enough wine for you.” Tamlin had laughed, starting to take Lucien over to the entrance of the bar.

Lucien leaned fully onto Tamlin, “Fox? If I’m a fox what are you then, Spring Prince?”

Tamlin smiled, “Well I don’t know, I guess that's for you to decide.”

He had meant it in a joking manner, but Lucien still took it seriously. He studied Tamlin long and hard before tapping his nose and saying “Golden ray. Because you like a golden ray of sunshine!”

Tamlin had been silent for a moment, before he burst out laughing, “Alright then, my Fox.”

***

The second time Lucien proposed to Tamlin, he had been completely sober and dead serious.

But Tamlin was not aware of just how serious Lucien was.

It had been the hundred year anniversary of Jesminda’s death and naturally Lucien had been feeling pretty shitty.

Tamlin had a memorial for her. It was the centre of the gardens, surrounded by every flower Lucien had ever said she liked. A park bench had been built, it was made of Autumn wood, and in the typical lesser fae country style. On the backing there was a golden plate with the words In memory of our dearest Jesminda Roseturn, whose sarcasm and teasing will be missed but never be forgotten. 

Lucien had laughed through the tears when he saw it. It was just what Jesminda would have wanted, she always hated the typical style of graveyards. Always thought them to be so morbid.

He had been sitting on that bench. Tears flowing freely down his face. He had long moved on from the deep sadness that made him never want to love another like he did her again. Still he stayed away from anything romantic during this week of the year.

Then Tamlin came out from the manor to him. Tamlin and his stupidly, obliviously, romantic whims.

He sat beside Lucien and pulled him into a hug. When she first died Lucien had avoided all touching but as the years went by, he found more and more comfort in his friends arms. 

Then, in such Tamlin fashion, he made a tub of chocolate ice cream appear from the pocket between realms. It was basically just a pile of ice cream absolutely smothered in chocolate syrup, cream and strawberries.

He made two spoons appear, along with a bottle of Faery wine and set it down between them, “I figured you’d just wanna get drunk and eat sugar so I got this stuff for us.”

Lucien once thought he could only ever love Jesminda, he was very wrong, because the next words out of his mouth were, “will you marry me?”

Tamlin had laughed, taken a spoonful of ice cream and shoved it in Lucien's mouth, who fake glared at him and snatched the spoon away, sucking it clean.

Lucien didn’t remember how they even managed to finish all that ice cream. They got extravagantly drunk and didn’t remember anything after that.

***

The third time Lucien proposed to Tamlin, it wasn’t really him asking for the High lords hand, more him expressing his desire to marry him.

Both of them had been laying on the rooftop of the Manor. Looking up at the starry night, the full moon shining brightly in the sky.

The cool Spring air was biting, it didn’t bother Lucien, the fire flowing freely in his veins keeping him warm.

That wasn’t the case for the High lord beside him. Tamlin shivered and cuddled closer to Lucien. The fire lord chuckled, Tamlin was resting his head on Lucien’s shoulder, Lucien’s arm wrapped around him, keeping him pressed against the fire lord’s side.

“It’s colder than usual tonight,” Lucien quipped.

“It’s fucking freezing you walking matchstick, not that you would know considering you’re the Fae equivalent of a fireplace.” Tamlin angrily snuggled closer.

Lucien pressed his lips into Tamlin’s hair. Rubbing his hand up and down Tamlin’s back, heating his hand so it warmed his friend.

Tamlin let out a small satisfied sigh, “I love you.”

The words sunk into his skin. Lucien nearly made his skin too hot for comfort.

Lucien freely expressed his love to Tamlin with his words, but the latter rarely used his voice to express his love.

Tamlin made up for it in the endless gestures that he only extended to those he held close to his heart. But Lucien always wished he would say it back.

And right now he had. Lucien basked in the feeling like the sun had just come out.

“I love you.” He whispered back, “so much.”

Tamlin laughed quietly, “How much?”

Lucien started drawing circles on his back, “So much so, that if I had to choose one person to spend the rest of my life with, the choice is obvious…”

Tamlin gave him a bright smile, Lucien then said, “Andras, all the way.”

Tamlin slapped his arm, laughing, “you’re an asshole, we were having a moment, how dare you!”

Lucien wrapped both his arms tightly around him, pulling the squirming High lord close, “No, Golden Ray, I’m sorry. If I had to pick one person to spend the rest of my immortal lifespan with, it would be you, without hesitation.”

Tamlin rested his head on Lucien’s chest, listening to his heartbeat, “I would choose you as well, always.”

The fire lord knew that Tamlin didn’t mean that romantically, maybe would never mean that romantically. But just for a moment, just for tonight, he let himself hope.

***

The fourth time Lucien proposed, it was after their whole lives had just come crashing down.

Fifty years to find a human woman who would love Tamlin despite a hatred of Fae. A joke, pure mockery of the High lord. Amarantha’s way of proving to Tamlin that only she could love him.

And Tamlin was believing her.

He was covered in bruises and blood as was Lucien. Both of them were locked away in Lucien’s room. Sitting on the bed, tears streaming down their faces. Their masked faces.

Lucien took Tamlin’s face in his hands. Even with the mask he knew what he looked like under it, he knew just how beautiful his friend was, and would never forget it even if these masks never came off.

“How am I going to do this?” Tamlin whispered, “how am I going to find someone to love me enough to break a fucking curse?”

Lucien rested his forehead against Tamlin. The gold of their masks clicked together, “how could anyone not fall in love with you?”

Tamlin huffed, “the only person to ever pursue me is the reason we’re wearing these godforsaken masks.”

“That’s not true-“

“Yes! Yes it is Lucien! We are in this mess because of me! Now because of me I have to send a sentry to his death! How can I do that?! How can I look any of my men in the eye and tell them to cross a wall knowing they’ll never return in some desperate hope of a maiden potentially killing them?!”

“Tamlin! This is not your fault! Amarantha is fucking insane! None of this is because of you! As for the sentries, we will give whoever we choose a send off worth remembering for centuries to come. This is for not just our Court but all of Pythian now.”

Tamlin was silent, those tears dropped off his face staining his shirt. Lucien took Tamlin’s hands in his.

“How am I going to get someone to fall in love with me?”

Lucien smiled slightly, “who wouldn’t fall for you?”

Tamlin shook his head, “No, no. No one would fall for me, besides that psycho bitch Queen.”

“Tamlin-“

“Lucien, I can't charm people. I can’t woo females or even flirt properly, that’s your domain. Even if we find a human that meets the criteria, she will hate me, I am just not loveable-“

“I love you!” Lucien shouted.

“It’s not the same!” Tamlin shouted back, “You’re my friend! We love each other differently than people who are lovers!” 

The words were poison, but at this point Lucien couldn’t back down. He was losing Tamlin anyway, what hurt would it do to finally say it, “No, Tam, it’s exactly the same. I love you, you are not just a friend to me and you have never been just a friend to me! I love you so much it hurts! And seeing you like this, thinking that no one could ever love you, breaks my heart more than you’ll ever imagine!”

Tamlin went completely silent at that. From the look on the High lord’s face Lucien might as well have said he was going to go over the wall himself to retrieve a maiden. 

“I… Tamlin I-”

Tamlin brought Lucien’s hands to his face, kissing them relentlessly, “Why would you say that?! Why would you tell me that now?!”

Both of them were shaking, Lucien was using every fibre in his body to not start crying right then and there.

“Why would you tell me that when I can’t love you?! When I’m doomed to never be able to love you?!” His words were near incoherent from the tears choking his words. Lucien understood him all the same.

Lucien lost the battle to his tears, he started sobbing, resting his forehead against the crown of Tamlin’s hair, “Because I can’t go another day without you knowing! Tamlin, I have wanted you forever, I will always love you!”

When the two of them calmed down enough, they both laid down on Lucien’s bed. Tamlin’s face pressed into Lucien’s chest. Their arms were wrapped tightly around each other.

“If… if we could start over, and this never happened…” He wanted to ask. At the same time he didn’t want to know the answer.

“Just say it, Luce.”

“... will you marry me?”

Tamlin didn’t answer, he never answered. Not that night, not the next day, not fifty years later. He just pressed himself harder against Lucien, more sobs falling from him.

One day, forty-nine years later, a Huntress named Feyre with light brown hair, piercing blue eyes and a pretty face came into their lives.

Lucien hated her with every piece of his soul.

***

The fifth time Lucien proposed to Tamlin he was turned down flat.

They had come out from Under the Mountain barely two days earlier. The two of them were sitting on the rooftop, like they had done so many years prior.

The moon was high in the sky, the stars settled above them like drops of sunlight scattered throughout the darkness.

“She’s Fae now.” Tamlin murmured, “She’s going to live as long as us.”

His tone was not said in the happy way it should be. It should have been said joyfully, it should have been an acknowledgement that the female he loved was going to be beside him forever.

Instead he sounded resigned, like the idea of Feyre being immortal was yet another curse.

“Yeah. She’ll be with us forever,” Lucien said.

The Fox couldn’t help it, he conjoined his hand with Tamlin’s, “She loved you enough to go Under the Mountain for us.”

Tamlin nodded, “We owe her every life in Prythian. She is our saviour.”

There was a beat of silence. One heartbeat, then the next. Tamlin said, “I can’t let that happen to her again.”

“Amarantha is dead, it will never happen again.” 

Tamlin shook his head, an opened envelope appeared from the pocket between realms. He handed it to Lucien.

The Fox was confused for a moment, he opened the letter and scanned over it. 

Oh… shit.

Tamlin spoke, “Hybern wants to establish a meet up. They want to weasel their way back into Prythian, now that Amarantha is dead, their puppet is gone. Hybern will be looking for a way back in.”

“Why us?” Lucien asked.

Tamlin’s eyes went uncharacteristically cold at that, “It may have something to do with Feyre being the cursebreaker. They may want to establish contact with her, and if they want to get into Prythian and create another Amarantha situation, they may be looking to eliminate her before she becomes a problem again.”

“You mean they want to kill her?” Lucien asked, it made him a horrible person, but the idea she might die and leave Tamlin all to himself made a tiny part of him light up.

No, she sacrificed her life for all of them. He couldn’t be so hateful of her anymore.

“That's what I’m thinking. We need to keep her here and in sight. There's no telling if they send in a spy, with the economy down and most of the Court in destruction it would be easy to send in a spy or assassin. Feyre can’t be left unguarded.”

“So what? You want a group of sentries to follow her around all day?” Lucien asked.

“For now… that's not a bad idea. Especially whilst she’s getting used to her new body.”

It made sense. Hybern was psychotic, it was where Amarantha came from, but they were intelligent. Most people had left Spring once the Bitch Queen was brought down to go see family in neighbouring Courts, so the grounds and Court were in chaos. It would be the perfect time for a snake to get into the hen house.

More silence past them. Lucien gripped the letter a little tighter. He glanced at Tamlin who was staring up at the moon, his eyes had fallen closed. It was like he was bathing in the silvery glow.

“Tam.”

“Yeah.” Tamlin replied, his eyes still closed.

“Are you going to marry her?” He couldn’t help it, the question slipped past his defences.

Tamlin opened his eyes and looked at Lucien. The fire lord cursed himself for ruining the peaceful moment.

“If everything goes according to plan, yes. Yes I will.”

Another heartbeat, then the next, “Do you want to?”

Tamlin sucked in a breath and looked down at the gardens, now surrounded by darkness, “She saved our lives, because of her love for me… Marriage is what's expected.”

“But do you want to?” Lucien pressed.

“She saved us, Lucien. She saved us-”

“Forget that! Forget everything about that! She’s because of Amarantha! She is a direct byproduct of that hateful witch! You can’t tell me you want to chain yourself to those memories!”

Tamlin snapped. Lucien knew he’d gone too far when the word ‘chain’ left his mouth. The High lord gave a low growl and that was the only warning Lucien got before he was being pinned on his back. Tamlin’s sharp claws punctured through his fingertips, digging into his arms, just not drawing blood.

“Don’t speak about her like that! We owe her a life debt, we all do and you are no exception!”

Lucien always marvelled at how Tamlin’s eyes glowed when he was angry. From a first glance the High lord was just that, royalty. He had a softness and grace to him that even Lucien couldn’t muster, but those claws… the eyes he had and the fangs that gleamed in the light revealed an animalistic side of him that Lucien hadn’t ever truly seen his High lord embrace. Almost like he was afraid of it.

 “I know, I’m sorry. I just… I’m sorry.” Lucien whispered.

Tamlin relaxed, his claws withdrew and his eyes dimmed. He sat back on his heels. Lucien just realised Tamlin was straddling his waist.

“I miss you.” Lucien revealed.

Tamlin looked back down into his eyes. There was a longing in them. Lucien’s heart selfishly leapt at the idea Tamlin still wanted him as much as Lucien did.

“I miss you too.” Tamlin murmured.

Lucien took the High lord’s hands in his, “Tam… will you marry-”

“No, no I won’t.” Tamlin said, his voice hardening.

He knew that would be the answer, his heart still shattered all the same.

“I won’t marry you, Lucien. I miss you, I do. I love you more than you’ll ever imagine, but you’re not worth the price I would have to pay. If I could do it all over I would marry you, I would spend eternity with you, I would have children with you, but I can’t. We can’t be wed, and there is no use in mourning what could have been.”

The fire lord nodded, “I know.”

Tamlin leaned down and brushed his lips against Lucien’s, he longed to lean up and kiss him properly, but he knew he couldn’t. He knew this was Tamlin’s way of saying goodbye.

“I love you, my Fox, and I always will.” With that Tamlin kissed his cheek, pulled himself off of Lucien and strided inside, never looking back.

Lucien waited until he heard the rooftop door close, before he let the tears fall.

***

One day. One rainy Spring morning, Lucien asked again.

Spring was restored. The people were back, festivities were under way. Years had passed since Tamlin and Feyre’s fall out, people had moved past it. The Court was thriving and Spring was three times the size it was before even Amarantha.

Kosechi had been eliminated. Vassa and Jurian themselves now wore wedding rings, their one year anniversary would be coming up in a few days.

With Beron now dead and Eris on the throne, Prythian was united at last. After Feyre and Tamlin settled their past with an exchange of letters the other Courts were far more receptive to deals with Spring.

Lucien no longer worked as Emissary to any Court. He stayed in Spring, helping his best friend.

Though he wanted to change that soon, he always wanted to travel outside of Prythian. But he didn’t want to go alone.

Now that Spring was all in order, with advisors and Courtiers they trusted running the place. Maybe Tamlin might want to give travelling a go.

Tamlin was currently standing out in the rain. It had been raining since early the night before. The ground was well and truly soaked, as was Tamlin but he didn’t seem to mind that.

Lucien snuck up behind him, either Lucien was getting better at sneaking around or Tamlin was losing his touch, but either way when the Fox grabbed Tamlin from behind. The High lord startled, throwing them both into the mud.

Lucien laughed, pinning Tamlin down into the wet dirt. Tamlin rolled his eyes, “great, now we’re both dirty, good job.”

The fire lord gave him a grin, “Thank you, Golden Ray. I will say you are still magnificent, even covered in mud.”

If Tamlin rolled his eyes any harder they’d get stuck, “You’re a suck up, get off of me.”

The Fox huffed, but stood up, grabbing Tamlin and pulling him to stand, Tamlin tried to brush the mud off of his green shirt, “Why would you do that? I liked this shirt.”

“You say that like it won’t wash out.” Lucien said, wrapping his arms around Tamlin’s waist and pulling him close.

Tamlin was significantly taller than Lucien when they first met, but Lucien had grown since that day, grown into his limbs and grown into his body. Now Tamlin looked up to meet his eyes. The High lord smiled up at him, wrapping his own arms around Lucien’s neck, “I guess you’re right.”

Lucien returned the smile and rested his forehead against Tamlin’s. Gently swaying them from side to side.

Neither knew how long they stood there, be it minutes or hours, either way Lucien didn’t want the moment to end.

“What are we going to get for Jurian and Vassa’s anniversary?” Tamlin asked eventually.

Lucien’s eyes had fallen closed, he hummed, “not sure yet, I know Summer does week long cruises to the islands across from it. We could get them that?”

“Maybe… you’ll need to remind Vassa as well. Jurian will run himself ragged, getting her everything romantic thing he can think of just for her to forget it's even happening.”

The fire lord laughed, “I’ve already sent her a letter, she sent me a very snappy one back.”

“She didn’t forget?”

Lucien laughed, “No she had. Didn’t thank me though.”

The High lord chuckled and pressed his face into the crook of Lucien’s neck, “Such Vassa fashion.”

“I know.” Lucien murmured, letting his chin rest on Tamlin’s head.

Everything was good again. Lucien wouldn’t fool himself into believing it was better than before. Tamlin still struggled day and night with the memories that were haunting him, though he was certainly getting better, his temper significantly calming down.

Lucien struggled as well. About a year ago he was invited to train with the newly formed Valkyrie. When he went there one of the girls, Roslin might have been her name, was accidentally shoved into him. Lucien had a horrific panic attack when she fell on top of him, all he could see were the priestess robes he tried so hard every night to forget.

He had since gone back there a few times and was finding it easier and easier, but Roslin, poor thing, was still incredibly apologetic even now a year later.

Regardless, he knew he was getting better, he knew they were both getting better.

There were some nights he wished to curl up beside his friend, to kiss him how he had once before. To feel his bare skin under his hands, to hear him speak in that loving tone he only gave to Lucien when they were alone. 

For the longest time, he didn’t push. Not while Tamlin was recovering, the last thing either of them needed was to worry about a romantic relationship.

But now…

“Tam…” Lucien whispered.

There must’ve been something worried in his tone because Tamlin pulled away from Lucien just enough to see his face, “yes, my Fox?”

Both were absolutely soaked through and covered in mud. They were surrounded by the wild flowers and vines of the Spring Court gardens. They were here, they were alive, they were home.

“Remember when we first met, and I stared at you like dead fish, barely able to speak?”

Tamlin gave him a sly grin, “yes, I was so confused because all the stories I’d heard of ‘that Lucien Vanserra’ painted you like some sort of seductive tempter and there you were… looking like a stunned deer.”

Lucien laughed, “You want to know why I was staring like that?”

Tamlin looked confused at that, so Lucien continued, “It was because you were the most beautiful male I’d ever set my eyes on.”

A deep blush spread across Tamlin’s face up to the tips of his pointed ears, he opened his mouth, presumably to deny, but Lucien interjected, “You were and still are the most stunning, ravishing male I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. You are the most beautiful person to ever walk into my life, and not just on the outside. You have a heart of pure gold that you give to everyone you meet. You are the most open and honest person I have ever met and even after you have been dragged through trial after trial you have never lost that.”

“For a while I thought I did lose you, I thought I had lost the light of my life forever, but I was wrong. Your flames came back, as they always do. And I have had the honour to watch them come back.”

“Lucien, you deserve everything.” Tamlin said.

Lucien’s smile couldn't get any bigger at this point. Tamlin was giving him that look of pure love that he had missed so, so much.

“Tamlin, I am selfish, and I want to love you forever, I never want to lose you to anybody ever again. I want to keep you all for my own self.”

“You have me, Lucien.” Tamlin said, it was hard to see in the rain but there were tears flowing down his High lord’s face, “you have always had me. You deserve everything of me, I have done nothing that would even begin to make me deserve you. I will spend every waking moment of my life trying to deserve you. Trying to atone to you for what I’ve done in the past. But I am always yours.”

“Well in that case… I want everyone to know you are mine, and that I am yours. So, Tamlin Fairburn, will you make me the happiest male to ever live…” Lucien slid down onto one knee, pulling out a box from his pocket. He opened it up to reveal a golden ring, encrusted with fire opal and emeralds. It was shaped like a vine with tiny, fragile golden leaves attached to it.

“Will you marry me?” Lucien asked.

Tamlin was covering his mouth, looking like he was caught between laughing and crying, he nodded. Lucien couldn't help the giddy grin that split across his face.

“Is that a yes?” Lucien laughed.

“Yes, yes it's a yes, you stupid romantic moron, yes I will marry you!” Tamlin said.

He laughed and stood back up, taking Tamlin’s hand and sliding the ring on. Tamlin marvelled at it, running his finger lightly on the gold.

“I love you.” Tamlin said.

“I love you.” Lucien said back, cupping his face and kissing him hard.

Tamlin wrapped his arms around his neck and stood up on the tips of his toes, kissing Lucien with the same passion.

This was it. This was happily ever after.

Lucien would never forget his first love, Jesminda. He held a special place in his heart for her.

And he forgave Feyre for the heart ache she caused.

But this was the male he loved. This was the life he loved.

Lucien finally realised that through all these years, he had been collecting the pieces of his heart and putting it back together. This was the final piece; it was complete the second he slid that ring onto his soulmate's hand.

[rockinglikemotley]

Part 2 of the Country Girl x Rockstar Series!

Jon Bon Jovi

The Whiskey to the Honkytonk Bar

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

“Since when did they turn the Whiskey to a country bar?” Tico wondered as the five of them walked inside to the loudness of the country band on the stage and the people wondering around inside. Jon laid his eyes on the female singer, she had long dirty blonde hair, full lips that were curled into a smile as she sang, a cowboy hat with pheasant feathers sticking out from it, and in a midnight blue jumpsuit with fringe on the legs of it with cowboy boots. The lady singer was curvy and her swaying hips could send anyone into a trance.

“Since these country bumpkins took over.” Alec huffed as he sat down, his eyes glued to the stage as David got them all whiskeys. “At least the chick singer is hot.” The man with a head full of blonde curls shrugged as he glanced over at the band. Richie nodded in agreement as he watched on. The chick singer sat on a stool, pulling an acoustic guitar into her lap. “Alright y’all,” her soft purr with a slight twang to it rang out as she smiled to her crowd. “Last song of the night and I hope y’all like Willie Nelson.” She chuckled as she started to strum on her guitar.

The song was slower, a bit sad maybe to some. “In the twilight glow I see her.” Her voice came out soft, sounding like Willie Nelson but as a woman. Her voice was earthy, a little nasally, and the way she held notes longer fit all together perfectly. “Blue eyes cryin’ in the rain.” Her booted foot tapped along to the song as her eyes held a sleepy look to them as she kept them down while she sang. “When we kissed goodbye and parted.. I knew we’d never meet again.”

Jon watched as she sang softly, unlike what she was singing like mere moments ago. Her voice was a little louder, but not to a screeching point. She was good, really good and looked good while she did it. Her fingers strummed and moved over the guitar smoothly, a tell tale sign that she had been playing for a while. The song was short, just a couple minutes long and as it ended people broke out into cheers and clapping. The country woman stood with her band and thanked the crowd before coming off.

Not long after a group of ‘country bumpkins’ came barreling out of the back. “A bottle of beam for that table in the back.” The country woman smiled to the bartender as she leaned over the bar with her thumb pointed over her shoulder to where a rowdy group of cowboys were sitting. “Here ya go. You played great by the way.” The bartender smiled, she thanked him before walking off and taking a large swig of the whiskey that had been handed to her. Richie breathed out and shook his head. “What a woman.” He uttered as he watched as she didn’t even make a face at the burning liquor that went down her throat with ease.

“She has a great voice.” Jon said as he glanced over to see her sitting and laughing with her band, her pretty smile glimmering in the dim lights of the Whiskey. “For a country band.” David shrugged as they sat at the bar and talked, the country woman coming up a few times to get pitchers of beers. A couple hours had passed and loud whooping came from the back table where the country folks sat.

Jon looked over to see the female country singer on top of the table, more than a half full pitcher of beer to her mouth as she chugged it. It ran down her chin, dripped down her chest, and on to the midnight blue jumpsuit she was wearing. “Fuck yes, Laramie! Finish it!” One of her band members yelled out as his fist pounded against the table. Laramie was too focused on finishing the large half full pitcher of beer to even glance over at him. More cheers and whooping came out as it was emptying rather quickly. Even others from the crow around the country singers were cheering her on. “Holy fuck. Look at that girl go.” Alec shook his head at the woman downing the beer like it was nothing. She was drinking it like water.

“Fuck! Wooo!” She yelled out as the now empty pitcher was held up in the air and enough of it down the front of her, soaking the top of her stage outfit. cheering rang out from all over the bar, even from Richie, David, and Alec. “I’m gonna get more.” She slurred to her band who laughed and helped her off the table as she stumbled over to the bar once again. This time she bumped into Jon as he sat on the stool, her drunken haze betraying her eyesight as she stumbled.

“Sorry.” She slurred with a hiccup. Jon laughed and held her arm lightly to help her stand straight. “It’s alright. Hey, you were great on stage by the way.” He told her and she grinned at him from under her cowboy hat. “Why thank you, baby.” She patted his arm and yelled out to the bartender for another pitcher of beer. Tico couldn’t help but laugh. “Baby?” He questioned Jon, but the singer just shrugged and watched on as the country woman waved over the bartender.

“Sorry, I can’t give you anymore.” He told her and she scoffed. “It’s for my friends.” She hiccuped again, her accent 10 times thicker with all the alcohol in her system. “Then send them up here.” He told her and went off. Laramie groaned and slapped her hand on the table before turning around and yelling out to her cowboy band. “Beau!” She yelled across the bar. “Beau! Get your fuckin’ ass up here!” She yelled at him. He looked over to her like a lost puppy in a sort of way before bounding over. “What?” He yelled as he came up to her, putting his arm over her shoulders. “He won’t give me any more fuckin’ beer. You have to get it.” She hiccuped more. Jon chuckled in amusement.

Beau groaned and got the bartender once more, getting another pitcher of beer successfully. “Wanna join us?” She turned back to Jon as she leaned up against the bar, one of her hips popped out. “Uh sure.” He nodded and stood, but then one of the bar goers came up, putting his hand on Laramie’s hip. She turned around with a disgruntled face. “Good singing up there, sweetheart.” He smiled as his hand trailed to her ass.

“Get the fuck off me.” She curled her lip at the man. “Oh come on. I’m just trying to give you a compliment.” He tried again. “You don’t wanna do this.” She shook her head, a different look in her eyes as she stared up at the man trying to woo her. “Come on man, get off her.” Jon tried but he was shrugged off as the man gave a slap to the country girl’s ass. She sighed and sat her hat crown up on the bar. “You’ve done it now motherfucker.” Her fist then connected to the man’s face in a swift right hook. He groaned and stumbled back just enough for Laramie to kick him down with her boot.

Jon and his band watched on with widened eyes. “We’ve gotta go!” She yelled out to her band and all of them took off running with the pitcher of beer out of the bar. Jon watched as they all rushed out of the door and down the street, laughing like maniacs.

*********

There’s definitely gonna be a pt 2 to this one!! Let me know what y’all think of it:))))

[berriesandjunnie]

❝ two positives don’t make a right ❞

┆ ° ♡ • ➵ ✩ ◛ ° synopsis you’re not quite sure how he’s seen as so smart when he ends up in quarantine with you. ┆ ° ♡ • ➵ ✩ ◛ ° genre & tags fluff / hybrid!wonwoo / human!reader / clingy cat woo / soft moment to be honest / covid-19 content warning !! ┆ ° ♡ • ➵ ✩ ◛ ° pairing wonwoo x afab!reader ┆ ° ♡ • ➵ ✩ ◛ ° w.c 1.4k words

┆ ° ♡ • ➵ ✩ ◛ ° author’s note this was spurred by an anon ask ageeees ago and i can’t keep hiding it in my drafts lol

˚ ༘♡ ·˚꒰ now loading… enjoy! ꒱ ₊˚ˑ༄  

This wasn’t the way your summer was planned to go, certainly not - now as you sprawled out on your double size bed, you couldn’t help but ponder how the hell you’d got in this situation. The positive covid test sat not far from you, as if rubbing it in your face that you’d ended up in this situation in the first place. Was it your coffee catch-up with your best friend? It could have been your recent meeting with Wonwoo, you’d taken him to the park - much to his dismay - to bask in some summer sun. He’d long established he was not happy with that day but you couldn’t unhear his purr as he sprawled out on the grass, his head in your lap as you ran your fingers through his hair. 

But if that was the case, surely one of them would have also felt the symptoms by now - you weren’t too sure if your best friend was asymptomatic but perhaps you should ring her and find out? You were going to think about it the entire time you were in quarantine, it’d put your mind at ease to find out which of your recent explorations had shoved you into your apartment sulking. Groaning, you rolled onto your front so you could reach for your mobile phone that sat on your nightstand. You’d figured to call Wonwoo first, since he’d have his afternoon nap soon and you didn’t want to disturb the cat. 

The phone dialled, buzzing in your ear before you placed it on loud speaker, rolling back onto your back as you waited for your boyfriend to pick up. 

“Hmm?” Wonwoo hummed suddenly as the phone picked up, startling you a little as you had closed your eyes waiting. 

“Did I disturb your nap?” You were quick to ask, seeing as Wonwoo seemed more sluggish than usual, “I’m sorry baby I’ll ask you later.”

“I wasn’t asleep,” Wonwoo interrupted swiftly, despite your suspicions he had definitely been asleep, “what’s up? Did you run out of snacks again?”

You scoffed lightly, eliciting a short laugh from Wonwoo’s end of the phone and you could picture his smug face since he knew you so well.

“No, no I haven’t, I’ll have you know-” you paused, before shaking your head to yourself, “that’s not why I rang, have you got covid symptoms?”

“Not... that I know of?” Wonwoo mumbled and there was rustling on his end, “I can take a test and ring you back - are you positive?”

“Yeah,” you huffed, jutting your lower lip as you stared up at the white ceiling of your apartment bedroom, “I have to quarantine so if you are negative, you can’t come over for a while.”

“Why not?” He was quick to interject, as stubborn as usual - to no shock. 

“Because I’m not getting you sick? You hate being sick, Woo.” You laughed a little at his interjections, sitting up as you let out a cough. A high fever in the middle of the Korean summer is the last thing you wanted, you decided as you leaned towards the portable air conditioning system you’d brought to cope with the amount of sweat pouring from your skin. 

Wonwoo was silent, sulking nonetheless even though you couldn’t see him. He stared amongst his apartment, his tail swishing in annoyance. It was like it was constant bad luck on his behalf if he was a notion towards you testing positive for covid. He exhaled, albeit a little loud as you caught it on the other end of the phone.

“Whatever you’re thinking, no,” you suddenly quipped, causing him to roll his eyes as he lifted his long legs onto the couch, curling himself into a comfier position, “anyways, I’m going to go give Chaewon a call, I’ll speak to you later Woo.”

“Okay.” Wonwoo mumbled stubbornly, lacking the ability to hide his tantrum after you told him no. But would he listen to you? Probably not. You scrolled through your contact list, finding Chaewon’s number and ringing it.

Chaewon was mid-cooking when she picked up the phone, coughing a little into the phone speaker. You quirked a brow.

“Hey Chae, how are you?” You questioned, attempting to keep things normal as if you wasn’t on an investigative mission to find who tested positive with you.

“It feels like my lungs are suffocating, y/n,” she whined, holding the phone away from her as she had a small coughing fit. In the background was the voice of her little brother, “did you test?”

“Yeah, I’m positive too,” you mumbled, staring out of your bedroom window where you watched Seoul’s bustle in the heat, “what about Chanyeol?”

“He’s tested too,” Chaewon’s voice turned malicious, “damn that person, dude! Putting people at risk like that.”

“Fuck, I’m sorry Chae,” you apologised with a soft mumble and Chaewon made a soft sound of acknowledgement, “it’s not your fault y/n.”

-

Inbetween ringing Wonwoo four times a day - he’d say it wasn’t his idea but the cat was clingy and he did start it - and napping, quarantine was dragging. Perhaps it’d have been easier if you lived with someone but other than talking to your numerous plants and complaining over text to Chaewon, you felt very, very alone.

Wonwoo knew this too, he listened to the whines in your voice and the drawl in your words as you started to lose hope being all by yourself. He couldn’t sit idly and watch this happen but he knew you’d murder him so as he browsed the snack aisle in the local 7/11 store, he had to consider whether you could even taste food right now. Shrugging his shoulders, Wonwoo decided you would still eat them eventually anyway.

So he trekked in the summer heat towards your apartment complex, his arms full of your favourite comfort snacks because he was too stingy to buy a bag. His tail swished, albeit slowly as to not hit anybody walking past. It hadn’t completely dawned on him that he existed in a world of people who were not part animal yet, his kind were not shunned. His narrow pupils landed on a young girl skipping past, small deer ears protruding from her head and a tail barely peeking from under her school shirt. Despite how he felt considering the situation with you and also the humid heat he was not basking in, he couldn’t help but smile.

He reached to press the intercom for your apartment, having to use his knuckles as he gripped packets upon packets of snacks so they wouldn’t fall. The intercom buzzed and he waited expectantly for you to answer it.

“Hello?” You spoke sleepily through the machine and Wonwoo’s ears perked, twitching a little as he fought the beaming smile growing on his voice at how close he was to you after all this time.

“Uh, delivery!” Wonwoo chirped, his arms beginning to ache. With a swish of his tail, Wonwoo mentally shook the irritable feeling.

“Woo?” Your voice seemed surprised - good that was his plan, “what the hell are you doing here I’m still quarantining!”

“I can’t sit in my apartment waiting for you to finish it,” he whined, “you sound so lonely, please just open up my arms are hurting.”

There was silence and then static as you released the intercom button. The door clicked and Wonwoo shuffled in using his shoulder, hurriedly making his way to your floor.

You stood at your front door, your arms followed across your chest in disappoint and your face was stern but Wonwoo’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the way your face softened when he turned the corner out of the elevator and you saw his arms full of snacks. You locked the door behind him, watching as he almost sprinted to your kitchen to drop his arms’ load onto one of your counters.

“I can’t believe you,” you uttered in disbelief as he quickly wrapped his arms around you, his tail curling contently, “you’re going to get sick too - you hate being sick, Woo.”

“It’s okay ‘cause you’ll be here,” Wonwoo mumbled into your hair and you sighed, leaning into his chest, “you sounded so down being in here alone. I can’t have that.”

“Two positives don’t make a right.” You replied stubbornly and you didn’t miss the purr Wonwoo emitted.

“Oh well,” Wonwoo chirped, pulling away and looking around your apartment, “anyways where is my fave plant?”

“It’s not cat safe, Jeon Wonwoo!” You exclaimed as he went running off, “how many times do I have to tell you? Get back here!”

[peterthepark]

Okay but imagine slow dancing with Eddie and he’s nervous af that he’s gonna mess up and you take the lead and twirl him like the beautiful Princess he is and just overall having a good time

babygirl eddie >>>>

here’s a small little drabble! (pain bc i never got a prom 😭)

tags: established relationship, swearing, fluff and cuteness <3

Agreeing to attend senior prom was a horrible idea. Eddie shouldn’t be here. He doesn’t belong. Not with his untamed head of curls that’s been due for a cut, not with his pinstripe tux that looked anything but cool or classy, he looked straight out of a Halloween store, and everyone — well, everyone looked great.

Especially you.

You, who asked him to be here. You, who invited him and even coupled your sweet words with a mixtape that you had personally put together for him, which by the way, has been on repeat for the whole two weeks ever since you asked him out. You, with your red and black number, a velvet choker showing off the glittery expanse of your neck and collarbones as the disco ball above you casts pretty shadows over your dancing frame.

You, who’s definitely out of his league, but wants him despite his reputation.

Eddie finds himself in such a shock, he doesn’t even realize that you’re strutting over to him in your pumps. Blushing, he can’t help but sneak a look at how your long gown hugs your body in all the right places.

“Hi.” He manages to spit out, suddenly quiet and reserved as you smile up at him with red lips. “You look… fuck, Y/N, you look gorgeous. I-I like the, um, the dress. You look… sorry, you’re so goddamn pretty.”

You chuckle, laughing into your hand as he gazes down in awe at you. “You clean up well, Eddie.”

“Tried to. You kinda showed me up, if I’m honest.” He scratches the back of his neck, tuning out the loud pop music in the background. “I really can’t get over how sexy this looks on you.” He smiles gently, rubbing the fabric of your dress between the pads of his fingers before his eyes flicker back to your dolled-up face. “This eyeliner? Your hair? Total bombshell.”

“Oh, really?” A giggle bubbles from your chest. “Bombshell? I never hear that.”

“Well, it’s true. If only you could just feel my heart right now… Christ, I could have a stroke just by looking at you. How does someone look this hot?” You take him by the hand, tugging your stunned date to the dance floor before he can freeze up again. “Don’t even get me started on the lipstick.”

You pull him close to your body, feeling his hand drift to your hip as the Madonna song slowly mixes into Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time. “Why? You’re just gonna ruin it by the end of the night.”

Eddie laughs, a sweet sound that’s accompanied by his fingers trailing to your jaw. He cups your face, drawing circles with his thumb over your skin. “Can’t believe you’d underestimate my gentlemanly-ness like that.”

“Gentlemanly-ness. Yes, sure, like that’s a word. Eddie Munson… all tough love and silver chains… a gentleman? Must be fiction.”

“Mmm, I’ll prove you wrong, alright. After this, I’ll take you for some ice cream, some greasy fries by the arcade…”

You mirror his expression of raised brows, hooking your arms around his neck with a grin. “Ice cream. Such fine dining, how could I ever repay you? You really know how to woo a girl.”

“Yes, ice cream. And then after…” He lets out a shaky breath, entranced by the youthful glimmer in your irises as you press your chest up against his. “After, I’ll ruin the lipstick.”

“If you can even get through this slow dance.”

You’re not wrong.

He has no choice but to chuckle at that.

“If I can get through this dance, yes. I’m no dancing queen.” Eddie shrugs, lips twitching as he scans the room. His classmates somehow all carry themselves as if this is natural. Was slow-dancing supposed to be easy? Fuck, he doesn’t know. He’s trying to focus on you. But at the same time, he’s trying not to step on your feet. “Jeez, I totally suck at this. I really don’t want you to lose a toe. I’m sorry.”

“Hey now, I think you’re doing great.”

“Right, right. Guess I can’t be good at everything.”

You share a look of admiration.

“Here, give me your hand,” You say, reaching out for his trembling palm. You give him a squeeze, smiling apologetically at him as he stares at you like a deer-in-headlights. “I can just lead if you want.”

“But…”

“It’s okay. You’re more of a princess that I am anyways.”

And before Eddie can even interject at the sly comment, you’re giving him a playful twirl as the music starts to climax.

He hates to say it. He really does.

But somehow, he ended up really liking prom that night. He supposes being treated like a princess isn’t such a bad thing. And you suppose ice cream and fries weren’t such a bad decision when Eddie decides to finally smudge your lipstick.

[tryskomys]

˚˙༓࿇༓˙˚˙ Abracadabra - part III ˚˙༓࿇༓˙˚˙

Eddie Munson one-shot

Summary: Before the jarring events of March 1986 hit The Hellfire Club, a more traditional evil disturbed their nerdy peace roughly a month prior - The Prom. Maia gets an unexpected invitation and gladly accepts, but Eddie is…well, Eddie about it.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫

Previous part

Notes: woo, the finale is here! this is full of much needed fluff, the angst comes naturally with pining after something you can’t have. you know how that goes. it’s, uh, let me check my calendar…8k words long…yeah, i hope you revel in it as much as i have while writing. i’m referencing my other, spicier one-shot strange brew in this, feel free to read it if you haven’t yet! enjoy and embrace the fluff, because the main psycho killer story is about to get bleak.

some tw: mentions of ED (just a small pinch, but just in case, be careful), high school, painful pining

Masterlist

songs: look i made a little playlist yay

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫

Maia stood in shock, her delicate fingers examining the unlikely elegance of the handmade wire corsage he just handed her.

She looked up at Eddie, eyes filled with nothing but pure admiration. His mind slightly relaxed, but his cheeks were still flushed and warm as he flinched at the thought of her laughing in his face. Her plush lips curled into a crooked smirk and he couldn’t help but mirror her expression, his sweet dimples decorating the softly freckled pink skin.

She let out a soft sigh, stood on her tippy toes and pressed a warm kiss on his burning cheek, the freezing tip of her nose bringing an electric relief against it.

She closed her eyes as she inhaled his airy cologne, his soft curls that eminated a fresh spearmint scent tickled her face. She suddenly felt light-headed, swaying a little bit as she pulled away and stared down at the concrete, all her senses overwhelmed and drunk on his presence.

“I…it’s…I don’t know what to say.” she mumbled, her velvety voice still laced with a smile.

“I didn’t know where to buy this,” he pointed at the wrist decorated with hydrangea and ribbons, “…so I tried to, uh, do something similar. Sorry.”

He rubbed the back of is neck, squeezing his eyes closed in embarrassement. She giggled and he felt his heart cramp in pain, but then she met his worried eyes again and hugged him so fiercly he lost balance for a second.

“It’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen, Munson.” she mumbled into the soft fabric of his black shirt and he exhaled sharply, wrapping his long arms around her and pressing her against him as close as he could. Her ears filled with white noise as her heart thumped against her ribcage, each beat releasing a glorious throbbing pain through her nerves.

When they separated, she didn’t dare to face him. She still squeezed the ‘corsage’ in her fingers, playing with the wire ends that were sticking out.

“Will you put it on or are you gonna keep playing with it, halfling?” he almost whispered and nudged her with his elbow. She chuckled, meekly handing it back to him.

“You gotta put it on me, that’s how it’s supposed to go, no?” she raised her eyebrows and Eddie took it from her with a shrug, his fingers quivering slightly.

“You’re asking me about that?” he gingerly molded the wire to make a rounder circle as it lost its shape a bit when Maia clutched it in her hands. He softly took her palm in his and carefully pushed it past her fingers, trying not to scratch her with the imperfect structure in the process. When it was secured on her wrist, she took a second to admire it before looking up at him with a cheeky smile.

“How do I look?” she twirled around and posed, comically biting her lip. He smiled at her antics, his lips parting with a shaky sigh.

“Fucking breathtaking.”

She let go of her lip, eyes widening, and opened her mouth to say something. No sound came out, though. The blood filling her head once again tightened around her throat and all she let out was a soft huff.

Dustin’s curly hair popped out of the window as he whistled, making both Eddie and Maia turn around, a look of annoyance flashing over their flustered features.

“Come inside so we can take the damn picture, guys! Or there will be no canapes left when we arrive.”

And with that, he dissapeared into the house again. They both snorted with laughter and Eddie shook his head, stepping towards the house.

“The little gremlin is not wrong though, I’m starving.” he chuckled and stopped when he realized Maia was not behind him. She was still hesitantly standing in her spot, looking him up and down. Then, when she finally got going, she smirked as she walked past him.

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Edward.” she patted his chest and entered the house, leaving him to breathlessly chuckle before following her.

“Get it together, freak.” he mouthed to himself, trying to physically shake the blush out of his cheeks.

・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ●・○・●・

They settled in the van after hanging out with Mr. Anderson for about half an hour - he didn’t want to let them go, the boys were enchanted when they got into a conversation about medival swords with him, staring adoringly at the three speciments hung on the scrappy beige wall.

He also didn’t miss the opportunity to have a glass of delicious - and unadulterated - scotch with Eddie, something of a ritual they indulged in every time he visited since he turned 18. Apart from his uncle, Maia’s dad was the only true father figure in his life and he cherished every moment he got to spend with him.

The boys were chittering the whole ride, continuing the nerd talk on the way to the event. As Maia listened with a soft smile, she stole a glance at Eddie, who was driving slowly and calmly, uncharacteristically so. As he tried to convince to Mike that a rapier is more practical than a longsword, she got lost in the melody of his voice. Her head got clouded in a sweet haze once again and she allowed herself to be overwhelmed by his presence.

The way his eyes danced around the road, orange streetlights washing over his animated features as he spewed out unnecessary nerd knowledge. His knuckles were white around the steering wheel as his long fingers gripped it tight, trying to hold the van’s wheels as straight and stable as possible. The dark curls were bouncing on his head due to all the nodding and tilting, each move sending a new wave of spearmint to fuel Maia’s brain cloud.

The guitar pick on his neck dangled above his chest as he shifted in his seat to sit differently, clearly not a 100% comfortable in the suit.

A breath hitched in her throat when he caught her oogling at his hands.

The deep dark wells that were his eyes reflected the warm beams of the lamps outside, obsidian softly mixing with amber. They’ve always reminded her of melted dark chocolate, bitter for some, but impossibly sweet and warm for those who decide to give in to the darkness and try. They swallowed her whole, consumed every thought she might’ve had, other than him.

It took her a good 5 seconds of him smirking and holding her stare before she realized she was really looking into his eyes and not just imagining them. Then she snapped her head to the window, heat draining from her face and pooling in her abdomen instead.

He looked at her for a few more seconds before setting his delighted gaze back to the road, clearing his throat as he continued to discuss with the youngsters.

When they approached the building of Hawkins High, they could already see the colorful lights flickering in the windows of the gym and the beat of Madonna’s tune could be heard throughout the entire school grounds. Eddie shakily exhaled as he parked the van next to the other cars, cursing under his breath. They haven’t even exited the car yet and he could already feel the stares of his peers, watching a freak in a prom suit like a specimen in a zoo. He felt a small hand squeeze his shoulder.

“It’s gonna be fine, Eddie.” Maia whispered and patted his back, hiding her own fear behind a warm smile.

“Yeah, it will be great! I heard that they raised enough money from the tickets to have KFC, let’s fucking go!” Dustin exclaimed and jumped out of the car, followed by Mike, who patted Eddie’s shoulder on the way.

“Let’s just sit around and drown in punch and laugh at pretentious pricks. ‘Kay?” he ruffled Maia’s hair and sighed, making her giggle.

“That’s the spirit!”

・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ●・○・●・

When they entered, all the jaws dropped.

The gym was bathed in soft warm light, fairy lights lacing all the walls along with lavender balloons that seemed to have some kind of twinkle inside of them as well. What was the most shocking, though - a large tree in a big flower pot stood right in the centre of the hall, soft lights of various shapes and sizes hanging from it, illuminating the busy dancefloor of teens swaying in the rhythm of Like a Virgin.

There were small tables with folding chairs that were decorated with lights as well, a green ribbon tied around the back. Each of the them had a small bouquet in the prom colors and two candles on each side of the vase, lighting the desk just enough to see and still keep the cozy atmosphere.

There was also an improvised stage under the basket that was tastefully holding a huge cascading bouquet of flowers, a hyped middle-aged DJ swinging his head to the rhythm as he leaned on his mixing table and a big drape of canvas that held the words “WOODLAND FAIRYTALE”, written in a beautiful elegant font (probably by the art kids).

Dustin gasped as he spotted the buffet table that was by far the most beautiful to all four of them, considering they were starving after all the stress and preparations.

It was a long desk filled with fruit, various types of canapes, two big bowls of punch and some trays with fried chicken. Maia gulped and patted Dustin’s shoulder.

“Now you’re talking.” she whispered and squeezed Eddie’s arm, tilting her head towards the improvised counter next to the entrance. Ms. O’Donell was sitting behind the desk, her perfect perm almost dripping with hairspray, the electric blue eyeshadow that rimmed her eyes the definition of too much. Eddie let out a big exhale when the group approached the table, making the teacher raise her head and immediately widen her eyes.

“What are you bunch doing here?” she tried to stay composed, but the scenarios of satanic nerdy deliquents ruining the prom night were running through her head at rapid speed.

“We bought tickets.” Eddie muttered, the hate for the school system sparking a newfound confidence. The teacher scoffed and sticked out her palm, waiting for them to hand her the papers in question.

They all awkwardly rummaged through their pockets (and purse) and fished out the tickets, all crumpled and Eddie’s ever slightly torn from all the nervous folding and playing with it while he stood in front of his dirty mirror, contemplating his plan.

She squinted at the nest of paper that piled up on her palm, darting between it and their faces as Mike winced and gave her an apologetic smile. She scoffed once again and gave them four tiny green ribbons perforated with a pin.

“You pin this to your…clothes, so we know that you actually paid for the tickets.” she raised her eyebrow and gave them a fake smile. Maia felt rage bubble in her chest as she thought that it was some sort of brand for the suspicious students, but when a pair of cheerleaders passed by them, she noticed they had the pin as well, so she let out a soft relaxed sigh.

“Have fun.” she pushed through gritted teeth and Eddie mirrored the grimace, sarcastically bowing to her before leaving the group behind and heading straight to the food table. The three of them exchanged a nervous look and followed him.

・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ●・○・●・

They filled their paper plates with all the goodies and each of them downed a glass of punch after toasting to a great night. After gathering some energy from the delicious treats, they finally looked around to check if they spot anyone familiar, landing upon the jock table where Lucas sat and passionately discussed something with Jason. Chrissy was sitting on his knee in a gorgeous satin gown that complemented her blond curled locks.

Maia shakily sighed, her heart dropping to her stomach when she looked down at her dress, suddenly feeling underdressed and weak. Dustin interpreted her reaction differently.

“I know, it sucks. But I’m sure he’ll talk to us when he’ll notice we’re here.”

Maia didn’t know what to say so she just hummed and looked at Eddie, who was scanning the same table with an unreadable expression. Of course she was about to jump to conclusions about him having a long time crush on Chrissy. She caught him checking the basketball table at lunch from time to time.

Meanwile, Eddie felt his cheeks burn when he saw the golden pair of Hawkins High. Maybe if he was more like Jason, more…normal, not a freak. Handsome, not black eyes with a disorderly nest of tangled curls on top. Athletic, not an awkward stickman. Maybe then she would sit on his knee like that. She would rest her pretty head on his shoulder.

She would remember their intoxicating, burning kiss.

He couldn’t help but steal a quick glance at Maia, who was looking at him as well. As their eyes met, they both quickly snapped their heads in opposite directions. Mike noticed the rest of Hellfire brooding in a corner, stuffing their mouths and giggling at something.

“Hey! There they are!” he pointed at them just as they looked up, furiously waving in their direction. Jeff waved back and when he noticed Eddie, the whole table errupted in cheers, making a few of the kids at the adjoining tables looking back in confusion. Gareth waved with the chicken in his hand and Maia and the rest set off to join them, chuckling.

“No fucking way! The prodigal son returns!” Pete stood up and slapped Eddie’s back, the chicken strip he was holding leaving a few crumbs on the black suit.

Maia shook her head with a chortle and immediately dusted it off, making Eddie jolt up from the contact. She made a round around the table to hug her three friends while they were chatting amongst each other, complimenting Dustin, Maia and Mike on their looks.

“Did we miss anything important?” Dustin sat down on an empty chair and threw a canape in his mouth, humming with content. Gareth shrugged.

“Well, prom queen hasn’t been named yet, I haven’t seen Sarah since the first Madonna song hit…and the DJ is a big fan of Madonna, so…” he told everyone with unexpected nonchalance. He looked around carefully and fished out a small flask from his inner pocket, hiding it with his ill-fitting jacket as he poured a splash of the transparent liquid in the punch and put it back. He beckoned to Jeff, who snorted with laughter and he took a swig, followed by a blissed aaaaaah.

“I call this one ‘Pure Fuel’.”

A freezing cold chill ran down Maia’s spine as she snapped her head at Eddie, who met her wide eyes with a similar expression. Their smirks grew into wild smiles and they broke out in loud giggles, bracing against the table.

“Thank you, thank you…” Gareth bowed his head, thinking they enjoyed his comment enough to choke on saliva. Eddie patted his shoulder and sat down next to Dustin, chomping on some crackers he put on his plate. Maia shook her head and took a bite of a canape with some salmon spread. Does this man ever eat?

・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ●・○・●・

“And then I saw Jared stick toilet paper down his pants, I’m talking stacks of it!” Pete whispered to the group and they all gasped, Maia and Mike letting out a synced disgusted noise.

“Fucking hell, imagine being that desperate.” she choked out and took a sip of her punch, throat dry from the stale air of the gym. She could swear she registered a faint smell of pot as well. Unsurprising.

“I never took Jared for an intellectual, but I’m pretty sure anyone can tell toilet paper from a bon-“

“Children, man! Watch your mouth!” she stopped him mid-sentence, pointing at her freshmen friends. Dustin rolled his eyes and cursed with his voice muffled by the fried chicken.

“Jesus, Mai, I know what a boner is.”

“Shh!” she hissed and slapped the back of his head, making the rest of the guys giggle. Eddie was still a bit on edge, but after eating a bit, he felt comfortable warmth spreading through his body, powered by the deliciousness of both the food and Maia’s cheerful laughter.

“Speaking of toilets, I gotta go re-apply blush, so I’ll be right back.” she mumbled and got up, the boys laughing at what seemed to be a joke, but Maia truly needed a second to look in the mirror and take a step back from the immense pressure she felt the whole time Eddie was in her presence.

As she entered the bathroom, she froze on the spot for a second when she saw Chrissy standing by the furthest mirror, shaking with tears. She noticed Maia coming in, so she quickly wiped away the tears and started washing her hands nonchalantly. Maia furrowed her brows and approached one of the sinks, cautiously side-eyeing the ethereal swishing of beige satin next to her.

“Umm…you okay?” she muttered, trying to be as non-invasive as possible. Chrissy sniffled and put on a cheerful voice after clearing her throat.

“Of course, thanks for asking!”

Maia wasn’t fooled by that, but she didn’t want to dig any deeper. That was until a deep sob escaped Chrissy’s body once she turned off the tap.

“I don’t wanna be…you know…but you don’t seem okay.” she almost whispered, not wanting to scare the cheerleader away. Chrissy let out a shivering exhale and turned to face Maia, her eyes red and puffy from crying, cheeks wet with tears.

“Can I help you somehow?”

“No, I just…goddammit…” she broke down in sniffles again and Maia carefully approached her, opening her arms.

“Do you need a hug?”

Chrissy nodded and walked into Maia’s arms, her petite body shaking against Maia’s small stature.

“I couldn’t help it…I just…I was so hungry and I ate a canape and now I look like…like a balloon.” she whimpered into Maia’s curls and her eyes watered with tears at the girl’s desperation. She continued.

“And now Jason’s gonna regret that he’s here with me and it will all be for nothing…”

Maia softly shushed the blonde, pulling away to gently wipe Chrissy’s teary cheeks, the intimate gesture feeling natural at the moment. Just female solidarity.

“You look beautiful, Chrissy. You’re the most beautiful girl in the building, trust me.” she whispered as Chrissy sniffled, her big blue eyes wasting the endless supplies of tears.

“And Jason can see it too, he looks at you like you’re the only thing existing for him, really. I can see to your table from mine, I promise he has eyes for you and you only, princess.” she put a loose strand of hair behind Chrissy’s ear and the girl softly smiled, shaking less than before.

“I just…wish I hadn’t eaten it…” she mumbled and looked to the floor. Maia’s bottom lip wobbled a bit, as she realized her and Chrissy are not so different.

Both were just insecure little girls inside, begging for their personal gods to notice them, love them, worship them. She stepped away from Chrissy, eyeing her up and down.

“You know, I’ve seen you before you ate it and honestly, it gave your cheeks such a beautiful glow it must’ve had some fairy dust in it…when I leave this bathroom, I’m eating the whole tray if it turns me into Chrissy Cunningham.”

Chrissy’s beautiful giggle filled the room as she wiped her nose with the tissue Maia handed her. Her heart jumped after seeing the girl finally smile and she sighed, her lips curled in a grin. No wonder Eddie’s entranced.

“What did you eat? You look amazing tonight, Maia.”

Maia’s breath hitched in her throat a bit, she didn’t realize Chrissy knew her name. She chuckled to hide her surprise and decided not to mention food any more, so the cheerleader wouldn’t get upset again.

“I guess the fairies messed with the punch as well.” she chuckled and rubbed Chrissy’s cold arm, making the girl giggle once more.

“I wish I could pull off fishnets like you, it looks so cool!” she took Maia’s hands into hers and backed away to look at her dress properly. Maia’s cheeks filled with red as she opened and closed her mouth a few times, not sure what to say.

“I mean, I wish I could pull off satin like you, princess Chrissy!” she grinned and spun Chrissy around, girly laughter filling the room as they both twirled in sync. A firm knock on the door made them both jump and stop in one place.

“Chrissy? Babe, are you okay? You’ve been there for ages!” Jason’s muffled voice echoed behind the door as the girls exchanged smiles, Maia giving Chrissy an enccouraging nod.

“See? Go out there and show them, princess!” she whispered and nudged her a bit, to which Chrissy reacted with pulling her into a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you, Maia, you’re the best. Stop by our table, okay? We’ll go dancing together!” she whispered back and exited the bathroom after giving Maia one last wave. She wanted to follow her right away but then she overheard the conversation between the pair and decided to wait until they walk away, scratching her neck with a sad chuckle.

“Sorry, honey, I just…chatted with Maia Anderson and lost track of time.”

“What? That freak? Did she hurt you? Your eyes are red babe, did she make you cry?”

“No, Jason, come back, leave her alone. Of course she didn’t, she was amazing and kind, I laughed so hard I teared up. You shouldn’t be so judgemental, you know?”

“I only judge dangerous creeps, Chris…”

Yeah, stop by their table.

・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ●・○・●・

Eddie found strange comfort in Maia’s absence, finally feeling like he’s able to breath for the first time that night. Her perfume was overwhelming, clouding his judgement and free will, as her dark lips involuntarily dragged him back to the memories of their time at the Halloween party.

More accurately of the moments that took place that night a few rooms away from the gym as she fell asleep in his arms that wrapped around her bare chest.

He could still feel the bitter aftertaste of the lie that left his mouth two years ago, claiming he didn’t remember the way her hair tickled his face, the way her warm, soft naked skin felt under his fingers. For a significant amout of time he tried to shift the blame on the fact that she said she didn’t remember anything first, but the denial turned to shame after accepting that he’d suppress the truth nonetheless.

Maia’s raised voice snapped him out of his thoughts as she tried to talk over the booming melody of You Spin Me Round, sitting back in her chair.

“Jesus Christ, it took me like five minutes to get through the dancefloor. This place fells like, like the eleventh Plague of Egypt, right next the grasshopper invasion.” she muttered, out of breath, and took a swig from Eddie’s cup. Mike and Dustin chortled with amusement, shrugging when their less…academic friends furrowed their brows in confusion.

“We thought you drowned in the toilet, halfling.” Jeff gasped, probably already fueled by Gareth’s barista creation. Maia snickered at the nickname when Eddie gave him an annoyed side-eye, not content with someone else using his strange term of endearement.

“Nah, I actually…met Chrissy Cunningham and uh, she needed…some help with her dress, so…” she shrugged and raised her eyebrows at Pete’s snorting laugh.

“I’d pay to see that.”

A muffled slap echoed around the table when Maia’s small palm made soft contact with his chubby cheeks, making Mike choke out the punch through his nose.

“Fucking hell, go wash your mouth with soap, Myers. Ew.” she grimaced and shook her head, the rest of the table chirping with stiffled giggles.

Eddie smirked and threw a cracker in his mouth, turning his head to the dancefloor. Yeah, grasshopper swarm. The DJ’s nasal voice cracked though the speakers as he took over the microphone.

“Okay, okay, kids. Now it’s time to sloooooooow it down! Gentlemen, get ready to spin the girl of your dreams through the dancefloor! I better not see any beautiful ladies sitting down.”

Maia cringed at his introduction, pinching the bridge of her nose before eyeing her company, all of them mirroring her expression.

“Oh well, I guess this is my queue to find Sarah. If she’s still around, that is.” Gareth clasped his hands and got up, saluting before he dissapeared into the crowd. Jeff and Pete unexpectedly got up too, grabbing some chicken before shifting away from the table.

“Actually, we’re leaving too. Gareth’s flask is empty and I can’t deal with this sober, so we’re going to The Hideout for some drinks. You joining?” Jeff muttered and beckoned with his chicken wing, but Eddie shook his head.

“We can’t keep the rookies here alone, you know, it’s called responsibility?” he nodded his head with a sarcastic smile and Maia joined him.

“Begone, pussies.” she waved them off and Dustin giggled, glad that the four of them are staying together just as they intended. Jeff and Pete chuckled and then hooked their arms, sighing dramatically.

“Farewell, my dear friends. Sire, lead the way.” Pete bowed to Jeff and they walked away, their arms still theatrically intertwined.

The sound of Purple Rain filled the gym and awkward couples hesitantly joined the dancefloor, positioning themselves around the tall artificial tree in the middle. Dustin discreetly nudged Mike, going over the plan they’ve decided before meeting up with Eddie. Mike nodded and his ears turned bright red as he cleared his throat.

“Hey, uhh…would you maybe…wanna dance, Mai?” he smiled nervously and flinched a bit when the senior met his eyes, but he eased when she gave him a warm crooked smile. Eddie shifted in his seat a bit, smiling with pride at the boy’s confidence, but a heavy stone took seat in his chest when he realized she’s leaving.

“Oh godness, of course, I’d love to!” she giggled and they got up. Mike offered his hand to her and she raised her eyebrows, taken aback by his gentlemanly attitude.

“Lead the way, sire.” she mocked Pete’s bad English accent from a few minutes ago and they both chuckled as Mike led her to the dancefloor. Despite being almost five years younger than her, he was still significantly taller, so when she raised her arms around his neck, she giggled at the uncomfortable stretch.

“My my, do you know boys grow until about 21, Wheeler? By the time your senior prom rolls around, girls will have to climb a ladder to dance with you.”

Mike chuckled and relaxed a bit as they swayed to the rhythm of Prince’s guitar. He quickly glanced at their table, seeing Dustin give him thumbs up.

“Yeah, it’s becoming pretty awkward.”

“No, I didn’t mean it in a bad way…girls like tall guys, you know? I’m sure Jane would agree with me.” she whispered the last part.

His cheeks turned a new shade of red when he remembered his girlfriend and how she loves to cuddle up with him when watching TV. She giggled at his flustered expression and he looked at Dustin once again, who gave him a single firm nod.

“Um…is that why you like Eddie?”

Maia felt as if a bucket of liquid concrete dropped on her head and she softly gasped, trying her best to will the boiling blood out of her face.

“Michael, I’m not sure what possesed your freshmen brains but I do not like him. And he does not like me. Just because we’re a guy and a girl-“

“- and you like the same stuff, and you flirt with each other, and-“

“We don’t flirt with each other!” Maia hissed and Mike smirked, raising his hands in defense before delicately holding her waist again.

“Okay, fine. It’s just, you’ve never…thought about it?” he silently questioned, holding her gaze so he’d notice if she got really pissed off. To his surprise, she just let out a shaky sigh and rested her forehead on his bony chest, staring into the purple fabric.

“Of course I have.”

It somehow felt more real, now that she said it out loud. Mike knew better than to start digging in it right away, so he left the sentence hanging in the air for a few seconds before she decided to talk again.

“You’re in love, right?” she peeped and looked up at the boy, who seemed to be taken aback by the question. He doesn’t say it. Not out loud. So he let out a bunch of stuttering noises before she patted his arm, reassuring him that he doesn’t need to talk.

“I know, I know you are. And you’d do anything for your girl, right?”

He simply nodded, his eyes filled with true longing as he conjured her face in his mind. Maia turned her gaze away again, stealing a peek at their table, seeing Eddie passionately throw his ringed slim hands around as he discussed something with Dustin.

“Even if it hurt you?”

He nodded again.

“So you’d stay out of her way if you knew that she didn’t feel the same way. That you could never bring her what she deserves. Wouldn’t you?”

Her voice was calm and collected, she was content enough with the truth to hold back tears, at least in front of her younger friend. Mike furrowed his brows and automatically tightened his fingers around her waist.

“But he-“

“Wouldn’t you, Mike?” she interrupted him and met his eyes. The intensity of her gaze made him look away with a big sigh.

“I would.” he simply stated and relaxed his hands again, daring to pull her a bit closer in a hug. She softly smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, I know you would. That’s how love works. You’ve been lucky to land yours on somebody who loves you back…but some of us…” she sighed and looked at the table again, seeing Eddie eye the basketball table as Dustin explained something to his ear.

“Some of us just gotta take anything that we get to have, a friendship, a kinship…or whatever it takes to be close to him…to them.” she mumbled and chuckled a bit, a sound that made Mike squeeze his eyes shut with a wince over his hurting friend.

Tense silence fell between them as Prince’s guitar solo echoed through the dimly lit gym and Mike rested his chin on top of Maia’s head, her vulnerability allowing him to be confident enough to soothe her. He didn’t want to take the conversation any further, just letting her slowly move from side to side, breath in sync with the music. After a few minutes of wordless swaying passed, a soft hum brought his attention back to her.

“But yes, it is one of the reasons I like him.” she looked up at Mike with a small grin and he chuckled, nodding.

“Understood.”

The song ended and the DJ embarrassed himself once again with some words of encouragement to his fellow kids. Maia nudged Mike on the way back to the table, her short arm awkwardly thrown around his shoulder.

“Well Wheeler, you’re a pretty good dancer, I’ll give you that.”

Mike’s ears and cheeks filled with red once again as he scratched his neck, grinning.

“You’re not too bad yourself!”

・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ●・○・●・

When Mike and Maia left to dance, Dustin cleared his throat and watched their mismatched figures melt into the crowd, darting between the pair and Eddie.

Let’s start off slow.

“Do you want me to fetch more punch?” he turned to Eddie, who tore his gaze off the dancefloor to ruffle his smaller friend’s styled curls.

“Nah, man. I still have some left. Thanks.” he mumbled and turned back to the dancefloor, looking for something bizzare to take his attention away from the way Maia’s hips swayed to the rhythm. Dustin softly coughed once again.

“She looks real good tonight, doesn’t she?”

Eddie chewed on a canape and slowly nodded, trying to keep composure as he could sense Dustin’s thought process.

“I mean, not only tonight, she always looks good, even in the worn out denim jacket, hehe…right?”

No answer.

“The dress is…she looks like a beautiful, enchanting little moth, that’s what I think.”

Eddie slowly turned his blank face at him, raising his eyebrows to challenge Dustin to continue babbling. The boy gulped and opened his mouth to say something, then shut it, then opened it again.

“I mean, she’s…you…god, stop grilling me, Eddie.”

“You’re the one asking pointless questions about my best friend’s appearance, I haven’t said a word.”

His monotone voice sent a shiver down Dustin’s spine and he wondered if Mike has to put up with this as well right now.

He looked away from Eddie’s piercing gaze to look for the pair on the dancefloor, but he suddenly couldn’t find them in the dim light. He sighed and turned at Eddie again, who was still pinning him in place with his dark eyes.

“Ugh, you’re making this so hard, man. Why don’t you just…fucking dance with her and tell her you love her and that you wanna have sex and eight babies with her and be done with it?!” he spewed out and Eddie raised his eyebrows even higher, his doe eyes hypnotizing even his young friend.

“Did I just hear the word ‘sex’ leave your mouth, Henderson? I’m telling your mother.”

That’s all he got for an answer before Eddie looked away again, hiding his burning cheeks behind a strand of hair.

Dustin sighed and realized that was probably one of the better reactions to provoke, taking a swig of his punch to wash down the squeak in his voice. He silently contemplated his next words, but Eddie was surprisingly the first one to speak.

“The fuck is that even supposed to mean?” he snapped his head at Dustin, harshly shifting in his seat to lean forward, resting his arm on the table. Dustin winced.

“Sex?”

Eddie slapped the back of Dustin’s head.

“No, shithead, I know what sex is. I don’t…I’m not in love, or whatever you think that is, so get that out of your thick skull, okay? Because I don’t want to be the one that has to slap it out of it.” he hissed and lightly gave him another slap.

Dustin chuckled at that before he could stop himself, fueling Eddie’s annoyance even more. There’s the expected reaction, took him long enough.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I just-“

Eddie shot him a challenging look once again, but Mike and Dustin promised each other to not back down, so there was no way he was letting this go.

“- I just, hear me out, want the best for my two good friends who are clearly not completely…honest about their feelings, okay? You’re like, basically parenting us at this point and-“

“Well, mommy and daddy don’t love each other, okay?” he hissed at the boy loud enough to make a few lonely girls turn their heads in confusion.

Dustin flinched at the venom seeping out of Eddie’s words and he furrowed his brows in confusion, intelligent enough to recognize pain from anger. Eddie waved his hand around as he continued.

“It is what it is, mommy doesn’t want daddy, she never did, never will and you’ll have to come to terms with them divorced and separated, ‘kay?” he rubbed his face roughly and threw a cracker in his mouth to take out his anger on it, chomping loudly. Dustin sighed.

“How can you be divorced if you were never married?”

“Because, Dustin, life isn’t some stupid metaphor of yours! Some people just shouldn’t be with anyone, ever. Not sure about your old man, but mine didn’t wanna be alone, so he ruined my mother’s life. He was a piece of shit, so was his father and so am I, okay? And I’m not repeating the same selfish mistake as them, especially when it comes to her.”

He nodded his head towards the dancefloor and exhaled sharply.

Then Eddie finally took his gaze off of Dustin and stared into the floor, mindlessly folding the tissue he grabbed during the argument.

Dustin shakily exhaled. This was the most animated he’d ever seen his older friend. For a second, he felt bad for opening the wound that was clearly hidden low enough to not show under any circumstances, but then he saw Maia in the distance holding onto Mike, her expression hurt and yearning.

Yeah, it struck a chord.

Dustin reached out for his arm and firmly patted his shoulder. Eddie side-eyed him and then started playing with his hair, pulling a bit stronger this time to take his mind off of the growing pain in his chest.

“Sorry, man.” he faintly mumbled, shame adding more red to his face. Dustin shook his head. He knew better than to start reassuring Eddie about how none of this is true.

“No, it’s fine. It’s okay.”

“I just…not her, ‘kay? Never her.” he turned to face Dustin fully, allowing him to gilmpse into his big sad eyes before ruffling his hair again and chuckling.

“She does look good tonight. Every night.”

Dustin’s lips curled into a sad smile as the annoying voice of the DJ cut through Prince’s fading guitar.

“Will you promise me to dance with her, then? Pretty pleaseee.” Dustin pouted and Eddie finally cracked in a wide grin, shaking his head at his friend’s adorable little face.

“I can’t dance.”

“It’s not rocket science, you just hold her waist and sway from side to side.” Dustin nudged him and winked, patting his back as Maia and Mike approached the table, giggling.

“Okay, I kinda understand the grasshoppers now, that was fucking fun.” she breathed out as she stole a cracker from Eddie’s plate with a wide smile.

They locked eyes, the hidden sadness in her eyes meeting its twin. And he, like always, couldn’t help but smile back.

・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ●・○・●・

“Okay, unpopular opinion, I actually prefer New Order over Joy Division.” Maia squeezed her eyes shut and braced for the curses to come as Blue Monday blasted through the speakers.

“No fucking way, Anderson.” Eddie shook his head and put a hand on his chest theatrically, cheeks and ears flushed from the uncomfortable heat that suffocated the gym.

“I thought you were better than that!” Mike shook his head, giggling as Dustin acted like he choked on a piece of chicken.

“I’m sorry! They just use the synths so well, it’s tasteful yet modern, poetic yet tough. Ahhhhh…” she let out a loud sigh as she moved her body to the rhythm, her laughter making Eddie’s heart skip a few beats.

“Your turn, Henderson.”

“Shit, how am I gonna top that. Uh, fine, unpopular opinion - pepperoni pizza is disgusting.”

This sparked even louder complaints and Maia gasped so hard she choked on her saliva.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah, I just hate it, meat doesn’t belong on a pizza. Pineapple on the other hand-“

He yelped out as Maia tried to rub the salmon spread canape on his face.

“NO NO, I’m joking, I swear I’m joking!” he squealed and the four of them errupted in laughter. Maia sucessfully forced the canapy in his mouth and he mumbled an inaudiable curse before gulping it down, choking out a giggle.

“Go, Eddie.”

“Fuck, okay, now I’m scared to say anything.” he chuckled and Maia took another canape, challenging Eddie with raised eyebrows.

“Alright, unpopular opinion, The Return of the King is the worst one of th-“

Maia widened her eyes and swiftly moved her chair closer to Eddie with a loud screech of the wood against the gym floor, taking his cheeks into her palms as she tried to push the food into his face. He grabbed her wrists, wrestling her away with maniacal cackling mixed with whimpers of ‘I’m joking’ on repeat. The younger boys shook with laughter and started chanting.

“Fight! Fight! Fight!”

Maia laughed and squealed as he harshly tugged her out of her chair and held her tightly around her waist, moving her around so she couldn’t reach behind her. He pushed her arms into her face, forcing the canapy in her mouth. She trashed her head around a bit while franatic giggling before finally giving up.

“OKAY, TIME OUT!” she yelped out and he finally let go of her, his giggles rumbling against her back. She suddenly realized she was sitting on his knee and the memory of the last time they sat like this blinked through her brain so rapidly she lost balance, her head spinning.

She turned around at him as she got up, meeting his pink cheeks and huge brown eyes as his giggles died out. She could’ve sworn she saw the very same memory flash behind his eyes.

She moved her chair back and sat down, trying to catch her breath. The boys were still recovering from the laughter and Maia threw the canape in her mouth, huffing when she looked at Eddie again.

“I was joking, of course, we all know it’s the best one.” Eddie chuckled as he took of his jacket and rolled his sleeves up, exhausted from the heat and the unexpected workout.

“I know, I just wanted you to suffer for even saying it out loud.” Maia smirked and stole a quick look at his tattoed forearms before snapping her head towards the dancefloor before he could notice.

The prom king and queen were already voted - to no one’s surprise, Chrissy and Jason. Maia gave the girl thumbs up and a big smile as she stood upon the stage, earning an air kiss from Chrissy. The DJ just announced the last slow dance of the night. The group sat through all of them, chatting and laughing through the whole night.

Head Over Heels resonated around the room as the exhausted - in some cases drunk- couples filled the dancefloor to sway through the song. Dustin threw Eddie a knowing look and tilted his head in Maia’s direction, provoking a shivering exhale as he shook his head. Dustin continued nodding and this exchange went on for a few seconds before Mike joined in with nods too, outnumbering their poor friend. He closed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose, then cleared his throat.

“Is it, um…an unpopular opinion that I like Tears for Fears?” he mumbled and Maia slowly turned around at him with her mouth open, eyes squinting in amusement.

“It is if it comes from you.” she breathlessly chuckled and raised her eyebrows. The boys darted between the two of them, geniuinely curious about Eddie’s tactic.

“Well, uh, what do you think about them?” he scratched his head and Dustin let out a dissapointed sigh, his brows furrowing.

“I mean, it’s not exactly Zeppelin, but you do you, I guess.” she giggled again. He sharply exhaled and abruptly stood up.

“Fuck, do you wanna dance?”

Maia sat in her chair as if she was glued to it, staring at him with wide eyes as her cheeks flooded with a pink hue. She only snapped out of her trance when she felt Mike’s elbow nudge her back.

“I…um, yeah…sure, I do.” she meekly whispered and got up as well, taking his warm hand when he extended it to her with a soft smile. As they walked away, Dustin and Mike high-fived under the table and clinked their glasses together, downing their drinks.

When they found a rare empty spot, Eddie carefully placed his hands on Maia’s hips and the knot in her chest sent out a wild wave through her body.

“Sorry, I have no fucking idea what I’m doing.” he chuckled nervously as she put her arms around his neck and stood a bit closer.

“Neither do I, let’s just step from side to side and pretend.”

She gave him a big warm smile before looking away, comfortable silence hanging between them. His scent overwhelmed her once again when she laid her head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat pulsing against her cheek. He winced a bit when she started talking, her soft words vibrating against through his ribcage.

“I’m really glad you’re here, Munson.”

“Well, I couldn’t resist the idea of free food. And O’Donell’s face when she sees us.” he chuckled and sighed when she hummed.

“And uh…the prospect of seeing you was kinda cool too, I guess.” he squeezed her waist for a second and she looked up at him, giggling.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, it’s not often you see an eldritch necromancer in a dress. Not outside your imagination, that is.” he gave her a charming smirk and she opened her mouth in theatrical shock, eyes twinkling with mischeif.

“I take that as a compliment, my dear master.”

A shiver ran down his spine.

“It was.”

Her shoulders quivered with stiffled laughter and she shook her head, reaching into his silky curls to playfully tug at them.

“You’re blushing!” he raised his eyebrows and gasped, his dimples even deeper than usual in the dim warm light.

“Of course I am, you smooth, smooth fucker.” Maia slapped his arm and looked back at their table, not able to hold his magnetizing puppy eyes any longer. Dustin and Mike were sitting at their places, beckoning to the pair with their glasses, giggling as they whispered about something.

“Well, consider me flattered. I guess my flirting skills are in top condition tonight.”

Maia’s eyebrows flew up as she snapped her head back at Eddie and she squinted at him.

“Oh wise master, I’m humbled you’ve chosen me as your target on this fine evening.” she bowed her head and he snickered, shaking his head at her sarcasm. She did mean it though, even if her real intentions were shrouded by a veil of humor.

The song was uncompromisingly nearing to an end as they fell silent once again, moving to the fading rhythm in a soft embrace. When it finally ended, Eddie released her and took her hand, kissing the back of it with a dramatic bow. She giggled and gave him a little curtsey. She sighed as they hooked arms and walked back to the table.

“We should do this more often.”

・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・● ●・○・●・

Eddie dropped off the boys first after they spent the whole ride gossiping about their peers and the various antics they witnessed. They were beaming with excitement, the fact that they spent their freshmen prom in such good company filled them with bliss so strong that they were sure it will power them for the rest of the month or so.

When it came to dropping off Maia, he was less keen on letting her go, though. They stood in front of her door, still talking about anything they could think of so they wouldn’t have to separate.

“And I hope I guessed the ingredients to the salmon spread right, ‘cause I just gotta try it. Prepare for a month of daily taste tests, I hope your tastebuds are ready for a salmon overload.”

“Well, I’m not complaining, that’s for sure.” he shrugged and leaned against the door as she fumbled with her keys, the air filling with awkward tension.

After a few moments she looked up at him through her lashes, a sight that dried his throat to a desert. Her cheeks were burning red, the heat whipped by the freezing February air.

“Hey, uh…you know you told me that you finally got around to learning Last In Line?”

Eddie’s beating heart jumped up to his vocal chords and immobilized them, so he just nodded.

“Well, I just got around to finally replacing the strings on my baby to new ones, so…maybe you could, you know…test them out?” she meekly let out and tapped on the door nervously, avoiding his eyes. The corners of his lips curled into a wide toothy smile and he nudged her with his elbow.

“I’d love to. I might immediately off them again though, metal shows no mercy.”

They both burst out into giggles as she tilted her head towards the door, the clinking keys blessing Eddie’s ears. The door opened with an inviting creak, another night full of sweet, sweet music and stories awaiting behind them.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫

Tag list: @kik51199 @preciousbabypeter @sebby-staan @sleepysl0th03 @frozenhuntress67

[silversatoru]

day shift

pro-hero denki x f!reader

synopsis: you’re stuck working night shift while denki works days. whiny, needy denki is desperate for some action yo

t/w: nsfw 18+, somnophilia, thigh-fucking, handjob, cum shot, consent is implied but not explicitly given, aged-up pro-hero denki, denki does not reciprocate (he’s too tired 🥺)

wc: 1.2k

a/n: woo jade finally posts an actual work!!! it definitely hasn’t been like 5 or 6 days since her last one!!! anyway please enjoy needy denki i would do horrible things for this man

dating pro-hero chargebolt wasn’t exactly easy, but then again it wasn’t easy for any pro-heros to maintain a decent relationship. your job was pretty high maintainece as well, and being able to spend time together was a rare occurrence these past couple months. he was scheduled to patrol the city during the day and you were working terribly consistent night shifts. your interactions have consisted of quick kisses and “have a good day” as one of you enters your shared apartment and the other leaves. it certainly wasn’t ideal but the two of you continued to make things work.

today was the first day in what felt like an eternity that both of you were scheduled to work during the day and you had huge plans for you much desired night together. you imagined getting home a little before him, picking up some late dinner for you both and then finishing off your night relieving some stress in the sheets of your bed. 

but by the time the end of your shift finally rolled around, you were practically a walking corpse, dragging yourself into the apartment and immediately collapsing onto the bed. weeks and weeks of night shift had destroyed your mental clock, and the sudden switch to day shift was a shock to your system. 

you peeled your work uniform off your tired body, throwing your clothes to the floor and curling up under your fluffy comforter — much too lazy to throw on a comfier set of clothes and opting to lay in just your undergarments instead. you told yourself you’d just take a quick nap — a short little power nap — nothing too long — and then you’d finally spend get to some time with your yellow-haired boyfriend. 

but when he arrived home he was in a terribly similar state, body bruised and tired from keeping the city safe all day. the sight of his beautiful girlfriend sleeping in bed was all too alluring, denki stripping himself of his hero costume and climbing in next to you. you were sleeping like a fucking rock, and he was too exhausted to wake you up anyway — plus, it had been way too long since he was able to hold you to his chest. so, he pulled you close and buried his nose into your neck, overcome by exhaustion and drifting off to sleep in only a few mere moments. your apartment was a peaceful place that night, the only sounds being a pair of soft snores and heavy breathing as you slept comfortably tangled together.

it must have been about two or three in the morning when denki woke up again, the sky dark and the roads barren. maybe it was the stress, maybe it was the sleep deprivation, or maybe it was the fact that he was lying next to you for the first time in weeks, but the strain in his boxers was almost immediate. 

as he slowly became more conscious of your round ass pressing against his clothed dick, he left out a soft whine, pulling you closer and beginning to gently rock his hips against your backside. it felt so good but he kept it gentle and slow, not wanting to stir you out of your much needed slumber. but his movements slowly became more urgent, tiny whimpers and bit-back moans getting pressed into the inside of your neck.

eventually it just became too much, a thin layer of sweat forming over his skin as he clawed his boxers down his legs. he drug his hands down the curves of your body, a sharp breath sucking in between his teeth as the swollen tip of his cock poked against your upper thigh. it felt so good to rub himself against your warm skin, his fingers pressing a little harder into your still-sleeping form.

surely you wouldn’t mind if he put your body to good use while you rested? right?

he pushed his cock between your smooth thighs, beginning to roll his hips in and and out as your legs hugged against his dick. it was nothing compared to your sweet, tight cunt that he was so desperately dreaming of, but fuck if it wasn’t getting the job done.

the way your thighs squeezed his achey member between them was heavenly, and he couldn’t help himself from digging his nails into your hips and letting more strangled whines fly into your ears. between denki’s desperate noises and the feeling of his cock rubbing between your legs, your eyes shot open and you finally woke up from your ever-pleasant slumber.

you stayed still for a few moments, drinking up his high-pitched sounds and relishing in the way his dick brushed against your clothed cunt when he thrusted between your thighs. but eventually you decided that you’d need to help him, shifting your weight and reaching back to grasp the base of his cock before it could disappear into your legs again.

denki’s noises instantly silenced, nothing but small pants leaving his mouth as he looked at you with big, hazy eyes. all you needed to do was give him one glance and a few pumps to his length, and he was rolling onto his back, head thrown back onto the pillow. normally, he liked to be the one who took care of you, always worried about making his girl feel good, but it was obvious that tonight he needed you.

you turned and wrapped your second hand around his member, simultaneously pumping them up and down and losing yourself in the intricate pattern of veins in his cock. the noises denki continued to make were shameful even for him, which was saying a lot, because if the internet ever had the pleasure of hearing his moans, he’d be fucking famous for it. his scratchy, higher-pitched voice formed whines that were nothing short of music to your ears.

it only took a few minutes of handwork to have him unraveling underneath your touch, his legs jerking and twitching as he dove head-first into his orgasm. stringy globs of white doused his chest and abdomen, the excess leaking down onto your fingers. you turned your head over to look at him, a few strands of his yellow hair plastered to his perspired forehead.

“feel better?” you asked, cracking a lopsided smile at him.

“mmm, better,” he gave you a sleepy nod, his exhaustion creeping back into his fog-filled brain.

content with his satisfaction, you pulled yourself out of bed and grabbed a towel from the bathroom. after getting it you returned to the bed, the sound of denki’s soft snores becoming more prominent as you cleaned the spilled semen off his skin.

you’d be mildly angry about his lack of reciprocation if you weren’t so tired yourself, your body yearning to curl back up under the blankets. plus, you knew he’d be committed to making it up to you in the morning.

you tossed the now dirtied towel limply to the floor along with your previously discarded work clothes, making a mental reminder to pick it all up tomorrow. and then you found yourself tucked back against denki’s side, the onset of sleep flirting with your consciousness. it certainty wasn’t the grand reunion night that you were hoping for, but you were content just existing next to the electrified pro-hero.

[arrowflier]

hi arrow! can i get a fic of ian being jealous on a date (maybe someone flirts with mickey??) and mickey just loves it bc it makes ian all passive aggressive and bossy and saying 'my husband' 283949 times ❤️

Of course you can!  Or at least I tried lol, it got a little random.💖

That Green-Eyed Monster (is my husband)

They never had really gotten in the habit of going on dates, before. Not real dates at least, in public places where you could eat with utensils or sit side-by-side and pretend to watch the entertainment while you were really just watching each other. They had tried, but something always got in the way--the military, jail sentences, arrest warrants, pandemics, family emergencies--they just had shit luck, alright?

So when things got a little less crazy on the aforementioned fronts, they started trying a little bit harder. They had a designated date night, now. Sometimes they planned together, sometimes they took turns surprising each other with heartfelt (or sometimes comical) plans.

This time, it had been Mickey's turn.

“Where are we going?” Ian asked yet again from where he was blindfolded in the passenger seat of Tami’s car.  They’d usually take the ambulance, but Mickey didn’t want to stick out too much today—not in a place where an ambulance could potentially be needed.

“I still ain’t gonna tell you,” Mickey answered, but relented enough to add, “we’re almost there though, you’ll see soon.”

Sure enough, the entrance to the parking lot came up on the right, and Mickey swung in in that ridiculous little car.

As soon as Ian felt the car stop, he was reaching for his blindfold—not one of their good ones, just an old headband they had found on Debbie’s floor—but Mickey grabbed his hand before he could slip it off.

“Hey hey hey,” Mickey chastised.  “What’s the rush there, flash?”

“What, I can’t be a little eager for our date?” Ian pouted, knowing it would get Mickey to give in.  No matter how many times he tried to pretend that he wasn’t soft, Mickey always gave in to the pout.

He was right.  Gentle hands pushed the headband off of Ian’s eyes, which were immediately filled with the sight of Mickey’s own as the other man ran fingers through Ian’s hair in an attempt to smooth it down.

“Alright, come on then,” Mickey ordered, leaving one firm kiss at the corner of Ian’s lips before pulling back and getting out of the car.  “If you’re so eager, you get to pay.”

Ian chuckled as he let himself out and met Mickey around the front of the car.  “Why would I pay?” he asked jokingly.  “It’s your week to woo me, asshole, you get to foot the bill.”

“Foot the bill with your money, sure,” Mickey retorted, and Ian rolled his eyes as he automatically fell into step beside him.

“Our money,” he reminded his husband, getting an arm around his waist.  He was always surprised when Mickey let him do that—he said it felt awkward to walk with the jolly red giant suckered onto his side—but this time Mickey actually leaned into him.

He didn’t even notice where they were, outside a little building in the middle of nowhere.  He let go of Mickey to walk through the door ahead of him, fully intending to continue their playful banter, when he stopped still.

There were a lot of guns in this place.

Paintball guns, that was.

“Mickey,” Ian said slowly as his husband came up behind him, “did you bring me here to shoot me?”

Mickey just smirked as he swanned past toward the check-in desk.

“Maybe, hotshot,” he answered.  “You gonna complain?”

Ian shook his head with a shit-eating grin.  

“Hell no,” he declared.  “You better be ready for me.”

Mickey signed his name on a waiver with a flourish and took the gun handed to him by a worker, tossing it to Ian.

“Am I ever not?”

—

Ian was having a blast, pun intended, as he shot the shit out of everybody else on the range.  Mickey wasn’t faring too badly either; despite being on the opposite team, neither one of them had managed to shoot each other yet.

It didn’t hurt that Mickey looked damn good, either.  He was completely in his element out here, taking guys out left and right with perfect marksmanship and even more perfect form, his shoulders barely moving with the recoil as he shot.  Half the time, Ian missed his chance because he was too busy watching him to fire—the other half, he didn’t even want to if it meant taking Mickey out of the game and losing his eye-candy.

Finally, a break was called, and everyone filed off the course while it was reset for the next round.

Ian grabbed a bottle of water from a long table near the building, guzzling half of it in one go before looking around for his husband.

He found him quickly enough, recognizing his back immediately even in unfamiliar gear with his hair all mussed from the protective helmet they had to wear.

But he did not recognize the man standing next to Mickey, raking his eyes over Mickey’s stocky build.  

The stranger was saying something, Mickey tossing his head back in laughter, and then a hand was on Mickey’s arm and Ian suddenly found himself at Mickey’s back.

“Everything good here, fellas?” Ian asked casually, standing a couple feet away.

“Fine, Gallagher,” Mickey said with a smile.  “Johnny here was just tellin’ me he could give me some pointers before the next round.”

Ian raised his eyebrows, glancing from Mickey’s face to the stranger’s and back.

“Pointers?” he asked, voice going a touch high at the end.  Who the fuck did this guy think he was, offering shooting pointers to Mickey fucking Milkovich?  He had gotten there just in time, it seemed, because there was no way in hell Mickey would let that insult slide.

“Yeah,” Mickey said.  “Says I need to work on my form a little, widen my stance, you know.  Thought I’d give it a shot.”

Wait.  What?

“I was just telling him,” the stranger—Johnny, though how they were on a first name basis already Ian had no idea—chimed in, “that I have a lot of experience with real firearms.”

“And I was sayin’ how much I admire a military man,” Mickey interjected with a smirk, “so I might as well let him show me some moves.”

“Mickey,” Ian hissed lowly, “what are you doing?”

Mickey didn’t answer.

“You ever shot a real gun, Mick?” Johnny asked abruptly, catching on that he was missing something but determined not to lose Mickey’s attention.  

“It’s like nothing else, dude, I swear.  The feel of that smooth metal in your hands,” he continued as he moved closer, lifting a hand to Mickey’s arm again. “The way it moves with you, goes off when you,” he leaned in even closer, and added in a low voice, “pull the trigger.”

Alarm bells were ringing in Ian’s head at this point.

“Nah,” Mickey was answering, “my guy won’t let me play with the real stuff.”

“Sounds like you need a new guy, then,” Johnny murmured, and Ian had had enough.

“He’s taken,” he cut in gruffly, moving to stand by Mickey’s side.  He couldn’t hold Mickey with the gear in the way, but he got a hand on his back, at least, curling fingers into the top of his waistband.

Johnny looked at him askance, and shrugged.  

“I don’t see a ring,” he pointed out, and Ian grit his teeth.  They had taken them off before starting, for safety, and he never regretting following the rules more a day in his life.

“Besides, who are you to speak for him?” Johnny asked.

“Oh, this is Ian,” Mickey introduced quickly.  He was smiling, the asshole, like some guy wasn’t trying to steal him from right under Ian’s own nose.  “He’s my—”

“His husband,” Ian stated firmly, and watched Johnny’s eyes go wide.  “His ex-army, ex-con husband.”

“Hey man, I’m sorry,” Johnny apologized, hands up.  “I didn’t know.”

Ian nodded, ready to let it go despite his urge to send the man packing, when Johnny insisted on talking again.

“You can’t blame me though, right?” he said with a little, nervous laugh.  “I mean, he looks so damn—”

He didn’t finish his sentence, too busy keeling over with his hands on his groin after Ian shot a paintball right at his balls at point-blank range.

—

Two minutes later, Ian and Mickey were racing to the car as employees chased behind them, yelling.  Apparently it was frowned upon to shoot someone on your own team, outside the course itself, during a break.  It didn’t help that Mickey had done the same right after, just for fun.

“Hurry up, you jealous fuck,” Mickey shouted at Ian as he fumbled with the door handle.  “We gotta get outa here before they realize I gave them fake names!”

Ian fell into the car, giddy with adrenaline and laughter.

“The fuck did you do that for?” he giggled as Mickey threw the car into reverse and peeled out of the lot.

“Cause I knew you would do something stupid!” Mickey said, shoving at Ian’s shoulder with one hand when Ian just laughed harder.

Ian gather himself as they drove, and felt his heart-rate start to normalize after a few minutes on the road.  He held Mickey’s hand over the gearshift, finger rubbing over the spot where his ring should be—where it would be again as soon as they had a minute to breathe.  Then, just as he was almost calm—

“Shit, Ian,” Mickey gasped.  “We didn’t return the fucking guns.”

That set them off again, and they had to pull over halfway home until they could stop laughing and hide the paintball guns under the back seat.

Franny and Fred would love them come Christmas.

[mingis-lightbulb]

5:53pm

Warnings: Kinda Angsty, fluff, Hongjoong x Best friend!Reader

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

I wanna ruin our friendship

We should be lovers instead

I don't know how to say this

'Cause you're really my dearest friend

You hated this feeling that was in you. You wanted to throw your heart out and let it get run over by cars. You felt like you were being suffocated by emotions and you were going to end up drowning.

And why might you ask?

"N/n! I'm back! I brought food!"

Your best friend, that's why.

Kim Hongjoong has been your best friend for nearly 6 years now, the two of you meeting your sophomore year of high school. He's been your roommate for 3 years as the two of you were now Juniors in College.

He had such an infectious personality on him, always willing to be a leader in situations, making sure his friends were okay. He made you smile whenever he came into the room.

It didn't do much to help the growing crush you'd had on the male.

You loved everything he did, the way he dressed, the way he'd plop down beside you and place his head on your shoulder after a long day of classes. His whole aura made you flustered and you hated it.

Because you knew you barely had a chance.

Hongjoong would barely bat an eye at your flirting yet would turn into a puddle whenever your other friends like Seonghwa or San would do it. It made you feel some type of way, but you kept it in and stopped it all together. You didn't want to ruin your friendship because of something simple like this.

You would just watch from the sidelines and want nothing but happiness for him.

"Y/n!"

You jumped and looked over at the orange-haired male who was tapping his foot. "I was calling your name for 5 minutes straight! Are you okay?" You nodded and he raised an eyebrow coming to sit beside you. "I don't believe you, so tell me now or else I'm calling Wooyoung."

You groaned at the mention of the male. Wooyoung was a friend of yours who knew just how to get the truth out of you. But the funny thing is here: Wooyoung already knows about your little crush on Hongjoong, he's watched it unravel and turn into what it is now. Calling him will be your downfall.

"Joong I'm fine, just a little tired."

"But you've been home all day, what have you been doing?"

Fuck.

"Studying Joongie, you know that we have exams coming up right?"

"But you said you already did your studying and that you were going to rest for the day."

Double fuck.

This man really pays attention to everything that you say. Sinking down in the chair you were deciding if you should really tell him how you feel. You swallowed your pride and sat back up.

"Okay...Hongjong I-"

"Oh hold on! I'm getting a call from the boys."

"But hongjong I want to tell-"

"Hold on Y/n! You can tell me later!"

You watched as he walked to his room and you sighed getting up. "Fuck this, fuck this, and fuck this once again." You mumbled heading to your own room and slamming the door.

You slid down the door and bring your knees to your chest. Looking at your phone you grabbed it and started to text In the group chat with all the guys. Not caring if Hongjoong saw it or not. He was probably too busy on the phone to notice.

Y/nthebozz: So guess who just failed at confessing to her crush and wants to curl up in a pit?~

Yuyutheretriever: Oh no! I told Hwa not to call! Woo told us that you were going to be telling him today.

You rolled your eyes. Of course that damn motor mouth told everyone else.

Mingigi: Aww do you need cuddles Y/n? I can come over if you need it! :)

Y/nthebozz: Thank Mingles, but i should be fine. I'll just cri

Sanstorm: NOOO CRYING IS NOT THE WAY TO GO.

Y/nthebozz: Really San? You're one to talk, you nearly combusted when you thought Wooyoung didn't like you!

Sanstorm:...

Sanstorm: we do not speak of that dark day,

Loudassdoggo: DARK DAY?! IT WAS JUST LAST WEEK

Chickenman99: can you guys not blow up the group chat with foolishness, I nearly snorted in class.

Y/nthebozz: SORRY SANGIE

MamaToothless: What in the world are you guys talking about?

applebreakerz: y/n failed at telling the coconut that she liked him and wants to die :)

Mametoothless: THAT WAS TODAY SHIT I"M SORRY Y/N I WAS TELLING HIM WE HAD NO CLASS TODAY

You giggle at Seonghwa freaking out, He's such a mama to the rest of you guys that you couldn't be mad at him. He didn't know that you finally gotten the ballas to confess.

Y/nthebozz: no your fine imma just get used to my life as a lonely cat lady. Or I'll be the fine ass auntie to all your kids.

Y/nthebozz: Yeaaa I think I'll do that, I'll be the sexy auntie that takes care of the kids when you guys wanna go out with the wives.

Sanstorm:...

Loudassdoggo:...

chickenman99:...

chickenman99: child if you don't get in there and tell that damn man you like him I will reach through this phone and drag your ass.

You sigh at your friend's threat and was about to stand up when you heard knocking at your door.

"Y/n..can I come in? I heard you slam your door and wanted to check on you."

You stood up and opened the door, "I'm good Joongie. Just tired like I said before..." You say softly looking at him. Hongjoong smiles softly before stepping into your room. He walks over to your bed and plops down on it.

"So what was it that you had to tell me? Seonghwa was hurrying to get off the phone and telling me to come to your room."

"But if you had something to tell me that was that important fee- mhm!"

You shushed the male by placing your lips on his, pushing him back onto your plush bed. Hongjoong stared with wide eyes before letting his eyes flutter closed, his mind going off and fireworks were setting off.

Hongjoong wrapped his arms around you and pulled you closer to his body, whining a bit when you pulled away from him.

"I like you- no, I love you dummy."

"i-i..i can see that...I love you too...is that what you wanted to tell me?"

You nodded slowly and plopped your head onto his chest, embarrassed with your actions. Hongjoong giggled and ran a hand across your back, drawing hearts in it.

"We're hopeless aren't we?"

"Yea..definitely. Also you might wanna text the groupchat, Joong.."

"Why?.."

"They might be all either cheering, yelling or worse."

"Oh..i should go and do that.."

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

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(Don't forget, if you'd no longer like to be tagged (let me know I'd like to respect everyone's boundaries) or only want to be tagged for certain fics, fill out this form! Lex's Taglist Form. )

@wooyoungsbae @cjhonour @beomnoi @blessednhighlyfavoured @do-you-actually-care @soft-teddybear @captainjoongiekissme @hijirikaww @yungisstar1117 @staymiracle @joti17 @lee--felix @abiaswreck @sunshinee0-0 @serialee @violetwinters @mingissoggywaffles @soobinshouseplant @littleninja97 @siham21 @jess-1404

[lubdubsworld]

Change of Heart ( Taehyungx OC)

Pairing : Taehyung x OC Werewolf AU!!

Genre : Romance, Explicit Content.

Warnings : None. ( Some mild violence but mostly off screen ) werewolf sex, ruts, knotting etc

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3/ Chapter 4

[ Summary :

Times are changing.

After years of being oppressed, werewolves are taking a stand against humans , demanding equal rights and fair treatment. Heading the movement is Kim Taehyung, the breathtaking heir to the Kim fortune and one of the few remaining Alpha werewolves in the country. His disdain for the human race is well known and well warranted. They killed his family after all…..

He wants to change the world , to put humans in their place but when his five year old daughter takes a shine to their very human neighbor , maybe he has to start with a change of heart , first.  ]

Chapter 5

I found myself breathing through my nose, woozy and incoherent as the doctor fussed over me. 

“This is looking pretty damn bad, Dr. Jeon...” He was muttering while Jungkook sat next to me gripping my hands. My throat went dry at the words, fear making my heart jackrabbit against my ribs. 

“The bullet’s hit pretty close to artery near the clavicle, she’s lost a whole lot of blood. “

“Seo Joon’s going to prison for this... “ Jungkook swore, stroking my palm as I tried to stay conscious. 

“Tell me I don’t have to stay in the hospital for a long time...” I begged, desperate. 

Jungkook rolled his eyes. 

“You got shot... It’s not a playground scrape, Mirae....” Jungkook sounded exhausted. 

I nodded.

“ Whats going on with my father? Seo Joon was pissed off about something with my father....” I said, remembering the reason the wolf had been so pissed in the first place. 

“We’ll talk about this later- You need to rest and-”

“Just tell me damn it!!” 

Jungkook sighed.

“Your father got called out for trying to sabotage the vaccine drive going on on the island and he played the whole, ‘ why would I sabotage something my daughter helped make...’ card on TV. It’s had an effect....” 

I swallowed.

“What do you mean by effect?”

Jungkook looked a little angry now. 

“Can’t we talk about this tomorrow...you’re bleeding and hurt ...you need to fucking rest...”

“What’s going on...?” I demanded. 

“The weres don’t want the vaccine anymore. They think...well they think you may have tampered with it....” He looked uncomfortable and I couldn’t comprehend what I’d just heard. 

I stared at him, my jaw going slack in shock. 

“I’m not.... I have nothing to do with the vaccine...that is so far above my paygrade..I’m a lab tech..... what even-” I was too outraged to even think clearly. 

“People don’t know that, Rae. All they know is that they have always associated your father with bringing harm to the were community and somehow his daughter is here working on something that has the potential to both hurt and heal.....”

I bit my lips.

“He’s not even my real father.” I choked out. 

Jungkook looked surprised at that. 

“What?”

“It’s true. He adopted me because he raped my mom and she fucking killed herself over it. I was eight years old at the time and the bastard did not want any loose ends...” The words came out , bitter and edged with anger but it was an old hurt. An old rage that had long faded into a blunt sort of ache. I had been so young. Too young to fully comprehend 

Jungkook looked completely stunned.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry....”

“He wanted me to marry one of his anti-were associates . That's literally all he raised me for. When I refused , he cut me off completely. I’ve literally been on my own for years now and my job is the only thing keeping me from dying on the  streets....”

I hissed when the nurse touched my shoulder , the physical agony of my shoulder somehow intensifying as the nurse moved to finish dressing the wound. I would have to wear a sling next but I couldn’t even fathom moving,   let alone sitting up for that ordeal. 

The nurse gave me a slight smile.

“Your ribs are bruised again , this time its going to take longer to heal because one of them actually has a hair line fracture.” 

Great. That explained the woozy breathlessness. 

“It doesn’t hurt much...” I said confused.

“That’s because you’re on enough drugs to fell a horse...I’m actually surprised you’re still conscious.” Jungkook shook his head. 

“It’s just the adrenaline...that and the fear of being fired.” I muttered. 

Jungkook laughed a little at that.

“Don’t worry about anything. Just rest for a while and we’ll talk tomorrow , yeah?”

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

I woke up to fingers in my hair, soft and gentle. 

My eyes fluttered open and I felt my breath catch when I saw who it was.

“Yuggie ??” I croaked out, my brother’s face coming into focus as I blinked back exhaustion.

“Welcome to the land of the living...” He said softly, keeping his fingers on my hair, stroking the strands back gently.

“What..... how did you get here so soon?” I whispered.

“You’ve been out for forty hours, baby....” He laughed a little and I blinked, 

“I....I got hurt.” I whispered bleakly. My shoulder was still throbbing and the pain in my rib was now a bit more prominent. I took a deep shuddering breath. 

“I’m glad you’re here.... “ I whispered, lifting shaky hands to hold his face. 

“Dad called me. He wants you to come back home.” 

I felt my entire body going cold, hands going clammy at once. 

“That’s not going to happen.” I said sharply and Yugyeom looked worried.

“He’s really upset , Rae. Kim Taehyung winning the election was not a part of his plan and he’s desperate to try and cover his ass before he gets carted off to prison.” 

I blinked at that.

“what do you mean by prison?” 

“We can’t talk about this here. He’s not allowed on the island. None of his cohorts are. So he’s been trying to get you transferred to a hospital in Seoul. Jeongguk was the one who called me. They’re holding off on the transfer but ....you know how dad gets.” 

I felt my head pound . 

“What does he want me for?” I whispered in disbelief. 

“I’m not sure. But I think you should at least go see him and find out what it is that he wants.”

I shook my head .

“I’m not going anywhere near him, I’m-”

The door swung open and I found myself jerking in surprise, the movement jostling my ribs and making me wince. I felt my eyes widen when I saw who it was, fingers scrambling to grab Yugyeom . 

“Dad...” He whispered, sounding terrified and I felt that familiar jolt of sickening fear . 

“There she is.... my precious little one.” My father’s eyes held no emotion as he stared at me, lips curled in a perfect smile. He looked so much like a good guy that it was nauseating. 

I took a deep shuddering breath. 

“the management here is terrible. I had to petition the fucking courts to get a permit to visit my own daughter.” He shook his head as he made his way over and I lurched away instinctively. 

“I’m taking you home now. Bout time you came back to me.” He smiled, chillingly and I shook my head. 

“No...thats not going to happen. I’m an adult, you cannot force me to...” 

“You are my daughter. And you will be my daughter till you live. Cha Eun woo is still single. He’s looking for a wife and you were promised to him a long, long time ago. “ 

“Dad.... she’s fucking hurt...she got shot like three days ago can you not do this right now...” Yugyeon had stood up, reaching out to actually shove my father away and he looked surprised for a second. 

He gave Yugyeom a glare but my brother didn’t back down, towering over my father easily. 

“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to sound insensitive but it just worries me that my only daughter is choosing to stay in an island full of beasts and getting mauled quite often . Isn’t this the second time you got attacked in that same cabin, by wolves?” 

“that doesn’t mean you can just offer me as a gift to one of your buddies.” I hissed. 

“He’s one of the richest men in Seoul....you should be on your knees thanking me for letting you so much as breathe near him.”

“Isn’t he a werewolf?” Yugyeom frowned in confusion. 

My father shrugged.

“I’ve since learned that your sister has a preference for them. Well if she’s going to spread her legs for an animal, better an animal I happen to hold the leash to....” He stared down at me with calculated cruelty. 

The crude words made nausea rise up in my throat and I almost dry heaved. 

“You’re not pimping me out to serve your own selfish purposes.” I shook my head. 

“He’s here. Outside. He’s going to stay here and he’s going to bring you back to his apartment in Seoul and you’re going to stay there with him. End of discussion. Yeom, I want you to come back to Seoul with me now. “

Yugyeom looked torn as he stared at me and I bit my lips. Yugyeom was still a kid, still in college. He couldn’t afford to antagonize my father.

“I’ll be fine. Go ahead.” I smiled. 

“I’ll send Eun Woo in.... “ My father nodded at me and then sighed. “ contrary to what you think, I don’t want you to hurt. I’m offering you a good life. Marry the fellow and spend your days lounging around in luxury. Thats hardly a punishment now, is it?” 

I turned my head away in disgust. 

Less than two minutes after he left, I felt a hand on my arm and I jolted.

“Mi Rae ssi.... I’m Eun Woo.” 

I glared at the man in front of me, barely looking at him. 

“I have no interest in being your wife.”

He looked bored at my outburst.

“I have no interest in indulging your  interests.  Your father is paying me handsomely to take you off his hands and that's all I’m doing. If you happen to be good at taking my knot, that's just gonna be a pleasurable bonus?” He pressed a thumb to my lips, stroking the skin in an almost gentle caress.  . 

A knock on the door made him pull away and I glanced up, relief flooding me when I saw it was Jungkook. 

“She’s going to have to rest now, Mr. Cha. Her father told me that he’s arranging her transfer to Seoul but that's going to have to wait for tomorrow at least. “ He was staring at the beta with narrowed eyes and Eun Woo bowed lightly. 

He shot me one leering glance before walking out casually.

“So...fiancee huh? You’ve been holding out on me...” Jungkook whispered thoughtfully and I flinched.

“Didn’t know he existed till five minutes ago..” I muttered. 

“Are you in trouble, Rae?” Jungkook looked worried and I hesitated, before shaking my head. 

“I’ll be fine. I can handle him. I just hate the thought of having to leave the preserve... even if its temporary. But I don’t want to annoy my dad right now... He’s... He can be irrational and i don’t want him to take it out on the Preserve and do something harmful to the research program itself , just to be petty.”

It was exactly the kind of thing he would do, too. My shoulder still had a lot of healing to do and it was unlikely that Cha Eun Woo would actually hurt me , at least till i got better. My dad, for all his anger was still rabidly protective of what he considered his. And i was definitely high on that list. 

“So you’re going then?” 

I caught the hint of disappointment in Jungkook’s tone.

“Aww....is my poor Jungkookie gonna miss me? If I weren’t sporting a broken rib and a messed up shoulder, I’d definitely, at least give you a handjob…” I waggled my eyebrows. 

Predictably, his eyes went wide , lips tinged fire engine red in a second. 

“Wha- Shut the fuck up, noona” He whined and I laughed. 

And then I sobered up when he sat next to me, linking his fingers with mine .

“I’m serious, Jungkook. I’m gonna be just fine. My dad’s upto something. If I stick close, I can at least figure out what he’s planning. I don’t want him to hurt you guys.” 

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

“Right little firecracker his daughter is. So fucking pretty and man, those lips. I’d like to take a drink from that....” Cha Eun Woo gripped the shot glass hard, throwing back the whiskey with practiced ease. 

Taehyung struggled to keep his features neutral. 

“ Yoon Jae hyun’s daughter? From the preserve?” He had meant to sound casual but he sounded like he was being strangled. 

Eun Woo hummed.

“ Yeah....Her name is... Mirin....no wait ? Lirae? Mirae? ….. whatever. Poor thing. Apparently she has a tendency to get mauled by wolves too often. She was in bad shape when i saw her. “ 

Taehyung felt his heart lurch at that. He had wanted nothing more than to sink his jaws into Seo Joon’s throat, when he’d heard what had happened. If it weren’t for his abysmally packed schedule he would have rushed there as soon as he could. 

 As it was he had talked to a few of his acquaintances who were in prison. Seo Joon was going to go to prison and he wasn’t going to be coming out alive. 

“So, she just.,...agreed to marry you then?” 

“Not like she had a choice. The old man is going senile. Dude really thinks he stands a chance with his whole Reform Camps proposition. Wants to put weres in concentration camps.... What the fuck, are we in the middle ages..? He also thinks that betas are naturally resentful of Alphas or some shit. Kept feeding me crap about how you alphas want to subjugate the rest of us. Of course the fucker’s feeding into my Hotels and resorts so i just nodded along and agreed to his shit. Next thing I know he’s offering me his daughter in return to me being an ally in his campaign.. Figured I’d agree. See if i could get some inside dirt on him. I know you’ve been trying to bring him down for years, Tae...” Eun Woo gave him a reassuring smile. 

Taehyung felt a jolt of pride for the beta. Cha Eun woo had been a close friend of his from childhood and he knew he would never betray their kind. He had worked hard to earn his position as one of the biggest tech moguls in the country and he stayed true to his roots. Taehyung liked Eun Woo.

Admired him even....

But the idea of him touching Mirae.....

His claws nearly popped out at the mere thought of it. 

“And well if I get to fuck a nice little human bitch in the process, so be it right Taeh- Fuck!! “ Eun Woo jumped when Taehyung’s claw popped right out, shattering the beer mug in his hand and spraying both of them with the frothy liquid.

“Fuck...” Taehyung groaned and to his utter horror his fangs had dropped as well, his words slurring around the lengthened canines and he felt embarrassment flood his face. . When was the last time he’d popped a fanger in the middle of a fucking conversation....not since he’d been through puberty.

“Uh...you okay, pal?” Eun Woo looked worried now, beta eyes flashing green as he stared at him and Taehyung waved him off. 

“Be uh... Be careful with the daughter.” He muttered , trying to sound nonchalant. 

Eun Woo just waved him off. 

“Whatever , I know the type Tae. Likes a good, feral fuck from a wolf that knows how to give it to her good, you know?. Could smell her all over the alpha doctor who works there... Jungkook was it? Yeah... Girl gets around a lot, i could tell. And you can just tell that she’s going to be so fucking tight when you knot her you know, i mean human bitches always are but those hips just look like they-” Eun Woo stopped, stunned when Taehyung suddenly shoved the table away from him, hard. The older gripped the table and stood up on shaky limbs. 

“ I need to get going...” Taehyung fought the urge to shift, his wolf warring inside him, snarling at him to shift and leap across the table and devour the man across from them. To lock his fangs on the beta’s throat and rip his jugular out. 

 He’s threatening our mate...... He’s talking about what is ours....

The voice in his head was so clear and concise that he nearly blacked out at the very force of it. 

Eun Woo was saying something behind him but Taehyung was moving swiftly , stumbling to the bar where Jimin was taking one of the shifts.

“I need to go home...” Taehyung choked out. “ Call....fuck... Call my chauffeur.” 

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

“Pre rut symptoms....are you fucking serious...?” Taehyung growled at the doctor taking his vitals. the man, long used to Taehyung’s intimidatingly deep voice, merely hummed. The man had been one of his father’s dearest friends. And one of Taehyung’s most trusted confidantes. 

“You’re body believes you mate is around. A mate you haven’t yet claimed. It’s reacting to it.” 

Next to him Ji hyun was looking disturbingly excited.

“It’s not you.” Taehyung snapped at the tall woman who recoiled in shock. Taehyung felt momentarily bad but the truth was he had been trying to break up with Ji hyun for a month now. The model was just so shamelessly clingy it was getting to him. and he most certainly did not want her around if he was going into rut. 

What he wanted was a luscious, chestnut-haired human with ebony eyes and a scent like heaven. 

Fuck... he was burning up and his skin felt like it was stretched thin. 

“You need to leave Ji hyun. I want to talk to the doctor alone.” He demanded and the were bowed, moving out of the room quickly. Taehyung turned back to the doctor. 

“So what do I do?” He demanded. “ I don’t.... my mate died two years ago. “

The doctor sighed.

“She was not your mate. I told you that already. She tricked you. She was wearing your mate’s scent but it wasn’t hers...” The doctor shook his head. 

Taehyung growled. 

“I fucking know that..... And I’m gonna fucking bury Yoon Jae hyun into the ground for what he did to me..... But I need to have my senses about me if I want to do that...Him and his entire drug cartel is coming down.....But. That's not gonna happen if i go into fucking rut  now.. so close to me taking over office. So tell me how to fix this. “ 

“Who is the girl?” The doctor said casually. 

“What?”

“the girl who smells like your wife. Like your mate. Who is she?”

Taehyung sighed. 

“Its Yoon Jae hyun’s daughter.” He muttered. 

Dr. Lee’s eyebrows shot straight up to his hairline. 

“Oh no... do you think he .... again?” 

Taehyung shook his head. He had distanced himself entirely from Mirae just to make sure he wasn’t being pulled into another fucking trap. But so far , from what he learned, the drug did not work on humans. There was no way a human’s scent could be manipulated to fool his wolf.

And that meant that it wasn’t a trap at all. 

His wolf really did find a mate in a fucking human of all things. 

God, he couldn’t believe the sheer irony of this. 

“it doesn’t work on humans. It is her scent. She’s... She’s the one I want.... “ He groaned. 

The doctor chuckled.

“ You mean, she’s the one your wolf wants?” 

Taehyung frowned.

“Isn’t that what i said?” 

“No, you said she’s the one you want and it makes me wonder.....do you perhaps....care for the girl?” 

Taehyung shook his head swiftly.

“I barely know her...she...she used to look after Luna. “ He finished. 

“Luna...? Interesting. “ The man’s words carried a hint of amusement and Taehyung felt his hackles rise. 

“ What does that tone mean?” 

“I’m just saying.... You don’t let people watch Luna that easily. You’re fiercely protective of your daughter. If you let this girl watch her, you must trust her at least.” 

Taehyung sighed. 

“I.. of course i trust her …. she’s a good girl.  A good....person...” 

“ I would suggest spending your rut with her. Claiming her if she’s interested. With you being you, I doubt she’s going to refuse.” The older man’s eyes fairly twinkled, 

“I’m not knotting her when I’m on my fucking rut …” He snapped. “ I’ll likely break her in two. “ 

The doctor chuckled. 

“It wouldn’t be a very pleasant experience for her, yes. But ….there's no reason why you can’t make it enjoyable for her. “ His tone turned gentle and more serious. “ Listen to me Taehyung-ah...… There is a reason wolves mate for life. We are not meant to be alone. If your wolf has found a mate, he’s not going to let you function till you claim her. That's just the way our body’s are built. You need to talk to her. Make some sort of arrangement. You have three weeks at the most before your rut hits and trust me you don’t want to be alone when that happens. “ 

Taehyung felt his insides churn at the prospect. 

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

“No fucking shit.... You couldn’t have just told me that instead of letting me mouth off about her like that ? “ Eun Woo groaned , watching Taehyung with guilty eyes. 

Taehyung brushed him off. 

“It’s fine. I just.... can you just...keep her at your place till she gets better. I’m ...not in a good headspace right now and i don’t want to hurt her. she needs to recover.”

Eun Woo nodded.

“The doctor says three weeks and she’ll be fine. I’m a bit busy myself so I’ll just arrange for her brother to pick her up. Her dad’s busy meeting some suppliers. I sent the details to your men.... Did they get it?” 

Taehyung nodded. 

“The guy’s a bigger idiot than i thought. He’s actually met a few of these dealers himself. We just need one of them to ID him and he’s going to get locked up for life.” 

Eun Woo nodded.

“Everything by the book, Tae. We stick to the laws....no  bloodshed without cause and no one gets hurt. He likes to hide behind the fucking law when he’s trying to destroy our entire species , we’re gonna use that same ;law to rail him to the ground .” 

Taehyung grinned. 

“ Not just on the ground, Eun Woo. I’m gonna be putting him six feet under.” 

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

The recovery from my shoulder was surprisingly easy compared to the bruise on my ribs. Movement was difficult and it definitely hurt but my pain threshold had definitely gone up. It helped that Cha Eun Woo had stayed away from me and Yugyeom was on a three week break . We crashed out at his apartment and It was like being a kid again. 

We spent the days lounging by the indoor pool or playing video games. Yugyeom was a great cook and he liked cooking. 

Two and a half weeks after I had moved in, I was finally out of the sling. The physiotherapist visited me at the apartment and after making me move my hands well, she gave the go ahead to start my normal routine ahead. 

“I still want you to take it easy. Your ribs are healed and so is your shoulder but no roughhousing.... I’m only saying that because i know how it is i when siblings live together.” She smiled and I laughed, nodding. 

“I’ll make sure she’s resting well, noona.” Yugyeom said seriously. 

I closed the door as the doctor left, smiling as I watched Yugyeom trip over my sling on the couch, when the doorbell rang again.

Surprised , I turned back tot he door.

“ Did you forget something, Unnie-?” I froze in shock. 

Kim Taehyung stood leaning against the wall, looking like he had run all the way from his home across the city. 

“Taehyung-ssi?” I stammered out, taking in the untucked shirt, sweat drenched hair and flashing red eyes .

“I’m.... I fucked up.” He whispered, eyes fluttering shut. It took me a second to realize that he was falling and instinct made throw myself under him, holding my hands out to catch him. 

Pain shot straight up my shoulder as it took the entire brunt of his weight. The pain only lasted a second though, because Yugyeom was shoving me out of the way and grabbing the taller alpha by the waist.

“Holy shit....is this Kim Taehyung?” He looked awestruck as he stared at him and I felt my heart race. Taehyung seemed conscious but his breathing was raspy. 

I pressed my palm against his cheek and his eyes fluttered open .

“I’m... I need you.” Taehyung growled right at me. 

Yugyeom froze next to me and I felt my throat go dry. 

“I... sorry?” I squeaked out. 

“You...need you....under me... fuck...” 

“What the fuck, Rae?” Yugyeom hissed , face turning red as he tried to maneuver the alpha werewolf to the couch . 

I stayed frozen, having no idea what the fuck was going on.

Taehyung scrambled to a sitting position on the couch, gripping the cusions and he was paniting, his eyes wild as he stared right at me. 

“Mine.” His voice was ten times deeper than usual, fairly vibrating with power and Yugyeom went completely still. He was shaking as he reached for me, the terror evident in his face. 

“Oh, shit... Rae...is he....? Fuck , is he -” My little brother sounded terrified and I pulled him behind me. 

Taehyung’s eyes flashed red again and then they shifted to my brother. His gaze narrowed and his mouth opened. 

There was a split second when I knew exactly what was going to happen and I whirled around , grabbing Yugyeom and shoving him straight into the hallway leading to the front door.

“ YUGGIE, RUN!!!”  I screamed with all my might, and behind me Taehyung let out a vicious growl, pouncing across the room at my brother. Yugyeom managed to avoid him by a hairsbreadth and instinct made him move faster to the door but he stopped near the door looking terrified but torn. 

“ Rae...come with me,...come...” 

I stared at the alpha on the floor, my heart racing. 

Taehyung was clearly fighting against the wolf in him, trying to stay down, on his knees, fingers gripping the carpet to ground himself but the little growls that he let out told me that it was a fight he wasn’t winning. He looked up at me and there was so much pain and contrition in his gaze that I felt my heart break. 

“I’m...sorry...” Taehyung gasped out eyes fluttering shut. He was panting harder now, fingers clenched into fists around the carpet and voice ragged. i looked up at my baby brother and he looked so young and scared that I couldn’t stand it. 

“Its okay.... just go... I’ll be fine...he won’t hurt me... Just go...” I whispered desperately and Yugyeom shook his head.

“No... No... you’ve got to come with me... Rae...Noona....”

He never called me noona. I realized just how scared he was and tried to comfort him, but wary of going near him, lest Taehyung attack him again. 

“Yugyeom listen to me carefully. He’s on his rut. He’s not gonna hurt me, he just thinks I’m his mate. If you stay here he’s going to see you as a threat, so you need to leave..If I come with you he will hunt us down....I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself. You just need to go.” 

Yugyeom nodded, moving to the door and I turned back, feeling my stomach clench when Taehyung’s claws came out, tearing through our rug with ease. 

I heard the door shut behind me and I stayed perfectly still. 

Taehyung was still trembling and he finally looked up at me. Now that we were alone he was distinctly calmer. 

“I shouldn’t have come here.” He rasped out. 

I nodded. 

“So why did you?” I asked, staring at him as he stumbled to his feet. 

“You smell ....fuck you just smell like. ....like...”

“Like your wife, yes.” I muttered . “ So you want me to be stand in for your wife tonight?” 

Taehyung’s eyes shot up to stare at me. 

“My wife .... she worked for your father.” He choked out.

I straed at him, the blood running cold in my veins. 

“What?”

“Your father hired her.... to get rid of me. She... used a drug . A drug that confuses a wolf’s senses. Makes the wolf think he’s found his mate. Wolves cannot hurt or live without their mates. Its important to us.  She...She got pregnant on the night we mated and by the time I found out she was already carrying Luna and there was nothing I could do....I couldn’t...it wasn’t even a fucking bond.... I couldn’t sense her...couldn’t feel her...couldn’t muster any kind of affection for her but ... but she was carrying my baby and I just couldn’t bring myself to send her away......”

“Taehyung...” I whispered, remembering how Luna had talked about her father not liking her mother. 

“Its not natural for a wolf my age to be without a mate. But ....that scent ....I... I never picked up on it with anyone else till I... “ He sighed. 

“Till you met me.” 

“Till I met you.” 

I stared at the floor. 

“I’m not.... I’m not actually in rut yet. It’s still a day or so away. i didn’t want to come here but.... I’m supposed to be taking over the office in three days. When I do, I can finally use my position to bring your father down. He is using his drug dealers and suppliers to mess with our biology and its ...something sacred to us. Wolves mate for life and to make a wolf doubt his ability to choose his mate is the worst kind of sacrilege.....”

“What do you want me to do?”

He stared at me....

“If I go into rut and I don’t have.... my mate ...it’s going to fuck me up. I don’t wanna go into the gory details but I most certainly will not be able to take over the office. ” He laughed without mirth. 

There was nothing else to be said , was there?

“You have no right..... asking me to do this.....” I whispered , angry . 

“I know.... I know and if you say no, I will walk out this door and you will never see me again.” 

I laughed. 

“I think you came here because you knew. “

He didn’t respond.

“You fucking knew I wouldn’t be able to say no to you. “ 

His gaze was steady as he stared at me.

“I’ll take care of you.... I won’t...this isn’t a one night stand or a no strings attached thing, Rae..... You will be mine. I’ll be yours. “ 

“And yet, your eyes tell me that there is nothing you hate more, than standing here asking me to be your mate......” I said bitterly.

He didn’t deny it. 

“Will you come with me , then?”

I stared at his handsome face , the surreal beauty of it. And I thought of my father and how he wanted only to destroy anything that he didn’t understand. If Taehyung was going to bring my father down , I wasn’t going to be the thing that stopped him from doing it. 

“Let me get my clothes.” 

AUTHOR’S NOTE : IT WAS EASIER GIVING BIRTH THAN WRITING THIS FIC 

just kidding i love werewolf tae. Please let me know what you thought uwu