#Had a small burst of inspiration there! 🤭 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

bellasprettywords · 7 months ago

Text

So High School (Spencer Reid x Reader)

a/n: It’s me, hi, so I’m kind of back, although I’ve decided to expand my horizons and also write for Doctor Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds; either way, I hope you like this little writing🤭💕

This one shot is inspired by So High School by Taylor Swift from The Tortured Poets Department, which is my current obsession, so if you are swifties, I hope you guys catch the references 🫶🏼

This is season 2 Spencer, cause I just really dig the shy-sweet vibe

This is not proofread, as it’s 2 am, but I couldn't stop

y/n – your name

Warnings: Friends to lovers (kindish), mentions of alcohol

Word count: 2,409

My Masterlist

Working at the BAU wasn’t easy, but every now, and then you’d have days when all you had pending was paperwork, and you’d catch a break. Like right now, sure, you still had a couple of reports to get through, but overall the mood seemed relaxed, even if you’d been working nonstop for the last 24 hours.

You were typing your reports and sporadically, you’d catch a glance of Spencer Reid’s concentrated face, whose desk was in front of you. Sure, you were work friends, but deep down you knew you had a small crush on the twenty-five-year-old Doctor. Your thoughts were starting to fly away, thinking about Spencer's hair, framing his delicate features, his big eyes, which seemed to move frantically over the computer screen, the way he bit the inside of his cheek when he was invested into his work, and the way his brows were crunching, making small wrinkles in his forehead; when suddenly, your train of thought was interrupted.

“You know what we should do? We should play kiss, marry, kill” Penelope suggested way too loudly coming into the bullpen with a huge grin and walking frantically to your desk.

“What are you even saying?” exclaimed Emily, standing from her chair and approaching your desk

“We still have to finish our reports” said Spencer, who seemed to be glued ho his computer, taping frenetically

“Did I just hear kiss, marry, kill?” Morgan approached your desk and one by one, the gang was coming all together

“Okay, first round, y/n, kiss, marry, kill with Gideon, Hotch and Rossi?” Penelope asked a little too excited for the question

“Come on, I’m not answering that” you said chuckling at the thought of even giving a response

“Comeeeeeee ooooooon” this time Morgan insisted and the absurdity of the question made you laugh so hard, Spencer looked up from his computer

“Fine, kiss Rossi, marry Hotch and kill Gideon, because he has way too much dad energy to kiss or marry him” you said, and your friends burst out laughing

“We are way too sleep-deprived to be here” Emily said chuckling, “Also, I’m starving”

“I have a frozen pizza at home I just can’t wait to devour” you said and suddenly your friend's eyes seemed to sparkle

“Now that I know that, I’m totally going home with you” Penelope said clinging to your arm

“I’m tagging along as well” Emily added clinging into your other arm

“They say three is a multitude, so I’m coming, just to keep you guys in check” Morgan exclaimed, and you couldn’t wait for Spencer to add himself into your plans, but unfortunately, the young doctor was back into his working frenezzy.

“Como on Spence, we are going home” you said hoping he’d tag along to your improvised plan, even if you were almost certain he’d say no, considering he didn’t really talk to you other than work related business; and rarely info dumped on you, which made you a little sad, considering his info dumps were one of the things that you most liked about him.

“Excuse me?” Spencer said crunching his eyebrows and staring over his screen monitor into your eyes

“We… we are all coming to my house to eat pizza, I was… I was wondering if you’d like to come” you stuttered and felt your cheeks become red. Anytime, you’d try to talk to Spencer about anything other than work, words would trip out of your mouth incomprehensibly, your cheeks would flush in a bright shade of red, and you were pretty sure anyone with a brain knew about your crush, specially considering you’d act like a high schooler in love around him.

“Come on man, we can even trow some poker to sweetener the deal for you” Morgan added

“Also, y/n told me that she has the new Grand Theft Auto, so we could play for a while” Penelope tried convincing Spencer appealing to his love for video games, and if it wasn’t obvious before, well, it was obvious now that you were eager to have the boy-genius at your place

“Alright, let me just grab my bag” Spencer said calmly, almost… oblivious to the fact that your friends were playing smooth wingman and wing-woman

“Penny and I are driving together, and Derek is taking his bike, so Reid, you can drive with y/n” Emily said and for a second, you couldn't believe how shamelessly uncool your friends were being about the whole situation

“If it’s alright with you, I’d appreciate riding with you” Spencer told you a little… flustered? No way, you were the one fangirling over him, maybe he was just getting secondhand embarrassment for the whole situation and your friend’s pathetic attempts to get you together.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

The ride home was quite nice, Spencer seemed to loosen up when he got the chance to share statistics on pizza consuming habits in the U.S. and somehow, he managed to incorporate the history of pizza:

“So, a precursor of pizza was probably the focaccia, a flatbread known to the Romans as panis focacius, to which toppings were then added. Modern pizza evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, between the 16th and mid-18th century” Spencer kept explaining, while you took the chance to steal a couple of glances, even if it was a driving hazard “I’m sorry, I’m sure you are bored with my nonstop chatter” the young Doctor added shyly

“No way, I really enjoy your facts and stories” you said, and a shy smile formed into his lips, so you took a leap of faith, hoping with all your heart he wouldn't be uncomfortable with what you were about to say “I love the way your mind works, I find it amazing how you can just know so much, you know?”

“Thank you, it is called an eidetic memory, most people think it’s weird” Spencer said looking down to his hands, that were lying over his lap.

OH MY GO, WAS DOCTOR SPENCER REID BLUSHING? You were trying your best to hide your excitement, and luckily you were saved by the bell, as without realizing it, you were already parking in front of your apartment building

“So this is me, home sweet home” you said turning off the engine of your car and Spencer gave you a side smile that made your stomach flutter

“Thanks for the drive, and you know, for having me” he said, and you were high on his words; everything about him seemed to fascinate you, but before your mind could go wild, Morgan tapped your car window to let you know he was there, and after a couple of minutes, Penelope and Emily were outside as well

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

“I’ll put the pizza in the oven, so maybe we can play a round of poker while we wait?” you suggested as your friends took a seat at the table, and you handed them a beer each.

“That’s what I’m talking about” Morgan said, already shuffling the deck of cards. The game was fun, although Spencer won each and every round. The night was everything you could ask for, Spencer seemed comfortable at your apartment, and he even got around to joking and laughing out loud.

“Truth or dare?” Morgan said spinning his empty beer bottle with mischief in his eyes, and laughs started bursting, until it landed on Emily

“Truth” she said glancing at Morgan with amusement

“Have you even come into work tipsy?” Morgan asked

“Alright, yeah, once when we were working with the Newport Police” she replied calmly “Now, have anything stronger?” Emily asked, lifting her beer bottle

“As a matter of fact, I do” you said standing from your chair and bringing different alcohol bottles, you had a wide selection of whiskey, wine, rum, tequila, and vodka

“What are you? A bartender?” Penelope asked, surprised by the alcohol selection.

“I tried, I even got a book, but between life and work I never got around to reading it” you added pouring your friends a couple of drinks.

Emily spun the bottle, and it landed on Spencer, who gulped a little too loudly, and you couldn’t keep your eyes from his Adam’s apple “Truth or dare, boy-genius?” she asked taking you off from your thought

“I… mm… truth?” he said almost too afraid of what your friends could think about asking him

“Alright, what do you think about y/n?” Emily asked bluntly, and you could see Spencer’s cheeks turning red. Sure, you loved your friends, but their mingling was getting way too obvious for your mental health

“I… I think she’s great, I mean, of course she is incredibly smart, she’s sweet, funny, and she has a special way to always makes you feel heard and taking into consideration. It is undeniably that she’s pretty, I mean, and… yeah that's what I think” Spencer said staring into your eyes, and you couldn't believe it, you literally were wonderstruck.

Did he like you? Did he just admit you were pretty? You were literally on cloud nine when you realized Spencer had spun the bottle, and this time it was facing you

“What’s… What’s your favorite movie?” Spencer asked shyly, and all eyes turned to him

“Come on man, that was your shot” Morgan said leaning into Spencer

“That changes, but right now I’d say American Pie” you said trying not to sound too embarrassed. Secrets were spilled, confessions were made, and shots were taken, until Penelope spun the bottle and once more, it landed on Spencer

“Truth or dare, lover-boy?” Penelope asked a little too excited, which once more made Spencer a little nervous, considering the situation, and of course, the fact that he pretty much just admitted having a crush on you

“Dare?” Spencer said, almost asking

“Uuuh I got a great one, read y/n’s bartender book, and then prepare us some fire ass drinks” she said almost euphoric

“Oh, okay, sure, I can do that” Spencer said released a breath he didn't realize he was holding “y/n, would you mind lending me the book? So I can read it, please?” he asked shyly, and you knew this was your chance to make a move

“Of course, although I’m not sure where it is, so… maybe you can help me find it?” you asked hoping he caught the subtext

“Yes, yes I can help you look” he said, and a little grin formed into his lips

“What about playing the Grand Theft Auto whille they go lok for the book?” Morgan asked smootly, giving you just what you needed, a chance to slip to the side with Spencer

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

You were now in your room, with the guy that made your stomach flutter, and once again, you coultn shake away the feeling of being a sixteen year old girl approaching her crush for the first time. Okay, so until now you knew there was a chance he actually liked you, so for the first time, you tried to flirt smootly

“So, the book must me somewhere on this wall” you told Spencer pointing at the wall-tall-bookshelf that adorned your room

“That is an impressive collection” Reid said admiring your books

“Thank you, I like… reading, and of course, books” you mumbled and between the nerves of having him in your room, and the fact that he was aproaching you, starring directly at your eyes, your braing wasn’t braining it. This defenetly wasn’t considered smooth, or flirty

“Truth or dare?” Spencer said coming closer to you

“Truth” you responded almost instantly

“Why is American Pie your favorite movie?” he asked, and the question genualy threw you off

“I know most people think it’s a really stupid movie, but even in those crazy scenarios, the guys get to laugh, and learn about life, sure, it’s twisted, and watching to too your can defenetly cause issues, but I think it’s a great piece of cinematography”

“That’s impressive, altough I can’t judge, as I’ve never got arroud to watch it” Spencer said, moving a little, and turning back to your book collection

“Truth or dare, Doctor Reid?” you asked playfully

“Truth” he said chuckling, and once again, you confirmed his little laughs sent a dopamine charge into your brain that was almost adictive

“What’s your favorite thing from my collection?” you asked, moving your hand motioning your bookshelf

“While you have an impressive Aristotle collection, which I’m a big fan of, right now my favorite thing in this room is not exactly a thing, but a person” he said once again leaning into you, “Truth or dare, miss y/n?” he asked coming even closer to your face

“Truth” you asked playing it safe, as he had suddenly turned into Doctor Smooth Reid, and seeing him take charge, was a side of him, one that you were totally enjoying

“What are you thinking about right now?” he said, leaning a little closer to you

“Actually, all I can think about right now is kissing you” you admited, bitting you lower lip, but not giving him time to answer, you asked “Truth or dare?”

“Dare” Spencer said, with his eyes lingering from your eyes, to your lips and viceversa

“I dare you to kiss me” you said, and as you finished yout sentence, his hand was cupping your cheeck, his other hand was placed on your waste, and his lips were softly crashing into yours. The kiss was soft, and sweet, with a couple of bites in between. One kiss, then another one, and swiftly, Spencer made you turn, placing your back towards your bookshelf and getting closer to you, just like you, he longed for this moment, for your kiss, for your touch. You were enjoyoing yourselves way too much, when you heard a knock on your door, which made the two of you burst out laughing

“We should go back to them” Spencer said, placing a las kiss into your lips

“Maybe next Saturday you can come over, I mean, you can’t go though life without the rite of passage of watching American Pie” you said chuckling, hoping with all your flustered heard he’s say yes

“That would me wonderful, I can’t keep living like this, without watching American Pie, I mean” he said lacing his fingers with yours, and opening the door for you, so the two of you could go back to your friends, who were also laughing from the living room, as they were sure their mission of getting you together had been succesful.

Part 2

I really hope you liked it, let me know if you want part 2, as I'm pondering the idea of the American Pie date.

Kay, love you, bye 🩷

#spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x fem!reader #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid oneshot #spencer reid scenario #spencer reid drabble #spencer reid fic #spencer reid fanfiction #dr spencer reid

521 notes · View notes

rafesbabygirlx · 8 days ago

Text

Time Alone - Drew x GF!Reader

Masterlist

Summary: you and Drew have crazy work schedules. Finally having time off work you go and spend it with him in South Carolina when he films. Even being there with him it’s hard to find time alone, until it isn’t.

A/N: wrote this on my phone so my theme is not present here. Just too good not to post. Also not really proofread since it was done on my phone and I hate google docs on my phone.

Warnings: SMUT - car sex, oral, riding

Inspired by @rafescokewhore anons finding his Apple Music playlists. Been thinking about this for a while. 🤭

You and Drew drive home from set, the cool evening air filling the car as the hum of the engine fades into the background. You’re visiting him for a couple of weeks while he’s filming, but this is the first real alone time you’ve had since you arrived. He’s been either on set or surrounded by the cast at the apartments, and by the time you both make it to bed, you’re usually too tired to even talk.

The car ride is mostly silent, the two of you holding hands as one of his playlists plays in the background. There’s a comfortable intimacy in the quiet, a kind of connection that doesn’t need words.

When he pulls into his spot in the dark parking lot, the air between you shifts. He turns off the car, the music still playing, and looks at you with an expression that sends a flutter through your stomach.

“Pull down your shorts,” he says, his tone casual but firm.

You blink at him, startled. “Huh?”

Before you can fully process what’s happening, he’s already reaching over, his fingers deftly working at the button of your shorts. His determined expression makes you burst into giggles, but the sound catches in your throat as he tugs your shorts and underwear down in one swift motion, tossing them into the back seat.

Your body shifts instinctively, pressing your back against the passenger-side door as Drew adjusts himself. He kneels in the driver’s seat, gently lifting one of your legs to drape over the backrest and he pulls you up so your ass is on the center console.

His movements are unhurried but purposeful. His lips brush your inner thigh, trailing heat in their wake before his mouth descends. The first flick of his tongue against your clit sends a jolt through you, a loud moan escaping your lips.

Without breaking rhythm, his free hand reaches for the volume knob, turning up the music to drown out your sounds, just in case anyone happens to pass by. “Those sounds are just for me.” He looks up at you eyes full of lust.

He’s relentless, his tongue and fingers working together as if he’s savoring every reaction he draws from you. His mouth moves with a feverish intensity, exploring every inch of you as your body arches against the door, lost in the moment.

Your moans grow louder as Drew’s movements intensify. His tongue circles your entrance before trailing back to your clit, sending waves of heat through your body. His fingers slide inside you with an almost teasing slowness, curling just right to make you gasp. You can’t help but thread your fingers into his scalp, gripping tightly, nails digging to his head as his mouth continues its work.

“Drew,” you whisper, your voice shaky, barely audible over the music.

He glances up at you, his eyes dark with focus, but he doesn’t stop. If anything, the look in your eyes seems to spur him on, his movements becoming more deliberate, more consuming.

The windows are fogged now, the small car feeling like its own secret world. The outside doesn’t matter—just Drew, the music, and the intoxicating pull of the moment.

Your chest rises and falls quickly, sending out shallow gasps as Drew’s tongue works hard against you. His lips latch onto your clit, sucking gently before flicking his tongue in maddening circles. His fingers curl inside you, pressing against that perfect spot that makes your back arch and your moans uncontrollable.

Your hips move instinctively against him, chasing the building pressure. He adjusts slightly, his other hand gripping your thigh to keep you steady as his tongue moves with maddening precision. The pleasure swells, consuming you until all you can do is hold onto him, gasping his name as your body trembles.

“Fuck, Drew,” you whimper, your fingers r moving around his head as your hips continue to buck against his mouth.

He lets out a low growl of approval, the vibrations sending another jolt of pleasure through you. His grip on your thigh tightens, holding you in place as he devours you like he’s starving.

“You taste so fucking good,” he murmurs against you, his voice muffled but rough with hunger. He dips his tongue inside you, his nose brushing against your clit, and the sensation makes you cry out.

The car is sweltering now, the heat inside making you forget it’s winter, but neither of you care. The world outside feels miles away—right now, it’s just you, Drew, and the overwhelming heat pooling in your core.

He pulls back slightly, his lips glistening, and looks up at you with that wicked smirk you know too well. “You’re gonna come for me, aren’t you?”

You nod frantically, barely able to form words as he slides his fingers back inside you, curling them just right. His mouth finds your clit again, sucking hard, and your whole body tenses as the pressure inside you builds to a breaking point.

“Come on, baby,” he urges, his voice dark and commanding. “I want to feel you fall apart on my tongue.”

The sound of his voice, the filthy promise in his words, sends you over the edge. Your body shakes as the orgasm crashes through you, your cries spilling out uncontrollably. Drew doesn’t let up, his mouth and fingers working you through every wave of pleasure until you’re left trembling, completely spent.

He finally pulls back, his lips slick and swollen, and sits back in the driver’s seat, his chest rising and falling as he watches you. “God, you’re fucking beautiful when you come,” he says, his voice thick with lust.

You’re still catching your breath, your body slumped against the door, when you notice the bulge in his pants. He follows your gaze, smirking as he adjusts himself.

“You think I’m just letting it end there?” he asks, unbuttoning his jeans and pulling them down just enough to free himself.

Your eyes widen slightly, heat rushing back through your body as he strokes himself slowly, his gaze locked on you.

“Come here,” he commands, his voice low and dripping with need.

You crawl over the center console, straddling him as his hands find your hips, guiding you down onto him. The stretch is perfect, and you let out a soft moan as he fills you completely.

“That’s it,” he groans, his hands gripping you tightly. “Ride me, baby.”

You move slowly at first, your bodies pressed together in the cramped space of the car. His mouth finds yours, the kiss hot and messy, his teeth nipping at your bottom lip. His hands guide your hips, urging you to go faster, harder, until the sound of skin against skin fills the car, mixing with your moans and the bass of the music still playing in the background.

Every thrust hits deep, and you’re both lost in the heat of it, your bodies moving together in perfect rhythm. The car rocks slightly with your movements, the world outside completely forgotten as you chase another high together.

“Fuck,” he groans against your neck, his breath hot on your skin. “You’re so tight, so fucking perfect.”

His words send you spiraling closer to the edge again, and as his hand slips between your bodies to rub your clit, it’s all too much. Your second orgasm hits you even harder than the first, your body clenching around him as he thrusts up into you, his own release following soon after.

You collapse against his chest, both of you panting and spent, the air in the car thick with heat and filled with the scent of sex. His fingers trail lazily along your spine as he presses a soft kiss to your temple. He reaches over and turns down his music that was just blasting.

“Now that,” he murmurs, his voice still breathless, “is how you make the most of alone time.”

You laugh weakly, shaking your head as you pull back to look at him. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And you love it,” he replies, his grin smug and entirely unapologetic.

#drew starkey #drew starkey obx #drew starkey fic #drew starkey fanfiction #drew starkey imagine #drew starkey x gf!reafer #drew starkey smut #drew starkey outer banks #drew starkey one shot #drew starkey x reader

271 notes · View notes

revnah1406 · 6 months ago

Text

MASON'S LEGACY

Chapter 7: The beginning of something new

<- previous chapter

Words: 10.131

(this chapter was inspired by a videogame. Can you guess which one it is? Hehehe. Also there are small hints form another famous black ops fic from a friend and mutual of mine 🤭)

"At least we know where to start." Weaver mentioned crossing his arms. His hip was resting on the table, his old bones complaining from having been on his feet for so long. Technology had advanced enough to bring him back to life but not to take away his back pain. Ironic.

Hudson put his sunglasses on the table. He sighed exhausted.

"We can't take chances and keep moving forward. At least not here." Hudson put both fists on the table. "The last thing we need is for Langley to happen a second time."

"What do you suggest?"

"A safehouse. Somewhere remote in the country. Far away from all this chaos."

"Northward?"

"It is an option."

"So what happened in Berlin is happening again?"

"Same story in a different era."

Suddenly the office door burst open. Adler stormed in. Hudson straightened his back and took a breath. Here it comes…

"Where is she?" Adler demanded, approaching the table. Completely ignoring Weaver.

"What are you talking about?" Hudson pretended not to know anything, ignoring him as he sorted the papers on his desk.

"Don't be an idiot, Hudson. Where's Abigail?" Adler slammed his hand on the papers, forcing Hudson to stop his actions. "I left you alone with her for two days and she already ran away from you again?"

Hudson took his time answering. He looked up to look Adler in the eyes.

"She didn't escape. I let her go. I ordered her to leave the facilities as soon as possible"

Adler almost laughed. He rested both hands on his hips and paced around the office.

Sims appeared at the door.

"Organize a search party." Adler ordered.

Sims nodded but Hudson stopped him.

"The girl is no longer in Chicago."

"Where is she then? Huh?"

"I hope far enough." Hudson answered.

"Are you aware of what you have caused?" Adler pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Are you aware of what you would have done if you had tied that girl to that chair? If you had filled her arms with needles and IVs?"

"That girl is hiding valuable information."

"She's a Mason, Adler" Hudson didn't hesitate to approach Adler. Imposing his point of view.

"Everything has its price. Stopping Perseus has its price." Adler wasn’t intimidated by the other man.

Hudson could see the obsession growing behind those sunglasses. That was no longer just for work, or for a need to do justice or save the world. This had become personal for Adler. Why? Maybe because he couldn't kill Perseus with his bare hands. And now he had been given a second chance to try again. Adler wasn't going to waste it.

"And everything has its limit, Russ." Hudson answered very coldly.

Adler spent a few long seconds, looking Hudson in the eyes.

"Organize the Search party." He ordered Sims again without taking his eyes off Hudson. "Find her."

And without saying another word Adler left for the office, leaving Weaver and Hudson alone again.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. There was a long silence.

"Should we contact Woods?" Weaver asked.

"It's not possible. He doesn't carry any type of radio. It was better this way, we minimized the risks."

"Then let's pray that they don't find them."

Hudson sighed again.

“Call Mason.”

____________

"Mom." Abby looked away from the window, watching the rain fall heavily outside the hospital.

"Mmh? Yes honey?" Alice closed her eyes, she was tired, the chemotherapy robbed her of all her energy. She looked like she was about to fall asleep in that chair. But her daughter woke her up.

"What is a legacy?" Abby asked curiously.

"Where did you hear that?" Alice opened her tired eyes.

"On the news, a politician was talking about our country's legacy prevailing." Abby pointed to the small television on the wall.

"Well... A legacy is what you leave in this world after you die." Alice explained, settling down on the couch.

"Our corpse?" The twelve year old girl raised an eyebrow.

"No, no. It's something more metaphorical."

"Like what?"

"Mmmh... for example, you are dad's and my legacy. You are what we leave in this world when we die. Dad is grandpa's legacy, and I am my parents' legacy."

"I see…"

"A legacy can be more complex, like an idea, a philosophy, a way of thinking. It can also be something very important that you have done that has affected other people."

Abby walked over to her mother and sat next to her, resting her head on Alice's shoulder.

"Will I leave a legacy someday too?"

Alice smiled with her eyes closed and stroked her daughter's hair.

"We all leave a legacy, honey."

Abby opened her eyes slightly. She took a deep breath and frowned. She blinked a few times trying to get used to the low light. The sun had not yet risen. It smelled like cigarette smoke, she was still using Woods' jacket as a blanket. It was cold. She stretched her arms and legs, trying to relax her stiff muscles. She lifted her cheek from the cold car window. She looked around. How long had he been driving?

Woods took his eyes off the road for a moment and glanced at Abby.

"Look who's awake." Frank greeted. "Did you sleep well Abs?" He asked, looking back ahead.

"My back hurts." Abby answered in a sleepy, hoarse voice.

She sat up better on the seat. Feeling her bones creak. She left Woods' jacket on her lap, covering her legs. The poor girl was still trying to wake up. Her eyes were half-closed, her brow furrowed, and her hair was completely disheveled. Woods chuckled at Abby's expression.

"What are you laughing at, old man?" Abby groaned as she rubbed her eyes.

"With the sleepy face you have, I'm sure you reached fucking Nirvana while you were taking that nap." Frank joked.

"Well maybe I'll go back to that Nirvana again." Abby settled in better, sinking into the padded seat of the truck. Closing her eyes again. She covered herself with Woods' jacket again. The smell reminded her of home.

"Come on, don't leave me alone again. It's boring to drive in silence for hours." Woods complained.

He waited for a response but when he looked at Abby again he realized that she had already closed her eyes again.

"Hey." Woods took one hand off the wheel to pat Abby's shoulder.

She simply shook her shoulder in protest.

"Are you listening to me brat?" Woods started pulling on Abby's ear.

Abby growled.

"Leave me alone." She complained, shaking her head.

Woods laughed, satisfied with his work.

"Give me some conversation, c’mon. This looks like a fucking funeral."

Abby thought for a moment, she remembered the dream she had. She looked at Woods, taking in his profile.

"What has been your legacy?" She asked.

The older man frowned in confusion.

"My legacy? What's with that question?"

"I don't know. It just came to mind."

"Mmmh..." Woods thought for a moment "I haven't had children, I haven't gotten married either. I guess my legacy is what I've done." He paused. "Although… it could be that my legacy was David. And you, of course." He looked at Abby for a few seconds.

The young woman seemed satisfied with his answer.

"I don't know what I will leave as a legacy." Abby asked, looking at the road.

"You're too young to worry about that shit Abs." Woods replied, trying to take away Abby's worry.

"I guess you're right."

There was silence. It was comfortable.

"Where are we?" Abby asked looking at the landscape where they were.

"On the way to Fort Wayne. Maybe an hour left. We've had to take several detours."

It was true that from Chicago to Fort Wayne it was only a few hours of travel, but due to the war and the years the roads had deteriorated and they had to constantly take detours, looking for new safer and more hidden routes. If you travel on the main roads or highways you are cannon fodder for looters. So Woods did not hesitate to take precautions.

A Pat Benatar song was playing on the radio. For a moment Abby wondered how it was possible if radio stations no longer existed, let alone music stations. But her question was answered when she saw an old cassette case resting on the glove compartment.

The rattle and sway of the vehicle due to the deteriorated road rocked Abby gently. She never felt so relaxed since she arrived in Washington with David, hells, she didn't even remember the last time she could let her guard down like that. Maybe it was the effect that Woods had, that long-awaited familiarity, that feeling that transported her home. Abby leaned her head back against the window, blinking slower and slower until finally her eyes closed again.

Woods glanced at the young woman when he noticed that the silence lasted too long. One of his corners tugged up, Abby's completely relaxed face was a little hard to see. The last time he saw her like this, Abby was unconscious, in serious condition, and tied to the hospital stretcher. It was nice to see her being able to rest properly. So he didn't bother her anymore, he looked back at the road and with one hand he placed his jacket on the young woman's lap and slightly lowered the volume of the music.

That time Abby didn't dream, she simply let herself be embraced by Morpheus's arms. Abby didn't know how much sleep she got that time either. It was one of those naps that felt like they had knocked you out and couldn't wake you up even if they screamed right next to your ear. But the sound of the truck door closing jolted her awake. Abby raised her head, completely disoriented. She looked around, Woods was gone. She yawned and wiped away the trail of dried saliva that descended from one of her corners.

She heard someone open the trunk while muttering curses, taking out a couple of things and closing it again. She unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the truck. The sun was already high in the sky, there were no clouds, the light shone on the snow and made Abby's eyes hurt, forcing her pupils to shrink as quickly as possible.

Woods appeared to be packing a few things in his backpack, supplies, ammunition, and a gasoline canister.

“Did we run out of gas?” Abby asked, closing the vehicle door.

“Hudson gave me the fucking truck with the tank half empty.” Woods replied grumpily. “Luckily the city is a couple of miles from here. We can go on foot. Find gas and return. It will take us a day at most, maybe half a day if we are lucky.”

Abby handed her his jacket when she saw him start to look for something. Woods grabbed it and put it on.

“Grab your things, kid. We’re leaving." Woods ordered, slinging his backpack over his shoulders and holding the rifle in one hand.

Abby obeyed, and grabbed her backpack and the rest of her things, leaving nothing valuable in the car. Someone could steal from them in their absence.

They began to walk along the half-ruined road, covered in snow and ice, she couldn't even see the asphalt. They preferred to take the risk of being ambushed in the middle of the road than to walk along a secondary path. The fluffy snow and frozen grass could make them go too slow. It was still quite early in the morning, Abby was hoping that the raiders in that area weren't early risers.

They were silent, listening carefully for any suspicious noises around them. Luckily there was only the singing of birds, the leaves of the trees swaying lazily and the wind raising powdered snow that had not yet frozen and stuck to the ground. The sun warmed their skin and the snow kept their boots cold and wet. A strange feeling.

Woods walked a couple of steps behind her, checking the rear from time to time. He also kept an eye on Abby, she seemed to be lost in thought, staring at the snow. Woods noticed the hunting sniper hanging from her shoulder. Guns and Abby… it was a combination he had a hard time imagining. Well, Abby had changed a lot in those last few years. She had changed but she was still the same. Woods didn't know how to put it. It didn't matter how much Abby grew, how much she cut her hair, or how much she changed her clothing style. Beneath those green eyes he continued to see the little Mason who begged him to read books about astronauts and trips to the moon.

“Do you know how to use that rifle?” Woods asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Mhm.” Abby made a sound of affirmation without even turning to him.

"Who taught you?"

"Dad." She responded simply.

Woods snorted and nodded. Obviously it had been Dave.

There was silence.

“And you're good with that?” He asked again. Five years had passed that had felt like an eternity. Woods had to catch up with her.

Abby finally turned to Woods. The sun illuminated those green eyes with a light so warm that they almost seemed to have turned gold. She smiled sideways.

“You'd be surprised, old man.”

Woods rolled his eyes but didn't hide his smile. Knowing what Abby managed to do to Adler, that response didn't surprise him. Abby paused for a moment so Woods could catch up with her so they could walk side by side.

“How things have changed, huh?” Frank sighed, looking up, towards where some little birds had taken flight from the top of a tree. It was amazing how despite how broken the world was, things always found their way again. Abby nodded. “Do you miss the good ol' days?”

Abby nodded again.

“Things seemed simpler.” She answered nostalgically.

“They looked like it, but that doesn't mean they were.” Woods corrected her.

There was another silence.

“And tell me…” Woods looked at her, earning a curious look from the younger girl. “How did that story end with that girl?”

"What a Girl?" Abby wrinkled her face not understanding what he was talking about.

"You already know. That girl from your school. What was her name…Martha?”

“¿Mary?”

"Yeah."

“Oh god, Frank…no…” Abby chuckled as she shook her head.

"Huh? How bad was it? I remember you liked her a lot.”

“She… just wanted to know what it felt like to kiss a girl. Nothing else." Abby gave a sad smile, pursing her lips and raising her eyebrows. “I guess I was the one who misinterpreted the signs.”

“Abs… you were thirteen, you were too young to understand those things.” He put his arm over the shorter girl's shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze. “Besides, first loves don't always turn out well.”

“If you talk so much as if you were the most experienced person in the world, then tell me about your love life.” Abby gave a little smile and wiggled her eyebrows.

“My life isn't full of romance Abs.” Woods rolled his eyes.

“And what about that girl? The one in that photo?” Abby remembered when five years ago she found an old photo in Woods' room. A woman talking casually to Mason, as if they didn't realize their photo was being taken.

“She is… Long story…” Frank sighed as he remembered those times.

“Well, judging how long it will take us to get to Washington, I think we have plenty of time.” She shrugged.

“I'm not going to tell you the whole story like it's a fucking gossip session.” He defended himself. It's not that he wanted her to know that part of his story, like many others.

“Pfff Boring... At least tell me how it started. Where did you take her on the first date?”

Woods thought for a moment whether or not to answer that question. He grumbled a little but eventually gave in.

“Burger Town.”

“To fucking Burger Town?! Are you serious Woods?!”

"What? It's good, and cheap. You say that as if you didn't enjoy it every time I took you there when you were little.”

“But you can't take her there on the first date! Oh my goodness Woods…” Abby shook her head.

“She was a woman who knew how to appreciate the simple things in life.” Woods answered.

“I feel sorry for her. If putting up with you as a grandfather is already torture, imagine having you as a lover, pff…” Abby pretended to be tired.

Woods opened his mouth in surprise, clearly not expecting Abby to make fun of him at that moment.

“You little piece of shit.” Woods put his arm around Abby's neck in a headlock and rubbed his knuckles hard over her head.

“Hahahaha! Hey!" Abby tried to get out of Woods' grip.

“You think it's funny to laugh at me, huh?” Woods was infected with the youngest's laughter.

“I only speak the truth!” Abby continued laughing. "Let go! Hahaha!”

They continued talking and catching up as they walked. In the end they arrived in the city earlier than expected. The skyline of Fort Wayne was what you would expect from any city. Demolished, a set of ruins. The few skyscrapers that had fallen like defeated giants. The shorter buildings threatened to fall as well. Debris everywhere, huge holes, streets sunken into the ground, leaving huge holes and uncovered sewers. It wasn't a very big city, but Abby had heard rumors that it was one of the hardest hit during the war. Now she had been able to verify it.

“What a sight…” Woods murmured, observing how gloomy everything looked.

“Is this the first time you've seen a city like this?” Abby raised an eyebrow.

“No, but never as destroyed as this one.” Woods replied, shaking his head.

“Fort Wayne was one of the first victims of the Cordis Die drone attacks. There were rumors that this was hell during the first year, and not precisely because of the drones.” Abby began to explain as they both walked deeper into the ghost town.

"How was it? The beginning of Cordis Die, the war…” Woods asked.

“Haven't they told you what happened?” Abby turned around with a face of confusion.

“I know the official version. But I want to know yours.”

Abby was silent for a few seconds. It was difficult for her to remember those years.

“When… Menéndez committed suicide after…” Abby pointed at Woods, implying that she was referring to the incident at The Vault. She didn't even dare mention it out loud, her stomach turned just thinking about it. Furthermore, it was a delicate topic that she had not yet discussed with him.

Frank nodded understanding what she was talking about.

“After Menéndez's death, we thought everything was over. Cordis Die had been stopped. The happy ending we were all waiting for.” Abby began to narrate. “A month later, a group of anonymous terrorists called the new Perseus appeared. They hacked all public television channels and social networks. They assured that they would make a better world for everyone, far from corrupt governments, famine and wars.”

They were both walking through the alleys, searching every gas tank of every car they found. All empty. Woods listened to Abby as he watched the windows of buildings and possible ambush sites.

“At first no one paid attention, they took it as a joke. But then they continued sending messages saying that the revolution had already begun in Eastern Europe and South Asia, sending images of revolts and violent demonstrations. Perseus was trying to convince people to rise up against governments, to demand answers. Many believed the lie, and the same thing happened. Attacks against the government, demonstrations, barricades, homemade explosives, robberies, murders in the middle of the street... The country became an anarchic place. And from what we saw on the news, the same thing was happening in the big cities of the rest of the countries.” Abby sighed and rubbed her face. It was difficult for her to remember those years, it was as if her brain was determined to forget.

Woods remained silent. Abby's expression was gradually darkening. He was beginning to regret asking.

“That freedom, revolution and knowing the truth were children’s dreams. A simple strategy to keep us messy, separated, like headless chickens. Perseus took advantage of the chaos to hack all the military systems of international powers. The United States, China, Russia... I don't know how they did it. Somebody made a deal with the fucking devil or something like that. Because the next thing we knew was hell on earth. All the military drones of the army were thundered against us, both by land, sea and air.” Abby sat on the hood of a burned-out car. Her hands had begun to shake. “The military drones in the streets of our neighborhood, I still remember when they entered our home. Dad and I miraculously came out alive. They shot anyone in sight. It was... like a swarm of drones that destroyed everything. There were bombings that destroyed the city. We had to take refuge in the subway. The number of deaths that occurred each day was enormous. The government tried to stop the drones with tanks, fighter planes... but it was useless, they didn't last even six months, then they disappeared as if they had never been there. Abandon us to our fate.” Abby gave a bitter laugh. “I guess you were right when you said that technologies were going to destroy us one day.”

“Abs…” Woods called after her.

The young woman made a gesture with her hand.

“The first year was the hardest of all. I guess I wasn't used to so much chaos and death. The few of us who survived were trapped in the city all that year, traveling through the subway tunnels so as not to be seen. Going to the surface only to look for supplies, clothing, weapons, medical supplies... We created a small underground refugee camp. We were busy healing the wounded, feeding the children, and creating a small oasis in that horrible place. By then I was already fifteen years old, I was no longer considered a girl. “I went out to the streets on expeditions with Dad, to look for food or survivors.”

Abby frowned and thought for a few seconds.

“I still don't know if it was my fault or not…” She paused, trying to find the right words. “One day dad had to stay in the refugee camp because of a problem with one of the hydroelectric turbines. So I had to go on an expedition alone.” Abby swallowed, trying to lighten the weight she felt in her throat. Lost in her thoughts and memories, trying to relive that event, looking for some detail that had been overlooked. “Maybe… I left the subway gate open or some emergency exit… I don't know…” She shook her head.

Woods waited patiently in silence.

"I was happy. I had found several boxes of insulin syringes and antibiotics at a pharmacy on the other side of town. When I returned... Everything smelled of gunpowder, gasoline and blood. There were corpses everywhere. Women, the elderly, children... There were also destroyed military drones. Luckily I found dad and a few survivors.” Abby sighed as she swung her feet that dangled over the side of the car where she was sitting. “Some blamed me for it. Dad said it wasn't true, the drones had appeared through the western tunnel and I had left through the eastern one. Whatever the story was, they were mad at me, and banished me from the refugee camp. Obviously dad came with me. We spent two years wandering the country, traveling with other nomads. It was better to go in a group than alone. Then we found a little hunting cabin in the woods and Dad and I stayed there for six months. I must admit that I liked it, it was a quiet place. But one day we heard some robbers in the area and we had to leave. It was a matter of time before they found us. We heard rumors that things were calmer in Alaska, that people had begun to organize to build small towns and return to normal, and that there was a smuggler pilot in Washington DC who could take us to Fairbanks.” Abby looked up at the sky. “We arrived in Washington, we found the Guerrillas called The Wolves, we discovered that it was a cover for the government that was still working in the shadows, the Hyenas attacked us, President Bosworth gave me the pendrive, they kidnapped us both, and well… You already know the rest of the story.” Abby looked at Woods and smiled. A smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Woods was silent for several seconds, taking in everything Abby had said. He could see the weight of those hard years in her eyes. In a way she reminded him of him when he was young, when he spent his youth on the streets of Philadelphia.

“Some busy years, kid.” Woods ruffled Abby's hair. “We will find your father, don't worry.”

“We will have to hurry. I don't know how long he will stay in Washington. Or is he even still alive.”

“Well we better find some gas soon.” Frank nodded for Abby to follow him. “Come on Abs.”

Abby nodded and followed him.

They walked through the streets of Fort Wayne, watching each other's backs with every step they took. The place seemed completely deserted, there wasn’t a single soul in the place, nor signs that people had passed through there. Fort Wayne was so dilapidated that perhaps people thought it impossible to repopulate.

They arrived at an abandoned square, with a small playground buried by snow and fallen trees. Woods put his arm on Abby's chest to stop her and pointed to some large boxes next to some trucks in front of a church. Before Abby could look closely, he grabbed her shoulder and pulled her to the corner of a building so they wouldn't be so exposed.

"Over there."

Abby peeked around the corner and looked into the distance. She analyzed the place for a few seconds.

“There seems to be no people.”

“Oh yeah?” Woods wasn’t convinced. The signs of nearby human activity made him tense, you never know who you might encounter.

“Look at the snow accumulated on the roof of the trucks, they haven't been moved in days. There are also no tire marks in the snow, nor footprints. The windows of the vehicles are frozen, no one has used these vehicles for at least weeks.” Abby deduced. She craned her neck a little to see a little better. "Look. Over there."

Abby pointed to some gas cans next to some cargo boxes.

“Looks like it's our lucky day.” Woods said when he saw them.

"What are you saying? Shall we risk it?” Abby asked, looking at him.

Frank thought about it for a moment. He didn't like the idea of interacting with people. And much less risk being ambushed. But they couldn't waste much time, they had to hurry and get gas soon. And if Abby was right and those canisters were full, they would have enough for quite a few more miles. So he sighed and nodded.

“Okay. Let's go, grab the gas and leave. But you stay behind me, understand? come on."

Abby nodded.

Woods took the rifle from his shoulder and began walking in the direction of that half-demolished church. He didn’t hesitate to monitor possible places where there could be people hiding, he didn’t like that place, he had a bad feeling.

Meanwhile, Abby kept an eye on the rear and the windows of the tallest nearby buildings.

When they reached the collection of trucks and cargo boxes, Abby tentatively kicked one of the gas canisters, which fell onto the snow without any effort.

“Fucking empty…” Woods growled in annoyance after checking that the others were also empty as well.

Abby looked around trying to find something else. “Maybe there's something in the trucks' fuel tanks.” Suddenly she realized something. “Hey, old man.” Abby called Woods and pointed her chin at the church door.

“Mmh?” Woods looked up at where Abby pointed.

Right next to the door there was a sign that said: “DANGER: flammable material.” Woods signaled for Abby to stay where she was and he approached the door. He stuck right against the wall next to the door, waited a few seconds in silence trying to hear something, but there was only silence and wind. With the rifle raised he slowly opened the door and looked inside to investigate. He made sure the place was empty and then with a nod told Abby to follow him.

They both entered the church and Abby closed the door behind them.

“Oh wow.” Abby was amazed to see the place.

It was a small, ordinary abandoned church. The wooden benches were broken, as were the windows, and there was debris everywhere. The roof had holes and let in light and snow, giving the place a magical atmosphere.

“Hey Abs. It seems that not everything is lost.” Woods snapped Abby out of her shock.

The girl looked in the direction where his voice came from. In one corner were more supply boxes and a fuel tank.

“Do you think there will be gasoline inside?” Abby asked, approaching her grandfather.

“Let's find out.” Woods put his backpack on the ground and took out the fuel bottle.

“maybe the gasoline has frozen.” Abby commented watching what Woods did.

“Gasoline freezes at -60 degrees Celsius. There’s no way it can be that cold here.” Woods moved the canister to the opening of the fuel tank and opened it.

“Well, it's too damn cold.” Abby rubbed her hands in a vague attempt to warm them.

“Oh hell yeah baby.” Frank smirked.

“Hey, watch your language. This is the house of God.” Abby pretended to scold him.

“We got some gas.” Woods informed.

“Oh fuck yeah!”

“Bring the other jugs from outside, we will fill them and take them too.” Woods ordered, after he had filled the jug and put the cap back on.

Abby brought them and they filled them all. They had three 20 liter drums, that added up to 60 liters in total. With that they could fill the car's tank.

“Do you think you can carry one in your backpack?” Woods handed her a jug.

Abby put her backpack on the floor and checked the extra space inside.

“I think I can carry one.” She answered.

"Good."

They kept the gasoline cans in their backpacks. Woods carried one in his hand.

“Aren't you carrying too much weight?” Abby asked, raising an eyebrow. Her backpack was beginning to weigh quite a bit.

“I've carried your grandfather on my shoulders for hours. Believe me he weighed more than this.” Woods responded by slinging the backpack over his shoulders again.

Abby raised an eyebrow. “I will remind you of those words when you start complaining about back pain.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “Come on, let's go, I think I've seen a couple of buildings where we can take a shortcut.”

They both left through the back door of the church. Always making sure no one was around. Although the city seemed more than abandoned. They crossed the street quickly and entered a large building which seemed to be in much better condition than the rest.

They found a large hall, with a polished marble floor and high ceilings.

“This building seems to have been preserved quite w—OH MY GOD!” Abby exclaimed suddenly.

"What? What's happening?" Woods didn’t hesitate to put himself on guard and look in all directions. Danger? A corpse? Explosives? A trap?

"Look!" Abby pointed to a sign on one of the walls in the hallway.

On the poster he could read in large blue letters: “SCIENCE EXHIBITION: FROM THE DINOSAURS TO THE MOON”

Woods read the sign several times and then looked at the girl with a serious expression.

“Abby…”

"Can we go? Only five minutes!" Abby put both hands together “please please please please please please.” Abby pleaded but was already walking backwards towards the exhibit. “Please please please please please…”

Frank sighed, perhaps this was the first time he had seen her eyes shine like that since he met her again. For a moment he found little Abby again, and perhaps that was what finally softened his heart.

“Okay… but only five minutes.” Woods began to follow her in the direction of the museum entrance.

"YEAH!" Abby raised both hands in victory.

As the sign indicated, the exhibition began with the dinosaurs. There were skeletons and fossils everywhere. Prehistoric giants made of bone, it was incredible that all of it had survived the war, there was rubble, cracks and holes in some places but other than that, everything was incredibly well preserved.

Despite the weight Abby was carrying on her back, she didn't hesitate to run around like a kid. Her inner child was jumping for joy. When was the last time Abby visited a science museum? Not even she remembered.

She stood in front of a fossilized stegosaurus skeleton and watched it for a few seconds until Woods came to her side.

“Did you know that this dinosaur had a brain the size of a walnut?” Abby commented.

“Wow, yours is almost as big as his.” Woods smirked.

“Hahaha… very funny.” Abby rolled her eyes and punched him on the shoulder, but she was unable to hide her smile.

Woods chuckled, satisfied with his joke.

They walked around some more, looking at models and fossils, until Abby found a small reception area, sat down in the chair, and put the phone to her ear as if someone was calling.

“Oh sorry all the dinosaurs are busy right now so…” she pretended to talk to someone.

"What are you doing…?" Woods walked over and placed a hand on the table.

“Oh! It's your lucky day! I have one of the dinosaurs right in front of me.” Abby handed him the phone. “Frank, is for you.”

“You wouldn't be the funniest person in the world by any chance?” Woods raised an eyebrow.

Abby laughed and stood up, satisfied that she had returned the joke. “I'm actually quite funny.”

“Whatever you say, Miss Comedian.” Woods ruffled Abby's hair as he passed her. Abby laughed again as she felt Frank's heavy hand on her head, which made the veteran's smile wider.

Abby walked over to a model in the center of the room.

“It's a Mbiresaurus Raathi.” Abby read aloud the name of the dinosaur on the information sign: “It says that it lived about 230 million years ago. The oldest known dinosaur.” Abby whistled in surprise. “He's almost as old as you.”

“I look better than him.” Frank responded looking at the two meter tall lizard.

“The CIA has resurrected and rejuvenated you almost fifty years; a meteorite fell on him.” Abby raised an eyebrow.

Woods shrugged.

“I would call it natural beauty.”

"If you say so…"

They continued walking through different rooms, Abby was commenting on the things that were on display and Woods joked from time to time. Almost for a moment they both forgot the situation they were in.

“No fucking way.” Abby almost couldn't believe it when she saw a huge model of a space shuttle.

“Big Spaceship huh?” Woods walked around it to get a good look at it.

“It's not a spaceship. It's a shuttle! With this, the astronauts were taken to the international space station.” Abby looked at it like a little child looks at cotton candy, full of excitement and happiness. “This is a model of the Endeavor shuttle, the original is in California, if it is still in one piece. They launched it into space for the first time in 1992.”

“I had almost forgotten that you were a nerd about these things…” Woods walked around the large room a little more, there were more models on display.

"Hey!" Abby complained and quickly caught up to Woods that he seemed to have become interested in another model. “That's the Sputnik satellite. It was the first satellite to be sent into space in 1957, crazy huh?.”

"Sputnik?" Woods repeated. “the Russians sent this one.”

“Yeah.” Abby shrugged. “The Soviets were more advanced than us in space technology. Don't look at me like that, you know I'm right. The Cold War ended almost forty years ago.”

This was a topic on which Woods and Abby had different opinions. But Frank didn't feel like arguing with her and ruining the moment. Luckily Abby wasn't interested in getting into that debate either since her attention was completely diverted when she saw a broken display case with an astronaut suit.

“Hey Frank! Look!” Abby grabbed the helmet and didn't hesitate to put it on her head.

Woods crossed his arms and leaned against the display case. "Looks Good on you. Ready to go to the moon?”

“We're going to have to find another helmet for you. I’m not going to go alone.”

Woods smiled softly.

“Is it comfortable to wear that?” he asked again.

"More or less. It smells like space, or probably like dust.” Abby took off her helmet and turned it over. She watched her reflection in her visor. “I would like to take it with me…”

“Then take it. Who's going to stop you? The security guard?” Woods looked around, implying that they were completely alone. "I thought you were the rebel one who doesn't care about rules."

Abby's smile widened.

“It's better to take the astronaut helmet than that space shuttle over there.” Woods nodded at the model of the Endeavor.

Abby laughed and looked at the helmet for a few seconds, her green eyes turning a little sad. She sighed and shook her head.

“We still have a long way to go and this helmet would only be a hindrance. I don't even know where I could keep it” And she put it in the display case again.

Woods didn't say anything, Abby was right but he didn't want to discourage her further either. But suddenly something shining on the ground caught his attention. He walked towards it and grabbed it. He ran his thumb over it to remove the dust. It was a pin in the shape of an incredibly detailed moon, with its craters and irregularities. It had a phrase written that said “to the Moon and back.”

He returned to Abby and handed her the pin.

“And how about this? It's more practical to carry it, isn't it?"

Abby's eyes lit up again. She grabbed the pin carefully and looked at it for a few seconds. She smiled and clipped it to Woods' jacket, over his chest pocket.

“it was meant to be yours, Abs…” Woods said as he watched Abby adjust it to his jacket.

“I know, but I would be happier if you wore it.” Abby responded.

"Why? I’m not the space nerd here.”

Abby rolled her eyes and looked at the pin on Woods' jacket, it fit him well. She patted his chest and smiled.

“Because I will always be your astronaut and you will always be my moon.”

That response took Woods completely off guard. To say his heart had melted was an understatement. But he'd never been good with emotions, so he simply smiled and pulled Abby's ear affectionately.

“Come on, let's see what's out there.” Woods had seen in the distance an even bigger room with something that Abby would like even more.

They arrived at what looked like the main exhibition hall. Abby found it difficult to close her mouth. The room was huge, there was a glass dome on the ceiling, from there hung a huge model of the solar system. There were walkways and stairs leading to higher floors, probably to other smaller rooms in the exhibition. There were models of rovers, spaceships and meteorite rocks displayed in glass cases. But what caught the most attention was the enormous globe of Mars in the center of the room. An incredibly detailed model of the red planet.

They both remained silent for a few seconds looking at the enormous planet in front of them.

"We used to look up at the sky and wonder what our place is in the stars. Now we just look down and bury our heads in the dirt" Abby sighed and shook her head,completely lost in her thought.

"Who knows. Maybe there will be astronauts again one day.” Woods tried to cheer her up.

“You've seen how the world is, Frank… humanity is not going to recover from this blow for a long time. And I doubt people will ever be interested in what lies beyond the stratosphere again.” Abby was staring at Mars.

Woods didn't say anything, he knew Abby was right. Maybe humanity had more important things to do before returning to space, who knows, maybe it will never go there again.

“In 2024, NASA managed to send six astronauts to Mars with the intention of starting a colony there.” Abby began to explain. “The mission was a success. But when Cordis Die started and everything became complete chaos, the world forgot about them. They never came back.”

"They are dead?"

"Maybe yes, maybe no. It's like Schrödinger's cat. They are alive and dead at the same time, we won't know until we see them.” Abby paused. “Maybe they have managed to survive, maybe they managed to create a stable source of water and food, it's pure chemistry, it could be done. Or maybe they died asphyxiated by Martian dust five years ago. We just don’t know.”

Woods nodded. It must be terrifying to die alone in a place so far from home, he almost experienced it several times.

“What a terrible way to die. And you dreamed of being an astronaut? Why would you want such a dangerous job?” Woods put the gas can on the ground.

“I could ask you the same thing.” Abby looked up at the veteran. She smiled as a sign that she had no intention of offending him.

Woods was quiet for a few seconds. He knew Abby was referring to his work at the CIA, and how after he died he could continue working for them.

“...Because it's the only thing I know how to do”

Abby's smile turned a little sad again.

“That's not true Frank.”

Again Woods didn't know what to answer. It surprised him how many times Abby cornered him like that. Perhaps in her short life, she had known him more than she had known him. In some ways it reminded him of Mason.

Suddenly something pulled him out of his thoughts. A red dot appeared on Abby's chest and slowly rose until it was between both eyebrows.

All his alarms went off.

“Abby!” Woods forcefully pushed her out of the path of the sniper rifle. The deafening noise of a gunshot was heard, somewhere on the walkways to the upper floors. A sharp stabbing pain pierced Woods' shoulder from behind.

Frank staggered from the impact force of the shot but managed not to fall.

“Woods!” Abby grabbed his shoulders worriedly.

“Don't dawdle now, run!” Woods grabbed Abby's arm and ran until they both took cover behind some display cases.

Voices and screams began to be heard, people running and shots being fired everywhere.

Woods grabbed his shoulder and grunted in pain.

“They hit you.” Abby spoke terribly worried about the sergeant.

“It's not as serious as it looks.” Woods lied. “Who the hell are these people?”

“Probably the raiders of this area. The trucks we saw before must be theirs.” Abby responded as she took her rifle off her shoulder but Woods stopped her.

"Not yet. Let them get closer.” Woods put his backpack down and grabbed Abby's rifle. He poked his head out slightly and quickly counted how many enemies they were facing. “Four, six, seven… seven motherfuckers.” He returned to hide behind the display case just as a bullet hit too close. “I Can handle them.”

Of course Woods could handle them, he had been in much worse situations than that. The only thing he really worried about was Abby.

“Abby, leave your things here, just take the gun and the knife.” Frank turned to the young woman. “There is an emergency door in that direction, do not shoot unless strictly necessary, do you know how to use the knife? No, of course you know how to use knives, you stabbed Adler without thinking.”

“Frank, what are you talking about? I'm not going anywhere."

As soon as Woods saw a shooter lean out to shoot again, he grabbed Abby by the collar of her jacket and pulled her down to hide better.

“Listen to me for once in your life, Abigail.” Woods' tone of voice sounded authoritative. “You are going to do what I tell you whether you like it or not.”

Abby's worried eyes traveled back to the gunshot wound in Woods' shoulder. Frank realized this and sighed.

“I'll be fine kid, I'll catch up with you before you know it. Now go." Woods nodded toward the emergency door.

Abby wanted to reproach him again but she knew there was no point, Woods was just as stubborn as she was. So she nodded, left her backpack there and when the assailants took their time reloading their weapons, she ran towards the nearest door.

As soon as she crossed, she closed the door behind her, there was a smaller museum room but she didn't even stop to see what was displayed there. She ran across the room until she reached the emergency door, opened it and found a long hallway where at the end there was another door that surely led to the outside. She stopped for a moment. Maybe there were more people outside, she didn't know how many people were fighting, maybe they were waiting for them outside.

Suddenly footsteps were heard approaching. Had Woods finished with those bastards? Abby had no way of knowing. But she soon discovered that there were several people.

It wasn’t Woods.

“Shit…” Abby cursed as she pulled out the knife.

The footsteps got closer and closer, until they stopped right in front of the door, a tense silence filled the place.

“She must be around here… Keep your eyes open, boys.”

Abby was on guard. Were those men the same ones who were fighting with Woods? Were they other guys? Had they done something to Woods? That possibility made Abby nervous.

The door opened slowly, letting some light into the dark hallway. She didn't know how many she was going to face. But no matter what, Abby was going to kill them. She was going to kill them all.

Woods finally managed to shoot the sniper on the upper catwalks. Of the seven men there, he managed to kill three.

“Not Tommy!” A man was heard screaming.

That almost managed to distract Woods, out of the corner of his eye he saw someone lunge at him. Frank managed to dodge the knife and hit him in the face. The man staggered back, and Woods took the opportunity to shoot him in the leg with his pistol. The man screamed in pain and before he could react Woods put his arm around his neck and pulled him towards him, using him as a human shield.

With the man in front protecting him, Woods allowed himself the luxury of coming out of hiding and managing to shoot another man in the shoulder. Frank was about to shoot a second time, this time in the head, when a voice stopped him suddenly.

“Pull the trigger one more time and I swear to God I’ll kill the girl!”

Everyone stopped. The shooting stopped and the museum fell silent. Two men appeared, they were covered in bruises and signs of a fight. One was bleeding and limping on one leg, the other was holding Abby by the neck and jamming the barrel of the gun into her temple. Abby locked eyes with Woods, her nose was bleeding and she had a split eyebrow.

“Let go.” The man holding Abby ordered. “Let him go or I'll stain the floor with her brains.” He threatened.

Abby shook her head slightly. Woods was breathing hard, it was a too compromising situation, he couldn't risk Abby getting hurt. So Frank reluctantly let the man go.

As soon as he did, someone kicked him behind the knee and pushed him to the ground.

“Frank!” Abby screamed. “Let go of memotherfucker! I'll kill you!"

The man holding her pressed the gun even harder against Abby's head.

“Abby!” Woods exclaimed worriedly, he wanted to get up but one of the raiders put his knee on his back and the rifle pointed at his head.

"Wait wait! Don’t shoot!" The man who had earlier been taken hostage by Woods tried to stop his partner.

“Why?” The other man threatening Abby didn't seem in a good mood. “The girl killed Joe and Billy! She deserves to die!"

“That girl saved my son.” The man looked at Abby, hoping she would recognize him. “Back in Chicago. Remember?”

Abby stared at him for a few seconds. She tried to loosen the grip on her neck without success.

“I remember you.” Abby answered.

The man nodded and then looked at his companions. “She gave me medicine for little Simon. She saved him. I owe her my life.”

The man behind Abby didn't look very happy. “They have killed three of our people, they have stolen our gasoline too.”

“He killed Tommy! My brother!" The man who had his knee on Woods exclaimed.

“They came from Chicago. They may have valuable information.” The father tried to insist. “She has saved my son. Your nephew, James.”

The man holding Abby and who seemed to be the leader spent a few seconds thinking.

He growled in frustration and shook his head. “Knock them out. We’ll take them to camp with us.”

Hearing that, Abby became upset and tried to free herself even harder.

“Abby no!” Woods exclaimed.

But for Abby it was too late, she felt a strong blow to her head and everything went dark.

____________

David ran to the hospital. The plane had been delayed two hours, since he had received the news he had done everything possible to return home on time, but apparently despite his efforts he didn’t succeed.

He crossed the hall until he reached the table where the reception desk was located. The receptionist seemed to be typing something into the computer when David arrived.

“Hey.” David greeted, somewhat agitated in an attempt to remain calm. The nurse looked up from the screen and looked at him with a bored expression. “Huh… I'm looking for Alice Mason, her water broke this morning. I am her husband.” he showed the ID.

The woman checked the ID for a few long seconds, looking at the ID and then at David repeatedly. Then she typed some more on the computer. David shifted impatiently on the spot.

“Alice Mason already gave birth two hours ago, she is resting in her room.” The woman reported.

“oh…” David realized that he had missed the birth of his first child because of work. He ran his hand through his hair and laughed nervously. “My wife gave birth alone. I must look like a horrible husband.” He smiled sadly.

The woman changed her bored expression for a slightly more compassionate look.

“I am not the woman who should judge that. Your wife is in room 240, second floor. The elevator is on the left.” The receptionist pointed there.

David nodded and left with a final, polite “thank you.”

He took the elevator and arrived as quickly as he could to the room that the woman had indicated to him. Some nurses even called him out for running through the hospital hallways.

When he arrived at the indicated door David made an effort to calm down. He had just become a father, he was a father. He almost couldn't believe it. He took a deep breath and slowly opened the door.

As soon as he entered the room he met his wife's tired eyes. She was lying on the hospital stretcher, her hair completely tangled and huge dark circles under her eyes. But still, for David, he still saw her as the most beautiful woman in the world.

“Hey…” Alice smiled and stretched out her hand towards him.

David did not hesitate to shorten the distance and take her hand in his. He sat on the edge of the stretcher and kissed her knuckles.

“Hey…” he said back with a small smile. He placed Alice's knuckles next to his cheek as he stroked the back of her hand gently with his thumb. "How do you feel?"

“Exhausted.” Alice sighed, her face looked like she hadn't slept in days.

David leaned towards her and kissed her sweetly. He wanted to kiss her more, with more passion, to tell her how much he had missed her, that the days without her were horrible. But in the state his wife was in he had to be more delicate.

“You've done an amazing job, momma.” It was the first time David had called Alice that, and he was surprised by how sweet it sounded. They both knew that they had to get used to the life of being parents, but luckily they would do it together.

“And you're late.” Alice scolded him, but the tired smile indicated that she wasn't really angry.

"I know. I am so sorry my love.” David kissed her forehead and knuckles again. He wanted to make excuses, that the plane had been delayed for two hours because of a storm, that the traffic jam from the airport to the hospital had been eternal... but David knew that at that moment those excuses were worthless. He made a mental note to make up for it with lots of massages and good food.

"It¡s ok honey. She has also arrived earlier than the estimated date.” Alice cupped David's cheek with her other hand.

He looked up.

“She?” He asked surprised.

Alice's smile widened and she nodded. "It's a girl."

David and Alice had made the decision not to know the gender of the baby until it was born. David never had a preference for one gender or another, but upon hearing that it was a girl, his heart skipped a beat. It is always said that daughters have a special place in the hearts of fathers.

“Have you decided on a name?” David asked curiously.

Alice stayed for a few seconds looking at her husband.

“Abigail. Abigail Mason.” She answered.

That surprised David, it wasn't that he disliked the name either.

“Abigail? I don’t remember that name on our list.” David remembered that they had a long list of names for their future baby. They never managed to decide on one.

Alice chuckled. “I didn't name her. It was Woods.”

“Woods? Are you letting the old sergeant choose our daughter’s name?” He joked.

Alice rolled her eyes. “He just proposed the name, and I liked it. Do you like it?"

Dave nodded.

“And where is our dear Abigail?” David looked around. He noticed that the crib next to the hospital bed was empty.

“Frank took her to the waiting room for a little while so I could rest a little.” Alice explained. “She has very strong lungs.” She chuckled.

“Has Woods been with you during the birth?”

“He was waiting outside. As soon as I called him to tell him that my water had broken, he didn't hesitate for a second to come to the hospital.” Alice answered.

"And your family?"

“They said they were on their way but had gotten into a traffic jam.” She sighed. “I guess it's better this way, you know how Woods gets when he sees my parents.”

David remembered the last family meeting, and nodded. "Then I'll go find those two." David kissed Alice, a slow and tender kiss. “You rest in the meantime.”

“Yes sir.”

Alice nodded and closed her eyes as soon as David left the room.

David searched the hospital floor until he found a small waiting room. There was old Woods by the window, sitting as always in his wheelchair, and with a small bundle of blankets in his arms. David approached without making much noise.

“You like grabbing the finger huh?” Woods spoke in a very soft tone, something strange for him. “Yeah, you have a really strong grip, Abs.”

“Hey old Man.” David greeted, taking care not to scare the veteran.

“Oh Dave.” Woods smiled as soon as he heard David's voice. Frank looked down at what was in his arms. A small baby's face peeked out from between the blankets, big green eyes that stood out. “Look Abby, your dad's already here.”

David's heart melted the moment he saw the girl, his girl, his daughter. David had just met her and had already fallen in love with her, that baby had become his ray of sunshine.

“Do you want to hold her?” Woods asked.

David was a little nervous but he didn't hesitate and nodded. Woods carefully handed the baby to his nephew. Little Abby stirred at the sudden movement but once she settled into her father's arms she relaxed again.

"Hi gorgeous." David murmured sweetly. His legs were shaking, his heart was going to burst, and his eyes were beginning to fill with tears.

Abby opened her small eyes as she recognized her father's voice. David had spoken to her so many times while she was inside her mother's belly. Which Abby didn't take long to recognize.

That made David's smile wider. And Woods's.

David rocked Abby gently, trying to put her to sleep.

“So Abigail huh?” David looked at his adoptive uncle. “I didn't know you had a name in mind.”

Woods sighed.

“Not exactly my idea.” Frank answered, looking at his hands, old and calloused. “More like your parents’.”

David raised his head curiously.

“Well, more exactly from Em, from your mother. Although your father also liked the idea.” Woods began to explain. “When Em was pregnant with you, she thought that if there was a chance you were going to be a girl, she would name you Abigail.”

That caused a wave of thought in David, about his mother and father. He tried to remember moments of his parents together. They were all blurry.

A whimper from Abby brought him out of his thoughts. David looked down and saw Abby thrashing in her father's arms. Surely she was starting to get sleepy.

“Abby…” he murmured. "I like it." He smiled at Woods.

Frank nodded.

“She has a good father. She will do great things.”

“Section.” Harper's voice woke David up from his little nap. The lack of sleep had taken a huge toll on David.

David looked around, they were outside the White House, the Wolves seemed to be reorganizing again. He was sitting on some cargo boxes. Delta was lying next to him, resting his head on David's lap.

“Are you okay brother?” Harper asked, seeing his friend's exhausted expression, he had terrible circles under his eyes.

"Yes Yes. I just had a strange dream.” He brushed it off as he stroked Delta behind the ears. The dog raised his head, happy to see his owner awake.

Harper nodded unconvinced. “The truck is ready.”

David climbed down from the cargo boxes and picked up his backpack. "Thank you. You didn’t have to do it.”

“I wanted to make sure everything was in ordert.” Harper guided David to the truck he had mentioned. “Provisions, ammunition, gasoline…. Everything you need to get to Chicago.” He handed the keys to the vehicle to David, who accepted them with a nod.

David opened the passenger door and with a quick whistle ordered Delta into the car. The dog obeyed without question. He closed the door and sighed.

“I hope your contact was right.” David looked his friend in the eyes.

That same morning a group of the Chicago Wolves had arrived. David didn't hesitate to ask about his daughter Abby. The men confirmed that before they left they had heard rumors that someone had brought in an unconscious girl. That only fueled David's hope.

“She will be there. Don't worry." Harper assured him.

Both friends hugged each other as farewell.

“Be careful out there. And bring Abby back.”

"I will."

__________

Tag list: @efingart @alypink @applbottmjeens @justasmolbard @whitewolfmystery @welldonekhushi @sleepyconfusedpotato (let me know if you want to be tagged or un tagged!)

40 notes · View notes

theweasleytwinsownmyjuicyass · 2 years ago

Text

Love takes the stage

Pairing: Yoongi x reader

Genre: Friends to lovers 🤭

Word count: ~800

A/n: Somehow I wrote this with a genderless reader! I hope you all enjoy <3

Yoongi paced nervously backstage, his heart racing with anticipation. He was about to perform at his first concert in New York, and he couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. The crowd was huge, and he wanted to give them his all.

Suddenly, he heard a knock on his dressing room door.

"Come in," he called out, trying to steady his breathing.

The door opened to reveal you, his longtime friend from Seoul. Yoongi's heart skipped a beat as he took in your beauty.

You were wearing a dark outfit inspired by Daechwita and even had the scar painted on your right eye. Your attention to detail always excited Yoongi the most especially when you focused it on his interests.

Now his heart seemed to be bursting out of happiness, a gummy smile on his face, as you stood before him nothing less of a vision and even carrying a bangtan bomb in your hand.

"Hey," you said softly, a smile playing on your lips.

"I just wanted to wish you good luck."

"Thanks," Yoongi said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm a little nervous, to be honest." Yoongi’s gaze dropped from yours to the ground as the thought of what awaits made his anxiety rise again.

You walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't be," you said. "You're amazing, and you've worked so hard for this. You're going to do great."

Yoongi couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence at your words. He took a deep breath and stood up straight, ready to face the crowd and you gave him an encouraging smile before walking out.

As he walked out onto the stage he immediately found you in the crowd happily waving the bomb. The moment he felt your eyes on him he relaxed and he couldn't help but smile. He began to rap, his words flowing effortlessly as he poured his heart out to the audience.

With every look around the stadium his confidence grew and with every look into your sparkly eyes so did his heart.

After the show, Yoongi was buzzing with excitement. He had never felt so alive. As he walked offstage, he saw you waiting for him with a bouquet of flowers.

"You were amazing!" You squeezed, giving him a firm hug. "I'm so proud of you." Your eyes shone from the building tears.

Yoongi felt his heart swell with gratitude. He had always admired your unwavering support, and he couldn't help but feel a little bit in love with you.

As the two of you walked out of the venue, Yoongi took your hand in his. You looked up at him, surprised, but didn't pull away.

"Y/n," he said softly. "I know we've been friends for a long time, but I can't help the way I feel. I love you." He wanted to say but standing here also ne with you and a confession on his mind made the nerves return and twist his guts in a fist.

Your wide eyes never left his as you awaited his next words.

“Thank you for being here today… it felt really good to see you in the crowd” he scratched the back of his neck a small smile paying on his rosy lips.

You felt like you were left a little high and dry and decided that you’ll take the matters into your own hands.

You see before Seokjin joined the army he told you an important secret about a friend of his that might have included words like “Yoongi” “likes” and “you”.

"I like you too," you said, before leaning in to kiss his cheek.

Yoongi felt like he was on top of the world as your warm lips touched his cheek, his heart beating faster than ever before.

When you pulled back and smiled at him he without a second thought wrapped his hand around your waist and pulled you into a real kiss.

With your lips caressing his own he could feel the tension in his muscles subsiding and his heart charging up to its full potential.

“I like you more” he looked into your eyes before placing a sweet kiss on your forehead.

The both of you knew that this was just the beginning of your journey together, and couldn't wait to see what the future held.

#bts #bts fic #bts x reader #bts f2l #bts suga #suga x y/n #suga fic #min yoongi x reader #yoongi x reader #bts yoongi #yoongi imagine

213 notes · View notes

maehemthemisfit · 1 year ago

Note

Albedo was known far and wide for his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, his days were often consumed by experiments and research, delving deep into the secrets of the world. But on this particular day, the calendar held a different significance for him – it was your birthday.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across Mondstadt, Albedo found himself in his laboratory, but not for the usual reasons. His focus had shifted from alchemical equations to a much sweeter equation of the heart. Today, it was all about celebrating the existence of the one who had stolen his heart, his muse, his inspiration.

With meticulous precision, Albedo had spent weeks planning the perfect birthday celebration. He had chosen a secluded spot high in the mountains, where the celestial bodies would paint the night sky with their brilliance. He knew you had an affinity for the stars, and tonight, you would have a private view of the cosmos.

As the day turned into night, Albedo made his way to his chosen spot, carrying a basket filled with a carefully curated selection of your favorite foods and a bottle of Mondstadt's finest wine. Lanterns illuminated the path, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Every detail was thought out to perfection, just as you deserved.

When you arrived, the look of surprise and joy on your face was all the reward Albedo needed. You exchanged heartfelt words, and Albedo presented a small vial containing a rare flower he had discovered during one of his journeys. It was said to bloom only on the eve of true love, and its petals shimmered with an otherworldly radiance.

As you dined under the star-studded sky, you couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the depth of his love and dedication. You talked about your dreams and aspirations, shared stories, and laughed together, all while savoring the exquisite food and wine Albedo had prepared.

Then, as the night deepened, Albedo unveiled his ultimate surprise – a celestial display of alchemical fireworks. The night was filled with bursts of color, each explosion reflecting in your eyes as you watched in wonder. It was as if the stars themselves were celebrating the occasion.

As the last firework faded into the night, Albedo took your hand and whispered sweet words of affection, promising to be your unwavering support and love.

Albedo had temporarily set aside his alchemical pursuits to create a memory that would last a lifetime. For him, celebrating your birthday was not just an act of affection; it was a testament to the transformative power of love and the alchemy of the heart.

-🌸

happy birthday mae 🫶

AALLLYYYYGSEFBLJDWTJKXSWR This is so cute thank you love!! 🤧❤️🥰

Rare albedo fic for ME 🤭

#moots 💖#answered 💌#[🍩] mae . • . ° inbox ♡⁠˖#💌. anon 🌸#albedo

4 notes · View notes

taeyongdoyoung · 2 years ago

Photo

summary: tired of his friends minho and chan rubbing their happiness in his face, changbin decides to see for himself what’s so special about hybrids. his best friend and roommate hyunjin follows his example soon enough. only they both get something they didn’t bargain for...

pairing: human owner!changbin x bunny hybrid!reader x human owner!hyunjin x fox hybrid!jeongin

genre: angst, fluff

warnings: rich bin & obsessive hyun (basically canon 🤭), swearing, mentions of past abuse, jealousy, unrequited feelings, yelling, chasing kink, kissing, trust issues (alexa play the weeknd), cuddling, strength kink, lots of misunderstandings, making out, crying, unresolved tension, sleeping pills, inappropriate jokes about eating people, half-naked hyunin (yes, that’s a warning in itself), angry changbin, infidelity, manipulation/corruption, implied drugging

author’s note: the title is inspired by the neighbourhood’s nervous (i used it to symbolize the lack of healthy communication going on) and the story itself takes place in the same universe as sharing my heart fic and in the holes paws of my sweater fic; there are some song references in italics so keep an eye out 😉

word count: 7.7k

part two

Changbin's POV

Changbin was a curious man. Especially after his closest friends Chan and Minho kept talking to him about their hybrid partners and how lovely they were. Changbin had had a couple of relationships in the past but things had never gotten serious. He was longing for someone to come home to and cuddle after a long day. And no, his roommate Hyunjin (aka the biggest physical touch hater) didn't count. Changbin wished he could confide in someone the way Chan did with Seungmin or Minho with Jisung, Felix and their girlfriend (that lucky bastard). He was craving that special feeling he heard so much about from his friends. Which is how Changbin ended up at the hybrid shelter.

"Can I help with something? What kind of hybrid are you looking for?" the man working there asked.

"Um...I don't really have anything particular in mind."

"That's alright. Why don't you look around and let me know if something catches your eye."

Changbin nodded and started marveling at the variety of beautiful creatures residing at the shelter. He knew that he couldn't adopt more than one hybrid (he could technically afford it but he was too busy with work and he was aware that hybrids required a lot of attention and affection) so he hoped that they all found a caring home someday.

Soon enough, his stare met the nervous eyes of a bunny hybrid. She had the most adorable pout and the fluffiest tail. Changbin wasn't the type to believe in fairytale stuff like love at first sight but seeing her was enough to overwhelm him with the most intense urge to take her away and protect her.

"Hi, what's your name?"

"Y/N," she replied. "Are you looking to adopt?"

Changbin confirmed his intentions.

"Found anything to your liking?" the bunny hybrid kept up the conversation.

"Yeah...you."

Reader's POV

Your eyes widened in shock. You'd spent so long at the shelter that you had abandonded the foolish desire (hope) to get adopted long ago. You couldn't believe what you were hearing.

"You...want to adopt...me?" you had to make sure.

The man nodded calmly.

"How do you feel about that?"

You didn't want to show your true emotions (them being extreme excitement and intense joy) out of fear that he'd change his mind. So you tried to play it cool.

"That's fine, I guess," you shrugged, when in reality you were bursting with impatience. You would finally get a real home!

"Great, then I'll go deal with the paperwork," the man said confidently. "I'm Changbin, by the way. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise," you gave him a small smile.

Soon enough you were inside Changbin's home. No, it was your home now, too. This would take some time getting used to.

"This is the living room, this is the gym, this is the kitchen, this is the music studio, this is my room, this is my friend Hyunjin's room, this is the bathroom and this will be your room," Changbin began showing you around the house.

"Wow, that's a lot of rooms," you were amazed.

"I'll show you the pool later," he smirked.

The what now? Had you died and ended up in heaven? This seemed too good to be true.

"So, um, what exactly are your...expectations of me?" you asked nervously.

"What do you mean?" Changbin seemed confused.

"I mean...what do I have to do in return? For you to let me stay here."

Changbin blinked in shock.

"You don't have to do anything, cupcake. I just...want you to be happy and make yourself at home, yeah?"

You were definitely dreaming.

Hyunjin's POV

Hyunjin was a possessive man. Especially after his best friend (who was also the guy he was crushing on) adopted the bunny hybrid Y/N. Hyunjin was haunted by questions filled with self-doubt. Wasn't he a good enough roommate to Changbin? Wouldn't he make a wonderful boyfriend? Why did Changbin have to replace him so easily with this...bunny girl (albeit a very beautiful one)? Hyunjin was also a hopeless romantic. He kept fantasizing about the perfect relationship and making playlists about love. He would draw figures stuck to each other in an affectionate embrace. He would often dream about his ideal type. And all his dreams had a face. Changbin. Changbin. Changbin.

"So you just decided to take her home without asking me?" Hyunjin scoffed.

"I already told you I had been thinking about adopting for a while now," Changbin defended his choice.

"Thinking about something and actually doing it are two very different things," Hyunjin groaned in annoyance.

"Why are you acting like this? Y/N is so nice."

Nice. What a terrible word. Hyunjin could be nice, too. Why didn't Changbin see how much he liked him?

"Whatever," he rolled his eyes.

"She deserves a loving home. Every hybrid does."

"So I suppose you wouldn't mind if I adopted a hybrid myself?" Hyunjin said as a joke. He just wanted to make Changbin as jealous as he was.

"Fine by me!" Changbin shrugged.

"FINE!" Hyunjin yelled and grabbed his jacket, already heading out.

"FINE!" Changbin shouted after him.

And that is how Hyunjin ended up at the shelter. He had no previous knowledge about them. Sure, he had heard some basic facts from Chan and Minho, but still. Hyunjin didn't even know what he was looking for. He just took one look at the mischievous fox hybrid and felt an immediate connection.

"Do you wanna get out of here?"

"What's in it for me?" the fox hybrid raised his eyebrows.

Hyunjin hadn't planned that far.

"Uh, having a warm bed and a proper home not good enough for ya?"

"I've seen far worse than the conditions at this shelter," the hybrid replied darkly.

Well, shit. What could Hyunjin possibly offer?

"Unlimited food? A bunny hybrid friend to play with? Cool clothes?"

"You had me at food."

Jeongin's POV

Jeongin was a hungry man. Especially after his former owners abandoned him in the most cruel way. Jeongin had practically been starving for ages. So the opportunity given to him by Hyunjin wasn't one he could resist. But Jeongin had lied. It wasn't the food that had him interested the most.

"How could you adopt a fox hybrid?" Changbin yelled at Hyunjin. "Foxes eat bunnies, it's common knowledge!"

"He's a hybrid, not an actual fox, you idiot!" Hyunjin screamed back.

"You're so fucking irresponsible!"

"At least I informed you about my plans instead of telling you post-factum!"

Humans. So loud...And dramatic.

"I promise I won't eat the bunny hybrid," Jeongin raised his hand politely and did his best to look as amiable as possible.

Changbin nodded thoughtfully.

"You better prove it."

"He will," Hyunjin defended his hybrid's honour.

"Then, I guess he can stay," Changbin acquiesced. "But if I get any complaints from my precious bunny, he's out."

Jeongin promised he wouldn't eat her. But he made no other promises.

When he met her for the first time, it was like all his fantasies had come true. Oh, she was so adorable and helpless he wanted to ruin her.

Reader's POV

You fearfully hid behind Changbin's back when your eyes met with the fox hybrid's. As if a human could defend you against this...dangerous predator.

"Relax, cupcake," Changbin murmured. "Hyunjin will keep him under control. Right, Hyunjin?"

"Sure, don't worry about it," Hyunjin responded.

You sneaked a peak uneasily. The fox hybrid was so handsome, you had to admit. It was as if nature itself had designed him to be alluring enough for prey like...well, you.

"My name is Jeongin," he introduced himself. "I hope we get along, bunny."

You sensed shudders running down your skin. The way he said that last word...It was almost menacing. And yet his innocent face was in stark contrast with the goosebumps he was giving you. It was deeply confusing. And despite the promise of danger, you were already aching for more. To hear his voice again.

"I'm Y/N," you blurted out. "N-nice to m-meet you."

You felt so pathetic, stammering like a fool.

"It's a beautiful name," Jeongin smiled. Saccharine sweet. "Y/N."

"Um...thanks," you mumbled.

"It wasn't a compliment, just the truth. I promised these nice hyungs I won't eat you. It is only right I make the same promise to you, don't you think?"

You nodded, almost in a daze. Empty words. You were too nervous to speak. He had said he wouldn't eat you. But why did you have the feeling he was capable of so much worse?

Your earlier suspicions were correct. This whole thing was too good to be true.

Changbin's POV

Changbin was a cautious man. Which is why, despite Jeongin's sparkly eyes and his profound promises, he didn't want to leave him alone with Y/N. Yet. He knew it was most likely just prejudice, considering two of Minho's partners were cat hybrids, while his third was a hamster hybrid and they were all living in peace. No casualties. But still, he couldn't help but be a little overprotective when it came to his precious bunny. Which is why he created this whole schedule thing. When Changbin had to go out, Hyunjin would stay with the two hybrids. Or vice versa.

"How are you liking this place so far?" Changbin asked Y/N one day, around a month after he adopted her.

"Oh, it's great, but not much different from the shelter. No offense," she responded.

"What do you mean?" he pouted.

"I mean...I don't get to go out."

Shit. Fuck. Changbin couldn't believe he had forgotten about that. Of course she wanted to go out, she was a bunny hybrid!

"I'm so sorry, it totally slipped my mind!" he apologized sincerely. "Do you wanna join me for a run in the park?"

"I would love that!" she squealed excitedly and gave Changbin a quick but deeply grateful hug.

When in the park, Y/N completely transformed. She seemed more carefree and energized. Practically glowing. It was refreshing to see her this way. When she was inside, it was as if she had a hidden worry behind her eyes that she couldn't quite seem to shake.

"Can you do me a favour, Binnie?"

"Sure, anything."

"Can you...like chase me?"

"You want me to chase you?" Changbin smirked.

"Yeah."

"You do know I work out...like a LOT," he said confidently.

"I know," she smiled in anticipation.

"Go ahead, then. I’ll give you a headstart. Run."

Reader's POV

And run you did. It was such a rush. You felt so free and happy. A surge of adrenaline was coursing through your veins as you kept running faster than ever before. After a couple of minutes, you felt your energy levels decreasing. And you slowed down, allowing yourself to be captured by Changbin's strong arms.

"Caught you," he announced proudly.

"You did," you smiled fondly.

"Do I get a reward as the winner in this race?" Changbin teased.

"What do you want?" you asked.

"A kiss?" Changbin said as a joke.

But you weren't in the mood for playing around. After he had done as you asked and chased you so nicely, you felt like it was only fair to give the man what he desired. So, you wrapped your hands around the back of his neck and kissed him eagerly, taking him by surprise. He tasted like summer and salt and freedom.

"Woah," he whispered after you broke the kiss. "I was just messing around."

"You didn't like it?" you blinked dejectedly, your lips forming into a pout.

"No, no, I loved it, but I...hope you didn't do anything you didn't want to do just because I said so."

"Trust me, Bin, I wanted that kiss. Perhaps more than you did."

"Wanna bet?"

"I would but I don't believe feelings can be measured. Degrees of comparison would be irrelevant. Thus, it would be difficult to determine the winner in an unbiased manner."

"Smartass," Changbin flicked your nose gently. "So where does that leave us? Do you...wanna be my girlfriend or something?"

"Sounds nice," you grinned, burying your head into his chest.

"Let me take you out, then."

"You already did, silly. We're at the park. The park is out."

"Fair point, girlfriend," Changbin chuckled and hugged you.

Hyunjin's POV

Hyunjin was a jealous man. Especially after he found out that his crush had started dating the bunny hybrid he'd adopted a while ago. However, she was too pure and kind-hearted Hyunjin didn't have the heart to be mad at her. The way she looked at him with those sparkly eyes...Hyunjin was almost tempted to steal her away from Changbin. Nah, he wouldn't. Unless...

Other than jealousy, Hyun's mind was consumed by thoughts of wanting to prove himself to Changbin. He wanted his crush to view him as responsible. As an adult. Which is why, he made it his mission to turn Jeongin into the sweetest, most obedient angel. He wanted to rely on the fox hybrid and make sure that Y/N would be safe around him. If that could be achieved, then maybe Changbin could rely on Hyunjin, as well. After a month of getting closer to Jeongin, Hyunjin was hopeful that the younger man would behave well.

One afternoon, while Changbin was working, Hyunjin decided to test his fox hybrid. He knew it was against Changbin's rules to leave the two hybrids alone and it was kinda risky, but he hoped it would be worth it.

"You'll be good, yeah?" Hyunjin made sure.

"Yes, hyung, don't worry about me," Jeongin blinked innocently.

"I'm not worried about you, little fox," Hyunjin ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "I'm worried about Y/N over there."

"I thought you didn't like her," Jeongin smiled mischievously.

"It's not that I don't like her," Hyunjin defended his previous words. "I just like Changbin more."

Hyunjin had confided in Jeongin about his feelings for Changbin. He had no idea why. Something about the fox hybrid made Hyun want to trust him. Like no one else before.

"Where do I stand in your pyramid of affections?" Jeongin wanted to know.

"You're climbing up steadily," Hyunjin admitted. "Okay, I'll head out. Don't eat the bunny."

"Relax, hyung, I have no use of doing that. You and Changbin-hyung gave me a home. I wouldn't do anything THAT reckless."

Hyunjin's eyes narrowed. Jeongin was kinda strange. Did he only do things that were of use to him? Oh, well. He would worry about that some other time.

Jeongin's POV

Jeongin was a patient man. He had waited so long for an opportunity to be alone with Y/N. He couldn't let it go to waste. He wouldn't be stopped by the fact that Changbin was now her boyfriend. He would still use this chance to get closer to her. As a fellow hybrid, he was sure she would understand his feelings better than anyone.

"Hi, bunny," Jeongin greeted her.

Y/N shuddered and wrapped her arms around her own waist as if to shield herself from the fox hybrid.

"Shh, I won't hurt you. I just want to talk. Is that alright with you?"

She nodded reluctantly.

"I wanted to tell you about my past life. About how my former owners abused me, both physically and mentally, made me feel like the scum of the earth, and then abandoned me on the street. Like I was worth less than nothing. Which is why I strongly distrust humans. Of course, Changbin-hyung and Hyunjin-hyung seem nice. Different. I'm not saying all this shit to scare you. It's just a warning. If they ever hurt you, I want you to come to me, yeah?"

"Why would they hurt me?" Y/N asked. "They...seem so caring."

"I don't know, bunny. Why do you think humans do anything? For fun. Because it gives them pleasure to torment others. Makes them feel superior."

"We're half-human, too," she reminded him.

"I hate that half."

"I don't," Y/N said softly. "It's still...a part of us."

"You're...not what I expected," Jeongin mused out loud.

"What did you expect? A scared little bunny who does nothing but tremble in fear at the sight of the big bad...fox."

She pronounced that last word in an almost challenging way. As if to remind Jeongin he was just that. A fox. Not a wolf.

"No. I expected you would share my distrust of humans. Didn't you hate every second of being locked up in that shelter? Waiting, begging, praying for a better life. Better food, warmer bed, safer home. Didn't you yearn for...more?"

"I did. And here we are now. Isn't it good enough for you?"

"Do you want the ugly truth or a pretty lie?" Jeongin inquired.

"Whatever you choose to share."

"It's good enough for now," Jeongin grinned mysteriously and climbed into her bed.

Reader's POV

"W-what are you doing, Jeongin?" you asked in terror when you saw Jeongin moving closer towards you and started crawling back.

"Don't worry, I won't do anything to you. Yet."

"What does that mean?" you whimpered.

"It means I'll take my sweet time ruining you."

"It'll be a lot harder than you think," you tried to put on a brave face. "It won't be that easy to tempt me."

"Oh, bunny. Imma make it look so easy," Jeongin leaned in and caressed your cheek with his cold index finger.

You wanted to push him away. You really did. But it was as if you were frozen into place by the inexplicable magic of his intense stare.

He laughed like a maniac and lowered his finger.

"For today, I just want to hold you. Will you let me?"

"You want to cuddle?" you raised your eyebrows in suspicion. The request seemed innocent enough.

"Nothing more, nothing less," Jeongin vowed.

"Do you expect me to believe that?"

"I expect you to give me a chance."

"Why bother asking me, though? You're so much stronger than me, physically," you observed, your voice tinted with longing.

"I don't want to take anything by force. Not from you, bun."

"Hold me, then. If you catch me," you stuck your tongue out at him and jumped from the bed, running towards the door. Opening it quickly, your sprinted down the corridor, randomly entering room after room. Luckily, Changbin's home was big enough to prolong the chase. However, you soon grew bored with it and decided to let Jeongin catch you. Running was no fun for you without the sweet surrender of being cuddled.

"Do you like it that much? The chase?" Jeongin read you like an open book, as he wrapped his firm arms around you in a tight grip.

"I like being captured more," you confessed.

"Why?"

"Why what?" you played dumb as he pulled you towards your room, where you both landed back on the bed, still holding onto each other for dear life.

"Why do you like being captured more?"

"Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't like it if it was a stranger. But with you...and Changbin, I feel safe. I don't know."

"Tsk, you were doing so well and then you had to fuck it up by mentioning another man's name while you're in my arms."

"He's my boyfriend, Jeongin," you reminded him.

Jeongin grinned and looked at the half-open door. Changbin was just...standing there.

"Speak of the devil."

Changbin's POV

Changbin was an angry man. Especially when someone touched something that was his.

"What the fuck are you doing?" he snapped at his girlfriend and Jeongin.

"We were just cuddling," Y/N explained.

"You expect me to believe that?" Changbin was fuming with rage.

"It's the truth," Jeongin shrugged.

"Yeah, well, I don't buy it," he hissed and stormed out of the room but not before he could hear Y/N telling Jeongin:

"I'll go talk to him, you stay out of it."

She caught up with Changbin soon enough and wrapped her tiny arms around his waist, thus, hugging him from behind. Despite his anger mere seconds ago, Changbin couldn't bear the thought of pushing her away. She seemed so fragile and soft-hearted.

"I promise you nothing happened, Binnie. Don't you trust me?" she whispered and he could practically hear the pout in her voice.

"I trust you. It's Jeongin I don't trust," Changbin responded.

"Why not?"

"Just a feeling. I don't want him to steal you away from me."

"He won't," Y/N promised. "My heart will always belong with you."

Changbin turned around to face his adorable girlfriend.

"Yeah?"

"Of course. You're my hero, you saved me and gave me a home and-"

"Is it just that, though?" Changbin asked. "If I hadn't adopted you, would you not fall for me?"

"How else would we have met?" she chuckled sadly.

"It's a hypothetical situation, cupcake."

"Whether we met at a park or a restaurant or another planet, I would have still fallen for you. You make me feel safe and free. And you're so beautiful and warm, how could anyone not fall for you is beyond me."

Changbin smiled proudly and his cheeks flushed with colour.

"You mean that?"

"I don't say or do things I don't want to."

Changbin's mood suddenly turned sour again.

"Is that why you cuddled Jeongin? You wanted to do it so badly you had to do so behind my back?"

"He asked politely. And it was purely platonic, I don't get why you're upset."

"I'm not upset, I'm mad. I want to be the only one that gets to cuddle you."

"Isn't that a bit greedy? I believe everyone in our house deserves cuddles, no?"

"I hate it," Changbin groaned. "But I'll try to live with it because I trust you and treasure you. And I don't want something so silly to stand between us."

Reader's POV

Jeongin was wrong. Not all humans were like his previous owners. His warnings were useless. And you were certain that Changbin wouldn't hurt you. He was so sweet and kind and understanding. You couldn't ask for a better boyfriend.

Jeongin was also wrong about another thing. You couldn't possibly imagine hating your human half. Humans like Changbin had hearts of pure gold and smiles full of sun. He was making your days brighter and you couldn't imagine your life without him.

And thirdly, even though you didn't know what Jeongin meant with all that talk about ruining you, you were determined to make it difficult for him. Changbin gave you the truest happiness you had ever experienced and the last thing you wanted to do was something that would take that happiness away from you.

You were sitting in Changbin's lap on the couch in the living room, playing with his gorgeous dark hair.

"I'm sorry," he murmured gently, rubbing his nose against your neck.

"For what?" your brows furrowed.

"For behaving like a jealous ass."

"You don't have to apologize, Bin. I'm just glad we talked."

He smiled fondly at you and placed his hand on your cheek.

"You're an angel," he spoke tenderly.

"Nah, I'm just a bunny hybrid," you giggled.

"Same thing," Changbin replied and pulled you into a deep kiss, the thumb of his right hand simultaneously caressing your chin, while his left hand was gripping your waist. You were running your fingers through his hair, while your other hand was holding onto the back of his neck. Changbin started kissing you more hungrily and you wanted to give him everything you had so that he would never starve again. You became so lost in the feeling you didn't hear the door unlocking. It was Hyunjin's voice that caused you to pull apart from Changbin.

"Ugh, keep it private, guys," he whined loudly. "The living room is a shared space!"

"Hey, you have no right to complain!" Changbin scolded him. You were confused. What had Hyunjin done? "I can't believe you left Y/N alone with Jeongin!" Oh. That.

"He didn't eat her, so mission accomplished. Can't you just praise me for training Jeongin so well?"

Changbin glared at Hyunjin.

"You were willing to risk my girlfriend getting eaten so that I would fucking praise you? I swear, Hyunjin, I don't know why we're friends sometimes."

Hyunjin flinched as if struck by Changbin's harsh words. You could see the tears starting to form in his beautiful eyes. You felt so bad. Honestly, you didn't mind being left alone with Jeongin, so you didn't see why this was such a big deal to Changbin. So, you decided to interfere.

"I'm okay, Bin. Hyunjin made the right call. It was bound to happen eventually. You can't stay inside to guard me 24/7 and put your entire lives on hold just because of some stereotypes."

"Oh, so you're taking Hyunjin's side now?" Changbin scoffed.

"I'm not taking anyone's side," you explained yourself. "I just think it's more sensible for us all to trust each other if we intend to continue living in the same home."

"Changbin made it abundantly clear he doesn't know why he's friends with me. I suppose that also means I'm no longer welcome here, so I guess I'll move out. Don't worry, I'm taking Jeongin with me."

"Hyunjin, wait!" you exclaimed but Hyunjin was already running towards his room, presumably to start packing his bags. "Talk to him, Changbin! He's your best friend!"

You figured it was the use of his full name that scared him out of his mind, as he immediately rushed after Hyunjin.

Hyunjin's POV

Hyunjin was sitting on his bed, crying. He couldn't bear the thought to start packing. Also, he was lowkey hoping he wouldn't have to. Even though it was immensely painful to watch Changbin with another, it would be even more painful to lose his best friend. He could bottle up his feelings for him, but he couldn't imagine their entire friendship ending. Luckily, his prayers were answered soon enough. He heard a knock on the door.

"Can I come in?" Changbin asked.

"It's open," Hyunjin called out, rubbing his eyes in an attempt to hide his tears. It was useless. Changbin knew him better than anyone.

"Have you been crying?" he inquired, even though the answer was obvious.

"I just need some time, I'll gather my-"

"Don't," Changbin interrupted him half-sentence. "I don't want you to move out."

"Yeah?" Hyunjin mumbled doubtfully.

"Of course not, dumbass. The reason I give you so much shit about being responsible is because I want what's best for you. Not because I don't trust you. I'm sorry I said the thing about not knowing why we're friends. It wasn't true. You are so dear to me, so funny and gentle and hard-working. I couldn't imagine a better best friend. I never meant to hurt you, though."

Hyunjin, who generally disliked any physical contact, couldn't resist the urge to hug his friend tightly. Changbin patted his pack comfortingly.

"I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have left Jeongin alone with Y/N without talking to you first."

"It's alright," Changbin waved him off. "They just cuddled."

"Without us?" Hyunjin exclaimed dramatically, putting a hand on his heart.

"I know, right? That's exactly what I thought!" Changbin chuckled and high-fived his friend.

"The audacity of these hybrids," Hyunjin complained as a joke. "We give them a wonderful home and they don't even bother to invite us for cuddles!"

"Hey, since when are you such a big fan of cuddling?" Changbin eyed him suspiciously.

"Since you."

Changbin's POV

Changbin didn't want to ask Hyunjin what he meant by that. It was too late for that now. Changbin had spent too long pining after Hyunjin. But his best friend had been clueless when it came to Changbin's feelings for Hyun. Therefore, he had done the only thing he possibly could - he moved on. And now that he was genuinely happy with Y/N, Changbin didn't want to go to the time when he felt so helpless, quietly crushing on his roommate. He'd been so pathetic back then. But he had a lovely girlfriend now. So Changbin was determined that he wouldn't let Hyunjin's words confuse him.

"Don't you dare think about packing your stuff, alright?" Changbin swiftly changed the subject.

"You're stuck with me, hyung," Hyunjin replied, staring at him in such an affectionate way Changbin wasn't sure what to do. If only he'd done so before he'd gotten with Y/N. No! Changbin couldn't afford to have such thoughts.

But Hyunjin seemed intent on making it extremely difficult for Changbin to suppress his feelings. Feelings he thought he'd gotten over. Hyunjin pulled Changbin by the hand and buried his head into Changbin's chest.

"I missed this. Just us two," he slurred.

"Don't say shit like that," Changbin swallowed nervously.

"Why not? It's true," Hyunjin confessed.

"Y/N and Jeongin are...wonderful."

"I never said they weren't. I just said I missed having you all to myself."

Changbin shook his head. Where were these words back then?

"Hyun, please, don't do this to me," Changbin said seriously.

"I'm not doing anything," Hyunjin blinked innocently.

"Let go," he whispered weakly.

"I won't. If you want to get rid of me so badly, you'll have to push me away."

Changbin couldn't do that. He wanted to be even closer. No, this was wrong. He had a girlfriend. He couldn't do that to her. Changbin gently removed Hyunjin's hand from his wrist and took a step back.

"I'll...go check on Y/N."

"Of course you will," Hyunjin sighed wistfully.

Hyunjin's POV

Hyunjin was a spontaneous man. So, when Changbin remained blind to Hyunjin's hints, he quickly made up his mind what to do next. He was so tired of being invisible to the one man he aspired to have so desperately. He needed to win his heart one way or another. And he knew just the thing that might help him succeed.

Hyunjin entered Jeongin's room in a hurry.

"Sorry, forgot to knock," Hyunjin said instead of greeting.

"It's fine," Jeongin shrugged and paused the video he was watching. "What's up?"

"I fucking hate Changbin!" Hyunjin groaned.

"No, you don't," Jeongin replied coldly. He already knew him so well, it always amazed Hyunjin. Were his emotions that transparent to everyone but Changbin?

"You're right and I fucking hate that, too," Hyunjin cried out dramatically and sat down on the bed next to the younger man. "What am I supposed to do?"

"The wisest thing would be to just confess to Changbin-hyung and end your misery," Jeongin suggested.

"I'd rather die," Hyunjin shuddered.

"Do you have any better ideas?" Jeongin glared at him sceptically.

"How about...I kiss you?" Hyunjin blurted out randomly.

"You want me to be your fucking rebound?" Jeongin hissed in disbelief.

"Not exactly a rebound. I just want to kiss you and somehow get caught by Changbin so I'll make him jealous."

"Hm, that doesn't sound too bad," Jeongin acquisced. "But we'll have to practice beforehand to make it believable. If our first kiss is directly in front of Changbin, it may look awkward and he'll know we're faking it."

"You're so smart!" Hyunjin exclaimed and leaned his head towards Jeongin. But the fox hybrid was quick to place a hand between their lips before they collided.

"I don't do anything for free, hyung," Jeongin grinned devilishly.

"You're so pretty, Innie, will you please let me kiss you?" Hyunjin was practically begging.

"Compliments will get you nowhere. What will you give me if I let you kiss me?"

"Anything you want," Hyunjin promised without thinking.

"Hm...can you get me some pills against insomnia? I've had troubles falling asleep during the past week," Jeongin explained sadly.

"Of course I can! Even if we don't kiss, I'll get them for you 'cause you're precious to me and sleep is very important and I want you to be healthy and feel safe and-"

Jeongin's POV

Jeongin thought that Hyunjin was too loud and talkative sometimes. So naturally, he had to shut him up as fast as possible. Therefore, he interrupted him mid-sentence and crashed their lips together. Hyunjin was taken aback but quickly eased into the kiss and placed his palms on Jeongin's cheeks. The fox hybrid bit on the human's tongue greedily and pulled his hair. Hyunjin didn't seem to mind and let the younger man tease him as he pleased. Jeongin was so hungry. Eventually, they pulled back from each other, gasping for air.

"Oops. Guess I kissed you first," Jeongin lifted his shoulders, pretending to be surprised by his own actions.

"Guess you did," Hyunjin chuckled. "Wanna go again?"

"Later. I'm kinda hungry and super tired right now," Jeongin said, subtly reminding Hyunjin of his earlier promise.

"Oh, okay," Hyunjin mumbled, a little disappointed. "I'll go get those sleeping pills you asked for rightaway."

"Ah, yeah," Jeongin played it cool as if he'd forgotten all about them. "Thanks, hyung."

"No problem. I'll be back soon, alright? Do you want me to get you something to eat, as well?"

"I'll find something in the fridge," Jeongin reassured him.

"Cool, cool," Hyunjin scratched the back of his head anxiously. "See you later."

"Bye, hyung," Jeongin waved at him as he was leaving the room.

Finally. His sleepy face immediately turned energetic, as he rushed into the kitchen. When he opened the fridge, he was extremely overjoyed to find some fried chicken left from yesterday. He couldn't even be bothered with heating it up. Forgetting everything about manners, Jeongin stuffed his mouth full.

"What are you up to?" his alone time with the delicious food was interrupted by Y/N's soft voice.

"I'm eating. Obviously," Jeongin snapped at her. He wasn't himself when he was hungry.

"Gee, relax, I was just trying to make conversation," Y/N pouted adorably.

"I'm sorry, bunny," Jeongin murmured apologetically. "Wanna join?"

"You're willing to share food...with me?"

"I don't share food with anyone. I was asking if you would like to be eaten by me?"

"You're messing with me, right?" Y/N asked in horror.

"Duh," Jeongin rolled his eyes. "If I had such intentions, I would have eaten you the night we first met."

"I suppose I should be flattered I still haven't become your meal?" she joked.

"I don't particularly enjoy eating creatures that can talk. Kinda kills my appetite," Jeongin confessed.

"Does that mean you've tried...eating someone who talks?" Y/N gasped.

"I'm joking," Jeongin smiled innocently. "Or am I?" His eyes darkened once again, causing her to shudder.

"You're so weird," she shook her head in amusement.

"Bad weird or good weird?" Jeongin wanted to know the bunny hybrid's honest opinion of him.

"Hybrids and people are neither entirely bad nor good. Besides, those are human categories. I don't care about them," Y/N shrugged. "You're funny weird. That's all I meant."

"I can live with that," Jeongin nodded, lost in thought.

Reader's POV

One evening, you were bored out of your mind. Your incredible boyfriend Changbin still hadn't returned home. He was so hard-working and you admired him for that but you missed him immensely and wished you could spend more time with him. So, after staying inside your room all day, reading books and daydreaming about Bin, you wanted a change of scenery. So, you entered the living room, intending to watch some TV. However, you were greeted with a sight you hadn't expected in the slightest. Jeongin and Hyunjin were making out on the couch. Their hands were all over each other and even their shirts were off! You were too shocked you couldn't speak. And yet, they somehow felt your presence.

"Oh, hi, Y/N," Hyunjin welcomed you calmly.

"Um, hi, Hyun," you mumbled nervously. "Hi, Jeongin."

"Hi, bunny," Jeongin grinned wickedly and you could swear he did that on purpose! He wanted to annoy you and make you curious to know what his lips tasted like. But it wouldn't work! You were going to stay loyal to Changbin and-

"Last time you cuddled Innie without me," Hyunjin pouted dramatically. "Care to fix that?"

"Changbin hates it when I cuddle other men," you explained.

"Aw, damn," Hyunjin sounded pretty bummed out about that. You started to feel bad for him. Hyunjin looked like a decent guy who deserved cuddles. But if you agreed to this, it would also mean having to cuddle Jeongin again. And for some reason, you wanted to avoid that. You didn't like how it made you feel. You wanted to forget about it.

"How about a pillow fight?" Jeongin suggested cleverly.

You couldn't say no to that and grabbed the nearest pillow, using it to attack Jeongin's head and take out your frustration with him...on him. However, he was a dangerous opponent and wasted no time going easy on you. Instead, he also took a pillow and hit your belly with it. Hyunjin, the poor angel, decided to stay out of it and not pick a side. Meanwhile, you and Jeongin were at each other's throats like animals. Well...half-animals, anyhow. Soon enough, you felt exhaustion creeping in and Jeongin took advantage of your momentary weakness to grab your wrists tight enough so that you would drop the pillow. You gave in, letting him pull you into a hug. Hyunjin, who had been making out with Jeongin mere minutes ago, seemed confused by the turn of events.

"So greedy," he muttered under his breath and enveloped the three of you into an unexpected group hug. You melted into their embrace, feeling so warm and fuzzy on the inside. "Y/N, you should watch more romcoms. A proper pillow fight inevitably ends in cuddles. Jeongin used that knowledge against you."

"Jeongin doesn't watch romcoms," you scoffed.

"She's right, I don't," Jeongin admitted.

"So, how did you know your suggestion would result in...well, this?" Hyunjin eyed the fox hybrid suspiciously.

"Pure instinct," he grinned wickedly.

Soon enough, you ended up with your head resting in Jeongin's lap, while he was stroking your hair softly, and your legs curled up in Hyunjin's lap, as he was petting your fluffy tail gently. It was so safe and comforting you were starting to doze off when you heard some noise. However, in your sleepy state, you weren't fast enough to jump from the compromising position you'd found yourself in. Again.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" Changbin yelled angrily.

Your eyes flew wide open and you blinked on confusion, scanning your surroundings. Yeah, the fact that Hyunjin and Jeongin were half-naked probably didn't work in your best favour. You gulped anxiously and pushed yourself off the couch and closer to your boyfriend.

"Bin, I swear to you, we were only cuddling. I mean, me with Jeongin and Hyunjin. These two were having a full-blown making out session!"

Great job, Y/N. Rat them out to defend your innocence. You mentally scolded yourself for being so quick to throw your poor cuddle buddies under the bus.

"They were doing WHAT?" For some reason Changbin appeared even angrier. Wait, what?

"Yeah, Jeongin's my boyfriend now! You got a problem with that?" Hyunjin snapped at Changbin.

Hold on a second. Was...Hyunjin trying to make Changbin jealous?! By getting together with Jeongin?! You were so lost right now.

"Since when?" Changbin asked. He was not buying it.

Jeongin was weirdly quiet in the midst of it all.

"Since now," Hyunjin lied.

"Since never," Jeongin denied Hyunjin's words at the same time.

"Get your story straight," Changbin groaned.

"Unlike my sexuality," Hyunjin joked.

"Not the right time, Hyun," Changbin sighed loudly. "I don't care what you two have going on." You'd thought that Changbin would never lie to you. But he just did. He was obviously fuming. And you were pretty sure it had more to do with Hyunjin and Jeongin making out than it did with you cuddling them. Still, he was making an effort to act unbothered, you'd give him that. "But why did you get Y/N involved? She's my girlfriend."

"She came to us willingly," Jeongin, that sly fox, said.

"I told you we were just cuddling," you were starting to tear up. You hated being accused wrongfully. "It's a misunderstanding!"

"I feel so betrayed, you guys should have talked to me first," Changbin was still mad.

You were already sobbing. It was so unfair! Changbin clearly had some unresolved feelings for Hyunjin that needed to be addressed. And yet, he was painting you as the villain? The injustice!

"My silly bunny, can't you see he's messing around?" Jeongin interfered. "He's not actually mad at you."

"Is this true?" you asked Changbin.

"Um, yeah, cupcake. I know you didn't do anything wrong. I told you I trust you, didn't I? I was just making a joke-"

"A joke?" you cried out. "Do you think my feelings are a joke?"

"Of course not, darling. I just said I'm not mad at you."

"Well, good for you. Because I am! I'm mad at both of you!" you turned to Hyunjin, as well.

"What did I do?" Hyunjin blinked in surprise.

"Because no one is mentioning the elephant in the room!" you lifted your arms up in frustration. "Changbin and Hyunjin obviously have feelings for each other and you're both too blind to fucking see it and just talk to each other. And you decided that adopting two unsuspecting hybrids to help you move on would be a brilliant idea. Well, guess what? I'm not a pet."

And with that, you stormed out of the living room, hurried into your own and locked it on the inside.

Hyunjin's POV

Hyunjin had never heard silence so loud and uncomfortable.

"I need some fresh air," Changbin groaned and grabbed his leather jacket. "I'll go out for a bit."

"You should talk to him, like Y/N said," Jeongin suggested to Hyunjin. "Look where not communicating got us all."

"You're right," Hyunjin quickly put on his shirt and hurried outside. He managed to catch up with Changbin and grabbed his wrist before he'd gone too far. Changbin turned around to face Hyunjin. He was still angry. But Hyunjin couldn't help but be attracted to him even more.

"Is it true? What Y/N said..."

"It's true. I've had a crush on you for ages," Hyunjin confessed. It seemed so easy now. Why had it taken him so long? "That's...why I adopted Jeongin and why I made out with him in the living room. I wanted to make you jealous."

"Funny way of showing you have feelings for me, don't you think?" Changbin spat out sarcastically. "You could have just told me. Before I got together with Y/N."

"I know. It's all my fault," Hyunjin looked down in shame.

"It's not entirely your fault. Because I'm such a hypocrite, you know? I'm not angry at Y/N for cuddling you. I'm angry at you for kissing Jeongin."

"Why? You...you can't possibly..." Hyunjin refused to believe it. It seemed too good to be true. And at the same time, it was a tragedy.

"Because I should have kissed you first," Changbin blurted out, lifted himself up on his toes and crashed his lips against Hyunjin's.

Changbin's POV

Changbin knew it was wrong. He knew Y/N deserved better. But his mouth seemed to have a mind of its own, choosing to go after Hyunjin's. He couldn't think straight. Oh, the irony. Changbin pulled Hyunjin's hair aggressively and Hyunjin was generous enough to lower his head even more. He was kissing him back. Thank the universe.

"What will we do?" Hyunjin asked desperately when they finally broke away from each other. "About Y/N and Jeongin..."

"We tell them the truth. It's only fair."

"No more lies," Hyunjin nodded.

"No more lies," Changbin confirmed.

"If we're lucky, they might be willing to share," Hyunjin teased.

"Do you think we deserve that?" Changbin was doubtful. He'd fucked up big time. He wasn't sure he deserved Y/N's forgiveness. He thought he never deserved her in the first place.

"Everyone deserves a second chance," Hyunjin shared his belief. "Even assholes like us."

Changbin chuckled sadly.

"Why are we such fools?" he wondered out loud. "We could have avoided this situation altogether if we'd just talked to each other."

"Y/N was right. Communication is pretty important," Hyunjin pointed out.

"Us men are idiots," Changbin shook his head.

"I couldn't agree more."

Jeongin's POV

Jeongin couldn't bear the sounds of Y/N sobbing. All alone in her room. She didn't deserve that. He had to make it stop.

"Can I come in?" he knocked on her door. "It's just me. Changbin and Hyunjin are out."

He didn't expect her to let him in so easily. She must have felt pretty lonely. Y/N unlocked the door and returned to her bed, still crying.

"Talk to me. Please." Jeongin pleaded but his serious tone suggested he wasn't asking.

"I thought Changbin loved me. Guess I was just deluding myself," she laughed but there was no amusement in her voice.

Jeongin debated whether he should tell her the truth. Changbin did love her. But he also loved Hyunjin. People were complicated like that. But the truth was never on Jeongin's side.

"I warned you humans were only going to hurt you," Jeongin responded coldly.

"Changbin didn't hurt me," Y/N shook her head in denial. "I hurt myself believing I was special."

"But you are special, bun. You have no idea how special you are," Jeongin spoke sincerely.

"I am?" she sniffed in disbelief.

"How can I prove it to you?"

"Just hold me," Y/N begged.

Jeongin pulled her into his arms and squeezed her tightly.

"I'm right here, bunny. You're safe with me," he promised.

"Thank you, Jeongin," she mumbled. "I feel much better already."

"I'll get you some water, you must be pretty dehydrated from all that crying," Jeongin observed.

"That'd be nice."

Jeongin went into the kitchen and poured a glass of water. Then, he took a couple of the sleeping pills Hyunjin had bought from his pocket, crushed them up with a knife and slipped them inside the glass. He used a spoon to make them dissolve quickly. Soon enough, he returned to her room, handing her the glass.

"Thanks," she whispered and gulped the water thirstily without thinking. All of it. Then, suddenly- "I'm exhausted. Will you tuck me in?"

"Of course," Jeongin pulled the blanket on top of Y/N. "All cosy and warm."

"Mmm," she murmured mindlessly, already beginning to doze off.

"Sleep well, bunny," Jeongin smiled devilishly as her consciousness faded into darkness.

To be continued...

#stray kids #changbin #hyunjin #jeongin #changbin x reader #hyunin #jeongin x reader #changjin #changbin fluff #jeongin fluff #changbin angst #jeongin angst #writing

121 notes · View notes