#I almost wish I had an excuse to hire him

[lovelynim]

Victoria Housekeeping co.'s special service

Zenless Zone Zero - Lycaon x Wise

A/N: This time I can only thank an anonymous supporter for trusting my skills, ehe ~ I'm not playing ZZZ and I didn't look too much into it, but I think I managed to do a good job.

Also, thanks @/wertzunge for beta reading this one for me!

Summary: Instead of doing her chores, Belle decides to hire Victoria Housekeeping's services to do it for her... and to do something else to her brother

Word count: 1020 words

“Coming…” Wise mumbled, heading towards the door after hearing someone knock thrice on the other side. Having to stop in the middle of his chores wasn’t exactly appreciated, but the possibility of a new customer waiting outside gave him just enough motivation to do so.

“Hello,” the proxy said, trying to sound as friendly as possible, “are you looking f- w-woah…” Wise stopped mid sentence at the sight of a tall, ominous and… fluffy figure. “Ahm, c-can I help you?”

“Victoria Housekeeping, at your service,” Lycaon announced, bowing slightly as his tail swished behind his back. “A full service was requested by master Belle. Is this the correct address?”

Wise nodded, still a bit stunned. His sister left not long ago - just after getting a hearing from him from not cleaning up her bedroom - and he was already accepting the fact that it would be on him to tidy up the place… Wise never expected Belle to actually hire someone to do the job. “V-Victoria? Wait, you guys actually do housekeeping services?”

"Our services are varied. We take every job that our staff see fit to fulfill.” Lycaon explained, a gentle yet firm voice tone as his cold gaze laid upon Wise. “I take you’re master Belle’s brother, master Wise. May I come in?”

Right. “Y-yes, that’s me. Please, come in,” Wise nearly stuttered, quickly stepping aside to allow the Thiren to enter his place. The proxy felt a weird sense of shame when Lycaon seemed to inspect the place so thoroughly, almost as if it was some sort of crime scene. “Ahm, sorry for the mess. I was about to clean it up and-”

“No need to apologize, master,” Lycaon interrupted, the sound of his metallic legs echoing as he turned around to face Wise. “That’s what I’m here for. Master Belle requested a full housekeeping and ‘care’ service.”

“I see,” Wise sighed. “Let me show you around, then.”

“As you wish, master,” Lycaon responded promptly, following Wise with absolute elegance in each and every action. A true gentleman, if you asked Wise.

In their short walk around, Wise decided that his bedroom would be a good place to start. It was where he was the most comfortable and familiar with and, if Belle indeed hired a ‘full housekeeping service’, then cleaning his room should also be part of the pack, right?

“This is far better from what I’ve expected, master,” Lycaon praised the proxy as he slid his fingers over one of the shelves, trying to check if there were any particles of dust laying around. “I believe this is not the main part of the problem, is it?”

“No, it isn’t,” Wise chuckled, sitting on the edge of his bed, “I- well, I thought it would be the easiest to start from, so I decided to show you this room first,” he explained, quickly using the excuse he just came up with.

“Then,” Lycaon turned to Wise, his tall figure towering over him as he stood inches away from Wise’s seat, “do you mind if I start with the second part of the service, master?” Lycaon suggested, holding his hand behind his back.

“What do you mean?”

“Master Belle requested a full housekeeping and care service,” Lycaon explained politely, “with your permission, I’ll do the cleaning once I’m done “taking care of you”, as she described in her request.”

Wise had a puzzled look on his face. What kind of thing did Belle hire? Taking care of him? “A-ahm, sure? What did she ask you t- WAH!!”

“Excuse me, master,” Lycaon muttered gently in a paradoxical contrast with his actions. With great, yet careful, force, the Thiren pushed the proxy back into the mattress. In a swift of Lycaon’s tail, Wise was straddled by cold, metallic legs that firmly pinned his body.

And, before he could figure what was going out, one of Lycaon’s hands closed around both his wrists, keeping them above his head. “As per request by master Belle, I need to inform you that this is for ‘scolding her and being so picky about her bedroom’, master,” Lycaon nodded, following the protocol like a true professional while… merciless tickling Wise’s body.

Big, yet nimble hands scratched and tickled up and down Wise’s side, pinching the spots between each of his ribs and prodding at the middle of his armpits. A mix of embarrassment and confusion struck Wise, but there was no room inside his brain to process all that when all he could think of was how much it tickled. “L-LYCAHAHAON!! AHaHAHAh, wahAHAHait a sehEHEhecon!”

“I apologize, master,” Lycaon muttered, his free hand torturing Wise’s exposed and vulnerable armpit with a ticklish onslaught, “I’m here under master Belle’s orders and her only. I’m afraid I can not follow your requests,” he explained, his hand quickly shooting down and tickling Wise’s waist like it has never been tickled before.

“P-plehehease!! AhAHAhah, i-it’s baAHAhad, LycaHAHAHON!!” Wise could feel the heat spreading over his cheeks as he laughed, all happening so fast and so suddenly that he could barely hold back his reactions. Why did they even have services like this?!

Still, Lycaon was merciless - an unstoppable, unyielding and ticklish force. It tickled so bad and he was still using just one hand!

…

Wise stared at the ceiling with a blank expression, his eyes gazing at the nothing while the sound of vacuum cleaner echoed from the other room. Even after receiving Lycaon’s 5-star-rated aftercare, he still felt like his body was drained of any energy. His stomach and cheeks still sore from laughing and, if he closed his eyes, he could still feel that lingering sensation of Lycaon’s fingers tickling him.

“I’m almost done with master Belle’s room, master,” Lycaon announced, turning off the tool before starting a different task - probably folding her bed sheets or something else. “Would you like something to drink once I’m done, master?”

“N-no need,” Wise sighed, the sound of his own laughter still ringing inside his head. Belle, that brat… Still, he shouldn’t give a negative review to Lycaon, right? It wasn’t like he did a bad job anyway…

[rems-writing]

When the mountain meets a shy girl

》 Pairing: stripper!San x afab!reader

》 Trope: strangers to lovers

》 Wordcount: 4,062 words

》 Rating: nc-17

Nets: @mirohs-aurora-society @othersideoutlawsnetwork @illusionnet

“Oh come on, Y/N! It’s literally one night!”

“Guys, I don’t know -”

“Omg just ignore her and drag her along! We’re going to be late!”

This is how you found yourself on a Friday night. You got off work but instead of going straight home, your lovely coworkers pressured you into going out with them. They claimed that you needed to ‘live a little’ since you can’t ‘be a miserable hobbit’ your entire life. They say that like it’s a bad thing! If you want to stay home, you will stay home. If you want to go out, you will go out on your own free will. Alas, your coworkers didn’t understand. Or they did. They just didn’t care about your boundaries nor your personal preferences, especially the leader of the extroverts. 

Her name was Chelsea. 

You honestly didn’t know how she was able to get hired. She doesn’t know anything about the company you both work at, she slacks off most of the time, and almost always engages in the freshest office gossip. She speaks like she’s texting someone, has an annoying giggle whenever a man hits on her, and never follows the dress code. 

At least she takes responsibility for her fuck-ups and picks up the slack. And never throws you under the bus for anything. 

Other than that, she was dumb as a rock. 

You steered clear of her radar every day. You only talk to her, along with others, about work related things. The only time you don’t is when you give her the usual formal greetings. Other than that, you were never her concern. 

Until today. 

You honestly wished people would leave you alone. Why were they talking about you? You never did anything to them, didn’t snitch on them when they weren’t doing what they were supposed to do, and you were polite when you needed to be. So what’s with the sudden interest in you? 

You were 24, lived alone (aside from the many figurines you owned. They were your children), and only went out if it was required. Other than that, you preferred to stay home. You weren’t interested in dating nor sex (you’ve been there, done that way back in high school) so you tended to stay away from men since they honestly scared you.

A lot. 

If you wanted pleasure, you either took care of it yourself or you just left it alone. You didn't need anyone else to take care of it for you. But now back to the topic at hand. 

You were trying to figure out ways to excuse yourself from this outing. The last place you wanted to go was a damn strip club. You didn’t need half naked to almost fully naked men thrusting and grinding in your face. And you certainly weren’t about to waste your precious hard earned dollar bills on someone else. It’s not that you were selfish or greedy. 

You were simply frugal. 

And according to Chelsea and your coworkers, that’s ‘super hella lame’ of you to do. 

What were they? Newly oriented high school freshmen? 

Alas, you couldn’t think of any excuse to get out of this ‘extraordinary adventure’ you were on. As you neared the entrance of the strip club, everyone had to go through an ID check. Some of them complained, but you didn’t mind. Rules are rules after all. When the bouncer landed on you, you felt intimidated by the sharpness of his wolf eyes. You shakily handed your ID to him and you were ready to be scrutinized by him. You were used to being mocked by bouncers whenever you went to clubs or high-end bars with your coworkers or your family members (i.e. cousins). Surprisingly, nothing came out of the bouncer’s mouth. Instead, he gave you back your ID and offered a warm and comforting smile that reached his eyes until they formed crescents. He then leaned in and whispered in your ear. 

“If you need to find a way out, have the bartender page me. I’m sorry you were dragged out here by those… uh… lovely ladies.”

His deep and husky voice sent a small shiver down your spine and you couldn’t help but be flattered with the offer he gave you. You nodded rapidly and thanked him quietly before following the rest of the girls inside. At least someone understood how you felt, even if they were a complete stranger. When you got inside, the host led you to your table. You wanted to sit at the far end of the booth so you could make your escape (you were not about to turn down the hot bouncer’s offer), but your request fell on deaf ears. Instead, you were smack in the middle of your group with Chelsea seated to your left and someone else on your right. As soon as you were settled in, a waiter approached you. He seemed young and you couldn’t help but find his round cheeks so adorable. 

“Hello. Welcome to Cyberpunk. My name is Jongho. I’ll be taking your orders tonight. What can I get started for you?” 

“IS IT STILL GOLDEN HOUR RIGHT NOW?!”

An overly excited coworker screeched right into Jongho’s ear and you felt yourself cringe for him. Apparently, Golden Hour is what they call happy hour here. Good to know. Jongho laughed awkwardly and nodded before presenting the menu for Golden Hour. That same coworker practically clawed it out of his hands and thanked him shamelessly by running her manicured hand down his chest. You couldn’t stand it and reached over to grab her wrist. 

“Leave the poor guy alone!”

Your angry hiss made your coworker shrink into herself but still had the audacity to roll her eyes at your sense of duty. As payback, she ordered drinks for everyone else but made sure to save the strongest drink for you. And she said this out loud. You sighed and sat back with your arms crossed while Jongho nodded and wrote the order down. Before he left, he looked at you with a grateful expression and mouthed something to you. You were confused at first, but then you looked in the direction of where the young waiter was nodding at and you saw the hot bouncer waving at you with his heavily ringed hand. 

Oh. 

Jongho was giving you the name of the hot bouncer that offered you an escape earlier. 

His name is Mingi. Got it. 

You made a mental note to remember that, along with the name of the bartender you needed to page Mingi for. 

His name is Wooyoung. Got it. 

After Jongho walked away to fulfill your order, you observed your surroundings while your coworkers were talking amongst themselves. It’s a shame that they didn’t talk to you, but you didn’t care. It was better this way. 

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

Drink after drink. Shot after shot. And the cycle repeats. Your coworkers were astonished with the way you could handle your liquor. Even that nasty cocktail that you received made you feel nothing. If anything, you were only about five percent tipsy. As the night progressed, a lot of strippers made their way towards your booth and did what they needed to do. You weren’t interested in any of them. At all. You just wanted this night to be over. While the girls were fawning over the tallest stripper giving them lap dances (his name is Yunho), you saw Chelsea approach you with an evil look in her eyes and a mischievious grin on her overly painted lips. Before you could even question her intentions, she dragged you out of the booth and into a private dance room. The last words from your coworkers left you mortified. 

“YAS, QUEEN! GET THAT DICK, SIS!”

This was not happening. You refused to believe it. Not only did they pay for you to experience a private dance with one of those greasy oiled up men, but they truly believed that you needed this. As Chelsea sat you down on the plush lavender couch, she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at you. Although, you couldn’t tell since her fake lashes were too thick to comprehend anything. 

“We all chipped in for this dance. It could’ve been one of us, but we decided that you needed it the most. So like… don’t be yourself and weird him out, ok sweetie? Great! Have fun! Oh and provide us with juicy details once you’re done!”

She patted your head before exiting the room. You wanted to cry. You never asked for this. For any of this! You just wanted to go home, curl up on the couch, and watch reruns of your favorite k-dramas. But nope! You were here in a dimly lit room, anticipating who would come out. As the strange techno music played, you saw a figure approach the pole. Your eyes widened as you saw who it was. 

The Mountain. 

His seductive smile and the way he curled his fingers around the pole did nothing to quell your anxiety. You sat up straight and darted your eyes around towards every movement he pulled. Sure, you found him extremely fucking attractive, but you had to be honest with yourself. With the way you are and with the way you wanted nothing more than to escape, you wanted to shrink into the couch you were sitting on and just fade into non-existence. He noticed it at first but thought nothing of it. He believed that your shyness was just an act. Soon, you’ll pounce on him and beg for him to take you. That’s how it always was with women like you. However, he was in for a shocking awakening when he slid down the pole and tore away his shirt, leaving his muscular upper body bare. As he crawled towards you, he was getting closer to your legs, which you shut tightly. It didn’t last long before his strong hands grabbed your knees and forced them open. You shut your eyes when his nose touched the side of your right knee, almost nuzzling it in a way. He soon dragged it upwards before stopping just at the hem of your pencil skirt. He then stood up fully and looked down at you. 

This is where the hesitation began. 

He looked down at your rigid form and the way you screwed your eyes shut. His gut told him to stop, but he pushed through. He bent down and whispered huskily in your ear. The action had you open your eyes wide and look straight at him, which was a mistake since he was so close to your face.

“Don’t be shy, kitten. Come on. Touch me.”

Not waiting for your response, he gingerly grabbed your wrist and made sure your palm was flat against his broad chest. He kept eye contact with you as he slowly slid your hand down to his abs. The pace was snail-like and you found yourself shaking. Your anxiety was at an all time high. When you felt your wrist stop at the hem of his jeans, your eyes widened even more. You retracted your hand and cradled it like he had broken it. You muttered so many apologies as you curled into yourself even more. 

Oh… he felt his heart break at the sight. 

A sigh left his lips as he turned around and walked away. You were panicking internally, thinking the worst. What if he had Mingi kick you out? What if he told the owner of this strip club to blacklist you? What if he snitched on you to your friends and sneered at the way you trembled before him? And not in a good way. The anxiety died down a bit when the lights came on and you saw him walk back to you. He knelt before you and had an unreadable expression on his face. He then stuck out his hand and spoke in an authoritative voice. 

“Let me see your ID.”

You immediately thought to yourself that he was simply following protocol. However, it didn’t help that his seemingly angry look unnerved you. You dug into your pocket and fished out your ID before slapping it into his waiting palm. He held it up to his face and narrowed his eyes as he scanned over the details of it. 

‘It doesn’t look fake right?’

‘It’s as real as it can get.’

‘You probably should’ve brought your passport just in case.’

‘Oh shit he’s looking back at you! Fuck!’

As he gave you back your ID, he helped you stand up. The look on his face melted into one of concern and compassion. He gingerly grabbed your hand and rubbed your knuckles with his thumb. 

“Can I hug you? I understand if you don’t want to be touched, but I can tell you need it.”

That’s all it took for you to break down in his arms. He shushed you gently and made sure his hold on you was tight enough to provide a sense of comfort for you. He walked the both of you towards the couch and held onto you until you decided to pull away. You looked up at him and sniffled. As much as he found that action to be utterly cute, he knew it wasn’t the time to address that. He gently wiped away your tears and put some distance in between you two. However, he still had his arms wrapped around you. You didn’t mind it of course. You were just glad someone empathized with you. 

“I’m guessing this is just your personality. Your ID checks out and from what you’re wearing, you definitely are of age.”

“Y-Yeah. I’m sorry if this is how you’re spending your night. I’m s-sure you weren’t expecting someone like me.”

“It’s ok. I think this is a good change of pace. If it helps, we can simply talk. I know you don’t want to be here and I apologize for making you uncomfortable.”

“It’s ok. And yeah… I would love to talk.”

“Great. Let me start by introducing myself. I’m San.”

“Y/N.”

“Pretty name for a pretty girl.”

Your light-hearted giggle made his heart soar and soon, he found himself in a deep conversation with you. You two talked about everything. From the basics down to you willingly explaining how your current personality came to be. And San listened tentatively. After talking some more, you checked the time. 

“Oh shit! My two hours are up! I’m sorry for holding you here longer than I should have.”

“Don’t worry about it. I enjoyed talking with you.”

“Really?”

San nodded and gave you an award winning smile. One that showcased his dimples and was similar to Mingi’s but brighter. After the both of you stood up, he gathered his things and stared at you affectionately. His gaze made you blush and you looked away. He gently grabbed your chin so he could look at you. 

“If you want, there’s a ramen place next door that’s open 24/7. Once this place closes up, we can chat some more. Or… I can take you home, either by calling an uber for you or driving you home myself. After what you told me, I don’t feel comfortable leaving you with your coworkers.”

You swore you fell in love with him.

“Actually, I would love that. I sort of need something to absorb all the alcohol that’s in my body.”

“Great! In the meantime, go speak with Hongjoong. He’s the owner of this place. Explain your situation with him and he’ll let you stay in his office for the time being. I still have work to do.”

After accepting his offer, he walked you towards his boss’s office. A short man came out and he was immediately about to interrogate you when you held your hands up in defense. The last thing he needed was to file a case for harassment. As you explained yourself, his form grew less rigid and he looked towards San, who gave a nod of confirmation, indicating that you were speaking the truth. 

“Oh, darling… here. You can stay in my office. Do whatever you need to do. I’ll have Mingi fetch you once this is over.” 

“Thank you, Mr. Kim.”

“Please. Call me Hongjoong.”

You nodded shyly and Hongjoong patted your head before walking out of his office so you could get comfortable. San looked at you one last time before leaving to continue his job. He didn’t want to leave you there alone, but he knew you needed space to breathe and gather your bearings. After all, you went through a lot. 

TIME SKIP

It had been some time since that horrible outing with your coworkers. Sure, you met some angels and your savior along the way, but the events leading up to that moment left you drained. After that night, you didn’t speak with Chelsea or any of your coworkers. Instead, you worked faster and more diligently than before so you could clock out early and go home immediately. You did not want to interact with any of them whatsoever. As soon as you reached home, you flopped on the couch. 

“Aww. You didn’t want to greet me? That makes me sad.”

“Shut up, San!”

San giggled at your sassy voice as he walked over to you and sat on the couch beside you. He lifted your head so you could lay on his lap. As he ran his fingers through your hair and massaged your scalp, you talked about how your day went. 

Did I mention that you two were roommates now?

Ever since you met San, he’s been a comforting presence in your life. You asked him to move in with you since you felt at ease with him. One thing led to another and the two of you were now a couple. It was awkward at first since you haven’t dated anyone in the longest, but San was patient with you. He took things at your own pace and made it less awkward. He still works at the strip club unfortunately, but he reassures you that he will always come back to you since you have his heart. 

“As I motherfucking should!”

That was always your response to him and he could never get tired of it. As the relationship progresses, you slowly find yourself coming out of your shell. You no longer feel overly shy whenever he walks around shirtless or whispers sensual words in your ear as he flirts with you. Instead, you play along and even tease him sometimes. That’s an effect only San can bring unto you. In addition, he taught you how to be more confident and stand up for yourself. 

His hard work paid off when you told him about how you told your boss about how you felt with your coworkers.

You came back into the office feeling nervous yet invigorated. You needed to put a stop to your coworkers peer pressuring you into going out. You also needed to stop caring about what they might say. As San has stated to you despite being only in tight jeans with dollar bills peeking out from the top, if you liked staying in, then stay in. You knocked on the CEO’s front door and heard her honeyed voice telling you to come in. When you entered, your eyes landed on your CEO boss, who was also your long time best friend. “Hey. What’s up, Y/N?” She smiled that beautiful smile and you felt relieved momentarily. “Um… we need to talk, Ms. Hwasa.” 

“I thought I told you to call me by my real name. After all, we have been friends for seven years.”

“Sorry, Hyejin.”

“It’s ok. Anyways, what did you need to talk about?”

It was now or never. 

Slowly but surely, you vented about everything. From your coworkers to Chelsea all the way to the main topic: disrespecting boundaries. You also explained how you were afraid of what she might say despite vowing to always have your back. Of course you didn’t doubt her words. You were simply afraid of her brushing you off like you were nothing more than another employee. When you finished speaking, Hwasa had her eyebrows furrowed in deep thought. Finally, she spoke. 

“Thank you for telling me this. I honestly didn’t think they would be dumb enough to forget common sense. Set a meeting right now. I think I need to remind these women of how everything works around here.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Hwasa laughed slightly as you saluted before turning around and marching back to your cubicle. A couple of hours later, a lot of employees were in a meeting room, standing nervously as they watched their CEO pace back and forth whilst looking at them with an unreadable expression. You were in the middle of the crowd, pretending to be nervous, but in reality, you were playing it cool. 

“It seems to me that you guys keep forgetting about the one thing I wanted all of you to have.”

Oop - 

“Common courtesy.”

A lot of your coworkers were sweating nervously, including Chelsea. You felt bad for them a little bit since you know Hwasa to be strict. 

“Just because someone doesn’t like the things that you do after work doesn’t mean you have the right to change their dynamics. We are all different here. And yet, we still work well together. So please. The next time you want to take someone away from their comfort bubble, think twice before doing so. Either do nothing about it or do something about it the right way. Ask first! That’s always a requirement. If they say yes, then there you go. If they say no, then no means no! Do we have an understanding?”

Everyone nodded.

“In addition, I am putting a stop to the unnecessary gossip swimming around here. The people you gossip about? They have done nothing to you and they don’t do that to you. So why do it to them in the first place?”

It was a rhetorical question that no one dared to answer. 

“This meeting is adjourned. Get back to work.”

“Yes, Ms, Hwasa!”

Everyone scattered and scurried back to their places. Hwasa looked at you and smiled while you profusely thanked her. 

“You can go home now if you want. I know your boy toy misses you.”

“Girl, shut up!”

“And that’s what happened!”

“I’m so proud of you for standing up for yourself.”

San sat you up and hugged you tightly. You returned the hug happily and remained in his arms for a while before he pulled away. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes as he stood up from the couch. 

“This calls for a celebration. Time to give you that private dance you originally signed up for.”

Oh…

OH!

Before you could protest, San turned on the stereo system and played the track before standing in the middle of the living room to begin his routine.

‘SHIT! WHY THIS SONG?!’

‘THIS SONG IS A BOP THOUGH!’

‘YEAH BUT NOW LOOK AT THE SITUATION YOU’RE IN!’

‘JUST RELAX, BITCH! DAMN!’

You watched as San performed his routine perfectly. It catered to the song and you found yourself drooling as you leaned in to observe him more. San smirked at this as he jumped and did a diving move before crawling towards you. Your legs were open for him and he came in between them, nuzzling his nose into both of your inner thighs before slowly standing up. He gingerly grabbed your hand and took off his shirt before placing your palm on his broad chest. 

DID HE GET BIGGER?! WHAT THE FUCK?!

You watched your hand slowly trail down to his abs until your wrist stopped at the top of his sweats. It was then you noticed how low they hung on his hips. You looked back up to see him lean in closer, his eyes dark with lust and desire. His other hand cupped your cheek and he used his thumb to drag your bottom lip down slowly. 

“Can I have you for tonight, kitten?”

You were not about to pass up on the opportunity to ride that dick into the sunset. With a small ‘yes’ leaving your mouth, he kissed you passionately before grabbing your waist and carrying you to your shared bedroom.

[theseeingfawn]

Hi Everyone, I have been working on a small town Elriel fic for awhile now and finally decided to post. This is my first time writing fan fiction so please be gentle with me.

Summary:

Elain Archeron, beloved sweetheart of the quaint town of Hewn Hills, yearns for a life beyond the constraints and expectations placed upon her by her family and community. Azriel Rosehall, a captivating yet misunderstood outsider, struggles with the prejudices of the town as he endeavors to forge his own destiny. Drawn to each other by an undeniable connection, Elain and Azriel are determined to be together, even if it means bringing trouble to the charming small-town. “Everything that's worth having is some trouble. - L.M. Montgomery

Chapter 1: Matchmaker Mayhem | Read on A03

Elain

It's official, this is the worst date I have ever been on. It doesn't make sense. The man is gorgeous, almost devilishly so. I've heard nothing but praise about his charm and wit. I've even seen it myself when he didn't think I was looking. But, the man is a nervous wreck and awkward . Or is it me? Maybe we are just feeding off each other's horrible vibes creating a vortex of our own personal hell. I had been reluctant when my sister all but demanded I go on a date with her friend Lucien. For the last couple of years, all Feyre could talk about is how great Lucien is and how funny and on and on and on . It was almost nauseating. I felt like Feyre was close to hiring a skywriter to let the world know that I was destined for her best friend. Ever since she married Rhysand she has taken up the mantle of matchmaker. So, to spare myself from further harassment I relented. Sure, I knew Lucien, but we have never had a meaningful conversation. Nothing other than pleasantries. I also work hard to keep him at arm's length, despite how often we are forced to interact. I see I was right to keep my distance. He seems as reluctant to be here as I am. I almost feel sorry for him… almost .

I'm glad I had the foresight to pick Velaris as our meeting spot and not Hewn Hills, the small town in the suburbs, where we live. I adore Hewn Hills but it is full of nosy nellies and busybodies. My baby sister is the biggest busybody of them all. So, when I suggested my favorite upscale restaurant in the heart of the city, Lucien readily agreed. It would seem he isn’t a big fan of all the meddling either. Though, I assume for different reasons. Thankfully, no one we know is here to witness our nightmare of a date. It didn't make sense. Despite knowing Feyre for years, and serving on our town council together, Lucien doesn't seem to know a thing about me. Well, other than surface level stuff. I sighed internally, of course he doesn't know much about me. My sisters do not truly know me. They only see the version of me that they wish to see, not the real me. No one really did .

I sit here staring off into the distance like I'm lost in a vision, imagining the bubbly young waitress will come back to end my misery. Really, how many awkward silences must I suffer through? As if reading my mind, Lucien broke the quiet tension with a question. “So, you like to garden? What vegetables do you grow,” Lucien asked with the enthusiasm of a root canal patient.“I actually don't grow vegetables, just flowers and herbs for my shop. Vegetables are much more difficult to grow than people realize.” He nodded. Please, where is the waitress.Then it occurred to me, I could use the bathroom and get away. Maybe I could slip out the window and run. What would he do? Tell my sister I gave him the slip? I'd pay good money to see that. No one would believe him. Yes, sneaking out is the answer. I feel like I've won the lottery for coming up with this brilliant idea. “Excuse me, I am just going to freshen up,” I say with syrupy sweetness. I hope I look graceful and not like I am barreling toward the back of the restaurant like I am fleeing the scene of a crime, but I doubt it. Once behind the closed door of the single occupant bathroom I take my first deep breath of the evening. I look around but there is no window, just a floor to ceiling mirror. Son of a bitch. I sigh and gaze at my reflection searching for an answer. Maybe it was my appearance that rendered him stupid. I’ve heard all my life that I’m beautiful. Not the polite kind of beautiful that every mother dotes onto their daughters. But, the type of beauty that could be used. Before she died, my mother dressed me up like her own personal Barbie doll. Taking personal credit for my appearance and awkwardly telling anyone who would listen that I got it from my mama. I cringe just thinking about it. Even my father had dragged me along to client dinners to dangle me in front of prospective clients like a juicy carrot. My sister Nesta is always watching my back, weary of everyone's intentions. Feyre, the bane of my existence at the moment, all but pimped me out to the dullest man in Hewn Hills because she thought her friend's happiness was more important than mine. Just a pawn to be used to make her life more exciting.

That's not entirely fair.

I know I’m seen as a goodie goodie, a pushover. Maybe I am, I caved to Feyre's demands after all. My sisters love to remind me how I am too sweet for my own good. A chaste virginal angel that they must protect at all costs. My reflection taunts me. Not a hair out of place, a flawless exterior that was pleasing to the eye. But, what had that gotten me? A failed engagement. A cage of my own making. Putting everyone else first and myself second. I shake away the bitterness, burying it deep down. It could be worse. At least Lucien is polite and respectful. I could do this, I could muster some enthusiasm and carry on with this date. No matter how much I wanted to shrink into myself. He is just a man and once it was over I could tell Feyre I had given it my best effort but we weren't a love match. Though I knew I didn't give Lucien my best, in many ways I blame him for what happened with Graysen. I just wanted tonight to be over with so I could go home and binge watch tv without a bra on.

With a new sense of purpose, I step back into the bustling restaurant and head toward the table. Lucien has his back to me as he chats on the phone, “you don't understand Jurian. She's so… so… meek, boring even. I don’t know why Feyre keeps insisting we’re soul mates. I know, she is beautiful, probably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen but she is dull , a snoozefest. Just call me in five minutes with a fake emergency so I can bow out.” Stunned, I dropped my head in defeat. Well, I couldn't blame him for wanting out of the world's most awkward first date. But, to call me meek and boring is just mean. I fought the urge to cry. No need to spill tears over Lucien Vanserra. Besides, it's not like he is the sly and charming man I've heard everyone drone on about. He is the snoozefest. He has barely said a word to me all evening. He is the headliner of the snoozefestival. How dare he!!!

I slide back into my chair and slap on the biggest fake smile I can muster. “Has our waiter stopped by?” I asked, pretending that I don't want to kick him in the shin. “No, not yet. This place is getting packed. It's hard to even hear what you're saying, we can just listen to the music and Ow!” Lucien hunches over and grabs his leg. “Oh my, I'm so sorry! I went to cross my legs but didn't realize you were so close,” I feigned innocence as I bat my eyes at him. I turn my head from his scowl before I start laughing. My eyes peruse the growing crowd of people streaming through the door and there he is.

His dark hair swept back off of his face, dressed in an immaculate black suit that hugs his sculpted form. I don't let myself admit this often but I have a tiny, itty bitty crush on Rhysand's mysterious brother, Azriel . Even his name is beautiful. I have only interacted with him at family functions but the sight of him alone is enough to make me swoon. He is always busy working some sort of mysterious job. I never get a straight answer on what it is that he does because it is all very hush hush. I caught bits and pieces from eavesdropping on conversations when no one was paying attention to me. They rarely pay attention to me. I know it involves surveillance work and traveling, which only adds to his allure. I like to pretend he is a spy like James Bond or even a kingpin in the mob. A dangerous job for a dangerous man. At least I like to pretend he has a dangerous side, he certainly looks like he does. He has dark features and is always draped in black and cobalt blue clothing. He is stoic with a piercing hazel gaze that could slice right through you. He is hard to read but I feel like his eyes give him away. It's the way the corners wrinkle slightly or glow brighter when he is happy. It's how directly he stares when he is mad and fighting the urge to speak out. Despite his appearance, he is always kind and thoughtful toward me. He holds the door for me or pulls out my chair at the dinner table. One time, after I spent all of Thanksgiving day cooking, he took the serving dish from my hands so I could sit down and enjoy the meal I worked so hard on. He even made everyone wait until I sat to eat. Men are rarely that chivalrous these days. The memory sends my heart racing. Azriel is quiet, but not awkward the way Lucien is currently behaving. He is confident and reserved in a way that adds to his enigmatic persona.

I watch him as he walks through the door and turns to the stunning blonde behind him, Mor. He was on a date with her . I recall the time I overheard Feyre telling Nesta that Azriel was in love with Mor. It made sense I suppose, she is gorgeous and has a way about her that makes it seem like she was lit from within. But a part of me doesn’t believe it. Feyre is often wrong about these kinds of things. Look at me and Lucien, she thinks we are fated. But, this date feels like pulling teeth. “Elain, did you hear me?” I shook myself out of my daze, “I’m sorry, what did you say?” Lucien let out a sigh, “I asked if you like bread,'' Confused, I looked at the basket that was placed in front of me. I want to roll my eyes. Does he not remember that I own a bakery? “Who doesn't like bread, Lucien?” He scoffed, “you would be surprised, there are people out there who can't tolerate it.” I blink once, and then again. “That was a joke,” he states as if he were teaching humor to a martian. “Oh,” is all I can muster as I look at the bread, pleading with it to save me from this man. A dad joke, really?

Suddenly there is a long dark shadow cast over the table. My eyes shoot up to meet hazel ones. “I hope I'm not interrupting,” Azriel says, appearing like an answered prayer. “Azriel! It’s so good to see you,” I beamed, hoping the relief in my tone isn’t as obvious as it seems. The corner of his mouth ticks upward, “it's good to see you too Elain. I hope you have been well.” Gods he is beautiful and tall. Why is he so tall? He smells divine. I wonder if he is just visiting for a few days? Lucien clears his throat. I look at him, realizing I am still on a date. “Azriel, this is Lucien, you know, Feyre's friend.” Azriel slowly turns to Lucien and dips his head in greeting, turning back to me. “I didn't expect to see you out in the city,” he says with a curious look in his eyes. I smile shyly, “I'm… here on a date.” He looks back to Lucien slowly raking his gaze up and down, a hint of displeasure in his assessment. “I see. I'm just grabbing a bite with Mor.” He turns towards his companion who is sitting at a table across the restaurant. “I just wanted to stop by and say hello. I’ve taken a new assignment and will be in this area for the next few months. Hopefully we will see more of each other.” My smile widens, I would certainly love to see more of him. Azriel's lip quirks up ever so slightly on one side. BUZZ. BUZZ. BUZZ.

Lucien apologizes and grabs his phone, a puzzled look on his face. “Hold on. It's my roommate. It's odd he is calling since he knowsIi'm on a date.” He answers it quickly, while holding up a finger to shush Azriel and me. “Wait, what's wrong? Calm down.” Wow, he is really committing to the bit. “Are you sure? Okay… I am on my way,” he ends the call and looks up. “I'm sorry to have to do this but there's an emergency and I'm going to have to end our date early.” I fight back a chortle. “Oh no! What kind of an emergency, a flat tire or dead grandma?” Azriel coughs and turns away. Lucien looking stunned mutters out, “uhhh a flat tire.” I wave over the waitress who miraculously appears from nowhere, “Can we get our check?” I turn back to Lucien, “Sorry to hear about your roommates flat tire. I hate when that happens.” Before Lucien can reply, the waitress comes back with the bill. It's for two drinks and a bread basket. I start to pull out my wallet when Azriel clears his throat. Lucien looks from me to Azriel. Azriel asks with an unamused expression, “Aren't you going to pay, since it's a date?” My jaw nearly hits the floor. Lucien sputters and fumbles for his wallet. Hastily slinging a twenty dollar bill on the table. “Well it's been… a date. I will catch you around Elain.” Lucien shuffles around the crowd making a hasty exit. I keel over in a fit of quiet laughter the second Lucien bolts for the door. You know the kind of silent laughter where your shoulders shake and you can hardly breathe? That kind. I feel a warm rough hand stroke my upper arm sending a shiver down my spine. “Hey, it's okay, don't be upset,” came the soothing timbre of Azriel's voice. I look up to see his worried expression and start laughing even harder. His hand stills on my arm and grips me lightly. “Why are you laughing?” he asks, bemused by my giggling fit. I wipe away a few wayward tears as I fight back a bout of hiccups. “ it's just… it's just…” I snort. An honest to gods snort so loud that it draws the attention of at least three neighboring tables. Azriel is smiling fully now. A toothy smile that I just know he rarely gives to anyone. It over takes his whole face making him somehow even more handsome. Seeing him this way suddenly calms my laughing fit and I clear my throat. “It's just, we were having the worst date in the history of dates and he was so desperate to get away he made up an excuse to bail. But, I have to say his acting was pretty solid.” Azriel looks at me a little stunned, “you're not upset, not mad?” I smile again, “I can’t blame him, I wanted to escape through the bathroom window but they didn't have one.” His smile lingers as he stares at me. “You making him pay for the bill was just icing on the cake.” Azriel hums before saying, “it was the least I could do.” I stand and grab my small handbag off the table. “Well, Azriel, I’m happy I got the chance to see you. It’s been too long, I'm glad to hear you’ll be sticking around for a while.” He looks down towards his shoes and back up, the faintest blush on his cheeks. “Have a good evening,” I bid him farewell and walk out onto the street.

I stop to take a deep breath, cleansing myself of the bad date energy. It was terrible but at least I went out and could tell Feyre to back off. It had been several years since I had mustered the courage to date. Not since Graysen. I’m about to take a step when I felt a hand grab the back of my elbow. “Wait, I wanted to make sure you were truly okay.” I whirl around to see Azriel staring down at me. My heart flutters once again, the way it always does in his presence. His face was elegant with high cheekbones, a fine nose and a sharp jawline. In the halo of the street lamp he looked like a fallen angel. His scarred hand was still on my arm, a rose tattoo covered the back of it. “That's very thoughtful of you, but truly I’m okay. My pride is a little wounded but I'll get over it.” He studies me for a long moment before he leans in, “You're too nice Elain.” I stiffen but can't exactly argue. “He's a fool you know? Any man would be lucky to date you.” My stomach fills with butterflies. It was my turn to blush under the weight of his sincere gaze. I swallow the lump in my throat. “You should get back to your date, Azriel. I would hate to take up any more of your time.” He looks over his shoulder and back to me, as if confused. Maybe he was remembering where he was and what he was doing. “Are you sure you're okay? Do you need me to take you home? You could join us…” his thumb tenderly rubbing up and down my arm. He was probably just being kind because I'm Feyre's sister. The thought saddens me. “I'm sure Azriel, no need to worry about me. I can take care of myself.” He looks unsure or perhaps he is just reluctant to let me go. His hand is still stroking my arm. “It was lovely to see you, maybe we can catch up another time?” A smile tugs at my lips, “I'd like that.”

Azriel

I can't believe my luck. I get back into the city and happen to bump into the girl I have been obsessing over for months. Truth be told, I have a thing for Elain Archeron. How could I not? She is gorgeous and so incredibly kind. She radiates joy and has a way of making everyone around her feel special. I am normally so good with the opposite sex. Hell I have quite the reputation as a ladies man but something about her leaves me feeling like a lovesick teenager. I wish I had a reason to make her stick around and spend the evening with me but I know I probably shouldn't.

I watch Elain walk away down the crowded street. Utterly lost in the way the wind catches her long golden hair. The way her dress skims over her gentle curves. What I wouldn't do to get the chance to touch her. I exhale slowly, burying my thoughts on her deep down, as I always do. I walk back into the restaurant and sit across from Mor. Once, many years ago I thought I loved Mor. But I mistook her kindness for love. I had never been around a girl my own age until I met her. She is so gregarious and radiates confidence. So when she doted on me, I read the signals all wrong. I built up something that was never really there. It took too long to discover that Mor preferred women. Even after, I held out hope that she would change her mind. Truth be told, it allowed me to keep other women at a distance. If I hid all of my feelings in the safety of Mor's friendship I never had to address my own issues with intimacy. But, I was done hiding behind Mor and living in denial. I started to realize I could never be happy if I didn’t face reality, no matter how scary it was for me to open up to her. It was awkward and she was hesitant to even hear me out. It was worth it though, because now she was my friend and one of my closest confidants.

“So, how was sweet Elain?” she asks. Elain didn't know Mor well, but Mor knew all about Elain. Mor being a family friend of Rhys’ was well informed on the Archeron sisters. “She seems okay, though it looks like she was having a bad date. He actually ditched her.” Mor gapes, “that piece of shit! Who was it?” I sneer, “Lucien Vanserra.” Mor rolls her eyes, “seems as though Feyre finally wore her down.” l hum in agreement. I’ll never understand why Feyre thinks Lucien and Elain would make a good pair. I suspect she wants Lucien to stick around and worries he wouldn’t without some other incentive. Feyre dated Tamlin, Lucien’s former college roommate and friend. After the nasty break up Lucien had taken Feyre’s side. But, he had grown distant and their friendship never fully recovered. So, she clings to the hope that if Elain marries Lucien he will become a permanent fixture in her life. Feyre also loves to meddle in other people's lives. She likes to think she has a gift for connecting people but in reality she is terrible at it. No, truly terrible. Her own love life until Rhys had been a shitshow so it puzzles me why Feyre thought so highly of her skills in the love department. I know Elain is too good for Lucien. I don't hate the man but he doesn’t seem like the type of man she needs. Especially after his pathetic stunt this evening.

I think back to Elain, how utterly beautiful she looked. The way her skin seemed to glow, how her face lit up when she laughed. The utterly intoxicating smell of her jasmine perfume. I hate the thought of her dating Lucian. I hate the way they look together, the way she seems to shrink around him. She is a bright shining light in a world of darkness. She deserves someone who appreciates how special she truly is.

“Hello, Earth to Azriel,” Mor says, snapping her fingers in front of my face. “I'm sorry Mor, what were you saying?” She sighs. “I should have known the second you saw her that I'd lost your focus for the evening.” My eyes snap up, face utterly unreadable. “What's that supposed to mean?” Mor pats my hand and I pull it away. I hate it when people touch my hands . “Don't play dumb with me Azriel. I know you too well.” I narrow my eyes, weighing my next words carefully. “I'm not playing dumb. I'm just concerned after Lucien ditched her.” Mor gives me an unimpressed look. “For what it's worth, I think you should ask her out. You two would make the hottest couple.” She pumps her eyebrows at me suggestively. “I'm not going to ask her out… that's absurd… Why would you even suggest that?” Mor tilts her head back and laughs, “oh you have it bad.” I give her an incredulous look, “I can't date anyone, I travel too much for work, not to mention it could be dangerous. Besides, I'm not interested in falling in love.” She gives me her no nonsense face. I want to protest but there is that old saying about protesting too much and I don't want to egg her on. “Let's just drop it and enjoy our evening,” I say, refusing to take the bait. Mor sighs, “here's the deal Azzy, I will enjoy a lovely meal, which you are paying for, by the way. But, I'm not forgetting you are pining after you know who.”

“Fine,” I bite out.

“Have you decided where you are going to stay?” She asks in a tone that feels suspiciously like prying into more than just my place of residence. I shrug, “My assignment is in Windhaven.” Mor scrunches her nose in distaste. Not that I blame her, Windhaven is a shithole. “I don't have to live there full time, but I do have to stay a few days a week.” She nods, “why not stay in Hewn Hills?” There it is, her not so innocent suggestion. It's like she knows what I have planned. She knows me too well. I eye her suspiciously. “Don't give me that look, Az. Velaris is too far from Windhaven, and Hewn Hills is adorable.” It is a nice town, I wouldn't call it adorable. Though there is something there worth adoring . “They have great hiking trails, the parks are beautiful, and the downtown is just like Stars Hollow.” I sigh, “you don't have to convince me Mor, I've already booked a bed and breakfast.” She squeals, and I feel a headache forming. I rub my temple, “don't get too excited. It's the most logical choice.” She claps excitedly, “oh i just love it there, and now I have another reason to visit. You know I love Rita's and don't get me started on Petals.” I give her a perturbed look and pray to the gods that she doesn't read into anything more than she already has. There is only one reason I’m staying in Hewn Hills, Elain . Seeing her with Lucien tonight only reinforces the notion that I need to be close to her. Is it the smart thing to do? No, but I can’t seem to keep away. I’m just glad Mor’s job will keep her distracted from joining Feyre in competing for the biggest pain in the ass award.

[slytherinshua]

(IM)PERFECT WEDDINGS

genre. fluff. a little hurt/comfort. warnings. a lot of crying and distress. yul is there to comfort <3. a little talk about having children. pairing. fiance!yul x fem!reader. wc. 2k. request. no. a/n. i wrote this specifically for @candewlsy <3 mizu ik you've been having a bit of a hard time recently but i hope this cheers you up a bit!! yn may or may not be inspired by you 👁️

Yul knew something was wrong with you the second you refused his request to meet up 5 days ago. It was times like these that he wished he could speed up the preparations for your marriage and just be able to see you at any time he wished as your husband. But for another 4 months, he would still be confined to the frustrating but precious title of fiancé.

Due to his studying and teaching at Jeongjingak, he hadn’t seen you in longer than he would have liked. It was bordering on almost 2 weeks and Yul was rarely the clingy of you two. If he was feeling the effects of missing you so greatly that it was hard to even focus on his work, he wondered how much worse it was for you.

You had as busy a schedule as him, mostly because of your decision to take on all the preparations for your weddings single-handedly. He knew you wanted it to be as perfect as possible. You had been dreaming of this day since you were little. Now that you had found the perfect man, you needed to plan the perfect ceremony as well. From the flowers, location, food, ceremony, afterparty, and even attire, you were responsible for planning it all. 

Yul had always admired how big a dreamer you were. You had fantasies and aspirations and always worked incredibly hard to complete them. And while he was hard-working and book smart, logistical and artistic planning had never been his strong suit. He was lacking in many ways, and watching you work reminded him of it every day.

Or he would have been able to watch you, if you hadn’t been seemingly avoiding his presence for over twelve days now. It was a perfectly sunny afternoon and Yul had finished all his work early. There was absolutely no excuse for him to not come to see you— even the weather was encouraging him to pay you a visit. He knew you were probably cooped up in your room, writing a million letters to all the vendors and designers you had hired for the wedding. It would benefit you greatly to get outside.

The sounds of shouting and subsequent rushing of footsteps was definitely not what Yul had anticipated hearing as he walked up to your home. One of the maids seemed to rush out of the house in a panic, her eyes widening and her face growing hot out of embarrassment once her eyes landed on Seo Yul.

“Master Seo! Oh, goodness, you should not be here right now— If Miss. L/n finds out she’ll only panic more—”

“Why is she panicking?” Yul interrupted the maid’s hurried jumble of words, concern growing every second he didn’t know what was going on. He had only been gone from you for twelve days; what possibly could have happened in that time? Before he even got an answer from the maid, he was already making his way towards the front door, unable to wait a second longer to figure out what was wrong.

“M-master Seo, please!” The poor maid scurried along after him, warning him to not go into the house. Yul seemed to be conveniently deaf to her pleading. As soon as he stepped in, he realized why he might not have been wanted at this particular moment.

Dozens of fabrics were… well, everywhere. On every surface, scattered on the floor, and even some stuck hanging from the walls. Yul’s concern grew, as well as his utter confusion and astonishment at how the house could have gotten this messy.

He followed the sounds of distress until he reached the doorway to your room— exactly what he expected. A harsh shout for everyone to get out sounded, and the silence that followed was almost deafening. Yul waited just outside in almost frozen shock, registering that the shout must have come from your mouth. Never in his life had he heard you shout. You barely ever got angry. A row of servants quickly filed out of the room, each bowing their head in shame.

Yul breathed out heavily, considering whether it would be wise for him to just leave now and not bother you. The last thing he wanted was for him to make you more upset, especially if you felt like you needed to be alone. But he couldn’t bear to leave when he could just make out your broken sobs and sniffles from the closed door. It was the most heartbreaking sound he had ever heard.

He slowly slid the door open a little to peek inside the room, being as quiet as possible in order to not startle you. The room was as messy as the rest of the house— extravagant fabrics strewn all over the floor and tables. You were sitting in the middle of the room, hunched over yourself. Yul noticed that you were dressed in a particularly elegant white hanbok dress that draped over your figure perfectly.

“Y/n? What’s wrong?” He spoke as softly as he possibly could, making sure he didn’t make the situation worse. He wanted to help lessen your tears, not create more. His soft approach seemed to have the opposite effect that he wanted, though. As soon as you heard him, you startled and turned around quickly. Upon laying eyes on him, your sobs only got worse and you immediately hid your face. Yul’s heart sank.

“Love? Tell me what happened.” He coaxed, kneeling down next to you, placing a hesitant hand on your shoulder. He could feel how tense you were, but also how you softened ever so slightly once you felt his touch. He felt relieved that he didn’t seem entirely unwelcome. “Can I help at all?” 

“No! It’s— it’s all ruined, Yul! W-we should have never tried in the first place!” You cried, heartbroken, and Yul frowned again. He pulled you closer to him, wrapping his strong arms around you in a safe embrace. It was clear that he wouldn’t get an answer to what started this mess until you had calmed down a bit. He stroked your back and softly shushed your sobs, waiting patiently for your crying to subside a little. When it finally did and your face was dryer, he pulled away from the hug slightly and pressed a kiss to your forehead.

“Can you tell me what’s wrong now, love?”

You nodded, eyes focusing on a certain spot on the floor as you started explaining in a mumble, “It’s stupid, but… Since I can’t make my own dress, I wanted to get it from this particular dressmaker. But with our wedding in 4 months, they won’t have it ready in time.” You looked up at him again to gauge his reaction, your eyes watering again as you tried to go on. 

“I tried the other dresses, but they’re just not the same. I just wanted to look pretty for you, and now— now it’s impossible.” Your face crumbled again as you gripped the current dress you were wearing, looking like you wanted to shred it to pieces.

“What do you mean it’s impossible? You always look pretty to me.” Yul said simply, cupping your face in his hands and brushing away some of the new tears that had escaped. He offered you a soft smile, something that would help reassure you that everything was okay.

“I get that this… dress is important to you. You want to wear it more than anything, right?” He asked quietly. Knowing you and how long you had looked forward to getting married, he knew you had probably planned your dream wedding since you were little. It seemed as if you had had your eyes on this particular dress for years now.

You nodded, “If I had more time, I could order the fabrics myself and sew it… But I can’t. This dressmaker has the best fabrics. You know I know everything about fabric— it’s really important for the design. It just won’t work with anything else.” You sighed, seemingly more relaxed about the situation now, but still disheartened.

“Did you design the dress yourself?” Yul questioned. You had always been interested in textiles, and picked it up as your main hobby for most of your life. Most of your wardrobe was made up of your own designs, and you had even designed some pieces for him. Each design was so detailed and stunning; Yul thought you were better than any other designer he had seen.

“Yes. Songrim doesn’t have good seamstresses, Yul. They’ll mess it up, I know they will. This was supposed to be a mockup, but it’s completely different from my original design.” You gestured to the dress you were wearing right now. Yul looked at it again, trying to figure out what you thought was so wrong with it. It looked beautiful to his eyes, but he knew next to nothing about garments.

“We could always… postpone the wedding?” He offered, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. He had already waited so long for this that waiting even longer seemed like torture. But he knew you cared more about the wedding than he did, and he would do anything if it made you happy. 

“But… You wanted to get married before Spring.” You reminded him, heart sinking at the thought of postponing the wedding. It was even worse than not being able to wear your dress. It was clear that you would have to sacrifice one or the other.

“I’ll just pick a different design.” You whispered. “Mine was too complicated to complete in 3 months anyway…” 

“Are you sure?” Yul’s worry reached his voice, and though you didn’t feel quite sure about the decision now, you knew it would all turn out good enough. It didn’t need to be absolutely perfect, sometimes good enough was something you had to accept.

“I’ll save the design. Our daughter can wear it at her own wedding. I’ll make it for her myself.” You spoke, your smile growing as you thought of the idea.

Yul raised an eyebrow, “Our daughter?”

You glanced back at him, “I know you want one.”

He nodded, his face growing a little flushed, “I-I do, but we’ve… never… talked about it before.”

You laughed, “Well, we just did.” You kissed his lips before any more flustered words could come out of them. Despite the disaster that Yul had found you in, and the fact that the situation was still partially unresolved, the kiss made everything feel okay again. You sighed in content at being able to feel his soft lips against yours. Twelve days had really been far too long.

Your hands found their way into his soft brown hair, threading it through your fingers as the kiss went on. His hand cupped your jaw and his thumb stroked your cheek gently as you finally let all the stress of the afternoon panic leave your body. You giggled when you broke apart, your eyes shining with pure love as you looked at your betrothed. His hair had gotten messy from your fingers and his face was flushed as it always was after a long kiss. But he looked so content and at peace, and you savoured knowing that you brought Yul some rare serenity that he had seldom had the luxury of experiencing in the past few years.

“I can’t wait to call you mine.” You confessed, basking in the silent eye contact that Yul gave you. His eyes seemed to hold a million different emotions, all of them professing his undying love for you.

“You know that I already am, love.” He whispered back, pressing his lips to your temple forehead one more time to complete the statement.

↳ k-drama taglist: @eternalgyu,, @wolfmoonmusic,, @cha3w0n-hearts,, @tempobaekh,, @candewlsy,, @cosmicwint,, @cyberpunksunwoo

[cloveroctobers]

SHOW YOU WHY — EVAN “BUCK” BUCKLEY x READER x 118: [Spring Prompts]

A/N: I’m excited to see what the rest of season 7 brings us! This piece can fit for both Buck (since there’s some hints of a crush between reader + Buck—if you squint!) and the rest of the 118. I’m just thrilled to see them all back on screen so I wanted to include everyone in this.

WARNINGS: gave the gender-neutral reader some background & mentions of a tough upbringing + use of curse words!!!

PROMPTS ARE FROM HERE & I’m using: 3. “Welcome to ~allergies~” + 20. “IT’S SPRINGTIME MUTHA-FUCKERS.”

<- read my previous flop of a spring prompt here.

𓇼☾☼𓇼☾☼ 𓇼☾☼𓇼☾☼ 𓇼☾☼𓇼☾☼ 𓇼☾☼𓇼☾☼

Anywhere but here you wanted to be.

You could have gotten out of this too, just like the mayor’s ball back in December but you personally didn’t want to receive an ear-full of a voicemail from your aunt yet again. So you dealt with it (being here on time-except you actually weren’t in your aunt’s eyes) putting in the work to also give “orders” rather than instructions to the workers while she had other hired workers tend to her full attire.

She won a honorary award just last month so she planned on parading that around her birthday party. It wasn’t the smartest move having it right at the entry way of the home, sitting on the center piece of a circular oak table that her great-grandfather built, with party goers but since the spring weather decided to stick in California, your aunt was more than willing to have this gathering out back but not without having most of her guests walk through the front doors first.

The main reason to have this party was for the attendees to constantly compliment the view of the vineyard out back. You already knew your aunt’s (by marriage) game, having the honor of being raised by her from the time you were thirteen. You just wished you could close your eyes, squeeze them really tight to the point that they hurt, and this would be over.

Thankfully an hour into the party, your uncle shows up, rushing in from his work trip out in Finland—don’t ask—brushing his lips against your hairline and giving you a tight side hug before he’s whisked off by his high energy wife of twenty years. That gave you enough time to sneak away from the boring and prying conversations, the set up of trying to date one of the attendees, and hide for a little bit before your cover was blown and you were thrown back into the party of socializing.

Another forty-five minutes pass and you’re getting a text that has you jumping to your feet, swaying a bit before you excuse yourself back into the mediterranean home to greet the guests you’ve been waiting for.

Yanking the door open you yell, “IT’s SPRING TIME MUTHA-FUCKERS! Welcome to my family’s place and I’m so glad you guys could make it.”

Chimney smirks around the chewing of his gum, “can’t say I’ve been greeted like that ever but I’m not complaining! as long as I get to have whatever it is you’ve had.”

You tilt your head to the side at the spikey haired man, “Chim! How many times do I have to tell ya? I’m not a drinker…I’m just spreading all things…spring?”

“I can tell with that outfit.”

A elbow goes to his gut from Maddie while Hen scoffs with a shake of her head at her best friend, who’s now rubbing his torso.

You’re waving the group all in, hugging Athena as she says, “your family has a mighty big house.”

“Yeah, I was just about to say what did they do again?” Eddie is next in embracing you after almost doing a full spin in the entry way, staring up at the high ceilings.

Buck is last to pull you into a hug, lightly rocking you both from side to side while you hold his back, “Can’t believe you grew up here.”

You shrug, “It’s just a house of an Architect and a mayor.”

“You must have had crazy parties here,” Buck is grinning wildly while Eddie is rolling his eyes at him.

“Of course Evan would be the one to think about the parties,” Maddie stares over at her younger brother who’s shameless about his daydreams of what that may have looked like.

You lifted your shoulders, “anyways! Make yourselves comfy but stay away from the Rueger’s—they’re swingers and may try to encourage you into joining their underground society club. A good portion of the people here are uppity but there’s a sprinkle of good ones that you won’t want to kick up the ass.”

“Oh! Say no more, I know exactly who I’m talking to.” Athena shoots a look to Bobby who’s pleading with his eyes to his wife, to just enjoy the party and not interrogate but Athena wouldn’t be Athena if she didn’t go investigate.

Bobby squeezes your shoulder on his way by but keeps his eyes on Athena’s retreating form, “Its good to see you and thanks for the invitation. I’m going to do my best and make sure things don’t erupt into chaos.”

You nod your head, expecting this but let out a sigh although there’s a smile on your lips. Hen takes a step closer to you as you’re now humming, swaying your hands about as if they were floating on water. “Uh, you sure you’re alright? You seem…a little off?”

“What do you mean?” You question, hands moving to float above Hen’s shoulders, almost as if you’re not aware you’re doing this.

This gains the other’s attention as the low haired woman peeks from left to right while you’re making a wave with your hands. “Stop that and hold still.”

“Why? The air never does.”

Which earns a chuckle from Chimney while Hen grips your shoulders, scanning your face and finally focuses on the end of your brow to the lid of your eye.

“Hen, what’s up?” Buck quizzes, eyes steady on you two.

Hen shushes him while she keeps her eyes on you, “how many fingers am I holding up?”

You blink then smile, “two caterpillars,” you speak so matter of factly, ready to spin away from the conversation but Hen is pulling you back by the shoulders.

“Hen—

Chimney tries this time and Maddie is furrowing her brows also confused.

“I think they’re having an allergic reaction.” Hen concludes before directing the rest of her words to you, “your eye area is swelling up and if you didn’t take anything, I’d say you’re also a little disoriented? Maybe even experiencing some brain fog?”

You shrug, “must have been the sea bass or was it trout? that Eitan guy tried to share with me. Whatever, let’s have some fun now that my friends are here.”

You’re dancing now, although it feels like your brain is spinning in slow-motion, yet the outside music is pretty faint.

Buck has his eyes in slits, “who the hell is Eitan?”

“And why was he feeding you?” Eddie added, he didn’t hear any updates about your dating life either and he was sure if it was true, Buck would have been the first to tell him instead.

Maddie stares at the two ridiculous men, “they didn’t say the guy was feeding them.”

Chimney leans towards Hen as her face still holds concern, fingertips lightly pressing on the lymph nodes in your neck which you laugh at the sensation, “Want me to search the house to see what I can find? You don’t think they’re going to stop breathing any time soon do you?”

The way Buck and Eddie snap their attention to the dark haired man’s words; burning their eyes into his frame, makes Chimney realize that it doesn’t hurt to turn down his bluntness some but Hen thinks nothing of it.

“How!” Maddie hisses his name from behind, while Chim holds his hands up to show he has no ill-intent, you were his friend too.

Hen starts, “I don’t think they consumed enough to get to that point but—

“Hey, aren’t you allergic to all things seafood anyway? Why would that jackass give that to you?” Buck interrupts with a cross of his arms, becoming irritated.

Eddie also states, “and why would your tío and tía have that here? Surely they know your health history.”

Maddie also can’t help but to ask in a much more compassionate approach, “How exactly did this happen?”

“I got caught up in the love story Eitan’s ninety year old grandmother was telling me on the right about the love letters she received from her husband in the navy. Eitan’s calling my name from the left to try this and next thing I know, I’m eating fish.” You notify, hoping that answered this test.

Buck scrunches up his nose, “who does this guy think he is? Just spoon feeding you without even knowing your likes, dislikes, and what you can’t have!”

Eddie asserts in agreement as Buck begins to pace now, “I’m sorry but your relatives screwed up.”

“The Tramp too.” Chimney jokes.

You tilt your head to the side while Hen glares and Maddie raises her eyebrows, wanting the man to expand on that.

“Hello! Lady and the tramp anyone? This Eitan guy is obviously the tramp—not your aunt.” Chimney sheepishly smiles, “whew, tough crowd!”

Hen is back to massaging your neck in search of any inflammation while you rant, “Well as auntie Katrina says: you can’t please everyone and sometimes you have to do what you have to do to get to the top. She probably just forgot with all the things on her mind? she was the main one trying to push a love connection between Eitan and I. Also you guys should have seen her earlier. She was all over the place and had to have me take over.” You pull away, coughing into your sleeve, struggling a bit to clear your throat.

The five glance at each other.

You were part of the 118, first somewhat reserved and a little shy rather than closed off but similar to Bobby in a sense when you first joined. It took time to get you to open up, even to Buck who was friendly with everyone. You transferred to the station six months after Buck so he had no issue taking you underneath his wing even if you were complete opposites. It was safe to say that majority of the crew didn’t care for your aunt, simply from the way she spoke to you, and hearing how you tried to sweep the way she treated you growing up away. It was evident verbal abuse but you felt like you owed her something since she stepped in as a mother figure to raise you after the tragedy of losing your own mother.

Part of you knew you shouldn’t feel guilty and that she was the adult who married your biological uncle who was always away—working and that it should have been a given. However when people make you feel like they’re doing you a favor instead of simply caring about you, you just may start to question everything.

Unfortunately, you were the second guesser because of that but not when it came to the field. You became a different person out on the job, quickly thinking and analyzing everything before sprinting into action and that was something the 118 admired.

Maddie and Eddie both share a nod before she speaks, “okay…Eddie and I are going to have a chat with this Eitan guy.”

Buck approved of that although he wouldn’t have minded having a word with Eitan himself, especially if they were all thinking the same thing. Once his eyes flicked back to you after the pair left the room, he noticed the change in your skin gradually and that didn’t sit well with him. So yeah, maybe it was best he stayed behind.

Hen asks you, “Do you have your EpiPen?”

You’re zoning out a bit, eyes disconnecting some but you’re nodding your head as if you’re listening.

So Hen took that as a negative.

“Chim, check the bathrooms for Prednisone or any type of corticosteroid? Even Peppermint oil. If not, try the kitchen for pineapple or even ice just in case.” Hen informs while Chim dips his head before heading off.

Hen smiles as she gently guides you to the stairs which are to the right of the front door, “here, let’s have you sit.”

“But I want to dance!”

“We can do that later,” Buck expresses while following you two, “we just want to make sure you’re okay first and that there’s no funny business going on here.”

Pressing your cheek into your balled up fist you say, “fine…I’ll tell you guys what going on. I’ll come clean.”

Hen and Buck meet each other’s eyes before they peer down at you. Sitting up straight, you exhale and begin to flap your arms like wings, “welcome to…allergies.”

Buck honestly found this a little cute although he didn’t appreciate the increase in size of your brow and eye now but at least you were in good spirits. Even if it seemed like the rest of the 118 were speculating something much more than a simple case of allergies.

“I’m going to move things further along and find the kitchen. Buck, Call out to me if anything changes.” Hen decides before making her exit.

He calls out to her, “You got it.” Then he’s turning back to stand in front of you while you beam up at him, “what’s going on in that field full of daisies of a mind of yours?”

“It’s actually Lillie’s but,” you clear the scratch of your throat again, “I don’t know, I felt kinda anxious being back here but knew I would be okay once you were the first to agree on showing up.”

Buck furrows his brow at the last bit of the sentence, “did you think I wouldn’t?”

“Well…you’ve been busy with Natalia.” You’re blinking your inflamed eye to see if it was tingly or sticky, “Didn’t want to intrude on your quality time.”

“You wouldn’t be, you’re actually one of my best friends and it’s always cool for us to hang out whenever,” Buck replies, “by the way that relationship is over with…and you’ve got that same look on your face as Eddie.”

You actually imagined yourself to look like that one Ryan Gosling gif but only because you were the last to know.

You breathe out a laugh afterwards, “Sheesh! I’m not going to say finally or I told you so because she was super pretty and helped you pick out a couch which was nice and…are you okay?”

Buck chuckles at your mind still wandering all over the place in conversations, “the couch and I are just fine! Thanks for asking.”

You hum, resting your head against the wall.

“So what’s this Eitan guy like?” Buck suddenly probes.

You blink, “think: tall dark and handsome.”

Buck blurts out with a furrow of his brows, “Sasquatch?”

“…if that’s what you’re into.” Laughter bubbles in your voice at the expression on Buck’s face now.

He holds his hands out, “I’m not even going to entertain that.”

“Aw but it’ll be fun.”

Buck plops down beside you, almost taking up a good portion of the uncomfortable steps. He brushes his shoulder against yours and you meet each other’s gaze.

“I’ve missed you, you know?”

Those words right there almost wiped all weird feelings you were having before and after you ate that food. You were never one to think that anyone noticed if you were around or not so hearing Buck say this to you, made you feel warm inside—better even. Somewhat.

“You taking off for a while made sense,” Buck starts with an exhale, “but I didn’t think that time away included spending it with your aunt Kat.”

Buck didn’t hide his dislike of the older woman but out of the respect he had for you, he kept his feelings to himself yet that didn’t mean he didn’t go off about her to Eddie or Maddie when she clearly upset you.

“…Majority of it didn’t.” You answer.

“Where did you go?”

You pointed as if you were mapping it out in the air, “Chicago, then Texas, and back here.”

“…Do I need to know how that was?” he’s pressing his elbows into his knees, getting comfortable right beside you.

He’s told you all about his adventures across the globe, mostly unwarranted but you didn’t mind. You had a sheltered life while your aunt and uncle went all over to see the world thanks to their professions, so you didn’t get out much until you decided to head to the first state you had the deepest connection to. Where your late mother and uncle were born and raised and ultimately where your mother’s life ended.

“All you need to know is that it brought me back home, to the rest of you.”

“Can’t say I don’t like the sound of that.”

You loop an arm with Buck’s and rest your head on his shoulder, “look at us sitting here being nice to each other with our matching marks.”

“I’m always nice and I think mine is cooler.” He says referring to his own strawberry birthmark.

You nuzzle your face against his navy sweater, “You stating your claim on yours being better really defeats the purpose of you being nice.”

“Well, I mean no harm buuut yours is temporary and reminds me of hippo skin.” He’s leaning away, eyes lowered to get a good look at your face up close.

“…Now I see why you and Natalia broke up.”

If chimney was back, you were sure he’d give you some points for roasting Buck back.

“Ouch.” Buck laughs, resting his cheek against your head.

You echo his laugh, “sorry.”

“Don’t be. I can take a joke and Isn’t this season supposed to be about new beginnings or growth or whatever?” Buck was always interested to see the layers of you.

You gasp, “I thought it was the season of allergies.”

Evan hums, “Is that the story you’re sticking with?”

Before you could reply to that Eddie cuts in, “the story actually checks out…you did in fact ingest some sea bass from the nerdy but surprising good looking Eitan. The fish was a little on the salty side so I see why you only had a small piece.”

“A small piece that was enough to have their face looking like hippo skin!” Buck held his hand out underneath your chin to showcase.

Eddie scrunched up his face after taking a look at yours while you slapped the dark blond on his chest, “why would you choose to compare their allergic reaction to that of all things?”

“Why would you give your critiques of a dish you probably don’t even know how to cook?” Buck fired back.

Before they started to bicker, Maddie claps her hands to silence the two men-children and then turns to you with a soft smile, “Eitan also wanted to come over here and apologize but I told him it would best to just wait it out for awhile.”

“Thanks Maddie.” You smile back at the brunette, preferring to be around your friends instead.

“That’s the smartest thing he’s done today.” Buck huffs while Maddie sends him a warning look, to basically knock it off.

Eventually Hen and Chim make their way back but only Hen has items in her hands.

Chim holds his hands out as he exasperates, “you would think people who have a house filled with eight bathrooms would have basic medicine in their cabinets…it’s odd that the only thing I could find was Omeprazole. And Not even a damn Advil!”

“Okay let’s not turn this into the ID channel guys, I’m alive and well—

“Well…” almost everyone chorus’ in making you equally send them an incredulous look.

Hen is the one to not have chimed in but chooses to squats in front of you, “Eat this and keep this pressed to your face for at least five to seven minutes.”

“Thank you, Hen.”

“No problem,” she smiles before standing up and looking at the rest, “now go mingle everyone instead of being up in their face, I’m sure they’ll be in good hands with Buck—maybe.”

“Hey!”

Hen winks at him before she walks off with Maddie and Chimney who starts talking about the appetizers he noticed by the patio door.

“Marisol’s calling,” Eddie looks down at his phone, “I trust that I can leave two alone for a few minutes.”

Buck shrugs nonchalantly, “That depends—

“Of course you can.” You side eye the man beside you underneath the ice pack.

Eddie snickers before disappearing behind the sliding doors to a room across from the stairs.

Buck’s breathing beside you makes you more calm until he deeply exhales, clearing his throat while you chew on a pineapple as he turns his body to you.

“So why come back?” His island water eyes holds your stare, lightly pushing since you still had time to get the inflammation to go down.

So what better way to wait it out by talking?

Swallowing the fruit you boldly respond, “you would think I took a year off instead of two weeks but…I’d miss you too much. Is that a good enough answer for you Buckley?”

Evan grins as he bumps his shoulder with yours again, “yeah it is! I just wanted to hear you say it.”

You noticed the change of tone in his voice beside you and fought the urge to shudder at it. So you scoff and push yourself off the steps, plate of pineapple long forgotten as you balanced yourself upright while Buck’s got his hands out to catch you if you fall.

The feeling was always mutual, lifting each other up and going through the motions together as a team.

“Since you’re so full of yourself, let’s battle it out on the dance floor.”

Buck frowns as he glances down at his wrist, “I think you still have another three minutes and thirty-nine seconds left to go…and they’re playing jazz.”

“What’s wrong with that? Would you rather hear The White Stripes or Backstreet Boys…I could make a request if you like?” You teased while Buck pushes himself to his feet.

He blows out a breath, “I tell you one time that Maddie and I had a jam session to that boy band on my sixteenth birthday road-trip to cheer me up and you won’t let it go.”

“I’m not shaming you.” You raise a hand in surrender, “I’m no hater and the band had hits. I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you did, as long as you love me—it’s all good.”

Buck rolls his head around, “you’re so clever and you don’t have to worry about that so! Let’s just start off with you finishing the rest of those pineapples and I’ll try one of those appetizers before you show me some moves but I don’t think they have anything on mine.”

“Please! I’ll be very shocked to see you do more than a two-step since you also hate karaoke.”

“I don’t hate it.” Buck picks up the plate for you, “I just prefer not to see my sister and Chimney eat their microphones singing while staring into each others eyes.”

“They’re in love Buck, leave them alone!”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy they found each other. I am their number one fan but that’s still my sister and I don’t need to see more than needed on their love life.” He shudders.

You hook your arm with Buck’s as you begin to walk through the home towards the kitchen, “yeah I guess I get that, yet there’s something so special about seeing people in love! It always shows me why there’s still the urge to keep going, just like us running into fires. Not to just simply put it out but to have a sense of unity when that’s not always common.”

Buck is intently listening and whole heartedly agrees as the both of you settle into the kitchen. He enjoys having conversations with you and you enjoy keeping him company, although he came all this way for you.

Showing up for each other was never foreign but it was times like these, swollen eyed and slightly loopy while the game of politics were being played out in the vineyard, wide grins and random conversations were held inside between the two of you—later joined by the rest of the team—showed that you were surrounded by exactly who you needed to be with.

𓇼☾☼𓇼☾☼ 𓇼☾☼𓇼☾☼ 𓇼☾☼𓇼☾☼ 𓇼☾☼𓇼☾☼

Continue with my spring anthology prompts here.

[bellewintersroe]

Carlos Sainz x Celebrity OC Mer&Der trope… Part 1.

For all those who’s seen Greys Anatomy you’ll know exactly how Meredith& Derek got together and that’s gonna be the trope for this story. If you haven’t seen Greys then it’s fine, but OC is a celebrity hired as a reporter during the Grands Prix of 2021. Anyway, I won’t spoil anything further…

AN- I tried to use the name Molly Ashley as the OC name but because I’m so used to writing OC as Jenny or Jennifer that I kept slipping up so just stuck to that, but altered it to Jenna just to switch it up, so if there’s any errors that’s why!!! (Was going to use Belle my real name but it kinda made me cringe). warnings - mentions of sex, maybe a slow start, nothing too graphic… yet. Excuse my lack of F1 knowledge I’m trying my best lmao

“Ahh there she is!” Ted Kravitz, the infamous F1 grid walk reporter exclaimed, grinning as I hurried in, panting desperately as I scurried into the room. “Sorry, I had to run!” I placed both hands on my knees, holding the papers I’d sprinted back to my hotel room to gather before making it back here in a record time of six minutes. I’d run for six minutes flat- and I hadn’t run a singular meter since secondary school. 20 year old me was aging bad.

“Almost beat a world record there!” Oh my god, Jenson fucking Button was stood right in front of me and I was practically wheezing for air. Not to mention I was violently hungover from last nights party. Sky reporters and the crew went a lot harder than I ever could have imagined…

“Hello! Sorry, I’m so out of breath.” I stood up straighter, shaking his hand as I handed over the papers to once of the producers who needed them. “It’s lovely to meet you! I’m Jensen” He laughed as I attempted to laugh back, but it just came out as a breathless wheeze. “I’m Jenna!” I managed to speak as he smiled, patting my upper back. “I’ll let you die in peace.” “Not just yet! Are you ready to interview some drivers, Jen?” Lisa, the woman who hired me headed over. She was like the CEO of F1 reporters for Sky, I didn’t know how it worked, but I was bloody glad she was here to guide me. “Just about.” I managed to stand up straighter. Nicole, the makeup artist, and Sebastian, the hairstylist, both headed over to touch me up- something I found myself enjoying a little too much. These people made me look better than anybody I’d ever had done my hair or makeup, I was starting to rely on them to make me look human, especially after last night.

“Well your first up with Max Verstappen, he was second to Lewis in Bahrain, will definitely be pushing for first today.”

“Oh yes! I know Max.” I waved my hand, I’d befriended Max two nights ago when all the drivers were out. “Yeah, Max and Charles looked to have a lot of fun with you the other night.” Lisa teased. Long story short, we’d taken one too many shots and Max Verstappen had thrown up over the side of a bridge into an Italian canal below. Classic.

Knowing my first interview ever was just with Max was reassuring. It made it all way less intimidating, even if the interview didn’t go so smoothly, it was entertaining and that’s exactly what I was hired for. “If you win how are you gonna celebrate?” I asked, holding the mic towards him. “You know exactly how!” Max began cracking up as I attempted to hold back my laughter. “Did you know your sky presenter can drink men under the table?” He slung an arm around me, tugging me to face the camera directly. I gasped and instantly began speaking again. “Well good luck today Max!! Wishing you all the best!” He laughed out loud as I changed the subject abruptly. “Thank you!” He laughed giving me a quick hug, “and you’ll be out tonight, yeah?” He asked as I nodded. “Sure.” “Hopefully not sneaking off with-“

“Oh, no, no, no!” My eyes widened, preventing him from finishing that sentence. Last night I’d got home with a man- another driver to be precise. It seems news spread quick amongst drivers and the grid. Max smirked and gave my one last goodbye before I moved on to interview a couple more celebrities lined up on the grid, waiting for the race to start. Interviewing random people there was far more easier than the drivers, when it came my time to head back over to where Ferrari were preparing on the grid I felt my chest tighten.

“Uh, Lisa, who’s my next interview with?”

“Well, just grab whoever you can, you’ve been doing so great at that so far, but next you are interviewing…” she scrolled down on her phone screen. Whilst I awaited her answer, I felt my heart rate increase, as if the hungover palpitations weren’t enough, this was giving me full blown anxiety. My eyes scanned over the grid, seeing two men dressed in their red Ferrari gear, it seemed they were awaiting me, looking over in the distance. Charles Leclerc and-

“Carlos Sainz!” Fuck! Simultaneous to Lisa saying his name there was a quick. “Yes?!” Following this, a body appeared besides mine and I was momentarily breathless, Carlos Sainz. The exact man I’d slept with only 12 hours prior and woken up next to in bed this morning. A series of flashback swept through me followed by a serious swooning as my eyes gazed up to the taller man. A pair of his dark eyes met my own gaze, and I saw him physically react. Eyes widened, mouth slightly parted. His gloved hand moved up to touch his chest, I wondered if his heart had leapt the exact same way mine had? “Carlos Sainz?!” I took a deep breath, forcing a smile as I remembered the cameras were rolling. “Hola!” He greeted, surprise lacing his tone, he hesitated slightly, waiting for my reaction before moving closer and greeting me to a kiss either side of my cheek. I gulped at the contact, the close proximity wafting the scent of his cologne, the exact same one that was plastered over my pillow cases. Double fuck! He was somehow even sexier now I was sober! “Jenna Ashley.” He laughed a little breathlessly as I remembered, judging by the flag on his front, he was Spanish. Duh. “Hola.” I giggled, knowing my face was just as vibrant as his uniform. I could feel Lisa eyeing me up from the sidelines of the interview.

“¿Hablas español?” (Do you speak Spanish?) he asked immediately, eyebrows perking, he seemed slightly nervous, unable to hold eye contact. I didn’t know if that was the awkwardness from the fact the man was quite literally inside of me last night.

“Uhhh, un poco. Pero hablemos en ingles o no les gusto.” (a little, but let’s talk in English or they wont like me). I slowly translated, glancing back to the clueless cameraman and Lisa. I think that made sense, my nerves mixed with my limited Spanish probably made me speak like a child. Carlos laughed in response, rubbing his hands on his uniform. I then went through a series of questions, finding it hard not to giggle with him right in front of me. I was reduced to the behaviour of a school girl. “How are you gonna celebrate if you win today? Or if you don’t win?!” “Any way possible… now there’s no COVID restrictions!” He inhaled excitedly. “Sounds good to me.” I glanced back at the camera, feeling his eyes lingering over me.

“Thank you, Carlos, it’s been a pleasure, good luck for today! I wish you the best.” I laughed, barely being able to maintain eye contact with him as his plump lips stretched into a happy smile. God, he was perfect, tanned skin, Spanish accent, insanely nice, polite, perfect mop of hair, and don’t get me started on those eyes, he had me swooning like I was straight out of a cartoon. “Gracias… thank you.” Carlos nodded down to me and the camera as I flashed him a small smile, stealing another glimpse at him through my eyelashes as he cleared his throat slightly once the camera was turned away. I could feel his eyes burning holes into me, I couldn’t tell if he was checking me out or if he was entirely baffled by the situation. I swallowed the lingering anxiety I felt, tensing my jaw at the thought of him scanning over my face. “Good luck.” I then flashed him another smile to combat the awkwardness as he stepped a little closer. “N-no sabia que ibas-“ (I did not know you were going-) he stammered, but his words fell short when I was being ushered onto my next interview. “I promise I’ll let you mingle afterwards! I’m sorry!” Lisa apologised, attempting to move me on. I turned back up to Carlos, opening my mouth but my words fell short. When we made eye contact once more I felt the butterflies in my stomach, the cliche way my heart jumped, and that knot in my chest tightening. It was all happening at once. “Good luck again!” I politely nodded as he offered me another genuine smile, eyes lingering over my face, as though he was trying to analyse my features. Pffft, it wasn’t like he didn’t have chance to do that last night. Talking about last night… my mind roamed back to the events of the night before, clouded from the mix of alcohol and sex that plagued my mind.

[gunilslaugh]

Why Can't I Have You?

Kwak Jiseok Summary: With each reincarnation Jiseok hopes that things will be different, but it never is. You’re never his. (non-idol au) WC:~1.5k Warning: angst, mentions of alcohol 

photo not mine credits to owner.

Jiseok longingly stared from the window at you and his brother sitting together at the pavilion. He watches as you laugh at whatever his brother said, putting your hand on his shoulder as you laugh. He can hear your laughter ring through his ears.

“Jiseok no that must’ve been so embarrassing.” You laugh, placing your hand on his shoulder. He told you about his fifteenth birthday ball and how he made his grand entrance by falling down the stairs. 

A sparkle radiating off of your ring finger breaks him out of his delusion. He deeply sighs as he is faced with reality once again. You were in love with his older brother and you were marrying him. 

“Jiseok, are you ready to be my best man?” his brother asked him with a bright smile.

“What?” Jiseok has a sinking feeling in his stomach.

“I proposed to  princess y/n.” 

“I said yes.” You lifted your hand, displaying the shine stone resting on your finger. Every glisten that reflected off the stone stabbed right into Jiseok’s heart. Everyone else was celebrating the news while Jiseok felt his heart cracking into pieces. 

The sparkles that emit from your ring continue to stab Jiseok’s heart. Serving as a very harsh reminder that you aren’t his. You never were, but Jiseok always prayed that maybe one day you could be. He knew that you’d never leave his brother, but he selfishly fantasized about you leaving him. He filled his mind with delusions where you loved him instead. He never really envied his older brother. Not until you at least, because he desperately wishes that you were his. 

Jiseok comes to the conclusion that he hates rings. Staring at the box in his hand containing yours and his brothers’ wedding rings. 

“Prince Jiseok, do you take Princess Y/n to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the officiant asked.

“I do.” He smiled the brightest he had in his entire life. 

“Princess y/n do you take Prince Jiseok-” 

A loud knocking on the door breaks Jiseok's delusion. 

“Prince Jiseok, the wedding is starting soon. You are needed in the main hall,” a servant informs. Once again Jiseok looks at the rings in the box and his heart cracks.

“May the best man please present the rings now,” the officiant says. Jiseok swallows his emotions, heading up to the altar and giving you two the rings. Each centimeter his brother slides the ring onto your finger breaks Jiseok’s heart into another piece. He can’t even watch you slide the ring onto his brother’s finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Jiseok can’t hold his tears, watching you and his brother walk out of the room as a now married couple. He lost you. You could never be his. 

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

“Hey I’m y/n, the new hire,” you introduce yourself.

“I-I’m Jiseok,” he introduced himself back with a smile. You were back. His smile grew brighter when he took a peek down to your ring finger and found that it was empty. Maybe in this life he would have a chance. 

“So do you have a boyfriend?” Jiseok asked you in the elevator. 

“Why? Are you interested?” you questioned back playfully. 

“If I am?” he challenged. 

“I don’t, but I’m not looking for one either. I’m focusing on my career right now. I don’t have time for love,” you tell him. Jiseok’s heart drops.

“That’s ok. I’m very patient.” He wasn’t going to let this little setback stop him. The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Jiseok excuses himself and leaves you with a wink.

“Brian from I.T. asked me out,” you tell Jiseok. The two of you are having dinner together. Jiseok almost choked on his drink at the news.

“So have another guy to add to your rejected list,” Jiseok jokes. 

“I said yes actually,” Jiseok actually chokes this time. 

“But you said you were focusing on your career,” he managed out after a few coughs. 

“I was, I am. It’s just… I don’t know. When I’m with him things feel right. After talking with him I realized that love doesn’t have a right time. You just gotta give it a chance.” 

“And you wanna give it a chance with him?” Jiseok feels his heart start to crack. What about him made you not want to give love a chance?

“Sorry Jiseok. I know that you like me and I appreciate it, but-” 

“If you don’t like me then you don’t like me. You don’t have to stress about it. I hope you and Brian work out.” He swallows down his pain to give you a smile. 

“Thanks, I’m really glad to have you as a friend.” Jiseok learned how painful the word friend could be as it stabbed him in his heart. At least in this life you knew how he felt about you.

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

“Let’s play truth or dare,” Jooyeon suggested during the hangout you all were having. 

“Truth or dare seriously? What are we still in high school?” Seungmin mocked. 

“Ok fine, Truth or drink.” Jooyeon holds up a beer bottle. 

“Y/n, a little birdy once told me you had a crush on my friend Jiseok here,” Gunil patted Jiseok’s shoulder. “Is that true little sis?” he arched his brow. 

“I was fourteen and he was pretty. Yes, I had a crush on him, but not anymore” you answered. A wave of emotions crashed over Jiseok. The girl he had been in love with centuries. The girl he always longed to have just admitted that they liked him…but not anymore. His heart strings felt like they had been harshly tugged on.

“Hello? Jiseok?” Jungsu called him. 

“Hmm what? I wasn’t listening,” he said. 

“I asked if it was true that you fell down the stairs at your fifteenth birthday party?”

“How do you know about that? That was two lives ago,” Jiseok asked. 

“Two lives ago? Dude are you drunk already?” Hyeongjun says. 

“Haven’t you guys heard Jiseok talk about his past lives before? He always talks about how there’s this girl who he’s madly in love with, but he can never have her,” Gunil states. 

“Who’s the girl?” Jooyeon asked jokingly. 

“Y/n.” Jiseok pointed at you. Shocked looks and gasps left everyone. “Two lives ago she was a princess who fell in love with and married my older brother. In my last life she was my co-worker at work and I thought I might finally have a chance with her, but no. She friendzoned me and dated our other co-worker. In other lives she was my childhood best friend who moved away before I could confess. My best friend’s girlfriend. In one we were enemies. She stabbed me with a dagger directly into my heart, but then in the life after that. She was a doctor and I was her patient. She was already married though. In another one I was a gangster loan shark and her dad was one of my debtors. Now she’s my friend’s little sister. Who used to like me, but not anymore,” he laughed. “You’re really good at injuring my heart, you know that?” Jiseok looked at you with tears glazed over his eyes and placed his hand over his heart. “Yet, no matter how many times you break it into pieces, I can’t stop loving you.” Tears fell down his face. “Why don’t you ever love me back?” he sobbed.

 No one knew what to do as they watched Jiseok break down. Over one hundred years of heartbreak came spilling out of him all at once. 

“Let’s get you to bed,” Gunil intervened, wrapping an arm around Jiseok. 

“No.” Jiseok pulled himself away from Gunil.

“What’s wrong with me? Why don’t you love me?” Jiseok approached you. 

“Jiseok,” you started. 

“You said you used to have a crush on me, so you can like me again can’t you?” he grabbed onto your hands desperately. 

“Jiseok,” you say again. 

“Please. Please. Can you please just once love me too?” he begged. 

“Jiseok, let's talk about this in the morning when you’re sober,” you said. 

“I’m not drunk. If you can’t love me in this life either it’s fine.” He hopelessly dropped your hands and sniffled. “I’ll just try again next life, I’ll keep trying until you love me back,” he states. 

“Jiseok,” you say his name again. Suddenly everything goes black for Jiseok. He falls onto the ground. “Jiseok! Jiseok!” Now you call out his name in a panic. You grab him by his shoulders trying to shake him awake.

Jiseok currently lays unconscious in a hospital bed. 

“Jiseok.” You took one of his hands and held it in between both of yours. “I lied last night when I said I didn’t like you anymore. I was embarrassed and figured you’d never like me back anyway, so I lied. The truth is I love you. I love you too, so please wake up. You’ve been waiting a long time right? All you need to do is wake up and you can finally have me.” You stood up and leaned over his body to press a kiss onto his forehead. 

Jiseok has been waiting for you for multiple lifetimes, so certainly you could wait for him to wake up.

a/n: I've been itching to write some angst hehe

taglist: @purplelady85 @gingerjunhan @chewednails @ezlynkisses @mon2sunjinsuver @mxlly143 @seungseung-minmin

comment or message me to be added!

[ghulehunknown]

Hello!! Uhm may I request papa terzo dealing with a shy reader who wants to be fucked and mutters how she wants Terzo to take her right their and then and Terzo hears it and he goes”oh what was that? You would like me to fuck you raw yes? That is what I heard” or sum like that 😭 you don’t have too !!! Have an amazing rest of your week

Ask and you shall receive! / {Warning - the following contains NSFW smut}

Terzo x F!Reader

**NSFW**

Summary: You’re a new hire Sister of Sin and you’ve won the opportunity of having a private audience with Papa Terzo.

CW/Tags: female reader, shy reader, characters drinking alcohol, vaginal fingering, P in V sex, unprotected sex

Word Count: 1900

“La Lezione di Lucifero”

You walked up to his office door and hesitated before knocking. “Fuck,” you whispered under your breath. Were you really going to do this?

You moved all the way from your boring hometown to work at the Ministry. Wasn’t this the life you wanted to live - a life full of spontaneity and a little depravity?

Anyway, you had quite literally won the lottery. Every new hire got a chance to have a night with Papa…in whatever manner they wished to, so long as Papa gave you a particular wink in the hallway. At least, that’s what you were told. You were also told this was more or less an unofficial initiation ceremony to let Lucifer’s spirit into your body through Papa - though you were certain that was a crock of shit excuse Terzo used to sleep with as many Siblings as possible.

Finally you knocked on his office door, your heart beating so hard you could practically feel it in your throat.

The door opened and there he stood - Jesus Christ, he was even more intimidating up close. He looked surprised at first, then smiled almost smugly.

“Hello, Papa, I… I don’t think we’ve been introduced,” you stammered, looking at the floor, noticing the fine leather detail on his shoes.

“No, we haven’t. But I know who you are,” he said, stating your name matter-of-factly. “You’re new.”

“That’s right, Papa. You’re very observant,” you said sheepishly, instinctively reaching to tuck your hair behind your ear, still not used to wearing your veil.

“I notice everything. I have to; it’s my job.”

You nodded quickly, still avoiding his gaze though you could practically feel his white iris piercing into you. “Yes, of course Papa, I - I didn’t mean to…I mean of course you…”

“Relax Sorella, and come inside,” he said, stepping away from the door and gesturing for you to come in.

You stepped through the threshold of his office, never in your wildest dreams thinking you’d be granted entry in a million years. The room was dark - deep purple walls with tapestries, mahogany furniture, and black slate floor tiles. It looked quite elegant.

“Are you still working this late?” you asked him, entering the middle of the room.

“Mmm, a little yes and a little no,” he admitted. “No rest for the wicked as they say.”

You smiled at him and let out a tiny laugh.

“So,” he started, moving things around on the bar cart opposite his desk, the clink of the glasses bringing you to your senses. “You want to get fucked tonight, eh?” he continued with a smirk, pouring you both a glass of something clear in two ornate glasses. He handed you one.

How did he know what you had on your mind? Your face must’ve flushed bright red because Papa took a casual sip from the glass and spoke again. “Nervous? You don’t have to be. We won’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with. Mm?”

“Yes, Papa,” you practically whispered, taking a slow sip then coughing as soon as the burning liquid hit your throat.

“Careful, Sorella,” he said, leaning against his desk nonchalantly and lifting the glass to his regal mouth. You watched as the glass touched his soft bottom lip and you bit yours, holding back your imagination of feeling his lips on yours. You wondered if his Papal paint ever smeared, and what it might look like smudged onto your face. He brushed his bottom lip with his thumb and looked like he was pondering his next move.

You didn’t want to seem impolite so you choked down another swig of the - what was it, gin?

He set his glass down on a side table and walked towards you, taking your glass from your hand. He took a sip from yours and muttered “Mmn. Cherry lip gloss?”

You blushed and started to tuck your hair behind your ear again, before remembering your veil once more. “Yes, Papa.”

“Hmm, my favorite.” He set your glass down next to his. He lifted your chin so you were both gazing at one another. He tilted his head and leaned in to kiss you - suddenly it felt like you were flying and losing sense of time. Yes, his lips were soft, somehow even softer than you’d imagined. He pulled away, licking his lips. “È delizioso.”

You held your hand up to your mouth, already missing his.

He walked over to his desk and opened up a drawer, rummaging around and pulling out a very small, metallic package and setting it down. “How do you want it?” he asked plainly, looking at you.

“P-pardon?” you asked.

“How do you want it? On the desk, or on the couch? Would you prefer to be on top, or do you like to be on the bottom?”

“I, er - ” you stammered. You gulped, and took a few steps forward until you faced him on the other side of the desk. “On the desk.”

“Very well,” he responded. He began to open the little package when you noticed it was a condom.

You held your hand out to stop him. “No, Papa. I just need to feel all of you, right here, right now.”

His lips - Satanas, those beautiful lips - curled into a wicked smile. “Ho sentito bene? So you want Papa to fuck you raw, eh?”

Your hand still over his, you looked into his eyes and responded, “Yes.”

He reached for your face, grasping your cheek in his hand and dove in for another kiss, this time faster and rougher. You sloppily returned the gesture, feeling your tongues slip inside each other’s mouths in desperate fervor.

“Mmn,” he said, pulling away. “Sorella, I must disclose it would be safer if we used protection. I did, eh, just attend an orgy last night. Who the fuck knows what may be…lingering, you see?”

You nod, making your way around his desk. “I said, Papa,” you started. “I need to feel all of you right here. Please Papa just take me,” you breathed into his neck, kissing him again.

He held your waist in his hands, kissing you roughly then making his way to your neck.

You took off your veil, letting your hair fall around your shoulders. He took a strand in his hand, smelling it then exhaling. In one swift motion you unzipped your habit and let it fall to the floor, looking down at your knees and noticing your legs were shaking.

He gazed at you, biting his bottom lip as he watched you undress. He looked, for a lack of a better term, hungry. He noticed how shaky you were taking off your clothes and grasped around your waist again. “You’re shaking, Sorella. Let me help you.” He slid your panties off your waist and you yanked them the rest of the way off.

You hopped up on his desk, spreading your legs partially, hesitant to show him every bit of you.

“You are molto bellissima, Sorella. Has anyone ever told you that?” He held your chin in his hand.

You shook your head, pursing your lips.

“What a pity. Because you are very pretty. And you would look prettier filled with my cock on my desk.”

You tilted your head back as he kissed you again, placing his hand between your legs, carefully caressing around your labia before slipping in between your lips and easily sliding his middle finger inside your entrance. You moaned, arching your back as he filled you and slid back out.

“You are very wet for your Papa already,” he said in a praising tone. He slipped his gloved finger into your mouth. “See? There’s a good girl.”

He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a bare chest (minus a few dark hairs across his pecs) and soft but toned arms. He kissed your neck as he unzipped his trousers and flung them, his gloves, and his underwear off. His hard cock bobbed as it was released from his pants, flushed pink at the tip and ready to enter you.

He caressed you, sliding his hand up to your back and unhooking your bra in one hand, holding your face with his other as he kissed you. You slid the straps down your arms and let the bra fall to the floor.

Once your breasts were free, he took each in his mouth, pinching your other nipple in between his fingers as he swirled his tongue around the other; taking turns and switching.

He kissed you roughly while he lined his hips up with yours, sliding his erection in between your folds and pausing at your entrance.

“Are you sure, Sorella? We can use protection, it does not take anything away,” he said, looking at you earnestly.

You grabbed onto his ass and pushed him into you, sliding him in with ease. “I need to feel all of you Papa, and invite the Unholy Spirit inside me.” Your mouth opened in an “ahh” as he filled you.

He groaned. “I guess that’s my answer,” he said, chuckling, leaning in to kiss you again while he began to pump in and out of you. “Sì Sorella, ahhh - cazzo you’re so fucking tight! - this is - fuuuck,” he breathed, pummeling into you at a much faster pace now. “This is the most effective way to induct you into the Church, mmmn, ahhh Satanas...” His breathing was much heavier now, yours escaping your lips in shudders.

You moaned with every thrust into you, feeling him fill you and stretch you. Your hands trailed all over his body and through his perfect raven hair. “You’re an ahhh - amazing teacher, Papa.”

“It really is the most effective with a female orgasm,” he said on a sigh, continuing to thrust. He brought his hand between your legs again, circling around your clit with his thumb, matching the pace he was fucking into you.

“Oh fuck, Papa!” you exclaimed, feeling your orgasm take over. He bent his head down to suck on your nipples, taking your high even higher. As your whole body quivered, you could feel yourself clench around his cock - which, clearly, sent him over the edge as well.

“Shit, Satanas!” he moaned, pumping his seed into you. You both clung to one another, breathing heavily before pulling away and beginning to put your garments back on.

“Did it work, Papa?” you asked inquisitively, putting on your habit and zipping it up.

“Mm?”

“Has Lucifer entered me? Am I admitted into the Church?”

“Ah - ” he said, stuffing himself back into his trousers, clearly pulling this explanation out of his ass. “Sì Sorella, but you may need to - hmm, come again tomorrow. I believe you need more sessions to fully let Lucifer in.”

“Is that so, Papa?” you ask coyly, looking towards his crotch - still half an erection poking through, then back up at his eyes.

“Sì, it is…imperative that your body be worshipped as a temple, and these praises be whispered in tongues into your skin. Your body is to be celebrated for creating the most sinful of acts. You may not be aware of how powerful the female orgasm is.”

Your brain wandered, thinking of all the possible things this could mean.

“And of course, you must…ingest the soul of Lucifer too,” he added.

Now that one you were pretty sure you understood. You tilted your head down in a bow. “Of course, Papa. I know Satan requires this of me before I am fully admitted to the Church.”

He cleared his throat. “Same time tomorrow, Sorella.”

“Of course, Papa.”

{to be continued..?}

Italian to English Translation

- La Lezione di Lucifero (Lucifer’s Lesson)

- È delizioso. (That’s delicious.)

- Ho sentito bene? (Did I hear correctly?)

- molto bellissima (very beautiful)

- cazzo (fuck)

[andrevalias-tes]

Meet the Character: Stops-His-Heart

Covert Report

Frostfall 12, 2E 583

Your grace: it took considerable digging, but I finally have insights to report on the assassination of Primate Artorius. The Dark Brotherhood sent not one assassin but several to topple the primate. However, this does not suggest that just one of their number is not capable of such carnage as we previously thought. I’ve still no clue as to who delivered the killing blow to the primate, or if indeed the assassins fell upon him all at once (highly unlikely).

I learned the identity of one of the assassins, rather directly I might add. An Argonian by the name of Stops-His-Heart, a shadowscale as it were. Your grace, we’ve every right to be wary as shadowscales are said to serve the people of Argonia. Though he indicated otherwise, I would not be surprised if his loyalty was foremost to his people.

I should perhaps clarify. I met with the assassin directly, albeit not of my own accord. My inquiries were not as subtle as I had believed. He cornered me at the Publick House in Anvil and insisted on buying me a drink. I somehow felt compelled. My fear aside, he was more cordial than threatening. Regardless, I was hesitant to drink even though the waitress poured us both the same drink from the same bottle. An Argonian would always have the advantage at a dinner table.

He didn’t remark on my reluctance at all and went right into matters. He told me he had heard I had been discreetly looking for trouble. I explained to him—once again, not of my own accord—that I was working for the Count Kvatch (my many apologies, your grace, I know you wished to remain distant from this) to learn more about the Dark Brotherhood. All the while, I found myself staring into his eyes more than was acceptable.

Stops chuckled and said, ‘Count Carolus shouldn’t be so worried about his business partners, but we can forgive the professional curiosity’. I have said nothing of this to anyone else, your grace. He asked me what I wanted to know and this time I felt free to answer. I asked him first and foremost if Stops-His-Heart was his actual name.

He eyed me for a moment, and I could feel the hairs on my neck standing as he did. Then he responded: ‘It’s what I go by. I’d prefer to keep my Saxhleel name to myself if you don’t mind’. I made a mental note to follow up on this, but I regret to say I’ve nothing to report. I can say that of his aliases (of which there are few), Stops-His-Heart is the one I could find him by most. Peculiar to say the least, as I’ve not uncovered the identity of his fellow assassins. Almost like among their number, he is quite brazen.

Instinct begged me to excuse myself. But I looked into his eyes again and I asked him if he was only a dagger for hire. He smirked and shook his head. He explained to me he performed clandestine work for the Order of the Sacred Ashes and the Sekiryu clan. I asked him to elaborate, as I was entirely certain the Ashen Knights were not ones for illicit activities.

He explained, ‘working within the law can only get you so far’. He went on and told me that the Order had a sub-sect of Ashen Knights who were versed in subterfuge. They were called the ‘Peacekeepers’. In his way of explaining: sometimes to track down Daedra and cultists, you need to get information in unconventional ways. Sometimes, to eliminate particular cultists, you need a sharp knife and a deft hand.

As for his work with the Sekiryu clan, it’s more or less cloak and dagger work performed on the battlefield. If all that he says has been true (and I daresay it has), I’ve been led to believe the Sekiryu have battlefield assassins known as ‘Dragon-Fangs’. As we’ve heard of the reports from Cyrodiil, your grace knows as well as I do the Sekiryu fight hard and fast in the name of the Pact. I suppose it should not come as surprise they employ martially trained rogues to assist in neutralising enemy garrisons.

He then gestured to my drink and somewhat ‘commanded’ me to partake. After a toast to you, your grace, he told me that purified chamomile induces a deep sleep. He said something else about Argonians, but I missed it due to loss of consciousness. When I awoke, he was gone but I believe he left a message for you. I’ve enclosed it with this report.

Your Faithful Servant

[bustybounty]

Jake has been working for this company for almost a year now, doing a quite good job but it's still as if he's just been hired, with all his coworkers barely acknowledging his existence or knowing who he is, bringing Jake to wish to finally be noticed at work more than anything. His wish is somehow granted, although not in the way he expected, when his ass starts growing bigger, looking more and more like a woman's day by day, without signs of stopping anytime soon

Once his wish is finally granted, Jake has a new spirit knowing that his coworkers are finally going to notice him. He walks into work, greeting everyone but not really getting much of a response. So much for wishing. He got himself in uniform, and surprisingly had a bit of trouble putting his pants on, though he was too demotivated already to really point a finger on what had happened.

As he finally got in, his boss immediately spoke something about said pants - "Hey, Jake, if you need new work pants you can let me know. Those seem to be really worn out by now." She used the worn out as an excuse to not call him out on potentially having gained weight. He was confused, but nodded "Oh, yeah, okay!" before another coworker made another reply about his pants looking tight.

Finally looking down and behind him, he noticed his ass DID look perkier than usual and more form fitting in the pants, and he connected the dots on why he had trouble getting dressed in the first place.

This shock would follow him on a day to day basis as his booty kept growing. His hips got wider, his thighs thicker, his lower body looking quite feminine in shape, and plenty of his coworkers were teasing him about his new ass size. "Don't get that stuck in any of the company's chairs, we don't want damages, hehe" , "Wow, and they said I had a big bottom. Looking good, Jake"

They didn't seem to come from a bad place, though all this attention, that he had wished for, came at the expense of...it all having to do with his ass, something he never asked for. He never asked for it to be growing this big. Though it just seemed to keep growing, more and more.

Far beyond what would look proportional on his body, his butt reminded him of one of his favorite online models, someone by the username of 'Graciebon' who also had quite the beautiful hips and ass. He couldn't believe his own booty was pretty much exactly like hers. Just as jiggly too! Even people outside of his workplace started to notice him, he suddenly started having a much larger influx of people asking him for his number, or straight up asking for a date!

When was his butt gonna stop growing? And...maybe it wasn't actually so bad after all? He DID get his wish, and then some...~ <3

[roguelov]

Sorry if you're sick of me already but in love with your writing so so so much so another Morpheus idea for you:

Morpheus and the reader have been married for centuries. And the reader is known to be the best Tracker to find anyone no matter what. So Morpheus has the reader looking for the Corinthian with him but they end up separating.

Morpheus gets captured by Burgess and the Reader (not knowing their husbands have been captured) keeps tracking Corinthian down. Maybe a few years later Morpheus and Reader not returning home Lucienne summed the reader and informed them that Morpheus has gone missing. The reader finds Jessamy essence coming from the Burgess garden. The Reader brings Jessamy back to life but she can't fly anymore not even Morpheus powers can't help either.

Reader and three older brothers and they put an ad that they removed powerful entities in order to get in. Rodrick see said Ad and hires them to "help" remove Morpheus. When the reader sees Morpheus bare and stripped of his tools the reader asks Rodrick a list of names of people that worked in the building so they can find Morpheus tools faster. Maybe Morpheus is finally relaxed knowing his wife will get him out and the reader asks her oldest brother to get his wife (who is a powerful witch) to break the summoning circle and break in the glass sphere to free Morpheus.

RESCUING DREAM SO CUTE

You collected information on everyone in the manor, and started creating a personal list. Hell would wince at the torments your mind conjured. You were able to stay behind while your brothers began the search. ‘To obverse’ was the excuse you told Burgess. To observe and understand the entity in the basement.

One night, you told the guards to leave. Without question, they left, almost relieved to leave the eerie being’s presence. You had enough credibility, and Burgess had vouched for your integrity, for them to trust you to be left alone.

Once you heard the basement door shut, you walked up to the glass and pressed your forehead against. Dream quickly matched you. You swore you could feel his warmth, but it was just an imagination. A ghost sensation.

“I’ll get you out of here,” you whispered, closing your eyes.

“I know,” Dream’s voice croaked. He hadn’t spoken in so long.

Your hands balled up into fists. “I’m sorry to ask this of you, but you have to be little more patient. We will get your items back then free you, okay?”

“My love, look at me.”

You slowly opened your eyes with tears glistening in your eyes. “I will wait for eternity for you, and I know you will get me out,” he spoke softly.

You nodded as your bottom lip began to quiver.

“No tears, please.” He wished he could hold you. “You and your family are doing enough.”

You laughed, brushing away the tears. “Right, sorry.”

“Don’t ever apologize.”

You paused, staring at him. Your heart constantly broke seeing him here. But, you had to do this methodically. Pushing down such hurtful emotions, a lovingly smile spread over your lips. “Okay,” you hummed. “No more apologies.”

“Good,” he nodded.

You pressed your hand to the glass again. Dream placed his hands over yours. A black band on your hand twinkled in the dim basement lighting. Dream’s hand, however, lacked the other half. You knew exactly where his ring laid: Burgess’s bedroom. It was his own personal trophy from this whole endeavor. Disgust and hatred burned fiercely knowing it was still in his grimy clutches.

“When this is all over, I’m never leaving your side again,” you jokingly said.

“And I wouldn’t dare think otherwise.”

[ricflairdrip20]

Requested by: @the-tales-of-ren

“Could you also maybe do another one later on where he catches Angela being mean to the reader and he sticks up for her something?”

————————————————————————

David Sticks Up For You (David Wallace x Reader)

It has been a stressful week so far. Your mind was occupied by the memories of the tragedy you experienced at your university campus many years back and dealing with such incredible losses of your friends. Although you took a few days off and went back to work, your mind is still somewhere else. You were on autopilot as you do your usual routine, writing in numbers on your general ledger.

You weren’t dumb, in fact, you’re a really good accountant, unlike Kevin. You always tried your best to put in your efforts to carefully calculate because numbers don’t lie and one small mistake, everything is messed up. Which is why you were confused when Angela suddenly stormed to you with a disappointed look on your face.

“Y/N, you were supposed to write in 500, and you wrote in 5,000 on the general ledger. Now I have to make a second entry to correct it. What is wrong with you?”

“Oh, I-I’m sorry, Angela, I didn’t mean to… I’ll try to focus more,” You stammered, even though you knew Angela isn’t very forgiving when it comes to accounting errors.

“Maybe I misjudged you. You’re not as diligent as I thought you were.” You felt a little hurt because you tried so hard, yet you knew better that even the best can sometimes screw up. And you wish you have the courage to stand up to the rightly wounded accountant.

As she continues berating you, you noticed a figure from your peripheral vision approaching you, and you recognized that to be David Wallace.

Although you knew David for about a few months since he was hired as a CFO of Dunder Mifflin, you can tell he’s a down to earth guy, even if you don’t see him that often since he works in New York, which is three hours away from Scranton, Pennsylvania. And you’re trying your best to deny it, but you can’t help but feel a little attraction towards the man. You excused it to be someone you’d look for in your significant others, someone who’s there for you during your hardships, especially intense one at that.

“Excuse me, but did I hear you say that Y/N isn’t good at her job?” David asked, his hands placed on his hips.

“She miscalculated the general ledger and now I had to redo the whole thing!” Angela exclaimed.

“That doesn’t excuse you from talking down on her. From what I’ve seen, she does an excellent job at keeping track of the financial position of this company. And yes, she will make mistakes without intention. We all do, because you never know what goes through the person’s mind at that moment.” The last sentence pulled your heartstrings because little does David know, that was your case.

Angela scoffed and walked back to her desk. David turned to you.

“I’m sorry about that. Are you okay?” He asked softly.

You gulped and nodded, not being able to produce words. An almost inaudible “thank you” is all you can do to get your message across.

David smiled warmly before digging into his jacket inner pocket and pulled out his business card with his personal number written on the back.

“Keep in touch and keep up the good work,” he said as he handed you the card. You gingerly accepted it and nodded, partly in disbelief and happiness that the handsome CFO cares enough about you to make sure you were straight… maybe leading into something more.

[moosekateer13]

Chapter 1: The Prophecy

Y/N’s Three-Story Bold Red Trim House

Romantic love is nothing but a myth. I was a product of high school sweethearts. My dad swore he’d never leave her but after the stick turned positive. He ran and never looked back. I had my mom for a wonderful 10 years but a drunk driver took her away from me at the tender age of 10.  Mom left money for me in a trust I could access once I turned 18. She also left me another thing, my dad's name and an address. One of the police officers who showed up the day of the crash drove me to his house.

Royden Lubic slammed his mansion door in my face and went about his merry way. 

I've been on my own ever since. I grew up in the foster system where I was never adopted.  People took me in for a short time but never kept me.  They claimed I was too traumatized to handle. What do you expect? I'm always going to have issues.  Who wouldn't after losing a parent at that age?

Life has never been good to me. I've only had two good things in my life, one that I only had for 3 years. I bounce my 3-year-old son on my knee thinking for a moment about his father and my late fiance Arthur Digby. He was killed in a targeted shooting while he was on his way to his job. It turns out his business was sinking, and he was past due on the payments. Arthur never was one to check things over carefully before getting into things. I had everything all ready to tell him the big news about him becoming a father but I never got the chance to.

Jude Frost Digby the son he never got to meet. He was born in the winter and shared his father’s ice-blue eyes. That's why his middle name is Frost.

Humming Hey Jude always seems to calm him down so fitting. Oh, looks like someone is getting sleepy I should put him in his bed.

Once he's all tucked in, I get back to working on my latest podcast episode for Torn Veil.

It's a podcast about divorces or almost weddings that ended/didn't happen because of strange uncovered secrets. On rare occasions, it's about people losing their loved ones in accidents.

A phone call interrupts my thoughts. It's Rosedale Ravishing Catering the cater my friend Holy hired for her wedding. We met through my podcast. Her wedding didn't happen because she caught him fooling around with her mother during her engagement party.

I have yet to meet the person she will marry now. Holy won't tell me. Even with my misgivings for love, she wanted me to help plan her wedding.  

I answer

“Yeah, I can come look at the menu. I'll be there soon. I've got to get someone to come watch my son first.” I replied. Not wanting to stay on the line for longer than I have to.

I quickly text Arthur’s mom after ending the call. So she and his dad can come to look after Jude.

Once they arrive, I quickly drive over to the catering company.

It is a gorgeous old blue ranch house that was converted into a catering company. 

I see what I presume is the owner and when he turns around. I feel like my heart just stopped. It's Jared Padalecki, my favourite. I heard rumours he had started his own catering company after Supernatural and Walker finished but I thought it wasn't true. I presumed it was just rumours.

 “Excuse me, can I help you?” Jared asked.

“Yeah, I am here to look over the menu for Holy’s wedding. I received a call earlier.” I choked out. I barely got the words out. His multi-spectrum hazel eyes scan over me. Now I'm wishing I had time to dress better. I just threw on a white tee shirt and my old brown hoodie with worn-out jeans.

He comes over close to my ear.

“Am I making you nervous darlin’. Jared murmured.

I feel a thrill down my spine and my heart skips a beat.

He steps back a bit and motions for me to follow him.

Jared is such a tease. How am I going to get through with planning this wedding?

Chapter 2:

[aesterblaster]

No Good Family Dinners Here (2)

Summary: The meeting the parents via family dinner trope but y/n has a shitty family (gender neutral) , Part One linked here

Characters included: Kenyu, Reo and Kaiser

Songs: Worst Case Scenerio / The Hoosiers // SAD / Lemon Demon // I Guess / Sweatcult

Warnings: gets kinda dark or heavy at some parts, abuse and neglect mentioned (to be specific mental abuse during Kenyu's section, financial and physical abuse during Reo's and physical plus emotional neglect during Kaiser's), not proofread

Tagging: @strawberrymilk4u @maozne18 @effulgentfireflies @kryptic-krab

Kenyu was still trying to decide on which shoes he'd wear to meet your parents. At this point it was between his dressier, but admittedly much more uncomfortable, double strap dress shoes or his slightly scuffed yet soft loafers. It was clear, it was time for a second opinion. "(Y/N)! Which of these look better to you?" He really wasn't the type to be this indecisive, but when it came to something as important as meeting his possible in-laws Yukimiya couldn't help but second guess himself. No answer. "(Y/N)?"

For a moment he swore he heard you crying. Before he could go to check on you though, you responded. "The loafers look good, you look great. Really." You thought it ironic that your dashing, model and famous soccer player of a boyfriend was acting insecure. It was you who felt insecure, always questioning if you deserved him or if he'd up and leave you one day... And now you two were off to meet the people who installed that mindset in you.

When you arrived, you made sure they saw Kenyu first. Your parents greeted him with loud gasps and firm handshakes, and they simply kept the door open for you. They were taken with him as soon as he offered to help set the table. You watched him pull out all of his charm and desperately wished he'd save it for someone better. Saved it for someone who actually deserved his kindness and smile. Of course, your boyfriend on the other hand was just content that they didn't point out that his shoes were scuffed.

"Gosh, you're so professional at first I thought you were some new therapist (Y/N) hired!" your mother gushed after all of you were seated with food on your plate. Kenyu raised an eyebrow and glanced over at you. "Oh, did they not tell you? They insist that they need to spend all this money on these, these councilers but none of them ever work out. We still try to meet every one of them though, just to make sure they aren't a bad influence."

You almost choked on your water. Kenyu similarly wasn't all too good at keeping what he was feeling under wraps. The sudden change in tone and cadence hadn't gone unnoticed. It was like walking in a forest and suddenly falling into a sink hole. "Hang on you, uh, meet them- ?"

"I think it's a waste of time too." your dad chimed in, cutting him off. There was a small silence after that, only the sound of silverware against plates echoed through the room. Yukimiya dug deep and changed the subject. You didn't know how but even after that he managed to get your parents all wrapped up in a conversation about how he balanced soccer and his modeling carrer. Eventually he used the leverage he gained with them to excuse the both of you. Claiming it was getting late (It was only about 7:30 pm.) and by some miracle your parents agreed, letting you two go. For a minute, you were convinced he actually liked your parents.

As soon as you asked what he thought of them though he unloaded, running his hands through his hair as he groaned, "God, they were fucking insufferable! I'm sorry. I know you probably love them but that was rough! I had to get us outta there before my head exploded. I'm never going back there, I hope you know that." You started giggled, and soon it turned into a full on laughing session. He laughed with you for a while. "But really, they clearly don't really...respect you. I hope you know I do though." You nodded quietly, wondering what you did to earn a boyfriend who could turn your tears to laughter.

Reo already hated your parents before he ever sat down at their table. He was a man of strong convictions and you telling him about how they greedily took your allowance away for 7 months after you simply forgot to do a few chores gave him a pretty strong opinion of them. You also told him in passing about how often you visited the school nurse when you were younger with scrapes and bruises you were unable to explain away. He was astounded when he learned that you didn't fully understand how bank accounts worked or that you didn't need to be punished for every mistake.

He was even more agast when your parents managed to get in touch with you after some tabloid took a photo of you with him. As much as Reo enjoyed his life in the spotlight, he wished he could keep you safe from it. He still remembered how shaken you were when you showed him a photo some celebrity stalker snapped of you two. Admittedly, you looked great in it, the sun hitting you at just the right angles, your clothes matching his beautifully. Almost as soon as the photo was published, Reo's social media was flooded with jealous fangirls and yours with scathing accusations related to you guessed it, whether or not you were just a gold digger.

Your parents, though, they didn't see any of it as a negative just big green dollar signs. So here you were, in their house with Reo Mikage. You held onto his arm tightly, seeing your dad smile like that was starting to freak you out. "So, where'd you meet them?" he asked the same way an excited child would ask a stranger where they found their lost kitten.

"It's a long story." Unfortunately your boyfriend hated small talk. Normally he'd grit his teeth through it, but he was always a bit of a hedonist and there was, to him at least, no reason to hide that here. Pain or pleasure, that was also the stick and carrot technique your mom and dad used on you. You could barely touch your plate, honestly.

Your parents continued to try and milk their time with the billionaire. They had even used some sort of freshener that made the whole house smell like apple pie. It was nothing like the home you left when you went off to collage, or the one you miserably returned to when you needed more money for the next semester. They even turned your bedroom into an office space.

"I hope she isn't giving you much trouble, really. I know that both me and their father were so worried after not hearing from (Y/N) for such a long time. I'm glad they found you though, haha, no longer begging us for anymore money huh?" your mother said, shooting a pointed glare your way that you didn't meet. But you could feel yourself gaining confidence, just a bit, by sitting next to Reo. It was radiating off of him. What to you was controlling and downright terrifying was just pointless chatter to him that he barely bothered to answer. He was always eager to make you as comfortable as possible and hearing these, these people he'd never even met before talk to you like this was wearing on him.

"(Y/N), I believe I have a meeting to attend soon, and I don't know exactly how you're feeling but.... What do you think we should do?" You glanced up at him and met his gaze. You knew damn well that he could tell them off himself, tell them about how this was clearly going nowhere and just a grab to get you to talk to them again. But he wanted you to do it.

"We should leave." That's all Reo needed to hear.

Kaiser wasn't exactly the model boyfriend to bring to a family dinner. And that was exactly why you were dragging him out to your parents house now. You stared at the house for a long, long time. This wasn't the same house you'd lived in your whole life. It was nicer, they clearly did some upgrades. You'd warned your parents ahead of time about how you were coming over with "company" so you hoped they prepared a decent dinner. Just in case though, you brought a few dishes from a nearby restaurant

You were pleasantly surprised that the owner still recognized you. Although, you were far from the malnourished kid that used to skip the first period of school to help around at their place for cash. You prided yourself on that, how well you were doing now, in a loving relationship and much more stable. So, why were you back? That question rang in the back of your mind like a sad echo, but you pushed it away.

"Are we going to just sit in front of the door forever?" Kaiser groaned. You were nowhere near the door, he meant in the car but he forgot the word for car again. If there was one more thing you could say you were pleased with yourself for it would be convincing Kaiser to actually start practicing English again after he abandoned it in high school (You two had a bet on who could master who's language first, so far you were losing but at least you remembered the word for car). You shook your head before opening the passenger side door with a flourish and with that you two were off.

"....(Y/N)? You can stop, if they come they come." You didn't even realize how many times you knocked until Kaiser made his comment with a small chuckle. He had to admit that he might be more annoyed than you if they didn't show, he worked extra hard on his eyeliner today. But, just as you were about to turn around and walk away the door swung open.

"Oh! Hey, (Y/N)...long time no see." your mother said with a small smile as she let you and Kaiser in. "And who's this?"

"It's Kaiser, Micheal Kaiser." he hummed doing a small hair flip before shaking your mom's hand. She was more weirded out than anything and some selfish part of you wanted her to care that you brought this tattooed loud man into her house. Wanted her to look at you with that "What in the fresh hell" look you'd seen so many other moms give on those dating tv shows when their kid ran off with someone they didn't approve of. But all she said was,

"Oh, ok. Come on in."

The dinner didn't last long. There wasn't that much food to go around anyway, even with the extra dishes you brought, your mom just ended up squirreling them away into the fridge. You let her. Kaiser got along with your father well enough just because of all the strange stories he had under his belt. It was a strange mix of apathy and faked intrigue. You knew that your parents really didn't care all that much what you were doing or who you were dating. They didn't in your childhood, why would they now? If there was one thing Kaiser couldn't handle though, it was apathy.

After all, he was a damn star, a famous athlete and a main character in this little family dinner setting. You were the other lead, interesting, intelligent, witty. And your parents were a dull, rude audience. Not to mention that in the past they were villans, leaving you with unfit attire throughout your childhood and a sore lack of attention. Something Micheal didn't realize the true sorrow of until he was sitting in that cramped dining room with you. Watching your parents give one word responses or non related questions to all of your accomplishments. Their behavior was absolutely stifling, no one could entertain in this setting. He threw his napkin on the table before turning to you, "(Y/N), why don't we take a quick trip back to the, the.."

"Car."

"And not return?"

[vicsnook]

Hits Different | Bob Floyd x Reader

word count: 1648

warnings / notes: Fluff, emetophobia, and drinking. This is my first “imagine” so please excuse my writing style. Still trying to find my comfort zone.

song pairing: Hits Different - Taylor Swift

Hope you enjoy!

I pictured you with other girls in love

Then threw up on the street

The metallic taste of blood filled your mouth as you bit the side of your cheek. Maverick had just told Phoenix and Bob to eject due to a bird strike. Rooster hurried out of the control room as you and the team watched the jet burst into flames. Old memories surely coming back up to the surface.

The corridor seemed endless as you made your way to the infirmary. Armed with determination to tell Bob how you felt after watching him almost die. This couldn’t wait any longer, 6 months was enough. Wiping the sweat off your forehead you stopped in front of the door. Maybe this could wait.

But then you heard it. Surely your mind was playing tricks on you but still you braved to look through the small window on the infirmary door. You felt you were going to be sick as you ran out of the side door and threw up on the street as the image of Bob and Phoenix kissing replayed in your mind.

“You alright there, Peach?” Hangman’s voice bringing you back to the present. You wanted to say yes so he would go away but no words came out. “Let’s get you out of here” he says, as he leads you to his truck. Any other time you would’ve bickered with him but not now.

“Want to talk about it?”

“I saw Bob and Phoenix kissing in the infirmary.” you murmur, avoiding any eye contact. “I’m sorry sweetheart, I take it you didn’t tell him then”, you nod in response.

As he pulled into the hard deck, confusion filled your face. “Figured you needed a drink” he offered and right then you were for once grateful for Jake.

They say that if it's right, you know, Each bar plays our song

Nothing has ever felt so wrong

Settling down in your usual spot, Penny spots you and slides a beer in front of you. You were grateful that she didn’t pry and could sense you didn't want to talk about it.

You were lost in your thoughts as Hangman flirted with the new bartender Penny hired until Come on Eileen started playing on the jukebox.

“Please dance with me Bobby” you begged after having a little too much to drink. His ears turned a light pink as all eyes were on him. “Come on, it's rude to leave a lady hangin” exclaimed Hangman from the pool table.

Bob nodded and let you lead him to the makeshift dance floor. His eyes never leaving you as you spun around. “See, this is fun!” you whispered in his ear as the song slowed down. “You look beautiful, Peach” he quickly spluttered as he spun you around once again, not giving you a chance to answer.

That night as he turned to leave after walking you to your doorstep, you let the courage from the alcohol take over.You stuttered “Wait! Bobby, wait!” and as he turned around you pulled him in for a kiss.

“I wish you were sober,” he murmured, as he pulled away. Quickly walking away to his car.

But that was 3 months ago and the next day at work Bob avoided you like the plague. Jake assured you that Bob was just taken back and probably thought you didn’t remember as you’d had a lot to drink. The song continued playing as you headed to the bathroom. It couldn’t feel more wrong.

Saying a quick goodbye to Jake, you headed outside. Your house wasn’t that far from the Hard deck so walking wasn’t an issue. “Hope you are okay” read the text that you sent both Bob and Phoenix. Guilt from not checking on them filled you but you couldn’t do it, not now.

As you showered that night, you decided you’d check on them tomorrow since Rooster texted they were being held overnight for observation at the hospital.

_ _

Now the sun burns my heart and the sand hurts my feelings

As you ran that morning on the beach you let yourself cry. Cursing yourself for being so hung up on a man that probably never really knew that you liked him and that you ran away instead of checking on him and your team mate.

The drive to the hospital was short. Still in your workout gear since you couldn’t wait anymore or else you’d end up talking yourself out of it. “I’m here to see Natasha Trace and Robert Floyd” you told the nurse at check in. “They are in room 105” she replied, motioning you towards the automatic doors that opened as she pressed the button. You smiled at her gratefully, heading towards the room.

Knocking on the door you could hardly hear the “come in” over your heart pounding loudly in your chest. “Hey guys, sorry I didn’t make it in sooner.” you whispered as you slid into the chair in the corner. “It's okay, are you feeling okay? Hangman said you got sick after our accident.” Nat said as she looked at you with concern.

“Yes! Don’t worry about me. Are you guys okay!? You were the ones in the accident”

“We’re okay, just a little shaken up.” murmured Bob, his eyes not meeting yours. “It’s not everyday you almost die due to a dumb bird, I’ll say that.” added Nat with a chuckle. All of you nodding in agreement.

Standing up you hugged Natasha and patted Bob on the shoulder, “I should let you guys rest. I’m happy to see you’re both okay.”

“Thank you for checking on us” remarked Nat, Bob nodding in agreement.

“Absolutely, please call me if y’all need anything”

“Will do” responded Bob. Those catastrophic blue eyes watching you leave until you shut the door behind you.

Catastrophic blues

Movin' on was always easy for me to do

That night you opted for going to the Hard Deck since Bob and Nat had been released from the hospital not long after you left and everyone wanted to celebrate. Your light green dress paired with white heels made you feel a little better about your appearance. You looked in the mirror one last time and headed out as your uber had just pulled in.

The bar was packed as it was a Saturday night. A sea of khaki was surrounding the bar so you opted for grabbing a drink later in the night. The dagger squad was already in their usual spot by the pool table. Bob however was not in his usual spot next to Nat and instead she was sitting with Rooster on the piano.

“Peach! Come help me show these suckers how it's done.” yelled Fanboy from the pool table. Reluctantly you headed their way as you noticed he was playing against Bob and Payback. “Alright boys, I’ll show you how it’s done.”

10 minutes later you and Fanboy were enjoying your free drinks that were won from beating Bob and Payback. Rooster had also pitched in with shots. The drinks quickly adding up. Dancing with the handsome stranger who kept looking your way seemed like a good idea. But as he went in for a kiss all you could see was Bob shaking his head at you and your actions.

Dreams of your hair and your stare and sense of belief

In the good in the world, you once believed in me

You excused yourself to the bathroom and splashed your face with water. Surely Bob’s disappointed look was caused by your imagination and drunken state but as you came back to the pool table, he was nowhere to be found.

“Peach, can we talk?” offered Nat, leading you towards the exit. The cool night breeze making you shiver. “Look, I talked to Hangman and I know what you saw. It’s all a misunderstanding.”

“No, no, Nat. Its okay. I should’ve knocked” you shrug, trying to keep yourself from throwing up again as the image replayed in your head. “Peach, I’m serious. It was just the adrenaline. I like Rooster not Bob” her voice was soft as she looked at you waiting on a response. “Oh” you whispered in response as you waited on the uber she called you.

Bob’s car stopped in front of both of you as if on cue. Nat urged you to get in as you complained that she lied about the uber. The silence felt deafening as he drove up to your house and it was enough to make you sober up.

I heard your key turn in the door down the hallway

Is that your key in the door?

“Here, I got it” Bob grabbed your keys and unlocked your door as your shaky hands prevented you from being able to. “Thank you” you whispered as he walked towards your kitchen and poured you a glass of water. “Here, I should probably go” he said as he handed you the glass and headed for the door. “No, please wait” the urgency in your voice stopping him before he reached the door.

“I, I like you Bob. I have since we met and you avoided me after we kissed so I thought you didn’t like me and then I saw you kissing Nat and-” your rambling was cut short as he grabbed your face and kissed you.

“I like you too, I’m sorry I avoided you, I figured you only kissed me because you were drunk. I mean how could you like me? I’m nothing special” he said swallowing hard, staring into your eyes as he waited on your response. “Oh shut it, now come here you idiot” you responded, pulling him in for a kiss while mentally thanking Jake for telling Nat. You smiled at Bob as you both pulled away. Thankful that things worked out this time.

It hits different (it hits different)

It hits different this time

[drabblesandimagines]

Coffee

Rei x reader (reader request)

-

You’re an idiot. An oblivious fool. How did it get this far before you’d put two and two together? Scratch that, you hadn’t even put it all together! You thought they were just being nice, neighbourly, friendly… But you’d mentioned the latest sweet thing the two had done for you over dinner with your friend and they’d given you a look - absolutely baffled at your naivety.

You’d been moving in across the hall. The removals company you’d hired had been great, dropping the boxes exactly where directed, but of course you still had to unpack the dang things. You’d been back and forth to the recycling facilities a few times that morning when there was a knock at the door. If you’d had a mirror up on the wall, you would’ve seen exactly how much of a hot mess you looked and probably have ignored the door. However, there were a few things you were expecting to be delivered today, so you opened the door and were surprised to see two handsome men - one cheerful blonde and one sullen-looking dark-haired – neither holding a package for delivery, but a pile of Tupperware and a bottle of lemonade.

You hurriedly wipe the glean of sweat you’re positive is across your forehead, wishing all the sudden you weren’t in your sweatpants and looked a little more put together in front of the two extremely handsome men in your doorway. “Hi!” It sounds a little squeaky.

“Hi – sorry, we know we’re disturbing you, but we just wanted to introduce ourselves. I’m Kazuki and this is Rei, we live just across the hall.” He tilts his head up to signal the door behind him in lieu of pointing due to his full hands. “I know how hectic moving day can be and it’s important to remember to eat, so we thought we’d bring over a ‘welcome to the building’ gift of some lunch.” He holds up the pile of Tupperware. “All hand-made by yours truly.” A wink.

“Oh, thank you. That’s… incredibly kind.” You step back and open the door wider, introducing yourself. “Erm, probably easier if you come in and pop those down. Excuse the chaos…”

It wasn’t long after they offered to give you a hand with unpacking – Kazuki said he was a master at all things flat-pack and quake-proofing heavy furniture, and Rei had been eyeing up your games consoles and TV before hooking it all up masterfully, even tidying away the wires so they weren’t even in sight. With their help across the next couple of days, your apartment was soon finished, everything in its rightful place.

You’d invited the two over for dinner as a thank you – nothing fancy, pizza and beers – watching a terrible action movie before playing some games. The friendship had only progressed from there. They had an odd work schedule, you noted, sometimes they were gone for a few days at a time, some weeks they didn’t seem to work at all. You’d water the plants, take the mail in, keep an eye on the place when they were away. It’s neighbourly, after all.

Kazuki would invite you round for dinner almost weekly – he said it was nice to have someone appreciate his cooking, a pointed glare at Rei. You and Rei were making multiplayer on a new quest-based game, staying up far too late trying to reach the next save point, whilst Kazuki sat snoring behind you.

When you were sick one time, Kazuki brought over soup and medicine. When you had any issues technology-wise, Rei was always on hand to sort it out - even replacing lightbulbs. You felt incredibly blessed to have such wonderful neighbours, and that’s how the topic of conversation had come up over dinner with a friend. They were complaining about their neighbours – noisy, inconsiderate – and you’d explained how Kazuki and Rei just couldn’t seem to do enough for you.

“Okay,” they lean forward and grab your hand, “please tell me you know these men are just trying to woo you.”

You laugh at that, but the look on their face says they’re not joking.

You shake you head, pulling your hand back. “No, they’re just being nice. Kazuki’s a flirt with everyone and Rei’s… Rei. They’re my friends, that’s all.”

“We’re friends and have I ever done half of that stuff for you?”

“No, but…”

“We were room-mates, I sure wasn’t going to look after your sick ass. I slept across the hall for the week, remember?”

“Well, maybe you were just a bad friend.” You retaliate.

“Maybe I was, but that doesn’t change the fact those two are flirting with you.”

You go to make a retort but, slowly, the pieces are falling into place. They were pretty interested whenever you mentioned going out for drinks or dinner with someone other than them, asking if it was a date. If it was, they then wanted to know exactly where you were going and to text when you were safely home, even if they were away. That was just friendly concern, being alone in a big city and meeting up with a friend of a friend or just strangers off the internet. After all, there could be some complete creeps out there and it felt reassuring to know the two were looking out for you.

There were lingering touches from the both of them. Kazuki loved to hug on hello and goodbye, often draping an arm around your shoulder and squeezing whenever you were stood near each other. Rei always sat deliberately close to you, his arm pressed up against yours, even though their sofa could fit around four adults comfortably. When you’d had to fly home for the weekend, they’d given you a lift to the airport at an unearthly hour, seeing you all the way up to the security gate, and then they were there at arrivals again on your return. When there’d be a small earthquake, they’d forced their way into your apartment, checking you were okay – insisting you came over to theirs for any aftershocks. Even Rei had hugged you that day on seeing you unhurt, Kazuki pressing a kiss against your forehead…

“I am an idiot.”

--

It’s a little after nine when you knock on the door. You’d been up all night, debating what to do, though there was still a niggle of doubt that they didn’t like you that way and your friend had just jumped to a ridiculous conclusion. But, a larger part of your brain argued, it wouldn’t be so bad if they did, would it? Well, one of them more than the other. You’d be a liar if you hadn’t thought or dreamt about one of the men in a certain way before…

Rei answers, looking a little tired – you’re not sure if you’ve woken him up or if he hasn’t been to bed yet either.

“Sorry, did I wake you up?”

“No. You okay?” He frowns, looking you up and down.

“Yeah, just a little tired. Erm, is Kazuki in?”

“Ah”, he nods, still frowning. “No, he…” He pauses, debating whether he should be honest or not, but decides against it. “He should be back later though. Can I help?”

“I was just hoping to speak to you both – together. It’s all right, I’ll come back later…” You turn to go when his hand catches your sleeve.

“I’m making some coffee, if you’d like some? That is, if you don’t mind waiting with me.”

“Coffee sounds great, actually.”

It’s a nice morning – warm enough that Rei suggests sitting out on the balcony. You’re a little envious of their set-up, your one-bedroom apartment is a lot smaller than theirs and the fact they have outdoor space, but there is two of them and their job seems to keep them comfortable enough.

You’re sat in a comfortable silence, watching the river below – every so often a boat sailing past. Maybe you should take a boat ride, it might be fun to be a tourist in your own city…

“It’s okay.”

You turn to Rei, confused, had you said one of your thoughts out loud?

“What’s okay?”

“You and Kazuki. I’m happy for the two of you.” He takes a sip of his coffee, wincing, though you’re not convinced it’s from the bitter caffeine.

“What?”

“That’s what you’ve come to talk to us about, right? You’ve decided.”

Your eyes widen, “No. Not at all. I’m an idiot. I only found out that you were two were interested in me last night.”

He raises an eyebrow. “You found out? Kazuki assured me our intentions were perfectly clear and you just needed time.”

“Well, maybe you want to rethink your intentions because it turns out I’m entirely clueless. I thought you were just being friendly, but I was talking to my friend last night and they pointed it out. I was up all night thinking back and it’s all so painfully obvious.” You take a gulp of your own coffee.

“So, you’ve not decided?”

You put down the coffee cup slowly. “If… If I have decided, I wouldn’t want it to ruin your friendship with each other. That’s the last thing I’d want to do, I’d much rather we all remain friends than risk that.”

“No. We agreed from the start that, whatever the outcome, we wouldn’t let it get between us. Just…” he hesitates. “..maybe don’t make out in front of me.”

“That…” you swallow, your mouth suddenly dry. “That might be difficult.”

“Can’t you just take it to his bedroom at least?” Rei scowls, taking another sip of his coffee as you reply.

“I’m not sure how much Kazuki would like me making out with you in his bedroom.”

That catches him off guard and he inhales the liquid, coughing and spluttering in surprise. You wait for him to catch his breath, though his cheeks are now flushed red.

“You… you want me?”

You nod. “Yes.”

“Why?!”

“You don’t sound thrilled. Were you hoping it would be Kazuki?”

“Just everyone loves him, he’s handsome and cheerful and good at cooking and I’m… I’m me.”

“Kazuki is all of those things, but you’re also handsome and fun and sweet and… I like you.”

The door opens within the apartment then, interrupting the conversation. “I’m home! You up?”

“We’re on the balcony,” Rei calls back, face entirely red.

Kazuki appears, in the clothes you saw him leave the apartment yesterday. Did he spend the night elsewhere? He’s surprised to see the two of you on the balcony at this early hour.

“And to what do I owe this pleasure?” He grins, sweetly, approaching the sliding doors. He takes in Rei’s and yours flushed expressions. “Wait, am I interrupting something?”

You stand up, taking a step towards the blonde. “Kind of. Erm, Kazuki, you’re a great guy and all, but…”

“Ah!” Kazuki looks again between the two of you before he grins, genuinely, “At last! Well, I won’t lie – I’m a little heartbroken, but I’ll pick myself back up. If it were anyone but Rei…” He shrugs. “He’s a good man, and the better man won. Not that you’re a trophy or anything!” He rubs the back of his head, nervously.

“But we’ll still be friends, right? I don’t want to do anything to risk our friendship.” You look between the two of them. “It’s really important to me.”

“Of course we will!” Kazuki pulls you into a brief hug. “You won’t get rid of me that easily. Now, tell me, what’s the plan for the first date?” He looks between the two of you, eagerly.

“Date…?” Rei questions.

“We hadn’t…” you hold back a yawn. “..got that far.”

“Jeez, have the two of you even slept? Off to bed – separately – please.” He stresses. “Get your beauty rest whilst I find the two of you the most perfect restaurant for dinner. Go.” Kazuki pushes you gently back into the apartment, leaving Rei on the balcony.

“Thanks, Kazuki. Erm, see you later, Rei.” You smile timidly, before turning and heading towards the door, already thinking of the warm embrace of your bed…

“Yeah. Thanks, Kazuki.” Rei gets to his feet, slinging an arm around the blonde’s shoulders. “I promise we won’t make out in your bed.”

“..what?!” -- Masterlist. Requests welcome. Ko-fi.