#I do want to play w her one of these times

[odoraful]

𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑾𝑰𝑳𝑳 𝑵𝑬𝑽𝑬𝑹 𝑲𝑵𝑶𝑾 𝑨 𝑳𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑳𝒀 𝑫𝑨𝒀 𝑨𝑮𝑨𝑰𝑵

life has been a little less empty for zayne with you in it

⟡ content: zayne x gn!reader; established relationship; a little bittersweet, but still with fluff 🫂; appearance of zayne's parents; bits of zayne's childhood; 1.5k words

⟡ a/n: title is from a quote by the wonderful brennan lee mulligan from the D20 season a court of fey and flowers <3 i was feeling very soft about zayne’s life and this was written as a result :’) i hope this is an enjoyable read !

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Emptiness was something Zayne had grown accustomed to. It was in the streets that he walked on at night following a late surgery shift. It was in the study rooms he frequented as a university student–often the last person to leave once all his peers had gone. It was even in the classrooms of his childhood–remaining there to read and draw whilst everyone else played outside during breaks. Emptiness gave him periods of focus, which was important considering the career path he eventually pursued. Though, he had not always welcomed emptiness as a companion in his life.

The first time that Zayne was left home alone was when his parents went on an emergency trip out of town for work. Being only a child, he wringed his small hands as his parents hurried to pack equipment he did not yet understand. Before they left, they repeated instructions to the young boy about what he should do for the night. Warm up dinner, finish his homework, brush his teeth, go to bed early. They did not repeat these because they believed Zayne would be disobedient, but because they knew how frightening aloneness could be for a child. Having set guidelines for what to do would hopefully help him to feel capable of being by himself.  

“Remember, we’re only a phone call away, sweetie,” his mother reassured, smoothing his hair back with her fingers.

His father lowered himself on one knee to kiss his son on the forehead, tousling his hair and the careful combing his wife had just done.

“We’ll be back by tomorrow,” his father also reassured.

As the door clicked shut, Zayne watched from the window, pushing the curtain aside. After seeing and hearing the whirring engine pull away, he let the curtain fall. He stood at the entrance for a moment.

All became still, and he was greeted by emptiness for the first time.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

He was shocked to feel his heartbeat drumming in his chest and hear every small breath he took. His own internal systems were exposed in silence.

He shuffled further into the house, the once familiar space now feeling too big and labyrinthian. Even his thoughts seemed to echo off the walls as he recalled what his parents had told him to do. Yes, he had tasks he needed to complete. Going through his to-do list would surely rid of the uneasiness bubbling inside him.

Zayne checked things off one-by-one. He tried to focus intensely on what needed to be done to forget about the fact that he was alone.

At last, Zayne retreated to his bedroom. His penultimate task was reading one chapter from the library book he borrowed. However, the words were distant to him as the crawling feeling of isolation left goosebumps on his skin.

Patches of unlit space in his room turned into sinister voids waiting to suck him in. The rustle of wind against windows became Wanderers raking their claws against glass.

He closed his book and snuggled deeper and deeper into the blankets, tucking his head inside and squeezing his eyes shut. He prayed he would have no nightmares tonight. If he did have one, he would wake up to nothing but a hollow room and his heart rattling in his ribcage. Torn between needing rest and not wanting bad dreams, exhaustion eventually took hold.

Zayne awoke not to terrors of the emptiness, but to the comforting touch of his mother. Through his own bleary vision, he saw his mother’s tired but gentle eyes. He sat up groggily. 

“You were so very brave, my dear,” his mother praised.  

“W-where’s Dad?” Zayne asked, sleep lifting with each blink of his eyes.

“He’s making breakfast for us.”

Something flickered in his mum’s gaze after her reply. She opened her mouth, hesitating to speak again.

“Zayne.” She took his hands in hers, brushing a finger over his knuckles. “Me and your father… we need to help as many people as we can, so that means this might happen a lot more as you get older.”

She examined her son’s expression. Zayne nodded.

“We love you very much, and we want you to do exactly as you did last night if this happens again, okay?”

Zayne nodded again, understanding then that he and the emptiness would have to get along from now on.

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At the end of another shift at Akso Hospital, Zayne drove out of the parking lot into the deserted streets of Linkon past midnight. Classical music quietly played in the background as he headed home, unlit buildings passing by in the rear-view mirror.

At the red light, he was the only one waiting. Perhaps this hour of the night meant that phantom cars would be most active, bustling about to do their ghostly activities. That sounded like something you would say to comfort him. Zayne could hear your voice in his head, could see you wiggling your fingers in a poor attempt at mimicking spookiness. The corner of his mouth twitched at his own imagination.

But, you weren’t in the passenger seat beside him this time. He stared out the front windshield, emptiness before him.

Parking the car outside his home, he approached the front door. Hovering his fingerprint over the handle, the sensor gave a small buzz of confirmation before unlocking.

Zayne listed off what he needed to do in his head as he turned the handle and entered. Since he already showered at the hospital, he just needed to change into his sleep clothes, have something to eat, and complete his observations of the day in his journal. Tomorrow (or technically today, though the late hour made it difficult to believe this was a new day) marked the beginning of the weekend when he could spend time with you. If he completed his to-do list diligently, then he could rest quickly and see you sooner.

He slipped his shoes off and undid the laces before putting them beside his other pairs. Zayne expected he would be greeted by an empty, unlit interior. The emptiness was no longer was an unwelcome, unsettling sight like he thought it to be as a child. There was a calmness to it that he had grown to appreciate. But, if he dug deep enough inside himself, there was still a feeling of loneliness he could not quite shake.

That was why he frowned when he saw the lights had been turned on in the living room. He definitely recalled turning them off before he left.

Zayne walked further inside, keeping his guard somewhat up for the possibility of an unwanted intruder.

Rather than a burglar, he was surprised, and much more relieved, to see you instead. Curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around your body.

He almost didn’t want to interrupt you. You were so cozy and peaceful, bathed in the warm glow of the lights above. At the sound of Zayne’s footsteps, your tired eyes opened, and your head raised towards the noise.

“Zaynie,” you drawled.

Your voice was crackly with sleep, but your smile was as adoring as ever. Combined with the nickname you used for him, affection tugged at his heart.

He hung his bag up and loosened his tie, joining you on the couch.

“What are you doing here?” he asked softly, brushing loose strands of hair away from your face. “I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow afternoon.”

“Mmm…” you leaned into his touch. “I thought I’d get a head start and see you earlier.”

 “Earlier being at two o’clock in the morning. You didn’t have to come all this way and wait for me.”

Hearing his point, your lips turned down into a pout.

“Firstly, all this way was only about a 20-minute drive from my place to yours,” you clarified, “and secondly, I wanted to wait for you.”

He breathed a laugh, something between incredulity and fondness. It wasn’t like you didn’t have work today either. Even after your own gruelling shift today fighting Wanderers after a flare-up in a no-hunt zone, you still had the energy to come see him after he finished. Zayne was about to give you a half-serious scolding about staying up late when you leaned closer to him. The words stopped short in his throat as your lips met his cheek.

His face, cold from just being in the night air, blossomed with warmth. Likely due to your tiredness, your reaction time was slower than usual as your kiss lingered for a second or two longer.

“Welcome home, Zayne,” you whispered by his ear as you pulled away.

Home.

His home.

A place that was no longer empty now that you were here. A once solitary existence now filled with your presence.

He wished that he could somehow speak to his younger self. He would say that he would one day be reunited with someone who would wait for him even in the dead of night. That person, with all their endearing stubbornness, would be the one to protect against Wanderers that might be stalking in the emptiness (for they were a renowned Hunter after all), and leave the lights on to dispel any deathly voids.

His mouth parted, breathing becoming unsteady as he whispered back,

“It’s good to be home, my love.”

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[ham1lton]

SIMPLE !

pairings: jude bellingham x lewis hamilton’s assistant!reader

summary: after your first few dates with jude, everything seems to be going smoothly. however, there’s just one problem: your boss seems to hate your new boyfriend.

warnings: judeyn being dumbasses.

author’s note: part of my dream girl universe. for best enjoyment, read after the first instalment. assistant2 also makes her first official appearance!!

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📍 berlin, germany.

tagged: judebellingham

liked by ham1ltonshaderoom, jobebellingham and 2,837,918 others.

yourinstagram: the photos he takes of me vs the one i take of him. i think you all can see the better photographer.

view all 1,108,928 comments

user1: LOVE seeing hot people date each other.

-> user11: i love seeing two hot people be BESTIES.

user2: JUDE IS TAKEN ???!!!! NOOOOOOO

-> user3: babe… you didn’t have a chance at all. like please be serious.

-> user13: thank god they aren’t actually dating tho.

user4: my gf <3

-> judebellingham: who even are you.

-> user4: we can share <3 i can keep her satisfied thru the weekend u have the weekdays king.

jobebellingham: love this yn. he looks so depressed and ugly.

-> judebellingham: U JEALOUS ASF 😹

-> jobebellingham: yn i’ll paypal you £50 rn if you post more ugly pictures. which is all his pictures really.

-> yourinstagram: challenge accepted 🫡

lewishamilton: you look good yn!

-> user5: and what about jude??

-> lewishamilton: what about him?

-> user6: NOT YN’S HUSBAND HAVIN BEEF W/ HER BFF 😭

user7: lip combo?!!??

-> yourinstagram: i’m not a gatekeeper. it’s on my tiktok!! my most recent one <3

user8: you did my king so dirty with that one pic…. LMFAO DO IT AGAIN

-> yourinstagram: 🫡🫡

user10: their friendship is so cute!!

user12: yn is moving up in the world!!! from bts delulu to besties with JUDE BELLINGHAM

-> yourinstagram: blocking you! 😃

-> user12: you can block me but you can’t erase ‘hobisbabymama’

-> yourinstagram: HELLO?2&/9£/

user9: WHERE IS LANDO?!

-> user10: she blocked his main and his ten other side accounts because she’s secretly in love with him and wants to leave loser jude for him.

-> user9: hi lando 😁

user10: no roscoe pic?

-> yourinstagram: sorry babe :(( he’s at home with his dad and i’m on holiday. assistant2 has some highlights of him on her page!! <3

judebellingham: why do i look so depressed

-> yourinstagram: idk <3 want to get ice cream?

-> judebellingham: .. yeah

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title: my girlfriend’s boss (l,39) hates me and it’s ruining my relationship. help?

hi all, i don’t really post on here, but i’m at my wit’s end and need advice. i (j, m21) have been dating my girlfriend (y, f24) for a couple of months now, and it’s been brilliant. she’s smart, funny, beautiful, and honestly the kindest person i’ve ever met. here’s the catch: her boss (l, m39), who also happens to be an insanely famous athlete and very wealthy, clearly hates me.

y works as his personal assistant, and from what she’s told me, l has always been good to her. she’s known him for years, and he’s helped her out a lot in her career. she always says he’s like family, but ever since she introduced me to him, he’s been awful.

it started small, like him calling me “mate” in that condescending way that makes you feel about two feet tall. but last week, i went to pick y up from work, and he gave me this look—you know the type, the kind that says, “you’re not good enough to breathe the same air as her.” i tried to play it off, but it’s eating at me.

another time, we ran into him at a café, and he made this offhand comment about how “footballers aren’t known for their brains.” y tried to laugh it off, but i felt like an absolute idiot.

then there was the incident with the tickets. y mentioned she’d been offered two box seats for a big match, courtesy of l, and we were both so excited to go. but when she told him i was going with her, he suddenly “remembered” he’d promised them to someone else. i know it sounds paranoid, but it feels deliberate.

to make matters worse, y thinks i’m overreacting. she says l is just protective of her because they work closely together, but i can’t help but feel like there’s more to it. she brushes off his weird behaviour, but come on—this is the same man who asked her to taste-test a box of chocolate truffles because he couldn’t decide which to order for himself. (weird, right?)

it’s not just the comments, though. y told me l doesn’t usually care who his staff date, but she mentioned he’s suddenly started asking loads of questions about me, like whether i’ve been in trouble before or if i’m serious about her. it’s like he’s looking for a reason to disapprove. y thinks he’s being protective, but i swear he just doesn’t like me. here’s the problem: i’m pretty sure he hates me. actually, scratch that—i know he hates me.

i’m spiralling here. what if l starts sabotaging our relationship? y says she’s not going anywhere, but i can’t shake the feeling he’s got some weird power over her. am i just being insecure, or is there something seriously wrong here? what do i do?

top comments:

soggy_pigeon: nah, this is classic alpha behaviour. he’s marking his territory. he probably sees her as more than just an assistant, if you know what i mean. tread carefully.

fluffybananas: footballers aren’t known for their brains. maybe he has a point.

spicy_gravy: dude, he’s probably jealous you’ve got abs and a girl who loves you. chill.

randomuser_123: sounds like you’re dating your boss’s work spouse.

tofu_throwaway: i think l’s just jealous because y spends more time with you now. he’s like a toddler upset that someone’s playing with his favourite toy.

ladybantheboys: ok but what if it’s the opposite? like, what if l approves of you but is being mean on purpose to test if you’re good enough for her?

football4ever: j, mate, you’re overthinking. l’s just a famous bloke who doesn’t want to lose his assistant to some random guy. show him you’re not random. take him out for a pint or something.

memequeen420: this reminds me of when i had a cat and got a new dog. the cat hated the dog at first but now they’re best friends. just give it time.

plshelpme1998: have you tried googling “how to win over your girlfriend’s boss”? there’s bound to be a wikiHow.

bananabreadbae: mate, if he wanted her, he’d have made a move by now. maybe he just doesn’t like footballers. not everyone does, you know.

user2847: honestly, the truffle thing makes me think he’s the weird one. does he do this with everyone or just y? if it’s just her, he’s probably got some weird older-brother complex going on.

ultimategoblin69: maybe he wants to adopt you. famous people do weird shit like that.

yogurtbutter: ok but what if you’re the problem? maybe you’re just a bit annoying and he senses it. famous people have great instincts.

iamnotanon: have you considered sabotaging him back? like, nothing serious, but maybe show up in a better suit than him one day. alpha vibes only.

opinionatedowl: this is a power thing. l’s rich and famous, and he’s used to being in charge. stand your ground, but don’t disrespect him. he’s probably testing you.

thecheeseman: it sounds like a bad rom-com where l secretly approves of you but can’t admit it because he’s emotionally constipated. if i were you, i’d play the long game.

spicywaterlover: wait… what if l is secretly in love with y and you’re the obstacle? plot twist.

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edit: wow, ok. this has been a ride. thanks for all the comments, even the wild ones. i think i’ll try the “pint” suggestion, but i draw the line at sabotage. will update if anything changes (or if i get adopted).

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liked by messyassuser, lando11priv and 1,938,882 others.

ham1ltonshaderoom: football star jude bellingham seen cuddling and being affectionate with his new girl! she has been identified as yn yln, she is the personal assistant of f1 icon lewis hamilton. they were spotted outside a restaurant in las vegas after the grand prix all boo’d up! according to sources, they were all loved up at the after party. they ‘didn’t leave each other’s space’. what do we think about this new couple ham1ltons?

view all comments

user1: who tf even is she

-> user2: a baddie. she’s seriously so funny and sweet. you guys should see her tiktok or insta pages. jude is punching above his weight.

user3: oh!

user4: HOTTIES!!!

user5: why they doing the most in public???

-> user6: they’re in love? girl lmao.

-> user7: she’s his beard or he’s hers. idk yet. i need to consult the stars.

-> user8: ^ me when i’m off my meds.

user9: am i the only one who thinks they’re cute? good for them!!

user10: um i think she’d be happier with lando.

-> user11: lando please how are you still making new accounts.

-> user10: i’m totally not the handsome and gorgeous lando. i’m actually… pando. hi.

user12: my gf and my bf are dating??? i’m gonna be sick.

-> user13: they got two hands.

user14: they’re rlly dating???

-> user15: no bitch. they’re just coworkers 🙄

-> user14: oh! thank you :D

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UPDATE: my girlfriend’s boss (l,39) hates me and it’s ruining my relationship. help?

hi all, it’s j again. thanks for the advice on my last post—it was a mix of helpful, hilarious, and… well, a bit unsettling. but it gave me the push i needed to talk to l. here’s what happened:

i decided to man up and ask him out for a pint to clear the air. i figured it was the most normal thing to do. well, turns out l’s teetotal (thanks, y, for not warning me properly). when i suggested a pint, he just looked at me for a second and went, “i don’t drink, mate,” in that calm, terrifying way he has. i panicked, said something about tea, and left feeling like an absolute idiot.

but two days later, he called y at work and told her to invite me round to his place for tea. TEA. this man lives in a house that looks like it’s straight out of a Bond film, so you can imagine how intimidating it was to rock up with a packet of biscuits like some budget offering.

long story short, we had tea, and he cleared the air. he admitted he’d been giving me a hard time because he wanted to make sure i was serious about y. he said she’s like family to him (didn’t say “work spouse,” thank god), and he needed to know i’d treat her right. honestly, it was a bit awkward, but also kind of sweet.

so yeah, we’re good now. he even said he’d save me a seat for the next big race. i don’t know if that was a peace offering or a power move, but i’ll take it.

thanks for the push, reddit. you lot are mad, but in a good way. most of the time.

comments:

ladybantheboys: told you he was testing you! this is literally every rom-com ever. next step: you accidentally bond over an inside joke, and he becomes your biggest fan.

bananabreadbae: this is so british it hurts. “sorry i was mean, let’s have tea.” mate, at least you passed the test!

football4ever: called it! blokes like him just want to make sure you’re solid. now you’re in his good books, you’re set for life. congrats, mate.

memequeen420: so… what kind of biscuits did you bring? was it something boring like digestives, or did you go all out with hobnobs? we NEED to know.

randomuser_123: this is like when my dog hated my boyfriend at first but then they bonded over cheese. sometimes it just takes time.

tofu_throwaway: glad it worked out, but honestly, i’m still a bit scared of l. even through your post, he sounds like he could crush a man with a single stare.

iamnotanon: congrats on passing the test. now don’t mess it up, or i guarantee he’ll make you disappear. rich people have connections.

ultimategoblin69: you went to his house?! are you sure it wasn’t a trap? like, did he subtly scan your fingerprints for future blackmail material?

plshelpme1998: like, this whole thing is giving weirdly protective father vibes. good luck, mate.

user2847: what does his house smell like? no, seriously. i feel like rich people’s houses have that “old money” smell, like leather and expensive wood polish. was it intimidating?

(deleted): send feet pics.

opinionatedowl: so… when’s the wedding? i’m assuming l will walk her down the aisle now that you’ve been knighted into his inner circle.

thecheeseman: this is the most British solution ever. “i made you feel terrible, but here, have some earl grey, and now we’re mates.” glad it worked out though!

memequeen420 (again): STILL no answer on the biscuits. j, you’re avoiding the REAL questions here. were they branded or store-brand? did he eat one? this is important.

weirdcookieperson: did he sniff you when you walked in? like, does he have a heightened sense of smell? rich people are weird, man.

alphamale_uk: mate, you handled this all wrong. never apologise, never offer tea, and NEVER back down to another alpha. you should’ve walked in, sat in his chair, and asserted dominance. that’s how you gain respect. next time, bring steak, not biscuits. real men bond over meat, not tea.

j (op): l’s vegan, mate. bringing a steak would’ve been like waving a red flag at a bull. also, this isn’t Planet of the Apes, it’s just tea. chill.

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j (op): wow, i forgot how weird reddit is. for the record: branded hobnobs. because i’m not a monster. no sniffing, no fingertip scanning and i’ll get someone to update you if i go missing. cheers for the laughs.

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— all works taglist: @luvsforme @yelenasloverrrrr @donttouchthegnote @chelle1306 @bloodyymaryy @aliciaablueprint @km-23mr @stinkyjax @f1kenzzz @ctrlyomomma @theblueblub @23victoria @namgification @tallrock35 @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @ariellovelynn @shhhchriss @lifeless-firefly @xylinasdiary @evie-119 @itseightbeats @landososcar @yongi-lee @velentine @m1892 @blushmimi @evans-dejong @nixisracing @lethalvenus @sainzluvrr @santanasaintmendes @idontknowlmaoo @sainzluvrr @tetetoni @ssprayberrythings @heavy-vettel @tashisgf @daniskywalkersolo @c-losur3 @lestappenslover @linoscrly (see yourself tagged when you don’t wanna be? or you want to be and don’t see yourself? send me an ask!)

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[hoonieyun]

together again

together again

pairing: sim jake x reader “y/n”

genre: angst, exes to lovers

warnings: not a lot really but please let me know if i miss one, mentions of death, car accident, profanity, reader has/had amnesia, 18+

summary: your sister gets a call from the principal to pick up her daughter after an altercation with another student. unable to because of work, she asks you to pick up your niece and when you do, you meet an old face. one you hadn’t seen in years and one you definitely have tried to forget. among the memories you’ve forgotten, you wish you had forgotten him.

word count: 8517

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your phone rings, jolting you out of your sleep. your sister’s contact appears on your phone and you bring it to your ear as you press the green accept button. “it’s 8am why are you calling me?” you say, voice hoarse. “what? y/n, its 10am are you still in bed? ugh, that doesn’t matter. jiheon got into a fight at school, can you pick her up please?” your sister asks. “i’d pick her up but i’m about to enter a conference, please, i’ll owe you one!” she says before ending the call, not giving you a chance to even answer. it wasn’t like you weren’t going to pick her up, you loved your niece and would do anything for her. 

you quickly freshened up, changing into new clothes and putting your hair back into a clip. the drive to your niece’s school wasn’t too long. it was only 10 minutes away. when you got there, some students were playing in the courtyard. you made your way to the office, “hi, i’m y/n. i’m jiheon’s aunt, her mom asked me to come pick her up. is everything alright?” you ask the lady at the front desk. “miss park? are you jiheon’s mom?” a man in a suit who you assumed was the principal approached you. “no, i’m her aunt. her mom is at an important conference right now so she asked me to look after jiheon, is everything okay?” you asked once again, worried that you hadn’t seen your niece but had already asked for her a few times. 

“auntie y/n!” jiheon shouts. you peer behind the principal and see jiheon running towards you. she crashes into you with a hug, her small figure only reaching to your waist. you kneel down to her level, “hey dear, is everything ok? are you hurt?” you ask her and she just looks down while nodding. clearly she had been affected in some way and you wanted to know what was going on. 

“what happened? all i know is that jiheon got into a fight? what is that about?” you say while softly pulling your niece behind you. “well, she pushed another student off of a swing.” the man explains. “he started it! he was calling me names!” jiheon shouts from behind you, causing you to further put her behind you to shield her away. 

“so she was defending herself. case closed, the other student should be punished- wait he? you pushed a boy off a swing?” you ask your niece and she nods. you mouth the word “nice!” and give her a high five before turning back to the principal. “we have a no violence policy here at Bright Spring Academy. jiheon will have to come in on a saturday for disciplinary training for the rest of the month.”

“what?!” you and your niece both yell in disbelief. this moment reminded you of when you would constantly get in trouble in school back when you were younger. at some point your parents made you switch schools 3 times in one year because of how much trouble you were getting into. 

“that’s ridiculous! and what punishment is the other student going to get-” you ask but are cut off by another man running into the office. “principal lim! is leehan okay?” he asks, completely ignoring your presence and shoving past you to get to the principal. a little boy runs from the same direction jiheon had previously appeared from and ran up to the man. “uncle!” he yells and the man kneels down to the boy's level to receive his hug. he softly rubs the back of the boy’s head, “you alright bud?” he asks, his strong australian accent giving you deja vu.  

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you and jake were walking in a park hand in hand when he spotted a stray dog limping on the side of the street. jake quickly looks both ways before crossing the street, dragging you along as your hand was still in his. 

he kneels down to the small dog, petting him softly; “you alright bud?” he asks the dog. the dog releases a small whimper before it cuddles up to jake’s hand.  

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

“jake?!” you say in disbelief. “yeah?” he says before looking up at whoever called his name. when jake finally lets go of his nephew and looks up at you with his big puppy eyes, it's like he’s hit with a truck. he hasn’t seen you in years, the shock of seeing you out of nowhere causing him to lose balance and stumble onto the floor. “uncle!” leehan says, his small hands trying his best to help his uncle back on his feet. jake gets back on his feet, dusting himself off, and running his hand through his hair. 

“y/n… what are you doing?” he asks, voice trembling a bit but his eyes says that he’s happy to see you. “leaving.” you say while grabbing your niece's hand and making your way to the exit. “don’t forget about saturday disciplinary classes!” principal lim says. “jiheon won’t be attending unless he’s there too.” you say, gesturing to jake’s nephew; and with that the two of you head to your car. “thanks auntie… i’m sorry.” jiheon says, causing you to whip your head around to face your niece. 

once again, knelt in front of your 8 year old niece. you softly brush away her hair that has landed in front of her face. she was looking down, embarrassment and shame was spread across her tiny face. “hey…” you say while grabbing her chin to look at you. “never. apologize. okay?” emphasizing each word. “you did the right thing.” you say, making sure that your niece knew that you meant every word. “but mom says violence isn’t the answer.” she says, now fiddling with the hem of her sweater. “please, your mom and i used to beat up boys in school if they looked at us weird.” you say and her eyes light up at your words. “really?” she says and you nod. grabbing her hand once again as you approach your car. “yeah, but don’t tell her i said that. it’s good you defend yourself from a bully, that’s what matters.” you explain as you unlock your car and open the door to the back seat. you help jiheon get into your car, sliding her backpack off and putting it onto the seat next to her. you help buckle her seatbelt when someone calls out to you. 

“y/n!” you turn your head around, the sun in your eyes but you could clearly see who called after you. you see jake running up to you so you quickly close the door, “give me a sec sweetie, ok?” you say and jiheon just nods. 

“what the hell do you want?” you ask and jake quickly cover’s his nephews ears. “language!” he whisper yells, you mutter a small sorry. “when did you get back?” jake asks, hands still covering the small boy’s ear standing in front of him. you always imagined jake would be a good father. you often talked about a life where you had a family and grew old together. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

“so how many kids do you want?” you ask him, playing with his hands as you both laid on your bed in your dorm. “hmm, 5?” jake says and it surprises you so much you begin to cough. “woah, baby you okay?” he says while laughing.

“jaeyun? five?!” you ask him and he just nods at you with a silly smile and his puppy eyes. you shake your head at him and smile back. “i don’t know if i can handle five kids.” you say half jokingly. he grabs your head and brings it to his lips, softly placing a kiss onto them. “don’t worry, i’ll take care of you and all the kiddos. i’d make sure to give all of them equal attention and to love all of you with all my heart!” he says, rubbing your tummy and giving it a kiss as if there was already a child growing inside of you. “but…” jake says with a pause. 

“i’d be happy with anything, just as long as you’re by my side.” 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

“like… four months ago. jake what do you want?” you ask, finally giving him his answer but not without asking a question of your own. jake stutters, trying to come up with an answer but to his dismay he isn’t really able to form one. not because he didn’t have an answer, but because he was too stunned and didn’t know how to answer it without crumbling. “i just-” he begins but cuts himself off. no answer leaving his lips. 

“bye jake.” you say as you begin to turn around. “why didn’t you tell me?” he asks, desperation dripping from his words like he was begging you for an explanation when you clearly didn’t owe him one. “i have no obligation to you jake. we haven’t been together for 6 years.” you say before finally turning around and getting inside of your car. 

“who is that auntie?” jiheon asks as she played with the hem of her sweater. “just some weirdo, you ready kiddo?” you ask her and she yells in excitement. you begin to back your car up but jake was slightly in the way. you didn’t like jake but you weren’t about to commit a crime and run him over with your car. you honk the horn causing jake and his nephew to jump, moving out of your way so you could leave the parking lot. once you had finished backing out, you sped off back to your sister’s house, exhausted by the interactions you had today and it wasn’t even 1PM. 

jake watched you drive off, disappointment lingering in his head at how that went. for the last 6 years he hasn’t stopped thinking about you. he even would write a script in his head how he would talk to you when he sees you again for the first time in a while. needless to say, this wasn’t how he expected it to go. he combs his hand through his hair with a big sigh, “uncle can we go now? i’m hungry.” leehan says, tugging on his uncle’s jacket. “right! yeah, sorry bud. come on.” jake says as he grabs his nephew’s backpack as they make their way to his car. only parked a few spots away from where your car was. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

you were helping your sister set the dinner table, trying to figure out the best way to bring up the jake fiasco earlier in the day when your niece randomly blurts it out, “auntie almost punched a guy at school today.” she says nonchalantly. your sister’s face contorts into a puzzled expression while you stare at your niece like she had just betrayed you. “jiheon! i did not!” you say with a scoff, slightly laughing. “jiheon, go upstairs really quick. i’ll call you down when dinner is ready.” your sister says as she stirs the soup on the stove. 

jiheon gets up from her spot at the kitchen counter in one of the stools and walks up the stairs to her room but not before you tickle her for her betrayal, resulting in her shrieking followed by a giggle as she runs up the stairs. “so what was that about?” your sister inquires. 

“nothing…” you say with a side eye, hoping your sister would take your side instead of believing her 8 year old daughter. “y/n…” she says like your mom used to say when she would warn you. “okay!” you say, throwing your hands up in defeat. “i didn’t punch a guy okay! but… i did run into jake…” you say, whispering the last part. “you what?” she asks, unclear what she heard. “iranintojakeattheschool.” you say, blending all the words together with the speed that they left your mouth. “y/n!” your sister says, an irritated expression spread across her face. “i ran into jake! gosh! must i talk about that man!” you say, slumping into a seat at the dinner table. head resting on your hand as you propped it up on the table. a pout visible on your face. “oh… jake you say..?” your sister says, slowly turning away from you to return to stirring the soup on the stove. “yes… what?” you ask, now concerned because of her reaction. 

“oh, nothing.” she says with an awkward chuckle. you stand up from the table and get closer to her. “joy, what??” you ask her, now wanting an answer out of her. sure jake was your ex boyfriend but her reaction read as something else. not the reaction you were expecting

from your older sister when you bring up an ex. “jiheon! honey, dinner’s ready!” your sister yells out, trying to change the subject. “joy!” you say, swatting your hand at her but she was too far. before you know it, jiheon is rushing back downstairs with a piece of paper in her hand. “this isn’t done.” you mouth to your sister before you grab some glasses from the kitchen counter to bring to the table. 

you’re setting the glasses down at their respective places when jiheon hands you the piece of paper. “what’s this jiji?” you ask, using the nickname you gave her. “open it!” she says as she rocks back and forth on her heels and toes. you unfolded the paper and inside there was a heart and two stick figures you assumed was you and your niece, and the words “i’m sorry” written in the heart. 

“aww, jiji i wasn’t actually mad! don’t worry, i forgive you!” you tell her, reassuring your niece that she shouldn’t feel bad and that you were only joking around. she gives you a tight hug and the three of you have dinner. 

ever since you moved back to korea, you had been living with your sister and her daughter. your sister’s husband worked overseas for your parent’s company while your sister helped manage the branch in south korea now that your parents were getting too old to be constantly working. your brother in law was a good man, but you could see that his family missed him. 

your sister was kind enough to let you live with her instead of making you find an overpriced condo somewhere in the city. ever since the accident it has been hard for you to be alone, so being with them made things a lot easier for you when you came back to korea. 

when you were 23, you were in a car accident that should’ve killed you. you broke several bones and had several cuts and bruises scattered across your skin; you were in such critical condition that the hospital at one point started preparing your family for preparations for your death, but life had other plans. instead of leaving this earth, you were in a coma for 8 months. after close monitoring and intensive care, the doctor’s taking care of you were surprised that you had opened your eyes one day. 

you were now 28, almost 29 when you moved back to korea. your mother stayed by your side throughout your whole recovery in america, never leaving your side, she was like your guardian angel. when you woke up from your coma, the doctor’s diagnosed you with amnesia, which they expected with the amount of damage and trauma your body and mind went through. it took a year and a half for most of your memories to come back, however, the events of that night, so traumatic, never returned. to which you’re grateful for. even today, you have a hard time forming coherent and structured memories that stick in your mind unless a specific instance sticks in your brain. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

you’re washing the dishes in the kitchen when joy slips the last of the dishes into the sink, “really?” you said with a stoic expression. it was just like when you were younger, sliding plates into the sink while the other was already washing dishes to avoid having to wash your own. the two of you laugh it off as your sister gives you a small hug. “thanks for picking up jiheon.” she says, giving your shoulders a squeeze before letting go. 

“i don’t know what i’m going to do with her. her behavior has been so different lately…” your sister says, leaning on the kitchen counter. “what do you mean? she seems fine to me.” you respond, eyes focused on cleaning the dishes in the sink. “what? she literally got into a fight today.” your sister reminds you. “no, she didn’t! the boy was bullying her and she defended herself, what about that is her getting into a fight?” you retort and your sister rolls her eyes at your response, like she expected that from you. 

“violence isn’t the answer y/n. you, of all people should know that that behavior isn’t good.” she says, causing you to scoff at her. “oh, don’t give me that bullshit joy. i turned out fine. you need to prioritize your daughter’s safety and well being instead of being too focused on this behavior of hers.” you say, putting air quotes around “behavior”; soap suds flying into the air at your motion. 

“she’s clearly not doing well because of a bully and instead of automatically thinking she’s the problem because she pushed some kid in self defense, maybe you need to focus on your daughter’s mental health.” you say, unloading onto your sister, disappointed in her for not seeing the bigger picture. “this has clearly been happening for too long and she had been bottling it inside until she had enough and finally stood up for herself.” you say, giving your sister a quick glance, her gaze glued to the tile floor of the kitchen. 

“you can’t punish your daughter because she got into a fight, if you can even call it that. you need to let her understand that bullying isn’t okay and if she needs to defend herself, then she should.” by the end of your speech your sister’s face had turned a shade of red. 

whenever your sister knew she was in the wrong, her face would gradually turn red. it was then that you knew that she understood what you’re saying so you didn’t need to say more. “go easy on her, she’s so young and she just wants you to feel like you’re on her side. we were just like that when we were her age.” you say softly, putting the last of the clean dishes on the drying rack. you quickly dry your hands on a rag before walking over to your sister. 

“okay?” you ask, looking into her eyes. “yes, ugh i hate when you’re right.” she says with a smile while pulling you in for another hug. “it happens more often than you think.” you say with a chuckle and she pushes you away in response. “that was a good speech, it’s like mom’s spirit transferred into you for a second.” your sister says. your mom was always the more tender and understanding one of your parents. although your dad wasn’t necessarily strict or intense, his ways of showing affection were limited, and his way of raising you and your sister was focused on making sure you put in the effort to achieve your dreams through hard work. 

“so what are you gonna do about the jake thing?” your sister asks, tiptoeing around the topic. “nothing. i haven’t seen since i was like 22 and i have no plans of seeing him again.” you say with a shrug before you made your way to your room. the basement that your sister had renovated to be livable for you. a spacious open area that had enough so that you didn’t feel like you were too crammed. it was like having a studio of your own. 

what you were unaware of was that you would be seeing jake more often than you thought. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

the next day, when you’re casually shopping for a bit of groceries to make dinner for your mom as she was visiting you two, you run into jake at the market. he’s in the ramen aisle, sifting through the various ramen flavors. he hadn’t changed one bit, he still loved ramen. 

you were about to turn around and leave when he glances at you, calling your name. you stop in your tracks like you’ve been caught. “bye jake.” you quickly say, not even bothering to look back at him and just making your way to another section of the store. far, far away from the ramen aisle. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

you next saw jake at a cafe. you had just finished your morning run, something you picked up in physical therapy when you were in recovery. it had helped a lot with your mobility and was some sort of therapy for you. once your body recovered enough, you picked up running every morning. 

you had stopped by a coffee shop to grab a latte for you and your sister, and a hot chocolate for your niece when you almost crash into jake as you’re exiting. “woah!” he says as he catches you, his hand softly landing around your waist as you grip the tray of drinks with both hands. 

“y/n?” he asks and you just release yourself from his grip, jake throwing his arms up in defeat by your actions. 

“bye jake.” you say and leave. jake awkwardly looks around, feeling like the whole coffee shop was staring at him and indeed they were. so he shyly smiles at everyone with an apologetic hand gesture to the patrons as he makes his way to the counter. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

you’re on an evening run in the park when a dog runs up to you. stopping to kneel down and pet the cute dog, you’re unsure of where she came from or who her owner was. that was until a familiar australian accent calls for her, “layla! i told you to stop running after people.” jake says, causing you to roll your eyes. you stand with your hands on your hips and lean to the side as you watch jake jog after his dog. 

“come here girl.” he says and layla runs back to him. jake was about to start a conversation with you but before he can say anything you return back to your run. “bye jake.” you say as your run passed him. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

when you see jake for the 4th time in just a week, you snap at him. you’re dropping off your niece at school for her saturday disciplinary class and of course jake is there to drop off his nephew. 

you rush back to your car when jake runs after you. “y/n, please!” he says, pleading that you would just talk to him. “what jake?! what could you possibly want?” you say, frantically throwing your arms up, irritation clearly running through your face. 

“i just wanna talk… please?” he asks softly, a bit hurt at your reaction. he didn’t think he had done anything wrong and he fully wasn’t sure why you were so angry or hostile towards him. you close your eyes to calm down a bit before you answer him, “fine.” you say calmly. a smile crawls onto jake’s face, ecstatic that you finally agreed to speak with him. you exchange numbers and jake texts you the address with a heart emoji. “cut it out.” you say bluntly and jake obliges. “ok, sorry. please drive safe.” he says, almost hinting at your accident years ago. a wound you weren’t ready to open up with jake. 

you didn’t notice, however, that when jake gave you his number to put in yours, he didn’t ask for yours. jake, although you haven’t been together for sometime, still kept your number in his phone saved under “y/n” with a pink heart and ring emoji. he hadn’t even changed your contact photo. it was a picture of you at the beach. it was his favorite photo of you and his favorite memory. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

you had arrived at the cafe, “cafe chaconne” in cursive written above the glass doors. jake was patiently waiting for you at the entrance, eyes lighting up and lips widening into a smile when he spotted you exiting your car and walking towards him. 

“m’lady.” jake says while opening the door with a curtsy. you narrow your eyes at him and he straightens up and clears his throat. “sorry.” he mumbles and watches you enter, not seeing the smile on your face. jake releases a big sigh and prepares himself for this moment he didn’t realize he was waiting for. 

the two of you quickly put in an order with the younger barista at the counter, jake fighting you on the bill and insisting to pay for your drink. a normal banter between the two of you when you were dating, a wave of deja vu hitting you as a short memory flashes in your mind. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

“hi, can we get the bill please?” jake asks the waitress and she looks at jake with a confused expression. “sir your meal has been paid for already.” she kindly informs your boyfriend and now it’s jake’s turn to return the confused expression. when jake is too confused to speak, the waitress walks away after saying her goodbyes. 

jake is still confused but his face changes when his eyes land on you. a shit-eating grin on your face as you smile at jake’s reaction. he soon realizes you’re the one who covered the bill and had beaten him to it. 

“why do you always fight me on the bill?” jake says with a pout and you just shrug and stick you’re tongue out at him. 

“you’re just my little princess.” you say and blow a kiss his way. jake at first rolls his eyes but pretends to catch the kiss and places it inside of his jacket. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

“y/n? you alright?” jake says, knocking you out of your thoughts as you realize you’ve just been standing absentmindedly in the middle of the cafe. the two of you walk to a small table just big enough for the two of you and the silence is a bit awkward. 

“you brought me here, so what do you want?” you say, your tone is a bit more sharp than you intended but you could tell jake wasn’t phased as it seemed like he was glad you broke the silence. “right!” jake says, almost jumping out of his seat at the sound of your voice. he clears his throat before speaking. 

“sooo… how are you?” jake asks, testing the waters, unsure of how to start the conversation; trying to tiptoe around the touchy subject and tension between the two of you. “is that really what you wanted to ask me?” you respond and before jake can reply, the barista brings the two of you your drinks. you both thank her and as you take a sip of your hot chocolate, “i miss you y/n.” jake says, causing you to choke on your drink and jake’s eyes widen at your reaction. 

“sorry, the drink is really hot.” you say trying to play it off so it didn’t hurt his feelings and jake gives you a small tight-lipped smile. he knows that his statement was abrupt and by your reaction it definitely caught you off guard but he took no offense to it all. deciding that just getting it out of the way would be the best even if you didn’t reciprocate his feelings. those four words were something that had been eating at him since the last time he saw you and he had no way of telling you until now. 

“um, jake. i don’t know what to say-” you respond but jake softly puts his hand over yours. letting you know that you didn’t have to feel the same way but that he just wanted to you know that. “it’s alright. just know that i’ve never stopped thinking about you.” jake says and you close your eyes. trying to hold yourself together, surprised that this was making you more emotional than you thought it would, unsure of what to say or feel. 

“please, tell me about you. how’ve you been? i wanna know everything.” jake says and you slowly fill him in on your life. only the parts that you were willing to share, omitting all of the traumatic things that happened during your healing journey and focusing on the brighter side but jake brings up the accident and at first you were reluctant but figured that jake deserved to know the full truth. 

“after the accident i was in a coma and after 8 months i somehow woke up. then my parents moved me to the states for better medical treatment. something about knowing a doctor there that specializes in physical therapy i don’t even know but i wasn’t necessarily in the position to question it.” you explain, jake nodding as he actively listened to you, a part of him wanting to hug and console you as you spoke after seeing tears well in your eyes. you had hoped that jake didn’t notice so you wiped them away and kept talking. you explained how after the accident, you were in a coma for about 8 months and miraculously lived through it. 

“i was in the states until just a few months ago. i actually fully healed last year but didn’t decide to come back until recently.” you finish and jake is just nodding. at this point he was half listening and the other half was scanning your face. you were still as beautiful as jake remembered but he could tell some parts of you were different. you had a different aura to you and jake couldn’t blame you. what you went through was tragic and traumatic and he couldn’t imagine just how much pain and ache it caused you. he doesn’t realize a small tear is rolling down his cheek until you point it out.

“jake are you crying?” you ask and he snaps out of his thoughts. this time it was his turn to wipe the tears from his eyes and act like they weren’t there. “i’m really sorry you went through all of that, y/n.” jake says and you could tell he was being genuine. you mutter a small thank you before taking a sip of your drink. confusion brewing inside of you as you begin to feel things you haven’t felt in a long time. feelings that you only ever felt with jake. 

“i had amnesia for a while. if i’m being honest i can’t even remember what it was like because the more i remembered old memories and made new ones, it filtered out me not remembering anything at all.” you explained, half unsure if what you said even makes sense but due to jake’s nod you assumed that it did. “i don’t even remember the night i got into the accident-” you begin to say. 

“i’m really sorry!” jake says abruptly, interrupting you just as you were about to finish what you were saying. it was like he needed to get his apology out of his system despite having just apologized a few moments ago. like this apology was for something specific rather than a general condolscenes. “you don’t have to be sorry jake. it’s not your fault.” you say, comforting him because clearly he was feeling a strong bowt of emotion from hearing what happened to you. 

“but you should feel sorry for never reaching out to me…” you say quietly but to jake it was loud and clear. “why did you come see me… at all?” you ask, this was a question that had been weighing on you for sometime. when your memories of jake came back, that was one of the first things you thought of, but ever since that day you had never received an answer. maybe now you would. 

jake opens his mouth to say something but stops himself. like he was thinking of the correct thing to say but nothing leaves his lips besides another apology. jake drops his head, embarrassed at his weakness and for not telling you what you needed to hear. you were so tired of hearing sorries and apologies. none of that was going to bring you back together and no apology was going to fix the irrepairable damage that night did to you. but you couldn’t blame jake for that, you’d never blame jake for what happened that night. 

you sigh as you stand up, jake’s eyes following you as you sling your bag over your shoulder and fix your coat. “thanks for the drink jake. i’ll see you around, i guess.” you say and before jake can even respond or react, you’re walking away from and out the door. “god, i’m so stupid.” jake says as he once again drops his head in embarrassment. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

you weren’t sure where you were going but you soon found yourself walking along han river. the weather was fairly chilly but your coat provided enough warmth that allowed you to enjoy the air without feeling cold. you find an open spot on the grassy fields that ran alongside han river, the field was filled with families and couples on picnic blankets enjoying food and drinks and the company of their loved ones. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

“i could totally fall asleep here.” you say as you lay down on the blanket that jake had laid out on the grass. the two of you were on a date at han river for your birthday, the weather was perfect for a picnic so he had planned the whole thing, all you needed to do was show up. 

“yeah? you wanna take a nap? we totally can!” jake says, encouraging your idea but you laugh it off. wanting to enjoy the day that jake had planned for you as you watched him unpack a basket, laying out all of your favorite food and snacks onto the blanket.

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

you’re sat on the plush grass when your eyes start to feel heavy, slowly sliding down onto your back and carefully placing your head onto your arm as a makeshift pillow; drifting off to sleep in the middle of the field with the soothing sounds of han river like a lullaby. the cold night wind whips past your sleeping figure and the cold chill wakes you from your slumber. blinking your eyes a few times, your gaze lands on the stars that are shining in the dark sky and you soon realize that you had been sleeping in the middle of the park.

no other soul was present and although you were a bit fearful that you were alone in the dark at night, your fears were easily brushed away knowing that there wasn’t anyone that could harm you. you pull yourself off the ground and dust your clothes off before heading to your car and back home. 

the drive back to your sister’s house wasn’t long but the sleepiness was holding onto you as you drove, fighting off the heaviness in your eyes by blinking rapidly and turning up the music from the radio. thankfully, you weren’t asleep for too long and still had enough time in the night to freshen up before bed, thankful that you didn’t ruin your sleep. 

pulling into the driveway, you see an unfamiliar car parked in front of the garage, however, you know you’ve seen it somewhere but due to your sleepy nature it was a bit hard to wrap your brain around where you had seen the car before. you trudged towards the front door after parking your car and just as you’re pushing the door open, you hear your sister arguing with someone in the dining room. you instantly run over to see what all the commotion was and find your sister facing a man whose back is facing you. 

he slowly turns around after hearing your footsteps and it turns out to be jake. that’s where you knew where the car is from, you saw his car at your niece’s school, you saw his car at the store, and at the cafe. 

“what the fuck is going on?” you ask, irritation in your voice as you look at your sister and jake. why the hell was jake in your sister’s house and why were they arguing?

“tell her, joy…” jake says slowly, averting his gaze to your sister and onto the floor when your sister doesn’t immediately oblige. “yn, look…” she says, approaching and you can’t help but feel nervous as she steps closer to you. joy holds your hands in hers. “y/n… listen to me, ok?” she begins and you can’t help but grow more anxious the longer she stretches out what she’s going to say to you.

“when you got into the accident-” she continues but jake cuts her off. “it was my fault.” he abruptly says and your eyes slightly twitch at his confession. “what’s your fault..?” you ask, unsure if you want to know the answer to your question. “the accident… it happened because of me, ok?” jake confesses and you’re struggling to understand what he could even mean by that.

how could jake be responsible for your accident and you not know a single thing about it…

you force them to continue and to not leave out any details. 

“the night of the accident, before you got into your car in the rain and crashed… we got into a fight. it all happened so fast but you stormed out of our apartment and drove off before i could even stop you…” jake recalls and your brain starts to swell as you’re gaining all this new information about the traumatic time in your life. 

“jake ran to the hospital as fast he could when i called him-” joy begins to say but you interrupt her. “wait… you were the cause of my accident and you didn’t try to reach out… not once?” you ask jake, confusion turning into anger as more questions brew inside of your head. “you knew… this whole time? since it happened and up until now? you even tried to find your way back into my life and you knew this whole time and witheld this information from me?” you scoff, absolute shock in your voice at the audacity of jake and quite frankly also your sister. 

“y/n, please. mom and dad didn’t let him see you. they refused… they didn’t want him anywhere near you after he explained to them what happened.” your sister further explains but it doesn’t fix anything. 

jake let you leave that night and didn’t even fight to get you back. you left that night but he was the one who abandoned you. 

“you’re both despicable!” you shout, cheeks burning red and veins purtruding on your forehead and neck. “i don’t care what mom and dad think, you, BOTH of you, should’ve never hid this from me…” you say with more anger and as you take a step closer, a wave of nausea washes over you; causing you to stumble. 

your body suddenly feels heavy at your feet but your head is light. in a motion to grab your temble, your legs suddenly give out from underneath you and you start to fall; luckily, jake was fast enough to catch you. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

“baby, they hate me! you know this, you can see the way they treat me!” jake says. the two of you were having your monthly argument about your parents and how they’ve never liked him. jake was a good guy, he was ambitious, smart, caring, and loving. everything you wanted and admired about him but your parents only saw the lack of digits in his bank account. 

jake wasn’t well off but he took care of himself and his family back home. your parents never approved of your relationship and when he tried to get their blessing for your hand in marriage, they threw a fit. going as far as to ruin the surprise for you and tell you that you’re forbidden to wed jake and that they’d never approve of it. 

which only caused you to question their thinking as you knew nothing about wedding, leading to jake’s proposal being spoiled but him not wanting to explain to you the full scope of the issue. 

jake wanted your parents blessing for your hand in marriage but they wouldn’t allow it; jake however, had too much pride in himself to face you and ask you to make a decision. either spend the rest of your life with him or choose the path your parents want for you if it meant he would no longer be in the picture. or was he afraid..? 

afraid that if he was to ask you this question, there wouldn’t be any doubt or second thought in your mind to leave him because your parents said so. 

that’s where you were now, you were trying to get jake to talk to you about why he all of a sudden was so upset over an ordeal with your parents you barely even knew about, but he was too stubborn and would tiptoe around what he really wants to say… until it came out of his mouth in the worst way possible. 

“fine! whatever, if you want to be your parent’s little robot for the rest of your life rather than to be happy, then go right ahead. be my guest!” jake says, throwing his hands in the air in frustration and betrayal even if you hadn’t even made any decision yet and had no clue where any of this was coming from. you were, however, hurt. hurt that jake would say something like this to you knowing your history with your parents.

“is that how you really feel?” you ask, your voice low as you bite your bottom lip in an attempt to fight off tears. jake doesn’t respond, not because he has nothing to say, but because he’s afraid that he’ll say the wrong thing. 

but you take his silence as a yes. resulting in you storming out of your apartment with jake and to your car, waiting to cry until you get inside the car and drive off. you weren’t sure where you were going but the tears obstructing your vision wasn’t helping the fact that it was suddenly raining an intense amount compared to just moments ago.��

you didn’t even have enough time to react before a bright light quickly approaches your vision paired with rapid honking and your memory goes black. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

as you make impact with the car in your dream, you’re jolted awake with a gasp. you’re laying on the couch while joy and jake are intently watching you from across the couch. they both jump to your side when you wake up, asking if you’re okay, and although you’re still quite upst at them, you choose to accept their acts of care and comfort because you know they truly do care for you. 

“i’m fine… i just had a really intense dream.” you say as you continue to explain what happened. as you unravel the emotional events of your dream, jake explains to you that it wasn’t a dream and that was what happened the night you got into an accident. swallowing the dryness in your throat, you ask jake if he can give you and your sister a moment. 

he slowly glances between the two of you before heading off somewhere, “you can wait in my room, jake.” you say and you watch him head down the stairs to where your bedroom is in the basement. 

“what… is happening..?” you ask and she looks at you like you’re a wounded bird. your sister sighs before she unloads everything onto you, explaining the events of your accident up until your recovery, filling in the missing pieces of your mind. 

she explains that your parents never liked jake and with him being the cause of the accident, your parents double downed and refused to let him see you. using that as a reason to fuel their hatred for jake, the accident acting as a mask to hide their real reason for their distaste of jake; because he didn’t come from a rich family like you.

the news weighed heavy on your heart, not knowing the sorrow that jake was going through while you were also going through something traumatic. you wished jake was there by your side because it would’ve made everything so much easier. having jake by your side always made things easier for you…

you quickly thanked your sister and gave her a hug before going to find jake in your room. walking down the short stairs felt like eternity as you think about everything that happened. you held so much hatred for jake because he wasn’t there for you but it wasn’t even his fault. you find jake standing by your bed, holding a photo in his hands, “hi, jake.” you say, slightly startling him. 

“y/n!! sorry, i didn’t mean to snoop.” he says before setting down the photo where it originally was. it was a photo of you on your birthday, a photo that jake took.”its okay… um.” you begin to say, unsure of what you even want to say to him. “wait… let me go first.” jake says and he takes your silence as a yes before continuing. 

“i know that you probably hate me for keeping this from you, but please don’t hate your sister. she was only doing what your parents asked. it was my fault you ran out and drove in the rain that night. i’m sorry for causing you so much hurt and pain and im so sorry for not taking responsibility for it. i wish i could go back to that night and stop you from leaving. i really fucking wish i tried harder…” jake says, biting back tears. 

walking over to jake and gently taking his hands in yours while placing another on his cheek; you wipe away a single tear that had broke loose from his lashes. “it’s not your fault jake. please don’t blame yourself…” you say but he disagrees. explaining that none of this would’ve happened if he just chose not to fight or if he stopped you from leaving. “jake, there was no way any of us could’ve known that i would get into an accident that night…” you continue. “the only thing i care about is that i’m alive… and got to see you again.” jake’s eyes met yours when he heard your confession. a sliver of hope brewing inside of him as he believes this could lead to what he’s been wanting to go back to for years. 

“but jake… why did you let my parents stop you? couldn’t you have visited when they were there? or tried to see me?” you ask and jakes eyes melt at your question. “y/n, i did. i wrote you a letter everyday and whenever i tried to visit you, security that your parents hired stopped me…” he explains and your heart breaks even more at the idea that your parents hated him so much they wouldn’t even let you see him, going as far as to hire a security guard to stop jake. 

you endlessly apologize to jake, tears now running down your eyes as you wrap your arms around him, crying into his chest as he softly rubs your back. “don’t apologize, my love.” he says and your heart instantly flutters at the petname. “can we start over?” you ask, looking up at him and a smile spreads across his face. it’s kind of like you already had a do over a life anyways after waking up from your coma so what’s the difference with starting over with jake. “of course, my love.” he says and you hug one another tightly; not wanting to let go. 

jake eventually goes home even though you begged him to say. the only reason you let him leave was because he said he promised to watch a movie with his nephew but he promised to come back tomorrow to take you on your “second first date”. you smiled at his words as you walk him to his car. “thank you for giving me another chance.” jake says. you lean up to give him a kiss on the cheek, “thank you for not giving up on me.” you say before turning on your heel and walking back inside, not seeing jake’s cheeks turn a bright red from your small kiss. 

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

the next morning, you woke up with a smile on your face as you prepared for your date with jake. after getting ready and putting on a dress in jake’s favorite color, you head upstairs to find your sister in the living room with a box. she’s rummaging inside of it and when she notices your presence, her eyes light up. 

“y/n!” she says, waving you over to come closer. “these are all the letters that jake wrote you when you were in the coma.” she says and your mouth falls slightly open, “i would steal them before mom or dad found it and kept them. i forgot about them until last night.” she says andyou just give her a tight hug. in this box were hundreds of letters and jakes days without you. as you began to read them, you found yourself laughing and crying. some letters were emotional with jake writing about the pain of being away from you and not being able to apologize or even get to apologize.

other letters were short and lighthearted where jake would just write about his day and what he ate. often it would just be ramen, his favorite. 

you were crying as you read each letter and before you knew it, jake was texting you to say that he was outside; ready to pick you up for your date. 

as you walked outside, trying to hide that you were previously crying, jake gives you a small kiss on the cheek, “hey… have you been crying?” he asks and you reassure him that you’re okay. “okay, love. ready for our second first date?” he asks and you nod eagerly, a smile on your face that he hasn’t seen in years and a smile that you haven’t genuinely shown in just as long, maybe even longer.  you didn’t know that you could ever feel so happy or feel loved again like before the accident, but getting back together with jake helped you put together your memories again, it was like everything came together like a scrapbook. torn and ripped pages, dried out flowers, and memories that apart don’t mean a lot but when put together, everything makes sense… and with jake by your side; you were finally together again.

⋆⋅☼⋅⋆

copyright 2024 - present © hoonieyun all rights reserved

all writing here is fiction & not in any association with characters mentioned.

[radish-club]

So now that I have finished, I am going to break down my prior knowledge point by point and see where I was right or wrong about my prior knowledge of Worm because being thorough is fun.

Side note: you may be thinking since I've been tagging my liveread posts as "wren wreads worm" that my name is Wren. Nope. I just liked the triple W plus the misspelling. Wren is the name of the robot girl in my profile pic. It was also the pseudonym I used back when I was active(ish) on the Parahumans discord (for the Pact and Pale chats).

Wren Wreads Worm: Where I Was Wright and Wrong about Worm

Big picture: there's alien entities called incubators shards who implant themselves in people and give them powers.

So so the alien entities aren't called Shards like I thought, they are called Entities and the Shards are just their fragments.

I was under the impression that there was, like, a bunch of these aliens that were doing their experiments on earth and each one was implanting themselves into humans. But nope, only really 3 of them important to this story, only 2 came to earth, and only 1 survived initial contact with the planet.

I am not sure how accurate the comparison to the Incubators from PMMM ended up being, but similar enough I guess.

Powers are triggered by traumatic events and are usually themed to said events. There is also an organization called Cauldron who tries to give powers in a controlled manner. Powered beings are called parahumans.

All correct here.

The main character is Taylor. She has the power to control bugs. She was triggered by being bullied in high school. She was shoved into a locker full of used tampons and left there. I don't recall if that was the specific trigger event or just one instance of bullying.

It was the specific trigger.

She wants to be a hero and thinks of herself as a good, well intentioned person but is so so stupid. She goes out to fight crime, and meets up with teenage villains (called the Undersiders??). Against advice of established hero(es) she goes "undercover" with teen villains. In doing so she gets deeper and deeper in. Does like bank robberies or some shit that go badly. People die. And so on.

All true. Though I didn't realize eventually she just fully embraces the villain thing and get outed as "Undercover" during the course of that. I figured kept up her plan to rat them out up until she defected and then started snitching.

At some point she officially joins heroes and there is a time skip but I don't know if these two things happen together.

Kind of?? Not really but close enough. The time skip wasn't all in one piece like I thought either. Just a few months at a time per chapter until it gets the last year, year and a half out the way in one go.

Halfwayish through the book there is a big fight with a creature called Leviathan in which several characters dies (and apparently the author rolled dice to see who would die, so it was possible even Taylor could have died in that fight).

So in my head, the Leviathan fight played a similar roll as what the Behemoth fight ends up playing. A big transitional fight between Taylor as Skitter and Taylor as Weaver.

The way I was figuring it, I think, was that all the Skitter crime boss stuff happened and gradually escalated in an intact Brockton Bay, but then the Leviathan wrecks shit and the experience lead Taylor to defected or something, I am not sure.

But no, it was towards the beginning, if anything. It is the arc that is the transition from Act 1 to Act 2 if you were to break Worm into 3 acts.

At some point in the story Taylor kills several people. These include an established hero (Alexandria?) by suffocating her with bugs and also a baby but for the baby she uses a gun.

All true. I was not aware of her first proper kill in Coil, I'll note.

It was Alexandria that she kills which, as I guess, was a big important event that happened that gets referenced throughout the rest of the book.

The baby killing, however, was NOT as big of a deal as I thought it was going to be. By a good margin too. Like I was imagining there was going to be this build-up over the course of several Arcs about some baby who was going to set off a chain reaction or be dangerous in itself in an immediate sense.

There was going to be debates amongst characters about what do do about it until Taylor finally gets impatient, tracks down said baby, and assassinates it. And then it would be this big awful thing she had done that would be held against her and make her reviled by many.

But no. There is build up in the sense that it is implied that the baby, Aster, COULD be dangerous. And it is implied that she might end up in one of Gray Boy's time wells.

But the actually shooting just kind of happens, with implied motivations, as opposed to explicit ones. And the chapters that follow are for Golem, Aster's brother, who is broken up about it at first. But after that, I am not sure if she is ever mentioned again.

I guess because goes straight into the Jack fight and then Scion attacking immediately after. And not that many people saw it happen. And Taylor is at the point where she is kind of past feeling emotion about such things.

But going on memes and jokes about Taylor's baby killing, I just thought it was going to be a much bigger deal than it was.

There is a parahuman with gold skin who was one of the OG parahumans back in the 80s.

I was both right and wrong here. DWMP is named Scion and he was a cape from the 80s, but he was not a parahuman.

I discussed this in another post, so I won't go as in depth here. Briefly back when I didn't realize there was just one single entity (for all intense and purposes) and shards of said entity but I thought the entities and shards were one in the same and were many in number, I thought Scion was just a regular human who got an Important Shard and also most of his memories wiped.

I don't remember his name but I do remember he is very Dead Wife Man Pain, so let's call him DWMP.

The DWMP aspects came from half remember stories about Worm my wife told me. She used that expression to describe Scion and I got memories jumbled and thought there was some car wreck backstory or something.

DWMP has a fateful conversation with a villain named Jack Slash. Slash convinces him to destroy the world. Maybe also other realities too??

He does have that conversation with Jack Slash and he does begin destroying the world because of it. I didn't know the Jack Slash connection would be broadcasted within the story itself, long before via Dinah's precognition. I thought that was neat and felt special and in on the secret (this is why I don't mind spoilers for stuff).

And yeah, he does attempt to destroy multiple earths in multiple realities, but that isn't really part of the conversation.

(or maybe the same conversation is happening on multiple realities with multiple Slashes and DWMPs??)

The same conversation wasn't happening in multiple realities. And there is only 1 Scion for all the different realities. So no idea where that part came from.

There's apocalyptic event and Taylor gets someone (Amy/Panacea, I think) to enhance/alter her power so she can jump between realities. She then begins to gather parahumans from differently realities into a team to come together and take out DWMP with the power of teamwork and a giant laser.

Correct about apocalypse and that it was Amy.

But see, I thought the power enhancement was the reality hoping itself. I didn't realize that she got the power to literally control people.

So here I was thinking the climax was going to be her jumping through realities talking to and convincing alternate earth capes to join her cause and then they were all gonna rally together and fight Scion.

What ACTUALLY happened was so so so much better. She becomes a monster and begins controlling people, namely other parahumans. She controls a portal making parahuman to help extend her range and forcible recruit literally 1000s of people to fight and die against Scion.

This represents culmination of her continually increasing unethical actions for the "great good" and the final betrayal of her previously held morals.

Basically the "power of friendship" is funny in retrospect since I meant it somewhat sincerely.

Spot on about the giant laser. There was a giant laser. It is was killed Scion in the end.

They are not able to save the world they are currently on but a portion of Earth's population are evacuated from their current reality to an Earth with no humans where Ward takes place. One of these two earths is called Earth Bet.

Earth Bet is the main earth for our purposes. It wasn't as thoroughly destroyed as I assumed. Like folks are still rebuilding and live there. I am not sure how much of the population is spread amongst the various worlds.

From what I understand the afformentioned humanless world (Gimel) is where Ward takes place mostly or completely but I can only imagine there is some crossing over.

No idea what happens in-between. If folks continue to live on Bet, and so on.

Taylor's fate is left ambiguous. She maybe dies, she maybe fucks off to another reality. Maybe she become meguca idk.

And this part annoys me. It's is not ambiguous in the way I thought.

Like at first its pretty unambiguous. Contessa shoots and kills Taylor, ending her narration. It's great, I like that.

But then you have that epilogue about her fucking off to the other reality. It's somewhat implied to be fake given Tattletale's dialogue and the fact that her (presumably) dead dad is there. But the phrase "Gold Morning" is used. And the whole thing doesn't feel "dreamlike."

I get that the author SAYS it's supposed to be just a dream that happens while she's dying (I think that's true, correct me if I am wrong). And while I like to think that is the case myself, what he wrote isn't very good at getting that across.

And it's not even that good of a chapter (Tattletale parts are fine) to justify it being there, even as a dream. I feel if the last we see of Taylor is her getting shot, that would have been great. The final epilogue stuff felt forced and I didn't like it.

Other Notes:

-Taylor goes by 3 names: Skitter, Weaver, and Khepri

Partially true. She briefly goes by the temporary name of Bug prior to Gallant naming her Skitter after the bank robbery. Also I did not realize how little the Khepri name gets used in book.

-There a suite of powers called the Alexandrian Package bc they are the ones the parahuman Alexandria has. I think they are flight, semi-invulnerability, and strength (or maybe one of those is energy blasts)

True but this term only gets mentioned once maybe twice in the Worm. Maybe it comes up more in Ward or Weaverdice or something.

-there is a character named Bitch whose power is turning dogs into monster dogs. Media calls her Hellhound to be less controversial and she hates that

True

-There are sisters named Victoria (Glory Girl) and Amy (Panacea) the former of who is the protagonist of Ward. Amy turns Victoria into a Cronenberg at some point. Their relationship and respective characterizations across both books is a point of great controversy among fans. To put it lightly.

True. Though I did think Victoria would be put back together again within the text of Worm.

There was a scene and her being presented to Amy (I am guessing) to be fixed while Taylor is being lead through her banishment portal, which was kind of out of place to be honest. Like, I know Taylor saw Cronenberg Victoria via the clairvoyant when searching for heroes but did she collect her? If so, why? And if not did someone choose that moment, immediately after the fighting finished to take care of this. It was an awkward moment.

-There is a character named Lab Rat who died(?) but he, in the form of one of his clones, comes back in Ward as a guy named Chris.

As far as Worm goes, the part about Lab Rat dying is true. And if I remember correctly, the thing he threw over the side of the oil rig was his clone. And I haven't read Ward but I am pretty sure said clone became the character Chris.

-Browbeat's fate was ambiguous, so him secretly being this or that character in Ward became a meme. Because the author hates fun memes, he went back and changed Worm so BB unambiguously died.

Not much more to say here. The death was changed to be unambiguous.

Numbers Man is hung

Described as wearing just a shirt and glasses. Surely, what the author meant was that he was wearing no pants because of his monster dong.

I know Brian and Alec die but not exactly how or when.

Both true, though the story really take it's time before confirming Brian's death. Not a criticism, just wasn't expected.

I think Danny dies too but I'm not sure.

It's never confirmed but heavily implied.

I'm pretty sure Lisa and Rachel make it to Ward but I'm not sure about Aisha. I don't think she dies though.

They all make it.

I know there is going to be a jailbreak at the Birdcage at some point but I don't know the particulars.

Kind of true?? But not in the way I thought. I thought the inmates mount a jailbreak and that is how Marquis, Lung, Amy, etc get out. But no, pretty much all the named inmates are let out to help fight Scion. Taylor breaks the remaining inmates out during her run as Khepri, if you want to call that a jailbreak.

Taylor loses an arm at some point

Twice actually. Once at the oil rig (along with her lower half) but gets it regrown. Then again when it is crushed by Sveta and then removed by Lung (at her request). That gets healed over but never replaced.

It may be a few weeks before I start, but I'm probably gonna finally read Worm here soon. May even do a liveread if I feel like it.

I already know several of the major plot points BUT I I'm probably wrong in many places (as I was with Pact).

So before I start, I wanted to write a synopsis of what I think I know about Worm. This way I can refer back to this post and see how much I got wrong, what major things I was missing, etc.

What Worm is About (by someone who hasn't read Worm)

Big picture: there's alien entities called incubators shards who implant themselves in people and give them powers. Powers are triggered by traumatic events and are usually themed to said events. There is also an organization called Cauldron who tries to give powers in a controlled manner. Powered beings are called parahumans.

The main character is Taylor. She has the power to control bugs. She was triggerd by being bullied in high school. She was shoved into a locker full of used tampons and left there. I don't recall if that was the specific trigger event or just one instance of bullying.

She wants to be a hero and thinks of herself as a good, well intentioned person but is so so stupid. She goes out to fight crime, and meets up with teenage villains (called the Undersiders??). Against advice of established hero(es) she goes "undercover" with teen villains.

In doing so she gets deeper and deeper in. Does like bank robberies or some shit that go badly. People die. And so on.

At some point she officially joins heroes and there is a time skip but I don't know if these two things happen together.

Halfwayish through the book there is a big fight with a creature called Levithan in which several characters dies (and apparently the author rolled dice to see who would die, so it was possible even Taylor could have died in that fight).

At some point in the story Taylor kills several people. These include an established hero (Alexandria?) by suffocating her with bugs and also a baby but for the baby she uses a gun.

There is a parahuman with gold skin who was one of the OG parahumans back in the 80s. I don't remember his name but I do remember he is very Dead Wife Man Pain, so let's call him DWMP. DWMP has a fateful conversation with a villain named Jack Slash. Slash convinces him to destroy the world. Maybe alos other realities too?? (or maybe the same conversation is happening on multiple realities with multiple Slashes and DWMPs??)

There's apocalyptic event and Taylor gets someone (Amy/Panacea, I think) to enhance/alter her power so she can jump between realities. She then begins to gather parahumans from differently realities into a team to come together and take out DWMP with the power of teamwork and a giant laser.

They are not able to save the world they are currently on but a portion of Earth's population are evacuated from their current reality to an Earth with no humans where Ward takes place. One of these two earths is called Earth Bet.

Taylor's fate is left ambiguous. She maybe dies, she maybe fucks off to another reality. Maybe she become meguca idk.

Other Notes:

Taylor goes by 3 names: Skitter, Weaver, and Khepri

There a suite of powers called the Alexandrian Package bc they are the ones the parahuman Alexandria has. I think they are flight, semi-invulnerability, and strength (or maybe one of those is energy blasts)

there is a character named Bitch whose power is turning dogs into monster dogs. Media calls her Hellhound to be less controversial and she hates that.

There are sisters named Victoria (Glory Girl) and Amy (Panacea) the former of who is the protagonist of Ward. Amy turns Victoria into a Cronenberg at some point. Their relationship and respective characterizations across both books is a point of great controversy among fans. To put it lightly.

There is a character named Lab Rat who died(?) but he, in the form of one of his clones, comes back in Ward as a guy named Chris.

Browbeat's fate was ambiguous, so him secretly being this or that character in Ward became a meme. Because the author hates fun memes, he went back and changed Worm so BB unambiguously died.

Numbers Man is hung

[esmereldapearl]

Random head-cannons for PJO (again):

- Nico loves music videos— like Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi MTV performance he would love. (Maybe too because if Lady Gaga played during his stay at the casino, it might remind him of good memories with his older sister.)

- Hazel has met Bianca. I like to think that Bianca sat with her before leaving because Nico was coming to save Hazel. Like Bianca knew that was her sister the same way Nico knew— but Bianca sort of knew it would happen but wanted to meet Hazel— have a sibling relationship with Hazel. (This is leading into AU stuff) I feel like Hazel wouldn’t know until she found a random photo of her when going through some of Nico’s stuff he had as a kid.

- I feel like Will is the type of character for when something insane happens this is his reaction:

Percy: Hey man, so uh, during Harleys maze, I may or may not have broken like- two bones? One is my arm, the other is Annabeth’s ankle.

Will: *one eye twitches as he sort of half glare, half not yet still shocked* Mkay Percy.

(Like just imagine Will on his last straw, that’s how I imagine this)

- Kayla and Michael were really close. Lee and Will were also very close.

- Michael hid a safe in the infirmary that had files and stuff that he wanted hidden— also like random possessions and letters/ stuff from Lee except nobody could find it and then when they did find it nobody knew the code. Kayla did some digging and found the code. (They refused to let anybody try to break the safe or have Hermes cabin try to pick the lock)

- I have quite a few headcannons for Kayla even though she hasn’t been seen much throughout the books. I feel like one of the bigger ones I have is that she has two older siblings who are twins- very random, but she doesn’t really have a cannon backstory (yet?).

- Once the Apollo cabin realizes that Nico has not seen like— a lot of pop culture stuff and Disney movies, they force him to watch a lot of them.

- Everyone, including Nico, forgets that Nico was born in like the 1930/1940s until they bring up some big historical fact and he’s like:

Will: Ya’ll up for watching this rocket take off? You can see it from our cabin, it’s gonna go to the moon.

Nico: What do you mean to the moon?

Will: ??? Wait do you not know about the moon landing?

Nico: PEOPLE HAVE GONE TO SPACE???

(This is the only historical event I could think of for some reason)

- Nico would 100% love video games and love like a 3DS

- Hazel cusses— like a lot— mostly when she’s annoyed/angry though.

- Frank is good with younger campers. He likes to reassure them that it’ll be okay and try’s to make them laugh

- Nico is less emo/dark and more just- random? I don’t think he has a set style, nor do I think he’s gloomy— I think of him more like a combo of Sam and Sebastian from Stardew Valley.

- Nico likes to hangout in the infirmary and goof off with Kayla and Austin. Will’s glad they get along

- Lee or Michael had set a rule where you can’t hang from the beams in the ceiling— Kayla disregards the rule quite a bit.

- Will 100% has a southern accent— not like a full blown accent but it mixes with his daily speech. Like specific words and phrases bring the accent back.

- Hazel and Nico like to draw— both have completely different styles though, and Nico draws more often while Hazel experiments with art.

- Hazel (and Nico) likes to visit Nico and talk to her brother often- so they hangout like once a month and talk very often. I feel like after Leo would create some device/adapter to make it so monsters wouldn’t attack every time you sent a text, they’d text more often than Iris message. (Ik not everyone has the best relationships w/their siblings but my sister and I are like this so I promise I’m speaking from experience lol) like every piece of gossip/major event, every “what would you do in this situation”, etc

Hazel: OMG NICO

Nico: WHAT???

Hazel: PERCY AND ANNABETH ARE ENGAGED— YOU’LL NEVER BELIEVE HOW.

Nico: OH GODS.

[szariahwroteit]

All That Glitters • Chapter 44

18+ Minors DNI

If there was a positive to come from Jude's shoulder injury, it was that he was able to use his time away from football to support his younger brother's football career, something he hadn't been able to do in a while despite the deep love and admiration he had for his younger sibling.

"Baby, it's freezing. Stop." Naya giggled as Jude's hands went beneath her top, raising it slightly and exposing her skin to the cold evening air.

"It's not that cold," he laughed, turning her in his embrace so he could walk with her body pressed against his as he led her into the stadium where his younger brother Jobe's football match was being held.

The bright lights of the stadium illuminated the field, casting a warm glow over the excited crowd. Naya could hear the distant cheers and the rhythmic thud of the football being kicked. She shivered slightly, not just from the chill in the air but from the thrill of being so close to Jude.

"Are you sure you want to be here?" Jude asked, his breath warm against her ear. "I can get us hot chocolate if you'd rather stay in the car."

Naya shook her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And miss watching my favourite Bellingham play?" she teased, playfully nudging him with her shoulder.

Jude chuckled, his grip tightening around her waist as they navigated through the crowd, following behind the security guard who had been tasked with getting him safely to his seat.

"If that's how you feel, this Bellingham is gonna stop making you cum," he murmured hotly into her ear, subtly pressing himself against her.

Naya felt her cheeks flush at his words, a mix of embarrassment and excitement coursing through her. She shot him a playful glare, but the smirk on her face betrayed her amusement. "You're the worst," she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady as they approached their seats.

"You love it," Jude replied, winking at her. He leaned down, brushing his lips against her temple, sending a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

Since she'd known Jude it had always intrigued her to see his interactions with his fans, as one of the most talented players in football and easily one of the most handsome men in his sport it went without saying that he had a significant following.

Naya watched as they passed by a group of young fans who recognized him, their eyes lighting up with excitement. They called out his name, and Jude paused, flashing them a charming smile and waving.

"You're cute," Naya gushed as they neared their seats to find Jude's parents already settled in, chatting animatedly with family members of other players. Jude's mother Denise, a warm woman with a bright smile that often made Naya think about her mother, waved them over, her eyes sparkling with joy at seeing her son and his girlfriend.

"Hey, you two! Glad you made it on time!" she exclaimed, pulling Naya into a quick hug and making her blush wildly.

Although there was no insinuation in Denise's voice, Naya couldn't help but cast her mind back to the sex she and Jude had back at their hotel that almost made them late to Jobe's football match.

Her body still hummed with the memory of their passionate encounter, and she felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks as she pulled away from Denise's embrace. Jude caught her eye, a knowing grin spreading across his face, and she shot him a mock glare, trying to suppress the smile that threatened to break free.

"Did you two have a good time before the match?" Denise asked, her tone light and teasing, oblivious to the thoughts racing through Naya's mind.

"Just a little pre-game warm-up," Jude replied, his voice dripping with playful innuendo. Naya felt her heart race at his words, and she shot him a warning look, but he only chuckled, clearly enjoying her embarrassment.

"Jude!" she hissed, trying to keep her voice low as they settled into their seats. "You can't just say things like that in front of your mom!"

Denise laughed, clearly entertained by her son's antics as he pulled Naya from her seat and into his lap. She enjoyed watching the way her eldest son made room for and navigated his relationship, the lovesick look in his eyes whenever Naya held his gaze.

Naya felt a mix of warmth and embarrassment as she settled into Jude's lap, his arms wrapping around her protectively. The closeness was comforting, and she couldn't help but lean back against him, her heart fluttering at the intimacy of the moment.

"You were so perfect back at the hotel," Jude whispered, his breath tickling her ear as he moved beneath her.

Naya felt her cheeks heat at his words, a rush of warmth flooding her body that had nothing to do with the chilly air around them. She turned her head slightly to meet his gaze, her heart racing at the intensity in his eyes. "Jude, we're in public," she whispered, half-laughing, half-serious.

"So," he replied, a playful smirk on his lips. "I'm just speaking my mind."

Naya rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "You're incorrigible," she said, shaking her head. But deep down, she loved this side of him—the way he could make her feel alive and exhilarated, even in the most mundane situations.

"You came so fucking hard for me," he continued, taunting her.

As Jude's fingers slid under her top, Naya felt a shiver run down her spine. She loved the way he touched her, his hands always seeming to find just the right spot to make her gasp and arch into him.

"Stop it," she giggled, trying to sound stern even as she leaned into his touch. The cold air of the stadium only heightened her awareness of his warmth against her skin.

Jude chuckled, nipping playfully at her earlobe before pulling back to meet her gaze with a smouldering look that made Naya's core clench with desire. "You're such a tease," he murmured, his voice low and husky.

Naya batted her lashes innocently, but there was no missing the heat in her eyes. "If I were a tease I'd do this," she said coyly, subtly rolling her hips in his lap.

Naya grinned, feeling a thrill run through her at Jude's reaction. "You love it when I tease you," she purred, pressing herself closer to him. The hardness of his arousal against her thigh was unmistakable, and she revelled in the knowledge that she could affect him so intensely.

She leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "And you know I love how hard you make me cum." Naya couldn't help but shift subtly in his lap again, rubbing herself against him with deliberate slowness.

Jude groaned softly, his grip on her tightening as he fought to maintain control. But Naya knew better than anyone that once they got started like this, there was no going back. She wanted him needed him right here in the stadium seats amidst the cheering crowd.

Without warning, she stood up and turned around to face Jude fully.

"I think I'm going to get a hot drink," Naya lied needing an excuse to get her and Jude out of their seats without being questioned.

Jude raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "Oh really? Hot chocolate? Or something a little stronger?" he teased, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Naya felt a rush of adrenaline at the thought of sneaking away with him. "How about both?" she replied, her heart racing at the idea of a little adventure.

Jude chuckled, standing up and taking her hand. "Lead the way, I'm not letting you out of my sight."

As they made their way through the crowd, Naya felt a thrill of excitement coursing through her. The stadium was alive with energy, but all she could focus on was Jude and the way he held her hand tightly as if he were afraid to let go.

They slipped out of the main seating area and into a quieter corridor that led to a private indoor box overlooking the stadium. Naya glanced back to make sure no one was watching before she turned to Jude, her heart pounding.

"Keep moving," he instructed gently nudging her towards a rather spacious powder room at the far side of the room.

Naya smiled slyly at Jude as they entered the private powder room, closing and locking the door behind them. "Alone at last," she purred, turning to face him with a seductive gaze.

Jude grinned, his eyes roving hungrily over her body. "Now we can get warm," he murmured, backing her against the wall and pressing himself close.

Naya felt a shiver run down her spine as Jude's hands skimmed up her thighs over her leggings, before slipping his hands inside. She gasped softly as he cupped her ass through the thin material of her panties, pulling her body flush against his so he could bow his head and kiss her lips.

Leaning into her, Jude moaned into Naya's mouth as she sucked on the tip of his tongue, her body melting into his as his hands caressed her.

Breaking their kiss, Jude pulled the baseball cap Naya wore from her head before turning her body around so they both stood facing the mirror.

"Put your hands on the counter," Jude instructed as he removed Naya's coat, placing it down before turning his attention back to her body.

Easing her leggings and panties down, Jude hummed in approval as she arched her back pressing herself against him.

Naya's breath hitched as she felt the cool air against her exposed skin, contrasting sharply with the heat radiating from Jude's body behind her. The thrill of being in such a private space, surrounded by the noise of the stadium just beyond the door, sent a rush of excitement through her.

"Jude," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath as she leaned forward, her palms resting on the cool countertop. The anticipation was electric, and she could feel his presence looming behind her, a mix of desire and urgency.

"Just trust me," he murmured, his voice low and sultry. He pressed himself against her, the hardness of his arousal evident as he ground against her. Naya shivered, her body responding instinctively to his touch.

With a deft movement, Jude slid his hands around her waist, fingers dancing over her skin, igniting a fire within her. "You're so beautiful," he breathed, his lips brushing against her ear, sending another wave of shivers down her spine.

Naya turned her head slightly, catching his gaze in the mirror. The intensity in his eyes made her heart race. "You're not too bad yourself," she teased, her voice playful despite the heat of the moment.

Jude chuckled softly, his hands exploring her body with a possessive urgency. "I want you to feel good," he said, his tone serious now. "I want to make you forget everything else."

Naya felt a rush of warmth at his words, her heart swelling with affection and desire. "You already do," she replied, her voice thick with emotion.

With that, Jude's hands moved lower, fingers teasingly brushing against her thighs before finding their way back up, exploring every inch of her. Naya gasped as he found the sensitive spot just above her core, his touch igniting a fire within her.

"Jude," she breathed, her body arching instinctively towards him, craving more of his touch.

"Shh," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder. "Just enjoy it."

Naya closed her eyes, surrendering to the sensations coursing through her. Jude's hands were skilled, knowing exactly how to tease and please her. She could feel the tension building within her, a sweet pressure that made her pulse quicken.

"Please," she begged softly, her voice laced with need. "I need you."

Jude's breath hitched at her words, and he turned her around to face him, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. The world outside faded away as they lost themselves in each other, the taste of desire lingering on their tongues.

"Let's make this quick," he murmured against her lips, his hands gripping her waist as he backed her against the wall again. "I don't want anyone to find us here."

Naya nodded, her heart racing with excitement and urgency. She could feel the heat radiating off him, and the thrill of being caught only heightened her desire. "I don't care if we get caught," she whispered, her voice daring.

Jude's eyes darkened with lust at her words, and he wasted no time in lifting her, her legs wrapping around his waist as he pressed her against the wall. Naya gasped, the sudden movement sending a rush of adrenaline through her.

"Hold on," he instructed, his voice low and commanding.

Naya complied, her arms wrapping around his neck as she felt him position himself at her entrance. The anticipation was almost unbearable, and she could feel her body responding to him, craving the connection they shared.

With one swift motion, Jude entered her, and Naya gasped at the sensation. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in their private paradise.

"God, you feel amazing," Jude groaned, his voice thick with desire as he began to move, each thrust sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.

Naya's head fell back against the wall, her breath coming in short gasps as she surrendered to the rhythm they created together. The thrill of being in such a public place only heightened her pleasure, and she could feel the tension building within her.

"Jude," she moaned, her nails digging into his shoulders as she urged him on. "Don't stop."

He responded with a low growl, his pace quickening as he lost himself in her. The sounds of the stadium faded into the background, replaced by the sound of their bodies moving together, the heat between them palpable.

Naya could feel herself teetering on the edge, the pressure building to an almost unbearable point. "I'm so close," she gasped, her body arching towards him as she chased that sweet release.

"Me too," Jude replied, his voice strained as he fought to maintain control. "Just a little more."

With one final thrust, Naya felt herself shatter, waves of pleasure crashing over her as she cried out his name. Jude followed closely behind, his body tensing as he found his release, burying his face in her neck as he held her tightly.

They stayed locked together for a moment, both of them breathing heavily, the reality of their surroundings slowly creeping back in. Naya could hear the distant cheers from the stadium, the noise a stark contrast to the intimacy they had just shared.

Jude pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers as a grin spread across his face. "That was... something," he said, his voice still thick with desire.

Naya laughed breathlessly, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration. "You think?" she replied, her heart still racing.

"Definitely," he said, leaning in to press a kiss to her lips, slipping his tongue into her mouth.

Naya melted into the kiss, her heart racing as she tasted the remnants of their shared passion. Jude's lips were warm and inviting, and she could feel the lingering heat of their encounter radiating between them. The thrill of what they had just done sent a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins, and she couldn't help but smile against his mouth.

"Okay, we should probably get back before someone realizes we're missing," she said, her voice slightly breathless as she pulled away, though she didn't want to break the connection between them just yet.

Jude chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're right, but I'm not ready to let you go just yet." He leaned in again, capturing her lips in another heated kiss, his hands roaming over her waist as if to memorize every curve.

Naya giggled against him, feeling a mix of exhilaration and nervousness. "Jude, we really can't stay here too long. What if someone comes in?"

"Let them," he replied, his voice low and teasing.

She rolled her eyes playfully, but the truth was, that the idea of being caught only added to the thrill. "You're a mess," she said, shaking her head, but she couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips.

"Only for you," he replied, his expression softening as he looked into her eyes. "I love you, Naya."

Her heart swelled at his words, and she felt a warmth spread through her. "I love you more," she admitted, her voice sincere.

With a reluctant sigh, Jude stepped back, giving her a playful nudge. "Alright, let's get back before I change my mind and keep you in here."

Naya laughed, her cheeks still flushed as she adjusted her clothes, feeling the lingering warmth of their encounter. She opened the door cautiously, peeking out into the room to ensure it was clear before stepping out.

"After you, my lady," Jude said with a mock bow, his playful demeanour returning as he gestured for her to lead the way.

Naya couldn't help but giggle as she walked ahead, feeling his presence close behind her. They navigated through the quieter areas of the stadium, the sounds of the crowd growing louder as they approached the main seating area.

As they re-entered the bustling crowd, Naya felt a rush of excitement. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers and the sounds of the game. She glanced up at Jude, who was watching her with a playful grin.

"Ready to watch your favourite player?" he asked, his tone teasing.

"Yes," she replied, her heart still racing from their little escapade. "Although I'm not sure if he's my favourite Bellingham right now."

Jude chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they made their way back to their seats. "Good."

Naya rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. The excitement of the game mixed with the thrill of their secret made her feel alive in a way she hadn't expected.

As they settled back into their seats, Naya felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She leaned into Jude, resting her head on his shoulder as the game began. The cheers of the crowd surrounded them, but all she could focus on was the warmth of Jude beside her and the memory of their stolen moment together.

"Just so you know," Jude whispered, leaning down to speak into her ear, "I'm not satisfied, I need more later."

Naya felt her cheeks flush again, but she smiled, excitement bubbling within her. "You can count on it," she replied, her heart racing at the thought of what was to come.

As the game unfolded before them, Naya found herself lost in the moment, the thrill of the match and the warmth of Jude's presence wrapping around her like a cozy blanket.

As Jobe came into possession of the ball, Naya's attention shifted to the field, her heart swelling with pride as she watched Jude's younger brother skillfully manoeuvre the ball past defenders. The crowd erupted in cheers, and she couldn't help but join in, clapping and shouting encouragement.

Striking the ball towards the goal, Jobe's shot was powerful and precise, soaring past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The stadium erupted into a frenzy of cheers, and Jude tightened his arms around Naya, lifting her slightly off her seat in excitement.

By the end of the match, England's under-21 team had outscored their opponents by three goals to none and secured their place in the advancement of the tournament.

Jude held Naya's hand as they trailed behind his parents, making their way down to meet up with Jobe. As a former member of England's under-21s and a key player in their current senior squad, Naya couldn't help but tease him.

"Looks like your little brother is officially better than you," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes as they approached Jobe, who was surrounded by a group of ecstatic fans and journalists.

Jude feigned shock, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "How dare you! I was the star of the show back in my day!" he exclaimed, laughter bubbling up from his chest.

Naya chuckled, nudging him playfully. "Oh please, you know it's true. Don't be a hater." She watched as Jobe beamed with pride, accepting congratulations from everyone around him.

"Hey, Naya! Jude!" Jobe called out, spotting them in the crowd. He rushed over, his face flushed with excitement. "Did you see that goal?"

"Of course, we saw it! You were amazing!" Naya exclaimed, her enthusiasm genuine.

Jude ruffled his younger brother's hair affectionately. "You've got it, little bro. Just don't let it get to your head, alright?" he said teasingly.

Jobe laughed, swatting Jude's hand away.

As they chatted, Naya felt a warmth in her heart watching the brothers interact. There was a bond between them that was palpable, filled with love and playful rivalry. It reminded her of her own family, and she felt grateful to be a part of this moment.

After a few pictures and congratulations from family members, they finally made their way out of the stadium, the excitement of the match still buzzing in the air. Naya felt a sense of fulfilment, not just from the game but from the connection she shared with Jude and his family.

As they walked towards the parking lot, Jude slipped his hand into hers, intertwining their fingers. "You were incredible tonight," he said softly, his gaze warm and sincere.

Naya smiled up at him, her heart fluttering. "I just cheered for your brother."

"Yeah, but you made it even more special," he replied, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "I love seeing you with my family. It means a lot to me."

Naya felt a swell of affection for him, her heart racing at the sincerity in his words. "I love being with you and your family. It feels like home."

As they reached the car, Jude opened the door for her, a charming smile on his face. "After all that, how about we grab some dinner?"

"Sounds perfect," Naya replied, sliding into the passenger seat of Jude's car as he walked around to the driver's side and got in.

"Do you have anything in mind or can we decide when we get to my parents' house?" Jude asked as the car engine roared to life.

"I'm not fussed," Naya blushed, as she thought about spending the next few days under the same roof as Jude's family.

She'd spent ample time around his mother back in Madrid, but there was something undeniably different about being in Jude's family home.

Although they'd have a night to themselves before his parents and Jobe returned home, it did nothing to calm her racing mind.

It felt like a milestone in their relationship and it made Naya feel both excited and a little nervous. She glanced over at Jude, who was focused on the road, a soft smile playing on his lips as he hummed along to the music playing in the background.

"Are you okay?" he asked, glancing at her briefly before returning his attention to the road.

Naya nodded, her heart fluttering at the concern in his voice. "Yeah, just thinking about how nice it is to be here with you and your family. It feels... special."

Jude's smile widened, and he reached over to squeeze her hand. "It is special. I want you to feel at home with us. You're a part of my life."

Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she felt a warmth spread through her. "You're making me blush," she said, trying to hide her smile.

"I like it when you blush," he replied, his tone playful.

"How long is the drive from here to your parents' house?" Naya asked.

"Around two hours, maybe less if there's no traffic," Jude explained ready to embark on a journey from London to the West Midlands.

Naya nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. The thought of spending the next couple of days with Jude and his family filled her with warmth. She loved how close-knit they were, and how welcoming they had always been to her.

As they drove, the city lights began to fade, replaced by the soft glow of street lamps and the occasional flicker of headlights from passing cars. Naya gazed out the window, watching the scenery change from urban to suburban, and then to the more rural landscapes as they left the city behind.

"I have to take you to Atlanta to meet my family one day," Naya smiled as she thought about her family back home in the States.

Jude glanced over at her, his expression curious. "Atlanta, huh? I'd love to see where you grew up. What's it like?"

Naya's eyes lit up as she began to describe her hometown. "It's vibrant and full of life. There's always something happening, whether it's music festivals, food markets, or just people hanging out in the parks. The Southern hospitality is real, too. Everyone is so friendly."

Jude chuckled, "Sounds like my kind of place."

Naya smiled, feeling a sense of pride as they spoke about her home.

"In the meantime, you should invite them over to Madrid," Jude suggested, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I'd love to meet your family, and it would be great to show them around the city."

Naya felt her heart flutter at the thought. "That would be amazing! I know they'd love to visit. My mom has always wanted to see Spain, and my dad would be all about the food and culture."

"Then do it," Jude said, his tone playful yet sincere. "Unless you're still trying to hide me," he smirked thinking back to earlier on their relationship after her upset at Wimbledon when they stayed held up in her hotel room.

"You're making it sound really bad," Naya laughed shaking her head. "You were only there for the night and I wanted you to myself," she pouted playfully.

As they continued their drive, the conversation flowed easily between them, filled with laughter and playful banter. Naya felt a sense of comfort and familiarity with Jude that made her heart swell.

Before long, they were pulling into Jude's family home, a cozy house nestled in a quiet neighbourhood.

"We're here," Jude said, parking the car in the driveway. He turned to Naya, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Welcome to my family's home."

Naya stepped out of the car, taking in the charming exterior of the house. It was a two-story building with a well-kept garden.

As cold as the evening air was, Naya took her time admiring the details of the house, from the warm glow of the outdoor lights to the inviting front porch adorned with potted plants. It felt like a scene from a movie, and she couldn't help but smile at the thought of spending time here with Jude and his family.

"Are you ready?" Jude asked, grabbing their bags from the trunk of his car.

"Yes, I'm freezing," Naya said with a playful shiver, wrapping her arms around herself as she stepped closer to Jude.

He chuckled, slinging an arm around her shoulders as they walked toward the front door. "Don't worry, I'll keep you warm," he said, his voice low and teasing.

Naya felt her heart flutter at his words, and she leaned into him, enjoying the warmth of his body against the chill of the evening air. As they reached the door, Jude dipped his hand into the pocket of his coat to retrieve his key and open the door, allowing Naya into the empty house first.

The moment Naya stepped inside, she was enveloped by the warmth of the home. The inviting scent of baked goods wafted through the air, mingling with the faint aroma of wood and fresh linen. It felt cozy and lived-in, a stark contrast to the chilly night outside.

"Welcome," Jude said, closing the door behind them and leaning against it with a satisfied grin. "Madrid is home, this is home home."

Naya turned to face him, her heart swelling with affection. "It's beautiful," she said, taking in the decor—family photos lining the walls of the house's entryway.

"I have to give my mum all the credit even though she's barely here," Jude said, a hint of pride in his voice. "She has a knack for making everything feel warm and inviting. It's her touch that makes this place feel like home."

Naya smiled, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her as she stepped further inside. The living room was spacious, with a large couch and a coffee table adorned with magazines and a few family photos. A fireplace stood against one wall, and she could imagine how cozy it must be during the colder months.

"Let me show you around," Jude offered, taking her hand and leading her through the house.

As they walked through the living room, Naya noticed a large window that overlooked the backyard, where fairy lights twinkled in the trees, creating a magical atmosphere. "It's beautiful out there," she remarked, pointing toward the window.

After a quick tour of the kitchen and dining area, Jude led her upstairs to show her his bedroom where she would be staying.

The moment Naya stepped into Jude's room, she felt a rush of warmth and familiarity. The space was a reflection of him—comfortable yet stylish, with a hint of organized chaos. Sports memorabilia adorned the walls, from framed jerseys to action shots of Jude in various matches. A large bed dominated the room, covered in a navy blue comforter that matched the colour scheme of the room.

"Welcome to my sanctuary," Jude said with a playful grin, gesturing around the room. "It's not much, but it's home."

Naya chuckled, taking in the details. "I love it. It feels... you," she replied, moving further inside. She noticed a few trophies on a shelf, each one a testament to Jude's hard work and talent. "You've accomplished a lot."

"Just a few things," he said modestly, rubbing the back of his neck. "But enough about me. What do you think of the place?"

"It's cozy," she said, her heart swelling with affection. "I can see why you love it here."

Jude stepped closer, his expression softening. "I'm glad you're here. It feels different with you around."

Naya smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "I'm happy to be here with you."

He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You know, my parents can't wait to be here with you, my mum wanted to come home tonight, but they're travelling back here with Jobe tomorrow morning instead."

Naya felt a rush of warmth at Jude's words, her heart swelling with affection as Jude let out a yawn, stretching his arms above his head.

"Long day?" she asked, a teasing smile on her lips as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Just a bit," he replied, chuckling as his hands came to rest on her ass.

Naya felt a thrill at his touch, the warmth of his body against hers sending a rush of excitement through her. "We should get ready for bed and order dinner," she smiled softly, her hand finding its way beneath Jude's sweater.

Jude's breath hitched as Naya's fingers grazed against his skin, sending a jolt of electricity through him. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss that deepened as their bodies pressed closer together. The warmth of the moment enveloped them, and for a brief second, the world outside faded away.

"Dinner and a shower sounds perfect," he murmured against her lips, his voice low and husky. "But I might not be able to keep my hands to myself."

Naya laughed softly, her cheeks flushing at his words. "I wouldn't want it any other way," she replied, her heart racing with anticipation.

Jude's eyes sparkled with mischief as he pulled back slightly, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Well then, let's make this quick," he said, his tone teasing. "I don't want to keep you waiting for dinner."

Naya rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face betrayed her amusement. "You're so annoying," she said, shaking her head as she stepped back to give him some space. "You're lucky I love you."

"Good to know," he replied, his voice low and sultry as he watched her with an intensity that made her heart race.

They made their way to the bathroom, the anticipation hanging in the air like a charged current. The bathroom was spacious, with a large shower stall and a deep soaking tub. Naya felt a thrill of excitement as she turned on the water, steam beginning to fill the room.

"Do you want to go first?" Jude asked, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, watching her with a smirk.

Naya bit her lip, feeling a rush of boldness Naya began to undress herself under Jude's watchful eyes, she wanted him to join her but she was more than willing to play his game with him.

Jude's eyes widened slightly as Naya began to peel off her clothes, revealing her smooth skin beneath the warm glow of the bathroom lights. The air was thick with anticipation, and he felt a rush of heat flood his body at the sight of her confidence.

"Are you trying to kill me?" he asked, his voice low and teasing, but there was an unmistakable edge of desire in his tone.

Naya smirked, her heart racing as she stepped out of her leggings and tossed them aside. "No, I'm getting ready to go in the shower," she replied innocently, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Jude swallowed hard, his gaze locked on her as she stood there, unabashedly confident. "Well, if you're getting ready for the shower, I guess I should join you then," he said, his voice thick with desire as he stepped closer.

Naya felt a thrill run through her at his words. "I thought you'd never ask," she teased, her heart racing as she turned to step into the shower, the warm water cascading down her body.

Jude followed her in, the steam enveloping them both as he closed the door behind him. The warmth of the water felt heavenly against their skin, and Naya couldn't help but smile as she turned to face him, droplets glistening on her body.

Acting as if Jude wasn't there, Naya stepped beneath the shower spray, running her fingers through her hair and letting out a soft moan.

Jude watched, entranced, as Naya let the warm water cascade over her, droplets glistening on her skin. The sight of her, so carefree and beautiful, made his heart race. He stepped closer, the steam wrapping around them like a warm embrace.

"God, you're stunning," he breathed, his voice thick with desire as he took in the way the water highlighted her curves.

Naya turned to him, a playful smile on her lips. "You're not too bad yourself," she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She reached for the shampoo, lathering it into her hair, and Jude couldn't help but admire the way she moved, the water glistening on her body.

"Need any help with that?" he asked, stepping closer, his voice low and teasing.

"Maybe," she said coyly, tilting her head back to rinse the shampoo from her hair. "But I think I can manage."

Jude chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "I don't know about that. I think you could use a little assistance," he said, his eyes darkening with lust as he stepped behind her.

Naya felt a shiver run down her spine as Jude's hands found her waist, his fingers brushing against her skin. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Just helping you wash your hair," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. He took the shampoo from her hand and poured a small amount into his palms before working it into her hair, his fingers massaging her scalp gently.

Naya closed her eyes, surrendering to the sensations as Jude's hands worked through her hair. "That feels amazing," she sighed, leaning back against him, feeling the warmth of his body against hers.

"Good," he replied, his voice low and sultry. "I want you to feel good."

As he continued to wash her hair, Naya felt herself melting into his touch. The warmth of the water mixed with the heat radiating from Jude's body created an intoxicating atmosphere that made her heart race.

"Jude," she breathed, turning her head slightly to catch his gaze. The intensity in his eyes made her pulse quicken.

"Tell me what you want," he whispered as his hands reached to cup her breasts, rolling her nipples between his fingers.

Naya gasped at the sudden rush of pleasure that coursed through her body at Jude's touch. The warmth of the water cascaded over them, mingling with the heat radiating from Jude's body, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that made her heart race.

"I want you," she breathed, her voice thick with desire as she leaned back against him, feeling the hardness of his body pressing against her.

Jude's breath hitched at her words, and he turned her around to face him, their bodies inches apart. The steam from the shower enveloped them, creating a cocoon of warmth and intimacy. "You have no idea how much I want you right now," he murmured, his voice low and husky.

Naya felt a rush of excitement at his admission, her heart racing as she looked up into his eyes. "Then show me," she challenged her voice barely above a whisper.

With a smirk, Jude leaned in, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. The warmth of the water cascading over their bodies only heightened the intensity of the moment. Naya melted into the kiss, her hands finding their way to Jude's hair as she pulled him closer.

Jude's hands roamed over her body, exploring every curve as he pressed her against the cool tiles of the shower. The contrast of the cold surface against the warmth of their bodies sent shivers down Naya's spine, and she gasped against his mouth.

"I want you in my bedroom," Jude breathed, his lips trailing down her neck as he nipped at her skin, igniting a fire within her. Naya arched her back, pressing herself against him, craving more of his touch.

"Then let's make it happen," Naya whispered, her voice thick with desire as she pulled back slightly to meet his gaze. The intensity in his eyes made her heart race, and she could feel the heat radiating between them.

Jude's lips curled into a smirk, and he stepped back, taking her hand and leading her out of the shower. The cool air hit her skin, sending a shiver down her spine, but Jude's warmth enveloped her as he wrapped a towel around her shoulders.

Pulling Naya from the bathroom, Jude led her back into his room closing the door behind them.

The moment the door clicked shut, the atmosphere shifted, charged with anticipation. Naya felt her heart race as she stood in the middle of Jude's room, the steam from the shower still clinging to her skin, making her feel alive and exhilarated.

Jude stepped closer, his eyes dark with desire as he took in the sight of her, still glistening from the shower. "I've never wanted anyone the way I want you," he murmured, his voice low and filled with longing.

"Get onto my bed," he commanded softly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Naya felt a thrill run through her at his words, a mix of excitement and anticipation flooding her senses.

She moved toward the bed, her heart racing as she climbed onto the soft comforter. The warmth of the blankets contrasted with the cool air of the room, and she felt a rush of exhilaration as she settled back against the pillows, watching Jude with eager eyes.

He stepped closer, his gaze intense as he took in the sight of her. "Sit up on your knees," he said, his voice thick with desire. Naya felt her cheeks flush at his instruction.

She complied, shifting onto her knees and looking up at him with a mix of anticipation and excitement. The way Jude's eyes darkened with desire made her pulse quicken, and she could feel the heat radiating between them.

"Good girl," he murmured, a smirk playing on his lips as he stepped closer. The tension in the air was palpable, and Naya felt a thrill run through her as she watched him approach.

Jude reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek before trailing down her neck, sending shivers down her spine. "You're so beautiful," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I can't get enough of you."

Naya felt her heart swell at his words, a rush of warmth flooding her cheeks. "I want you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer, his hands finding her waist as he pulled her against him. "Tell me you're mine," he urged, his voice thick with desire.

"I'm yours," Naya breathed, her heart racing as she looked up into his eyes. The intensity of the moment made her pulse quicken, and she could feel the heat radiating between them.

"Good," Jude replied, his lips curling into a smirk. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a heated kiss that sent sparks flying through her body.

Climbing onto his bed to join her, Jude took the night alone to show Naya exactly why it was him that she belonged.

Elsewhere Anais sat alone with her thoughts, news travelled fast. Although Jude's visit home was quiet and one he planned to spend laying low, it was still news amongst his circle back home.

She wanted answers from Jude, it was owed to her at the very least. Although she had been trying to remain level-headed about the situation, she wasn't able to.

It was evident that Naya was a driving force behind his change of heart and the reason why she'd been cut off and more than anything she wanted Naya to understand that regardless of what now was, she refused to bow out of Jude's life until she was good and ready to.

You can find chapter 44 and all other 43 chapters of All That Glitters via the link above.

[impossible-rat-babies]

also I keep doing the thing where I have an interaction. astarion disapproves. I sigh. I reload the save before the interaction. I kick him back to camp. I do the thing. I pick the lad back up.

[mkstrigidae]

Backgrounds? *puts on sunglasses* I don't know her.

My favorite girl Sansa, here to eat lemon cakes and take names.

[yuwuta]

peds surgeon yuuta??? u cant say things like that i need to jump. the cartoons, the glasses, of course his freaky ass would have a thing for u calling him doctor okkotsu i need to die id wanna tease him sm and be all over him but i cant think of anything if its in a hospital how did the greys anatomy ppl made it work?

the grey’s doctors were FREAKS LMFAOO bc there is not space to be doing all that in the on call rooms…. honestly yuuta is probably too busy to even try anything with you in the hospital 90% of the time… he’s either in surgery or buried in the research library or falling asleep standing up 😭 sometimes you two pass each other in an empty stairwell and have time for a kiss or two, but never more than that (also because yuuta has very little self-restraint when it comes to you… if he allowed himself more than that, then it would be much harder to stop…) 

sometimes the two of you will fall asleep in the same on call room. yuuta will page you there and by the time you arrive he’s already half asleep, it’s probably his only nap in the last 24 hours, so you do your best not to wake wake him when you cuddle up next to him. you get a few hours of bliss in his arms before his pager is waking the both of you up, and he’s got to scurry downstairs to the peds floor and in his hurry he doesn’t realize he’s snagged your lab coat instead of his own, and it’s only when he’s haphazardly slipped it on and the arms are too short and the shoulders are too tight that he figures it out. it’s too late by then, because gojo is the attending on this case which means he doesn’t miss anything, which means he’s the first to giggle and tease, poking at your name embroidered above the breast pocket, “oh? i didn’t know the two of you got married already! oh and you took her last name, how noble, yuuta!~” 

[dungeons-and-dragon-age]

Hiii everyone, say, how do your Hawkes go go about sharing their estate? If they do it at all? Is everyone free to come and go or are they more private? Or do they only invite their LI to stay? I'm curious!! :)

[phosphophylight-of-my-life]

oshi no ko aqua is such a fun character bc by most counts he's a more than decent guy.

in his first life he regularly visited hospital inpatients who had no visitors. he was genuinely happy and excited to help Ai deliver her babies, because he wants her to be happy on her own terms. he saves Akane simply because he can, and gets angry at the staff on her behalf. he doesn't stop at saving her life and spends sleepless nights turning around her public image. at that point there was nothing in it for him to keep akane around, she was just a person he was able to help and wanted to help.

by most counts he's a pretty decent guy who steps up when people need him most, except. except he's also a guy who really wants to kill his dad and that makes him manipulate people somewhat often and this is somehow not entirely at odds with his instinct to help others

[mrspockify]

I feel like I can’t picture Mario learning and playing an instrument, like whenever I imagine him being musical it’s always with him preferring to sing, but then I don’t know how this would translate into my interpretation of mute Mario 💀

[liquidstar]

and now for something stupid

[fluffypotatey]

you ever think about how MK never gets a chance to really define himself?

[scalpelsister]

why is learning spirit the hardest thing ive ever done

[moe-broey]

I don't think this is Moe's first offense (saying something brazen/flippant) but I do think it's the first time it's called the King a bitch. And it won't be the last! The funniest part of Anna being the one to take charge and chew Moe out is that it gives Moe the opportunity to do The Exact Same Thing to Alfonse one-on-one (you know... to test the waters... to see how he feels about it....). Which it is. Also promptly chastised for.

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