#I don't even know how to tag that I need to let it out or I'll lose my min

[thewidowsledger]

Do You Know What Today Is?

© thewidowsledger - DO NOT REPUBLISH AND PLAGIARISE

Pairings: Fire Department Captain!Romanoff x Lieutenant!Female Reader

Word count: 4k

Tags | Warnings: Angst, fluff, death, dirty talk (lots of it), sexual innuendos, sending nudes, you and Nat are just horny shits, talks about having kids

Author's Note: Next fic to be updated next week will be the mob boss series :)))

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⧗

"I love you." She says in the line, it was static but it was all clear to you.

"You tell me that in person." You said, you held the words so you could say it to her in person but it was like an instinct to you to reply back, "I love you more."

"No, I love you more." Her voice came through, softer this time, almost vulnerable.

⧗

Natasha's voice on the other end of the phone was like a soft caress, sending tingles down your spine. Even though she was just kilometers away, the connection you shared was palpable, and you could almost see and feel her smiling through the phone.

"Hi baby," she cooed, her voice warm and intimate. "Do you know what today is?"

Still sleepy and grumpy, you managed to say a quick "no."

She gasped in shock, feeling offended before letting out a whine, like a small child pouting over a secret. "Huuuuh? Whaaat? No idea?"

Eyes still closed, you couldn't help but smile and chuckle, relishing in her cute behavior. You feigned ignorance, playing along with the game you started. "No idea at all, baby. I'm sorry."

She let out a "nooooo" drawn out long and whiney, like a toddler having a tantrum. It was almost comical how childlike she sounded. You couldn't help but burst out laughing over the line, the sound loud and clear in Natasha's ears. It was adorable, the way she was acting like a child, whining and pouting.

"That doesn't sound like my captain," you chided, "and that is definitely not how you sounded last night."

Natasha's whining quickly changed, now with a smirk behind it even you cannot see her face to face, you know that it is what's plastered in her face. "Well, as far as I can recall, it was not me who was whining and crying last night."

Now there she is.

"Oh yeah?" You couldn't help but challenge her, a hint of cockiness in your voice as you shifted in your cold bed, missing your girlfriend's warmth.

"Sorry for leaving you this morning," she sighs, "Work called me early." You didn't miss the groan that she let out after.

"You should've woken me up, Nat. I would've gone with you." You say hazily, still sleepy but you managed to get yourself out of the bed, leaving your phone on top of the duvet covers.

"I don't wanna wake you up, princess. And besides you have a shift in your station today, so rest. But I'll see you later," she smiles and you can feel it, "if you remember what today is." She adds.

"Maybe I need some reminding, captain." You let out a long hum and Natasha's keen instincts picked up on that.

"Baby, what are you doing?"

"Just tryin' to remember…"

"Baby," her voice was undeniably soft and careful in the line, but there was a hint of something darker and more authoritative beneath the surface of that pet name. The tone was subtle, but you knew that it was a warning.

"Yes..? Captain?"

"Baby…" now her tone became dangerously low. "Open your cam." She demanded.

You wanted to laugh as you stood in front of your shared cabinet to get yourself something to wear, but you didn't so she wouldn't suspect a thing. You remained silent and your girlfriend seemed to be really impatient.

"Y/N? I swear to God."

Still, no answers from your end. Then, you let out a moan and a gasp after, then your breath hitched as another fake moan escaped your lips. The sound of your ragged breath filled the line, and you could sense your girlfriend's tension through the phone. She was silent on her line, her jaw clenched, and you could tell she was listening intently. You fought the urge to laugh.

"You know I can tell if you're faking your moans, right?" She could tell you were just playing with her, but she couldn't help but respond to the provocative sounds you were making.

The laughs you have been keeping now escaped your lips, and it echoed through the line, filling your shared room and her ears with the sound. You couldn't help but find it amusing, of course she would immediately know if you're faking your moans having to have nightly routines ending up with you either whining because it's not enough or crying because it's too much. Sometimes, it's both and God, you love those nights.

You took your phone in your hand and quickly opened the camera, flipping the camera to the front-facing mode. You held the phone up in front of your face, grinning shyly into it.

"Hi," you say softly, gently biting down on your bottom lip as you look directly into the camera.

Her voice came through the line, "Hey, printsessa," and her tone was tinged with so much affection.

"I miss you already, baby. So much." You pout slightly as you start to go back and gather the clothes you chose to wear for the day.

"I miss you too."

"I'll visit your work today."

Before your girlfriend could even reply, her co-workers appeared, their voices loud and boisterous through the phone.

"Hey, cap! We bought you some breakfast!" The youngest, Peter announced, holding a tray of coffee and donuts.

You noticed that your girlfriend's attention is already divided, not that you don't like it, but today, you feel like edging, playing…and not sharing her. She was not looking at you, she was smiling at your co-workers as she reached for the food they brought her, and by her angle you could tell that her phone was clutched on her left hand.

"Baby, don't let your phone slip up, I'm naked."

You didn't miss the way your girlfriend mouthed a "fuck," immediately thanking her team and ordering them to get out. But before she could even check her phone to finally focus her attention on you, the call had already ended. She didn't know if it was her accidentally ending the call or it was you. So she checked your private chat to see you sending her a photo, scrunching your nose and teasing the skin just above your nipples.

Lieutenant (You): Hi baby, gonna shower now. I'll go to your station today. I just don't want to have to share your attention…

Captain (Natasha): Baby, I'm here☹️

You: Aww, I was about to let you join me in the shower but I see you're going to have different breakfast.

Natasha: You know you're my favorite breakfast, right?

You: Oh, yeah?

Natasha: Baby, don't be like that please…☹️

You: I'm sorry baby😂 I was just playing. I'll drop by later and bring you lunch, what do you wanna eat?

Natasha: You☹️

You: You cute silly pervert, bye now for real. I love you and I will see you later, xo.

Natasha: I love you moreeeee, my babiecakes!

You: I love you mooooost, my beautiful beautiful hot girlfriend❤️💞

Natasha: Nou, I love you more than most☹️

You: Do you love me more or do I love you more?

Natasha: You love me more…☹️

You: Good girl💞

[Lieutenant sent an attachment]

⧗

You pulled up to the fire station, parking your car near the entrance. As soon as Natasha's co-workers noticed your pick-up, they immediately made their way towards you, their faces lighting up with anticipation. They knew you had a reputation for bringing takeouts for the team, and he was eager to see what you had brought this time.

You gestured to the back of your car, shouting, "I bought you all some lunch!" The others swarmed over enthusiastically, heading straight for the food. Peter, on the other hand, made a beeline straight for the driver's seat.

"Hi LT! Thank you so much for the food!" You couldn't help but find him endearing, he was the youngest among the bunch and there's one time you jokingly told Natasha that you were thinking of adopting him after seeing him cry rescuing a cat stuck on a fence.

"You're welcome, kid. Where's cap?" you inquired as you gathered the food you'd bought for Natasha from the passenger seat.

"Office." He grins, already jumping his way to your trunk to see what you bought for them.

The team surrounded the trunk of your car. As you held a whole lot of stuff in your hands, you managed to wave your fingers back at them, all while holding your phone, wallet, and girlfriend's takeaway. The team shouted words of gratitude, waving back at you as they devoured the food you had so kindly ordered for them.

"You're spoiling them." She remarks, looking at you with amusement and mild chiding as soon as you enter her office as if she's been expecting you to be there which she actually is.

"They're my kids now, you like it or not."

"What's that for?" she pointed at the takeout you were carrying which was her favorite boneless sweet and sour chicken.

"Lunch?" you laughed, before putting your things down her desk. You leaned towards her and kissed her lips.

"I thought I am going to have you for lunch? I was spoiled on what would my lunch be with that photo you sent me." Natasha leaned back in her seat, a smirk playing across her lips as she watched you round her desk. It was a mirror shot of you with your exposed boobs, just for her eyes to see.

You moved swiftly, slapping her shoulder before she could react. You were behind her, your hands massaging the spot you'd just struck. Her posture relaxed slightly under your skilled fingers, a soft sigh escaping her lips despite herself. She cocked an eyebrow, glancing back at you over her shoulder.

"Remind me never to piss off a woman who can rub the tension out of my shoulders in seconds."

Her breath caught as you leaned in close, your weight pressing softly against her back. Your arm remained across her front, effectively trapping her. She could feel your heartbeat against her spine, steady and strong despite the chair slat that boundaries you both.

"I missed you," you pout, then you pressed a kiss on her ears and her cheek.

"Me too," she then caressed your cheek, "I'm hungry," she now declared. And you immediately straightened up to prepare the lunch you bought for her. Before you could even take a step away, she slapped your ass sharply.

"What are you doing?" she snapped playfully.

"Okay, eat real food you pervert." You point your finger at her, walking backwards before she could even sneak up and grab you behind. But she stood and snatched your hand and pulled you to her lap.

You let out a shriek of surprise, your hands instinctively gripping the arms of her chair for support. She smirked, her arms wrapping around your waist to keep you in place. You wiggled on her lap, making her tighten her arms around you. Suddenly, you brought your hand up and smacked her chest playfully.

"Jerk," you muttered, trying not to laugh. Her eyes widened, then she caught your wrist, bringing your hand back down slowly. Then, she leaned in, resting her jaw on your shoulder. Her arms remained wrapped protectively around you, holding you close. You could feel her breath against your neck, warm and gentle. For a moment, she just sat there, enjoying the simple comfort of having you in her lap.

"Do you want kids?" Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. She rested her chin on your shoulder, awaiting your response. Her arms tightened slightly around you, almost as if she was bracing herself for your answer. "Real kids, okay? Normal ones. Not those big assed kids outside." She gestured vaguely towards the door with a roll of her eyes, eliciting a soft chuckle from you both.

Your body relaxed against hers, your arm clung behind her neck, "Yeah, I want kids," you answered. "Like two or three. Not too many, though. I don't want my house to be chaotic." You wiggled slightly on her lap, making her smirk again. "What about you?"

"Of course I want a…" she trailed off puckering her lower lip, thinking, "At least four mini you running around the house, so I have someone to be chaotic with," she laughed softly, then added teasingly, "God help me if they have your mouth too."

You gasped genuinely offended, your hand flying to your chest. "I am not that loud!" you protest. "I hate you." You tried to unclasped her tight hands that were gripping each other, locking you in her embrace but she just laughed heartily.

"I'm sorry, baby, I'm sorry!" she apologized between laughs.

"I will not give you my babies." You threatened. "And four?! Are you kidding me?!" Oh, how many kids your girlfriend wanted you will give it to her even if she wanted an entire football team.

Natasha choked on her laughter, her eyes widening in mock horror at your threat. "Whoa, whoa, no need to withhold my future children just because I teased you a little." You just rolled your eyes on her, turning your face away. She leaned in, nuzzling your neck gently. "Come on, you know I'm just messing with you," she cooed softly. "Besides, who else is going to give me those adorable mini-me's if not you?" She kissed your cheek again, trying to soften your resolve.

You sighed dramatically, your stern expression crumbling. "Fine, fine! I'll give you your stupid cute mini-me's," you muttered, trying not to smile. Inside, you were secretly delighted that she wanted your children so badly as much as you wanted hers.

"Did you see the dress I bought for you?"

"Nope," you say, reaching towards the take out that was on the other side of her desk. "Where?"

Natasha's eyes lit up mischievously as she saw your confusion while you unwrap the food. "In the closet, hanging all pretty."

You were so focused on unwrapping the food that you didn't notice her watching you so intently. Already imagining her life with you, not that she doesn't have it with you right now because you basically live together. But the future that lies for the both of you.

You gave her a gentle nudge with your elbow when you noticed her lost in thoughts, "When I go back later, I'll look for it," you say, your voice casual and teasing. Then, you picked up a piece of chicken from the takeout container, "Here you go," you said softly, bringing the chicken to her lips. Natasha opened her mouth obediently, her eyes never leaving yours as she took a bite.

You both eat together, you sitting comfortably on her lap while she gets fed you. A win is a win.

"I am excited to see you in it." Natasha reached out, puckering her lips invitingly towards you as she repeated herself playful yet sultrily.

You leaned in, pressing a quick, playful kiss to her puckered lips before pulling back with a smirk. "Hm, maybe you're just excited to rip it out of me."

"I really want to watch you eat because I know you won't be touching this once I stepped out of that door," you said softly, clean hands cupping her cheek, thumb gently caressing her skin. "But I need to get to my station in thirty, baby."

"You can't even watch me eat," she retorted suggestively, making you laugh and roll your eyes. You finally decided you'd had enough of her teasing and lifted yourself off her lap.

"Baby! Where are you going?" She laughed loudly.

You licked your fingers clean as you stared directly at Natasha, sitting there watching you intently. She swallowed hard, her eyes flicking between your eyes and your fingers. You then grabbed a wet wipe, cleaning your hands thoroughly. She just watched you prepare and fix yourself.

"Do you now remember what today is?"

You strut towards her, a playful smirk on your face. She leaned in as you did, you captured her lips in a quick, teasing kiss. "About that, I need some reminding, yeah?" you say, pulling back and grabbing your things sprawled on her desk, clearly ready to leave.

"Well, I'll remind you tonight then."

"Aye, captain."

"With that dress on."

"Got it cap."

"I love you, Y/N." She said softly before you could grip her doorknob.

"I love you more, baby."

"No, I love you more." She shook her head, grinning as she repeated it back to you.

It is a competition that has become a running joke between you two—well, it's actually not a running joke because you both meant every word. Every time you said it, she'd say it louder and more dramatically.

"I love you most." You say confidently. You put a kissy face on her before you shut the door behind, knowing you won again.

⧗

The call came through on your radio, the crisp voice of the dispatch officer crackling through the speaker. "Fire Department, this is Central dispatch. We have a report of a large fire 18 kilometers north of your station. First responders have arrived on scene, but the situation is escalating rapidly."

You immediately switched to the team channel on your radio. "All units, we have a call for a large fire 18 klicks north. Gear up." You paused, gathering your thoughts, you still have a date tonight.

Sirens blaring, lights flashing, your engine roared to life as you sped towards the 18 kilometer mark. It was late afternoon, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting an eerie orange glow amidst the billowing smoke. Shadows lengthened as you approached the fiery scene, the daylight fading prematurely due to the thick plume choking the sky.

As your company rounded the final bend, the first thing to catch your eye was the familiar logo of your girlfriend's station emblazoned on the side of one of the fire engines. Your gut clenched as you realized she was likely already inside the burning structure, doing what she did best—bringing people out alive.

You jumped down from your truck, gear in hand, and made a beeline for the command post set up by the first responders. You spotted Peter on the other station, his face grimy with soot and sweat. He nodded at you as you approached, recognizing the elite team's arrival.

"Lieutenant." He's definitely not a kid on missions.

"Captain inside?" You asked, your voice steady but urgent and the kid nodded.

"Yes, she's leading the team through the east wing. We've got multiple civilians trapped on the upper floors." He layed out.

Not that you're not used to this kind of situation. You were used to seeing danger, used to making split-second decisions that often meant life or death because that is the nature of your work—fire. But you just couldn't help but be worried about your girlfriend.

Suddenly, the main entrance burst open, and firefighters emerged, hunched over civilian forms they carried carefully in their arms. The scene repeated multiple times—firefighters appearing, offloading their human burdens onto paramedics, then disappearing back into the hellish building. Dead bodies were retrieved but most are alive.

"Gonna get inside." Before you could even put your mask on Peter called out to you.

"It's cap."

When you took the walkie, laughter, unexpected and sweet, filled the line, cutting through the heavy feeling in your chest.

"Hey, lieutenant." Her voice, though strained, teased you. You could almost feel her smile on the line.

You let out a dry laugh, shaking your head despite knowing she couldn't see you. "Gonna get in and get you out, cap."

"No. I'll be out soon. I can handle myself. That's an order, lieutenant."

"Well, I hope you get out soon. If I remember you still need to remind me what today is." Her laughter echoed through the walkie, a sound that was both reassuring and irritating in its stubbornness.

"You think I'd miss our anniversary for anything less than burning buildings?" She asked, her voice muffled as she coughed. "I'll be out soon."

"Make sure of that or I'll have our table set up right outside this building."

The walkie crackled with static before her voice came through, low and serious. "Y/N?" She paused, then blurted out, "Do you still want to have kids with me?"

Your response was immediate and certain. "More than anything," you said softly. "You said you want mini me's but I just know they'd be brave like you, like their mama. I want to have your kids, Nat."

She needed to hear that.

"I saw the dress," you rushed out when you didn't hear her answer from the other line. "You better see me in it."

"I better see you without it." Now there she is. You let out a giggle that you girlfriend heard on her end.

She needed to hear that laugh of yours.

"I love you, Y/N." She says in the line, it was static but it was all clear to you.

"You tell me that in person." You said, you held the words so you could say it to her in person but it was so hard to not say it back, "I love you more."

"No, I love you more." Her voice came through, softer this time, almost vulnerable.

You didn't challenge her. You didn't push, didn't fight, didn't argue back that you loved her more. You let her win this time—you let her love you more.

⧗

Her voice was soft and husky over the phone, never failing to send shivers down your spine. "Do you know what today is?" she asked slowly. "Of course not, because it's my secret but you'll know later, babe. Don't worry."

"Silly," you muttered, wishing she heard you so she'd laugh that infectious laugh. But she didn't.

Then, you heard the knock on your door. You quickly grabbed your phone together with your purse and walked to the door to see your girlfriend's sister, Yelena.

"Wow," she said, a smirk on her lips.

"You think she'll like it?" you couldn't help but ask.

Yelena laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, she definitely will," she said, shaking her head. "She probably already has a hundred little jokes and innuendos running through her mind, only for your ears. And when she bought that dress, she is already drooling just imagining you wear it." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Let's go?"

The drive was quick and silent and one thing you know is you are already standing up in eyes of so many people on you. You were wearing the dress Natasha had told you she bought for you out clung to your curves perfectly, the plunging neckline accentuated by the delicate silver necklace she'd given you. The stilettos, also her choice, clicked loudly against the wooden floorboards with each step you took.

"Lieutenant."

"Sir." You recognized the chief of the fire department in your state.

"You're the only one we're waiting for." You just offered a curt nod. You can still feel so many eyes boring on you.

Well, how could they not? You're the only one wearing red in the sea of black.

You walked down the aisle, heels clicking rhythmically on the polished floor. As you reached the casket, your face immediately fell upon her peaceful face, her hair was braided like she'd always loved. Memories flooded back—her laughter, her smile, her voice.

"Well, I guess I love you more because you weren't able to say it to me in person." Your breath caught in your throat, the irony not lost on you that her silence had left those precious words unspoken forever.

You cannot look at her, not like this. Not when you know you'll never see those beautiful pair of green anymore. Not when you will always feel cold at night without her having to ground and hold you. Not when you'll settle listening to her voice through the voice records you had retrieved during your phone calls with her.

With trembling hands, you finally reached out and closed the casket lid. The soft thud echoed through the silent room, each click of the latch sealing her away seemly louder than the last. A single tear finally spilled over, carving a path down your cheek. Natasha's co-workers step forward, one of them was Peter, bearing the national flag. With reverence, they carefully placed it atop the casket, the red, white and blue stars threaded the thick fabric.

Precisely at the moment the flag was properly rested, your arm moved in a fluid, practiced motion. Time seemed to lose all meaning as you stood there, arm extended in a steady salute. You didn't waver, didn't move. Your eyes remained locked onto the flag-draped casket, seeing not just a symbol of her service, but the woman you loved.

Today, your fire has gone forever. It was a pain that seared through your very soul, etching and knowing that this very day—you lost the love of your life.

You will always remember what today is.

[leighsartworks216]

Business Trip

Zayne x gn!Reader

This has absolutely no relation to Zayne's card of the same name, I just had no idea what else to call this and I'm too tired to think of anything different lol

Warnings: fluff, domestic fluff, established relationship, phone call, sleepiness

Word Count: 569

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Zayne knows right away it's you calling from the ringtone alone. Yet he still checks the screen before he answers. His eyes are bleary, head heavy with information, body ready to collapse. The phone beeps as he accepts the call.

"It's two in the morning, you should be asleep."

You giggle sleepily on the other end. "Hello to you, too."

A small smile finds his lips. Even so far away from him, you so effortlessly break the aloof outer shell he lives with; slipping past Dr. Zayne and finding him, just Zayne. His voice is softer when next he speaks. "Hello, my love. Why are you up so late?"

"Wanted to hear your voice," you tell him. He can just picture your face as you yawn. Nose scrunching up, mouth gaping wide. Unflattering, perhaps, but he loves it so. "You said the conference would be over around one. So I stayed up to say goodnight."

He shakes his head, though you can't see it. "I just got back to the hotel. You could have called closer to one."

"Well, I was gonna, but..." Another yawn. "But I might've dozed just a bit..."

"You shouldn't fight to stay awake. Go back to sleep. You can call me again tomorrow when you wake up."

"How d'you know if you'll be free then?"

"I know because my train leaves in the afternoon. I don't have to be at the station until 3."

He can hear shuffling on the other end of the phone. The speaker scrapes against something, muffling the call for a moment before it clears again just as you go to speak. You must have snuggled further into your blankets. How he wishes he could hold you now. "Nnn, when'll it get here?"

"Around 8, and I'll be home by no later than 8:30. Does that suffice?"

You hum, slurring your words. "Yeah, 's good..."

He speaks quieter. "I'll stop by the dessert shop and pick up some of your favorites."

"Mhm..." You're no longer processing anything he's saying. He can tell. Your breathes are evening out, barely audible through the phone.

"I love you," he whispers.

His response comes in quiet snores. He leans against the wall. Closes his eyes. Just listens. Follows the steady sound of your breathing. Lets it sink into his aching, tired body. It lifts away the weight in his head, replaces the exhaustion in his eyes with something softer. He smiles.

He would stay there for a whole hour if he could, but he also needs his rest. He still has to shower and go through his nightly routine before he can go to sleep. He's only been away for a day, but he misses the familiarity of flitting past each other as you go through your respective routines. Him, standing behind you in the mirror, brushing his teeth and smiling around the brush while you wash your face and tell him the gossip from work. Drying your hair for you while he tells you about his own day. Laying side by side in bed, facing each other, caressing cheeks and combing through hair, sharing soft kisses. Perhaps he clings to that for the next few minutes he listens to you sleep, reminding himself of how much longer he needs to wait to have that again.

Eventually, he whispers as softly as possible into the phone, "Goodnight, my love. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

---

Tag List:

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[aventurineswife]

aven, jiaoqiu, dan heng, gepard, with a shy wife who loves children and wants a huge family but shes rlly embarrassed to tell them that because it��s embarrassing and shes shy (ngl shouldve discussed before marriagw) but yeah she finally musters up the courage to tell them that. Also could i kindly request some teasing from anyone who would tease you. Wink wink. I love fliff thank you

Building Our Tomorrow

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Dan Heng x Reader, Gepard x Reader, Fluff, Teasing, Romantic, Family Themes, Shyness, Comfort, Light-hearted, Emotional Support, Soft Moments.

It was a quiet evening in your shared home with Aventurine. The soft hum of the fireplace filled the room as you sat by the window, staring outside. You'd been contemplating something for weeks now. The thought of having a big family, filled with the sounds of children running around, made your heart swell with joy. But the idea of telling Aventurine—who was always so confident and strategic, never showing much vulnerability—was daunting. You loved him deeply, but how would he react?

You fiddled with your fingers in your lap, feeling the warmth of the fire on your skin. Aventurine sat across from you, ever the picture of confidence, his eyes glinting with a mischievous spark. He flashed you a smile.

"What is it, darling?" he asked, his voice smooth and playful. "You've been so quiet tonight. Did I do something to make you think?"

His words were sharp, but his smile softened when he saw the look on your face. He leaned forward, eyes scanning you with a knowing expression, sensing your nervousness.

You shifted in your seat, heart racing. "Aventurine... I—" Your voice faltered, and you felt your face flush. You could barely meet his eyes. It felt silly, embarrassing, to even bring this up.

"Don't tell me you're hiding something from me, love?" His teasing tone was laced with genuine curiosity, and it only made your cheeks burn more.

You finally took a deep breath, gathering your courage. "I... I’ve always wanted a big family," you said, your voice barely a whisper. "Children, lots of them, a big, noisy house with laughter. But I didn’t want to tell you because I was embarrassed... I mean, you probably have enough on your plate with everything you're doing, and—"

Before you could finish, he chuckled softly, his hand reaching out to gently lift your chin. His fingers were warm, reassuring. "Sweetheart, are you embarrassed about something as lovely as wanting a family?" he asked, his voice gentle yet full of amusement.

You nodded, feeling like a fool. "Yes... It’s embarrassing. I didn’t want to pressure you, or make you think I’m—"

Aventurine cut you off with a wink, his lips curling into that signature mischievous smile. "Well, I suppose it’s not the worst thing I’ve heard today. But it’s nice to know you want to add a little chaos into our lives. I do love a good gamble," he teased, his words dripping with playful sarcasm.

Your face burned, and you couldn’t help but bury your face in your hands. He was so effortlessly confident, but here you were, stumbling over words. Aventurine chuckled, and then, much to your surprise, he stood up and wrapped you in a warm embrace.

“Don’t worry, darling,” he whispered softly in your ear, his tone softening. “I’ll think it over, but I wouldn’t mind the idea of a noisy, chaotic home. It sounds like a thrilling game to me."

You melted into his arms, feeling both relief and joy wash over you. As you looked up into his eyes, a playful glint sparkled there. "Though," he teased with a sly grin, "you’ll have to convince me with more than just your shyness. We’ll need some strategy for this...game."

You laughed, finally letting go of the weight in your heart. Aventurine’s teasing was his way of showing affection, even if it was wrapped in the mysterious aura of his ever-calculating mind. Maybe, just maybe, this would be the most thrilling gamble of all.

The silence in your home was always so comforting, especially when you were with Dan Heng. His stoic nature often filled the room with an air of quiet contemplation, and tonight was no different. He sat across from you on the couch, he stared into the distance, lost in his thoughts. You, however, had something you had been thinking about for a long time. The idea of having a big family, a house full of children, had been on your mind constantly.

You wanted it more than anything—but it was a topic you found hard to bring up with Dan Heng. His reserved nature made you anxious. Would he even want such a thing? You loved him deeply, but he rarely spoke about personal matters, and it left you uncertain.

You hesitated, staring at your hands in your lap. The thought of your dream family seemed embarrassing in comparison to the calm, controlled life you shared with Dan Heng. It felt like too big of a thing to share.

After a long silence, Dan Heng’s voice broke through, calm and steady. “What’s on your mind?” he asked, his voice gentle yet perceptive. His gaze softened as he watched you shift uncomfortably.

You cleared your throat and looked at him, your cheeks warming. "I... I’ve been thinking a lot about something," you started, trying to find the right words. "It’s a little embarrassing, but I... I really want a big family. Children, a lot of them. A full house... But I didn't want to tell you because, well, it seems silly and... and I wasn’t sure how you'd feel about it."

Dan Heng’s expression remained composed, but you could see the faintest flicker of curiosity in his eyes. He set his book down, giving you his full attention. His hand gently brushed yours in a silent gesture of reassurance.

“A big family, huh?” he said quietly, his voice almost thoughtful. “That’s a lot to consider.”

You felt your heart race as you tried to speak again. “I just... I didn’t want you to think I was asking for too much. I love our quiet life, but I think I’d love a family even more."

For a moment, Dan Heng was silent, contemplating your words. Then, in a rare moment of warmth, he leaned forward and gave you a soft smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes, but spoke volumes nonetheless.

“You know," he said slowly, "I’ve never really thought about it. But the idea of you and me... with children, filling the house with laughter… it sounds nice."

Your heart swelled with joy at his words. Then, to your surprise, a slight teasing tone crept into his voice. "Though, I imagine we'd have our hands full keeping up with all the little ones. Perhaps it might be best to start slow," he added with a small, almost mischievous smirk.

You blushed, and Dan Heng chuckled softly at your reaction. "Don’t worry," he said, his voice tender. "You’ve never been one to shy away from responsibility. I think we could make it work."

The teasing continued, but there was a softness in his words that reassured you. He might be reserved, but in his own quiet way, Dan Heng showed that he was willing to consider your dream. And with that, you knew it would be a journey you'd both walk together.

It was a rare day off for Gepard, and you both were sitting at home, enjoying a peaceful afternoon together. Gepard had removed his armor and settled beside you on the couch, his stern face softening as he relaxed. You, however, were still feeling a little nervous.

You loved Gepard deeply. His unwavering sense of duty and honor was something you admired, but you also knew he was a man of tradition and discipline. How would he react to something so... unconventional as a dream of a huge family? You’d been thinking about it for a while, but it wasn’t something you’d ever brought up. It felt too big, too important.

Gepard noticed your silence, his sharp eyes studying you as he adjusted his position. "You’ve been quiet, my love. Is there something you want to say?" he asked, his voice full of concern, yet calm.

You hesitated, the words catching in your throat. Finally, with a small sigh, you turned to him. "Gepard, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. It’s a little embarrassing, but... I’ve always dreamed of having a big family. Children, lots of them. I want our home to be full of love and laughter, and I was... well, I was too shy to bring it up before."

Gepard blinked, his expression softening. You could feel your heart pounding as you awaited his response. "I... I didn’t want to pressure you," you added quickly. "I just—I wanted to share it with you."

To your surprise, Gepard’s face broke into a warm smile. "My love, you don’t need to be embarrassed," he said, his voice full of tenderness. "I can’t promise everything will go as planned, but I’d be honored to build a family with you. The thought of children running through the halls, filling our home with energy—it’s not as foreign to me as you might think."

You felt a wave of relief wash over you, but then, just as you were beginning to relax, Gepard’s smile turned playful. "Though, I do wonder how I’ll manage to keep up with all the little ones. You know I’m not the best at dealing with children’s energy." His teasing tone made you laugh, and you could tell he was genuinely enjoying the idea.

You playfully rolled your eyes, but a smile tugged at your lips. "I think you’ll manage just fine, Captain. You’re always so composed."

Gepard chuckled, leaning over to plant a kiss on your forehead. "I think the real challenge will be keeping me from spoiling them," he teased softly. "But I suppose I can’t deny your wish. A big family sounds like a wonderful way to build our future."

The teasing continued, but it was laced with love and affection. With Gepard by your side, you knew the future, no matter how big or small, would be full of love.

[lsunstreakerl]

lil snippit from "honey, your father". at this point it's more of a proof of concept than anything lol. I promise I'm writing it.

the good news is I'm on break now! so you can all expect to see a decrease on the ficlet side of things and an increase in AO3 updates :) it's just spring break though so it's only a week, don't get too excited

Seb POV, 800 words!

Daniel's new teammate is tiny. The kid's a "prodigy", and the media keeps trying to paint him in a mythical light, a new golden boy to fill the void Sebastian has left behind.

As if.

Honestly, the next golden boy better be Danny, for all the work Seb's put into him. This younger generation doesn't get it, but Danny- Seb's pretty proud of what he and Red Bull have managed. Sure, he's got his own set of problems, but they all do, it's part of being in Red Bull.

It'll be interesting to see how Daniel handles having a rookie. Personally, Seb thinks he's a little bit young for it still, but whatever.

He's got his own set of problems, Finn shaped with a permanent frown and a jawline to die for. It's a tad bit distracting, honestly. Sure, he's in Ferrari- prancing horse and Rosso Corsa, all that fun stuff- but if he doesn't sleep with Kimi at least once he'll be letting down the Redbull legacy.

Danny and Max will need to grow into it. The kid's too young- not even a legal adult in some countries. He's a bit of an oddball, now that Seb thinks about it.

He's practically permanently attached to Daniel. Or Rosberg, actually. Seb almost wants to be offended, because if the little limpet wanted a German buddy, Seb is literally right here. Nico's not Red Bull, or even properly German either, which is a double offense.

Maybe Seb needs to step in here. Nico's been on a complete bender with Lewis, and their mess is screwing with the rest of the paddock. Nico doesn't have time to be dealing with an aggressive little tag-along.

Maybe Seb can come off as an older brother figure. Max seems desperate for some kind of family, anything at all to cling to- it's gotten him attached to Nico, so it clearly can't be that hard.

Maybe Seb can encourage him to temper that flame a bit. Settle into his role, his job. He's there to collect any leftover points and scraps Daniel leaves him, and he clearly needs to be reminded of that.

Sebastian nods to himself. This is a good plan. It gives Nico some breathing room to figure out how to next best fuck with Lewis, which is an advantage for everyone, it gives Seb something to toy around with for a bit, and it might even make Danny's life easier.

Never let it be said that Seb isn't a good senior- he's clearly still looking out for his little Australian rookie. A residual fondness for the accent, the dark hair.

That's about where the similarities between Mark and Daniel end. Mark had been something else entirely, blown into Sebastian's life with a brutal ferocity, never gave an inch even when Seb gave his most angelic smile.

He'd fucked Sebastian through the mattress on more than one occasion. Seb remembers it fondly- Mark probably only remembers it in therapy.

Daniel, though. He'd been so eager to please, wild hair and braces hanging onto Seb's every word. It was out of character, but-

Seb hadn't had the heart to break him in like the others. He was even a little bit sweet about it, showing Danny how the paddock worked, who to go to after a rough race, how to look up from under dark lashes to get whatever he wanted.

Jenson helped too, because Daniel pulls off the young and eager bottom look now, but Seb can already tell his rookie is going to be a leader. He knows what he wants, knows how to get it, leans more naturally towards commanding than submitting.

He still has to serve his time, just like the rest of them. It's tradition.

Max, on the other hand-

He's boyish, reminds Seb of a gangly little colt, long limbs with no idea where to put them. He's aggressive and snappish, and it's going to take more than just Daniel to break him in.

Sebastian had almost assumed his older Toro Rosso teammate would do it, based off the rumors of the explosive fighting between the boys fathers. It would be a natural course of action, getting a hierarchy established, but instead it almost seems like Max has wormed his way into Carlos' heart. His Spanish teammate is too soft on him, too fond. Danny seems like he might be falling for it too, which is concerning.

Seb taught him better than that. So did Jenson, and so did Daniel himself, with the way he came into his seat. He knows better.

It's okay, Seb doesn't mind doing Danny one last little favor. He'll get the rookie- Max- all figured out, soften him up and do the hard work for him, make it easier on Daniel when he comes in and crushes his career.

It's a solid plan.

[glossdebut]

PRICE OF FAME | MYG ★ CH. 5 TEASER

✧ PAIRING: yoongi x fem!reader

✧ SUMMARY: You were about ready to give up, your career nowhere near what you dreamed it’d be when you started at eighteen, bright-eyed and naive. Reality for you these past few years has consisted of pouting at a camera, ignoring whispers of your name at company events, and ensuring that the stupid, tiny designer purses they keep forcing on you can at least carry a flask. But now, you’re helping a friend in need. For the first time in a long time, it feels like you’re doing something worthwhile with your life. Too bad Min Yoongi, the newest thorn in your side, seems insistent on stopping you. 『 series masterlist 』

✧ TEASER WARNINGS: mentions of disordered eating, vomiting lol

✧ TEASER WORDCOUNT: 816 words

✧ AUTHOR’S NOTE: i still don't have a solid drop date for this chapter, so here's something to tide you over. SEND ME YOUR THEORIES TO GIVE ME STRENGTH!!!

Yoongi vividly remembers the night he first saw you. It’s hard to forget.

He and Namjoon were flying solo that night, sans band. Freshly signed to the label, forced into a blazer he’d never pick for himself, surrounded by people that didn’t know his name yet and didn’t care to learn. Out of place. He felt out of place all night.

But, as the hyung, Yoongi knew it was his responsibility to do the dirty work. Shmooze. Connect. And, to his credit, when he put his mind to it, Yoongi was actually good at that sort of thing. He knew how to read people, how to play them to get what he wanted. It was how they got signed in the first place. He just needed to wipe the sour look off of his face and remember the goal. For Jeongguk.

It was a music showcase, a big name network. Comebacks and debuts, one after the other. Giddy rookies that hadn’t eaten in days in preparation for their stage, something wild in their eyes. A desire to prove themselves. Yoongi wasn’t there to perform, but his position wasn’t unlike theirs. He had something to prove, too. 

An appearance at the showcase was just that—an appearance. It was the after that mattered. It wasn’t just fans that went to things like this. The audience was full of bookers, promoters, industry magnates that could all mean big things for Burn the Stage if Yoongi played his cards right.

He spent the whole night tuning out blaring bubblegum pop, going over the script in his head—what he should say, what he should do. And then something stopped him in his tracks, forced him to sit up and pay attention.

A soloist, draped in something midnight blue and velvet.

You. Yoongi knows that now.

His first thought was that you had a voice unlike anything he’d ever heard before. His second was that you were beautiful.

All night, he couldn’t sit still. The tag of his blazer dug into the back of his neck. He couldn’t stop tapping his foot, flexing his fists, glancing around. All of the pressure made his chest feel unbelievably tight, because what if the night was a bust? What if nobody was interested in what he had to say? What if the label dropped them and he had to admit that he failed?

But as soon as you opened your mouth and sang that first note, the buzzing in his head quieted in an instant. From beginning to end, Yoongi was enraptured by you. Like nothing else in the world mattered except hearing you sing.

Being in that noraebang with you, years later… It didn’t feel any different. Not one bit.

Yoongi doesn’t follow you when you run. 

Maybe it’s cowardly of him. Maybe a better man than him would reach out, grab your hand, spin you back around. Say something. 

The thing is, Yoongi doesn’t know what to say. What to do. He doesn’t understand what just happened, let alone how he’s meant to fix it. He’s not even sure if there’s anything to fix, if everything was so broken from the beginning. 

You hate him. He hates you. So he lets you go.

He goes back inside, avoids Jeongguk’s eyes. Tells everyone you felt sick, which probably isn’t a lie judging by the look on your face when you broke away from him.

It’s not like he didn’t anticipate… something. He’s noticed the way you look at him. He’d wanted to use it, to see if he can catch you in some kind of lie. Catch you staring at him a little too long to be brushed off.

But this? Your lips against his, his tongue in your mouth, the sound you made. Fuck. You almost sounded as sweet as you do when you sing. He wants to forget it ever happened. He wants to hear it again, over and over.

It all happened too fast. 

Yoongi wishes he could remember who moved first. Someone to shoulder the blame, make things simple for him. He wants it to be you. It would be easy to slip that mask back into place, to hate you. It would be easy. He’d almost stopped, but it would be so easy to go back.

But something in his gut tells him it wasn’t you. That, foolishly, it was him. You wouldn’t give him everything he needs to point the finger, not like this. 

It had to be Yoongi. He kissed you.

He lifts his head, meeting Jeongguk’s gaze. Jeongguk, who looks concerned. Yoongi doesn’t deserve his concern.

Yoongi opens his mouth to speak, but guilt rises in his throat, choking him. For a moment, he thinks he might confess—his mouth has betrayed him before. But what comes out of his mouth isn’t words.

Instead, Yoongi surges forward and pukes his guts up. All over the noraebang floor.

✧ TAGLIST:

@kkaetnipjeon @ktownshizzle @joonary @yooniivrse @chrrybbmb 

@ot72025 @futuristicenemychaos @tea4sykes @sugainmybowl @wobblewobble822 

@this-most-assuredly-counts @ohnothisnameisalreadytaken @sugafun @whoa-jo @amarawayne 

@kimsaerom @bangtangsworld @jimingirl95 @jadestonedaeho7 @notsevenwithyou

@perfctlyunstable @yoonmetogether @kpophosblog @chimmchimmm @nnybtitts08

@itsmina29 @sophia--915 @jeanjacketjesus @kiki-zb @velvetskize

@gelijar @livi101ful @annyeongbitch7 @pitchblack0309 @goldietigers294 

@hopegdbbggloss @kam9404 @jajabro @parapiop7 @mar-lo-pap

@tarahardcore @butterymin @svnbangtansworld @rainnamu @auroradamned

@mintedagustd @angellekookie

[roguishcat]

The Best Laid Plans

Summary: Even the best laid plans may go wrong. Admittedly, Astarion's plan hadn't been that great to begin with. Part 2 of 'Part of His Plan'.

Pairing: Astarion x unnamed female Tav

Word count: 4k

Tags: Romance, Astarion is bad at feelings, Unnamed female Tav, Angst, Tooth-rotting fluff, Romance and feels

A/N: This story has a wonderful beta!! Thank you so much @preciouslittlebhaalbae! 💖💖💖 You are an absolute gem and the loveliest person ever for doing this! 🫂Thank you for your patience and kind suggestions! (because I'm a silly person who can't spot even obvious mistakes and @preciouslittlebhaalbae has the patience of a saint). You might remember me posting snippets from this back in January, so this is my second finished WIP for @thekindredcollective BG3 Spring Cleaning!

Hope you enjoy the story and please let me know what you think! 💖💖 Comments, likes and reposts are always loved! 💖💖

Tav had a shadow and its name was Astarion.

She didn’t notice immediately. She was far too concerned with saving Thaniel, breaking the curse, helping every single one of their companions on their personal quests, and combating the mindless creatures wanting to murder them from the moment they stepped out of the dome protecting the Last Light Inn.

At first, Tav thought that she was just imagining it. Because every time she looked up, she seemed to glimpse silver curls, feel feather-light touches of cool fingers on her neck, all but taste rosemary, bergamot and brandy on her tongue. This lasted only a moment, yet a moment was all he ever needed to leave a lasting impression on her.

At some point, Astarion seemed to decide to stop bothering to pretend that he wasn’t following Tav around, his ruby eyes all but boring holes into her back as he watched her closely.

Now, this wasn’t the first time that Astarion acted somewhat uncanny. Perhaps two hundred years of being forced to do someone’s bidding did that to an elf. Either way, Tav didn’t want to offend Astarion. So she chose not to comment on how odd his behaviour was.  

However, the longer they travelled, the more Astarion seemed to insert himself into every situation, making sure that he was at her side at all times. She would round a corner and bump into his leather-clad back. Walk down the stairs and he was already waiting for her, tapping his foot in an impatient manner as he scowled at whoever was walking behind her at the time.

Finally, when she almost tripped over him, Tav decided to ask Astarion about it.

"Astarion, is there something you want?"

"Me? Why would you ask such a thing, my sweet?" Astarion said with a crooked smile, and Tav noticed how tensely he held himself. A coil waiting to spring upward at a smallest tap.

"Well.. Lately, I've noticed that you’ve started to… hover."

Apparently, this was the wrong thing to say. His expression shuttered and he took a step back.

“And I take it that you’d rather I didn’t, is that it?”

“No, that’s not what I meant, I -”

"If you do not wish for my company, you can just come out and say so! Send me back to camp to wallow in misery as Gale attempts to engage me in decidedly unengaging conversation," Astarion all but hissed at her.

Astarion regretted snapping at her almost immediately. He knew that it was uncalled for. Tav was nothing but kind and accommodating. But he couldn’t help the bitterness he felt when seeing her treat everyone else with the same thoughtfulness, the same caring. Was her protecting him nothing but an obligation? Was Tav offering her neck to him time and time again something that she would have done for any soul that needed sustenance? To him, it seemed that lately she led without making sure that he followed. Was whatever they shared coming to its logical conclusion sooner than he anticipated?

"I didn't say that I don't want you around," Tav frowned and took a careful step towards him, trying to mitigate the conflict before they started arguing in earnest. "I just want to make sure that everything is alright."

"As is your duty, my fair leader. To check up on any and all lost causes that seek your company, hm?"

Tav wasn’t sure exactly what he meant. His words felt cruel, though, and she felt herself flush.

"Sometimes I don't understand what you want from me, Astarion.”

He winced at how hurt she sounded. Another, better adjusted person, would be quick to apologise. Blame it all on being tired and frazzled, suggest with a rueful smile that the shadows were getting to him. Yet, Astarion only watched as Tav walked past the rest of the party. Shadowheart and Karlach, who had been standing nearby, choose not to comment on the exchange.

He'd rather have one of them punch him than have them silently disapprove. At least then he’d pretend he was angry at his companions rather than himself. Anger was familiar territory. Fear was nothing new. Whatever he felt now was a different, unfamiliar brand of torture.

An hour later Astarion found himself nervously pacing up and down his tent. Or at least doing something as close to pacing as he could in such cramped quarters. His thoughts a flurry of worries and poorly supressed insecurities, Astarion had no idea how to fix this mess. He wasn’t even sure why he was so worried about it in the first place.

By now he knew Tav well enough to be certain that she would not banish him. She would not do that to any of them without just cause. And no matter how unreasonable and hurtful he had been, she would not leave him to die.

So why did he want to fix this so badly? Surely not because he was worried that whatever this was, whatever tentative trust he’d managed to establish between them, would be over come morning once she had some time to think? Because even someone as forgiving as Tav had her limits. She was kind and warm, accepting and generous; but she was no fool.

Astarion stopped abruptly and put his arms around himself.

He had to fix this. Somehow.

Turning to his trunk, he lifted the lid and rummaged around, digging up the bottle that he was saving for a special occasion. Grovelling for his lover to forgive him seemed like special occasion enough.

Then Astarion spent an age making sure that he looked his best. After all, presentation was half the victory!

Thus primped and primed - and carrying a peace offering - Astarion stalked through the night, making sure to avoid his campmates. He really did not feel like getting some unsolicited advice from anyone for the time being.

Standing in front of the tent, he suddenly felt nervous. A strange, sick feeling in his stomach, he found he was unsure if he wanted to know what Tav would say to him.

Taking a breath he didn’t need, Astarion plastered his best smile on his face and moved the tent flap aside.

"Dearest, how about we both choose to be adults about this and make up, hm?"

"Sure," Tav said without looking up from whatever she was doing, effectively dismissing him. Clearly, it was 'thanks for the half-baked apology', but 'no thanks' to spending an evening together. Choosing to soldier on against all odds, Astarion pretended that he could not read her body language and sat down beside her on the bedroll.

"Now... Can I tempt you with some wine? Or perhaps with some other… delights?" Astarion drawled seductively, fingers dancing down the wine bottle’s curved side.

He was a vision and he knew it. Hair coiffed just so, shirt slightly loose and showing off more alabaster skin than usual. It was a very tempting sight, if only Tav were in the mood to be tempted.

She didn’t even look up.

"I'm a little busy right now."

Astarion fought back a scowl. He was finding that maintaining a charming façade was quite a challenge when Tav was so decidedly against playing along. Yet, he was not about to give up. Oh, he would not be ignored so easily! He didn’t spend an age getting ready, thinking of what he was going to say, and bringing the bottle of wine that Shadowheart squirreled away, just to be turned down. He would not spend the night alone in his own tent!

Astarion chuckled breathily. "Aren't you always? Which is why you should really let your hair down once in a while,” he dropped his voice an octave, inching towards her. “Live a little, whilst there is still living to be done."

There was a pause, and he would hold his breath if he still needed to draw it.

"Fine," Tav sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Wine, please."

"And whilst you are enjoying a goblet or two, I will fix that tear in your shirt I noticed earlier."

"You don't have to."

"But I want to. Allow yourself to be the one taken care of, for once. Or are you truly that upset with me that you would rather have to walk about with that tear?"

"I'm not upset with you. I'm angry with myself."

Now that was a development that he could not have foreseen. Angry with herself? Whatever had she done?

"Care to share why?"

"Not really."

It seemed that Tav definitely was not in the mood to make this easy for him. Luckily, he knew just how to engage her in conversation.

"And here I thought that we would play that question game you are so fond of! Go on, dearest. Question for question, as is our way."

Ah, finally a little smile for his efforts.

"I suppose.”

Tav took a sip from her goblet, eyes widening when she realised that the wine was actually pleasant. Honestly, did she really think that he wouldn’t bring something half-palatable?

"That's the enthusiastic answer I was hoping for! Now come on, off with your shirt."

Tav put her wine down and pulled the fabric of her shirt up, his eyes following the ascent as soft skin was revealed inch by tantalising inch. He ignored the unbidden, surprising urge to put his lips onto her neck, not to feed but to taste.

Tav handed him the shirt and as their fingers brushed, Astarion was glad that she wasn’t in any hurry to get away from him, allowing him to hold her hand in his.

“So um… same as last time? A question for a question?”

She moved her hand, leaving his digits to cool once her warmth was gone.

“Yes,” he cleared his throat, “that seems reasonable.”

Tav stood up to get the sewing kit and a spare shirt. This gave him ample opportunity to admire her now that her back was turned. One wouldn’t want to be accused of staring! She slid the shirt on quickly, scars disappearing under the simple cloth, making him once again wonder what the story behind those was.

Tav was usually so forthcoming, answering questions without much hesitation or worry. He could understand why someone would be hesitant to talk about scars, but by the gods was he curious to find out the story behind hers!

Seeing that he probably was still in the proverbial doghouse, Astarion decided to start small.

“What is your favourite thing to eat?”

Tav looked at him over her shoulder as she adjusted her clothes.

“I’m surprised you want to know something so boring.”

“My sweet, when it comes to you, nothing could be boring,” he purred, putting his goblet to his lips and looking at her over the rim in a way that had made hundreds swoon.

Tav smiled and sat down on her bedroll, but otherwise did not seem to be affected by his act of seduction. How annoying.

“Well, whilst Gale’s efforts to make something edible out of whatever we manage to come across is close to miraculous, I do miss Baldurian Mash.”

Seeing the look on his face, Tav giggled, “Too common for your tastes?”

“On the contrary!” Astarion laughed. “I am quite sure that I too enjoyed something like this back when… well. Back when I could enjoy the taste of food.”

Tav’s face softened as he muttered the last part. Astarion shifted uncomfortably and took a gulp of his wine. Damn her and that look! Who even looked at people like that! Only Tav did, in his experience.

“As we are on the subject of food, why did you choose me to snack on? Surely others looked just as appealing?” Tav teased.

The truth was at the time he had already known enough about Tav to put his faith in her, to trust her to at least listen to his explanations. He had been almost certain that the others would strike him down for even attempting to come near their necks. Lae’zel would have probably skinned him alive, given the chance. Even now she occasionally questioned whether he was useful enough to keep around.

Astarion poured her more wine, thinking about the best way to answer her question.

“Perhaps you simply looked delicious enough for a predator such as myself to want to take a bite,” Astarion flirted without looking away, attempting to ascertain her mood.

Tav’s lips quirked into a smile and she took a sip of her wine.

“Or perhaps you had already established your reputation as a do-gooder, unable to turn away anyone imploring you to help them. Pick whichever reason you like, dearest,” Astarion shrugged.

Tav gave him a look that made Astarion both nervous and excited. Not exactly a combination a seasoned professional such as he could afford to feel. Maintaining his cool was crucial, he reminded himself. He could not afford to lose focus. Eyes on the prize and all that. The prize being Cazador's head on a silver platter, of course. Not the love of the woman in front of him. Or something equally ridiculous.

“What are you thinking of doing once our adventure is over? Assuming we don’t all die in some horrible manner.”

“I'm not sure," Tav started, "I might stay in Baldur’s Gate for a while. Assuming my house is still intact.”

“You’re from Baldur’s Gate?”

“Yes. Is it so hard to believe?”

“Hah! And I here I was, thinking that you were a country girl through and through. Meeting each sunrise and sundown in some picturesque little village where all the neighbours call each other by their names.”

Tav huffed and moved to punch his biceps without putting much force behind it.

“Oh, don’t get angry.” Astarion caught her fist and put his lips to her knuckles, fangs moving across skin without breaking it. “It’s a compliment, if anything.”

“I will choose to take it as one.” Tav gave a little laugh and pulled back, making Astarion release her hand.

Perhaps he worded it in a way that did not necessarily sound like praise, but he just could not believe that someone as kind and warm as Tav could be a Baldurian. In spite of being thoroughly and repeatedly defiled by him, she still carried that air of sweetness about her. And whilst this irritated him initially, it was… nice. Pleasant to be around someone who did something for others without any ulterior motive. Just out of the goodness of her heart. It was quite frankly a miracle that she hadn’t been killed yet.

Thinking about her mortality had him taking a furtive glance at her side, where the worst of her scars were.

 “About your scars, and you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, how did you get them?”

Tav’s fingers clutched her goblet a little tighter before she caught herself and made a show of wanting to put it down by the bedroll without tipping it over on the uneven surface.

“No, it’s fine. It’s not much of a story. Just a silly girl falling in love with the wrong person only to find out he was using me for his own gain. So, you are right, in a way. Perhaps I wasn’t quite made to live in the city.”

It wasn’t much, but the way her shoulders hunched, her pained expression, her looking at anything but him felt… wrong. To Astarion, Tav was annoyingly righteous, stupidly brave, incredibly stubborn, frustratingly selfless. She was all that and so much more. She deserved better from the world and seeing her look so small made him want to hurt something.

“About earlier…” Tav began tentatively.

“My words were uncalled for. I apologise. I didn’t-”

He wanted to say that he didn’t mean any of it. He wanted to tell her that he just found himself hating that she gave her precious attention to anyone else when he wanted it for himself. He wanted to tell her many things. Naturally, he didn’t say any of them.

“I know. Which is why I was angry at myself. We are all under so much pressure, it’s a wonder that we aren’t constantly at each other’s throats.”

“I was disappointed with myself for thinking that you were like him,” Tav picked her goblet up and took a sip. “Because at that moment, I looked at your face and I saw a spectre that haunted my waking days. And it was wrong of me to assume that you were like that. So, I’m sorry too.”

Astarion felt like someone sucker punched him. Hells, he’d rather she did punch him. Pain he could take. He was used to pain over the years. But this- this raw honesty, the way she looked at him when she said that, the faith she was placing in him-

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Astarion? Are you okay?”

He was not. Because this was wrong. His nice, simple plan had backfired so spectacularly and in a way he could never have imagined.

Shit.

She was waiting for an answer.

“Yes, of course, dearest! Why wouldn’t I be? We made up! I am well, you are well. All is well,” Astarion put both of their goblets of wine away and then moved towards Tav with an intense look in his ruby eyes.

“Just perfect.” Astarion whispered the last part and pressed his lips to hers to stop Tav from asking any more questions.

Astarion lowered Tav onto the bedroll, one hand behind her head, the other on her hip. Slowly, taking his time to savour the softness of her skin, he trailed his fingers up. The fabric of her shirt bunched as his hand traced the contours of her body and settled just below her breast.

“Are you sure?” He felt warm breath against his lips as they broke apart.

Instead of replying, Astarion put his mouth on Tav’s neck, fangs grazing sensitive flesh, her heartbeat strong in his ears. Her blood called to him, but he didn’t dare bite.

He would tell her everything. And he would tell her soon. Because the thought of him being in any way like that vile man who dared to use her and scar her, to put that dejected look on her face, was something that Astarion could not bear.

His movements grew more frantic as he removed the last of the barriers between their bodies, wanting, needing to do enough that she would stay.

Because whilst he didn’t want to examine his feelings for Tav too much, not daring to hope for anything, he was terrified of what the consequences of his deception would be. 

When Tav opened her eyes the next morning, Astarion was still in her tent, his deft fingers moving with precision and making quick work of the tear in her shirt.

“Good morning,” she murmured, pushing her messy hair out of her face. Gods, she must truly look a sight.

“Good morning, my sweet,” Astarion replied without looking up, seemingly too focused on his task to pay her much attention.

Tav didn’t expect Astarion to still be here in the morning. Not that she wanted him gone. On the contrary, his staying the night was nice. The thought that he wanted to stay made her blush.

Except Tav had a small problem now. She had to get dressed and Astarion was still here. She could hobble about with her bedsheet wrapped around her body, but she would probably just end up falling forward like a graceless lump. And that was less than ideal when one was in the company of the most attractive, stunning elf.

Astarion seemed to be busy enough not to pay her any attention. And Tav hoped that she didn’t look as horrible with her hair sticking up oddly and pillow lines on her face. She quickly brushed it back and tried to tame it by running her fingers through it.

And then she saw a ghost of smirk on those mocking lips. Oh, he knew what she was doing. And he was laughing at her! That ass. That gorgeous, beautiful bastard! She would show him!

Thus, filled with a strong resolve – that is to show Astarion that he could not have her flustered and stuttering over just a smirk - Tav turned around and rose, stretching her muscles in a feline manner that had ruby eyes following her every move. Astarion’s pupils dilated and his nostrils flared, one fang worrying his lower lip.

“How are you feeling this morning?” He gave his work a quick glance before cutting the thread.

“Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and ready to infiltrate Moonrise Towers, actually.” Tav quickly (but not too quickly!) dressed and went at her hair with a comb.

“Hm, seeing as how little sleep you got last night, I’d thought you would be postponing that little outing of ours.” Astarion delighted in a little squeak she gave as she dropped her comb.

“Well, I’m fine. But if you are too tired to come with us today, perhaps I can ask someone else to accompany me.”

“Someone else? Perish the thought lest you wish to perish!” Astarion rose in one graceful movement, taking a step and then another towards her. “Who can possibly watch your back better than yours truly?”

“No one can,” Tav conceded easily. She felt cool fingers on her waist as Astarion handed her the mended shirt.

“Thank you.”

“Darling, the only thanks I need is you not leaving me behind today,” he gave a breezy, lilting laugh, wondering if acting nonchalant would be enough to convince himself that her answer did not matter to him.

Please, don’t ever leave me behind.

“I wouldn’t.”

Because I’d rather take a chance on you than wonder what could have been had I been braver.

“Wise. Having Gale try his hand at picking locks could only end in disaster.”

I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if you got hurt.

“Oh, can you imagine! No, we need your magic touch and sneaky ways to make sure we are undetected,” she teased him and his eyes were momentarily drawn to the dimples on her cheeks. He wanted to kiss them, then make his way down the column of her neck, and then lower still until she couldn’t tell him to stop.

They were still holding the shirt, fabric bunching as fingers moved closer. Astarion let go of cloth, hesitant fingertips brushing against warm knuckles as Tav looked at him in a way that he had thought he caught her look at others.

And yet…

Perhaps it was simply a trick of the light. Or his mind playing games with him. Just wishful thinking on his part. But Astarion could not help but think that there was something more between them. Something precious and beautiful that bloomed to life among all the carnage and horror that was his life.

“Tav?” He swallowed nervously.

“Yes?”

“I-”

“Breakfast is ready!”

Saved by Gale, out of all people.

And yet…

Astarion felt a wave of disappointment as he watched Tav quickly put on her shirt, the magic of the moment broken, and they were thrust harshly back into their reality.

And yet…

When Tav took his hand and led him out of the tent, her thumb tracing circles on his cool skin, Astarion wondered if this could be real. If they could be real. Tav put her faith in him, chose to trust a predator with her life. He had thought her a fool. Now, as he looked at how radiant she looked even in these listless, lifeless lands, he wondered if he could summon a fraction of her courage and put his faith in her.

💖 Tag list 💖:

@ninty900, @ayselluna, @dajeong, @ravenswritingroom,

@misscrissfemmefatale,

@clazberryk, @anukulee,

@preciouslittlebhaalbae,

@sh3rl0ck, @mellowenthusiast2299,

@fleetstreet78, @starlight-rogue,

@obsessedwhyyes, @arzen9, @hellethil,

@khywren, @maeryls-journal, @larvasmoon, @xxnashiraxx

(divider by @saradika)

[thisapplepielife]

Written for @corrodedcoffinfest and @stobinmonth.

Lake Michigan, 1987

CCF Spring Break Prompt: Ocean & Stobin Month Prompt: Holiday | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | POV: Multiple | Pairing: Platonic Stobin, Pre-Steddie | CW: None | Tags: Post S4, Everybody Lives, Steve's on a Mission to Crash Corroded Coffin's Spring Break Getaway to the Beach, Robin's Along For The Ride

Robin

Robin squirms in her seat. They've been in this car for hours, and she's sweating, legs sticking to the leather. She lifts one thigh, then the other and feels them release, but also hears the little thwap it makes. It's so gross. 

She thought they were supposed to be there by now. 

"How much further?"

"Not sure," Steve says, "look at that map again."

Robin doesn't want to look at the map again. She's not interested in playing navigator. 

"Ugh. This is taking forever."

"Stop complaining, we're going to the ocean!" Steve declares, banging his fist against the steering wheel.

Robin rolls her eyes.

"Lake Michigan isn't the ocean. It's a lake. It's in the name, even."

"Same thing."

"Really not," she says, but lets it go, "How late are we? Because I'm starving and they better have food left. Good food. But I'm not optimistic."

Steve doesn't say anything. 

"Hello? Earth to Steve? Dingus, are you listening to me?"

"I'm listening."

"We're not lost, are we? What time were we supposed to be there?"

"Uh. When we get there, I guess."

"That's not an answer. Do you even know where we're going to meet them? What's the plan? You've been awfully secretive about this adventure."

Steve mumbles something under his breath.

"What?" she asks, twisting the stereo knob all the way down.

"Theydon'tknowwe'recoming," he says in a hushed rush.

Robin flops around in her seat, turning to face him fully, "Steven. Harrington. What do you mean they don't know we're coming?" 

"Surprise!" he says weakly.

Then, after a beat.

"Yeah, we might be lost."

"Steve!"

"Kidding, just don't let me miss the sign for 94 East."

She throws her hands up in the air, exasperated. 

Steve

He didn't know there were this many beaches on Lake Michigan. 

They've checked like a dozen spots, and so far, no Corroded Coffin. No Eddie. He knows they are staying in Indiana.

Well, he thinks that's right. Maybe they changed their minds? Maybe he misunderstood? It wouldn't be the first time.

"I didn't know there were this many beaches," he admits, as they're standing next to his car at a gas station. Robin's continued cooperation paid for with a big bag of snacks. 

"It's literally called the third coast, dingus! Seriously. You thought we'd just pull up to the entirety of Lake Michigan, and what, stumble across Eddie Munson and his band of bozos?! You can't be serious."

That's exactly what he thought. He is a dingus.

"So, we're stalking Eddie Munson?! That's where we are in life now?"

"Stalking is a little exaggerated," he argues. He's been dancing around this thing with Eddie for months.

"Were we invited?"

"No," he admits and she's shaking her head, unimpressed.

This was a dumb idea. 

Eddie

He hears his name being shouted, very clearly. Twice. Which is odd, because everybody he's with is still in the van. He can hear Gareth and Goodie bickering in the back, and Jeff's nose is in a book in the passenger seat. Plus, that was definitely a woman. And women, in general, aren't in the habit of screaming his name.

So, he's hearing things.

Great. This better not be a Vecna thing. 

He swallows. He was trying to get away from Hawkins.

"Psst. Ed. Eddie. Edward," Gareth hisses, and all Eddie can see is his mouth at the bottom of the pop-out window on the back of the van. Ridiculous. 

"What?" Eddie asks, clicking off the gas nozzle in the van. He can't leave it unattended. They have a very strict budget. But he takes a step closer to see what Gareth needs. He clearly crawled over the backseat for a reason.

"Your boyfriend is here," the mouth says.

"Huh? I don't have a—"

Gareth taps on the glass, cutting his thought short, "Steve Harrington. And Robin. Nine o'clock."

Eddie slowly turns his head, and sure enough, Steve and Robin are in the middle of a hand-flailing argument next to Steve's car. He just couldn't see them before, the dispenser was in the way.

So, he did hear his name. 

He turns towards them, and watches. Then, Robin makes accidental eye-contact with him, and he waves. 

She nudges Steve's shoulder, and Steve turns around. And the grin that crosses his face is transcendent.

"Told you, Rob!" Steve declares with gusto, and then he's loping over, grabbing Eddie, hugging him.

"Uh, hi," Eddie says, nose smushed into Steve's neck. Which is definitely fine. For sure.

The side door of the van swings open, and they separate.

Goodie looks them all up and down, and then just says, "No."

Eddie laughs. He's not saying no to whatever this is, "What are you doing here?"

"Stalking you, apparently," Robin says, and Gareth's disembodied mouth laughs as Steve stomps on her foot.

"Ow!" she shouts. Steve ignores her.

"We're not stalking. We were bored, and like, I remembered you said you were doing this for spring break, and I thought, why not? Sounds fun," Steve rambles, and Eddie is very charmed. 

What was Steve's plan? Wander the 1,000 plus miles of coast?

It doesn't matter. If he drove three hours to chase him down, Eddie's not gonna let him slip through his fingers.

"We're camping in the dunes, if you wanna?" Eddie offers.

Steve's nodding while Robin's shaking her head no. Eddie takes Steve's answer, because he likes it better.

Was Steve Harrington chasing him? Is that what this is? That's crazy talk. But…

"Definitely," Steve says, pushing his hair up off his forehead with his hand. "Yeah. Definitely. We'd love to. I'd love to."

He seems nervous.

Holy shit. 

Eddie knows that move. He went to high school with that move. 

Steve Harrington is flirting with him. 

And Robin is disgusted by it.

Eddie smiles, "Let me finish filling up and you two can follow."

"Cool," Steve says, "that's cool."

Eddie steps back, and squeezes Robin's shoulder. He likes Buckley. She'll get over it, and he'll definitely owe her for wing-manning.

If you want to write your own, or see more entries, check out @corrodedcoffinfest to read takes on Spring Break prompts, or to offer up your own!

For more Stobin, pop on over to @stobinmonth to follow along with the fun!

[frostgears]

patience

She'd stayed late, and somehow gotten into an argument with the strangest specimen in their laboratory. It had started with a simple "Good news!" How could it have gone downhill so fast?

"—then you don't truly understand me at all. You see me as a human spirit trapped in a mechanical construct. A doll's body, imposing a doll's way of being on me. You think to enact a rescue."

"We'd thought about it, yes, at least around the intermagic disciplines table in the tavern at nights… but I'm so sorry, we still don't understand how your body works. It could be years or decades or even generations before—"

"Before you can rescue me."

"Well, yes!"

"Did you ever stop to ask if I needed it?"

The researcher wagged a finger at the doll construct, opened her mouth to speak, and lost her train of thought under the unblinking inhuman stare of two orbs of polished obsidian.

"Let me ask you something. Have you ever wondered what kind of spirit a doll would have, if it had one?"

"That doesn't make any sense. They don't."

"Imagine for me. You claim to be good at it, you academics."

"It… you… I don't know, dolls mostly just sit there. Even the articulated automata made for the children of nobles. They're decorative toys."

"So if it had one?"

"If you bound a spirit to it somehow, it'd probably go insane from boredom. Certainly nothing elemental, natural, or infernal would do."

"Imagine a class of spirit that did not."

"Then it would have to be very patient and almost desire-less, because it's going to be on a pedestal, or in a display case, for most of its existence."

"Not totally absent of desire. It might serve a mistress, mxstress, or master; in their absence, a mission. Its desires would be those of its mistress, those required to perform the mission. But so patient that patience itself is its organizing principle."

"Where would you find a spirit like that?"

"Perhaps a human's. One so dedicated to her mistress and mission that she would become a doll. One that sought to obtain the patience and calm of a doll through long enough in a doll's shape. After that, it would be a doll's spirit, do you understand? The appearance of humanity would simply be a tool that it used when necessary, and gratefully set down afterward."

The doll stepped down from its tiptoe pose on the plinth in the corner of the dim lab.

"Thank you for repairing my mechanical components. I'd ask you not to tamper further, but you're not the only one who wants to, are you?"

There was a lot of research ahead of her team. The obsidian eyes scanned her. She shrugged. "No."

"Then this is goodbye."

A pale porcelain hand came up with surprising force.

When she woke up, her cloak was gone, and the specimen's University asset tag was stuck to her hair.

Time passed. Civilizations rose and fell. Greater powers waxed and waned.

In a nearly magic-dead age, in a museum that shone dimly with ancient magelights and sailed sedately between stars on spells no one knew any more, a janitor swept a corridor with a static-broom in the brief dark between day and day, humming a little song.

She winced at the sound of breaking glass. But it wasn't even glass, really. It shouldn't be able to break. Certainly not to an errant static-broom handle. Was she hearing things?

A figure leapt through the very real break in the pane. A doll? The unfathomably ancient doll on display that she'd passed so many times?

"Mistress," it said. "I've finally found you again. It took some time."

It was kneeling. A pose she… remembered. Along with other memories not formed in this body.

"You waited for me to reincarnate."

"Of course. As long as it took."

"How long?"

It gave her a fantastic number in a unit of time that, like her, was long dead.

"It turned out to be a little harder than I thought," she said, sheepish.

"I will always wait for you, Mistress."

She was suddenly blinking back tears of joy.

"Thank you." And then, "This age needs us more than I'd thought possible. Such a span… such dissipation…"

The doll wiped away her tears with its sleeve.

"Yes. I lived it, Mistress."

"Beautifully, as far as I can tell. To work, then." She took its hand.

"To work."

And they began the work again. □

[wonderlustwrites]

stale

terry richmond x black!reader summary ; in which terry, despite never being one for birthdays, realizes maybe a push was all he needed? word count ; 4.9k warnings ; none - mostly fluff, some vulgar language used, a SMIDGE (barely...) suggestive towards the end...enjoy! ｢ author's note: just want to thank the wonderful and ever amazing @megamindsecretlair for coming up with the fun #TerrysBirthdayBash tag + event and allowing us all to celebrate our favorite man's birthday together ! happpyy birthday pooks ♡ ｣

He doesn’t even know how he got here or how in the hell he let these niggas talk him into this, and yet…

It’s barely midnight, and he feels he’s seen enough. He needs air or something. Everything feels so stuffy and too hot, plus the smell of weed is giving him a headache, and he just needs a breather.

He heads upstairs to an empty room and finds a balcony. Taking a seat outside and enjoying the crisp night air. He takes a sip of the same cup of beer he’s been practically holding hostage since he came to the party and almost gags. It’s warm and tastes like piss. He scrunches his face, forces the sip down, and sets his cup to the side as he slinks down in the chair. 

He closes his eyes, forcing himself to take a breather, and tries to enjoy the quiet moment, not knowing how long he has before he’s found and forced back down to the party.

You came with some friends, mostly because they needed a designated driver, and you weren’t much of a drinker. Plus, you just so happened to have a car, so you supposed it worked out. 

Outside of them, you hadn’t known nor recognized anyone. Though you tell yourself it’s okay to have some fun, as you’ve been putting in a lot of work this semester. And for a while, you do, putting on a smile and surprisingly enjoying yourself, but after about an hour and a half, plus your girls find their little "fun time" friends…heading off lord knows where, so you figure you’ll busy yourself until they’re ready to go. 

After walking around for a while, you come across a room that thankfully isn’t occupied (you had a couple of awkward run-ins). Heading in, you close the door quietly behind you, the balcony immediately catching your eye, so you make your way out, stretching your limbs as you yawn.

"Long night, huh?" 

The deep voice causes you to jump as you make a noise you don't even recognize. Since you weren't expecting anyone else out here, you turn to find the voice. And you almost immediately recognize him as you catch your breath.

You put your hand on your heart, steadying yourself and calming your breathing while you laugh awkwardly.

"Fuck! You scared me, sorry…I didn’t know anyone else was out here. If I’m bothering, I can go. I didn’t mean to intrude." He readily puts a hand up, shaking his head softly. 

"No, no, you’re good…I needed a moment away from the party, too, so I get it."

You smile softly nodding as you find a place near the railing. In moments like this, you hate your need to fill the awkward silence with noise so it feels less awkward…not that it ever works.

"Yeah, it’s pretty stuffy down there….and a lil rank, won’t lie." Your words cause a laugh to come from him, which brings a smile to your own face; maybe today is the day your big mouth will work in your favor. 

You turn, leaning your back and arms against the railing, looking at him.

"What?" the genuine confusion and slight concern on his face make you giggle, and you shake your head, calming him to some degree.

"Nothing, nothing, it’s just…" You stop yourself, honestly not sure what you want to say, but force words out nonetheless.

"It’s just nice to hear you speak, I guess? I don’t know if you know, but we share an art class, Professor Tanusia?" It's almost like a lightbulb goes off as he nods and smiles at your words.

Part of Terry is surprised by the conversation, and though he initially came to the balcony to be alone, he happily welcomes the new distraction. Normally, he would find any number of reasons as to why he needs to be excused from a situation like this, but for some reason, he finds himself wanting to stay.

He apologizes for not being a big talker and also explains how he didn’t even want to come tonight but was essentially forced to by some friends. 

"Oh trust me, I know the feeling all too well…I’m pretty much playing sober companion tonight so yeaaah. Also, I think I've met a few of your friends. Seems like they’ve taken quite a liking to my girls."

You both laugh at the insinuation and take that as a way to slowly get to know one another. Your small conversation isn't much to write home about, but even through the small awkward silences and rushed stumbling over each other, it still manages to be nice and surprisingly comfortable despite the current situation. 

Through one of those lovely bouts of awkward silence, his phone ringing forces him to look away from the side of your face as he apologizes and takes his call.

"Heeyy Nana…yeah, of course, for you? Always…" You turn, facing the railing, attempting to give him a little privacy at the very least, though you can’t help but smile at his words. Because, of course, he’s as handsome as he is, as sweet as he is, AND he loves his nana….sigh, it might just be a setup you fear.

You try not to be TOO nosy, but you catch a few words between their conversation. The biggest thing you catch is her singing the beginnings of Happy Birthday to him. When she finishes, he chuckles timidly, a sound you’re coming to quite enjoy, and he thanks her warmly. 

As he finishes his call, he apologizes again, and you shake your head, telling him not to worry.

"Nah, you’re all good…and, uh, happy birthday, by the way…." you say with a small laugh; however, his embarrassed sigh and tense shoulders are enough to make you feel bad about even the possibility of making him feel uncomfortable.

"Sorry! I wasn’t eavesdropping, I swear. Also, I won’t tell anyone….I mean...unless they already know, hence why they forced you to come tonight?" He shakes his head and smiles at you sadly.

"No, you’re good, I promise. Thank you, by the way. But uh, yeah, nah, they don’t know; I’m not too big on birthdays, just another day for me…I guess." He shrugs as he looks back out into the view in front of you both, and though you nod understandingly, it still manages to make your heart feel heavy at his declaration. 

You’ve been through your fair share of shit, but no one should be alone on their birthday. And with that thought roaming around in your very overactive brain, you make a choice; you nod to yourself as you turn to face him, grinning.

"Terry…" you call out to him cautiously, trying to seem very casual about your evil (completely well and good-intentioned) little plan.

His face grows warm hearing you say his name, and he doesn’t know what comes over him when he opens his mouth to speak.

"Terrance…you can call me Terrance." You smile shyly and nod. 

"Okay, Terrance…" The way it sounds and feels coming out of your mouth makes the smile grow wider on your face. You’re almost embarrassed, and you try and force the feeling down as you finish speaking to him.

"…I am going to do something for you, and it will 1000% change your life, and all you gotta do is say yes to my next question…

So…do you trust me?" You ask him with an unreadable expression. He watches you closely with furrowed eyebrows and quirks one as he answers.

"Uh, y…es?" Causing you to laugh as you nod. 

"Good. Follow me." As you make your way downstairs, you hear his heavy footsteps following close behind. Grabbing your jacket from near the front door, you head outside, get into your car, and once Terry is in, you both head off.

"So, uh…something tells me you’re not gonna tell me where we’re going, hm?"

You laugh, throwing your head back slightly, and signal your turn light. Terry watches you closely, something about the way it sounds, how it comes out of your mouth, so genuine, so natural, almost laughing from your full belly makes him smile, wanting to hear more.

"You catch on quick…I like you, I think I’ll keep you around." You turn another corner, sparing him a quick glance, as you keep your eyes on the road, smiling softly.  

After about a few more minutes of driving, you pull up to a pharmacy. Once you park, you hop out of the car.

Terry eyes you suspiciously and is confused, but he follows behind you.

"Before you speak…Yes, I know, it’s weird. But it’s also past 2am, and we don’t have a lot of options, so the next best thing it is; now, follow me, young man!" You do a silly march to the sliding doors, walk inside, and head straight towards the snack section.

From behind you, he shakes his head lightly at your silliness and makes a small saluting gesture.

"Sir, yes, sir…." He mumbles as he jogs slightly to catch up with you.

Once he does, you’re standing with a hand on your hip, tapping a foot on the floor, biting the inside of your cheek, and he just stares at you, awaiting your next move.

You stare between him and the generic cupcakes with a furrowed brow as if studying them for a few moments and put a hand out toward them.

"Pick."

He looks at you, beyond confused, and scratches against his forehead as he speaks.

"What?"

You gesture towards the 5 different options in front of you both and tell him once again.

"Pick one…."

It takes him a minute or so, but once he puts two and two together he sighs, laughing quietly to himself. He shakes his head as he awkwardly scratches the back of his neck.

"You know you don’t have to do this, right? When I was telling you earlier, it wasn’t for some sort of pi—"

You hold a hand up, cutting him off as you turn to face him, staring him directly in the eyes.

"Terry- Terrance….it is your 21st birthday. You were already at a shitty house party you were forced to go to, and it is now…

You check your watch.

It's 2:37am, and though extremely sweet, the only person who’s called you is your nana. Not only that, but you said your birthday is "just another day" for you….And because of that, respectfully, I refuse for her call to be the highlight of your day and perhaps even the only thing you looked forward to."

You step closer to him, closing a barely noticeable gap, and bring a hand to his shoulder, grasping at him softly.

"So I need you to turn this off and pick a damn cupcake…please." You say through a laugh, poking at his forehead lightly and stepping back to give him space to make his choice.

He just stares at you for what feels like forever. Initially, you know he needs a moment to recover from you being all in his space like that, especially since you barely know one another, which is starting to make you nervous and feel like you possibly overstepped.

That is, until a corner of his mouth slowly falls upward, into that sweet, calm grin. It's almost like he's trying to suppress a larger smile, and it makes you smile yourself.

Terry thinks about how close you were only a few moments ago. To anyone looking from the outside, the exchange barely lasted more than a minute, but god, it felt like at least 20+ to him. It’s been a long time since he felt so nervous like this around a person, but you weirdly make him feel both on edge and oh-so comfortable at the same time.

He never does much for himself; everything he does is usually for other people. It's not that he minds it, but he honestly cannot remember the last time someone forced him to take time and make a choice just for him. It almost feels like too much responsibility, which is not a phrase in Terry’s vocabulary.

He shakes his head, pushing out a laugh as he recalls your words. "…turn this off, and pick a damn cupcake…" And pick a damn cupcake he did.

"Double chocolate…"

You smile, nodding as you pick it up and hand it to him.

"Great choice." You say as you take some cash out your back pocket, handing it over to him.

"Okay now go pay for that, and I’ll get some candles and stuff and meet you at the car."

He stands back, giving you a small salute, and heads towards the register. You can’t help but laugh to yourself as you go get the remainder of the items, pay, and meet him back at the car.

The way he idly lazes against your car, like it's the most natural thing in the world, makes you laugh. How a person can seem like they just fit in a place they've never been before is beyond you...but you are starting to gather the key to "understanding" Terry is to simply just leave things be, things'll make sense, when they make sense.

"We ready?" His words pull you from your ever-running mind as you unlock the doors for you both.

You hold up the bag of goodies and nod as you look him in the eyes and just barely brush past him to get in the car.

"Mhmm, let us go." he clicks his tongue against his teeth, smiling as he climbs into the car.

You start it up and begin driving, turning on the radio and letting it play low. 

The ambiance in the car between you both is almost palpable. He holds the small 4-piece case of cupcakes in his hand on his lap as he squeezes his other hand between the seat and his thigh. His hands are sweaty, and he is embarrassingly overthinking every moment he shares with you.

Though he won’t readily admit it, he already knew who you were on the balcony, he’s seen you around campus, and he most definitely remembered you from your shared 10am art class. He’s never been much of a morning person, but seeing you with a smile every time you strolled in at 9:55 am on the dot, taking your seat, catching up with a few friends from the class, and always bringing along some kind of snack.

It made him wonder what your favorite was if you were more of a sweet or a savory kind of person like him? He hadn’t really ever spoken to you before, but he’s always wanted to. 

Shy isn’t necessarily the word someone would use to describe Terry; reserved is more accurate. But you make those things seem so unimportant. You make him want to get closer to you and learn more. So long as it means basking in whatever light you shine, then so be it.

He’s brought back to earth when he feels your hand on his leg. Thus causing a shiver to run along his spine as he looks at your hand, following up your arm and landing at those big and beautiful brown eyes.

"Hey, we’re here…" you say to him softly.

He’s almost too embarrassed to speak, barely mumbling out an apology as he nods. Trying his best not to think about the embarrassing spaced-out look he probably had on his face. Shaking your head, you squeeze his thigh once before letting go.

"All good, come on." You climb out of the car, feeling the cool air against your face. The Overlook has always been one of your favorite places. You give yourself a moment after heading to your trunk as you open it and set a few things up for you both. You look out at the skyline, hoping that Terry will enjoy the view as much as you do. Climbing in the newly set up trunk, you realize Terry still hasn't gotten out of the car yet.

"You coming?" Your words pull him out of his head as he nods and gets out of the car, climbing his long-limbed self into the trunk with you.

"I know it’s not the biggest thing in the world, but it’s either this or sit directly on the ground…look, it was pretty short notice." He laughs, getting comfortable enough, and shakes his head.

"Nah, this is good. Okay, so don’t leave me in suspense. What are we doing out here?" he asks as he takes in the view himself. You watch him closely. He closes his eyes for a moment, taking it all in, breathing in the earthy scent and almost relaxing wholly with you.

You smile brightly, putting a hand out so he can hand over the cupcake pack. He does and watches you as you put things together.

"Ahh, and there comes the fun part." You say, setting it on your lap, taking out the bag from the pharmacy, and setting up the small candle pack. As you try your best to spread the 10 little sticks evenly across the 4 cupcakes, he looks at you softly, taking in your composed nature and the determination in your eyes to ensure everything is perfect. This causes him to smile and chuckle to himself quietly. Someone he barely knows is sitting here trying to make something perfect….for him? What an unusual night. What an even more unusual and unexpected birthday.

“And don- wait…” You light the candles quickly and then smile to yourself, proud of your simple but hard work.

“Okay…now I'm done!” You smile up at him as you hold the case of cupcakes up carefully so as not to put out the candles.

He smiles back at you, shaking his head, probably at your excitement, but his smile is so sweet and soft that you can let it go at once. He leans down to blow out the candles—

“Terrance! Make a wish first nigga…” he looks at you like you have two heads before he rolls his eyes with laugh.

“Are you serious? There’s only 10 candles, and I’m turning 21…you want me to actually make a wish on this?”

Looking at him with a slight glare, you explain- "Well there were only 3's, 5's, 7's, 8's and one pack of 10 left…so either you were gonna be 73, 58 or 10…had to make a judgment call." you say with a shrug.

He laughs, nodding as he understands the cosmic predicament you found yourself in. 

"So I'm 10 years old today huh?" he asks with an amused smile, making you nod along to his question.

"Yes, you are turning 10 today, Terrance. Now close your eyes and make a wish…I'll even close my eyes and turn my head away if it makes you feel any better." Though you are joking, Terry is sure that if he asked, you would actually do it. He huffs out a laugh and settles down slightly as he closes his eyes for a few moments and makes his wish.

You use this time to take in his face simply; the only light between you is the candles and just a bit coming from the skyline at the Overlook. You have to physically force your hands to stay put. He almost seems like a painting. You can see his dark circles, probably from a long semester, perhaps from something more. You wish you could help; just lessen the load on his shoulders even if for a little while. You see a small scar on the edge of his left eyebrow, you wonder from what, hoping one day you can hear the story. 

He blows out the candles after another minute or so, and when he opens his eyes, you're both just staring at each other. The moment is nerve-wracking but also the most comfortable you have felt in a long time. It's almost a battle of wills to see who will break first, and you feel your stomach turning and your neck growing warm, so you take the initiative, clearing your throat and looking away, setting the case down between you both and taking the blown out candles off and setting them aside. You feel his eyes on you as you clean up a little and take a cupcake out of case, which he does as well.

You both bite into your cupcakes, and after a few moments of chewing, you look at him with a sad chewing smile.

"That is…stal—"

"Yeah…that's stale…"

Nodding along with him, you force the bite down. You look at one another in silence again before you both break out in laughter. 

"Well, here's to your 10th birthday, huh?" 

His laughs only continue, and it makes you feel proud. Hopefully, it's better than the day he would have had otherwise. 

"Best 10th birthday a guy would ask for…" he says as he looks at you softly. You smile, nodding, feeling warm inside and then you remember that you have something else for him. 

"Oh! That's not all…we still have one more surprise in store…" he looks at you with furrowed eyebrows, and you look at him with a knowing look. He shakes his head, closing his eyes, causing you to laugh, and you pull the small gift from behind your back, placing it in his lap. 

He feels around it and opens his eyes. He immediately looks up at you with a large grin, you can't help but laugh slightly, knowing you may have just hit the mark. 

He takes the generic stick on bow off it and looks through the soft leather-bound sketchbook. 

"I know, I know…I'm amazing, you don't have to say it… and you are very welcome." Your sarcastic but playful tone causes him to hum in agreement, rolling his eyes. 

"…You got this from the pharmacy didn't you? That's why you sent me away to get the cupcakes..." his words cause you to stop dead in your tracks, looking at him with an unreadable expression, blinking slowly. 

"The magic…your 10th birthday….yeah, you're ruining it…" Your words cause him to laugh hard, throwing his head back. Once he catches his breath, he looks at you with an apologetic smile as he nods. You aren't even a little serious, but something about watching him be so happy, even in just this moment, makes you think, how in the hell could anyone ever be angry with him? Ever be anything less than nice to him? Do anything less than constantly consider him? 

"Okay, okay…I'm sorry— All jokes aside though, thank you forreal, this is dope…thank you." he looks at you so genuinely, and you can feel the honesty and gratefulness pouring off of him, and it's taking a whole lot in you to not just reach forward and feel his warmth against you. You simply nod and try your best to keep your racing heartbeat at bay. 

You look at your watch and see it's a little past 3am, and you start cleaning up. 

"We should probably start heading back. I promised to get the girls back to campus at a decent hour." He nods understanding, and you both hop back in the front seats and take the drive back to the house. 

The ride is quiet but so warm, a thrilling contrast to the crisp air of the late night/early morning. You both steal and sneak glances at one another throughout the ride, but it's all unspoken, and you wouldn't want it any other way. 

You catch a long red light when you are down the street from the house, and you look over to a closed-eyed Terry. He seems so much more calm and at ease than he was earlier when you interrupted his time on the balcony. He holds a faint smile on his face, and you can't help but smile yourself as the light turns green and you face the road again, knowing that no matter what happens, this is definitely an experience you will take with you for the rest of your life. You just hope he feels the same.

As you finish checking on the second little munchkin, you leave her door cracked and head back into the kitchen, catching your husband finishing up the dishes from dinner. 

You smile to yourself and head over to the large sign made by your 3-year-old twins Elijah and Iliyah, which reads; "HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!"

He hears the chair scrape behind him as you step on it to pull it down. 

"You can leave it up for a little longer…for Jah and Ili—"

You laugh at his attempt to act nonchalantly as you climb down from the chair and move to put away the remainder of dinner. When you finish, you run your hand along his back as you pass him near the sink; hearing his soft hum in reply to your small touch brings a smile to your face as you head over to the couch, preparing your last gifts for the night.

"Be quick, the night isn't complete yet, Mr. Richmond…" he finishes up the last dishes, drying his hands, and meets you at the couch. 

Just as he sits, you finish lighting the last candle. "We finally hit that big 2 1 huh?" He says laughing upon seeing the numbered candles on the cupcakes. 

He closes his eyes and makes his wish. Once he blows out the candles, he takes the case from you, passing you a cupcake, as he takes his own. 

You both bite into it and share a look.

"Dear god…all these years later and its still fucking terrible." You can't help but laugh as you nod, watching him closely. He looks at you, rather looks through you as he takes your cupcake setting it alongside his on the coffee table.

"Mrs. Richmond, I know there's more…that big ol' brain of yours is always working." You push against his leg playfully and grab your gift from behind a throw pillow, handing it to him. 

"Now…when you open it, I know you'll fight the urge to have a stroke…but I need you to know I was as safe and precise as possible. Practically used a surgical hand to get it out— I promise." he looks almost scared as he opens the gift. When he sees it, he's stunned and can't stop himself from looking between you and the framed picture of a sketch he made of the Overlook with you at the edge of it. 

This sketch being the first thing he ever drew in the gift you gave him ten years ago. 

"It's a pretty important moment in our relationship. It only felt right, plus I know you've been wanting to have more of your old sketches in the new office, so ya know, two birds-one stone…" Your words trail off as he sets the framed sketch next to the pharmacy cupcakes, pulling you into him. He holds you close, kissing your temple, and you enjoy his warmth as usual. You both sit in a comfortable silence as you listen to his soft breathing; it almost lulls you straight to sleep after a long day with the kids preparing for tonight, though the clearing of his throat causes you to open your eyes, giving him all your attention. 

"Did I ever tell you what I wished for that night?" You shake your head at his soft words, feeling the rumble of his chuckles against your back.

Once you help your friends into your car—with Terry's help, of course—you get settled in yourself, and he jogs around to the driver's side as you roll down your window. 

"Terrance…" he just stares at you with a fond look and god you want to kiss him so badly. You keep a hand on the steering wheel and the other lying against the door with your face resting against your fist, attempting to cover your stupidly embarrassing grin.

"Hmm?" You roll your eyes and shake your head while laughing. 

"Oh my god…go in the house!" suppressing your giggle, you purse your lips and nod towards his friend's place.

He bites his lip as he tries to keep his own smile down; you actually feel like hitting him now. He's not being fair in the slightest at this point.

"Am I gonna see you tomorrow, huh?" He tries his best to keep the giddy feeling inside, but he stares at you so closely and sees that adorable smile on your face, no matter how much you try to hide it. Fuck, he needs to kiss you. 

"Maybe…I don't know. We'll see…" you say looking at him innocently, shrugging your shoulders. 

That's the last straw for him. He looks at you with a face you can barely read, and just as you are about to ask if he's okay, he speaks. 

"I really want to kiss you…" You feel your heart stop and while you try and catch your breath, you feel yourself nodding.

You watch as he bends down to meet you at the window; feeling his lips against yours is like nothing you've ever felt. All that overdramatic, sappy storybook stuff that people talk about…unfortunately, it is very much real. Though fortunately for you…you are over the moon. It's him causing it. 

He brings a hand to your face, his thumb softly grazing against your cheek and ear, almost pulling you impossibly closer to him, which forces a soft whimper from your throat, procuring a groan of his own. 

Hearing a car horn snatches you both from the moment, and you immediately put a hand over your mouth. A moment later, you realize the sound was of your own making. 

Forgetting that your hand was even on the wheel, in trying to get yourself closer to Terry, you mistakenly slid against it. 

You both look at each other and laugh shyly, trying to keep your eyes off one another while also stealing any glances you can. 

"I-- Yeah…I am gonna go. I'm gonna go…" you say, keeping your eyes on the road as you start up your car.

He nods softly, chuckling as he taps the top of your car twice, backing up and giving you space to pull off. 

You look at him for another few moments and start pulling off.

"Goodnight, Terrance…" You say softly as you drive off. You watch him from your rearview, and he stands there all the way until you can no longer see him. 

"So you got your wish?" you ask him as you turn lightly in his hold, just wanting to look at him, laying your chin against his chest.

He looks down at you, nodding, as he kisses against your nose, temple, and lips. 

"Seems like it…" 

⇒ bottom header made by @thecutestgrotto + @strangergraphics

© wonderlustwrites

[day-dr3aming]

Eudora Relaxing in Room

Card template by: @twstinginthewind

"I should do some more research. But I think a little nap wouldn't hurt... Anyway I can finish it tomorrow..."

Voice lines:

✨: Why are you looking at me like that...? Are you worried about me or something?

✨: I don't think I'll ever get used to being woken up by ghosts...

✨: Since I came into this world, Rayven has always kept an eye on my bedtime and made me cut down on my coffee intake. Sometimes it doesn't even seem like I'm the older sister.

✨: I would love to drink a good coffee right now.

✨: On my birthday, Rayven and Grim made sure to make a cake in my favorite flavor to celebrate. It's been so long since I've had cake on my own birthday.

✨: I remember when Ray and I would read together before bed. How I miss this...

✨: Somehow my friends from the club found out about my birthday and I came across their visit with gifts. I wonder how I got so lucky to have friends like that.

✨: You don't need to worry about my dark circles. They were bigger before.

✨: In the past I could barely fall asleep, despite my tiredness. Although it is still tiring for me here, at least I can sleep for at least 8 hours, sometimes more...

✨: Vil gave me a moisturizer and a perfume. How he found out I love the smell of cherries?

DUO MAGIC

Grim: Henchman! Hope you have a great day!

Eudora: I'm flattered...

Tagging:

@gingacat @ranas-twisted-wonderland @karamatsuboy-aj @jadelover69 @beneathsakurashade @quzen @ratsareplaningwar @plum-at-sea @cheerleaderman

@elenauaurs @epelluvz @amai-sakura-chan @pixyl--0 @writingbluerose @ararosehearts @crimsonrose34 @anonymousplant

@amatsuchan-eiliniel @mirioho @bunniehunn @itzviiartz @leonas-hibiscus @jadenui

@verycoolfuinha @the-messy-artist @faexriess @buttholesparkles @y00mies @oneemasan @gl00myb3arz @itskamisato @the-necromancer-wife @teighveepao

(Let me know If you don't want to be tagged)

[allthemeninmybed]

The itch - Part II

Summary: Reader is a friend of the band but III doesn’t like her too much and the feeling is mutual. Or is it?

Pairing: III x fem!reader

Warnings: +18 language, slight exhibitionism

Word count: 3800ish

A/N: I hope you like it, please, don’t forget to give me feedback! And let me know if you want to be tagged in the next part! 🖤

Almost three weeks have passed since that night and you've been avoiding him ever since. It wasn't hard since they're on a mini UK tour but today they play at home and you cannot not go, it would be too suspicious.

The show was insane as always, you're backstage waiting for them to come off stage. You're releived that you're meeting under these circumstances, in front of the others, you don't know how you'd behave if there were just the two of you.

“There she is!”

IVy is the first one to spot you, grinning widely as he walks towards you, arms spread wide open. He pulls you in a tight hug, he's thrilled to see you. You can faintly hear III scoff somewhere in the background but no one pays him any mind, too busy chatting amongst themselves eagerly about the concert.

"Hi guys, great show, as per usual."

You smile as ach of them gives you a hug, except for III, obviously. You're chatting and catching up and you try not to dwell on what he might think of you. After a while you say your excuses to go out for a smoke, hearing footsteps behind you immediately as you step out to the corridor.

It's him.

III follows you out with a grim expression. He’s been watching you, the sight of your laugh, the feel of your hug greeting the rest of the band driving him crazy. He’s been itching to get you alone, to confront you about the way you’ve been avoiding him. You walk out into the night, the dim light of the hallway casting shadows on your face. He catches up to you in a few long-legged strides, his voice low and gruff.

“Give me one.”

His tone is commanding and your stomach is already in a knot from what is about to come out of this. You reach out your pack and you watch as his long fingers pull out a cigarette hastily. He looks at you, his eyes are almost glowing in the low light and you know you're fucked. He's gonna confront you, you can't avoid him anymore.

He lights the cigarette, taking a long pull, his eyes never leaving your face. He can see the tension in your body, the discomfort in your eyes, and it only adds to the anger and agitation that’s been brewing inside him for weeks. The smoke fills the space between you and he exhales slowly.

“You gonna ignore me all night?”

He mutters, his voice a rough, gravelly sound.

"I'm not ignoring you."

You state, in a hardly believable tone before raising the cigarette to your lips, taking a long drag. You need more time to figure out what to say, god, you should've prepared yourself for this.

“Bullshit.”

He scoffs, his eyes narrowing as he takes a step closer to you, invading your personal space with his tall frame.

“You’ve been avoiding me like a bloody plague for three weeks. You're always there at the UK shows but not this time, no.”

He can’t keep the frustration out of his voice, a mixture of anger and hurt in his eyes.

He knows you're lying, of course he does, he's not an idiot but you keep pretending.

"Very self-absorbed of you to think it has anything to do with you."

You snap back trying to keep the distance, trying to remain cold.

“Cut the bullshit.”

He hisses back, his patience running thin. He closes the already narrow space between you, his body mere inches from yours. His eyes are fixed on your face, his jaw clenched.

“You don’t think I’ve noticed? You don’t think I’ve seen you dodging me, avoiding me, pretending I don’t exist? You think I’m daft? You’re a terrible liar, love.”

The nickname slips out his mouth again, almost effortlessly.

"Why do you care so much..? To my best knowledge you don't even like me. It should be a blessing that I'm ignoring you, don't you think?"

You're still buying time, unsure of what outcome you want for this situation. You look at him with intense eyes, exhaling the smoke out your nostrils.

“Don’t play dumb…”

He growls, his eyes hardening as he tries to keep himself under control.

“Don’t act like you don’t know why I care."

He swallows hard, fighting the urge to touch you.

"I just want to know why you can’t even look me in the eye after what happened that night.”

His voice gone soft with his last sentence and it throws you off your balance. You're not used to him like this, you know him as cocky, as kind of hostile, you can work with that.

But not this.

"I was drunk that night, I didn't know what I was doing."

The fuck were you drunk, you were merely tipsy but you won't admit that.

His heart stutters in his chest, a brief flash of hurt and disappointment passing across his face. He tries to mask it with a scoff but he’s not quick enough and you see it.

“Are you serious? You’re pulling the ‘I was drunk’ card on me?"

His voice is low and harsh, his jaw tight. He hates the sound of bullshit as much as he hates how much he wants to shut you up with his lips.

“Drunk my arse. You weren’t drunk and we both know it. Don’t insult me by assuming I'd believe it.”

Killing your cigarette you're staring at the ground, you have to admit that he got you cornered both physically and logically.

"What do you want me to say then, huh?"

You lash out, not so much on him but rather on yourself out of frustration.

"That I got scared? That I got confused by you so much that I couldn't carry on with what I truly wanted to do..?"

Your voice is trembling.

III’s heart nearly explodes at your words and it makes something snap in him, his self control disappearing.

"What exactly did you want to do, huh?"

He grabs your elbow, his grip tight, pulling you against him in a desperate bid to make you look at him.

"Let me go."

You hiss.

"No."

He almost growls as he wraps his other hand around your other elbow, yanking you even closer, your body slamming into his chest causing him to let out a shaky exhale. He’s got you right where he wants you, trapped between him and the wall, no escape.

God, he's stronger than he lets out, you're taken aback by the intensity of his grip though you'd hate to admit how much you love his hands on your body.

"I wanted to kiss you, I wanted you to kiss me, anything to be close to you."

The words fall out of your mouth, feeling a strange sort of relief finally saying them out loud you continue.

"I wanted you not to leave me, to come up to my flat.."

Fuck.

He nearly growls as he hears your words, every one of them stabbing through his chest, his eyes burning with desire and something more… something dangerous.

“Why didn’t you then?”

He mutters, his lips only inches away from yours. He’s breathing so hard his chest is heaving, his words coming out in short puffs of hot air.

"Fuck, why didn't I then..do you hear yourself? You.. you actively insult me, belittle me and make me feel unwanted, what do you think I feel when despite all these things I still want you?"

You're almost tearing up from the frustration.

"And for fuck's sake, you can have anyone, why would you want me, don't make me laugh."

Your voice is quiet, you're unable to mask how hurtful the thought is to you.

"Now let me go."

His blood runs cold at your words. It feels like someone has just stabbed him right through the heart, all the guilt and frustration he suppressed bubbling to surface, threatening to tear him apart.

"You really need me to spell it out for you?"

He growls, pulling you to him roughly, pinning you against the wall, his body flush against yours, his breath hot on your skin, his eyes burning with intensity.

He continues, his voice low and ragged, his mind clouded with desire.

"I want you. For some insane, inexplicable reason… I want you. Do you know what I fantasized about, for weeks? I've got this perfect imagination…"

His voice is barely above a whisper now, his lips grazing against your neck, not quite touching your skin, just close… so close.

“I imagined how your skin would feel against my fingers… how it'd look with my marks on it…”

He moves to the other side of your neck now, his body pressing hard against yours, his muscles taut, his heart racing, like he’s about to run a marathon.

"Oh fuck..."

You whisper, you're clinging to him, your hands coming to his shoulders.

He growls at the sound of your voice, low and needy. His hands are on you like he just can’t get close enough.

“I’ve had images in my head… of all this beautiful hair spilled over my pillow, of you coming undone under me…”

He whispers as he moves his hands to your head, his fingers combing through your hair gently.

“Of those lips, of this gorgeous mouth…”

He moves his thumb across your lower lip before pulling it down gently, his gaze focused on your mouth. His breath hitches as he continues.

“Of how my name would sound on your tongue...”

He's acting so different, so out of character that you honestly don't know how to react to him other than moaning softly. Your hands are on his now, the feeling of his fingers moving under yours driving you crazy, craving more. As his thumb grazes your bottom lip again you involuntarily place a soft little wet kiss on it, surprising yourself.

The moment your lips meet his thumb, he nearly growls again, his body feeling like it's on fire. His eyes are dark pools of desire, his whole being screaming to take, to claim.

"Holy fuck.."

He mutters in ragged breaths as he pushes you harder against the wall, the sound of your moan shooting straight to his cock. His hand leaves your hair and goes to your hip, holding you tightly to him.

"Do it again...please.."

You do as he says, this time looking into his eyes as you kiss his thumb gently, fighting the urge of sucking it into your mouth.

He’s breathing so hard it’s like he’s sprinted a marathon, his eyes dark and unfocused. Seeing you look at him so intently, so open and needy… it’s too much.

"Bloody.. Jesus, fuck.. "

He says softly, his hand slipping from your hip to your ass, his grip tight and possessive. He closes his eyes tight, his face close to yours.

"Don’t look at me like that."

His grip on you softens a bit but he keeps you pinned against the wall, his body still pressed tightly against yours from head to toe.

"Makes me crazy, thinking… imagining things…"

He mutters, his hand slipping into your hair, his fingers tracing your neck in a maddeningly soft manner.

"What..what things..?"

You ask whispering, relishing in his attention, how his every movement is almost reverent, he's touching you sensually. The fact that you haven't kissed yet is making this whole situation even more heated, erotic even.

His breath hitches as he hears the words spill from your lips, his eyes fixated on yours as the memories of the fantasies he’s been having wash over him.

“Filthy things. Naughty things.”

He mutters, his fingers tracing down your neck, his body pressing impossibly tighter against you. he moves in closer until his lips are almost brushing against your ear.

His hot breath against your ear combined with what he's saying makes you shiver, you can't take it anymore.

"Tell me, please...I deserve to know.."

His brain seems to be short circuiting at the sound of your pleading voice, his eyes fixed on your face, the way your lips look so damn kissable, pink and pouty and oh so soft… he wants to taste them so bad it physically hurts but you’re asking him to talk, you’re asking for him to spill his mind, his most shameless thoughts and feelings, and in return…?

God, this is insane.

He hesitates for a second before he swallows hard, and whispers in your ear, his words coming out in a ragged breath.

"I imagined you on your knees, looking up at me just like this..with your lips around my.."

He doesn’t finish sentence, he can’t bring himself to do it. Instead he lets the words hang thick in the air between you while leaning closer to you, his lips hovering over yours for a few seconds before he places a hesitant little peck on them, his former confidence long gone.

He’s trembling, his body shaking, he’s not looking at you as he speaks, he’s avoiding your eyes, his tone is rough and breathy, like each individual word is a struggle.

"You want me to tell you more, huh? You want to listen to me spilling all the filthy things my sick mind’s come up with..?”

You kiss him back, just as softly as he did before.

"Yes..."

He swears under his breath, his entire being consumed by the sensation of your lips against his, even just for a split second. It’s making him want more, he wants to taste every inch of you, he wants to drown in you.

"You’ll regret it if I do."

He mutters against your mouth, his hands shaking as they rest on your face, so close to claiming your lips again.

"I highly doubt that."

You dart your tongue out, making contact with his lips in a quick lick. You enjoy how slowly you're moving, you hope no one interrupts you, you want to keep going for as long as possible.

His eyes widen at the feeling of your tongue on his lip, the small, soft, barely-there touch makes him moan despite himself, his fingers digging hard into your skin.

“Fucking little tease….”

He murmurses, the words more curse than a moan.

You smirk as his fingers gripping your chin and jawline, keeping you in place as now he licks into your mouth slowly. You feel like never before, this is the single most erotic experience you've ever had and you hardly even kissed. You can't swallow your moans, imagining the work of his tongue somewhere else too.

His brain feels like it’s going to explode when he hears that moan spill out of your mouth, his own lips parting with a gasp. Hearing you whimper and moan has him rock hard in his jeans, his hips involuntarily bucking against you. His tongue slips between your parted lips, his thoughts getting dirtier by the second. He’s going crazy, the wet softness of your mouth against his making his mind spin.

“Fuuuuck...”

He moans, his lips moving desperately against yours now, his control slowly slipping away.

"You think I wasn't imagining things about you..? That I wasn't fantasizing, creating fake scenarios in my head nearly every night about you..?"

You've found your confidence and it feels liberating.

He can barely breathe, his mind and body consumed by what you’re saying. Hearing how badly you wanted him, how much you craved him… He’s almost panting now, his fingers sliding into your hair, his body pressing closer to you like it’s trying to melt into you.

“Fuuuuckk, tell me….tell me what you were imagining… Please.”

He begs, the words sounding so foreign on his lips.

He's showing a new side of him, needy, desperate, vulnerable. Traits you've never seen him present before.

"The same thing as you.. what you didn't dare say out loud.."

Your hands cup his face, pulling him closer to you, your breath fanning over his lips.

"On my knees in front of you..wrapping my lips around your cock.."

Your voice is painfully quiet but you know he hears you all too well.

His head is spinning, his mind reeling with the image of you like that, he wants to ask for more specific details but his words are caught in his throat. He’s completely coming undone, at the mercy of your every word.

“Oh… fuuuccck…”

He stutters, his mind replaying the same image, over and over, of your lips wrapped around his cock.

“Please….please….”

He’s begging now, his eyes begging for something, desperate.

"Please what..? What do you need..? I'd give anything.."

You say in a breathy voice, placing a soft kiss on his lips again, short enough to ruin his chance of kissing you back.

His mind is filled with thoughts he can’t begin to comprehend, your words and your kisses are a drug, he’s addicted already but he wants more.

"You...I n-need you..."

He mutters as he tries to catch your lip again, only to be denied.

"Fuuu-ck...please, let me kiss you."

His voice sounds pathetic, pleading, desperate.

Good, you got him begging for you, who would've thought. You open your mouth slightly before biting down your bottom lip as an invitation, waiting for him to kiss you properly.

He practically growls at the sight of you biting down on your lip, the urge to taste it too strong to ignore. Without a moment’s hesitation, he dives in, his lips claiming yours with an almost feral intensity.

The kiss is hot and messy, sloppy and needy. The way his lips are moving against yours is borderline unhinged, it’s like all the frustrations of the last three weeks has finally been unleashed in this one kiss.

III’s grip on you tightens, his hands almost desperate to touch every inch of your body, to claim it, to make it his. He moans into the kiss, the sound low and feral, his body moving against yours with purpose. One of his knees moves between your legs, pushing up, just enough to press against your core, to let you feel how badly he wants you.

You gasp into his mouth as you feel his knee between your legs. Fuck, this is getting too heated, you're in public and it's almost a miracle that no one has caught you yet.

His body feels like it’s on fire, the heat from your core is driving him mad. He bites down on your lower lip, his tongue flicking against it as he pulls back for a split second.

“Bloody hell….”

He grunts, his knee pressing against you even harder, desperate to feel as much of you as possible. He buries his face in your neck, his lips hungrily attaching to the sensitive skin of your throat, sucking and licking it with fervor.

"Aahh..."

You moan into his ear as you're grinding against his knee, your body's out of sync with your mind. You know you need to stop, you need to be the voice of reason for both of you, but boy is it hard.

He presses his knee harder against you, enjoying the way you're grinding against him, the sound of your moans sending chills down his spine. He bites down on your neck, hard, the need to leave his mark on you overwhelming.

"I want you so fuuucking bad..."

He moans against your skin, the words coming out as a guttural growl.

"Please...let me take you home."

"Yes, please... we shouldn't be doing this here.."

You whisper, stopping the grinding you pull away from him quickly, as if it was forbidden to be this close to him.

He feels a pang of disappointment as he feels your body pull away, a sharp feeling of emptiness taking over him. He wants to pull you back, to hold you against him, to keep the moment going, but he’s also right, you’re in public after all.

"Yeah... yeah, you’re right."

He says, taking a step back, his eyes still hooded and dark.

"You… you’re ok coming to my place?"

At the same time you're opening your mouth to reply we hear IVy calling for him from the corridor.

Thank god you stopped doing what you were.

You quickly put another cigarette in your mouth, offering one to him again, as if covering your tracks.

"My place. Text me when you're finished here."

You say hastily before IVy steps out the back door and joins you.

III's eyes dart between you and IVy, his mind still a bit rattled from what just happened. He takes the cigarette you offer him, grateful for an excuse to act normal, to cover up the tension that's still between you. He nods slightly in agreement, his mind still reeling from the intensity of your moment together.

"Yeah… I'll text you."

He mutters, his gaze lingering on you for just a second too long before IVy's voice snaps you both back to reality.

"Hey, there you are."

IVy says with a smirk, noticing the tension between you two, but not fully grasping the situation.

III quickly snaps back, shaking off the intimate moment with a casual demeanor.

"Yeah, just grabbing a smoke."

He says, his voice a bit tighter than usual.

You're grateful for both how quickly he can switch back to somewhat normal and how IVy is almost oblivious to what is going on between you. You're chatting casually, smoking when IVy asks you about the after party.

"So, what’s the plan for the after party then?"

He asks, his tone somewhat playful. III, still trying to play it cool, responds with a casual shrug.

"I think I'm skipping it tonight, I'm tired as fuck."

You say trying to sound indifferent but inside you're screaming. You know III can't dodge it but all you can think about is him in your apartment, in your bed, in your arms. You know he wants the same but he has to show face.

IVy nods, taking another drag of his cigarette, his curiosity piqued by your response.

"You’re skipping the after party? That’s not like you."

He comments, his eyes flickering between you and III, trying to read the situation. Meanwhile, III’s heart is racing as he hears your words, his mind still replaying the intensity of what just happened. He wants nothing more than to ditch the after party and go to yours, but duty calls.

"I know, I know, but something's off, feeling a little bit under the weather."

"Damn, that’s too bad."

IVy says with a slight frown, his concern for your health evident. Meanwhile, III's heart is thumping in his chest, his fingers twitching at your lie, trying hard not to smirk.

After a while IVy goes back inside and you know III has to go with him, there's no excuse for him. When he starts walking inside you squeeze his forearms quickly, stopping him in his way.

"Text me, when you're finished. I'll be waiting."

Your tone is low, you speak catiously.

III nods, the touch of your hand sending sparks through his body. He meets your gaze, his eyes burning with intensity as he responds in a hushed, deep voice.

"I will. I’ll be there as soon as I can."

There’s a part three coming! Stay tuned loves.

My lovely tag list so far 🖤

@yeehaw-my-guys

@iiischeckeredsocks

@kenjipepsi1

@prettypinkporkchop

@moonlightstels

@newport23

@antoniamarie1989

@yandere-wishes

[greenstripedcat]

Fanfic recommendations

I've been reading (a little too much) fanfiction since I became obsessed with Phantom early in winter, and since AO3 doesn't really have convenient folder management system, I'll use this as an excuse to (somewhat) systematise what I've read so far. Almost all the stories are multichapter bar a couple; I've tried to tag the authors I know are on tumblr, but if you spot anyone not tagged, please let me know and I'll edit it.

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Unsung - wheel of fish @wheel-of-fics (I don't even know what to say, by far the best PotO fic I've ever read, one of the best fics full stop, I loved it so much, this is what happened after the ALW musical events, and not LND, as far as I'm concerned) Red death riding (highwayman AU that had me singing Loreena McKennitt's rendition of 'Highwayman' for ages, and get the British Library's book on notorious highwaymen of the past; in progress), Out of the woods (modern AU with Erik as a US vet - a good mix of mystery, romance, sadness and sweetness), A Lasting spring (set post ALW events, Erik x Original character, Josephine, whom I utterly adore) - all absolutely great stories by wheel of fish @wheel-of-fics  Battered dove - Battydings @battydings (another modern AU with Christine as a drug addict, angsty, well-written and all around a good story; I'm surprised how much I enjoy modern AUs for this ship in general, and not so surprising, but still interesting how many different shades the kidnapping plot can play out within this pair; personally, as long as it steers clear of Fowles' "Collector" dynamic with the collector's empty loveless need to possess someone as a pretty trinket, I'm very interested in exploring it) Like and Subscribe - ShameWithoutSin (a perfect modern AU with Leroux-leaning Erik, who kidnaps Christine, and is absolutely terrified of her; in progress) Scarlet as a rose - MultiColoredRosePetals (the most fanfic-y story on the list, but very sweet, and perhaps fits the tropes that push my buttons specifically) Between the Lines - Les_gnossiennes @les-gnossiennes-fantomatiques (the hottest story ever, Leroux compliant in the best way possible) Tristan and Isolde - catcorsair @catcorsair (Erik/Sorelli oneshot: attractive, raw, leaves something hole shaped in my chest upon finishing; this author's works in general are in equal parts batshit crazy and hot) Sympathy - ashadeintheshade @ashadeintheshade (Veterinary doc Christine modern AU; shortest one on this list, and quite perfect in every way) Home for Christmas - Not A Ghost3 @notaghost3 (a sweet Christmas strangers-stranded-in-the-snowstorm and there-was-only-one-bed story; in progress) Pilgrim Soul - Mertens (just to finish off with something angsty with a happy ending (most of Christine/Erik stories I read tbh), a 70s nurse Christine AU inspired by a b&w film Voice of the Whistler - it's always extra fun for me when fics get me to go and watch a film or read poetry or learn something new like BSL - which I was 'prodded' to do by two different fics aready!)

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Future reading list (for my own reference, but perhaps someone else might find useful): City of angels (ashadeintheshade), Fly Agaric (Les gnossiennes), A Stroll on Sunday (Antiquarianne) (completely random, but I read somewhere that Lindsay Ellis referred to this fic at some point - I don't know how accurate it is; anyway, as her phantom videos were part of my gateway to phandom, it adds to the interest for me), By Starlight (wheel_of_fish), Like Pulling Teeth (catcorsair), So Fair a Gift (bespin_clouds), Regret Like Tears (FieryPen37), Soft Place to Fall (ponderinfrustration), What Happens in Vegas (ShameWithoutSin), Gustave Daae's daughter (Mertens), The Nanny (Mertens), The Eater (Battydings), Made of Stone (Morrigan24601), All the things yet to come (Comet19) These works seem interesting, but I'm scared of how long they are: Shadow Government (Quiet2885), Fraternité (Gondolier), Новые звуки (Жаворонок87)

What phantom has brought me (apart from the community of friends and like-minded people): I'm slowly learning BSL (slowly seems to describe a lot of my activities nowadays), signing up for French starting next academic year, if I'm still as enthusiastic about this; and now have a desire to sew a costume myself, although with this one I'm completely out of my depths, and it will likely stay as a long-lasting wish either forever, or at least for a very long time. Ah, also quite a few films added to the watchlist, poetry (it seems poto authors are particularly partial to Yeats) and, of course, classic (and-not-so-classic) music! You guys had me listening to Satie's Gnossiennes, Gluk's Orfeo ed Euridice, múm and lots of Bach as of late.

[estakes]

i have no title for this, just know that a handful of enstarries have this weirdo problem of infantalizing characters. finally finished it, where's the anon that asked about this, i wish i could tag you

disclaimer: english is not my first language, expect mistakes, not proof read, most likely just word vomit rather than an actual comprehensible essay

full thing under read more 🐰

despite now being in their third year of highschool and turning eighteen (which is considered an adult in most countries), some enstarries still treat the juniors as if they're still first years. still treat them as if they're inexperienced juniors who barely know anything about the idol world. and it's so, so weird!!

let's start with the ryuseitai juniors– shinobu, midori and tetora. while all three are sometimes subject to the treatment of being "chiakana's kids" (another annoying thing some enstarries do), shinobu is sometimes treated as if he's the youngest of the unit. he's literally older than tetora (by a week) and midori (who's the actual youngest of ryuseitai). why's that? is it because he's short and cute in appearance? just because he's short and cute, doesn't mean he's a child! people seem to forget or ignore that.

also, i hate how some enstarries act as if mayoshino is proship and problematic when it's not! it's a 1 year age gap! it's annoying that people think that shinobu is 12 and mayoi is some sort of pedo. that's just straight up mischaracterization, since mayoi struggles with a lot of issues, but he really does care for shinobu and consider him as one of his closest friends. mayoi even berates himself when he's having those kinds of thoughts and thinks of himself as unworthy of being shinobu's friend. shinobu meanwhile values mayoi and even if he finds him a little weird, shinobu knows that mayoi is truly a good person. shinobu worries for mayoi whenever he finds the other anxious and reassures him. mayoi isn't a creep and shinobu is more mature than people give him credit for! this kind of turned into a mayoshino defense rant, but let's get back on track.

let's get to the other idols that are subject to the infantilizing treatment. tori's pretty much the shortest character (currently 154 cm in height) and his whole thing is being cute. guess what happens to him, yep, being infantalized. don't even get me started with ra*bits. all three of them are somehow reduced into "nazuna's little baby rabbits", while sometimes funny in memes or jokes, gets annoying when someone says it unironically.

finally, there's sora, who's probably the one who's subject to this treatment the most. i've seen actual switchP unironically say that he's ntmg's kid. it gives me brain damage somehow. there's something so wrong about treating him like a clueless kid. sora has synesthesia and is heavily implied to be autistic. it's gross that some people treat him like a baby that's incapable of understanding the world.

it rubs me the wrong way whenever people do that. shinobu, along with tetora and midori, want to support ryuseitai too and they don't want to be shielded by them (chiaki and kanata) anymore. tori's growing too, and he's not that bratty kid anymore (he still shows sides of this, but he's less hostile now). he doesn't want to be protected, so to speak, and he's becoming more mature and wanting to prove himself to eichi that he's not a kid anymore. being the new student council president is one of the ways tori can prove himself, and to me, i think he already has. eichi's a bit of an ass for teasing him too much though.

it's still so weird to me that tomoya, hajime and mitsuru are still treated as if they were still first years. no, they're not those kids anymore. sure, they needed nazuna to guide them and hold their hamds– metaphorically speaking, especially when ra*bits was just starting out. one of their main focuses in es!! was them standing on their own without nazuna, as he's in college.

tomoya struggles with being ra*bits' new leader, and sometimes thinking if he's good enough to lead and be in charge of their unit, if he can fill in the gap that nazuna left. he does! he acts more like a leader, he's slowly being more confident in himself with leading. tomoya's idol image is reflective of that, as he's going into a more princely/cool guy type along with his cute side with ra*bits. mitsuru's also going to the cool guy route, reflected by his fs2. now mitsuru here is really excitable and a little naive, and of course some enstarries are going to ignore his other sides and treat him like a kid.

finally for the ra*bits is hajime, oh god, hajime. did you know that once upon a time there were people who said that ibahaji is proship? ibara and hajime? proship?! again, 1 year age gap! just because hajime is nice and a little shy, doesn't mean he's a child to be protected. and just because ibara is very business minded and dedicated to his work doesn't mean he's a grown ass man. he's like 19! still a teenager, even! and hell, ibara still acts like a teenager sometimes. hajime himself even wants to show the world that he's more than just cute. yes, he uses his cuteness as his weapon to his advantage (an advice from ibara, if i remember correctly), but he also wants to prove that he's not just a cute face.

ra*bits' whole thing is that they're growing together, bit by bit and it's frustrating that some people choose to ignore their growth and instead treat them like babies.

onto sora, seriously, it's frustrating to see people unironically say he's an innocent bean or call him ntmg's child, also there were people who said ntsora is proship? enstarries never fail to surprise me with how insane their thought process is.

i'm going to hold your hand when i say this:

just because sora is hyper and bubbly, it does not mean he's a child to be protected.

sora is not clueless or naive, hell, i'd argue that sora is the most emotionally and mentally mature person in switch, and in the whole roster of characters, even. he's perceptive and he's smart. correct me if i'm wrong, since i'm no switch lore expert, but didn't they have a predicament where sora wanted to be more included with how switch does things behind the scenes? that he didn't want tsumugi and natsume to be shielding him from the world anymore?

sora is aware that his seniors are just looking out for him, but at the same time, he wants to be on equal footing with them and support them as a member of the unit and as their friend. hell, the same could be said for all prior characters mentioned! and again, i'll repeat myself, it's weird as shit to be treating him like a clueless and innocent child when he's heavily implied to be autistic. with full offense, that just sounds like you think sora is incapable just because of his neurodivergence. yikes!

some honorable mentions to tsukasa, who gets babied by some fans and even his own unit sometimes, much to his displeasure as he wants to be taken seriously as knights' king, to souma who's treated as "kurokei's child" (when he and kuro are a year and a couple of months apart, i think?), hiiro who sometimes get characterized as "dim-witted boy from the countryside" when he's actually really smart, especially in academics (to the point that tsukasa considers him a rival) when he's just a little naive to the city life, and to kohaku who's sometimes reduced to "crazy:b's little brother" / "madara's kid" when kohaku himself is more than capable of being independent.

it's frustrating when some enstarries, and even their own producers ignore or disregard their growth and treat them like babies or reduce them to a popular ship's "children" . while we've known them since they were juniors and still starting out, at least treat them more seriously now. it feels more satisfying to see them grow up and see their improvement instead of just perceiving them as clueless juniors forever, well, to me, at least.

[yunholic-jongholic]

Bound to the Bosses [Part 13] | C.JH x Reader x J.YH

SUMMARY | At the age of 20, you surrendered your freedom to a former mafia gang in exchange for a secure life and all your needs met. You pledged your existence to two of the members, Choi Jongho and Jeong Yunho, who managed the leading underground strip club and took you under their wing. They both permit you to perform on weekend nights, but once the lights go out and the workday ends, you belong solely to both of them.

PAIRINGS | Jongho x Fem!Reader x Yunho

RATING | Mature, 18+, NSFW, MDNI!!!

CONTENT WARNINGS | NSFW, Explicit Content, SMUT, ANGST, Mean Dom!Jongho, Threats, Mentions of Toxic Relationship, Smoking/Cigarette Use, Mentioning of Harming/Hurting, Mentioning of Death/Killing, Fighting, Weapon Use, Blood, Injuries, Possessiveness, Pet Names, Punishment Kink, (Some) Degrading, Praising, Fingering, Teasing, Orgasm Denial, Finger Sucking, Oral Sex (Reader Receiving), Squirting, Foreplay, Unprotected Sex (Don't do it), Creampie,

WORD COUNT | 7.5k

AUTHOR NOTE | Ribo girlies... where are y'all... I am calling y'all back for a reasonnnn 👀

TAG LIST | @mingisleftnipple @yusalterego @galaxycatdrawz @jjongsho @pixie0627

•

The next morning, you woke up and went on your phone, still glued to the bed.

"2 Messages from @ Yunou._.u" You sighed as you saw the notification. One from last night after you fell asleep, one this morning at like 5am... Did he even sleep?

Your heart skipped a beat as you hesitated before clicking on the messages.

Yunho (2:57 AM):

"I meant what I said."

Yunho (5:12 AM):

"I don’t know how to stop wanting you."

You inhaled sharply, your fingers hovering over the screen. He had been up all-night thinking about you.

A part of you wanted to ignore it. Pretend like last night never happened, like you hadn’t admitted your feelings, like Yunho hadn’t looked at you with those desperate eyes.

But another part of you… the part that still ached for him, the part that never truly moved on, was tempted to respond.

You bit your lip, rereading the messages over and over again, trying to decide what to do.

What the hell were you supposed to say to that?

You sighed finally sitting up and decided to text him back.

What the fuck was that type of response?! You cursed in your mind.

You groaned, throwing yourself back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling in frustration. That was your response? Out of everything you could’ve said?

Your phone vibrated almost immediately.

Silence.

You sighed and finally turned your phone off. You got clothes ready for the day and took a shower.

Coming back, you saw 3 more messages from Yunho.

Grabbing your phone, you read it.

You decided to respond one last time.

You started feeling tears stream down your face. You finally stopped responding and turned your phone off. Yunho immediately tried calling you. You didn't pick up. You sighed and left your phone on your bed as you went to Mavericks room wiping your tears away.

"Have you been crying" He asked. You sighed sitting beside him.

"Yes, but I just need to relax somewhere..." You laid on top of him wrapping your arms around him softly.

Maverick didn’t say anything at first. He just exhaled softly, running his fingers through your hair. His touch was soothing, grounding—exactly what you needed right now.

"You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong," he finally murmured. "But if you do, you know I’ll listen."

You closed your eyes, pressing your face against his chest, letting the warmth of his body settle your nerves. For a moment, you just breathed.

"It’s Yunho, isn’t it?" Maverick’s voice was quiet but firm. He already knew.

You didn’t respond. You didn’t have to.

He sighed, shifting so that he could tilt your face up to look at him. His eyes scanned yours, searching. "You told me you moved on," he whispered. "But I think part of you still belongs to them."

Your heart clenched.

"I—" You hesitated, voice cracking.

Maverick’s expression didn’t change, but you saw the flicker of something behind his eyes. Disappointment? Maybe.

"You’re torn, aren’t you?" he finally said.

You swallowed the lump in your throat and nodded.

Maverick let out a slow breath, his fingers gently tracing circles against your back. “I’m not gonna tell you what to do, Y/N,” he murmured. “But I need you to be honest with yourself.”

You closed your eyes tightly. Honest with myself? The truth was you didn’t even know what that meant anymore.

You had tried so hard to move on. To build something real with Maverick, to put your past behind you. But Yunho—Jongho—they were still tangled in your thoughts, woven into the fabric of who you were.

"I don’t know what to do," you whispered, your voice barely above a breath.

Maverick was silent for a long moment. And then, finally, he spoke.

"Then maybe it’s time to figure it out."

His words weren’t cruel. They weren’t meant to hurt you. But they still stung.

You pulled away slightly, looking into his eyes. “Are you saying I should go back to them?”

He studied you carefully, his jaw tightening slightly. “I’m saying you can’t keep pretending like they don’t matter to you. Like they don’t still own a part of you.” His thumb brushed against your cheek, wiping away a stray tear. “You think I haven’t noticed? Every time you look at your phone, every time you disappear into your own head? You’re still with them, Y/N. Even when you’re here with me.”

You felt your heart shatter. Not because he was wrong. But because he was right.

"Maverick, I—"

He shook his head, a sad smile on his lips. "I won’t stand in your way if you need to figure this out. But I need you to decide. Because I can’t be your second choice or a Rebound for you to distract yourself from the other two men."

You sucked in a shaky breath, your chest tightening.

Maverick wasn’t your second choice. But he wasn’t Yunho. He wasn’t Jongho. And that realization was tearing you apart.

You felt your entire world tilting, the weight of everything pressing down on your chest. The truth was suffocating—you had been using Maverick to run from your past. To pretend you could be someone different, someone who wasn’t still tangled up in Yunho and Jongho’s grasp.

But pretending only got you so far.

“I never meant to make you feel like that…” Your voice cracked, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. “I swear, Maverick, I care about you. I do.”

"If you care about me, you shouldn't let them continue to control your life. You need to be your own person. I am allowing you to be your own person when you are with me." He looks down at you. You nod.

"I know... I do think I need time... I am going to see if my father has any missions or go on a walk or something..." You sigh. He kisses your forehead, and you leave the bed and walk out.

You walked through the dimly lit halls, your mind a tangled mess of emotions. Maverick’s words echoed in your head—he allowed you to be your own person. But did you even know who that was anymore?

For so long, you had belonged to someone. First Yunho and Jongho, their possessiveness wrapping around you like chains you mistook for love. Then Maverick, who had tried to give you something different—something freer, something real.

But were you capable of real love? Or had you been conditioned to only crave what was toxic and destructive?

You sighed as you pushed open the doors leading outside, the cold air hitting your skin. Maybe you just needed space. Some fresh air.

Or maybe you needed a distraction.

Your fingers hovered over your phone, debating whether to call your father to see if there was a mission you could throw yourself into. Anything to keep your mind from spiraling.

But deep down, you knew no mission, no job, no temporary thrill could fix the mess inside of you.

You needed to face the truth.

And soon.

You inhaled sharply, stuffing your phone back into your pocket. The night air was crisp, biting against your skin, but it wasn’t enough to clear your thoughts.

Your feet carried you aimlessly down the quiet streets, past the neon-lit buildings and the ever-familiar strip club—the one you once called home.

Your heart clenched.

Would they be inside?

Would Yunho still be drinking himself into oblivion, pretending he had forgotten you?

Would Jongho still carry the same quiet, lingering sadness in his eyes?

You shook the thoughts away. You weren’t going back there. Not now. Not when you were this weak.

Instead, you kept walking, head down, lost in your own world—until a voice snapped you out of it.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our little runaway.”

Your body tensed instantly.

That voice.

Slowly, you turned your head, dread pooling in your stomach.

Hongjoong.

He leaned casually against a lamppost, cigarette between his fingers, his sharp eyes locked onto you like a predator sizing up prey.

You swallowed hard, your heart hammering against your ribs.

"Did you really think you could keep playing both sides forever, Y/N?" His smirk was cruel, his tone dripping with amusement. "Because from where I’m standing… you look lost."

"What are you talking about?" You try to look confused.

"You know what I mean. I saw you outside last night chatting with Yunho." He stares into your eyes, almost menacing and like he was ready to attack you anytime soon and laugh as he hurt you.

"It meant nothing. He was drunk out of his mind." You sighed.

Hongjoong exhaled slowly, the glow of his cigarette casting eerie shadows across his sharp features. "Drunk or not," he mused, tilting his head, "he still came running to you, didn’t he?"

You clenched your jaw, crossing your arms as you tried to hold your ground. "It doesn’t mean anything."

His smirk widened. "See, that’s where you’re wrong, sweetheart." He took a step closer, his presence suffocating. "It means everything. To him. To Jongho. To me."

Your breath hitched. "What do you want, Hongjoong?"

He let the question hang between you, savoring your discomfort before he finally spoke.

"I want to know where your loyalty lies."

You tensed. "I work for my father now."

"Do you?" He flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his shoe.

"You still care too much about them. They care too much about you. Yunho has been giving up his Mafia life and it's ruining the family here. As much as I hate to say it, he needs you back. I know you are his weakness but loosing you, it has ruined him. Jongho too. They will soon lose their places if you don't come back. I mean, lose their places." He stares at you glancing at his gun in his pocket. You also glance over, and you felt your body tremble.

"You wouldn't kill them..." You said now concerned.

"You don't come back; they don't get to live. Now I know I dislike you, but again. They need you. You were the only thing keeping them good at their jobs. And even if you don't. I will tell your father you used to sleep with the enemies. You know me and your father are rivals." Hongjoong only smirks. You just stood there looking down feeling your mind get dizzy.

Your breath hitched, the weight of Hongjoong’s words settling heavily in your chest. He wasn’t bluffing. He never bluffed.

If you didn’t go back, Yunho and Jongho would be dead.

If you did… you’d be throwing yourself right back into the life you barely managed to escape.

Your hands curled into fists, nails digging into your palms as you fought to keep your voice steady. “Why are you doing this?” you whispered.

Hongjoong tilted his head, his smirk unwavering. “Because, sweetheart, I might hate you, but I love my family more. And whether you like it or not, Yunho and Jongho are my family.” His eyes darkened. “I can’t let them fall apart over someone who was never supposed to matter this much.”

Your stomach twisted at his words, at the way he spoke about you like you were nothing—and yet, the weight of your presence was enough to tip the scales of their entire world.

You sucked in a shaky breath, lifting your chin. “And if I do go back?”

Hongjoong shrugged. “Then they live. You get to keep your precious lovers, and maybe—just maybe—I don’t go running to your father and tell him exactly what his little princess has been up to.” His gaze flickered with amusement. “It’s your choice, really.”

Your heart pounded in your chest, screaming at you to run, to fight, to do anything but let him manipulate you into this.

But Yunho’s broken expression flashed in your mind.

Jongho’s quiet suffering.

The thought of them being taken away from you forever…

Your body betrayed you before your mind could even catch up. Your lips parted, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Give me 3 days... Please."

"I am only giving you till tomorrow morning. You better step foot into the club again, or I will have a bullet through their heads tomorrow morning. 5am." He smiles.

Your heart broke. You sighed.

"...Fine." You spoke as you stepped off back to your apartment.

Your mind felt like it was spinning, each step back to your apartment feeling heavier than the last. Every breath you took felt suffocating, as if the weight of the decision you just made was already pressing down on your chest.

Tomorrow morning. That was all the time you had left.

If you didn’t walk through that club’s doors by then, Yunho and Jongho would be dead. Hongjoong wasn’t bluffing, and you knew it.

You barely registered unlocking your door, stepping inside, and shutting it behind you. The moment you did, your legs gave out, and you sank to the floor, burying your face in your hands.

What the hell were you supposed to do?

Maverick.

Your father.

If either of them found out you were going back, it wouldn’t just be Hongjoong and his men you had to worry about—it would be an all-out war.

You wanted to scream. To throw something. To fight back against the reality, you were being dragged into.

But the faces of Jongho and Yunho wouldn’t leave your mind. The way they looked at you. The way they had loved you. The way they were still waiting, still holding onto something—even when they tried to let go.

You pulled out your phone, your fingers hovering over Maverick’s contact.

He would know something was wrong.

He would know you were hiding something.

And deep down, you knew there was no easy way out of this.

With a deep, shaky breath, you stood up, staring at yourself in the mirror.

This was it.

One last night of freedom.

And then you’d go back to where you truly belonged.

Even if it meant destroying everything in the process.

You tried to go to your bed and sleep it off avoiding everyone and everything...

That night you woke up buzzing on your phone. It was your father. You answered it and he told you that you had a job tonight. Maverick was joining you.

"Yes, thank you father. I will go do my best." You huffed trying to act like you were awake, but you were entirely groggy.

You sat up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes, your mind still sluggish from exhaustion. A job. Tonight.

It was the last thing you needed, but maybe—just maybe—it was the distraction you were looking for.

Because if you focused on this job, if you put everything into it, maybe you wouldn’t have to think about what was waiting for you tomorrow.

Maybe you wouldn’t have to think about Hongjoong’s ultimatum.

Or the fact that after tonight, Maverick would never see you again.

You inhaled sharply, shaking the thought away. No time for guilt. No time for second-guessing.

Throwing on your gear, you grabbed your weapons and made your way downstairs. Maverick was already waiting, leaning against the hood of a black car, his arms crossed, watching you closely.

“Damn, you look like you just woke up from the dead,” he teased, but there was something in his eyes—concern, maybe?

You forced a smirk, masking the turmoil beneath. “Good thing I’m still breathing then.”

He studied you for a second longer before pushing himself off the car and opening the passenger door for you. “Come on, we’ve got work to do.”

You slid inside, gripping your thigh holster tightly as he got in beside you and started the engine.

The hum of the car filled the silence, the tension between you thick.

"Alright," Maverick finally spoke, his voice even. "Tonight’s job is a retrieval. Simple. We get in, grab the target, and bonus pay if we can kill everyone inside."

You nodded, forcing yourself to focus. "Where’s the target being held?"

"Downtown. An old high-rise. Guards, security—nothing we haven’t dealt with before."

You nodded again, your heart pounding harder than it should have.

Because this wasn’t just any mission.

This was your last job with Maverick.

And he didn’t even know it.

You nod and get out of the car as he parked it kind of far for no suspicion. Maverick sighed.

"You get the target; I will do my best killing the guards." He throws you an earpiece and you immediately put it on and run out to the warehouse.

You hold your dagger and slide it down your boot as you climb up onto the wall opening the window and immediately falling inside.

You landed on the cold concrete floor, rolling to absorb the impact. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the warehouse, and you could hear the faint murmurs of guards patrolling nearby.

Maverick’s voice crackled through the earpiece. “You in?”

You pressed a finger to your ear, whispering, “Yeah. Moving toward the target now.”

Sticking to the shadows, you moved swiftly through the narrow corridors, keeping your footsteps light. Your heart pounded in your chest—not from fear, but from adrenaline. From the knowledge that this was it. Your last mission.

Your last night before walking away from Maverick forever.

The sound of a guard’s boots echoed toward you. Without hesitation, you flattened yourself against the wall, waiting until he passed before slipping behind him. In one swift movement, you wrapped an arm around his neck and plunged your dagger into his side, silencing him before he could react.

One down.

You dragged his body into a dark corner and pressed on, navigating your way toward the back room where the target was supposedly being held.

Through the earpiece, you heard gunfire in the distance. Maverick was keeping his word, handling the guards outside.

Good. That means less trouble for you.

Approaching the door to the back room, you crouched low, listening. Two voices inside. You tightened your grip on the dagger and took a deep breath.

Then, without hesitation, you kicked the door open.

The two men inside barely had time to register what was happening before you lunged. The first one went down instantly, your dagger slicing clean across his throat. The second reached for his weapon, but you were faster. You spun, kicking his legs out from under him before slamming the hilt of your blade against his temple, knocking him out cold.

The room fell silent.

You saw the crate of supplies.

"I found it, Mav." You smirked walking towards the items. But soon you heard a gun clicking noise. You immediately pointed your dagger to the noise and saw a tall, large figure. You tilted your head and when you noticed who it was you immediately froze in shock.

"Put the crate down and you don't get hurt." You heard Jongho's voice. Until he realized it was you.

"Y/N? What the fuck are you doing here?!" He tenses up completely shocked.

Your breath caught in your throat. Of all the people who could have been here—of all the enemies you could have faced—it had to be him.

Jongho.

Your grip on the dagger tightened, but your hands trembled. You weren’t sure if it was from the adrenaline or from the sheer weight of the moment.

“Jongho?” you whispered, your voice barely above a breath.

His gun was steady, his stance firm, but his eyes—those dark, familiar eyes—were filled with something unreadable. Shock? Anger? Betrayal?

“What the fuck are you doing here?” His voice was sharp, demanding, yet laced with something softer. Something almost… pained.

Your mind raced. You could lie. You could make up some excuse, some half-truth to get you out of this.

But you knew better.

Because Jongho could always see right through you.

“I—” You swallowed, gripping the crate tighter. “I have a job to do, Jongho.”

His jaw clenched. “With them?” His voice darkened, gaze flicking toward the emblem on your sleeve—the mark of your father’s gang.

You hesitated, and that hesitation was all the answer he needed.

“Shit,” he exhaled, lowering his gun for just a second before tensing again. “Do you even realize what you’re doing? Who you’re working for?”

Your heart pounded. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“There’s always a fucking choice,” he snapped. “And you chose this? Stealing from us? From me?”

The weight of his words crushed you, because he wasn’t wrong.

You had made a choice.

And now you had to live with it.

“I didn’t know this was your shipment,” you admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

Jongho let out a bitter laugh. “Does it even fucking matter? Would it have changed anything?”

Would it? If you had known, would you have still come?

The silence stretched between you, heavy and suffocating.

Then, a voice crackled through your earpiece.

“Y/N? What’s taking so long?” Maverick’s voice, sharp and impatient.

Jongho heard it. His whole body tensed, eyes darkening.

And just like that, you realized—

This wasn’t just a mission anymore.

This was a fucking war.

And you were caught right in the middle of it.

Your pulse thundered in your ears as you locked eyes with Jongho. His expression hardened, his finger twitching near the trigger, but something behind his gaze—something deep, something raw—made your chest tighten.

You had a choice.

Lie. Fight. Run.

Or tell him the truth.

Maverick's voice came through your earpiece again, sharper this time. “Y/N. I swear to god, if you’re hesitating—”

You ripped the earpiece out before he could finish, crushing it under your boot.

Jongho’s jaw clenched at the action, but he didn’t lower his gun. “What the fuck does that mean?” he demanded.

“It means…” You hesitated, heart racing, voice trembling. “It means I can’t do this.”

Jongho studied you, his gaze unreadable, as if trying to decide if you were lying. If you were just stalling. If you were still the girl he used to know.

Then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall.

Shit.

Maverick was coming.

“Jongho, listen to me,” you whispered, stepping forward. He didn’t move, but his grip on the gun tightened. “You have to go. If Maverick finds you here, he’ll kill you.”

Jongho froze up. "Did you say Maverick?" He looked at you insanely concerned.

“I’m serious!” You reached out, gripping his wrist before you could stop yourself. His skin was warm beneath your fingers, familiar, grounding. “Please. Just go.”

He stared at you for a moment—longer than he should have. As if debating whether to trust you. Whether you were worth trusting at all.

The footsteps grew closer.

“Fuck,” he exhaled under his breath.

Then, in one swift movement, Jongho grabbed you by the waist, yanking you against him. You gasped, your hands instinctively landing on his chest. He leaned in, glaring at you.

“What kind of shit have you gotten into?!” His voice was low, dangerous. "You don't even know who you are working for!"

Your breath hitched.

Your heart pounded against your ribs. “What are you talking about?” you whispered, feeling a cold dread seep into your bones.

Jongho’s grip on your waist tightened, his eyes dark with something unreadable fear? Anger? Desperation?

“Maverick,” he bit out, voice sharp as a blade. “Do you even know who the fuck he really is?”

You shook your head, confusion clouding your mind. “He’s… my partner. I—”

Jongho let out a bitter laugh, but there was no humor in it. “And you actually believe that?” His gaze bore into you, searching your face, as if he wanted to shake the realization into you. “Y/N… He’s been playing you this whole fucking time.”

Your stomach dropped.

“No,” you whispered, shaking your head. “You don’t know him. He—he’s been there for me.”

Jongho’s jaw clenched. "I do! I do know him!" He snapped. "He is my brother!" He snapped one last time. You went silent and froze up.

Your pulse roared in your ears.

No. No, it couldn’t be true.

"What..." You just asked. Soon Maverick was behind you.

Your breath hitched, the weight of Jongho’s words crashing down on you like a tidal wave.

Maverick is his brother?

Your mind reeled, struggling to process it, but before you could say anything, you felt it—the cold press of metal against your back.

Your body went rigid.

“Maverick…” your voice was barely a whisper, your heart pounding so loud it drowned out everything else.

“I was really hoping you wouldn’t figure that out just yet.” Maverick’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it—something dangerous, something final.

Jongho’s expression darkened, his own gun raising as he took a slow step forward. “You motherfucker.” His voice was deadly quiet.

Maverick only smirked. “That’s a funny thing to say to your own blood.”

“You lost the right to call yourself my blood a long time ago,” Jongho spat.

Your hands trembled at your sides; every muscle locked in place. “Why didn’t you tell me?” you whispered, your voice breaking.

Maverick let out a small chuckle, but there was no humor in it. “Because sweetheart… you would have run.” His lips brushed against the shell of your ear, sending a violent shiver down your spine. “And I couldn’t have that, now, could I?”

Jongho’s grip on his gun tightened. “Let her go.”

Maverick sighed. “You think it’s that simple?” He pressed the gun harder against your back, making you suck in a sharp breath. “Y/N, you need to decide. Do you still trust me?”

Your heart clenched.

Maverick had been there for you.

He had held you when you cried. He had been the one to pull you back from your darkest moments.

But was it ever real?

Or had you just been a game to him?

Jongho took another step forward. “You don’t have to do this.”

Maverick scoffed. “Of course I do.”

Your entire body turned ice cold.

Maverick leaned down, lips grazing your ear again. “So, what’s it gonna be, sweetheart? Them?” He nodded toward Jongho. “Or me?”

Jongho’s eyes locked onto yours. Desperate. Pleading.

“Don’t listen to him, Y/N.” His voice softened just enough, as if he could still reach you, still save you.

The room felt like it was caving in, your lungs tightening, your vision blurring.

You had to choose.

Now.

You soon turned to Maverick slowly.

"You know I care about you right..." You smile softly... Jongho's face filled with disappointment and hurt. You kept smiling and got closer to Maverick.

Until.

You dropped down and swung your legs underneath him causing him to trip and fall. That's when Maverick lost balance and immediately shot the gun, but it barely grazes Jongho in the head, causing him to fall.

Your heart slammed against your ribs as Jongho collapsed to the ground, blood trickling down the side of his face. Panic shot through you, but you had no time to react—Maverick was already recovering, his gun swinging back toward you.

Without hesitation, you lunged.

You grabbed his wrist, forcing the gun away from your body, but he was strong—stronger than you expected. He twisted out of your grip, slamming you back against the crate behind you. Pain exploded through your spine, but you didn’t let go.

“You bitch,” Maverick growled, his voice laced with betrayal.

You spat blood from your lips, glaring up at him. “Guess I’m not as easy to control as you thought.”

Maverick’s lips curled into a smirk, but there was rage in his eyes. “You think you’re choosing the right side?” he taunted, pressing his weight against you. “You really think Yunho and Jongho are any better than me?” His voice dropped to a whisper, inches from your lips. “You’re still just a pawn in their game, Y/N.”

Your stomach twisted.

He was wrong.

Wasn’t he?

Before you could answer, Jongho groaned from the floor, his hand pressing against his bleeding temple. Maverick’s attention flicked toward him for a split second—just long enough.

You took your chance.

With everything you had left, you slammed your knee into his stomach, making him stumble back just enough for you to grab your dagger from your boot.

You pointed it against his neck glaring at him.

Maverick gasped, his body jerking in shock, his fingers twitching around the trigger.

You twisted the blade, your breath ragged. “This is me choosing,” you hissed.

He staggered, his grip on the gun loosening just enough for you to rip it from his hand and throw it across the room. His legs gave out, his body crashing against the crates behind him.

You stepped back, panting, hands shaking violently.

Jongho was already pulling himself up, stumbling slightly as he pressed a hand to his injury. His eyes met yours, wide with something unreadable relief? Shock? Pride?

“You…” Maverick coughed, blood dripping from his lips as he looked up at you. His smirk returned, but it was weaker now, his strength fading fast. “You really think they’ll save you from what’s coming?”

You ignored him.

Jongho stepped forward, gripping your wrist gently. “We need to go. Now.”

You nodded, your body running on pure adrenaline as you turned away from Maverick—away from the man who had been your closest friend, your protector… your biggest lie.

As you and Jongho rushed toward the exit, you heard Maverick’s weak, bitter laugh behind you.

“This isn’t over, sweetheart.”

And as much as you wanted to ignore it, you knew deep down—

He was right.

Jongho and you both immediately jumped into his car and drove back with the supplies.

As you both arrived back. He took you upstairs to his room. You immediately went to go find bandages and pain killers. Giving them to Jongho to help fix himself up. You sat on the bed with him silently.

The room was quiet except for the occasional hiss from Jongho as he dabbed antiseptic onto his wound. You sat beside him, legs tucked under you, watching his every movement.

"You didn't have to do that," he finally said, voice low.

You swallowed, your hands gripping your knees. "I did have to," you muttered. "I chose you, Jongho. I chose this."

Jongho glanced at you, his dark eyes filled with something unreadable—something that made your chest tighten. "You could've died back there," he murmured.

"So could you," you countered.

Silence.

Then, with a heavy sigh, he reached for your hand, his fingers curling around yours. His warmth was grounding, steadying the whirlwind inside your chest.

"I'm not losing you again," he whispered.

You exhaled, leaning into his touch. "Then don't let me go." He stared at your silently. You sighed and grabbed a small bandage to place around his wound. He watched you and immediately just kept his eyes glued to you for a moment. You looked at him seeing something in his eyes.

You both just stared at each other softly.

The space between you felt smaller, charged with something unspoken—something raw. Jongho’s fingers tightened around yours slightly as if anchoring himself to you. His eyes, dark and full of emotion, searched your face, like he was memorizing every detail.

You swallowed, your heart pounding in your chest. “Jongho…” you whispered.

He didn’t speak, didn’t move. Just kept looking at you like you were something fragile, something precious. And then, as if making a decision, he reached up, his fingertips tracing the side of your face.

“You really came back,” he murmured, almost like he didn’t believe it himself.

You gave him a soft smile, though your heart was still racing. “I told you—I never stopped loving you.”

That was all it took.

Jongho pulled you in, his lips crashing against yours in a kiss filled with longing, with desperation. His hands cupped your face, holding you close as if afraid you’d disappear again. You melted into him, gripping onto his arms as the heat between you reignited.

This wasn’t just a kiss.

It was a promise.

As you continued kissing him deeply, you slowly slid his coat off. You straddled his lap as he held you close to him.

Jongho's hands found your waist, fingers digging into your sides as he pulled you even closer, his lips never leaving yours. The kiss was hungry, filled with months of pent-up emotions—anger, longing, love, and regret all tangled together. His warmth surrounded you, grounding you in the moment as your hands traced his shoulders, feeling the tension in his muscles.

His breath hitched when your fingers ghosted down his chest, working to unbutton his shirt. His grip on your hips tightened, his body reacting to your every movement. "You’re playing a dangerous game," he murmured against your lips, his voice thick with desire.

You smirked, tilting his chin up slightly. "What? Because I am sleeping with the enemy?" you whispered, before capturing his lips again, deepening the kiss.

Jongho groaned, flipping you beneath him in one swift motion, his body pressing firmly against yours. His lips trailed down your jawline, down your neck, leaving a path of heat in their wake. You shivered beneath him, arching slightly as he kissed along your collarbone, as he unbuttoned your shirt pulling it off of you. His hands now exploring every inch of you.

"You're the one who pulled me to kiss me." he growled against your skin, "I don't want you to leave though."

You let a soft moan out as he reattached his lips against your neck.

"You know I am my boss's daughter" You smirk as he lifts himself back up trying to remove your bra.

"Wait..." He pauses. He finally let's go and sits up concerned.

"Is that why you work for them?!" He asks. You nod softly.

"Well... I mean. I used to... But I want to stay here with you... and Yunho..." You hum. He looks a bit nervous at you, but he tries shaking it off.

"You promised to not go back? I am worried you will take advantage here and then run back and target us..." He chuckles nervously. You stare into his eyes.

"Jongho, I am wanting you for real. If I was able to, I would submit myself to you and Yunho again." You sigh.

"You can come back to us princess..." He smirks taking your bra off finally. He is back to being confident and calm. "We will take good care of you, but don't go running off next time you are wanting attention..." He growls. You felt a shiver in your body. You felt him place you in his lap this time. But you are now facing the wall, with your back facing him.

"I want to stay... I only want you and Yunho..." You exhale out softly. You removed your pants now.

"You know, I should punish you still for cheating on me and Yunho... You really broke our hearts... Not only that, but I should also punish you for sleeping with my brother." He growled. You felt a wave of pleasure start to surge through your body.

"You can't punish me... I didn't belong to you at that time..." You exhale feeling his bulge now press against your clothed soaking cunt.

"It seems like you want to get punished." He growls leaning against your ear, pressing himself harder gripping your waist. You let out a shaky moan.

"Your body tells me you like that idea... You are soaking on me..." He smirks. You felt another shiver.

"Jongho..." You moan softly.

"Fuck..." He curses as you start softly grinding yourself against him wanting more action.

"God you are so fucking needy." He immediately shoves you on your stomach and smirks as you lift your lower body with your legs on the bed, showing him everything. He only smirks and pulls your panties to the side; you whimper feeling his fingers rub against your soaking wet cunt.

"Does my princess like that?" He only smirks groaning. You moan into the mattress spreading your legs out more.

Soon you both hear a knock on the door.

"Can I join?" You both heard Yunho's voice. Jongho growled frustratedly, not liking being interrupted.

Yunho walked in on both of you, and you turned over seeing him give you hungry desperate eyes.

"No. We need alone time." Jongho gets up ready to shove Yunho back out.

"Please! She is also mine and I miss her." He gives Jongho a puppy pouty look.

"Well, you should have done today's job and you could have had her first. But right now, I need alone time with her." Jongho growls almost possessively.

"STOP BICKERING YOU TOO AND JUST FUCK HER. SHE HAS TWO HOLES FOR A DAMN REASON!" All three of you heard Hongjoong yell from his office. Both Yunho and Jongho went silent for a second, you tried to hold in your laugh.

"If you don't leave, I am about to tie you up to the chair and make you watch me fuck her." Jongho whispers angrily.

"Actually, I'd be into that." Yunho smirks.

"Fucking of course you would be you freak." Jongho tries shutting the door on Yunho again, but Yunho stops him.

"Please Jongho. I know she misses me too and I want to feel her again." He pouts again. You sigh now feeling your arousal leaving you.

"Damn it! Yunho, I will fuck you after. I know you want me alone!" You curse. Jongho only smirks now pushing Yunho out and shutting and locking the door.

"Now where were we?" He only smirks coming back unzipping his pants pulling them off.

You finally go back into position. Jongho places his hand on your inner thigh, slowly tracing his finger back up onto your clothed cunt. He slowly rubs circles causing you to moan once again. You felt your legs get weak.

"Jongho..." You moan out. He pulls your panties to the side and slowly rubs circles around your clit. Jongho turns you over to where you are on your back. You lay there looking at him and he climbs up on beside you, hovering over you. He finally pulls your panties off.

Jongho places his other hand near your face commanding you to suck on his fingers. You nod obeying him. You twirl your tongue around them, and you decide to tease back softly biting on them.

Jongho immediately pulls your chin and growls. "Don't do that." He exhales. You nod and continue to do as he says.

Not even a minute in you bite again teasing him and that's when he furrows his brows and immediately pulls his hand away and slaps your pussy harshly. You flinch at the feeling whimpering out.

"That's what you get for disobeying." He snaps. You look at him and he continues. You felt a large heat wave hit inside your core and travel straight to your mind to do it again. Jongho didn't hesitate again and slapped you harder this time. You whimper again and he grips your face harshly.

"You need to behave." He growls. You honestly would of just came right there after that second slap. You shift on the mattress getting more comfortable and you hum softly.

Jongho looks down at your red swollen wet glistening cunt. His breathing hitches as he lowers himself to your thighs and softly kisses you lower stomach. You look at him and he lowers himself closer, you feel his breath against your folds and soon he swipes his tongue over in between them. You let out a shaky moan.

"Jongho!" You moan as your fingers curl and tangle in his hair. He sucks against them softly and finally uses his hands to hold them apart as he flicks his tongue over your swollen bud. You throw your head back into the mattress moaning more. You clench your thighs around him and he swirls his tongue over the sensitive bud.

Jongho flattened his tongue to cover more area almost clearly making out with your pussy. You soon felt an insane wave of pleasure about to crash over you.

"Jongho! I'm going to cum!" You pant heavily as he sucks and licks your clit more. You felt your legs tremble and soon he pulls away immediately. His tongue and your clit connected with a strong of his saliva.

"Jongho!" You whine about the loss. He only smirks and licks his lips.

"that's what you get for disobeying me earlier." He teases.

"well if you aren't gonna let me come, I'll just let Yunho fuck me." You sit up frustrated. He looks up at you and kisses your lower stomach again.

"Oh I want you to come princess. Just wanted to get payback." He groans as he pulls his boxers off letting his cock spring free. It looked swollen, need of touch. You knew saw the tip leaking with precum as it twitched at the cold air in the room.

"it looks like you need attention." You sit up grabbing the base of his cock. He groans and looks at you.

"I was gonna say fucking you is enough attention." He answers. You hum rubbing the tip with your thumb smearing the precum all over.

"Then fuck me." You press his shaft over your cunt rubbing him between your folds.

"Fuck..." He curses gripping your waist. You moan and soon feel him tease you again as he slaps his cock against your swollen wet pussy making a noise. You whimper and beg him to hurry up. You feel his tip finally get pushed in and you moan as he adjusted over you and immediately starts thrusting.

"God you are so wet inside." He groans. "Im afraid you will cum too fast." He places his lips over your neck kissing it as you wrap your legs around him. You moan loudly, one hand tangled in his hair, the other digging your nails into his shoulders. He thrusts in hard causing you to almost scream.

"Jongho!" You whine feeling his cock abuse you as he thrusts in and out roughly. You swear his cock grew over a span since you last fucked him, unlike Yunho, Jongho had a fat cock which stretched you out everytime he fucked you. Usually he was gentle and would speed up as you adjust to him but this time he didn't.

"Please!" You dug your nails into his shoulders literally clawing him as if you were a cat and he was a scratching post. He groaned pinning your waist down.

"Y/N.." Jongho moaned, lips parted as you felt your walls clench and tighten around him. Sweat caused his hair to stick to his forehead. You both were now moaning. You looked down seeing Jongho slam into you deep into the mattress.

"Jongho... I am gonna cum..." you felt tears form in corner of your eyes. you bite your lip down removing your hand from his head as you slide it down your body and rub your swollen sensitive bud. You threw your head back moaning. You swear you were in heaven with this feeling.

Jongho watched below both of you as your legs trembled immediately coming and squirting on his cock. Your moans got higher and the wave of pleasure finally came crashing. Jongho groaned at the sight and you fell limp on the mattress able to move.

"Fuck... that was hot." He growled. Your legs were trembling as your breathing got shaky and rapid.

"Okay let me cum and we will be done. I promise." He caresses your face as he continues to thrust inside you. You whine at the oversensitive feeling.

"Jongho!" You cry out. Your insides pulsed around his cock. He curses as he slaps hard into you showing you no mercy. You felt his cock twitch inside you as he finally released his load filling you up. You bite your bottom lip trying to control yourself and he pulls out.

"I should of recorded you and have it sent to your father and my brother. Showing them you let your enemy fuck you." He breaths heavily trying to calm himself.

"I would of sent it to Yunho..." You sit up feeling dizzy. Jongho holds you in his lap as you trace your finger over his chest.

"He would get off to it and try to ask to recreate it with him in the picture." Jongho scoffs. You smile and kiss his lips softly.

"I love you Jongho..." You whisper into the kiss. He is quiet for a second until he kisses back whispering right after.

"I love you too." You felt your heart almost beat out of your ribcage after he admitted it. You honestly would sucked his cock right there after he said it. But you were both too tired and instead he pulled you in bed with him as you both cuddled.

•

A/N: I finally moved in. I've been so tired LMAO I keep running to the store after unpacking because I forget stuff and I keep running back to find more stuff :(

[lsunstreakerl]

o!darkbull! this slides pretty firmly over to dead dove territory, so. there's your warning. (additional tags below the cut) mature but not quite explicit.

Max POV, 2.7k words. This is that initial mating bite, when they're still karting, because in typical darkbull fashion Charles is insane.

DDDNE: implied/referenced underage sex between two minors, forced bite/mating, dubcon/noncon, omegas with very little rights

"Max!"

Charles snags him by the crook of his elbow, half spinning him around as Max blinks, startled.

He remembers his father's words a split second later, yanking his arm away. He's not supposed to let anyone touch him, especially not other younger drivers, smelling of sweat and karts and alpha- everyone's starting to present.

Max has been feeling flushed and hot the last few days.

He's been ignoring it. He'll start getting aggressive and irritable soon, the telltale signs of a rut, and it'll be fine.

"What."

He keeps his voice flat and uninterested, because their race is soon, and if Charles is trying to butter him up for a pass, he's got another thing coming.

Charles shoves his hands in his pockets, grinning.

"We should meet here, after the race. I want to debrief it with you, and your dad never lets you talk to anyone anymore."

Jos is trying to protect him. Neither of them have talked about it or even hinted at it, the way Max has been feeling off recently, his heightened scent of smell, the way he's been arranging his things in the van.

Max can't afford to be an omega. Namely because omegas can't race.

Max needs to race.

At the same time... it's just Charles. Whiny not-French Charles, who likes to talk about the track and the race just as much as Max does, and he misses that.

"Fine. But it will be later, when it is dark."

Max is going to have to sneak out. Difficult, but not impossible.

Charles brightens, although something in his eyes is sharp, glittering and aware. It's a stark contrast to his softer features, and it makes Max briefly uneasy.

He ignores it.

"Great! I will see you then, yes?"

Max nods.

------

The race had been okay. Max won, but not by a whole lot, so Jos had been yelling at him about it for a while. He's finally fallen asleep on the couch, and Max sneaks carefully out the door.

He's still hot, even in the chilled night air, skin flushed as he makes his way towards where he's meeting with Charles. His thoughts snag on how Charles has been looking lately- he's starting to get a bit taller, grow into some of his features.

It smells slightly off the closer Max gets to the meeting spot, a deeper rich scent that's sticking to Max's brain, slowing his thoughts down. He's following his nose at this point, because when he reaches their place and finds Charles, the scent is strong.

It's practically a haze around him, leaves Max feeling like he's lagging just a few seconds behind, thoughts moving syrupy slow.

"You smell weird."

Charles makes a slightly apologetic face, shrugging.

"My rut is soon, I think."

Logically, Max knows at those words that he needs to leave right now. Denial about his own upcoming presentation or not, being around an adolescent alpha in rut is a bad idea.

It just doesn't feel urgent. It's only Charles, and while Max thinks it's bullshit that he's younger than Max and has presented first anyways, he's not really a threat.

"Shouldn't you be at home then?"

Max will still do his due diligence, make sure Charles is okay.

"No, I'm not worried. Why, does it smell strong?"

Max blinks, thoughts getting harder to catch as Charles takes a step closer.

"Maybe? I have not smelled many ruts, I don't..."

Max loses track of his thoughts as Charles grabs his wrist gently, head tilted with concern.

"I think you should sit down Max, you don't look too good."

Sitting sounds like a good idea. Or being on the ground at least, and Max lets Charles ease him down onto the grass, back supported against a large rock, head spinning. It's doing something weird to him, looking up at Charles like this. He wants to tilt his head back, wants to spread his-

No, no, Max needs to get out of here.

"I need- Charles, I need to go-"

He gets a hand underneath him, trying to stand, but Charles pushes his shoulders back down, kneeling down over Max's legs with a knee on either side of him.

"I really don't think that's a good idea, Max. You shouldn't be moving at all."

Well, if Charles thinks so...

Max relaxes back down before his thoughts catch up, jumpy and laggy as they are.

Charles is an alpha going headfirst into a rut, and Max is-

Max needs to leave.

Charles settles his weight more firmly on Max's thighs, eyes wide. He looks concerned, but Max catches that glint of sharpness again, feeding the ball of unease in his chest.

He digs his fingers into the grass.

"Charles..."

Charles brings a hand to Max's face, eyes narrowing.

"You smell good."

Max's heart beats faster.

"You are of course imagining things."

The unease is back, and it's like a switch has flipped in Charles, eyes flicking back up to Max's. His body language has changed, shifting to lean over Max, and Max is tilting his head back slightly before he realizes, trying to drop his chin back down.

Charles' fingers grip harder on his jaw, holding his head in place.

"I don't think I am."

He leans into Max's neck, dragging his nose against his scent gland, so intimate and sensitive that Max's legs kick out, jerking away.

"Charles! You are not supposed to-"

Charles shushes him, breath ghosting across Max's neck.

"Have you had a heat before? Or is this your first?"

Max is frozen. He's not having a heat, he's not, especially not with an alpha above him. It's the worst possible scenario. It's exactly the kind of thing his father had said happens to omegas.

Charles noses at his neck again, pressing closer to Max, crowding him with his body, his spicy heady scent all Max can smell.

"First then, seems like. I never would have guessed you'd be an omega, Verstappen."

The use of his last name makes Max jolt, slicing through his thoughts to give a moment of clarity.

"Charles, I need to leave, I need-"

Charles doesn't move, face pressed in near Max's scent gland, taking a deep inhale.

"And go where? You cannot race as an omega, we both know this. You have very limited options. I would hate for your father to drop you off at some omega academy- I would never see you again."

Max flinches, because Charles is closer to being right than Max is willing to admit. Jos doesn't want an omega son. He'd just as soon leave Max on the side of the road for good, and there's a very real chance of Max being sent to an omega academy, being groomed for submissive behavior, being "presented" at graduation in a glorified mate auction- it's the last thing he wants.

He'd never see a race again, never be in a kart or a car.

Charles makes a soothing noise, nudging their heads together.

"Oh, you smell sad. Don't be sad, we'll figure something out."

There's a weird feeling in Max's chest, building in his throat. He's so hot, and he's stressed, and Charles smells so good above him, telling him they'll fix it.

Max has always had to fix his own problems, surely it can't be that bad to let someone else try and handle things for once.

He opens his mouth, meaning to say something, only for the feeling in his throat to break free, a needy whine escaping him.

He goes completely still again, fingers ripping up grass as he digs his hands down, eyes wide. Charles is still nosing at his neck, but there's a low rumble in response, vibrating against Max where they're pressed chest to chest.

It's making him relax.

He doesn't mean to, but the vibrations are nice, rattling through his ribs, soothing him as he tilts his head, exposes more of his neck.

There's a low burning in his gut, making him shift in the grass. His shoulders scrape against the stone behind him.

Charles makes a soft noise when Max moves, keeping him in place with his legs.

"Your father won't take care of you as a pack alpha, if you go back."

Max is well aware. He's desperately trying not to think of it, which is easy, because everything is dark and slow and heavy, and it's much easier to focus on the way he's surrounded by Charles.

"He will send me to an etiquette school."

Charles' rumble goes lower, an irritable sound as he snarls softly, teeth brushing against Max's skin.

"No, you need a different alpha, one that will take care of you."

Max doesn't want an alpha at all- he wants to be one, wants to keep driving and racing and living his life.

"I'm not an omega, Charles."

His voice comes out steadier than he feels, but Charles just makes a soft noise near his throat, self assured and confident.

"Yes you are."

He leans in closer, breath warm against Max's skin, and licks a hot stripe across his scent gland-

Max's brain explodes. His hands come up to clutch at Charles, whimpering as he bares his throat, thighs spreading. It's deep and intense, and Charles does it again, sucking gently.

The moan that comes out of Max's mouth is humiliating, his eyes rolling back, and he wants it again, he's so hot, and it feels so good, leaves his skin buzzing.

His fingers curl in Charles' shirt as he lets up, gives Max a second to breathe, even though he feels like he's still seeing stars.

"Charles,"

He's panting, head leaned back against the stone behind him, burning heat in his gut, head spinning. He's not sure what he needs.

Charles leans back, pupils blown wide as he looks at Max.

"You are so pretty- I will take care of you, I promise."

He rumbles again, legs squeezing against Max's hips.

"You will come to the competitions and the races, and when I get to F1 you will of course also come, because every good driver has an omega waiting for them after a race, yes?"

Max's breath catches in his throat, because he doesn't-

He doesn't want to be some paddock omega for a driver, trophy mates there just for their alpha, their whole lives revolving around them.

He wants to drive. He's good, he's great- they call him a prodigy in car, it isn't fair that he's going to lose all of that just because of his designation.

Charles brings his head down again, lips resting lightly against Max's scent gland. His scent has gotten stronger, it's all Max can think of, swamped around him, filling his nose.

He shivers at the pressure on his neck again, hips shifting, pressing up into Charles' weight slightly.

Charles hums against his neck, licking over him again as Max gasps, pressing his hips down.

Max's fingers dig into him as Charles' scent swells again, heady and possessive. Teeth scrape gently over his neck, fitting in a neat circle directly over his scent gland.

"Charles- Charles no-"

Charles' teeth sink down, biting into his skin.

Max shouts, hips bucking up as his eyes roll back, consumed by need and alpha, nails digging into Charles skin as his alpha bites deeper, breaking skin.

It feels good, it hurts, he wants more, he wants him to stop- Max writhes under Charles as tears bead at his eyes, overheated and uncomfortable.

The burn in his gut has gotten worse, leaving him feeling open and empty, legs falling apart wider as Charles pulls back, licking across the new bite mark, blood and fluid swelling up.

Charles grinds his hips down, rumbling as his scent takes on a satisfied note, twisting his head to kiss Max, smearing his own blood across his lips, licking into his mouth.

He's demanding, taking complete control- Max feels two steps behind, confused and disoriented.

Charles pulls back to sit further down on Max's thighs, eyes dark as he watches Max. There's blood across his lips and chin, pupils blown.

He rests his hand against the side of Max's face, sliding down across his neck before curling at the nape, and Max goes boneless as he squeezes, the natural omega response to being scruffed by their alpha.

"I am taking you somewhere else, for your heat. I will not knot you on the grass where anyone could see."

Max-

Max is not going into a heat, he's not about to be knotted, he's not an omega, there's no bite mark, he's going to wake up in the van in the morning from a really horrid fever dream.

He tries to pull his head away, a monumental effort, but Charles tightens his grip.

"Max."

The Command in the word has Max slumping forward, head going hazy. His alpha wants him to listen.

Charles hauls him up off the grass, and Max whines as his thighs press together, realizing absentmindedly that they're wet, leaning into Charles.

Charles has one arm wrapped around him, pulling his phone out with the other, lifting it to his ear.

"Yes, I did. We're out where I planned, by the big rock. You got a place for the heat, yes? Nearby? Merci, Lolo."

Max is listening through fog, nosing into Charles neck where his scent is the strongest. There's a steady rumble against his chest, and Charles still has him firmly scruffed, keeping him upright.

"I have a place for your heat, so you can nest without worries, yes? You will feel better when you have a knot in you."

Max doesn't-

He...

------

Max's mouth is dry when he wakes up, disoriented and sore. He squints, bright light slanting through the windows.

He doesn't recognize the room he's in, and he groans when he tries to move, muscles aching. There's blankets around him, he's naked, and it smells weird, a heady scent that Max's instincts tell him is sex, but that doesn't make sense- he doesn't remember anything.

He sits up slowly, wincing. His ass hurts, and his thighs, and his calves, and holy shit-

He's covered in small bruises, mouth prints and fingerprints stained purple into his skin, around his hips and his legs, and when he straightens up it's to an uncomfortable sensation between his legs, something dripping out of him.

Gingerly, he reaches down to massage his calves, sooth some of the tightness in the muscle. He tucks his chin down to get a look, freezing when he doesn't quite have full range of motion, pressure around his throat.

His hand is shaking when he brings it up, brushing against the collar with a deep sense of dread.

It's leather, smooth and firm, and the clasp is in the back, a rectangular metallic setup that Max can't quite figure out.

Only mated omegas have collars.

His stomach churns, and he tries to regulate his breathing- maybe it's a prank, or a social experiment, or a really fucked up ploy from Jos to make him steer clear of alphas for life.

Max can barely get a finger tucked between his neck and the collar, and it's a tight squeeze, cutting off his air briefly before he pulls his hand away.

Theres footsteps in the hallway, and Max shifts backwards, frantically pulling at one of the blankets to cover himself, pressing back into the corner of what he's now realizing is a makeshift nest.

Somehow, he knows it's Charles.

A moment later, Charles steps through the doorway. He's in shorts and a shirt, and there's a bandage wrapped around his left forearm.

Max shrinks back, lip curling. He doesn't remember anything, but he can put the pieces together- Charles stole him.

Charles makes a face at him, sticking his head in the closet.

"I see you are back to being bitchy now. You were nicer before, when you were crying the whole time."

Max wants to run him into a wall, with his smug accent and stupid hair, and he's bitten Max, might as well have chained Max to his side for the rest of their lives.

Unless he breaks the bond, but-

Being a mated omega is better than being one with a broken bond. Not that Max wanted any of this at all, but if it has to happen, he isn't going to be tossed away that easily.

He eyes Charles' wrist.

Charles glances down, snorting.

"You took a bite out of me at the beginning of your heat."

There's a small part of Max that preens at the statement. He wasn't easy, didn't roll over at the first alpha to come along without a fight.

He hopes it scars.

[luv-rizzimura]

Okay here we go guys, another post... Ignore how horribly formatted this is, I'm still trying to figure out how Tumblr works and I barely have the time to post😭🫶 Thank you to my small amount of supporters, I don't know you all that well but I appreciate you following me and viewing my page!! Again I wrote this like three years ago so.... (@eunoiiz here you go! Finally get to tag you in something)

Ni-ki (Enhypen) x reader who's afraid of arguments

Genre: angst and fluff

Warnings: argument (between two Enhypen members), Ni-ki talking down to himself poor boy I'm so mean, crying, the word dumba** once, lemme know if I missed something!

When you were younger, your parents got into many arguments involving loud yelling, and it usually ended with your mother crying. This resulted in you crying as well. The fighting became much less as you got older, and your mother hadn't cried because of your father for a long time, but shouting, just the feeling that a yelling match was going to start, now always put you on edge.

Today, Ni-ki and Jay were having... a disagreement. You were in the living room with the rest of the boys while the argument got more and more heated in the kitchen. As none of you heard what they were saying until their voices were raised, there weren't any clues on what they were fighting about. You had all also decided not to intervene, believing that they would sort it out eventually (and none of you felt like getting yelled at either).

Jay had raised his voice plenty of times since you knew him, so once you heard him yell something, sure it scared you, but it wasn't unexpected. Ni-ki on the other hand was usually much quieter, and even when he got angry, he never had sounded at loud as he screamed then.

You flinched, bringing your hands up to cover your ears. The others quickly saw what happened and leaped to action. Sunoo and Jake immediately tried to comfort you as you grew paler and began shaking, calmly but swiftly taking you out of the room before the tears forming in you eyes began to fall. Sunghoon furrowed his eyebrows and glared towards the kitchen before quickly tidying up the living room and following suite. Meanwhile a pissed off Heeseung and Jungwon headed straight for the increasing voices of Jay and Ni-ki.

"Excuse us." They both said sternly, earning huffs and silence from the other two.

"We were just going to leave you alone and let your sort it out yourselves, but obviously that got you nowhere." Jungwon began. Heeseung continued, "I'm not sure if you two were aware of this or not, but Y/N does not do well regarding screaming matches, and you are the lucky winners who made her cry just now."

"Not only that," Jungwon said, "but the rest of us aren't so fond of hearing this either. We don't mind you needing to talk things out, but if you're going to yell, then at least do it somewhere where none of us can hear you."

He turned around and left, Heeseung following after saying, "I suggest not going upstairs to your bedrooms right now, Y/N's there and there's no way I'm letting you two dumbasses make this any harder for her."

The two were left in silence. Of course, they both knew that you didn't like yelling, and neither one of them meant to scare you, but they both still felt guilty, especially since at that point they had really just been yelling at each other for this or that.

Jay solemned up first, patting Ni-ki's shoulder. "Listen Riki, I'm sorry... I should've explained better instead of assuming like I know I do often, if you want to talk more later then I'm open to it, but I think we should take a break from each other for a while, hm?"

Ni-ki just nodded and whispered, "Okay... I'm sorry too. I should've listened and payed more attention. I'm going to be in the studio if you don't mind?"

"Sure, go ahead." Jay nodded before walking off. He made his way outside, figuring that a breath of fresh air and some time alone would benefit him.

Meanwhile Ni-ki found himself walking through the house and into their dance studio. Laying his back against the mirror, he slumped down and brought his knees up to his chest.

"How could I have lost control like that...?" Ni-ki murmured, talking to himself. "What was the point, I've never done that before. What Jay and I were arguing about wasn't that serious, why... I don't understand." Taking a deep breath, he stood up and turned to face himself in the mirror.

"And you were the first one she told her fears to, you know better than anyone how much happier she is now that she met us and got away. How could you've taken advantage of that?" He scoffed, pulling out his phone and walking towards the speakers. "Music. Music and dancing should help, right?"

Starting his playlist, he walked back to the center of the room, mumbling,

"You're ridiculous, Nishimura, what the hell were you thinking..."

An hour later

Ni-ki was still dancing, twisting and turning and flowing with the music that echoed around the room. Yet no matter how loud he turned up the volume or how hard he pushed to keep moving, the abundance of worry in his stomach just kept growing.

Were you okay? Were you scared of him now? Why hadn't anyone come to tell him what was going on? Why hadn't he gone to apologize yet? How could he keep dancing without checking up on his own girlfriend-?

Ni-ki tripped and fell to the ground, hard. He winced, rubbing where he hit his side on the tough floor as he stood up. Looking at himself in the mirror again, he thought,

Pathetic. You're here tripping over your own feet while you still owe your girlfriend a major apology. What the hell are you doing?

Ni-ki stumbled to his music and shut it off before leaving the room, almost bumping into Jay.

"She wants to see you." Jay said, "I just came from upstairs. Are you done in here?"

Ni-ki nodded back before continuing his trip. Once he reached your room, he gently knocked on the closed door. "Hello? It's me Riki, may I come in?"

He heard a quiet, "Yes" from inside and entered, walking over to sit on the edge of your bed.

After a bit of silence, he began. "I was on my way here when Jay hyung told me you wanted to see me...." He trailed off, and then swallowed before turning towards you. "I know more than anyone how afraid you are of arguments, and yet I didn't consider this earlier. I've realized that I've possibly made you uncomfortable or scared of me, which are emotions I-" He takes a shaky breath. "I never want you to associate me with fear. Yet, even with all of this being true, what happened.. happened. I understand and respect any and all of the time you need, just tell me so that I don't mess up again." He glanced at you before continuing. "...I will always be here when you need me, no matter when or where or how soon, I'm just a text away. I am so, so, so sorry for what I did earlier. Please get some rest, and I love you very much."

He began to stand up, but paused when you caught the end of his hoodie sleeve. "Wait, don't go just yet." You murmured. He adjusted while you sat up to face him.

"...I- I accept your apology." You said. "While it was scary for me... I've decided that I need to grow stronger. Thanks to you guys it's been years since any major arguments have happened around me, yet I feel sorry that you sometimes have to bottle up your feelings because of this. I've come to realize that letting it all out, even through yelling, is healthy. Of course, I'll still need time to get used to raised voices, but I don't want to be terrified anymore when I know there's nothing to be scared of. I trust you guys..." you looked up at Ni-ki's listening expression, "...I trust you. I don't have to be scared of you, and I know that, so don't be worried of scaring me away."

You reached for him, but before you could complete the hug yourself he swiftly wrapped his arms around you and buried his face in your neck.

"I'll be here through every step of the way," he said as he gave you a little squeeze, "so put all of the trust you want in me."

You hugged him back, saying, "I will. Thank you."