#I said I was going to step away and I really should

[stxrkiss]

𝗒𝗈𝗎'𝗋𝖾⠀⠀𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗅𝗅⠀⠀··⠀⠀𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲 !ㅤ☆

君が離れるなんて、考えられないよ…

# 𝑷𝑨𝑰𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 : 𝑌𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝒟𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝓎𝓈ℴ𝓃 𝑥 𝐹𝑒𝑚 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 ☆ ᵖᵃʳᵗ ¹

# 𝑺𝒀𝑵𝑶𝑷𝑺𝑰𝑺 : 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘦'𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬. 𝘏𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

# 𝑾𝑨𝑹𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮 : 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱-𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘦𝘥. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘋𝘕𝘐 ⚠

# 𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑬𝑺 : 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦.

Dick shouldn’t want you.

It’s wrong.

It’s not just the family thing—though, God, that alone should be enough to keep his hands off you—it’s the fact that you are Bruce’s daughter. The man who saved him. The man who raised him. The man who gave him everything when he had nothing.

And yet, here he is, watching you.

He doesn’t mean to. He swears he doesn’t. But you make it impossible not to look. Not when you walk around the manor in nothing but those tiny little shorts that barely cover anything, your shirt riding up to tease the barest hint of skin.

You do it on purpose. You must.

Because every time you catch him staring, you smile—all soft, all knowing—and it makes something dark coil in his gut.

He tells himself it’s just lust. Just temptation. That if he ignores it, it will go away.

But it doesn’t.

It gets worse. So much worse.

Because you’re cruel.

You push him. You tease him. You taunt him.

Like last week, when Bruce was out on League business, and it was just you and Dick alone in the manor. You had walked into the kitchen, wearing one of his old shirts—his—the hem just barely brushing your thighs. No shorts. No bra. Just you, all soft and warm and so fucking tempting, stretching in front of him with a lazy little smirk.

And the worst part? You acted innocent.

“Oh? Are you blushing, Dick?” Your voice had been sickly sweet, your eyes brimming with amusement as you sauntered past him, brushing against his side like it was nothing. “I didn’t know you were so easy to fluster.”

He had gritted his teeth and forced himself to look away, fingers curling into fists, nails digging into his palms.

Because if he didn’t—if he let himself slip, even for a second—he would do something unforgivable.

And you know it.

That’s the worst part.

You know exactly what you do to him. You know how hard it is for him to keep control.

And you love it.

You push and push and push, testing him, daring him to snap.

And God help him, he’s so close.

The first time Bruce brought Dick home, you were not happy.

You were young—only about a year younger than him—but old enough to know what this meant.

Your father, your Batman, was bringing home another child.

A boy.

A boy who had just lost everything.

A boy who would now be living in your home, sitting at your table, training with your father.

You had stood on the grand staircase, arms crossed, lips pressed together as Alfred guided the quiet, wide-eyed boy through the manor doors. He looked small, his blue eyes dull with grief, his shoulders hunched like he was trying to make himself invisible.

You should have felt bad for him.

You really should have.

But at the time, all you saw was a stranger stepping into your world.

Bruce placed a firm hand on his shoulder, his voice quiet but steady. “This is your home now, Richard.”

Richard.

You tested the name in your mind, turning it over, before your father turned his gaze to you.

“Go on,” Bruce said, nodding toward the boy. “Say hello.”

You didn’t want to.

But under your father’s stare, you sighed and reluctantly walked down the stairs.

Richard lifted his head, his blue eyes locking onto yours.

You were prepared for awkwardness, for silence, maybe even resentment from him.

But instead—

He smiled.

Small, tentative.

But real.

And for some reason, it made your heart stumble.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice hoarse, uncertain. “I’m Richard.”

You looked at him for a long moment before finally muttering, “I know.”

His lips twitched, like he wanted to laugh. Like he already found you funny.

It was annoying.

And yet… something about it warmed you.

At first, you refused to accept him.

Dick was everywhere, slipping into places that had once been yours alone.

Bruce took him to train.

Bruce took him on patrol.

Bruce cared about him.

And it made something ugly coil in your chest.

You hated that you felt jealous, but you did.

Because before Dick, it had always been you and Bruce. Even if Bruce was distant, even if he was never the perfect father, he had still been yours.

You avoided him around the manor, shot down Alfred’s attempts to get you to play nice, and scoffed when Bruce started training him—giving him a place in your world, like it was nothing.

But Dick was… persistent.

He didn’t get mad when you ignored him. He didn’t complain when you rolled your eyes at his jokes.

If anything, he seemed amused.

And worse—he kept trying to be your friend.

He’d find you in the library and poke at your shoulder until you finally looked up.

“Whatcha reading?”

“Go away.”

“I don’t think I’ve read that one before. Is it good?”

“Are you deaf?”

“…Is that a yes?”

You’d glare at him. He’d just grin back.

You hated how unbothered he was.

But somehow, little by little, he wore you down.

The first time you truly laughed with him was late one night in the kitchen.

Alfred had already gone to bed, Bruce was off on patrol, and you had crept downstairs for a midnight snack.

And apparently, so had Dick.

You caught each other in the dimly lit kitchen, both freezing, staring at one another like two criminals caught in the act.

For a second, neither of you moved.

Then—

“I won’t tell if you won’t,” he whispered, a mischievous glint in his blue eyes.

You narrowed your gaze.

Then sighed. “Fine.”

That was the night you bonded over stolen cookies, whispered jokes, and laughter muffled behind your hands.

That was the night you realized something.

You liked having him around.

And maybe—just maybe—having a brother wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Then, little moments started to chip away at your walls.

One night, you had been training alone in the manor gym, taking out your frustration on a punching bag when you suddenly lost your balance and stumbled—falling hard against the mat.

You hissed, pressing a hand to your ankle, pain flaring up your leg.

And before you could even process it, he was there.

Dick had been watching from the doorway—silent, unnoticed—but now he was crouching beside you, concern clear in his blue eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asked, voice soft, careful.

You swallowed your pride and muttered, “I’m fine.”

He didn’t believe you.

Without a word, he reached out and gently took your ankle in his hands, his touch careful but firm as he checked for injuries.

You tensed. “I said I’m fine—”

“Just shut up for a second,” he said, rolling his eyes but still smiling.

You blinked.

It was the first time he had ever talked back to you.

And for some reason… it made your chest feel warm.

After a moment, he let go and leaned back on his heels. “It’s not swollen. You’ll live.”

You scowled. “Gee, thanks, doctor.”

He grinned, and you hated that you almost smiled back.

After that, things changed.

You found yourself talking to him more, sitting next to him at meals, even training together in the gym.

And it wasn’t awful.

He made things easier.

He made you laugh.

And for the first time in a long time… you didn’t feel so alone.

Then your birthday came.

You didn’t expect much. You never did.

Bruce had never been the type to make a big deal out of birthdays.

He’d get you something practical—a new weapon, an upgrade to your suit, maybe a rare book you mentioned once in passing.

Alfred would bake a cake, wish you a proper happy birthday, and that would be it.

But that year… something was different.

You woke up to balloons tied to your chair at breakfast.

A handmade banner hanging in the dining room.

And a small, neatly wrapped box placed in front of your plate.

You stared at it, then turned to Alfred.

He just smiled knowingly and nodded toward Dick.

You blinked, finally looking at him.

Dick was watching you nervously, his fingers tapping the table like he was waiting for your reaction.

“I, uh… I know you don’t really do birthdays,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, “but I figured, you know… maybe this year could be different.”

Your chest felt tight.

Slowly, carefully, you reached for the box and unwrapped it.

Inside was a bracelet—simple, black, woven with thin silver threads. Hand-braided. Slightly uneven.

You lifted it, your throat suddenly dry. “You made this?”

He nodded quickly. “Yeah. It’s, um… kinda stupid, but I wanted to make you something instead of just buying something.”

You didn’t know what to say.

No one had ever done something like this for you before.

Your fingers curled around the bracelet, and for the first time, your voice softened.

“…Thank you.”

Dick’s entire face lit up.

And for the first time since he arrived at the manor, you realized something terrifying.

You didn’t just like him.

You needed him.

© stxrkiss ☆ don't copy, translate or use my works here or any other websites.

[darknight3904]

All Too Well

Joel Miller x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your tension with Joel comes to a head as you make a confession that will change your relationship with him forever.

Warnings: Smut 18+ Langauge, oral (F receiving) , one thigh slap, p in v, Joel being super into boobs

Word Count: 3.5k

Previous Part / Series Masterlist / Main Masterlist

July 2024

Joel stands a mere five feet from you. His chest heaves a bit, like he's dashed out of the bar to catch you. His hands rest on his hips as he leans on one leg.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to leave a man on the dance floor?"

You look down at the grass and rock back and forth on the balls of your feet.

"Sorry." You say earnestly, "Just needed some air."

Joel shakes his head, "It's alright, sweetheart, Y'just scared me it's all. Thought you might've been getting sick or something."

You shake your head. No, you're not sick. He's considerate to ask though. Ellie had a nasty stomach bug a week and a half ago, you had become her in-home nurse and spoon-fed her thin chicken broth until she could eat solids again.

"You gonna tell me what's wrong then?" Joel asks

You curse him. He always seems to know when something is off with you. Even here in the low light of the streetlights in Jackson, he could see you were thinking.

Yeah, thinking about him.

"It's nothing." You brush him off, "I think I'll just go back home and take a shower. You should go back to the party, though, I bet Tommy misses you."

Joel catches you by the elbow as you go to turn away from him again.

"Now, hold on. It's clear I've upset you, tell me what's wrong." He prods, "Lay it on me, I can handle it."

You scoff. Yeah right. He couldn't handle it in 2003, what made him think he'd be able to accept it now.

"Just let me go." You huff, pulling at your arm

"No, Not 'til you tell me what's wrong." Joel's grip tightens, not enough to bruise, but firm enough so you feel his fingers leaving indents in your skin.

You struggle again for a moment before relenting. Fine, if he wanted to know, he was going to know. No sense in hiding it until one of you dies or gets munched on by a Clicker.

"It's you, Joel." You say

"Me?" He asks, dropping your arm, confusion taking over his stupidly handsome face.

"You're the fucking problem." You point your finger into his chest for good measure, "Giving me all these nicknames and letting me sleep in your bed. You're under my fucking skin and I can't get over you."

Joel is looking at you like you've lost it. Good, maybe if he thinks you're crazy, he'll leave you alone, and you can get over him.

"You don't like it when I do those things for you? Want me to stop, cuz I will." Joel says, his anger beginning to rise to meet yours.

You groan, deep down, you really don't know what you want. Maybe you do. God, it was all so fucked up, falling for him again, you were losing it.

"No! I just...I don't..." You huff, wrapping your arms around your body, "I can't keep going like this. Pretending like it's all platonic because it's not."

Here goes nothing, no taking this one back.

"I'm in love with you, Joel. I'm fucking obsessed with you, and your nicknames, teasing, and constant worry over me aren't helping."

Joel is quiet as he takes it all in, you can practically see the gears turning in his head. You squeeze your arms around your body, digging your fingers into your arms til it burns.

"I-I know you dumped me for a reason, I get it, I do." You stammer, "I can get over my feelings again, I'll do it again, I swear..."

Joel finally finds his voice as he gives you a one-word reply, "No."

You ignore him and continue your warpath, "Look, let's just pretend I never said any of this, okay. I'll move back to my house and we can keep being friends."

Your voice practically dies in your throat as you add, "Please, just don't...leave me again."

"I'm not goin' anywhere." Joel sighs deeply and takes a step forward. His natural scent invades your nose as he takes your face in his hands.

"You're crazy, y'know that, girl."

"If you're gonna ridicule me, you can let go and do it further away." You huff in annoyance. You'd just laid your soul bare for this man, and the first thing he does is call you crazy. The audacity he had.

"Now, let me finish." He says sternly

"You can't take your confession back," A small smile plays on his lips. "Because I am just as fucking obsessed with you, baby."

You scoff, yeah, right, he was fucking with you. Joel's thumb runs a soothing path across your cheek,

"I'm not lying, scouts honor." He says

"You weren't even a boy scout." You remind him. thinking back to what you knew about Joel's childhood.

"Hmph, you're right about that one," Joel gives you a coy smile, "Guess I'll just have to show ya then,"

His voice drops a bit and you swear your heart skips a beat,

"Let me show how fucking in love with you I am, baby..."

Before you have a chance to blink, his lips are brushing yours. Your eyes flutter shut, and you tilt your head a bit to deepen the kiss. Joel lets out a deep groan when your hands come up to brush through the hair at the back of his neck.

Joel pulls back to rest his forehead against yours, "Still think I'm lyin' to ya?"

A giggle escapes your lips as you shake your head, and he steals another kiss from you.

"I was in love with you again the moment I saw ya shoveling horse shit when I first got here." He confesses, "Couldn't believe you were still alive."

You snort and pull back from him to look him in the eye, "Cuz the overalls and rubber boots I wore are so attractive. Besides, if you were so into me again, why'd you say you didn't know me to Ellie?"

Joel's eyes soften as he takes in your determined look, you want the truth, not some half-assed excuse.

"I dunno," Joel mumbles, his eyes dropping down to the neckline of your dress.

You scoff as he looks away, here he is not owning up to anything.

"Are you fucking kidding me, Joel? You're a fuckin-"

"I'm sorry." He blurts out, "For all of it. I'm sorry for dumpin' ya before the world ended, I was a real dick, baby. Mailing your shit back like that. I shouldn't have done that."

You hum, in acknowledgment, looking up into his deep brown eyes.

Joel leans in and presses a kiss to your forehead, "Shouldn't have said I didn't know ya to Ellie when we got here either, don't know what I was thinking."

"I get it, if ya change your mind. I'll let you go, just say the word and I'll let you go, I swear. You deserve better than I can offer anyway, I had my chance and blew it already."

You shake your head, no you don't want that.

"What part of I'm fucking obsessed with you, don't you get?" You breathily ask, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

Joel smiles, basking in your forgiveness. Here you were, finally standing in front of him, your feelings laid bare to each other. It's a small step, just letting your fears of the past go yet you feel infinitely lighter now, wrapped up in him.

Your hands fiddle with the buttons on his shirt and curl into the soft fabric. You suddenly feel unbearably hot but you get it now, why love drove so many people mad. Joel's soft gaze on you had your chest buzzing with and excitement you couldn't quite name.

"You wanna go back to your house?" You ask hopefully

"You mean our house?"

"Right, our house." You softly correct yourself

Joel gives you a nod and a smile, Course I do, darlin' lead the way."

You and Joel nearly faceplant three times as the two of you fumble your way up the steps to your shared bedroom. Joel catches you after you stumble over a pair of his discarded jeans from earlier.

"I'll clean that up," Joel says apologetically, kicking them to the side.

"Later." You breathe as his lips tickle the soft skin on your neck

"Later." He parrots with a smile into your skin

You let yourself fall onto the bed, welcoming it's softness and the way it smells of Joel. Before you can miss him, he's hovering over you, stealing kisses from your lips and letting his hands begin to wander across your form.

"Fuck..." Joel sighs as his hands squeeze at your chest.

"You alright up there?" You tease, he sounds so utterly wrecked and you've barely begun.

Joel gives you a playful glare, "You don't fucking know how long I've been waiting to feel these, baby. Been thinking about it since we went to that Macy's."

"My bra shopping got you going, huh?" You tease

Joel grumbles in annoyance and presses a kiss to the skin of your collarbone,

"You're real mean, y'know that."

"You poor baby," You laugh, throwing his nickname back at him, "You'll be alright."

You want to tease him some more, he's so easy to make fun of like this. Your words die in your throat when Joel presses his knee against your core through your dress.

"Not laughing anymore," Joel notes as he fixes his attention on your neck, his hands pulling your cardigan off your body.

Your hands undo the buttons of the shirt he's been teasing you with all night, and you push it off his broad shoulders. Finally, at long last, his torso is all yours to admire.

"Quit staring." Joel orders, "Nothin' there to admire."

"I beg to differ." You smile

Joel scoffs as he leans down to let his lips capture yours as hands roam up your back, searching for the zipper to your dress. Your resolve loosens as your hands curl against the soft skin of his chest, fuck you were really going to do this.

The loud hiss of your still zipped dress as you break the kiss, your eyes begin to swim with fear. That's right, sex with Joel also meant being naked with Joel.

"You want me to stop?" Joel asks, freezing

"No, I don't." You honestly say, "I just..."

"Take your time," Joel says, pressing a chaste kiss to your lips, and then to your cheek

Your breaths come out shaky as you speak again, "Just scared you won't like what you see. I don't look like I used to."

"Are you fucking with me?" Joel laughs

"No." You groan, thinking of how your scars ruined your skin, and how age had filled your curves out.

"Baby, you could be neon green under this dress, and I wouldn't care." He presses a kiss to your cheek, "l love your scars, I promise."

Your face warms in embarrassment, how did he say stuff like that so easily, "You haven't even seen them yet."

"Don't gotta," Joel promises, "They're a part of you, I know I'll love them."

It isn't much just a simple sentence, but that's all it takes for fear to be banished from your mind as you smile up at him.

"Take my dress off, Joel." You say

"Yes, ma'am." Joel teases as his fingers find the zipper once more.

Joel pulled your dress from you, delighting to see that you'd forgone a bra with said dress. His hands ran over the raised pink lines and gently caressed your hips and soft belly.

"Even prettier than the last time I saw ya." He assures

Your clothes disappeared onto the floor as Joel disappeared from above you, only to reappear between your thighs, kneeling in front of you. One big hand snuck between your legs as he teased you through your panties. His fucking mouth locked onto the skin of your thighs whispering dirty things into the skin there.

Bold as ever, he slipped his hand under your panties and let his thumb brush over your sensitive clit while two fingers slipped lower and teased your hole.

"Fucking soaked." Joel comments as you blush, "Can I take these off?"

You nod, eager to get out of the suffocating underwear.

Without the restriction of clothing, he was able to latch his mouth to your needy clit. His fingers teased your slit as he ran them along the soft flesh there, teasing but never entering.

"Joel..." You gasp, your hand wrapping around his wrist, unsure if you want him to stop or keep going.

"All mine." He whispers as you cry out, your orgasm washing over you quicker than you expected, your hips nearly flying off the bed. It'd been so long since you felt pleasure like this.

Joel straightens up and rejoins you on the bed, lying beside you as he runs a hand across the scars on your belly, murmuring something about them being beautiful.

"Can we keep going?" You ask breathlessly, looking over at his handsome face

"Course we can." He smiles, sitting back up

You hum in delight as his hips lift and he pulls his pants off, finally exposing the rest of his body to your greedy eyes. The softness of it all, god you fucking loved him.

Joel shook his head a bit as you pulled his boxers down, letting his cock out, "Greedy."

"Can you blame me?" You giggle

The hiss he let out when you ran your fingertips along the head had you dizzy with lust. Joel repositions so he's above you and his lips ghost over your nipples, teasing them with his tongue as he lifts you up so he's notched at your entrance.

"Wait." You say as he pauses above you

"What's wrong?" Joel asks, concerned, his eyes never leave yours

"I just, um," God, this was embarrassing, but he had a right to know, "Dr. Hill did an exam on me a few years back. Said I have a lot of scar tissue inside, so don't be upset if I can't y'know...cum."

"We'll go slow, alright. If it hurts or something is off, you tell me and I stop, okay?" His voice laced with concern

You nod and grip at his forearms, grounding yourself to him.

"Words, baby. Let me hear 'em," Joel says softly, refusing to move without your permission

"I wanna keep going." You say honestly

A gasp escapes your lips when he enters you. He was big, you knew it, you had seen it just seconds ago, yet it still surprised you as he pushed forward, just barely inside

"Fuck..." Joel gasped above you, his hands gripping the pillows beside you

You grimace when he shifts again, pushing more of him into you. Fuck, the doc told you this would hurt, but this bad?

"Need me to stop?" Joel asks worriedly when he sees your face

That's the last fucking thing you want.

"Keep going." You say, determined to see this through.

Joel looks at you, concerned yet he inches forward, letting out ba soft groan under his breath.

Slowly but surely you get there, letting him inside as pain slowly becomes pleasure. His fingers toy with your clit as you squirm under him. What he does next though, it has you nearly passing out from how hot it is. Joel fucking Miller leans down just a bit and actually spits on his cock.

"You're insane." You comment

"You love it," Joel says, stealing your lips in a kiss that's nothing but spit and teeth.

Joel begins to move, soft and slow at first before you demand more from him. You moan as you feel yourself growing even wetter, between his spit and your own arousal, it's actually begun to feel really fucking good.

Joel's hips slam into yours as he finally gives in to your begging for faster and harder.

"This what you want, huh? Is it?" He asks, leaning down to your ear, pressing your thighs up towards your chest a bit.

"Yes!" You yelp when his hand smacks at your inner thigh

"Such a good fucking girl..." Joel mutters as his hips begin to stutter when you tighten around him

"Joel!" You warn, fuck your stomach feels tight, no way is he actually going to get you to cum.

His hips backward, and your jaw drops into a silent moan as he enters again, this time with his thumb teasing your clit.

"C'mon, let go." Joel coerces, "Know you wanna."

You groaned as your orgasm rolled over you, your eyes slammed shut as Joel sucked a hickey onto your chest.

"Fucking hell!" He gasped, freeing himself from you before cumming all over your tummy.

Joel presses a kiss to your damp forehead before dropping himself onto the mattress beside you. Your heart squeezes when he scooches towards you, resting his sweaty head in the valley between your breasts.

"You okay?" You ask softly

"Am I okay?" Joel laughs into your skin, "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay." You smile, running a hand through his greying curls atop his head.

Joel lets out a soft hum and presses a kiss to one of your nipples,

"Hungry? Thirsty? Sore?" He asks, apparently ready to provide a world of aftercare despite looking exhausted himself

You wiggle your hips a bit, testing the waters. A twinge of pain shoots through your belly, and you grimace. It had felt so good, yet your body was punishing you anyway.

"Sore." You softly admit, kissing his head, "And kinda sticky."

You motion to the cum that is drying on your body

Joel shifts so he can get a better look at you, examining the way your face is pinched together as your thighs shift again before looking down at your dirty skin.

"I'll run us a bath. " He offers, "Get us some food while I'm at it too."

You nod as he disappears, naked as the day he was born, to run you a bath and get food.

You snort when he returns, clad in your bathrobe you had hung up in the bathroom on your hook, he wipes at your stomach with a warm wash cloth.

"I look good, no?" He asks gesturing to his body

"It's up for debate." You laugh

Joel scoops you up, bridal style, and walks towards the bathroom, "Well, I happen to think I look fabulous."

The bath is perfectly warm, even smelling like the lavender bath fizzes you keep for special occasions. Joel lowers you into the tub before turning to sit on the closed toilet, a plate with crackers and cheese balanced in his hands

"Get your ass in here." You say before he has a chance to sit down fully

"You sure?" Joel asks

"You just fucked me for the first time in two decades and now you're asking to take a bath with me?" You say

Joel sets the food on the edge of the rub, unties the robe, and climbs in. He fidgets nervously as you lean back into his chest.

"You nervous, Miller?" You ask, feeling the way his breath stutters a bit.

"We've never done this before." He points out, "Not even back then."

You hum in acknowledgment, "Lucky you, I guess."

Joel laughs a bit as he links his arms securely around your middle, hands brushing the underside of your breasts, "Lucky me, indeed."

"Would you leave them alone?" You laugh as he squeezes the flesh

"Can't. " Joel mumbles, pressing a soft kiss on your neck, "I missed them."

"Pervert." You say softly

You and Joel sit in the bath til it goes tepid, feeding each other crackers and cheese, and basking in each other's company. Then, he coaxes you to your feet and washes both of you under the steam of the shower.

Now, you were wrapped around him in bed, listening to the crickets chirp. Your eyes are beginning to droop when he speaks,

"I'm sorry," Joel says

"I'm not hurting that much, Joel." You say sleepily into his bare chest.

"No not that. Well, yes that. But I'm sorry for dumpin' ya before the world ended."

You hum, "Mmm. It's alright, I forgive you, remember?

"I know, I just..."

"I forgive you." You softly say, scooting closer to him

Joel presses a kiss to your forehead, "You're too good to me. I'm an ass, I know that."

Joel yelps when you pinch his side.

"Glad you're self-aware." You laugh

"I got real scared back then. Thought I was fucking your life up by sticking around." He admits

"Right, cuz dating a 35-year-old at 24 was the worst thing to ever happen to me" You joke

"No!" Joel protests, "You know what I mean."

You nod, you do know what he means.

"Don't have to be scared anymore." You say quietly

Joel hums and chuckles a bit, rubbing a soothing circle into your back as you lay here with him under the covers.

"No, I don't. You're all mine." He declares

You shift a bit, shuffling so you can look him in the eyes, and press a kiss to his lips. Your voice comes out confidently, as you say something you've wanted to say for so long now,

"Yours."

Here we are...at the end. Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I am very busy right now, but I may write more for these two later.

Thank you all for reading and following this story as it progressed. If you'd like, leave me some comments with feedback!

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[vibelladonna]

✑ 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁𝓂𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝜗𝜚 𝒸𝓇𝑜𝓌𝑒, 𝓈𝑜𝓁 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑔𝑒𝑜

𝓈𝓎𝓃𝑜𝓅𝓈𝒾𝓈: Where the TKATB men ache for you with an intensity that borders on obsession, while the men remain oblivious to the fact that you’ve been 'the one' all along. 

𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔: 18+ NO KIDS (Adults Only) This content contains mature themes unsuitable for children. Please respect the creator's intentions. 

I wanted to share something sweet for Valentine's Day—a little glimpse into love and longing to celebrate the occasion.

✑ 𝒸𝓇𝑜𝓌𝑒

For over two years and counting, Crowe has been haunted by the memory of your touch.

Crowe would never deny that he enjoys having you around. But if you don’t see him that way—if you never do—he’ll live with it. He’ll push it down, bury it deep, because losing you entirely is something he refuses to accept. If friendship is all you can offer, then he’ll take it, no matter how much it eats at him.  

After all, it was him that day. The day those bullies cornered you, their words sharp and cruel, their intentions worse. He was the one who stepped in without hesitation, who made it clear that they’d have to go through him first. He didn’t do it for gratitude or recognition. He did it because it was you.  

It’s always been about you.  

He doesn’t just want you in his life—he needs you there. He wants you around his friends, wants you to feel safe, to feel at home wherever he is. He wants to see you smile, wants to be the reason for it, even if you never look at him the way he looks at you. It doesn’t matter. Because Crowe loves everything about you.  

The way your laughter sounds—effortless, bright, like something he could get addicted to. The way you wsolkle your nose when you’re annoyed, the way your eyes soften when you talk about something you love. The way your presence alone makes everything feel a little less heavy.  

And it scares him. 

The way he aches for you. 

The way he yearns for more.  

But if being close to you means keeping his feelings locked away, then he’ll do it. He’ll endure it. He’ll hold himself back, bite his tongue, force himself to be content with whatever piece of you he’s allowed to have. Because even if it’s not everything he wants, at least it’s something. At least it’s you.

Crowe lets out a slow breath, stasolg at the pile of papers in front of him, but his mind is elsewhere.  

You’re sprawled across the floor, cross-legged among scattered documents, your back against a pile of pillows as you skim through a paper in your hands. The soft glow of the evening light filters through the curtains, casting a golden hue over you, making you look almost unreal. He should be focused—should be sorting through the paperwork like he said he would. Instead, all he can focus on is you.  

You—who insisted on helping despite him telling you he could handle it.  

You—who sits there with that small, content smile, completely unaware of how you consume him.  

“Crowe, you need to file these by date,” you murmur, tapping a few papers into a neat stack. “You’re making this more complicated than it needs to be.”  

He huffs, running a hand through his loose braid. “I never asked for help.”  

“You never ask for help, period,” you counter easily, throwing him a glance before looking back at the papers. “Besides, I don’t mind. This way, you won’t end up buried under a mess of your own making.”  

He watches as you shift, your knee bumping against his, and his whole body tenses. It’s nothing. Just a touch. But his mind lingers on it, the warmth spreading, sinking into his skin like ink on paper. He clenches his jaw, flipping through the stack in his hands without really reading anything.  

“Crowe?”  

Your voice snaps him back, and he blinks at you.  

“You okay?” you ask, tilting your head slightly.  

He exhales through his nose, forcing a smirk. “Yeah. Just wondering why you’re still here when you could be doing something better with your time.”  

You roll your eyes, shifting again—brushing against him again. “And miss watching you suffer through basic organization? Never.”  

He scoffs, shaking his head, but his grip on the papers tightens. It’s not fair. How easily you get under his skin, how effortlessly you settle into his space, into his life. He wonders if you even realize it—how much of him you consume, how much he aches for you in ways he has no right to.  

Crowe doesn’t know when it started, this need, this craving that’s carved itself into his ribs. But he knows it’s always been you. The realization sits heavy in his chest, like a secret too dangerous to let slip.  

His fingers twitch as he watches you. He wants to touch you, to reach out, to thread his fingers through your hair and trace the curve of your jaw. To pull you closer, to feel the warmth of you against him.  

But you’re his friend. Closest Friend.

And if that’s all you’ll ever be—if that’s all you can give—then he’ll endure it.  

Even if it kills him.

The silence between you stretches, filled only with the occasional rustle of paper and the rhythmic tick of the clock on the wall. Crowe exhales, a slow and controlled breath, as if that alone will steady the wildfire spreading in his chest. It doesn’t.  

You’re still here, still close enough that he can feel the faint heat radiating off your skin, and he can’t focus—not on the papers, not on anything other than the phantom sensation of your touch line side on his jaw. His resolve is slipping, unraveling thread by thread, and it’s all your fault.  

He tells himself to let it go. 

To push it down, bury it deep where it belongs.  

But then you shift, stretching your arms above your head with a quiet sigh, before letting yourself fall back against the pillows behind you. “I think we deserve a break,” you say, staring up at the ceiling. “Your filing system is a disaster, by the way.”  

Crowe lets out a breathy chuckle. “I don’t have a system.”  

“Exactly.”  

You turn your head to look at him, that lazy, contented smile still playing on your lips, and something inside him caves.  

Without thinking, he moves, shifting onto his side until he’s lying next to you. The papers don’t matter. The mess on the floor doesn’t matter. Nothing does—except this moment.  

You don’t react, at least not in the way he expects. There’s no teasing remark, no raised brow questioning why he’s suddenly this close. Instead, you just glance at him as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.  

“I thought you didn’t take breaks,” you murmur.  

“Maybe you’re a bad influence.” His voice is quieter now, softer.  

You gsol, amused. “Maybe.”  

Crowe watches as your fingers absently play with the hem of your sleeve, and he wants to reach out. Wants to take your hand in his, wants to thread his fingers between yours just to see how it feels. The temptation is maddening.  

“Do you ever get tired of this?” he asks suddenly.  

You blink, tilting your head. “Tired of what?”  

His throat is dry. He swallows, pretending that the words aren’t sticking in his chest. “Of… being around me all the time.”  

It’s a stupid question. He doesn’t know why he asked it. Maybe he just needs reassurance—something to hold onto before he completely loses himself to this feeling that he refuses to name.  

Your expression softens. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.”  

The answer should be enough. It should satisfy him and quiet the restlessness inside him.  

It doesn’t.  

Because there’s something about the way you say it—so effortlessly, like it’s obvious. Like, it’s simple. And for you, maybe it is. Maybe you don’t see the weight behind it, the way your words settle into his bones, warm and suffocating all at once, like they were always meant to be there.  

Crowe barely has a second to react before you move—quick, decisive, and utterly reckless with his personal space. His body tenses, muscles coiled tight, but he doesn’t stop you. He doesn’t even try.  

One moment, you’re standing beside him, your usual teasing lilt laced in your voice. The next, he’s flat on his back, breath knocked from his lungs as you press him into the floor. His pulse jumps, sharp and immediate, but it has nothing to do with the impact.  

Your legs cage around his waist, your hands planted firmly against his chest, pinning him in place. And worst of all? You look amused. Like this isn’t something that should have him gripping at the last shreds of his self-control.  

His fingers twitch at his sides, aching to do something—grab your hips, push you off, pull you closer—but he forces himself to stay still. His chest rises and falls beneath your touch, each breath shallower than the last as his mind races to catch up with what the hell just happened.  

Crowe narrows his eyes, lips parting like he’s about to throw out some sharp remark, something cool and dismissive, to mask the way his body reacts to you. But when he meets your gaze—playful, expectant, entirely unbothered—his words die before they even form.  

And that’s when it hits him.  

You know. 

You know exactly what you’re doing. 

And worse? 

You’re enjoying this.

“What the—?!” He instinctively tries to push himself up, but you’re already pressing your palms into his shoulders, effectively trapping him.  

“Oh, relax,” you huff, gazing down at him. “You looked like you were spiraling. I had to do something before you started brooding so hard you set the house on fire.”  

Crowe glares. “I don’t brood.”  

“You totally brood.”  

“I don’t.”  

You raise a brow. “You’re literally doing it right now.”  

Crowe opens his mouth, then closes it, then just scowls. He hates that you might be right. He hates even more that you’re looking at him like this, all smug and unbothered, completely unaware of the absolute chaos you’re causing in his head.  

This is normal to you, isn’t it? Sitting on top of him like it’s no big deal, pinning him down like you aren’t single-handedly wrecking his sanity.  

Crowe groans, throwing his head back against the pillows. “You’re actually gonna kill me one day.”  

“You’re being dramatic.”  

“Oh, am I?” His voice is dry, but there’s a flicker of something else beneath it—something dangerously close to unsteady. His hands slide onto your hips, firm yet hesitant, like he’s caught between pushing you away and pulling you closer. His fingers press just enough to make you aware of his grip, of the fact that you could move away if you wanted to.  

Not that you would.  

“Because last I checked, you’re literally on top of me right now,” he continues, a sharp exhale leaving his lips, “and I’m pretty sure I’m experiencing cardiac arrest.”  

You snort, unfazed. “Please. If I wanted to kill you, I’d at least make it more interesting.”  

His deep blue eyes flick up to yours, something flickering behind them—amusement and frustration—but before he can bite back with some witty retort, you lean in closer.  

Your weight shifts slightly, pressing down in a way that makes his fingers tighten on your hips, his knuckles paling for just a second. The movement knocks a few strands of his long brown hair over his forehead, but he doesn’t dare lift a hand to fix it. Not when you’re this close.  

“Y’know…” Your voice is softer now, teasing, thoughtful, like you’re genuinely contemplating something. “You’re weirdly warm.”  

Crowe stiffens when your hands leave his shoulders, fingers trailing up the column of his neck, slow and deliberate. His pulse betrays him, hammering beneath your touch.  

Then your palms frame his jaw, thumbs brushing over his cheekbones, and he knows he’s done for.  

He swallows hard, his throat bobbing beneath your fingers. His breath stutters, his mind screaming at him to say something—anything—before you realizes the effect you have on him. But his mouth refuses to work, completely useless as you study him like you’ve just uncovered something interesting. 

Your grin barely has a second to register in Crowe’s mind before he moves.

With a swift, effortless motion, your world flips—air rushing past you as your back meets the ground, cool earth pressing against your skin. A startled gasp barely escapes your lips before you feel it—him.

Crowe’s body cages yours, his knees planted firmly between your legs, his hands pinning yours above your head. His long brown hair falls forward, strands grazing your face like a ghost of a touch, teasing and torturous all at once. His deep blue eyes lock onto yours; the corner of his lips twitches. “Not so funny now, is it?”  

Your breath catches, but you refuse to give him the satisfaction of looking flustered. “Oh? Did I strike a nerve?”  

His grip on your wrists tightens—not painful, just *commanding.* Enough to remind you of the sudden shift in power between you.  

Then, without warning, he leans down, his lips brushing the shell of your ear as his voice drops to something low, almost *gravelly.*  

“You really don’t know when to quit, do you?”  

A shiver bolts down your spine, but you refuse to react, refuse to let him see how much his proximity affects you. *Two can play this game.*  

“Oh, I know when to quit,” you whisper back, tilting your head ever so slightly, your lips just inches from his. “I just don’t want to.”  

And then it happens—so fast, so unexpected—you barely have time to process.  

Crowe’s lips crash against yours, hot and unrelenting, stealing the very breath from your lungs. It’s not slow, not gentle—it’s every bit as competitive as the both of you, as if he’s trying to prove something.  

Your fingers twitch in his grasp, the need to grab him, to pull him even closer overwhelming every thought in your head. But he keeps you pinned, controlling the moment, teasing you with the maddening way his lips move against yours.  

Then, just as quickly as he kissed you, he pulls back, hovering above you, his breath warm against your swollen lips. His expression is unreadable, but his eyes—oh, his eyes—they’re gleaming with something smug, something victorious.  

“Still think this is fun?”  

You blink, still reeling, heart hammering so hard it might burst out of your chest.  

And then, in the most infuriatingly casual voice, you breathe out, “...Kinda,”  

Crowe groans, head dropping to your shoulder as he mutters, “You’re actually going to kill me.” he mutters, barely audible.

And that’s the real problem, isn’t it?

✑ 𝓈𝑜𝓁

Sol says three months. Honestly, it’s like one week. Every moment of it, you’re there.

Understand that Sol has always been the quiet one, the guy who blends into the background until he doesn’t. He’s the type that hardly stands out, sitting at the back of the room, hidden behind his own little world. It’s easy for people to forget he’s even there, especially when he doesn’t really give them a reason to look. He’s cold, distant, and usually wrapped up in the space between the pages of a book or the strokes of a paintbrush. A lone figure in the corner, always studying, always creating, always alone.  

But then… you came along.  

He remembers the first time he saw you, your laugh like a melody that somehow cut through the haze of his own isolation. You didn’t ask him anything, didn’t try to crack his shell like everyone else did. You didn’t even seem to notice the way his eyes followed you, the way his heart skipped a beat every time you came near. Instead, you just *were*—existing in the same space, offering him something different: peace.  

And, slowly, things began to change.  

Sol became more aware of the way your smile lit up the room. The way your laughter stuck with him long after it had faded. He started paying attention to you in a way he never did anyone else. Your presence seemed to be magnetic, drawing him in like a force he couldn’t resist. And with every passing day, the intensity of his thoughts about you only grew. 

It wasn’t just your smile, though—no. It was the way you interacted with him. The way your eyes lingered on his work, the way you’d ask him about his day as if it mattered. And when you spoke to him, there was a warmth in your voice, an unspoken invitation to be more than the quiet kid at the back of the room. It made him feel something, something deep in his chest that he couldn’t quite explain.  

That’s when the obsession started.

Every time Sol closed his eyes, you were there. His mind wouldn’t let him rest, and no matter how hard he tried to push you away, you kept slipping in. You were there in the sketches he couldn’t stop drawing, the paintings that came to life in ways he didn’t intend. You were the muse behind every piece, every stroke, every line. He found himself lost in the idea of you, consumed by the thought of you.  

And then, it hit him like a wave. 

You had become his art. You were the subject that filled his pages, the image he couldn’t get enough of. The way you moved, the way you smiled, the way you lingered in his thoughts long after he’d seen you. Every brushstroke he made in his art book brought you to life, even if just for a moment. He painted you in every way—your hands, your eyes, the soft curve of your smile—all the details that stayed with him, making his heart race and his hands tremble as he worked.

You were in every sketch. He couldn’t escape you, not even on paper. You had taken over his mind completely, and now, you were becoming a part of his creations. The more he drew you, the more real you felt. The more your presence seeped into his soul, until there was nothing else that mattered. 

And as he sat there, pencil in hand, gaze focused intently on the page in front of him, he found himself lost again. He wasn’t just sketching anymore. He was memorizing every little detail of you—every little thing he hadn’t quite captured yet, like the way your hair would fall when you tilted your head or the way your fingers would idly trace along the edges of the paper when you were distracted. It wasn’t just art now—it was obsession.

The thought of you lingered even as he set his pencil down, staring at the half-finished drawing of you, and he could hear your voice in his mind. A voice, soft and warm, saying, “I knew you could do it.”

And just like that, it didn’t matter how tired he was, how much he wanted to just collapse from exhaustion. The only thing that made his heart race now was the idea of you—you in his world. 

You in his art. And even though he couldn’t quite reach you yet, he was determined to make you his, on paper if nowhere else. 

Because of this feeling? 

This feeling of wanting you, craving you? 

He wasn’t sure he’d ever stop.

Sol likes to think of himself as someone who takes his time—someone slow and deliberate when it comes to relationships. He’s not the type to let someone in easily, to open up to someone so quickly. After all, he’s spent years building up a wall around his heart, carefully maintaining a distance to protect himself from the potential sting of rejection or loss. It’s worked for him. He’s always been cautious, weighing every connection with a cool, measured approach.

You, who had slipped past his defenses in ways he never expected. You, who made everything feel real. And despite his doubts—his constant questioning of whether this would last, whether you’d want to stick around—Sol found himself unable to ignore the way you made him feel. The way you looked at him, the way you cared so easily, so genuinely. He couldn't deny that he’d been falling for you for months now.

It had been three months since you’d entered his life, but it felt like a lifetime in all the best ways. You were always there—patient, kind, steady in a way that soothed the nervous parts of him that he’d hidden for so long. But still, he told himself it was too soon. He couldn’t be this vulnerable.  

Until that one moment.  

The words slipped out so casually, so innocently.  

“You’re so good at this; I’m so proud of you, Sol.”  

It felt like the ground beneath him had shifted. The world suddenly tilted off its axis. Those words—those words, coming from you—sent a shockwave through him, rattling something deep inside him he hadn’t realized was there. The way you said it, with such sincerity, the way your eyes held his, soft and full of admiration—it changed everything.

He tried to brush it off. He told himself it was nothing. He’d been complimented before, praised by others countless times. It was just a simple phrase. Nothing special.

But it was different. It was you.

You made it feel special. Your words were like a thread that wove into the very fabric of his being, pulling him closer to you, to this feeling that he couldn’t name but knew was consuming him.  

Now, nothing else felt as important. Those praises from others? They didn’t matter. They were just words, empty and shallow. They didn’t stir something in him the way your words did. 

He wanted more of it. He needed more of it.  

He had spent months convincing himself that he was just inspired by you—yeah, that was it. You were his muse, his favorite subject, the reason his sketchbooks were filled to the brim with your face. It wasn’t that deep.  

And then, one day, as he stood in his studio apartment, paint staining his fingers, a half-finished portrait of you staring back at him from the canvas, he realized something terrifying.  

He wasn’t just painting you. He was worshiping you.  

The way your lips curled when you teased him, the way your eyes softened when you looked at him like he was worth something—it was all captured in every brushstroke, every tiny detail. He wasn’t just an artist anymore. He was a man possessed.  

And before he could stop himself, he was standing in front of you.  

Before you could process what was happening, Sol was already moving. His strong hands found your waist, and in one swift motion, he pulled you into his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. The half-dried paint on his fingers smeared against your skin, marking you as his, but he didn’t seem to care.  

His grip was firm, almost possessive, keeping you locked in place as he gazed up at you, eyes dark and unreadable. His chest rose and fell heavily, the intensity in his expression making your breath hitch.  

“You have no idea what you do to me,” he murmured, voice rough, like he was holding himself back from something reckless. His fingers flexed against your hips, grounding himself—or maybe keeping you from getting away. 

Sol’s fingers dug into your waist, his grip firm but not enough to hurt—just enough to make sure you weren’t going anywhere. His chest rose and fell against yours, breaths uneven, like he was trying to hold himself back—Trying, but failing miserably.  

Your hands pressed into his shoulders instinctively, steadying yourself, but that only made it worse—made him want you *closer*, made him crave the feeling of you melting against him. His fingers flexed, sliding up your back, slow and deliberate, his warmth seeping through your clothes, leaving a burning trail in its wake.  

“Please,” he murmured, his voice rough, dangerously low, his lips hovering just beneath your ear. “Say it again.”

It wasn’t a request.  

You shivered, your heartbeat hammering, knowing exactly what you were doing when you leaned in just a little, your breath teasing against his skin, close enough that your lips nearly brushed his.  

“…You’re so good, Sol.” 

His breath hitched, a sharp inhale like your words had physically hit him. His jaw tensed, his fingers tightening their hold as if he was afraid that if he let go, you’d slip right through his grasp.  

And then—he broke.  

His mouth was on your throat in an instant, teeth grazing your skin before he bit down—not hard enough to bruise, but enough to make you gasp, enough to leave his mark. His other hand tangled into your hair, tilting your head just so, giving him more access, more you. 

A low, satisfied sound rumbled in his chest when he felt you shudder against him, your fingers clutching at his shirt. He soothed the bite with a slow, open-mouthed kiss, his lips lingering, savoring.  

“You drive me insane,” he murmured against your skin, his voice strained, almost helpless. His nose brushed along your jaw as he exhaled, the warmth of his breath sending a shiver down your spine.  

His hands tightened around you, possessive, like he was trying to pull you into him, like *having you* in his lap wasn’t enough.  

“Again,” he whispered, lips ghosting over the shell of your ear.  “Please.”

And this time, it wasn’t a plea. 

It was a demand.

✑ 𝑔𝑒𝑜

Lastly, for Geo, it took about a year and some months; he doesn’t really all that time, starting at you.

Geo was never meant for this to happen. He didn’t plan on it, didn’t think it was even possible. He wasn’t the type to fall for people—let alone someone like you. 

His life had always been straightforward, filled with precision, discipline, and control. Best in archery with enough wealth to make people respect him without having to ask. That’s how things worked for him. No one dared to challenge him. No one dared to get too close. 

Except, somehow, you. 

You were Crowe's friend. It had started innocently enough—nothing more than tolerating your presence because Crowe trusted you and because you seemed to enjoy spending time with him. But the more time passed, the harder it was for Geo to ignore you. 

Your laughter, your smile, the way your eyes lit up when you spoke. It wasn’t anything spectacular—he tried to convince himself—but it was... enough to make him curious. 

He liked to think of it as curiosity. 

But the more he tried to convince himself of that, the more it became something else entirely. It wasn’t just curiosity, and it wasn’t just the way you seemed to blend seamlessly into his life, leaving an imprint without even trying. It was something deeper, something he couldn’t explain, something he didn’t want to acknowledge. 

It was the way you wore that soft lip with that shiny gloss. That was the first thing he noticed. You probably never realized how you applied it, but to Geo, it became the only thing he could focus on whenever you were nearby. How it caught the light, the way the gloss made your lips look fuller, more inviting. 

He hated how distracted he got by it, but he couldn't help himself. He'd watch as you smiled and delicately applied the gloss, not realizing that each time you did, his eyes would flicker to your lips, unable to look away.

It wasn’t just about the gloss—he hated to admit it, but it was the way your lips moved, the way they curved up when you spoke to him. Every smile felt like an invitation, and it made his heart race every time he saw it.

And the worst part? 

He couldn’t stop thinking about it. 

His mind ran wild, imagining what it would be like to kiss you, to taste that gloss. Would it be sweet? Fruity? Would it be like strawberry or maybe something more decadent, like cake? Geo didn’t know, but the mere thought drove him crazy.

Yet, every time you caught him staring, you would smile, the same playful glint in your eyes, and then push away from him. It was maddening. 

“It was nice talking to you,” you’d say, and just like that, you were gone, leaving him standing there with the weight of his thoughts.

It wasn’t the way you left that bothered him—it was how you left him wanting more. 

He couldn’t help but wonder, when you left, if you knew how much power you had over him. Did you know how much he craved the taste of you, how much he longed to be the one you smiled at like that? And every time you walked away, it felt like you were pulling something from him, something he couldn't get back. 

Geo wasn’t used to feeling like this—unsure, obsessed, craving something that was just out of reach. He never thought he’d be the type of person to feel like this, but here he was, and it made him desperate. 

He couldn't keep pretending he didn't want you, even though he knew better. He couldn’t deny how much he wanted to be the one to kiss you, to taste the sweetness you wore on your lips. But you’d never give him that satisfaction. 

And that, more than anything, pulled him in even deeper.

Even during one of his archery competitions, it was all background noise. His eyes, always sharp and calculating, found you almost immediately—despite the sea of people around, despite the chaos of the competition unfolding before him. There you were, standing off to the side, caught up in the frenzy, but somehow, your presence always felt like it anchored him. 

Geo’s focus sharpened, his usual stone-cold expression becoming intense, almost feral, the moment he locked eyes with you. His heart skipped in a way he couldn't explain, and for the briefest second, the noise of the crowd, the frantic cheers, the tension in the air—all of it seemed to fade into nothing. 

There was something in the way you looked at him, that same fire in your eyes. It sent a shock of electricity through his veins, tightening his chest. It wasn’t just admiration. No, it was something deeper. Something possessive. Geo didn't want to admit it, but the way you looked at him, unwavering, made his ego swell in a way he had never known. 

The satisfaction of knowing you were watching him, that you were his to look at, made his body hum with need.

It was this feeling that had him doing something uncharacteristic for him: walking over to you before the competition even started, pushing through the crowd as if he had a claim on you. His movements were deliberate, as though the world had momentarily paused just for him to take that step toward you.

And as the competition wore on, Geo found his gaze kept darting to where you stood at the edge, just beyond their reach. When he wasn’t actively participating, his attention would always wander back to you. 

It was like an anchor, something he couldn’t shake off. 

Geo had never been one to linger—at least, not without reason. He was efficient, calculated, and never one to waste time where it wasn’t necessary. And yet, here he was, standing just a little behind his group, hovering just enough to be near them but not quite *with* them.  

And then you appeared.  

“What are you doing here, all by your lonesome?”  

Your voice was light, teasing, and when he turned his gaze downward, there you were, standing just slightly apart from the others—just like him.  

Geo had always found idle conversation tedious, a waste of time. But with you? It never felt like that. Even when you were talking his ear off, rambling about things he barely understood or had no real interest in, he listened. 

Normally, he would’ve found it grating. Normally, he would have shut it down with a deadpan stare and a clipped response.  

But with you…  

His ever-present frown softened, the tension in his shoulders easing in a way he didn’t quite notice. He wasn’t even irritated that you were talking. If anything, he found himself waiting for the next thing you’d say, some stupid remark or observation that would somehow make him want to keep this—whatever this was—going.  

“They’re loud,” he muttered, nodding toward his friends.   

You scoffed, rolling your eyes with exaggerated flair. “And you’ve decided to, what? Hide in the shadows, all broody and mysterious? Go, girl, give us nothing.”  

A breath of a laugh—not quite full, not quite deliberate—escaped his lips before he could stop it. It wasn’t loud, wasn’t obvious, but it was there.  

When his gaze flicked back to yours, you were already smiling, your eyes alight with something effortless. Effervescent.

Geo’s stomach twisted, but not unpleasantly. It was unfamiliar, unsettling in its quiet intensity. He didn’t yearn for people—he never had. He never needed anyone. But then why did his pulse kick up when you tilted your head at him like that? Why did his body seem to lean ever so slightly toward you, like some invisible force was tugging him closer?  

He swallowed, barely aware of the way his fingers twitched at his sides.  

It was ridiculous. 

You were ridiculous.  

Geo wasn’t one for impulse—he was sharp, calculated, always in control. But with you? That control slipped too easily, unraveling before he even realized what was happening.  

Your teasing words hung in the air between you, your smile playful, taunting. “You know I can see you always looking at me, right?”  

His jaw tightened, his mind already preparing a sarcastic reply—something to keep the moment light, to keep his defenses up. But before he could think twice, his body moved on instinct.  

“Yeah.”

The single word left his lips smoother than he expected, like it belonged there. But then he took it a step further, voice dropping just slightly—just enough to make your breath hitch.  

“I love it.”

Your expression shifted instantly, amusement flickering into something softer, something unsure. Your lips parted, a small, stunned noise escaping before you stumbled over your words. “What—huh?”  

Geo smirked, watching the blush creep up your neck, your wide eyes blinking up at him in disbelief. And damn it, the sight sent a rush of satisfaction straight through him, settling deep in his chest.  

Before you could think of backing away, before he could second-guess himself, he reached out. His fingers wrapped around your wrist—gentle, firm—as he tugged you toward him in one smooth pull.  

The space between you disappeared in an instant, your breath mixing with his as you steadied yourself against his chest. His other hand ghosted along your waist, his touch featherlight but possessive, like he wasn’t willing to let go just yet.  

“Wha—?” The protest barely left your lips before he leaned in, lowering his head, his breath hot against your skin as his lips brushed against your forehead—slow, deliberate, like he was savoring the moment.  

You froze.  

He felt it—the way your breath caught, the way your fingers curled ever so slightly against his shirt like you were trying to ground yourself.  

Geo smirked against your skin before pulling back just enough to meet your gaze again. His aquamarine eyes burned into yours, filled with something unreadable, something dangerous.  

“You were saying?” His voice was smooth, teasing, but there was no mistaking the edge beneath it—the quiet claim, the unspoken you’re mine.

And just like that, he let his fingers slip away, leaving you standing there, flushed and breathless.  

His smirk deepened.  

Yeah.  

He definitely loved it.

[ivyues]

Echos of Home: Stray Kids' reactions to their S/O not being close with their parents

Bang Chan

The front door clicks shut, quieter than usual, but it’s enough for Chris to hear from the living room. He frowns, glancing at the time on his phone. You weren’t supposed to be back for another few hours.

“Babe?” His voice carries through the apartment as he stands up, walking toward the entryway. When he sees you, his expression softens, but there’s still a flicker of concern in his eyes. “You’re back early.”

You nod, setting your bag down a little too carefully, like you’re keeping yourself in check. “Yeah. I’m back.”

He studies you for a moment, his head tilting slightly the way it does when he’s trying to piece something together. He knows – has always known – that things with your parents aren’t exactly smooth. There’s no big, dramatic fallout, no abusive history, just a constant, lingering sense of not quite fitting in with them. Conversations that feel like walking through a minefield, small comments that chip away at you, a love that never feels warm enough.

Chris takes a step closer, reaching for your hand. “What happened?”

You shrug, not really wanting to get into it. “Nothing new.”

His thumb brushes over your knuckles, grounding, patient. “Wanna talk about it?”

You shake your head. “Not really.”

He just tugs you into his arms, wrapping you up in a hug that is nothing like the ones you get from your parents – half-hearted, obligatory. No, this one is firm, warm, steady. You melt into it before you even realize how much you needed it.

His chin rests atop your head, his voice gentle. “You know you don’t have to go if you don’t want to, right?”

You close your eyes, exhaling slowly. “I know.”

“And you know that no matter what, you always have a home here with me?”

Your throat tightens, but in a good way. In a way that makes you feel safe. “Yeah,” you murmur. “I know.”

Chris squeezes you a little tighter before swaying side to side, humming softly. You’re home. That’s all that matters.

Lee Know

It wasn’t unusual for you to be at his parent’s house; in fact, it was almost expected at this point. His parents had practically adopted you into their family, treating you like one of their own. His mom always insisted you stay for dinner, and his dad would ask you about school or work like he would his own son. With the cats curling at your side, it felt warm here – comfortable, safe.

That’s why, when Lee Know casually mentioned, “You know, I think you spend more time at my parents’ house than at your own parents’,” with a teasing smile, he didn’t expect the way your body tensed ever so slightly.

It was brief, almost imperceptible, but he caught it.

You let out a small laugh, but it didn’t quite reach your eyes. “Maybe you're right.”

He didn’t press, not yet, but the thought lingered in his mind. And then, as if the idea had just struck him, he said, “Maybe next time, I should come over to your place. Your parents probably think I don’t exist.”

Your reaction was immediate. A flicker of hesitation crossed your face, and for a moment, you looked like you wanted to say something – anything – but then, you just shrugged. “They’re busy,” you said vaguely. “They wouldn’t really care.”

That didn’t sit right with him. You had always been good at avoiding certain topics, but this one was different. This wasn’t just avoidance – it was reluctance, something deeper.

He tilted his head slightly, his voice softening. “You never really talk about them.”

You forced a smile. “There’s not much to talk about.”

Lee Know didn’t push. He knew you well enough to understand that if he did, you’d only retreat further into yourself. Instead, he nudged your arm lightly. “Well, if they’re too busy, you know that you can come over any time. I start to think that my mom already likes you better than me.”

Changbin

Changbin slumped onto the couch beside you, letting out a dramatic sigh. “When was the last time you even visited your parents?” he joked, nudging your shoulder playfully.

You snorted, rolling your eyes. “Oh, you know,” you said with heavy sarcasm, “got yelled at for every life decision I’ve ever made. Good times.”

The teasing glint in Changbin’s eyes disappeared in an instant. He frowned, tilting his head to get a better look at your expression, but you avoided his gaze, pretending to scroll through your phone. His heart sank at the forced nonchalance in your voice.

“Wait… what do you mean?” His voice softened, laced with concern.

You shrugged, trying to play it off. “You know how they are. Nothing I do is ever right. I could be a literal millionaire and they’d still find a way to tell me I messed up.” You let out a small, humorless laugh. “It’s just how it is.”

Changbin didn’t laugh. He didn’t even smile. “That’s not how it should be, though,” he murmured. “You deserve better than that.”

You blinked at his sincerity, feeling a lump form in your throat. “It’s fine, Bin. I’m used to it.”

He sighed, shifting closer so your shoulders touched. “That doesn’t make it okay,” he countered, his brows knitting together in frustration. 

You hesitated for a moment before speaking again, voice barely above a whisper. “Sometimes, I wonder if I could ever be a good mom,” you admitted. “like… I never really got to experience what having a good mom feels like. What if I mess up the way they did?”

Changbin’s eyes softened, and he gently cupped your cheek, forcing you to meet his gaze. “Hey,” he said firmly. “You are already so full of love and care. The fact that you worry about that proves you’re going to be amazing. You won’t be like them. You get to choose the kind of parent you want to be.”

Your heart swelled at his words, warmth spreading through your chest. You had always carried the weight of your strained relationship with your parents alone.

“Yeah,” you whispered. “I know.”

Hyunjin

Hyunjin had never been one to push too hard when it came to personal matters. He understood boundaries, respected them even. But every time the topic of parents came up – his or yours – you always managed to steer the conversation elsewhere. And most importantly, you had never once mentioned introducing him to them.

At first, he brushed it off, thinking you were just taking things slow. But after nearly a year together, it stung. It made him wonder if there was a reason, a reason that had everything to do with him.

That thought festered in his chest until one evening, it finally slipped out.

“Do you not want me to meet your parents?” His voice was soft, uncertain.

You blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

“I mean… we’ve been together for a while now, but you never bring it up.” He forced a small chuckle, trying to keep his tone light even though it felt anything but. “I just… I guess I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of me.”

Your heart sank at the vulnerability in his voice. “Hyunjin—”

“Is it because I’m an idol?” He cut in before you could explain. “I know that might be weird for some parents, and if that’s the case, I get it. But I just—” He exhaled sharply, running a hand over his hair. “I don’t know. It feels like you don’t want to include me in that part of your life.”

You swallowed hard, guilt settling in.

“Hyunjin, it’s not that I don’t want you to meet them,” you said carefully, fingers gripping the fabric of your sleeves. “It’s just… my relationship with my parents isn’t great. It’s complicated.”

His eyes searched yours, confusion flickering across his face. “Complicated how?”

You hesitated. “We don’t really… talk much. When we do, it’s tense. We just don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things.”

Hyunjin’s expression softened slightly. “Then why didn’t you just tell me that?”

“Because I didn’t want to talk about it,” you admitted. “It’s messy and frustrating, and I didn’t want to drag you into that.”

“But I want to be dragged into it,” he said, leaning forward. “I want to understand what’s going on in your life. That includes the bad parts, too.”

You looked away, the weight of his words settling in. “I guess… I was embarrassed.”

Hyunjin’s brows furrowed. “Embarrassed?”

“I don’t have the kind of parents who are loving and supportive,” you admitted, voice quieter now. “And I didn’t want you to see that and think less of me.”

“Y/N, I would never think less of you because of something like that.” He reached for your hand, squeezing it gently. “I just wanted to understand. I thought… I thought you didn’t want me to meet them because of me.”

You exhaled shakily. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel that way.”

Hyunjin shook his head, lips pressing into a thin line before he let out a breath. “I just want you to trust me enough to talk to me about these things.”

“I do,” you said quickly. “I just… I didn’t know how.”

Han

"So you don’t want me to meet your parents?" Han repeated, his voice softer than you expected. Not quite hurt or offended – just… concerned.

You swallowed hard, nodding. "It’s not that I don’t want you to. I just— I don’t think it’s a good idea."

He tilted his head, studying you. "Can you tell me why?"

You hesitated. Han had always been so good at making you feel safe, but there was still a deep-rooted instinct inside you that told you to keep this part of your life locked away. It wasn’t that your parents were abusive, not in the way people might think, but they had never really seen you. Not truly. Their love came with conditions, with expectations you could never quite meet.

"I just… I don’t want to put you in a situation where you're not treated well," you admitted, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. "They don’t respect me, Han. And since you’re with me, they won’t respect you either. I don’t want that for you."

"I get it," he said quietly, his voice steady. "And I love that you’re thinking about me. But, baby… you don’t have to protect me from them."

You opened your mouth to argue, but he shook his head before you could.

"I’m not saying we have to go to a family dinner or anything," he continued. "But you don’t have to carry this alone. I know it’s complicated, and I know it sucks. But I don’t want you to think that you have to shield me from this part of your life just because you’ve been dealing with it alone for so long."

Your throat tightened. "But they’ll—"

"They can think whatever they want about me," he interrupted gently. "What matters is what you think. And if they don’t respect you, that’s on them. That’s not a reflection of who you are, and it’s definitely not going to change how I see you."

You exhaled shakily. "I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to let you meet them. I've spent too much time hoping they'll change."

Han smiled, squeezing your hands reassuringly. "That’s okay. We’ll take it at your pace. Just… don’t shut me out, okay? I want to be here for you. For everything."

Felix

Felix stretched his arms, groaning slightly as he leaned back against the couch. The two of you had been catching up on life the whole evening. He had just been telling you about his latest video call with his parents, laughing about how his mom still worried if he was eating enough.

"Honestly," he said between bites of the cookies he had brought over, "I think I see my parents more often than you see yours."

You froze, your fingers tightening around the mug of tea you were holding. The playful lilt in his voice made it clear that he hadn’t meant any harm, but the words hit you harder than you expected. Your mind ran through the last time you had actually visited your parents.

Felix must have noticed your sudden stillness, because when you looked up at him, his brows were slightly furrowed, eyes searching yours. 

"You’re not wrong," you admitted quietly, sipping your tea to avoid his gaze. "I think you really do."

"Oh. I— I didn’t mean to... I was just joking."

"I know," offering him a small smile. "It’s just… true."

A beat of silence stretched between you. Felix set his cookie down, shifting closer until his knee bumped against yours. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

You hesitated. It wasn’t that you never talked about your parents, but it always felt exhausting to explain the complicated mess that was your relationship with them. They weren’t cruel or absent, just distant – close enough to be in your life, but never truly present.

"Not much to say, really," you murmured. "We just don’t talk much. It’s always… weird. Like we don’t know how to be around each other."

Felix listened, nodding. "That sounds really lonely."

Your lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the simple truth in his words. "Yeah," you admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "It kinda is."

Felix didn’t say anything at first. "You know," he said, voice warm and sure, "family doesn’t have to be just the people you’re born with."

Your chest tightened, not with sadness, but with something gentler.

Felix grinned, before nudging you playfully. "Well, for what it’s worth, my parents love adopting people into the family. You might already be part of it without knowing."

Seungmin

The living room was quiet except for the occasional tapping of Seungmin’s phone as he scrolled, stretched out comfortably on your couch. You sat beside him, your head resting against the couch cushion, feeling the warmth of his presence next to you. 

Then, your phone buzzed on the coffee table.

Mom flashed across the screen.

Seungmin glanced at it briefly before looking at you, expecting you to reach for it. But instead, you pressed decline without a second thought.

He blinked, his brows furrowing slightly. "You’re not gonna answer?"

You shrugged. "Nope."

He sat up a little, setting his phone down. "Why not? It could be important."

"Unlikely," you muttered, avoiding his gaze.

The confusion on his face lingered for a moment before realization set in. "You don’t really talk to her much, do you?"

You sighed, leaning back against the couch. "Not if I can help it."

Seungmin didn’t respond right away, just watched you carefully. When he spoke again, his voice was softer. "You guys don’t get along?"

"Not really," you admitted. "We just... don’t see things the same way. Talking always turns into a disagreement, and honestly, it’s exhausting. It’s easier to just not deal with it."

Seungmin hummed, a quiet sound of understanding. 

For a moment, he just sat there, thinking. Then, without warning, he leaned over and lightly nudged your shoulder with his own. "You don’t have to pretend you’re fine."

You glanced at him, surprised by how easily he saw through you.

He tilted his head, his expression unreadable yet undeniably gentle. "You’re allowed to be upset about it. You don’t have to act like it doesn’t bother you."

Something in your chest loosened. You hadn’t even realized how much tension you’d been carrying until now.

"Thanks," you murmured.

He gave you a small, reassuring smile. "Anytime." 

I.N

You sighed as you scrolled through your messages, the same feeling of disappointment creeping in. Your parents had sent another message in the family group chat – one of their usual updates about your sibling, filled with admiration and excitement. You were happy for them, truly. But every time you saw their name being praised while yours was barely acknowledged, the ache in your chest deepened.

I.N sat beside you on the couch, watching your face shift from neutral to something more distant. He nudged your arm gently. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

You hesitated before tilting your phone toward him. He skimmed the messages, his features tightening as he put the pieces together. He already knew the story – how your relationship with your parents had grown distant ever since you chose a different path, how they seemed to relate more to your sibling, leaving you feeling like an outsider in your own family. He also knew you weren’t looking for pity.

Instead of offering empty words, I.N put your phone aside. “Does it hurt?” he asked quietly.

You swallowed the lump in your throat. “A little,” you admitted. “I mean, I moved out as soon as I could, and I’ve been independent for a while, so I shouldn’t care so much. But… it’s like no matter what I do, I’m not enough for them.”

I.N frowned. “That’s not true. You are enough. They just… don’t see you the way they should, and that’s on them, not you.”

You looked at him, feeling a flicker of warmth in his gaze. He wasn’t trying to fix it. He wasn’t telling you to move on or pretend it didn’t matter. 

“You’ve built a life for yourself that you love, haven’t you?” he continued. “That takes courage. And just because they don’t recognize it doesn’t make it any less real.”

A small, wobbly smile broke through your somber expression.

I.N grinned, giving your hand a playful squeeze. “I just know you. And I know that you deserve to be seen, to be valued. Even if they don’t show it, I will.”

You exhaled, leaning into him, resting your head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Innie.”

masterlist

[writeriguess]

Can you write a katsuki x female reader where he's jealous because he realises Kiri has a crush on you. Reader doesn't know about katsuki's feelings.

Burning Red

Katsuki wasn’t the type to get jealous. At least, that’s what he told himself. He was confident, strong, the best in everything he did—so why the hell would he care about something as stupid as feelings?

But then there was you.

You, with that infuriatingly bright smile, your dumb jokes that weren’t even that funny but still made his lips twitch, the way you always stood next to him during training even though he pretended not to care. You’d been in his life long enough that he got used to having you around, used to the way his heart stuttered in his chest whenever you ruffled his hair and called him "Bakugou" in that casual, teasing way.

What he wasn’t used to was Kirishima looking at you like that.

At first, he ignored it. Convinced himself he was imagining things. Kirishima was just friendly, that’s all. He treated everyone with that same kind of warmth. But then Katsuki noticed the way Kirishima’s eyes softened around you. How he always made sure you had a seat next to him during lunch, how he conveniently showed up whenever you needed help with your hero studies, and how his hand hovered near yours like he was just waiting for the right moment to grab it.

That’s when it hit him. Like a sucker punch straight to the gut.

Kirishima had a crush on you.

And that realization sent Katsuki spiraling into something he refused to name.

—

The breaking point came on a normal Friday after training. You and Kirishima were sitting on the common room couch, laughing over something on your phone. Katsuki was in the kitchen, pretending to get water but really just watching the two of you from the corner of his eye.

Kirishima was way too close.

His arm was slung over the back of the couch, his knee barely an inch from yours. Katsuki watched the way Kirishima grinned at you, how you nudged him with your elbow, playfully rolling your eyes. And then—you laughed. That real, unguarded laugh, the one that made your whole face light up.

Something ugly twisted in Katsuki’s chest.

Before he even realized what he was doing, he was moving. Striding across the room with sharp, purposeful steps.

“Oi, shitty hair,” he snapped.

Kirishima blinked up at him. “Huh?”

Katsuki crossed his arms, standing right in front of the couch like an immovable wall. “Aren’t you late for training?”

Kirishima tilted his head. “No? We just finished—”

“You sure?” Katsuki cut him off, his voice low, almost a growl.

There was a pause. Kirishima glanced at him, then at you, and then back at Katsuki. A flicker of understanding passed over his expression.

“Oh. Uh—yeah, I should go. Forgot about something,” Kirishima said, scratching the back of his head as he stood up. He shot you a small smile before heading toward the dorms.

You watched him go, then turned to Katsuki with narrowed eyes. “Okay, what the hell was that?”

“What was what?” He refused to meet your gaze, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

“You just chased Kirishima away like some territorial guard dog,” you huffed, crossing your arms. “You jealous or something?”

The words were meant as a joke, lighthearted and teasing, but Katsuki froze.

For a split second, he was completely still. No sharp retort, no scoff or insult. Just… silent.

Your breath caught.

Then, before you could process it, he scoffed—too harsh, too forced. “Tch. As if.”

But you saw it. The way his jaw clenched. The way his fingers twitched at his sides. The way the tips of his ears were turning red.

You had no idea what to do with that.

[gf2bellamy]

hi lovely!! im back again :D

this one is where the reader saves a child from a kidnapping or something similar and how she’s all kind to the kid and spencer sees it and he imagines how amazing of a mum reader would be !!

you’re the best !!

- 🐚

parents — spencer reid

pairing: spencer reid x fem!reader ( no use of y/n ) content warnings: it's implied that the little girl's parents have passed away a/n: hii !! hope you like this <3 honestly i'm not sure if i've used this gif before but i don't really care bc i spent 40 minutes looking for one </3

You were sitting cross-legged on the soft carpet of the safe room, a small doll cradled in your hands. It might have seemed unusual to anyone walking in—an FBI agent sitting on the floor playing with a child’s toy.

But the little girl in front of you had just endured something no child should ever have to experience. She had barely talked since she’d been brought into the building.

You knew better than to push her to talk, to relive the trauma. Instead, you had grabbed the nearest doll from the toy box in the corner and sat down across from her.

The girl, no older than six, clutched her own doll tightly to her chest, her knuckles white from the grip. You didn’t say much.

Instead, you gently moved your doll across the floor, mimicking a little dance, and smiled softly at her. Slowly, hesitantly, the girl’s grip on her doll loosened.

She mirrored your movements, her doll twirling hesitantly across the carpet. And then, for the first time since she’d arrived, the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

What you didn’t realize was that you weren’t alone in the room—not entirely. Just outside the open doorway, Spencer stood quietly, his frame leaning against the doorframe.

He had been on his way to find you but the sight of you stopped him in his tracks. His hazel eyes softened as he watched you, his girlfriend, sitting there on the floor, completely engrossed in the moment.

He couldn’t help but smile as he decided to not interrupt the moment, He just stood there, watching as you brought a flicker of light back into the little girl’s eyes.

Spencer was still standing in the doorway, his gaze fixed on you and the little girl, when JJ appeared beside him. She leaned casually against the doorframe, her arms crossed as she followed his line of sight.

Spencer glanced at her briefly before his eyes drifted back to you, his expression softening once more.

JJ didn’t say anything at first, just watched the scene unfold with a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips.

“Her aunt’s here,” JJ finally murmured, breaking the silence. Spencer nodded in acknowledgment, but his attention didn’t waver. Another soft laugh from the little girl filled the room.

JJ glanced at him again, her smile widening. She could read him like an open book—knew exactly what he was thinking.

With a small sigh, JJ stepped into the room. You looked up, your smile fading slightly as you realized why she was there.

The little girl, sensing the shift, clutched her doll a little tighter, her eyes darting nervously between you and JJ.

“Hey, sweetheart,” JJ said softly, crouching down to the girl’s level. “Your aunt’s here to take you home. Are you ready to go see her?”

The girl hesitated, her small fingers gripping the doll even harder. You reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “It’s okay,” you reassured her, your voice calm. “You’re going to be safe now. And you can take your doll with you, okay?”

The girl nodded slowly, her trust in you evident as she allowed JJ to help her to her feet. JJ gave you a grateful smile before leading the girl out of the room, her hand gently resting on the child’s shoulder.

For a moment, you just sat there on the floor.

The room felt quieter now, emptier, and you couldn’t help but think about how unfair it all was. That little girl—so small, so innocent—should never have had to endure what she did.

Spencer stepped into the room then.

“Hey,” he greeted you softly, extending a hand to help you up. You took it without hesitation, his fingers warm against yours.

“Hi,” you replied quietly, your voice soft as he pulled you to your feet. You didn’t let go of his hand, though. Instead, you tightened your grip.

“I don’t know the last time I played with dolls,” you said, your voice soft and reflective as Spencer turned to face you. “I forgot how fun it was,” you added, a light smile tugging at your lips.

Spencer chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he watched you.

You turned your gaze toward the large window in the room, watching as the little girl walked hand-in-hand with her aunt toward the elevator. The girl’s doll was still clutched tightly in her arms, a small symbol of the comfort you’d been able to give her.

As you watched them disappear into the elevator, you felt a mix of relief and sadness—relief that she was safe, but sadness for everything she’d endured.

Spencer glanced down at you, his heart swelling at the way you leaned into him. He couldn’t help the words that slipped out, his voice quiet but sincere.

“You’d be an amazing mom.”

The moment the words left his mouth, his cheeks flushed a deep red, and he immediately regretted saying it out loud. It wasn’t that he didn’t mean it—he did, more than anything—but it felt like such a vulnerable admission, especially when you looked up at him, your eyes wide with surprise.

“You think so?” you asked, your voice soft as you turned to face him fully. Spencer’s blush deepened, but he nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting yours again.

“Yeah, of course,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. He fidgeted with the sleeve of his sweater, a nervous habit you’d come to recognize over the years.

You stared at him for a moment, a smile slowly spreading across your face. “Thank you, Spencer,” you said, your voice warm and full of affection.

Your hand reached up, gently fixing his tie, though it was more of an excuse to get him to look at you again.

Your fingers lingered against his chest, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your palm.

He finally looked up, his hazel eyes meeting yours.You held his gaze, your smile softening.

“I think you’d make a great dad,” you said quietly.

Spencer’s eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. He’d always dreamed of being a father, though he’d never admitted it out loud.

The idea of having a family, of creating a home filled with love and books and laughter, was something he’d tucked away in the quietest corners of his mind.

“You really think so?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

You nodded, your smile never wavering. “I do,” you said firmly. “You’re so patient, and kind, and you have this way of making people feel safe. You’d be amazing.”

Spencer’s throat tightened, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak. Instead, he reached up, his fingers brushing against the side of your face, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. His touch was feather-light, almost hesitant. You leaned into his hand, as you savored the warmth of his palm against your skin.

“I’ve always wanted that,” he admitted quietly, his voice trembling slightly. “A family. Kids. But I never thought… I never thought I’d find someone who’d want that with me.”

Your heart ached at his words, and you reached up, covering his hand with yours. “Well, you have me,” you said softly, your thumb brushing against his knuckles. “And if that’s something you want, then it’s something I want too.”

Spencer’s eyes glistened, and for a moment, he looked like he might cry. Instead, he pulled you into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around you. You buried your face in his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of his sweater—books and coffee and something uniquely him. His chin rested on top of your head, and you could feel the rhythm of his heartbeat against your cheek.

[theladyofmanyfandomsfanfiction]

Imagine Bucky surprising you with a gift…

You were sound asleep in your home when the Avengers Tower sent out a distress signal at 4am. The shrill cry of the alarm was more than enough to startle you from rest and, in seconds, you were up.

Rushing through the apartment to get dressed, you managed to flick out a quick message to the team to see how far out they were. Luckily, they were enroute and you managed to find yourself a ride.

As of yesterday, the building had been emptied. Things had been quiet, even with HYDRA which was both helpful and slightly alarming. So it was decided (by Tony) to enjoy other ‘non Avenger’ things.

As you hopped on one foot to slip on your shoes, your phone buzzed.

Bucky: I’m out front.

Standing straight, you grabbed your belt of small superhero weapons and pocketed your phone as you rushed down the hall.

Swinging the door open, you nearly slammed into a wall of bright red roses in your haste.

You startled to a stop with a small gasp. The hand holding the bouquet of florals, moved them aside slightly and revealed their familiar dark hair and blue eyes.

Bucky looked… sheepish. Handsome as ever, but nervous. Which was strange on so many accounts.

“These are for you.” He said, clearing his throat.

You stared at him for a second. Bucky was offering you flowers at four o’clock in the morning.

“Some traditions have changed since the 40s but I’m glad that flowers have been a constant - like you.” He moved the rose bunch closer and you wrapped your fingers around his and took the gift.

Your senses were filled with the aroma of fresh flowers and Bucky. And if Avengers Tower wasn’t literally on fire, you’d have pulled him inside in a heartbeat.

Looking at him with so much adoration, you smiled and stepped into his arms. You held the flowers in one hand and used the other to rest against his cheek as you drowned in his eyes.

“I hope you understand how much I love you, Bucky. Because I really do.”

Zzz… Bucky, do you copy… Sam’s voice crackled from the comms device on Bucky’s hip.

Another crackle, and Steve’s voice came through. Zzz… Are you with…zzz… yet?

Ignoring the message, Bucky leaned forward, grazing his lips against yours as he whispered. “Only if you understand how much I love you.”

Buzz, buzz.

Your phone vibrated in your pocket.

Refusing to let you go, Bucky slid a hand into the back pocket of your pants, retrieved the phone and pressed a button to answer and placed it on speaker. Sam’s voice came through clearly.

“Alright, lovebirds. You can make googly eyes all you want after we deal with the Tower.” He teased.

It sounded like the phone was passed between people and Tony’s voice came through.

“Am I the only one who cares about my R&D lab currently in strife?”

You rolled your eyes and Bucky let out a small laugh when you did.

“We’ll be there, Stark.” You told the eccentric billionaire.

“You both had better be or I’ll-”

Bucky cut the call abruptly and you couldn’t help but be thankful. Tony’s threats were always empty and made for the theatrics.

Bucky returned the phone to your pocket and rest his hand on your waist.

You relished in his warmth for a second longer before stepping back.

“We should get going.” You told him.

Turning towards the door, you opened it slightly and placed flowers on the small counter table inside. You locked up once more and you took Bucky’s hand. His fingers interlaced with yours as he led you out and to where his motorcycle had been parked.

As he fetched the helmets, you watched him curiously as question pondered on your mind.

“Bucky, where did you get fresh flowers at four in the morning?”

Chuckling, Bucky walked over and handed you the protective gear. “I can’t give away all my secrets.”

You were about to return the teasing comment when a thought dawned on you. Your expression switched as you looked away to where Avengers Tower peeked out from the skyline.

Bucky felt the energy shift. “What’s wrong?” He asked.

A sense of unease began to flutter in your stomach. Unease and fear…

“If there was no one at the Tower, who sent out the distress call?”

A/n: The story that got away from me. Happy Valentines Day x

~ More imagines here ~

[transforming-transformer]

Call Me Chad

Charlie never thought that a beautiful girl like Rachel would show any real interest in a geek like him, but to use him just to get to Jack? His dumb musclehead roommate who he also had to tutor to get paid enough by his football coach? He felt heartbroken, trying to find the right words to say to her to not leave him. 

“I just can’t see a future between us, especially if you’re not hot like Jack,” Rachel said, as Jack wrapped his arm around her slender waist.

“Bro, she’ll never continue dating a nerdy loser like you,” Jack scoffed, cutting Charlie off.

The small, twig-like nerd lips quivered and his reddened eyes burst into tears as he ran out of the frat party, only to be caught by a few of Jack’s douchebag posse to be stripped till he was completely naked and eventually dunked into the swimming pool. It left him embarrassed, vulnerable and overwhelmed, as he was surrounded by pompous, superficial jerks that kept laughing and sneering at him. All of it turned his shame and guilt into anger and vengeance—

———

“CHARLIE! Wake up, man. The library’s gonna close in half an hour.”

Charlie woke up disgruntled and deeply frustrated. Fuck, he’d dreamt about the set-up. Again. It’d been a few weeks since he got dumped, and it still consumed his mind like crazy. He rubbed his eyes softly and looked up to see his good friend William waving his hand in front of Charlie’s face. 

“Hey, you okay? You’ve been dozing off quite a bit during study group,” William asked, looking concerned.

Charlie sighed. “Yeah, yeah, I’m good, I’m awake. Just…”

“The set-up?” William replied. Charlie froze.

“Was it that obvious?” 

“Charlie, it’s the only thing that’s been on your mind for three months, and with the way things happened, I wouldn’t blame you for being so fixated on it,” William rubbed Charlie’s back caringly as he spoke, his hand pushing his glasses back up to position. 

Charlie sighed again, and sunk his head down. “But I shouldn’t be. I should have moved on by now, found someone new—”

William cut him off. “Don’t you dare go into what-ifs. That’ll only keep you miserable.”

“I know… it’s just… I wanna be someone’s special someone, but I can’t when I look like a stick and have to compete with huge muscle guys like Jack and his friends…” Charlie shook his head, frustrated and exasperated, while William gave him a comforting bro hug…

But William wished he could be more than just a friend to Charlie. See, William had been there for Charlie pretty much all their lives, growing up together and being very close. Hell, William had especially been there for him that night too: picking him up from the frat house; sitting with and comforting Charlie in his dorm; making sure he ate well and didn’t binge or starve himself; if anything, William would’ve made a great, loving boyfriend to Charlie… if only Charlie wasn’t so painfully straight and thought this was just a good friend looking out for a friend in pain. He, too, was frustrated by Charlie’s situation and constant thinking of the past.

Charlie rose from his chair and looked at William, smiling softly. “Thanks for being here for me, Will. It really means a lot to have a friend like you,” he said before walking away.

“L-likewise, Charlie. I’ll see you later,” Will replied, a smile forced onto his lips as he watched Charlie leave the library. Fuck, if only there was something he could do to make both his and Charlie’s situations ease up, but also align so they could be together.

Just as William was about to leave, he noticed a shimmer out of the corner of his eye. Turning to see where it came from, he noticed an old, rickety door with an oddly polished handle built in between the bookshelves. “Huh, I’d not seen that there before…” he mumbled as he walked over to it and turned the handle. The door swiftly opened, and Will stepped into what looked like a dusty, abandoned storage room, covered in cobwebs, rags and dust. He was intrigued at first, but screamed when he heard the door slam behind him without warning.

“WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT??” he shouted, grabbing his phone and turning its flashlight on to look around for the source of the door closing. As he kept searching, a bunch of lanterns mysteriously flared up, suddenly illuminating the room to reveal an ancient-looking book on a cobwebbed lectern. After taking a few breaths to calm down, Will blew the dust off the book, to see its title: “The Jock Bible”. An Ancient Greek-style illustration of a hot, muscular guy adorned the cover.

“Hmm, interesting name for a book…” he pursed his lips, intrigued as he lifted the cover. He was suddenly overwhelmed when a golden aura emerged from the pages and blinded him, filling him with immense knowledge, knowledge that could play to both his benefit, as well as Charlie’s. The thoughts swirling in his mind made him smirk. Perhaps there could be a way to make Charlie his after all… though he himself might want to use it for his own needs too.

The next morning, Charlie waited in line at the cafeteria, concealing himself in a purple hoodie to not draw any attention from people. The party had made him embarrassingly and overwhelmingly visible, which gnawed at him and forced the poor nerd to resort to wearing more and more hoodies, just to hide. As he neared the trays and plates on the way to the buffet, he felt a firm, thick-fingered hand grab his shoulder, which sent shivers down his spine.

“Hey there, Chad, man you’re looking more huge every day,” a deep voice spoke.

“Wait, that voice is familiar,” Charlie thought, and turned around to see a handsome hunk standing there, in a blue tank top and grey sweatpants, which threw him off so much he jumped. The jock in front of him chuckled, while Charlie gripped his tray.

“Bro, chill, looks like you’ve seen a ghost or something,” he smirked as he eyed Charlie up and down. Another shiver ran down the nerd’s spine, and he felt strangely… comfortable.  Charlie took a few steps back as he still felt nervous around this guy, even if he was more chill about it, but the musclehead sauntered over and slapped the nerd’s back.

“Come on, let’s sit together and chat, Chad,” he said.

Charlie replied back, firmly, “My name’s not Chad! It’s Charlie!”

The jock shook his head and smirked. “Nah, dude, you’re Chad alright. One of the biggest dudes I’d ever seen.”

Afraid of this guy and what he was saying, Charlie threw his tray at the jock and made a run for it. He ran past the building he was supposed to have class in in an hour, past his residence hall, he even ran past the fraternity quad. When he stopped and took a breath, he looked around to see he was in the athletics area of campus, which spooked him. He could see the gym and the football field in front of him, and as he took a step back to wonder what the hell was going on, that slight shiver that ran down his spine tingled once more, and all of a sudden, his shirt felt extremely tight on him, as if compressing him.

“What the fuck is happening?” he asked, panting as he peeled off his shirt to no avail, the fabric tearing at his growing body. The buttons on his shirt bounced off as he felt his muscles grow at a rapid rate, which made him almost scream, while his shirt finally fell to the ground in a pile of shredded rags, to reveal a shocking surprise: rounded shoulders, defined pecs, washboard abs, toned arms, and a pair of legs strong enough to crush watermelons.

“H-holy shit, I’m buff??” he asked himself, and as he curled his arm into a flex, his bicep vein popped out, showing just how lean he was. His eyes went wide in horror. “What the fuck is going on??”

“Chad, Bro, I told you, you’re looking more huge everyday,” the jock from the canteen said, appearing as if out of nowhere. Charlie jumped and stepped back.

“Who the fuck are you?” Charlie asked, shutting his mouth as he heard a deep, bovine voice emerge from his mouth. “What the fuck is happening to me? What are you doing to me?” he cried, cowering in fear.

“That’s not the Chad I know. Dude, you’re the cockiest, most confident sigma jock on campus, not some wussy nerd,” the jock responded with a chuckle.

“I keep telling you, my name’s not Chad! It’s Chad—” Charlie tried to say his own name, but the name Chad slipped out of his lips instead. No matter how hard he tried, the name Chad stuck to his tongue like honey. “What the hell is going on?”

“You’ll see when we’re done, Chad.” The jock winked and sauntered away, his muscles defined by the sunlight above while Charlie watched, confused and terrified altogether. What did that musclehead mean by “you’ll see when we’re done”?

Walking back to his dorm, Charlie felt exposed. Embarrassed. He tried to cover up his body, but his hands, large as they were, were unable to fully cover his massively ripped chest, which bounced with every step he took. The now-lean muscular nerd, glasses still on, kept his head hung low to avoid attracting any more attention. However, when he was a few feet away from the front door, he heard giggles and whistles from the other side of the street. Charlie looked up, and noticed a trio of sorority girls looking at him. No, not just looking. Ogling him. Licking their lips and blowing kisses at him. As they did, his spine tingled… and he thought his dick was getting hard too. He smirked back at them with a confident grin, flexing one of his arms. The girls giggled even more, which made the nerd blush, until he realized his dick was still soft and limp. 

His face went pale at the realization, and before he could even try to process what the hell was going on, Charlie ran off into his residence hall, until he was finally in the comfort of his own room. Not at all realizing that he’d dropped and broken his glasses on the way.

———

It had been an intense two days since that strange jock pestered Charlie, and since he… well, got the body of one. He was still confused as to how he could just magically buff up like he did, especially since it looked like he’d been working out since he was thirteen and played football at the same time. Scouring through Google to find answers, there seemed to be no solution to changing himself back to his normal nerdy self. Not just that, he knew he couldn’t keep hiding like this - he was bound to step outside and run into people.

“Ughhhh, what do I do?” he asked himself.

Then, he realized there was one person he hadn’t seen since his change. William.

Charlie grabbed his phone and, with his meaty fingers, sent a message to his best friend, hoping he could have someone to trust with his secret.

CHARLIE: <<William, I need your help>>

The nerd-in-a-jock’s-body held his breath, waiting for a response, and sure enough, the text bubble showed up as William typed out his reply… one that poor Charlie was not expecting.

WILLIAM: <<sup chad? i was wondering where u went>>

Charlie was baffled, and in his shock, dropped his phone. Did that jock steal William’s phone? Was this some sort of elaborate prank that Jack and his buddies were pulling? His phone buzzed again, and he picked it up to see a new message from whoever had his bestie’s phone.

WILLIAM: <<earth to chad, bruh sometimes you can be so thick huhuhu>>

As he read this, he felt an intense fog fill his mind, obscuring his panic and attempts to make sense of the situation. A chuckle left his lips, and his hand covered them in waning concern. Charlie wasn’t dumb… was he? 

He put the phone down on his bed, and looked around the mess of a bedroom he was in: empty packs of chips, half-full bottles of soda and water, clothes strewn in every corner. Well, less clothes, more like shredded pieces of fabric that were once clothes that used to fit his lanky frame. All that survived were some of his oversized t-shirts and baggy jeans, which were more form-fitting on his now-muscular physique, leaving little to the imagination. That, and a set of gym clothes he found outside his door the night after his sudden second puberty. A tight grey Under Armour compression shirt that showed off his massive pecs, a pair of black five-inch inseam shorts that hugged his thighs, and a jockstrap.

If anything, his room resembled what he thought a douchey jock’s dorm would look like.

Charlie stood up, and he felt his head go woozy, the fog in his mind intensifying and concealing more of his usual train of thought. He sniffed like a dog, sensing there was an awful stench coming from inside his room. He first thought it was his clothes - sure, they had some cheesy scent to them, but not as intense as this one was. His shoes? Rank, but not what he was looking—OH, it was himself. Charlie’s pits reeked like crazy, his B.O. filling up the room and replacing the oxygen in it. Normally, he would wrinkle his nose in disgust, but with his mind in a daze, he let out another chuckle.

“Bruh, I reek,” he said, in a low, bovine tone reminiscent of Jack.

Fuck, Jack. That sexy motherfucker, with muscles that glistened with sweat, a handsome face that he could just kiss, and a dick worth sucking—

Wait, what??

Charlie quickly got dressed in the new gym clothes he got, not even bothering to shower or clean himself up, grabbed his phone and bag, and ran out of his dorm, pushing some of his fellow nerds out of the way. He made it outside, the sun shining on his chiseled face, and he began to saunter over to…

Wait, where was he going again?

He pulled out his phone, and looked through his calendar to see what class he had. He’d already missed his degree-required Python Coding class at 8:30 AM, History of Japan at 11:30 AM, and now it was past 2:00 PM. Charlie had… Physiology of Exercise at 3:00 PM followed by HIT DA GYM at 6:00 PM? As he regained some of his composure, Charlie was shaken. These two things on his roster were stuff a jock would study and do. He usually had Study Group with his friends at six… what the fuck was going on with him?

As the nerd felt some of the mind fog ease and dissipate, he noticed the same trio of girls from two days back, the ones Charlie flexed for, but this time they were accompanied by their frat bro boyfriends - all looked like they were cut from the same cloth: white, chiseled jawlines, built bodies. Charlie’s jaw dropped at the sight of these men, his cock was getting hard just by ogling them, and tenting visibly in his tight shorts. He was straight! Into girls! He wasn’t gay. He… he couldn’t be. He grabbed his bag and covered his obscene bulge, waddling over to the library to calm himself down and figure out what was happening to him.

———

William, meanwhile, was returning to his room at the Eta Theta Tau frat house, locking the door behind him as he pulled out The Jock Bible from his backpack. He smirked as he flexed his biceps in front of the full-length mirror on the wall, before sitting down and opening the magical tome that had granted him not only the body and life he’d dreamt of. He charmed his way, literally and figuratively, into Eta Theta Tau, the college football team, and even the Honors Society. He became insanely popular, grew in strength as he did bicep curls with 28-kilogram dumbbells, gained a rugged handsomeness by stealing some traits from his fellow frat bros, all of which made William more visible and prominent in the social fabric of campus life. 

The Jock Bible also gave the new frat bro, actually more like the Frat President, immense power to reshape reality and whoever he wanted to fit his new life. That included his crush on Charlie, soon to be his dumb boyfriend Chad. He laughed as he remembered scaring the shit out of his skinny nerd friend, taunting him into growing his muscles. They were getting big enough for William’s, or rather Will’s, taste, but he wasn’t so much into Charlie’s intellect. It kinda drove an unseen wedge between the two of them, and made Will feel dumb sometimes.

Well, with this next phase of the plan, that was about to change, and now he wondered what Charlie was doing with his text messages from earlier.

“Charlie, I can’t wait to make you my blissfully dumb muscle slut,” he chuckled as he turned the pages of the book to see what else he could pull off.

———

Charlie stumbled out of the library two hours later. It was fine, he thought, I can skip this class, it’s not even a class I remember signing up for. As he walked around, the golden rays of sunlight hitting his perfectly-tanned skin, he saw the jock who’d made him into an oaf of a man strutting in his direction. Charlie hid behind a tree, his breath picking up as he shivered nervously. His mind felt somewhat the same, but also felt a bit slower than usual.

“Who is this dude, and what does he want with me?” he asked himself.

He suddenly gasped as he felt a bunch of hands grab his arm, yanking him from his very obvious hiding place. Charlie’s eyes went wide when he saw who pulled him out - it was Jack and his group of bros, smirks on their faces as they looked at him.

“Yo, Chad, why’re you hiding from us dude?” Jack chuckled, patting the nerd’s back.

One of his posse, Dan, smirked. “Bruh, we got push day at six, you’ll be there, right?” he asked.

Charlie was even more confused, seeing his tormentors treat him as if he were like one of them. No, they were treating him as one of them. Panic rose inside Charlie, as it was quite the shift. Something felt really off, but before he could even speak his mind, his mouth spoke for him. “You know it, my man. Gotta get this chest so huge it’ll break a bra in half,” Charlie grinned back involuntarily, his hand cupping his pecs, which caused him to moan.

The group of jocks laughed out loud, as Jack held onto Charlie’s shoulder. “Man, you gotta control yourself, no one’s gotta know you turn yourself on,” he replied. Charlie stared at Jack, noticing that he was taller and bulkier than his bully. That was a welcome sight for him, considering he wanted revenge for the set-up, but there was something about Jack being smaller yet still muscular that Charlie was starting to find… hot. The posse sauntered off, cackling amongst themselves as the jock-nerd ogled them, feeling more confused than he did earlier. Poor Charlie, if only he knew…

The hours flew by, and before Charlie knew it, it was nearly six. He sat down on a rock by the lake, tears in his eyes as he watched the sun set, the sky filled with gold and the water crashing against the rocks below him. “What’s the matter with me?” he asked himself, rubbing his reddened eyes with his bear-like paws.

“Bro, chillax, you’re a jock now,” a voice bellowed in his head. Charlie turned around, trying to figure out where this jock-voice came from.

“Let go, man. No need for smarts anymore when you’re this jacked.”

His breath got heavier as he realized it was coming from his own head. “But… this isn’t me! I’m not a musclehead. I’m not friends with Jack. I’m not…” he paused.

“What, gay as a three dollar bill?” the voice, which he assumed must be the Chad everyone thought he was, asked. Charlie nodded.

“I’m straight, I’m into girls,” he stuttered out, feeling even more confused as his mind conjured up an image of the jock who’d started all this.

Chad chuckled dumbly. “Dude, chicks don’t really care about our muscles, but the bros? Man, do they want a piece of the action. Don’t you wanna finally enjoy life and get to fuck someone?”

Charlie gulped. This jock persona was right, even though it was hard to listen to an oaf, even if he was in his own mind. “I… I guess…”

“Then let go man, don’t be such a pussy. You’ll get everything you ever dreamed of,” Chad replied, and Charlie felt his lips curl into a jock-like smirk. One full of confidence, as if he knew he was the shit.

Charlie was now, though, now that he really, really thought about it. He had muscles now, and big ones too. He looked like he could play for the college football team as a tight end or a quarterback with his size. His face looked like it’d been carved by the ancient Greeks or Michelangelo, with how sharp his features were.`As for the python swinging between his legs? Well, I bet Jack’s couldn’t even compare.

“I just don’t wanna be—”

“What, an asshole? An arrogant douchebag?”

“Bingo,” Charlie sighed. “It all feels so surreal, but I don’t wanna betray who I am.”

Chad laughed. “Bruh, trust me, I’m just as dopey and curious as you are. I’m you, just hotter, more confident… maybe dumber, but at least I use my body and my mind for what actually matters.”

“So I’m just supposed to let go—what the fuck??”

Charlie screamed, as he suddenly found himself in the middle of the campus gym, and in the middle of a rep on the incline bench. His arms lifted the barbell with ease.

“How’d I get here?” he asked himself.

“You talked too much, little dude, had to get to the gym in time,” Chad replied as Charlie watched his body betray him, pushing and grunting through a few more reps on the bench press before setting the barbell down and sitting upright. “Trust me man, you, me, we can be happy if we choose to be.” Charlie stood up and saw his humongous body in one of the mirrors on the wall, his mouth agape in wonder while he flexed his biceps. They were the size of his former head. As he flexed, he felt… content. Strong as fuck. Happy, even.

“There we go, little dude, you and I are gonna become one sexy Chad by the end of tonight,” Chad spoke with Charlie’s mouth, and Charlie… well, he understood now. Maybe this was just what he needed.

———

Chad kept up the push day workout, grueling through incline bench presses, cable flys, weighted tricep dips, dumbbell skull crushers… the list went on. Grinding through each rep, Charlie felt his muscles pump up even more, sending a thrill of strength and cockiness through him, while Chad grunted, fixing his bulge every now and again. As the pair-in-one-body sauntered around each machine, they felt eyes staring at them - some girls found him hot, others found him disgusting when his B.O. wafted into their noses, while the other dudes… they thirsted over his physique, complimenting him.

“Holy shit, bro, you look huge!” one gym bro said.

Another one replied, “Dude, you’re the real alpha here.” 

Chadlie smirked when a cute twink named Jamie came up to him and asked, “Um… excuse me, how do I work out to look just like you?” The twink’s bubble butt bounced, and Chad just wanted to plow his fuckstick inside that cute boy’s hole. Charlie stammered as he tried to give some tips, but he felt his hand cup the boy’s ass, squeezing that soft flesh between his fingers.

Jamie blushed scarlet. “W-would you wanna head to the showers?”

Chadie nodded, a sly grin on his face as he picked up the cutie and strutted to the locker room, grabbing a pair of towels and carrying Jamie into one of the private shower cubicles. Charlie couldn’t believe this was actually happening, but Chad could. The jock ripped off Jamie’s gym clothes off his slender body, while the very slutty twink got to work, peeling the stud’s shorts and jockstrap to the floor and getting onto his knees. Jamie licked the tip of Chadie’s cock, the jock shuddering in pleasure as his little boy guided his ten-inch monster through his dick-sucking lips and into his oh-so-perfectly-tight mouth. 

“Fuckkkkk bro,” Chad and Charlie both moaned, their body’s hand grabbing Jamie’s soft, curly hair, letting his fingers run through each lock before gripping the twink’s head, then slamming his cock further down his throat, his lips meeting the base of his jock cock. Every inch of Charlie’s resistance to becoming Chad was wearing down with each thrust of his hips, precum dripping into Jamie’s throat as the twink cupped his baseball-sized nuts and massaged them so nicely, he almost busted one. But they kept going, and once he felt like his dick had been lubed up enough by the amazing sloppy he was getting, he pulled Jamie’s head off and lifted the twink up, turning him around and bending his sweet ass over.

“I’m gonna fuck you so hard, slut,” Charlie whispered seductively into Jamie’s ear. Or was it Chad? It was unclear now who was who, as the nerd began to let the jock into him, letting go as he plowed Jamie’s ass raw. The twink whined like a bitch in heat as he couldn’t hold on for much longer, as Charlie kept ramming his cock against Jamie’s prostate so hard that he could only see stars. Jamie came from his tiny nub, but Chad kept going, fucking the cutie as if he were just a plaything, grunting like a beast as he neared his own climax.

“Holy shit bro, I’m gonna CUMMMMMM!” the jock shouted, as he blew a massive load inside Jamie’s tight ass, filling it up to the brim and letting it leak a bit out of the twink’s hole as he slid out. In his mind, Charlie’s and Chad’s minds melted together in orgasmic bliss, blending together to create a cocky yet dopey, dumb yet curious, straight-passing yet gay-as-fuck jock - the Chad everyone knew him to be. He took a deep breath as he turned the shower on, washing Jamie’s lithe body, while the cutie lathered up his huge muscles, kissing a few times, before drying each other up.

Jamie grabbed Chad’s phone and blushed as he typed in his number. “Call me, Chad.” The twink’s ass bounced hypnotically as he ran to his locker, got dressed, and headed out. Chad chuckled, cupping his bulge. He left a missed call for Jamie to save his contact, then got dressed in his gym clothes again, his scent barely erased by the shower he just had.

As Chad made his way back to his room, Will bumped into him, a slight blush on his frat-bro face. He looked up into Chad’s empty eyes and dumb grin, and noted them down in his head. “So, gave in to the jock life, Chad?” he asked.

“Dude, it’s soooo chill. No thoughts, just lifting, fucking, sleeping. I mean, I still have some smarts, but like, they’re all workout and nutrition shit, you feel me?” Chad replied, chuckling like the typical himbo he now was, as his fingers ran through his hair.

Will smirked. It worked. Charlie, or Chad now, could finally be his. But not just that, he seemed taller and bigger than ever. He moved closer to the jock he made, and smiled. “I get you, bro. Though, I have a question. You still into chicks?”

Chad let out a boastful laugh. “Nah man, dudes are the only ones who can appreciate all this,” he said as he gestured to his muscular body, his right arm flexed to show off.

“Is that so?” Will asked, flexing his own pecs to show off. “Then, mind if I say, I find you fucking hot, dude,” he whispered, cupping Chad’s bulge sexily. However, shock flooded his face when the jock pushed him off.

“Sorry, dude. I mean, you’re hot and all, but I’m only into cute twinks,” Chad replied with a firm frown, before sauntering off.

Will was confused as fuck. The Jock Bible promised him that anyone he turned into a jock would worship him, become his boyfriend and servant. Maybe that’s because he hadn’t read the footnotes - the fine print stated that whoever the converted jock would fuck first would be his desired lover. That was Jamie the twink. Now, Chad was dumb as a pile of rocks, but clearly, Will was dumber for missing this, and the Jock Bible weaved its magic into his mind, making sure he was dumb enough to forget about its existence and its powers, leaving him powerless and too dumb for college, that he soon dropped out.

And as for Chad? Well, with Jamie as his lover, and with his dopey confidence in life, who wouldn’t want to be like him?

———

Hello, Tumblr! I'm back with a new story after a long while - this one's a commission I'd been working on for some time now, though life had thrown me a few obstacles in getting it finished. Hope y'all enjoy this one!

If you're interested in commissioning a story from me, see my post on commissions here! If you can't or don't want to commission any stories, you can also tip me over on ko-fi.

[prettygirl-gabi]

Nothing But Net (And Love)

Pairing: KK Arnold x Reader

Fandom: UConn’s women’s basketball

POV: First-person

Word Count: 1,400+

Summary: kk is a menace even during the most loving day of the year..

If there’s one thing I know about KK Arnold, it’s that she’s competitive.

It doesn’t matter if it’s basketball, video games, or even something as small as rock-paper-scissors—she always plays to win.

That’s why, when February rolled around and all our teammates started talking about their Valentine’s Day plans, I wasn’t surprised when KK took it as a personal challenge to come up with the best way to ask me to be hers.

The only problem?

We’d been dating for almost six months.

She didn’t need to ask.

But this was KK we were talking about. She wanted to do it her way.

I should’ve known something was up when she texted me after practice.

KK: Meet me at the gym in 30. Wear something comfy.

Me: …Should I be worried?

KK: Nah, just be ready to lose.

I sighed, already shaking my head.

When I showed up at the gym, KK was already there, spinning a basketball on her finger with a cocky grin.

“Knew you’d come,” she teased, tossing the ball between her hands.

I crossed my arms. “I debated ignoring your text.”

She gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “You’d ignore me? On Valentine’s Day?”

I rolled my eyes. “What are we doing, KK?”

She smirked. “A little competition.”

I groaned. “Why am I not surprised?”

She dribbled the ball, looking way too smug. “Here’s the deal: One-on-one. First to seven. If I win, you have to be my Valentine.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And if I win?”

She paused, then scratched her head. “Uh… You still have to be my Valentine. But I’ll let you pick the movie for our date.”

I laughed. “So either way, I’m your Valentine?”

She grinned. “Obviously.”

Shaking my head, I grabbed the ball from her. “Fine. But don’t cry when I win.”

The game started off way too easy.

KK let me get a couple of shots in, probably trying to make me overconfident. I wasn’t stupid—I knew she was just waiting to flip the switch.

And sure enough, the second I got my third point, she locked in.

Her defense got tighter, her movements quicker, and suddenly, I was struggling to get a clean shot.

Within minutes, she had tied it up, 4-4.

I huffed, resting my hands on my knees. “Okay, you’re taking this way too seriously.”

She smirked, bouncing the ball. “Nah, I just really want you to be my Valentine.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

She winked. “And you love it.”

By the time the score hit 6-6, we were both sweaty and out of breath.

KK held the ball, dribbling slowly as she looked me up and down. “Final shot. You ready?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Go ahead, Arnold. Let’s see what you got.”

She grinned, then suddenly took off towards the basket.

I moved to block her, but at the last second, she spun away, smoothly laying the ball up and watching it fall through the net.

Game.

KK threw her arms up in victory. “Let’s gooo!”

I sighed, shaking my head as she jogged over to me, still grinning.

“So, does this mean I won?” she asked, clearly already knowing the answer.

I crossed my arms, pretending to think. “I guess…”

She gasped. “Guess? Nah, you gotta say it.”

I sighed dramatically. “Fine. You win, KK. I’m your Valentine.”

She beamed, stepping closer. “Say it again.”

I laughed. “KK—”

“Say it again.”

I rolled my eyes, but my heart was already melting. “I’m your Valentine, KK.”

Her smile softened, and she reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Good. ‘Cause you’ve been mine since day one.”

I felt my face heat up, but before I could say anything, she grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together.

“Come on,” she said, leading me toward the gym exit. “I got dinner reservations for us.”

I blinked in surprise. “Wait, what?”

She shrugged, looking smug. “Told you I had to win. I had a whole night planned.”

I laughed, squeezing her hand. “You’re something else, KK.”

She leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. “And you love it.”

Yeah. I really, really did.

---

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                 -Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

                             -prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

[ariqxwz]

THE CLUB

— Gangmember!chris x rich!reader

Warnings: use of y/n, mention of cigarettes.

Wc: 1.1k

A/n: should I make a Chris’s pov?

Masterlist here…

The air felt heavy, the music pounded in your ears, and your chest rose and fell with difficulty. It was too much.

“Can we leave now?” you asked as you clung to your fur jacket.

“But we just got here,” your friend protested.

You looked around—the place was packed with people drinking and dancing. The air was thick with smoke; you weren’t even sure if that was legal. It was clear you weren’t used to being in places like this.

Your eyes landed on a man sitting at the back of the room. It was the same guy from the other day. He was with a group of guys, talking. A cigarette occasionally rested between his lips. His gaze met yours. A shiver ran down your spine. His eyes stayed on you as a faint smile appeared on his face. You quickly looked away, feeling your cheeks burn.

“I think I’m gonna leave now,” you murmured almost an hour later, not sure if your friend even heard you. You decided to leave her dancing with other mutual friends and started walking toward the exit.

“Leaving so soon?” a male voice sounded behind you. Your body tensed—you recognized that voice. “That’s a shame.”

You turned around to see the same guy from the other day.

“Good night,” you smiled slightly, trying to sound polite, but your hands nervously played with the hem of your dress.

“What’s a girl like you doing here?” he asked, his brows slightly furrowed. You simply shrugged.

“I came with some friends, but I’m heading out now.”

The guy frowned. “You’re leaving alone? That’s dangerous.”

“I’ll call a taxi,” you said, trying to sound indifferent.

“I’ll go you.”

“What?”

“I’m coming with you. I’m not letting a young, pretty girl walk these streets alone,” he said just as indifferently. The difference was, he actually meant it. “This neighborhood is dangerous—even getting into a taxi with a stranger isn’t safe.”

“You’re a stranger.”

The corner of his lips curved into a small smirk. He glanced away before looking back at you and licking his lips. “I can assure you, you’re safer with me than with anyone else.”

“Why? Are you one of those bad boys that everyone’s scared of?”

He let out a chuckle and placed his hand on your lower back, starting to guide you toward the exit.

The cold air hit your face, and you couldn’t suppress a shiver as you stepped outside.

“You never told me your name,” you said, turning to look at him.

The guy seemed to think for a few seconds, deciding whether to answer or not. “Christopher, but everyone calls me Chris.”

“Alright then, Chris, I’m y/n. Nice to meet you.”

Chris smiled again. “Are you always this formal?”

“Yeah, I guess. That’s how I was raised.”

He nodded and looked around. “Let me take you home.”

“What?”

Chris rolled his eyes and turned his gaze back to you. “I’ll take you on my bike.”

“In this dress?” you said. Chris looked you up and down.

“You look really pretty.”

You rolled your eyes but a soft blush crept to your cheeks. “You tell me how dangerous this neighborhood is, yet you offer to take me when you’re also a stranger.”

“Stop complaining so much.” He placed his hand on your lower back again and led you to the parking lot.

Despite the crowd inside the club, the parking lot was deserted. When you reached his motorcycle, he took off his jacket and handed it to you. “You’re gonna be cold like that.”

You looked at the leather jacket and then at him, skeptical. Finally, you accepted it and put it on. His cologne filled your senses—it smelled incredible. When you looked up, Chris was holding out a helmet for you.

“But my hair will get ruined…” you murmured.

“I assume you’ll go to bed when you get home—it’ll get ruined either way.” He placed the helmet on your head and adjusted it.

“If you take me anywhere other than my house, I’m warning you—I have pepper spray in my bag. And if you kidnap me, it won’t take long for people to find me. My father will have hundreds of people looking for me.”

Chris smirked. “Don’t worry, princess, I’m not gonna kidnap you.” He pulled down the helmet’s visor. He placed his hands on your hips and lifted you onto the bike before swinging his leg over and sitting in front of you.

“Hold on tight.”

You ignored him, gripping the back of the seat instead. But as soon as he started the bike and took off, your arms instinctively wrapped around his waist.

You couldn’t see his face, but you knew he was smiling.

“You tell me where to turn.”

You didn’t dare lift your head.

“I live in Beverly Hills.”

“Rich girl, I see,” Chris murmured, though you didn’t hear him.

The ride was smoother than you expected. At red lights, you could feel Chris glancing over his shoulder at you, but he never said anything.

“What street do you live on?” he asked as you neared the area.

“Just drop me anywhere, I’ll walk the rest of the way.”

“I’m not doing that.”

“I’m not letting a stranger know where I live.”

Chris shook his head and started slowing down as he pulled into a parking lot.

“And here I thought you were just some naive little girl.”

You clenched your jaw but chose to ignore him. When he turned off the engine, you pulled your hands away from his waist. Chris got off the bike effortlessly, grabbed your hips, and helped you down.

“Thanks,” you said as you took off the helmet.

“It’s nothing.”

You started to take off his jacket, but he placed his hand over yours to stop you.

“Keep it. It’s yours now.”

Your expression softened, and you slowly moved your hand away from the zipper. “Are you sure?” He nodded. “Well… thanks.” You smiled. “I guess I owe you one.”

“Seeing you again will be enough.” He smiled back.

You nodded. “Good night.” You bid him farewell, giving him a slight nod.

You walked toward your house, unaware that Chris was watching, wanting to make sure you got home safely—and to see where you lived.

He parked his bike in a secluded spot with a good view of your house, watching as you stepped through the grand front yard. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bracelet—your bracelet. He stared at it with a faint smile.

🏷️:: @marrykisskilled @paulalovesyouu @faiyaz555 @kissesfromkitty @franticroads @chrissweetheart @emely9274 @fratbrochrisgf

© ariqxwz

[coolemmasulivan2]

A Beautiful Mess | 2

Pairing: Lando Norris

Summary: Two neighbors who can’t stand each other, until an accidental kiss changes everything.

Word count: 3125

You can read part 1 here

Do we need somebody Just to feel like we're alright? Is the only reason You're holding me tonight 'Cause we're scared to be lonely?

It had been a week since you last saw Lando. After his visit to the school, it was like he had vanished. You knew he was home because, as always, he made sure you knew that, but beyond that, there was no sign of him.

The touch of your lips has haunted you ever since. You cursed yourself, telling yourself that you should have pushed yourself away the moment your lips met, you shouldn't have frozen.

"You're not getting it! Our lips touched." You practically yelled at your sister over FaceTime. She burst out laughing. "It's not funny. I hate him."

"If you hate him so much, why are you this worked up?" She teased you.

You frowned. "Are you implying I felt something?"

She shrugged. "Did you?"

"NO!"

At the same time, Lando was telling Max, who was stuffing clothes into his suitcase, since he was going back to Lonon, what had happened.

"It was an accident, dude!" Max said, watching his friend with amusement. "Just forget about it."

"I can't forget it!" Lando groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Our lips touched, Max. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it."

Max snorted. "Sounds like you liked it."

Lando spun around. "Are you insane? I meant goosebumps in a bad way. Like… I feel sick."

"Yeah, sure." Max smirked, barely holding back laughter.

You downed the last sip of your coffee, grabbed your bag, and stepped out of your apartment. Today was going to be a good day. You could feel it.

You had woken up early, gone for a run, had breakfast, and still had time to stop by your favorite bakery at the end of the street. Everything felt perfectly in place.

For once, Lando Norris was the last thing on your mind. Or at least, he was supposed to be.

You stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor, as you shifted your bag onto your shoulder, but then, just as the doors were sliding shut, a hand shot between them, forcing them open.

Your stomach dropped.

Lando locked eyes with you, before stepping inside. He didn't said anything and neither did you. The doors closed, sealing you both inside the small space. The building had a few years, so the elevator was not that spaceous.

He looked at his watch and run a hand through his curls. He looked like he was in a hurry.

Just five more floors.

Four.

Three.

Then... A jolt.

The elevator shuddered violently before coming to a stop. The lights flickered once, then settled into an unsettling dim glow.

You both froze. Then Lando sighed, pressing the emergency button. Nothing happened.

"You've got to be kidding me." Lando muttered, dragging a hand down his face. "Great. Just my luck." He let out a long sigh, pacing in the cramped space. If the elevator had felt small before, it felt suffocating now.

You, far too calm for his liking, pressed the emergency button a few times. "Can you stop moving?" You snapped, growing irritated.

"Oh, I'm sorry, am I bothering you?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

You shot him a look. "Yes, actually. You've been bothering me for a while now. Thanks for finally noticing."

Lando scoffed. "Excuse me if I'm not as relaxed as you!"

You could see he was nervous. "If you keep panicking like that, you're going to run us out of oxygen."

His head snapped toward you, eyes wide. "What--?! Aren't you supposed to be a teacher? That's not how you tell someone to calm down!"

"You're not a kid, are you?"

Lando let out a fake chuckle. "Fuck. Why did I have to get stuck with you?"

You crossed your arms. "Trust me, I'm wondering the same thing."

He let out an amused breath, shaking his head. "Please! This is probably going to be the highlight of your day."

"You really think you’re that special? You're just an idiot, Norris." You said, crossing your arms over your chest.

Lando smirked, taking a deliberate step closer. "Well, then it seems we're not that different, princess."

"Don't you have anything better to do? Grow up, please. That pretty face of yours isn't going to get you out of everything forever."

"Oh..." He tilted his head, his smirk widening. "So you think I'm handsome?"

You exhaled sharply. "That's the only thing you got from what I said? You're impossible."

Somehow, the space between you had vanished. You weren't sure who had moved first, but suddenly, he was close. Closer than necessary.

Lando's gaze flickered down to your lips, as he licked his own. The air grew thick. The bickering stopped and he elevator fell into silence.

Your breath caught in your throat. Every logical thought screamed at you to move, push him away, to say something, but you didn't. Neither of you did.

Lando's hand twitched at his side like he was debating whether to reach for you. His chest rose and fell in deep, controlled breaths, but you could see it. He was just as caught in this moment as you were.

Then, just as his face leaned closer and your lips were about to touch, the elevator jerked back to life.

You stumbled slightly, as you immediately took a step back away from each other. He run a hand through his hair and you looked away from him. The air was thick, but neither of you acknowledged it.

The doors slid open and without hesitation, you stepped out, ignoring the concerned doorman who asked if you were okay. You didn't spare him, or Lando, a single glance as you strode out of the building.

Lando watched you go, jaw clenched, hands on his hips. He let out a breath and muttered under his breath: "What the fuck just happened?"

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Even surrounded by a classroom full of energetic kids, you couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in your head.

Why hadn't you pushed him away? Why hadn't you moved? Had you actually… wanted to kiss him? The questions run in your mind, each one making you more frustrated than the last.

By the time you got home, you felt exhausted, not physically, but mentally. You barely made it to the couch before grabbing your phone, dialing your friend number without hesitation.

"Let's go out tonight!" You blurted before she could even say hello.

A beat of silence. Then, suspicion. "Go out as in... clubbing?"

It had been a while. You weren't exactly the party animal type, so your sudden enthusiasm was unexpected.

"Yes!" You confirmed, already sitting up. "I need a distraction. Let's get dinner and then let's go out. Call the others."

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my responsible and sensible friend?"

"Just be ready."

Determined to wipe the morning from your mind, you took a long shower, letting the heat ease the tension from your shoulders. Then, you dug through your closet, finding a dress you barely remembered owning: it was a red dress that hugged your body in all the right places. Paired with black heels that made your legs look like they belonged on a runway and a swipe of bold red lipstick. You felt powerful and it was just what you needed.

Lando leaned against the DJ booth, his drink on his hand as his friend, Martin Garrix, animatedly talked about his upcoming tour dates.

The club was packed, people moving to the heavy bass, neon lights flickering across the dance floor. It was the perfect place to blow off steam, to forget about the week.

Or at least, it was.

But the moment you walked in with your friends, all thoughts of relaxation evaporated.

Lando stiffened, nearly choking on his drink. "Oh, for fuck's sake."

"WHAT?" Martin shouted over the music.

Lando gestured toward the entrance. "Do you see that group that just walked in?"

Martin followed his gaze, spotting a group of friends laughing as they stepped into the club. "What about it?"

"The girl in the red dress. It's my neighbour!"

Martin's eyebrows shot up. "Wait... The neighbor? The one you kissed?"

Lando rolled his eyes. "We didn't kiss."

"Yet!" Martin smirked, clearly enjoying himself seeing Lando's annoyed face. He turned back to glance at you again. "She's beautiful."

Lando made a face, scoffing like the idea was ridiculous. "She's a nightmare, that's what she is." Martin chuckled, seeing right through him. "And she's a kindergarten teacher, bet it's gonna be real awkward for some parents to see their kid's sweet little teacher dressed like that."

Martin laughed, draping an arm over Lando's shoulder. "Dude, you're so jealous already."

"Shut up. What the hell are you talking about?"

"It's obvious!" Martin smirked. "You like her. And you hate that every guy in this club is about to spend their night looking at her. I can practically see smoke coming out of your ears, mate."

"Fuck off."

Your feet ached, but you didn't care. You were having the time of your life. Hours had passed in a blur of music, laughter, and drinks, and you and your friends hadn't left the dance floor for more than a few minutes at a time.

The alcohol had done its job: Lando hadn't crossed your mind all night. (Well, except maybe now. But that doesn't count.)

Leaning against the bar, you waited for your drink when a man approached you. Tall, broad shoulders, very handsome. And exactly your type.

He flashed you a smile. "Do you come here often?"

You blinked at him before bursting into laughter. "Oh my god. That pick-up line does not match your face."

He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, that was terrible. I panicked."

You smirked. "I can tell."

"Not much of a flirt, I guess." He admitted, laughing along with you.

"Clearly."

He stuck out his hand. "I'm Eric, by the way."

You shook it, still grinning. "Y/n."

Lando leaned against the railing, beer in hand, eyes fixed on the bar. He told himself he was just people-watching, just casually scanning the room, but his gaze kept landing on you.

And the guy standing way too close to you.

The guy who looked like he'd stepped straight out of a fashion magazine. Tall, charming, and irritatingly good-looking. The kind of guy who knew exactly how to play his cards.

Lando took a sip of his beer, jaw tightening as he watched you laugh at something the guy said. You were drunk and from the way the guy leaned in, so was he. Too close. Way too close.

"You look like a creep." Martin shouted over the music, snapping Lando out of his glare. "Stop looking at her."

"I'm not looking at her."

Martin snorted. "Right. You're just analyzing the guy she's with." He nudged Lando's shoulder. "Worried she might take him home?"

Lando scoffed, tearing his eyes away. "I don't fucking care."

"Sure." Martin smirked, taking a sip of his drink. He didn't press further, letting his friend drown in jealousy.

You stumbled outside, the cool night air hitting your flushed skin like a slap. Eric followed closely behind, his hand steady on your back as he helped you sit down on a nearby bench as you waited for the cab.

"You're really nice, you know that?" You mumbled, tilting your head to look at him as he sat down beside you.

Eric smiled. "Thank God. I was worried I screwed up my chances with that terrible pickup line."

You laughed softly, resting your head against the cool metal of the bench. "You saved yourself."

"I'm glad!" He admitted, his voice warm. "I had a good time tonight."

"Me too." You sighed, your stomach swirling uncomfortably. You cleared your throat, barely above a whisper as the words slipped out. "I wish you were him."

Eric frowned. "Who?"

Before you could answer, a voice interrupted you. His voice.

"Y/n?" You and Eric both turned, and there he was. Lando. Hands in his pockets, his gaze locked onto you.

Eric's eyes widened in recognition. "Wow. Lando Norris?" He sounded excited, most likely a fan.

But you barely registered his reaction. Your stomach twisted again, and before you could stop it, you shot up from the bench, turned away from them both, and emptied your stomach onto the pavement.

Lando instinctively moved toward you, but Eric was faster. He was by your side, gathering your hair in his hands and rubbing slow circles on your back.

Lando clenched his jaw, watching the way Eric took care of you. It shouldn't bother him, but it did. The guy was too perfect. A walking green flag.

"Are you okay?" Eric asked gently. "Think you can stand?"

You wiped your mouth with the back of your hand, groaning as you nodded. Eric helped you to your feet, keeping you steady against his side. "Where's that damn cab?" Eric muttered under his breath, glancing around.

"I'll take her home," Lando said suddenly.

Eric turned to him, brows raised. "What?"

"We're neighbors. She's most likely going to pass out on the way back."

"Yeah, we drank quite a lot." He looked between you and Lando. "Y/n? You okay with that?"

"Hm?"

"Are you okay with going with Lando? Is he your neighbour?" He asked you, and Lando could almost hear himself rolling his eyes. The guy was seriously too nice.

"Yes!" You confirmed. Lando took a step forward and stretched his hands. You blinked up at him, your head heavy. "You're so annoying. Why are you always everywhere?" Despite your grumble, your hands slowly found his.

Eric's lips twitching into a sad smile. He gently let you go as Lando pulled you closer, steadying you against him.

"Thanks for taking care of her." Lando said.

"It was my pleasure." Eric replied, his gaze soft as he looked at you. "She's something special. And I just met her, so…"

You chuckled. "I like you, Eric."

He smiled. "I know, Y/n." Then his expression flickered, just for a second. "But I'm not him, right?"

Lando frowned, watching as you only groaned in response.

Eric let out a small breath before leaning in and pressing a kiss to your cheek. Lando's grip on you tightened.

"It was nice meeting you." Eric said. "Call me sometime, yeah?" He turned to Lando, extending a hand. "Big fan, man. Nice to meet you."

Lando shook it briefly. "Yeah. You too."

Eric gave you one last glance before walking off.

Lando glanced down at you, your body leaning heavily into his side. "Come on, let's get you home."

You hummed, already half-asleep. "Still annoying."

"Yeah, yeah."

Lando pulled into his parking spot, turning off the engine with a quiet sigh leaving his mouth. When he glanced to his right, he wasn't surprised to see you fast asleep, just like he'd predicted.

Your head rested against the window of his McLaren, your mouth slightly open, breaths slow and steady. One of his Quadrant hoodies was draped over you.

Lando exhaled, leaning back against the seat as he stared at you. He'd never really taken the time to look at you before, not like this. You looked… peaceful. And you were indeed a very beautiful woman.

His fingers moved on their own, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face, tucking it gently behind your ear.

"What the hell am I doing?" Lando muttered to himself, running a hand down his face, he groaned under his breath. "I must be crazy."

Shaking off whatever the hell that was, he reached over and carefully pulled your head away from the window. Then, he stepped out of the car, circling around to your side and pulling the door open.

"Y/n?" He called, his voice quiet but firm as he nudged your arm. "Wake up. We're home."

"Hm?" You groaned, keeping your eyes firmly shut.

"Wake up. Come on."

He turned your face into the seat, snuggling deeper into the warmth. "Let me sleep!"

Lando huffed, crossing his arms as he glanced around the dimly lit garage. "If you don't wake up, I'm leaving you here." Nothing. "I cannot believe her." With a sigh, he leaned down, sliding one arm beneath your legs and the other behind your back. He hesitated for a second before carefully lifting you into his arms.

You instinctively curled into his chest, your face pressing against the crook of his neck, a small sigh leaving your lips. Lando froze for a split second, his heart racing in his chest.

Lando stepped into the elevator, shifting you slightly in his arms to press the button for his floor. You were still dead weight against him, your warm breath fanning against the side of his neck. He clenched his jaw, doing his best to ignore the way you seemed to fit perfectly against him.

When the doors opened, he carried you down the hall, stopping in front of your apartment.

"Alright, time to go home." He muttered, adjusting his grip. "Where's your key?" You mumbled something against his neck, your lips brushing against his skin. Then, before he could even react, you wrapped your arms around him, holding him close. "Y/n." He tried again, shaking you gently. "Where's your key?"

Another muffled murmur. He sighed, dropping his head back against the door in frustration. Since you refused to answer him, and since he couldn't exactly rummage through your purse while holding you, he had no choice.

"Alright, you're coming with me." He muttered, carrying you across the hall to his own apartment.

He walked straight to his bedroom, gently lowering you onto his bed. As soon as your back hit the mattress, he exhaled, running a hand through his hair. But just as he moved, you reached out, your fingers curling into the fabric of his white shirt, right where it gaped open.

"Stay." You murmured, eyes still closed.

Lando froze. "You're drunk!" He reminded you, gently prying your fingers off him. You groaned but refused to let go, gripping his shirt again, this time tighter. His breath hitched as your fingertips brushed against his bare chest. "Y/n!"

"Lando!" You snuggled against the pillow, your grip unrelenting. "Stay." You whispered.

Lando clenched his jaw. He should go. He needed to go. But the way you held onto him, the way you looked so small and vulnerable in his bed… it made something twist inside his chest.

With a heavy sigh, he gave in. "Fine! But just until you fall asleep." He told himself that.

And yet, as he laid down beside you, feeling the warmth of your body so close to his, he had a sinking feeling that this was only going to make things a lot more complicated.

Tags:

@lilorose25 @downsideup1989 @anayaverse @ln4-cl16-world @chlmtfilms @444-leqz @joannaln4 @notarshia

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[Series Masterlist][Main Masterlist]

Ex-Sneaky Link!JJ Maybank x Kook!Reader

After months of hooking up with JJ in secret, you both began developing deep feelings for each other, but when his friends, Kie especially, learn of your relationship and plot on it's downfall JJ leaves you reeling and confused as he enters a relationship with his best friend leaving you to wonder what you did to push him away so quickly. Unbeknownst to you however. the blonde was struggling more than he let on, wanting nothing more than to go his own path but feeling trapped with those who used to make him feel free. The only person he can think of now that makes him feel as open as he once did is.... you.

Warnings: Emotional Cheating, Flirty Rafe, Fighting, Alcohol Consumption(JJ gets drunk), Fighting and Lying.

~~~~

The second you exited the office JJ was hot on your heels, catching up to you before you could even reach your car. “Rafe is one of Barnes’ clients? Seriously?”

“Well technically not yet but he wants to be.” You answer, avoiding his eyes with the excuse of finding the right button to unlock your door. Before you can however JJ snatches the keys from you, raising his eyebrows challengingly and making you finally turn to look at him.

“I didn’t think he was actually going to show up for the meeting Jay I’m sorry,” You pinch the bridge of your nose and sigh, “He’s been canceling the meeting for months now and I genuinely thought he would again, and again until Mr.Barnes finally said no. I wouldn’t have suggested the job had I thought he would actually be coming in.”

“Why didn’t you tell me it was even a possibility?” He snaps, staring at you as you began to shrink before him.

“I don’t know Jay, I wanted you to work with me so I didn’t tell you because I’m a selfish idiot. Mr.Barnes didn’t even want to meet with him after everything and I genuinely thought it would never happen. I’m sorry.” You sigh, staring up at JJ, you had never seen him as angry as he was right now and as your eyes glossed over JJ seemed to notice. His walls breaking, staring down at your slightly scared eyes.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like a dick.” He sighs, handing you your keys slowly before he continues, “I just really hate Rafe, he’s one of the worst people I have ever met and I guess I just got jealous.”

Your eyes meet his and JJ swears he can see something in them, something telling him you’re scared. Like you’re hiding something. He needs to remind himself he has no right to pry but something nags at him as he watches you avert your eyes away from him once again. He grabs your shoulder gently getting your eyes back on him before he starts speaking slowly.

“I’m sorry, really. You don’t owe me anything.” Guilt rushes through you at his words and you desperately try to keep eye contact with him while he speaks but ultimately you fail.

“I should probably get home Jay. It’s not right that you’re getting jealous about me of all people when you have Kie. Maybe we should start keeping our distance from each other.” You state simply trying to maintain a neutral voice as JJ’s eyes furrow in confusion.

“What? What the hell happened to “I want you to stay”? I thought you wanted me in your life now y/n?” JJ snaps, stepping closer to you even though you don’t say anything, you cant.

You stand still facing away from him, listening to the pleading tone in his voice. JJ watches you, scoffing when you walk forward again getting in your car and driving off. Leaving him confused and upset where he stands in the parking lot.

Luckily JJ made it easy to ignore your feelings for him. He didn’t text you as you made it home and even though you kept checking his contact while getting ready for the evening you knew it was for the best. Part of you even wanted to be woken up with a call from him, asking to be let in, but it never came. So you dealt with the pain you caused yourself alone.

JJ wanted to call you that night, wanted to beg you to rethink but he couldn’t because he knew you were right. He couldn’t bring himself to choose. He couldn’t bring himself to lose you or his friends. And if he couldn’t pick he couldn’t expect you to stay around and just wait. But the thought of you and Rafe had him tossing and turning in Kie’s bed all night, and when he walked into work that next morning a feeling of total dread was settled in his chest. He knew what he wanted, he just had to be brave enough to take it.

And it turns out he just wasn’t.

You ignored him expertly throughout the morning hours, telling yourself your feelings for him were selfish and heartless of you to pursue. Egging yourself on to push everything down further and further by remding yourself of Kie and how you would feel if you were in her place instead. But it didn’t make it easy. It never would.

Despite you wanting your distance JJ found excuses to be near you all morning, coming to clean the floor he already cleaned yesterday just to try and force eye contact to no avail. JJ knew he was acting desperate but he just couldn’t imagine himself ever being able to stay away from you. He knew he had no right to he so angry but when the moment he had been dreading finally came and Rafe’s giant shiny new truck pulled up to the office JJ was already fuming at the sight.

All he could do was watch with barely hidden rage when Rafe sauntered his way through the office doors, making his way to your desk with a smile JJ knew too well. He was early and JJ knew that had to be intentional. He was suddenly early after canceling for months, something about it just didn’t sit right with him.

“Hey y/n, I almost forgot you worked here for a bit,” Rafe remarked with a smirk, leaning against your desk with a nonchalant air about him, “I’m early I know but I was hoping Mr.Barnes could squeeze me in, I had something come up for later”

“Mr.Cameron, I can ask in a few minutes but he’s on a private phone call at the moment.” You try to keep your annoyance out of your tone, expertly avoiding his eyes too as you needlessly stare at you work tablet.

“You’re so professional Y/N, might have to try and steal you from Barnes to come work for me.” JJ scoffs, eavesdropping on your conversation as his eyes burn holes in both you and Rafe.

“I’m not quite sure what I’d do at your club Rafe, I’d much rather stay here where I’m comfortable. But thank you.” Rafe laughed softly, watching you with his deep eyes you had grown to hate.

“I know you can be fun y/n, you may be all professional now but don’t think I forgot our party days.” JJ almost snaps as he listens to the sultry tone Rafe uses with you, the way it comes to him so easily like he’s used it with you before.

“Yeah well not everyone is proud of the worst days of their life Ray.” The name slips from your lips without thinking, and you curse yourself, avoiding Rafe’s eyes again and trying to ignore the burning gaze of JJ.

Are you fucking kidding me? JJ thinks, his teeth gritting together trying to control himself.

“I forgot how much I like when you call me that.” Rafe’s voice takes on a deeper tone you knew very well, forcing your eyes up to his just as it always used to.

JJ watches how you look at him, like you were in his trance, like you were a deer caught in headlights. He could feel the anger bubbling over in his chest, he knew he couldn’t, shouldn’t, feel this way. But he couldn’t stop it. He hated seeing him anywhere near ypu.

“Weren’t you supposed to have your business partner with you?” You ask, your voice shaking slightly as your eyes meet JJ’s dark gaze from the corner where they lock onto you immediately. Rafe’s eyes shoot to JJ for a split second, a dark smile painting across his face when his eyes meet yours again. He was having fun.

“Once I remembered you worked here I came right over, Top’s busy today so it’s just us.” You hear the teasing hint to Rafe’s voice, ignoring it the best you can while at the same time desperately trying to ignore JJ’s intense, blue gaze.

“Actually it will just be you and Mr.Barnes, I won’t be needed for the meeting,” Letting your voice take on a sweet, customer service esc voice to let him know you wanted to keep it professional you stand and make your way to knock on your boss’ door.

“Mr.Cameron’s here early Sir, he’s ready for your meeting together if you are.” Mr.Barnes takes note of the annoyance in your tone eyeing the look on your face with a raised eyebrow. You were in fact meant to be a part of the meeting, taking note of the arrangements needed and readying his schedule for future meetings but Mr.Barnes was quite perspective and took your hint quickly.

“Let him in, I’ll update you after.” You flash him a thank you smile as you return to your desk, waving Rafe into your boss’ office quickly before he can speak to you again and shutting the door behind him.

The second you could stop to take a quick breath JJ’s shadow blanketed you entirely. Forcing eye contact with you, raising his eyebrows questioningly while you avoid him expertly. You take your sest at your desk, acting as though JJ wasn’t following quickly behind you, starting to speak angerly.

“What was that?” He asks, his tone clearly trying to hide his annoyance. You roll your eyes, keeping quiet and focused on your tablet in front of you despite his insistent eyes.

“Come on y/n that was definitely something.” You could hear his exasperation, leant down onto your desk, his biceps flexing in anger. Your eyes meet his quickly before dropping back down to your screen, trying to ignore the heat running through your body at his anger.

“You shouldn’t even be asking me that,” You sigh giving him a glance before continuing, “What would Kie ask you if she saw how you talk to me huh?”

“Okay so there is something going on?”

“Why would you say that?” You turn in your chair, facing him fully and staring at him exasperated.

“Because you just compared it to us and you can’t deny there is definitely something going in between us still.” JJ moves forward quickly, grabbing the arms of your chair, staring into your eyes intensely and making you swallow out of fear of telling the truth. Moving forward quickly you grab random papers meant to be mailed out today, shoving past JJ’s muscular frame quickly practically running away from him to the mailbox just outside.

Thankfully he doesn’t follow, watching you with a pinched brow, anger flowing through him as he feels his face heat up. JJ lets the day continue as normal, not missing how you run off to the bathroom as soon as Rafe starts to exit Barnes’ office with a smile on his face.

As Rafe’s leaving he takes the chance to approach JJ for the first time in a year. His tongue poking into his cheek while he suppresses a smile making JJ’s teeth grit in anger.

“Hey Maybank, didn’t think I’d see you here,” Rafe laughs slightly between his words, looking off as if checking for you, “Y’know you take your girls for granted, it’s like they’re always itchin’ for someone else’s attention.” Rafe laughs as JJ refrains from jumping at him, watching him leave with a scowl on his face.

~~~~

You make it home quickly, avoiding JJ like the plague for the rest of the work day. Even going as far as leaving from a different door to avoid his accusatory tone and glances.

Your chest tightens every time you think of JJ for the rest of the evening. Taking your time in the shower to enjoy the warmth of the water and the fragrance wafting around you. You almost feel empty as you accept the cold of the bathroom once you step out, dressing in your night clothes as fast as you can before being shocked out of your feelings by a crash in your room outside the door to your bathroom.

The sound of someone seemingly crashing into your bedroom sends you panicking. Alone in your bathroom you find the closest thing that could cause bodily harm before cautiously opening the bathroom door and stepping out wielding a hair dryer. Your window was open fully, the cold breeze reminding you of your uncovered nightgown as you look around. JJ laughs cutely behind you and you almost scream, turning to him exasperated, breathing heavily as you drop the almost useless hair dryer. “Oh….it’s you.”

JJ smiles at you, but somethings off as you notice the sight was less comforting, the smell of liquor hitting your nose. He had been drinking, you thought. The lack of the noise from his motorcycle and the stumbling suddenly made sense when you took note of his inebriated state.

“What are you doing here, arent you supposed to he at Kie’s?”

“I’m not supposed to be anywhere y/n,” He snaps, making his way around your room looking at all the photographs on your wall, unbeknownst to you looking for any sign of Rafe.

“Did you guys get into another fight?” You ask, quickly moving to stand beside him.

“Why do you care?” He spits, a look of disgust on his face when he walks towards you, “What’s going on with you and Rafe?” JJ asks ignoring your question entirely stepping towards you as you stutter, breathing in quickly and turning to walk away from him.

“Nothing, why would you ask that?” Your chest tightens, watching him step closer to you, stepping away from him while watching his bloodshot eyes.

“I saw the way he looked at you, and I heard what he said, what did he mean your party days. What the hell is he talking about y/n.” JJ’s voice rises unknowingly coming close to yelling, so close to you now you he’s practically screaming in your face.

“It was just a rebellious phase, I went to some of his parties and we had fun together.”

“The way we had fun together?” JJ snaps, an accusatory tone filling his voice as he slurs at you. He was so close you could smell the alcohol on his breath, and against everything you knew of JJ you felt scared of him.

“No JJ why would you think that? We never did anything like that, it wasn’t that serious.” Your voice turns to begging and he senses the shift in your demeanor, stepping back slightly.

“I’m sorry y/n,” JJ breaks down slightly, his voice breaking and sounding so desperate it almost broke your heart. You move up to him, grabbing his shoulders in an attempt to reassure him. Rubbing them softly with your hand as you speak, making eye contact with him and keeping it.

“It’s okay JJ, I get it,” You sigh watching him while you continue, “I can’t control my feelings for you so I can’t expect you to either. It’s seems like no matter what I do I’m being selfish towards someone.” JJ slowly starts to lean into you, his drunken and seemingly heartbroken state making you jump away just as he gets closer to you.

“Jay we can’t, you can’t. And you really need to stop trying.” JJ comes even closer despite your hand coming up to rest on his chest, he comes so close that his lips almost brush against yours before dropping his head to your neck. You can feel when his tears start to fall, wetting your shoulder while his arms wrap around your waist tightly.

“I’m sorry, I just miss you,” JJ says through broken sobs, “I miss you so fuckin’ much it hurts.” Your heart breaks for him as he speaks, mumbling into your shoulder. “I hated seeing you talk to Rafe, I hate the idea of him being anywhere near you ever again.”

“If he and Mr.Barnes come to an agreement I won’t need to interact with him okay,” You say softly, reassuring him while rubbing his back, “Some of Barnes’ men will be sent to his club on the agreed days and then that will be that and we can forget all about him.”

JJ’s bloodshot eyes meet yours, his tear streaked face sending a pang of guilt directly to your heart. You wished everything was easy, that you could just be each others first everything so you wouldn’t have to go through moments like this. You wished you could have him like you used to. You wished you both could just be happy no matter what. But you could tell it would never be easy now.

“I should probably get going, I shouldn’t stay another night if we’re supposed to be keeping our distance.” You scoff as he turns to walk towards your window, walking around him quickly and pushing him back down your bed with a small laugh.

“Hell no JJ, you are absolutely shit faced and it’s almost midnight. I am not letting you stumble around this island looking for a place to stay just because we can’t control our feelings.” You laugh at his awe struck look he gives you while staring up at you desperately, “Imma get you some water and aspirin for the morning when you’re inevitably hungover. Get comfortable Jay, because you’re not leaving.”

“Thank you.” JJ whispers so quietly you almost didn’t hear him just as he begins to settle into your bed. You enter your connected bathroom without a response, getting him his water and painkillers before returning to find him already entirely knocked out.

And you knew in that moment as you watched JJ’s sleeping figure, comfortable and safe on your bed that he could never find out how close you and Rafe once were.

~~~~

Some serious drama starting here 🤭

~Taglist~ (ask to be added❤️)

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[eclipixels]

Payback

Sylus x reader

Content: You don't like Sylus allowing other girls to flirt with him, so you take matters into your own hands to get back at him

A/N: pt.1 pt.2

[2,911 words]

      You sat with Sylus at the bar, your head resting against his shoulder, the low hum of conversation and clinking glasses filling the air around you. The two of you had arrived earlier than most, and now, as you watched the slow trickle of people filtering in, you couldn’t help but think that maybe Sylus had been right, you should have waited a little longer before coming.

      With a soft sigh, you sat up, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. "I’m gonna go use the bathroom, okay?" you murmured, your fingers lightly squeezing his arm before you slipped away toward the restroom.

      The momentary break was meant to be nothing, just a quick trip before returning to his side. But when you emerged, your heart nearly stopped.

      A woman stood dangerously close to him, tilting her head in that familiar, flirtatious way as she batted her lashes. The dim lighting of the bar only made the moment more intimate, more insufferable. Then, as if to twist the knife deeper, she leaned in, her lips close to his ear as she whispered something you weren’t meant to hear, something that sent a searing pang of jealousy straight through you.

      Did you really believe him when he told you that you were the only woman he wanted? That he never entertained temptation? That he never strayed, even when countless women threw themselves at him?

      You wanted to believe him. You truly did. But watching this unfold, watching him stand there and allow her to linger, to bask in his presence without a single sign of dismissal—it gnawed at you. It didn’t matter if he wasn’t flirting back or even paying her much attention. The fact that he didn’t push her away, that he allowed these moments to exist at all, was what truly got under your skin.

      And who could blame her for being drawn to him? Sylus looked effortlessly breathtaking in his tailored black Versace suit, the sleek fabric clinging to him in all the right ways. He exuded confidence, mystery, an untouchable charm that made heads turn the moment he stepped into a room. If you were in her position, wouldn’t you want a man like him to look at you the way you wished he only looked at you?

      But why? Why couldn’t he make it clear that he was unavailable, that there was no room for anyone else in his orbit? The questions burned in your mind, threatening to spill over into words you weren’t sure you were ready to say aloud.

      Because no matter how much you trusted him, doubt had a way of creeping in like a shadow in the night. And right now, standing there, watching her linger in his space… that shadow felt all-consuming.

      "You okay?" a voice pulled you from your thoughts, and you turned to find yourself looking at some guy. Tall, effortlessly good-looking, with a broody, mysterious air that made him stand out.

      "I'm completely awesome. Just having the time of my life," you replied with a smirk, the sarcasm practically dripping from your words. "I mean, you agree, right? I am awesome. You know what? Don't even answer that."

      He gave you a small smile, the kind that was just barely there but still managed to be annoyingly charming. "As much as I’ve heard about you, you're more than just awesome."

      Your drunken mind barely registered the comment or who exactly had been talking about you. But if he had heard things, well, hopefully, they were good things. He had this whole mysterious, darkly intriguing vibe, and if you weren’t so hopelessly in love with Sylus, maybe—just maybe—something could have happened.

      "Do you wanna dance?" you asked impulsively, tilting your head at him.

      His eyes widened slightly, as if the question had caught him off guard. "I don't think that would be appropriate," he said, his voice polite yet firm.

      Seriously, what was it with men not wanting to dance with you today? You were an amazing dancer.

      "And why exactly wouldn't it be appropriate?" you teased, grabbing his arm before he could protest and pulling him toward the dance floor. Not that you were trying to make Sylus jealous or anything. But, you know, if it happened organically, you wouldn’t be opposed.

      "Just relax. It's just a dance," you grinned, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him a little closer. You giggled as he let out a small breath, clearly debating whether to just go with it or keep resisting.

      Then, as if the universe had a twisted sense of humor, the music shifted into something slow and romantic, one of those songs you'd never heard before but could already tell was meant for lovers lost in each other’s arms.

      Perfect. Just perfect.

      You didn’t want to look. Didn’t want to see if that woman was still talking to Sylus.

      "You know," your dance partner said after a moment, "I learned how to waltz once. It’s been a few years, though."

      You chuckled, tilting your head at him. "Oh yeah? Think you still got it?"

      He smirked slightly. "Guess we’re about to find out."

      For a fleeting second, you felt Sylus’s gaze burning into you from across the room. You could almost hear the unspoken words in his stare. But you ignored it. To hell with him.

      The two of you danced so flawlessly, so effortlessly, that the energy in the room shifted. People took notice. Whispers spread, eyes turned. But you didn’t care. For the first time tonight, you were simply having fun.

      Then, with a fluid motion, he twirled you around, sending a rush of exhilaration through your veins before pulling you back into his arms. And finally, the grand finish—a dip, deep and dramatic. The moment lingered as you locked eyes with him, your breath slightly ragged from the movement.

      A slow smile spread across your face as you straightened up. “I’ve always wanted to do that,” you admitted, a soft laugh escaping your lips.

      "I'm glad I could make that happen," he replied, his own smile warm and genuine.

      Before you could say anything else, the sound of clapping caught your attention. You turned to see Wanda and Tara grinning at you, their faces full of approval and amusement.

      “You were amazing!” Tara cheered, her excitement practically radiating off her.

      Your dance partner chuckled, then took a small step back. “You should go join your friends,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost hesitant. “Besides, I wouldn’t want any trouble for you.”

      And just like that, he turned to leave.

      A frown crept onto your face. His words confused you. What kind of trouble? He was fun to be around, easy to talk to. You had a feeling that if nothing else, the two of you could have been good friends. But he was gone before you could ask.

      The thrill of dancing, the lightness of the moment—it all started to fade as the weight of reality crashed back down. For a little while, the music, the movement, the laughter had made you forget. Forget about Sylus. Forget about the ache in your chest.

      But now? Now, it all came rushing back.

      You forced a smile as you said goodnight to Tara and your other hunter friends. They wanted you to stay, to shake off the sadness, but you were drained. Completely and utterly exhausted.

      All you wanted was to be alone. To cry in peace.

      And you didn’t care how you got home.

      Stepping outside, the cool night air did little to soothe the fire burning inside you. But as if the universe hadn’t tormented you enough tonight, there he was—Sylus, leaning against his motorcycle, waiting.

      The last person you wanted to see right now.

      At least he wasn’t with her.

      "What are you doing here?" you asked, voice sharper than intended.

      At the sound of your voice, he turned his head, his expression unreadable—until his eyes met yours. Then, just like that, his gaze hardened.

      "The real question is, what the hell were you doing in there? With that guy?" His tone was sharp, laced with something that almost sounded like jealousy.

      God. The sheer audacity.

      You let out a bitter laugh, shaking your head. "It's called dancing, Sylus. You know, that thing people do when they're having fun?" You crossed your arms, eyes narrowing. "And honestly? The hypocrisy is commendable. Really."

      His brows furrowed. "The hypocrisy? What’s gotten into you, Y/N?"

      Maybe it was the drinks. Maybe it was the adrenaline crashing. Maybe it was the way your heart still ached from watching him with her. But something inside you cracked.

      "You know what? You’re right. I knew what I was getting into with you," you admitted, voice shaking, "but I can’t do it anymore."

      His expression faltered for the first time, but you didn’t let him speak.

      "Is this even a relationship to you, Sylus? Or am I just someone you’re fooling around with until you get bored?" The words came out harsher than you expected, but you didn’t care.

      For a moment, silence hung between you like a storm waiting to break.

      Then, something in his face changed. The sharpness faded, replaced with something else, something you couldn’t quite place.

      Hurt?

      "Is that what you really think of me?" he asked, voice quieter now, almost disbelieving. "Of us?"

      You swallowed hard, but he didn’t stop.

      "Is that what you think I’m doing?" He took a step forward, his usual cocky demeanor nowhere to be seen. "Just stringing you along until I get bored?"

      The way he said it made your chest tighten, but you wouldn’t let him turn this around on you.

      You stepped back, refusing to let your resolve waver.

      "That’s how you made me feel today, Sylus," you snapped, your voice trembling with the weight of everything you had held in. "You made me feel used. You made me feel small—like I was nothing compared to her. Like she mattered to you, and I didn’t."

      Your lips quivered as you tried to hold back the lump forming in your throat, but the words wouldn’t stop now.

      "You can’t let the most gorgeous woman in the room flirt with you, throw it in my face, and then expect me to just stand there and not care," you choked out, barely recognizing your own voice—raw, broken, angry.

      Sylus exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. He wasn’t trying to hurt you. You knew that. But that didn’t make it hurt any less. And maybe he hadn’t been ready for this confrontation, but neither were you—you hadn’t asked for this heartbreak.

      "She means nothing to me, Y/N," he said, his voice quieter now. "And she wasn’t the most gorgeous woman in the room."

      You let out a bitter laugh, shaking your head. "Yeah? That’s funny, considering how easily you let her hang all over you."

      His jaw tightened. "Don’t use that tone with me, Y/N."

      And that—that—set you off completely.

      "Fuck off, Sylus," you spat, stepping back, fire burning behind your eyes. "You don’t get to do this. You don’t get to act jealous then get mad when I get the same way."

      As soon as the words left your mouth, Sylus closed the distance between you in an instant, crashing his lips against yours in a kiss that was rough, desperate, and possessive. He had heard enough. He couldn’t lose you like this. He wouldn’t let it happen.

      You wanted to fight back, wanted to push him away, wanted to scream at him for how much he had hurt you tonight—but you didn’t. Instead, you gave in. You kissed him back with just as much fire, all the jealousy, anger, and pain pouring into the way your lips moved against his. You wanted to rip his hair out, but at the same time, you wanted to fuck him senseless.

      His hands gripped your waist as he lifted you effortlessly, and you instinctively wrapped your legs around him. He walked forward until your back hit the wall, trapping you between the cool surface and the warmth of his body. A sharp gasp left your lips as he tangled his fingers in your hair, tugging just enough to tilt your head back, exposing your neck to him. His mouth was on you in an instant, lips and teeth marking you, sucking deep enough to leave bruises. His marks.

      He wasn’t the only jealous one tonight.

      Watching you dance, hearing you laugh so freely with that guy—it had made something primal snap inside him. He wanted to be the one spinning you around, holding you in his arms, making you smile like that. He wanted to be the man who made you happy.

      His hands slid under your dress, gripping your ass roughly as he pressed his hips forward, grinding against you. You gasped at the friction, a moan slipping from your lips as you felt how hard he was through his jeans. You wrapped your legs around him tighter, rolling your hips against his, desperate for something to ease the ache between your legs. You were frustrated, upset, and so fucking turned on all at once.

      Then, before you could stop it, a single tear slipped down your cheek.

      Sylus stilled.

      He heard the soft, broken sob escape your lips, and his chest tightened. His hands, which had been gripping you so possessively just moments ago, suddenly softened their hold. He pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against yours as his breathing evened out.

      His thumb brushed the tear from your cheek before he pressed a tender kiss there, his lips lingering. And then, slowly, he set you back down onto your feet.

      The loss of contact made you shiver, but you weren’t ready for this moment to end—not like this.

      “I'm so absolutely sorry for how I made you feel tonight.”

      “I just wish you would push those women away, why don’t you do that?” Your lips quivered. His heart broke, how could he make you feel this way? He was mad at himself.

      “I didn’t think it mattered. I thought you already knew I loved you.” He admits, feeling stupid for not realizing sooner how much it hurt you.

      “Still, it hurts seeing them flirt with you and you do nothing.”

      “I am sincerely sorry my love, I promise, I won’t let it happen anymore.” He closes the distance between you two. He wraps his arms around you tightly "you're my weakness y/n, I never wanted to have one but then you came along.”

      “You’re mine, okay?” You say firmly.

      "I am yours. So beautiful you are, the prettiest. I love the dress princess" he kisses your forehead

      "Thank you love, I got it in your color" you smile.

      "I know but It would look better on the floor” He grins wickedly. Oh my god, you really are stuck with him now.

      “Don’t think I’m forgiving you that easily, though,” you said, your voice firm, your expression stern.

      Sylus paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features, but he masked it quickly. “What do I have to do?”

      You took a step closer to him, a sly smile tugging at the corner of your lips. “Beg.”

      His brows furrowed, and he blinked, clearly caught off guard. “What? You can’t be serious.”

      You leaned in, your gaze locking with his, a challenge in your eyes. “You heard me. On your knees. Beg me to forgive you.”

      His lips parted, but he didn’t immediately comply. “Y/n–”

      Before he could say anything else, you shoved him gently but firmly, guiding him to the ground. The sudden action had his breath hitching, but he quickly found his footing, settling on his knees in front of you. He looked up at you, his gaze filled with something between defiance and desperation.

      His thighs flexed as he kneaded his jaw, eyes narrowing in thought. Then, he finally spoke, his voice low and sincere. “Please forgive me, darling. I am so fucking sorry.”

      You raised an eyebrow, not satisfied with the apology.

      Sylus let out a soft groan, his hands resting on his thighs, looking up at you with a vulnerability that made your chest tighten. “I’m so, so sorry.” His voice dropped an octave, heavy with regret.

      And still, something in you wanted more.

      The sincerity in his eyes pulled at something deep inside you, but you weren’t ready to let him off that easy. "I want to hear you say it. I want to hear how much I mean to you. I want to know that you won't let this happen again."

      His breath hitched as his hands moved to the floor for support, his body leaning slightly toward you as if instinctively reaching for you, aching for you. “I won’t let it happen again, I swear to you. I won’t make the same mistake. Please, Y/n, forgive me. I can’t lose you. You mean everything to me.”

      You could see the desperation in his eyes now, the plea for you to believe him.

      "That’s better," you said, nodding slowly. "But words are just that. Show me."

      He lowered his gaze for a moment, then looked back up at you, his posture shifting as if he was preparing to give you all of him. And he did just that, all night long. You drained the life out of him, not stopping until you were satisfied.

[lvrgurlblobbu]

day well spent

college!zayne x fem reader

⤿CW: pure fluff

⤿word count: 3.6k

⤿a/n: hello lovelies! this is supposed to be a valentines treat but i got busy with college stuffs so it was kinda delayed. enjoy reading :))

⤿fifth part of code love series | previous part. > next.

ao3.

It’s been four weeks since Zayne officially began courting you. The day after that, he insisted on meeting your sister to ask for her approval as well. Although you assured him that it wasn’t necessary and that your sister would have no objections, he remained firm in his decision. He explained that his parents raised him to seek the permission of those closest to the person he’s courting, and he wanted to honor that tradition.

You also asked him if his parents knew that he was courting you. He smiled and admitted that he always mentioned you whenever he spoke with them. He explained that both of his parents are doctors, and their work often takes them out of the city—or even out of the country—for medical missions. Despite their busy schedules, they always make time to catch up, and you’ve become a frequent topic of conversation.

“Really? You talk about me often?” You asked him, you’re currently sitting at the lounge area of his department’s building as you decided to visit him before you go home.

Zayne’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he didn’t look away. “Yeah, I do,” he admitted, his eyes softening as he looked at you. “I tell them how smart and funny you are… and how being around you makes my day better.”

Your heart skipped a beat at his sincerity.“What do they say about that?” you asked, trying to sound casual despite the warmth rising to your cheeks.

He chuckled, leaning back against the couch. “They’re curious about you now. They want to meet the person who keeps making their son smile like an idiot during phone calls.”

You laughed, the image of Zayne grinning goofily while talking to his parents popping into your head. “Well, I hope I make a good impression when that day comes.

Zayne’s expression softened even more. “You already have,” he said quietly. “Even without meeting you, they’re glad I found someone who makes me happy.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the unspoken feelings hanging in the air. But the comfortable silence was enough. You realized that Zayne wasn’t just courting you; he was already including you in his world, and that meant more than words could express.

You glanced at the time and sighed. “I should get going,” you said, standing up reluctantly.

He stood up with you, his gaze lingering a bit longer before he spoke. “Let me walk you to the bus stop.”

“But what about your next class?” You asked him as he slung your bag on his shoulder.

“It’ll be fine, and I want to make sure you’ll be safe.” He smiled, his eyes warm with reassurance. “Shall we?” He offered his hand, palm open and inviting.

You couldn’t help but smile back, a flutter of comfort settling in your chest. Without a word, you placed your hand above his, feeling the gentle strength in his grip. As you walked side by side, his hand naturally found its place on your lower back, guiding you with a subtle protectiveness that made you feel cherished.

The evening air was cool, a soft breeze rustling through the trees as the sky faded into shades of gold and pink. You could hear the distant hum of the city, but here, in this moment, everything felt quieter—almost like the world had slowed down just for the two of you.

His thumb drew small, absentminded circles against your back, a gesture so subtle yet so grounding. You glanced up at him, catching the way his lips curved into a gentle smile, his gaze fixed forward but clearly aware of every step you took together.

It was as if his presence built a safe haven around you, a place where nothing could reach you but the warmth radiating from his touch. You leaned a little closer, your shoulders brushing, and for a second, you wondered if he could hear the rhythm of your heartbeat matching the steady pace of your footsteps.

Neither of you spoke, but in the comfortable silence, so much was said.

***

A few weeks later, today is Valentine’s day which is also your University’s Foundation Week. Classes were canceled for two weeks to celebrate and there were booths and stalls all over your campus grounds.

You and Zayne agreed to meet at campus, just by the old oak tree near the main entrance. The area was bustling with students, laughter, and music blending into the festive air. As you approached, you spotted him leaning against the tree, his hands tucked in his pockets, a relaxed smile spreading across his face as his eyes found yours.

“Hey,” he called out, pushing off the tree to meet you halfway. “You look… really nice.” His gaze lingered, a subtle warmth coloring his cheeks.

“Thanks,” you replied, feeling a shy smile creep onto your lips. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

He laughed, the sound easy and genuine. “Shall we?” You nodded at him as you intertwined your fingers with his as he led the way inside your campus, guiding you through the crowd. His grip on your hand tightened as you entered, making sure that you won’t get lost.

As you passed by booths filled with games, merch, and food stalls, you noticed how his eyes sparkled upon seeing variety of sweets in the stalls. Zayne glanced at you and his smile is evident and it made your heart flutter.

“I heard their churros are the best, do you want to try?” He asked.

“Of course!” You replied, he smiled at you once again before leading the way. Luckily, the line isn’t as long as you anticipated when you reached the food stall which sells churros and a few other sweets.

You stood beside Zayne, he ordered churros which is good for two persons, two pieces of potato tornados and a milkshake. It hasn’t been long when your orders were now served, you and Zayne decided to sit at the bench underneath a tree to eat your foods.

With a potato tornado in your hand and churros in his, your drinks sat on the bench beside you. Zayne held out a wooden fork, eyeing the cinnamon-sugar-coated churros carefully. Using his hand as a fan, he made sure they were cooled off before taking a piece.

Once he was certain it was safe to eat, he held the churro out to you, his eyes warm with a playful smile. “Here, try it. It’s better when shared.”

You smiled at him before eating the churro, your eyes went wide as you chewed on it. “It tastes amazing,” you said and he chuckled in response before he took a bite of the churros.

“Here, try this as well,” you said, offering him the potato tornado. You used your other hand as a shield to catch any stray cheese powder, making sure it wouldn’t fall directly on his clothes.

Zayne leaned in, taking a bite with a delighted grin, “Mhm, that’s really good.” He said before he took another bite which made you chuckle because there were a few remnants of cheese powder on his cheeks.

“You look silly,” you giggled as you reached for your handkerchief to wipe the powder off his face. He just shook his head as he grabbed another churro and as if you acted on instinct, you leaned in to take the bite from him.

As you were busy munching, you suddenly heard a click. Confused, you glanced over at Zayne, only to find him grinning mischievously, his phone held up in front of him.

“Did you just… take a picture of me?” you asked, your eyes narrowing playfully.

He shrugged, completely unapologetic. “You just looked too cute not to.” He turned the screen to show you the candid shot—your cheeks puffed out as you chewed, eyes wide with surprise.

Your face heated up instantly. “Zayne! Delete that!”

He laughed, tucking his phone away before you could snatch it. “Nope. This one’s a keeper.”

You crossed your arms, pretending to be annoyed. “You’re impossible.”

He leaned in, his voice low and teasing. “If it makes you feel better, it’s now my favorite photo.”

Your heart skipped a beat, the playful annoyance melting into a shy smile. “You’re such an idiot,” you mumbled, but your tone was light, your chest fluttering at the way he looked at you.

“Maybe,” he agreed, his eyes twinkling. “But at least I made you smile.”

And just like that, you realized he was right. You were smiling—unable to stop, even if you tried.

***

After a few giggles and pictures snapped together, you and Zayne strolled once more. What caught your attention was the photobooth tucked in the corner, its vintage design adorned with flashing lights that seemed to beckon you both closer.

Zayne noticed your gaze and grinned, his playful energy impossible to resist. “Zayne.” You called, but as you looked at him, his gaze was already fixed on you. With a smile, you tugged him toward the photobooth, its neon lights reflecting in his eyes.

He let himself be pulled, laughing as you both stumbled inside the tiny space. It was a tight fit, your shoulders pressed together, knees bumping as you tried to get comfortable. The screen lit up, giving you barely any time before the first countdown began.

For your first shot, you and Zayne’s faces were near to each other. You held out two of your fingers poking your cheek as you pouted at the camera. Zayne on the other hand poked leaned closer as he poked his finger on his right cheek.

As soon as the second countdown began, Zayne wrapped his left arm around your shoulder as he pulled you closer to him. Both of you make a peace sign with visible smiles on your faces.

“Okay, quick! What should our next pose be?” you giggled as the last countdown began. You tilted your head to face him, only to find him looking down at you with a wide smile that made his dimples pop. You couldn’t help but lean in closer, your noses gently touching. Lost in the moment, neither of you noticed when the camera clicked, capturing the third shot.

The photo strip printed two copies with a mechanical whir, sliding out as you both tumbled out of the booth, laughing and breathless. Zayne grabbed the strip, his eyes widening as he saw the progression—silly faces, pure laughter, and finally, that close, almost-kiss that left your heart pounding.

“Let me take a look.” You said as you unconsciously intertwined your fingers with his as he gave you the other copy. “Oh, I love how these turned out.”

As you were busy admiring the photo, Zayne’s gaze remained on you. There was a softness in his eyes, his smile lingering as he watched the way your face lit up. The way you laughed at the silly faces, how your fingers gently traced over the last photo—the one where you were so close, your faces barely an inch apart.

He swallowed, his heart thudding as he replayed that moment in his head. It had felt so natural, so right, even if he hadn’t expected it. He opened his mouth, the words forming before he could stop them. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

Your head snapped up, eyes wide in surprise. “What?”

His cheeks flushed, but he didn’t look away. “I mean… the way you’re smiling. It’s… nice.” He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly shy. “Makes the photos look even better.”

You noticed his flushed reaction— how his cheeks and ears turned red, the way he nervously ran his hand through his hair and how he couldn’t even dare to look straight into your eyes.

“Zayne… are you blushing?” you teased, leaning in to get a better look. His eyes widened, and his cheeks grew even redder as he quickly averted his gaze.

“N-No, I’m not!” he protested, his voice higher than usual. He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding your eyes. “It’s just… warm out here.”

You let out a small giggle, watching him squirm. “Right. Must be that blazing eighty-degree weather,” you teased, glancing up at the clear, breezy sky. You were about to tease him more, but then you heard two familiar voices calling out for the both of you.

As you turned your head, you saw Tara and Simone running towards your direction, their faces lit up with excitement. You smiled, waving as they skidded to a stop in front of you, slightly out of breath.

“There you two are!” Tara exclaimed, hands on her hips as she caught her breath. “We’ve been looking all over for you!”

Simone’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked between you and Zayne, her gaze dropping to your intertwined fingers. A sly grin spread across her face. “Well, well, what did we miss?”

You felt your face heat up, and instinctively, you tried to pull your hand away, but Zayne held on firmly, his own cheeks tinged pink. “Nothing much,” he said, his tone casual despite the way his thumb was gently stroking the back of your hand. “Just taking some photos.”

Tara’s eyes widened, immediately zeroing in on the photo booth behind you. “Oh! Did you guys take one of those cute photo strips?”

You and Zayne both looked at each other before nodding gently. Tara groaned dramatically. “Oh, come on! Show us!”

Zayne smirked, patting his pocket. “Sorry, but these are classified. For our eyes only.”

Simone looked at you, her expression pleading. “You’re really not going to share?”

You shook your head, laughing. “Nope. But trust me, they turned out great.”

Tara crossed her arms, pretending to pout. “Fine. But you owe us details later.” She paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “And I expect all the details.”

You rolled your eyes, trying to act nonchalant even as your heart raced. “We’ll see about that.”

Simone linked her arm through yours, already steering you away. “Come on, then! We were just about to grab some snacks. You two lovebirds joining us or what?”

You glanced at Zayne, who still hadn’t let go of your hand. His smile was soft, his eyes warm as he gave your fingers a gentle squeeze. “Yeah,” he answered, his voice steady. “We’re coming.”

Together, the four of you walked off, laughter echoing as the teasing continued. And though the photo strip remained tucked away, the memory of that almost-kiss—and everything it meant—was impossible to hide.

***

As the sun had already set, the sky painted in shades of deep purple and navy, Zayne offered you a ride home. Of course, you didn’t refuse, the idea of spending a little more time with him too tempting to pass up.

The car ride was comfortable, the faint hum of the engine blending with the soft music playing from the radio. Streetlights cast a warm glow through the windows, illuminating his face in fleeting intervals. You couldn’t help but steal a glance now and then, admiring the way his jaw tightened as he focused on the road, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel.

“You know,” he began, breaking the silence, “today was… pretty great.” His voice was casual, but there was a tenderness there, a vulnerability you weren’t used to hearing from him.

You smiled, leaning back against the seat. “Yeah, it really was.“

The rest of the drive was filled with light conversation and laughter, the kind that felt easy and effortless. Before long, he was pulling up in front of your house, the porch light casting a warm glow across the yard.

Zayne put the car in park but didn’t make any move to leave. Instead, he turned to you, his expression softer now. “Hey… thanks for today. Really.”

You looked at him, your chest tightening at the sincerity in his voice. “No… thank you. I had an amazing time.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the air between you charged with anticipation. Zayne’s eyes flicked down to your lips, his jaw tightening slightly as if he was debating something.

“Oh, before I forgot—“ He muttered as he unclasped his seatbelt to grab something from the backseat. To your surprise he’s already holding a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers wrapped in white paper and tied with a light blue ribbon. The bouquet features a delicate mix of white and pale blue blooms, including roses and small, airy flowers resembling baby’s breath.

“Zayne-“ your breath hitched as he gave the bouquet to you.

“I inserted something in there.” He said, then you noticed a piece of paper tucked underneath the flowers. You placed the bouquet in your lap as you began to unfold the paper.

Your heart began to race as you saw a beautiful sketch of yourself. The lines were delicate, capturing every detail with surprising accuracy—the curve of your smile, the sparkle in your eyes, even the way your hair fell around your face. It was breathtaking, almost surreal, to see yourself through someone else’s eyes.

You looked up, your gaze locking with Zayne’s. He was watching you intently, his expression soft, almost vulnerable. “Do you… like it?” he asked, his voice hesitant, as if he was unsure of himself for once.

A lump formed in your throat, emotions swirling as you looked back at the sketch. “Zayne… this is incredible. I… I didn’t even know you could draw.”

He let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, well… it’s just a hobby. I don’t show my drawings to many people.” His eyes softened as he continued, “But… I wanted you to see this one.”

Your heart skipped a beat, warmth flooding your chest as you realized the effort and thought he’d put into this. “You drew this… for me?”

He looked away, his cheeks tinged pink. “Yeah. I… couldn’t get you out of my head, so… this happened.” He glanced back at you, his gaze intense. “I wanted to capture the way you looked that day at the park…when you were laughing.”

Your breath caught, the memory flashing in your mind—the two of you strolling at the park, your face lit up with laughter, Zayne watching you with that same look in his eyes. “You… remembered that?”

“Of course I did,” he said softly. “I remember everything about you.”

Emotion tightened your throat, and you blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. You reached out, your fingers brushing over the paper delicately, as if afraid you’d smudge the beautiful lines. “I love it. I really do.”

His shoulders relaxed, relief washing over his face. “I’m glad.”

You looked at him, your heart full. “Thank you, Zayne. This… this means more to me than you know.”

His eyes softened, his voice a gentle whisper. “You mean more to me than you know.”

Your breath hitched, your heart racing once more. But this time, it wasn’t because of the sketch—it was because of him. The both of you stared at each other for a few moments before you broke the silence.

“It’s already getting late, I’ll head inside so you can go home.” You said as you folded the paper and tucked it back underneath the flowers. “Thank you for today Zayne, for keeping me company during the University fair, and for these gifts. I had so much fun.”

“It is my pleasure and I could say that as well.” He smiled at you, “Thank you [Name].”

The both of you settled in a comfortable silence. You stared at his hazel-green eyes as you thought of something cheeky. So, you leaned your face closer and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “Be safe, goodnight.”

You giggled at his expression when he was suddenly caught off guard by your sudden kiss. You immediately gathered your things before opening the car door and ran inside your house, not even bothering to steal another glance at Zayne because you could already feel your cheeks heating up.

As soon as you got inside, you immediately got a text notification from Zayne.

Zayne: That was sneaky

You giggled as you hovered your fingers to type a reply.

You: You should’ve seen your reaction lol. Drive safe okay? Message me once you got home :))

Then, it hasn’t been a minute passed when you received another reply.

Zayne: Yes I will. Thank you again for today <3

Your heart fluttered once more as you saw his reply. You placed your phone back in your bag as you went upstairs to take a shower.

Once finished, you slipped into comfortable pajamas and made your way to your room. Without another thought, you plopped onto your bed, sinking into the softness as you hugged your pillow close. A giddy laugh escaped your lips, muffled by the fabric, as the memories of the day played like a movie behind your closed eyes.

You turned your head, your gaze falling on the bouquet resting on your nightstand, its delicate petals catching the soft glow of your bedside lamp. Beneath them, the folded sketch was safely tucked away, a beautiful reminder of the man who had given it to you.

Your phone buzzed once more, and you grabbed it eagerly, heart skipping as his name appeared on the screen.

Zayne: Just got home. Sweet dreams :)

You couldn’t help the warmth that spread through you, your fingers dancing over the screen as you typed back:

You: Sweet dreams, Zayne. Today was the best.

You set your phone aside, still clutching the pillow as a contented sigh left your lips. Today really was perfect—better than you ever could’ve imagined. You hadn’t just spent the day at the University fair; you’d made memories, and shared laughter.

As your eyes grew heavy and sleep began to claim you, one thought lingered, wrapping itself around you like a comforting embrace:

Being with him just felt right.

dividers by: @saradika-graphics

[zeedist]

BANG, BANG.ᐟ — ALHAITHAM

summary: carnival date. sfw !! fem!reader x alhaitham, academic setting, carnival setting, short + sweet. word count: 1k proofread: nope.

Yearly, on the outskirts of Sumeru, bright circus carps and twinkling lights are mounted for the Carnival. The scent of something nutty and sweet hung in the air as you strolled through the cheerful bustle of the fair, an arm hooked on your boyfriend's. Alhaitham wasn't a fan of the chaos, the loud noises and people bumping making his nose scrunch. You expected that, what you did not expect however was how he scanned every game and booth as if they were lab specimens.

"All of these are scams," he muttered, needing to lower his head for his voice to reach your ears, "See those rings? They are too small for the bottles, but they give the ilusion that it might fit to trick people into playing."

You found his serious approach humorous, shaking your head. "I'm sure at least one person can win once a night, if not, how has someone not kicked them out yet?"

He raised an eyebrow and you already knew what was about to come — his natural talent was to counter every of your statements, "It's carnival business, as long as they profit, they don't care making a kid or a dozen cry. They make money off the excitement."

"Alright, alright, there is nothing you don't know," you teased with a light nudge, smiling at him in that pretty way that made his heart flutter. "We already are suffering enough with Calculus, do we really need to do a breakdown of the economics of this carnival?"

Alhaitham only chuckled at your comment, his silent way of caving into your words followed by a gentle kiss in your forehead.

Before you said something back, your gaze caught a small trinklet at one of the booths. You aren't sure why it did, but the cute rounded dinosaour shaped charm snatched your attention. Alhaitham noticed that sparkle in your eyes — the one you had when getting your favorite snack, or a perfect score.

Giving you a soft peck on the back of your hand, Alhaitham let go and stepped forward, his wallet already in hand. Crisp bills slipped from his fingers and landed in the owner's outstretched palm, all before he even bothered to ask what the game was about. Shooting, apparently.

The older man behind the counter barely looked up, his expression bored as he waved a hand toward the targets a few meters away. "150 points for the charm," he muttered. The rules were simple: the targets further away were worth 30 points each, while the closer ones only gave 5 points. Fifteen arrows, a ridiculously high price, and a suspiciously old-looking crossbow to top it all off.

"Wait, wait," you blinked, staring at him in surprise. "Didn't you just say all of these games are scams? You’re wasting money—"

Alhaitham shot you a quick smirk as he examined the worn crossbow. "I have enough mora," he replied, his tone soft with you as he drew back the string with a frown. Something about the weapon felt... off. He lifted the notch and took aim, squinting one eye.

Click.

The arrow missed entirely.

Alhaitham didn’t even flinch. He simply loaded another arrow, his tone unbothered. "See? A scam. The crossbow is shifted to aim lower than it should."

"So it’s impossible?" you asked, raising an eyebrow.

"My dear," Alhaitham glanced at you, "I will steal the charm if needed. But we are not leaving here without it."

Click.

The second arrow grazed the smaller target at the back, but didn’t pop it. Alhaitham loaded a third arrow, his expression focused as he adjusted the crossbow. He held it in a position that looked completely wrong — even you could assume that much.

"Perhaps we could try another game—"

Click.

This time, the arrow hit its mark, sinking into the target with a satisfying pop.

Alhaitham turned to you, giving you that smirk — the one that made you want to roll your eyes and laugh all at once. It was the look he wore when he'd cracked a tough problem or uncovered a loophole. The one that practically screamed, did you just see how brilliant I am?

Click.

Click.

Click.

Shot after shot, each arrow found its mark, all hitting the smaller targets at the back. One by one, they popped with crisp sounds. Ten targets, ten perfect shots, 300 points.

Alhaitham handed back the manipulated crossbow to the owner without a second thought. "The charm, please. Two of them."

With an unhappy sigh, the owner didn't dispute the outcome but still reluctantly handing over the charming trinkets. They were small and undeniably cute — tiny dinosaurs with delicate, colorful decorations. One was a gentle green, the other a calming blue.

Alhaitham took the two, his fingers brushing the smooth surface. Usually, when facing decisions, he asked you which you preferred — even when you would tell him to pick. But this time, he skipped that consideration and handed you the green one, his eyes drifting away from yours. His hand covered yours as he murmured, just loud enough for you to hear.

“Please take this one... You said green reminds you of me, doesn’t it?”

A soft blush flushed his cheeks. For a moment, he hesitated, finally gathering the courage to meet your gaze, his eyes soft as he confessed, "I hope it will make you think of me more."

He gulped, his voice quieter now, as though the words were difficult to get out. "As much as I think of you, all day and all night."

The charm in your hand, small and smooth, seeping coldness into your skin.

A piece of him, in a way, now for you to carry.

[maxispixels]

HANDPICKED

PART ELEVEN.

Hobie Brown x GN!Reader

2.7k words

You work at a flower shop in late 70s London and Hobie's being a menace. Slowburn? Probably will be around (more) 10 parts. Strangers to reluctant acquaintances to friends to something more. Maybe a lil' messy ? (very)

CW/TW: Really mean guy, rude/crude/suggestive talk, murder talk, no actual physical violence happening but psychological violence (?) (Tell me if I should add something?)

Part one. Part two. Part three. Part four. Part five. Part six. Part seven. Part eight. Part nine. Part ten. Part eleven. Part twelve.

The city hummed with energy, the streets thrumming under your feet as the protest swelled like a living thing. In many ways, it reminded you of the concert. The crowd, the music, the vibrations going through every fiber of your being, syncing with your pulse.

People moved slowly, shoulder to shoulder. You’d expected to struggle to keep up, but the dragging pace exhausted you more than a sprint would. Voices were raised, slogans like a chorus. Carried along by the crowd, you felt like a swarm of bees, your ears buzzing.

Hobie moved with the same ease you had come to know him for. Once again you felt a pang of sadness, seeing him so comfortable in a world you didn't belong to. It reminded you of how much he kept slipping away from you. Out of reach, fleeting, elusive. People recognized him, clapped his shoulder, called his name. Some held two fingers in salute, others simply nodded, but almost everyone acknowledged him. He wasn’t just attending. 

You followed closely, wide-eyed, lost, overwhelmed but not in a bad way. He never looked back to check if you were keeping up. He didn’t need to, it’s like he could hear your steps distinct from others, and if you were to fall he’d catch you before you’d hit the ground. Without turning his gaze. 

The music cut through the air, sharp and electric. A band played on  the back of a pickup truck, like some kind of guerilla gig. You doubted it was legal, but for now, policemen were few and not too threatening. It was still early. 

A strange feeling of being watched settled in your heart. You turned instinctively, and there he was. 

A scruffy man in a beat-up cowboy hat, leaning against the side of a building, just watching. The second your eyes met, he tipped his chin at you. Not a greeting, not a threat, just acknowledgement, before vanishing in the crowd like he had never been there at all. 

You swallowed hard, shaking it off. Hobie hadn’t noticed.

Your attention came back to the band playing on a truck. You wanted to get closer, but you didn’t want to get separated from Hobie, so, sheepishly, like a kid with their mother, you pulled at his sleeves and asked to go see them. 

He cracked a laugh, not mocking, but still amused with that behavior. He laced his fingers with yours and carefully made his way through the crowd. People parted on instinct, and you felt like he was parting the sea for a moment. You peeked from behind, watching the show. You couldn’t really understand the lyrics, the singer was barely enunciating her words and her voice was so rough it sounded like she had been screaming all day straight. Maybe she had. Eventually, you both made your way somewhere else, until something else grabbed your attention.

Your eyes met the one of the person behind the mask, as he checked his surroundings before quickly lettering something on a closed storefront. His stature was quite small, probably someone young.

You heard Hobie click his tongue behind you, and like on cue, a policeman showed up, screaming on the boy about vandalism, agitating  his baton. Hobie let go of your hand, and you felt him tense, but before he could move, the boy had ran away, too fast and agile for the cop to even get close to him, climbing and disappearing in an alleyway. You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding, and Hobie put his hand on the middle of your back. 

“Let’s go,” he just said, leading you away and back in the crowd. 

As the afternoon stretched on, the protest bled into the streets, people spitting off into smaller groups, heading toward familiar places, planning the next actions, art performances or gigs. 

Hobie didn’t hesitate when someone called his name, a tall girl with sharp eyes and a denim jacket waving him over toward a dimly lit doorway, half-hidden in an alley. He just nodded at you, wordless, before slipping inside. You didn’t hesitate either before following.

The squat was very different from the open air protest. It felt darker, more suffocating. The walls were covered in graffiti and peeling flyers, and furniture were scattered, half broken and shoved into corners.

The smell of beer, paint and something smokey and herbal went straight to your head, almost making you dizzy. In one corner, a group of people were talking, bent over newspaper articles, in another, people were sitting on the floor painting revanchist signs.

And Hobie belonged there, too. A girl with short curls and dark lipstick, you recognized her as Riri, part of his band, was already pulling him in a heated conversation, hands gesturing vividly.

"—can’t just sit back while fascists crawl out their holes—"

"‘course not, but we gotta be smart, not just loud—"

The words came fast, sharp, overlapping. This wasn’t just a debate, it was planning, strategy. The kind of conversation that made things happen. 

You stood there, uncertain, out of place. You didn’t really have anything to add of value there. You watched Hobie. He was leaning forward, one arm propped on his knee, speaking low and fast. People listened when he talked.

You drifted away from the group, toward the corner where a few people sat painting. You plopped down on an old, worn couch and let your form rest over the armrest, your eyes tracing the bold letters. It was relaxing seeing people work like that, from away, despite all the rage and resistance that went into coming up with those slogans. 

Then, you felt the cushion shift under you, as someone sat next to you. You turned your head, only to be face to face with the man with the cowboy hat. Up close, he looked even rougher, stubble shadowing his jaw, the lines on his face too deep for his age. His hands, resting against his knees, were bruised, knuckles raw, and a cigarette was balanced over his fingers.

"Not too loud for you?" His voice was rugged, but soft, and for a second it was enough to calm your growing nerves.

"It’s fine." You just said politely, not looking to make small talk. He didn’t seem to want to leave you alone, though.

"You sure?" He tilted his head slightly. "You want some water? Ya look tired."

"Yeah, no thank you. I’m fine." You uttered a small smile, and it made him pause, like he was going to just leave you alone after all. 

He hummed, tapping his cigarette against his knee, flicking the ash onto the floor. 

"Bit of a wallflower, ain’t ya?" He paused. "You new here, I s’pose?"

"Guess so." You were barely giving him one word answer, he did make you a little uneasy. Like he was playing a game, and you refused to take part. He didn’t need you to, though.

He just grinned. "Good. Fresh blood’s always good for the cause." He stretched, rolling his shoulders like he had all the time in the world. "Although," he added, glancing at you sideways, "you don’t really seem the type." 

"Type for what?"

"For this." He gestured loosely around the room, then took a slow drag of his cigarette. "I bet," he murmured, "you don’t even know what you’re getting into."

You were sure he was trying to rail you up. Maybe test you? You side eyed him. "I know exactly why I'm here," you said, forcing your voice even. 

The man raised a brow, waiting, smirking. "Yeah? And what’s that?"

You swallowed. Your eyes looked for Hobie, the urge to just leave the man talking to the wall itching at you. "Change." You gave something generic, hoping he’d just leave you alone, but the word came out too quick, too rehearsed. His smirk widened, something flickering beneath it, amusement, maybe, or something worse.

"Right," he murmured. "S’nothing to do with a tall, pretty boy with a voice like fuckin’ sandpaper."

You felt the back of your neck burn. You immediately knew.

"That's not—"

"Everybody can see it." He cut you,  clicking his tongue and shaking his head. "You follow him around like a dog on a leash."

His insults weren’t even backhanded anymore. You hitched at his rudeness.

He grinned. "Proper lost little thing."

You glared at him. "I'm not—" 

"C’mon, don’t gimme that look." His grin widened, lazy and sharp. He wouldn’t let you get a word in edgewise. "You tellin’ me he ain’t got you weak in the knees?"

Your throat went tight. You had no time to speak back or process what he was implying before he was at it again. 

"No shame in it, really." He tapped his boot against the floor, mock sympathy in his voice. "Bloke’s built like temptation. Hell, I’d be jealous if I thought I had a chance."

Every nerve in your body itched with the urge to hit him, to wipe that smug fucking look off his face. 

“Dunno. Just got that feel, yeah? The kinda bloke that knows how to make a person forget their own name.”

You were never one for violence, but he was riling you up. You hated how he talked about Hobie, not out of jealousy, just how disgusting it was to talk about anyone like that, like a piece of meat. The way he tried to put those words into your mouth, it repulsed you.

He exhaled through his nose, watching you carefully. 

"Bet he’s real nice about it," he mused, "Real patient, yeah? Slow hands. Soft words. Or maybe—"

He tilted his head slightly, looking you over.

"—Maybe the opposite," he murmured, like it was a playful secret between the both of you, "bet that’s exactly your thing, huh?"

Something inside you snapped. Your nails dug into your palms. You didn’t feel like giving him a reaction for his stupid innuendos, but this was way past the line.

"Shut the fuck up," you spat. "What is wrong with you?" Your voice didn’t come out as assertive as you hoped it would, but the venom was real.

He just chuckled. "Don’t be mad," he murmured. "Figured you’d know best. You’re the one shaggin’ him.”

“I’m not—” you tried to defend, but it only made his smirk grow sharper.

“You aren’t?”

You recoiled. Your stomach turned violently. He gave a toothy grin, like he was relishing this, your discomfort, the shame bubbling in your stomach. Not that you had any reason to be ashamed, if anything, he should be for having the audacity to spit out abhorrent garbage.

"But I bet that’s the edge that does it for you, huh?" he continued, voice slow, taunting. "The danger? Like when he fights, yeah? Like when he gets his hands on someone and—"

You felt your eyes slowly widen as you glared at him, your blood boiling over, your fingers twitching with the need to do something. He saw it, and he grinned, his voice dipping lower. You could barely hear him, and he was already making sure you were the only one able to.

"Ya ever wonder what those hands have done before they were holdin’ yours, sweetheart?"

His voice was almost thoughtful, as if the words weren’t meant to sleep inside your bones and break them from the marrow out, like mold spreading from your spine to your limbs. He tapped his cigarette, watching you from the corner of his eye, waiting to see if you’d take the bait.

You didn’t. Didn’t bite, didn’t move, didn’t breathe.

"The blue laces mean somethin’, y’know that?"

His tone shifted, not just teasing anymore. Calculated. He had to be spewing nonsense, you wanted to laugh at him for mentioning his laces. He could’ve stolen them from the Queen for all you cared.

He sighed through his nose, shaking his head. "Fuckin’ shame, really. Thought you’d know."

He stretched his legs out in front of him, rolling his shoulders like he had all the time in the world. Then, he exhaled, long and slow, almost like he was thinking real hard about something. You didn’t try to speak, you knew words wouldn’t come out right, and a small part of  you wanted to see where he was going.

"Not sayin’ it’s a bad thing, though," he mused. Then, lower, softer, slow enough to make your stomach churn. "Some people deserve to go."

Your pulse stuttered. You swore the air grew thicker, he wasn’t just trying to mess with you anymore, this felt too close to reality. His words landed too sharp, too deliberate, too fucking heavy. His mouth twitched, pleased, like he had been waiting for this.

"Mmh," he sighed, “Ya ever ask him about it?"

You looked away from him, barely processing his words. He was messing with you bad. You should’ve left. You should’ve left before, and you should’ve left right that moment, but you were stuck to the cushion, like your clothes had been sewn into it. Maybe it was the smell of the paint, of gasoline, of a badly ventilated space that made you dizzy, feeling like gravity was too strong.

The man huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah. ’Course you didn’t."

Then he turned to you fully, dragging his eyes over your face, his smirk fading into something unreadable.

"Your boy’s a fuckin’ hero, y’know." His voice dragged, his eyes squinting just slightly, like he was visualizing it. It didn’t land right, because you couldn’t tell if he was mocking or not. 

Then, slow, deliberate, voice dripping with something thick and sticky. "Killed a cop and everything."

He didn’t laugh or mocked, he just looked at you, looked at your face ever so slowly falling, as if you wore your feelings out for him to dissect and relish in.

And when it hit, when he saw the moment you understood, his mouth twitched. Not smug. Not cruel. Just pitying, like he had to tell you, like he was putting down a wounded animal.

"Fuckin’ hell," he muttered, shaking his head. "You really didn’t know."

This was different. He had spent the whole time dragging you through the filth, feeding you taunts and cruelty, but this wasn’t that. This wasn’t mocking, this was real.

You tried to swallow, tried to form words, but there was nothing. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw. He sucked at his teeth, glancing at the dying embers of his cigarette. "It’s a good thing, really," he murmured, tapping his foot against the floor.

Cold sweat ran down your spine, he just wouldn’t shut his mouth, it was like he didn’t let you breathe, not for one moment. You barely digested his words that he came and assaulted you with new ones. It felt like being strangled.

"What?" He hummed. "Not many people are willing to act like he does,” a pause. “Some people just deserve to go,” he repeated, as if to drill it in your brain.

You didn’t want to believe him, nothing about him was trustworthy, yet you couldn’t help it. This felt true, like something that was always lurking in Hobie’s shadow, in his silences, in his absences. He didn’t look at you, just stared ahead like he was saying something normal.

"And some people just have to get it done."

Your throat felt tight, like there was something lodged in it. He exhaled, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, turning his head slightly to look at you.

"He’s real," he said simply. "That’s not something anyone can take from him." He flicked his cigarette to the floor, crushing it under his boot. "Nothing he does is for show."

You wanted to tell him to shut up again, to leave you alone, but you couldn’t.

He stretched, rolling his shoulders, looking satisfied, not smug, not cruel. He stood, done with this conversation now.

"Go on, then," he muttered, voice quieter now, almost distant. "Look him in the eye. See if he looks guilty." He gave you a little pat on the shoulder, like he would a kid before a sports match, and it made you twitch and recoil in disgust.

And then he was gone, like he had never been there at all. 

Part twelve.

*anxiously click publish and crawl back*

@hoe-bie