#I should bring this home tomorrow and scan it in

[sassytail]

Doin some design for my character for a recording this weekend.

[natalievoncatte]

The yawn stretched Lena’s jaw to the point that she felt like a cat, baring her fangs. Naturally, it prompted a Kara Danvers Pout, which was utterly devastating. Kara looked at her over the top of her drink cup, straw still pursed in her delicate pink lips as she frowned slightly.

“How long have you been awake?”

“I had a half hour nap this morning,” Lena sighed.

She’d been in the office for three days, but she didn’t admit that.

“Leeeenaaaaaaa,” Kara said, drawing her name out into a gentle rebuke. “You promised me you’d stop doing that to yourself. I’m taking you home.”

Lena’s heart skipped and Kara abruptly jerked upright, briefly glancing at her. Lena hated when that happened, when her body betrayed her. Kara meant escort her home; Lena’s thoroughly tired mind had supplied another scenario, one where Kara carried her onto the bed, relieved her of her clothes and dove between her legs, but that was never going to happen. Lena let out a long sigh of resignation, trying to be satisfied with best-friendship.

She hoped Kara hadn’t suddenly developed telepathy.

If you took me home I’d never leave. I could make love to you for a hundred years.

Kara smiled back at Lena’s wistful look. “I mean it.”

“Okay. I can come back to it tomorrow. Besides, I’m too full of grease and cheese to stay awake. Should we…”

Lena never finished her sentence. There was a crackle in the air, a sudden wet smell of ozone, and the thunderous boom that made her ears ring.

Kara flashed in front of her at super-speed, yanking off her glasses and tossing them on the couch in a smooth motion.

Hovering in the middle of her office was some ramshackle contraption resembling a mechanical eye about the size of a basketball that scanned Kara with a faint purple energy ray.

“Kara Danvers. Supergirl. I am Zeglos, Regent of the Alotian Republic. I am calling to you from the home of my people, located in what is to you a subatomic realm we call Universe Q. We need your help, you are our only hope. The invaders are slaughtering us and razing our home. There is no time.”

Kara glanced back at Lena. “I’ll help if I can. Let me-“

“There is no time. You must come with me now.”

“Wait, hold on a second-“

The machine flashed, thrumming as it powered up, and blasted here with a wave of light that surrounded them both, and then in a crackling boom they both vanished, leaving behind the ozone smell and a faint impression of Kara’s boot heels in the carpet.

Lena stared into the empty space for a moment, then shot to her feet, snatching the phone off her desk, where it had lain ignored since Kara walked into the room.

She called Alex, shocked at the blubbering panic in her own voice. Within a few minutes, everyone was there, piling into the room. Lena warded them off from the spot where Kara had stood. Alex was cold and calm, her voice clinical, and she immediately began issuing orders. J’onn took Lena aside and gently asked her probing questions in the manner of an old detective, coaxing every meager detail of the event out of her.

Within half an hour, Brainy and Lena had set up all sorts of equipment around the room, scanning, hoping to find some energy signature or other clue that could enable them to bring Kara back from wherever she’d been taken.

It proved fruitless. They tried everything.

Minutes stretched into hours. Lena was exhausted, heavy with fatigue.

“Go home, get some sleep,” said Alex. “We can’t help her if we pass out on the floor.”

“I’ll sleep here.”

She did, throwing a thin blanket over herself on the couch. It was Alex, not Lena, who cleaned up the Big Belly Burger mess. Lena slept fitfully, showered in the en-suite attached to her office, and changed into an old hoodie that she kept there and wore when no one was looking.

It wasn’t hers. Threadbare, a maroon color faded to a soft red, the back still emblazoned with a cracked and fading Midvale Mathletes Club logo, it was Kara’s. Lena had snatched it from Kara’s sofa and put it on one night when she was feeling bold and then, as now, felt surrounded by it, the oversized garment swaddling her.

And it smelled like Kara, just enough. Kara had stared at her intently for a moment when she took it that night but said nothing, a wistful sad look on her face before the moment was broken by Wynn’s bad joke at the table. Wynn was gone now, but the hoodie remained, just as it had remained when they were fighting, when she thought she’d never see Kara again. She’d worn it then and cried herself to sleep in it.

Just like now.

A day became two. Then three. Five. Lena tried everything, pursued every theory. They called in every favor, human and alien. Brainy tried to send messages to the future. Nia dreamed fruitless dreams. Alex paced like a caged animal and Kelly kept the peace, keeping them all fed, making sure everyone slept, talking things out whenever tempers flared.

Nothing worked.

Lena even tried praying, something she hadn’t done since the last time she was in a small church in Ireland. It didn’t work this time, either.

Lena was seated next to Brainy on the couch, going over a design for a new device to try to follow what was by now a thoroughly cold trail. Alex stood at the balcony door, staring out into a slashing summer rain squall that buffeted the glass with distant thunder and gusts of wind.

The ozone smell tickled Lena’s nose and she looked up, just as Kara took a stumbling step out of nowhere, appearing in her office with an utterly bewildered look on her face.

“Kara?”

Alex snapped round, adding her voice to the chorus. “Kara?”

Kara stared at her sister, open-mouthed, tears welling in her eyes.

“Alex?” she said. “Alex, you’re alive? How is that possible?”

“Alive? Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Kara!” Lena cried, her voice ragged in her throat.

At the sound of her voice, Kara snapped around, eyes wide. Her knees buckled and she sagged, almost falling. She stumbled forward as Lena stood and they fell into each other, Lena hurling herself, reckless, into an embrace that revealed too much. She almost climbed Kara, all but throwing her legs around her as well as her arms as she buried her face in the Kryptonian’s neck.

“Oh God. Oh Rao. I thought you would all be gone. I begged them to let me leave but they wouldn’t let me go, I had to…”

“Kara?” Alex asked, cautiously. “Why would we be gone?”

Kara barely seemed to hear her as she gently twined her fingers in Lena’s hair and wrapped her powerful arm around Lena’s waist, encircling and shielding her.

“How long has it been?”

“About a week,” Lena choked out. “I was so scared.”

“A week?” Kara blurted. “It’s only been a week here?”

Alex put a reassuring hand on Kara’s back, standing next to them. “Yeah, you were taken on Tuesday, kiddo. It’s Wednesday, the 17th.”

Kara stared past Lena, resting her chin on the shorter woman’s head, and began to sob with relief.

“Kara?” said Alex.

“Time dilation,” said Brainy.

“They told me time would pass slower up here but I didn’t believe them. I’ve been gone for… for…”

“It’s okay, Kara,” Lena whispered. “You’re okay, you’re back.”

“Eighty seven years, four months, and eighteen days,” Kara sobbed. “It’s been so long, I thought you were all dead.”

Alex stiffened. “Kara. Oh my God.”

Kara buried her face in Lena’s hair and breathed her in, shuddering. “I’d given up. All that kept me going was hoping I could see you again. This is a gift. A gift. I love you all so much.”

Kara still held her, rocking slightly, her big shoulders shaking with powerful sobs.

“Kara,” Lena whispered. “Kara, it’s okay.”

“I love you,” Kara blurted. “I love you. It’s okay if you don’t love me back, I just need to tell you, I have to tell you. All I could think about down there is how stupid I was and how stupid I’ve been and how none of the reasons I never told you made any sense,” she sucked in a breath as if she’d briefly forgotten how, “I love you, I love you, I love you.”

There could be no mistaking her intent. She seethed with it, it radiated from her very bones. Lena hugged her hard, crushing her with all her might as if to crawl inside her.

“God, Kara, I’ve dreamed of hearing you say that. I love you too. Let’s… mmmph!”

Kara was kissing her. Lena’s brain briefly froze, then she realized the full magnitude of what was happening. Kara was kissing her. Kara was kissing her. Then Lena was kissing her back. There was so much in it, need and lust and adoration and an unbelievable desperation, but above all love. Lena felt her heart open as if hadn’t in a long time, like a flower unfolding to receive the nurturing warmth of morning sun.

“I’ve been waiting for this for so long,” Kara whispered when they finally broke and Lena again could breathe.

“Let me take you home,” said Lena.

[24carathoney]

Let's Play A Little Game | H.JS | 18+

Pairing: Joshua x FemReader

Wc: 2.2k

Genre: Smut // Established Relationship

Warnings: minors do not interact // f. masterbation // m. masterbation // Joshua watches reader masterbate // unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it) // f. fingering // squirting // creampie // multiple orgasms // overstimulation // use of pet names such as beautiful, love, baby //

Summary: Joshua and reader make a bet.

The rules were simple. The one who cracks first loses. If the both of you weren't so damn determined this game would've been over by now. But no. Neither of you could give up the title of winner. Here you are alone at home, soaking in the bathtub while Joshua was away at a photoshoot. Your mind was racing and the ache between your legs was beginning to be too much. And all of your me time wasn't helping one bit. 

You and Joshua were sitting on the couch in your shared home while he told you about the different bets Mingyu had lost during the tour. 

“He bet Seungcheol he could beat him in a fight?” You cackled, head leaning against the couch as he tried to catch his breath. 

“Yeah he did! It was so funny watching someone as tall as him run away from Seungcheol.”

“Seungcheol is a fucking power house. I'd run away too. I'm not getting hit by him.” Joshua let out another laugh as you scanned over his features, when an idea popped into your head.

“Speaking of bets. I have one in mind. For the two of us.” He arched an eyebrow but gave you his full attention, watching you fiddle with your fingers. “Let's see who can last the longest without sex.” 

“You honestly think you'd win that fight?” His eyebrow remained raised as his hands intertwined behind your back, pulling you closer to his body. You gave an excited nod, rubbing your hands over his clothed chest. 

“Yeah. I think I've grown used to your games. It shouldn't be a problem.”

“Have you? Okay then…..what does the winner get?”

“The loser has to do whatever they say for the next week.” You said and he looked up at the ceiling as if he was contemplating his choices.

“Alright. You got yourself a bet beautiful.” He mumbled against your lips, sealing the deal. 

You let the memory fade as you dragged your hand down into the water, leaning back against the tub. A sigh left your lips as you imagined it to be his fingers instead of your own. You could feel the slick of your arousal between your thighs and that easily let you slip two fingers past your folds. Your head pulled back as you started thrusting your fingers in your entrance, a quiet moan leaving your lips. It felt good, but your fingers were not nearly as thick as his or as skilled. You curled your digits to that gummy spot that could push you over the edge but it wasn't enough. You groaned as you pulled your fingers out, starting to get more frustrated. The two of you made that stupid bet now you're struggling. Why? Because neither you or Josh plays fair. The past couple of days have been nothing but subtle glances, sly touches, and teasing. God the amount of teasing he's put you through. The night before he wanted nothing more than for you to cave. Telling you how beautiful you looked. How badly he wanted to bend you over the counter and take you then and there. 

“Don't you have that photoshoot tomorrow?”

“Yeah. Seungcheol and Jeonghan are gonna be there too.”

“Ah I see the 95 liners having a shoot together. How sweet.” You stated eating out of the cheeto bag in your hands. He nodded but wasn't fully listening as kept his eyes glued to your mouth when you licked the excess cheese dust from your fingers. You thought nothing of it until he grabbed your wrist, bringing a single digit to his lips. You shivered as his warm tongue ran over your finger and you swore you could die a happy woman tight in the kitchen. When he pulled away you stared up at him with wide eyes before he sent you a wink. 

“Come on beautiful, we should head to bed.”

“Hong Jisoo you can't do that to me and expect me to just fall asleep!” You shrieked as he walked away with his head thrown back.

“Trust me. I want nothing more than to fuck you right here in this kitchen. Bent over and on display for me. But I have a bet to win.” 

You sighed as you looked down at your hand, frustrated that you couldn't find the relief you dearly craved. Before Joshua you had no issue getting yourself off. But after Joshua? That man showed you many different ways to explore your body that you never knew existed. You decided to stop sulking and just watch a movie tonight. You grabbed your towel and stepped out, letting the bath drain out as you stared at yourself in the mirror. You scoffed as you went into the bedroom not even realizing Joshua was leaning against the doorframe. You moved to let go of the towel and a loud groan left his throat as it piled up onto the floor at your feet.

“Jesus babe you scared the shit outta me! Announce yourself!” You shouted as his dark gaze scanned you from head to toe. The man wasted no time closing the distance between you, taking your waist into his tight grip. “Shua….” 

“Did you cum?” You shuddered at his blunt question trying not to think about the way his hands are running up and down your sides.

“What?”

“In the bathroom…..you know you're not very quiet.” He smirked down at you and you took your bottom lip between your teeth. He grazed your cheek with one hand as he stepped forward, pushing you backwards till your legs hit the edge of the bed. There he was on his knees above you with dark hungry eyes and you felt yourself getting wetter than you were in the tub. 

“I think I thought of a way for both of us to get off, without losing the bet.” He took off his jacket and hooked a finger over his collar, slightly pulling to open up the top of his shirt. “We can't touch each other but we can touch ourselves. While the other watches.” Your chest grew tight with excitement. You've never had him watch you fuck yourself, be it with a toy or your own fingers. So this new side of your boyfriend definitely sparked something inside you. “Show me.”

“Show you?” You sat confused and he spread your legs apart gently.

“Show me how you were touching that pretty pussy love.” He said in a low voice and you lowered your hand between your legs. You laid back, getting comfortable to give him a better look. He let out a deep groan as your cunt glistened. Shining under the light beaming from the lamp beside the bed. “Look at that. So fucking wet for me.”

You whined when your finger grazed your clit wishing he'd do something. Anything. But he just continued to watch you. You decided to entertain him and arched off the bed when you slipped a finger inside with ease. You started to get hot under his intense gaze. In a sudden need for more, you added a second finger, using your other hand to rub soft circles around your throbbing bud. You couldn't get off before but now? It was something about the way he watched you that sent you to cloud nine. Your eyes fluttered closed as you drove yourself closer to the brink of an orgasm. You jolted in surprise when you felt his breath on your inner thigh, not even hearing him move down your body. 

“Joshua.” A shaky breath left you as he peppered soft kisses along your skin, inching closer and closer to where you needed him most. But that's all he did. His lips never made it home causing you to whine in frustration. 

“Patience baby. *kiss* “Watch me.” *kiss* “Watch you.” *kiss* Every place his lips landed left a warm sensation as you plunged your fingers deeper into your pussy, your palm slapping against your clit. A familiar knot quickly formed in the pit of your stomach as your mouth fell open, the thumping in your ears slowly getting louder. “That's it. Is my pretty girl gonna cum for me?”

“Fuck, I'm gonna cum. Gonna cum for you.” You shook as he dragged his tongue along the skin of your inner thigh. Your body went stiff as your release crashed onto you leaving Joshua in awe. He could never get enough of watching you come undone. It would be a memory he stored for the rest of his life. He ran his hands over your thighs as you came down from you high, not even listening to what he was saying. 

“Did you hear me love?” 

“Hmm?” You had a content smile on your face, feeling his lips on your thighs again. 

“Think you can give me another?” His question finally reached your ears and you shook your head. 

“I can't…” But you could and you would for him. Anytime he asked. 

“Just one more. Let me savor it.” His voice was quiet but loud enough for you to look back up at him. His hand stroked his dick to give himself so relief as his eyes locked onto the way your mouth fell open. Your eyes drifted down to his hips and your tongue darted out to lick your lips as you watched him stroke himself. You wasted no more time to slip two fingers back into your slit. Your thrusts were quick as the sound of your drenched pussy filled the room keeping eye contact with Joshua who kept up with your pace. He could die a happy man watching the way your wetness dripped down your thighs each time your fingers slid back into your cunt. You twitched as he grabbed your wrist, positioning your fingers at a new angle while his hips quickly thrust in his hand.

“Oh” Your world was spinning as your fingers pushed against that sweet spot you tried earlier. But this time it was heavenly. Euphoric even. Your thrusts became erratic and you felt a familiar sensation build in your lower belly. “Joshua I'm gonna…….fuck.”

“Let go for me. Give me all of it.” Joshua had managed to strip out of his pants while you were concentrating on chasing your release for the second time. Joshua was too busy taking a mental screenshot as you bit your lip, eyes shut tight with your brows close together. You couldn't hold back any longer as your second orgasm had you seeing stars. You arched your back off the bed as the splash of liquid left your body, gushing all over the bed and Joshua. The sound of your pussy gushing bounced off of your loud moans as the sheets under you became soaked. You had squirted all over his thighs and lower belly. Your body went limp for a couple of seconds as you sat there to catch your breath. The wet and cold feeling on his skin was enough to make him go feral. 

“Fuck it.” He grabbed the back of your thighs, pushing your legs up as he slipped into you with ease. The sudden intrusion caused you to scream out and grab onto his arms. You swore your eyes rolled to the back of your head as his hips slammed into your ass, his cock hitting your g spot with every thrust. You're going to cum again. The drag of his cock along your walls was beginning to make you lightheaded. You were overstimulated but the pleasure was too good as his hips fucked into you at a rough pace. His hand came up to rest on the curve of your hips and you squealed as his thrusts became relentless, the man above you determined to have you trembling tomorrow. 

“Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck” the word falls from your lips like a chant as your release hits you like a freight train. You arched into him as your body stilled, pushing out your cum like a fountain with enough force to have him slip from your pussy. He watches you drench his cock and thighs and within seconds he was back on you, fucking you through it as your nails dug into his back. The pressure in his stomach was ready to snap and he placed a soft kiss to the back of your ankle before pulling it over his shoulder, hips pistoning into you slow and hard. The fucked out look on your face paired with the way your pussy clamped down on him was enough to tip him over the edge as he gave one last hard thrust. His body stuttered and you felt him shoot his load deep into you. He gave a few more thrusts to ride out his high before grabbing himself by the base and slipping out of you with a squelch. You whined softly as the feeling of his warm cum leaked out of you. He scooped up some of the excess before pushing back into your hole causing you to jolt as he brushed your clit by mistake.

“I guess……” You took a deep breath.  “I win.” Your eyes locked onto his and he gave you a soft smile before taking your lips in a kiss. 

“I guess so.” He smiled as he kissed your shoulder. “What would you like me to do first?”

“Make me dinner?” You asked, wrapping your arms around his neck. 

“As you wish.”

[world-of-aus]

The Arrangement - Chapter 3

Pairing: Mobboss!Bucky x Reader

Chapter Warnings: Angsty Dialogue. Longing????

Author's Note: Chapter 3 is finally here, I apologize for the delay, but I wanted to make this as good as I could for all of you. Also the vows used are my personal favorite and I think they fit the story well. I hope you enjoy, thank you, and happy readings!

You’re looking over the latest shipment, fingers dancing down the list of numbers, eyes scanning over the page from left to right. 

“You know, I heard most brides should be relaxing before their big day, having a night out on the town with their friends. Why am I not surprised you’re still here sweetheart?"

Your fingers still, eyes flitting up to see you father at the open door of your office, you offer a warm smile, “m'about done, just doing a final check before the weekend, wanted to make sure our numbers were right come Monday when we merge with the Barnes, didn't want a single hair out of place. And I'll have you know that Becca and I had a girls night yesterday by the way, we plan on catching a late dinner tonight as well so consider that my night out on the town.” 

Your father chuckles stepping into your space, your eyes flit back to the sheet as he draws closer, his presence looming at your side as he watches you. He waits till you’ve skimmed the last of the page, till you’re relaxed back against the office chair eyes on him before he speaks. 

“How are you doing my girl,” he murmurs reaching out to stroke your head, “I’ve been worried about you since your mom called you home and delivered the news.” 

“I don’t know how to feel dad,” you answer honestly, “should I feel happy, sad, angry, regret?” 

“Regret?” he questions. 

“This isn’t the way this was supposed to go,” you say. “I planned a wedding for tomorrow that isn’t mine, everything up to the last detail is hers, it's not mine and now I’m expected to step up – to step in for my family. Do you know what that’s going to feel like? To look like? Stepping in to a wedding that screams ‘This isn’t yours’, a wedding that you didn't invision." What if she comes back dad, what if she comes to her senses and decides she wants him back? What then? Are you going to discard up the contract like you did that night? Discard my feelings as if they meant less than hers?” 

Your father looks stricken by your words, “but we thought it’s what you wanted sweetheart, you didn’t fight us on it, you willingly let him sign so we assumed it's what you wanted too."

You scoff with a shake of your head, maybe you’d settle on feeling anger. “Of course I made it seem like it's something I wanted. Forgive me for not wanting to put myself through a one-sided marriage. He fell for her dad the first night he laid eyes on her and he was locked in, he loves her, he chose her. So of course I let him go despite my breaking heart. I refused to be the cause of someone’s unhappiness, to be the cause of my own unhappiness because I deserve someone who will love me back, who would choose me and he wasn’t going to chose me.” 

‘I can’t do this to her.’ 

But he could do it to you. 

“Sweetheart I’m -” 

You bring a hand up, “Please don’t dad, I’ve agreed to this because I know what it meant to our family, and I’ll play my role just as you asked but please don't ask more of me, there's only so much that I can give, and I think I've given enough."

Your fathers struck by your words, and he can only watch as you stand from the seat gathering your things. It’s only once you’ve reached the door of the office you turn to regard him, “I’ll see you tomorrow dad.” He wants to call you back,  to get on his knees and beg for your forgiveness because how could he have not seen it. Seen what that night did to you, he should have done more for you, fought it, but all he could think of that night was the merger, the safety it would bring both families. He thought of everyone’s happiness but your own that night. They all did. 

“You know my offer still stands to be your getaway driver for tomorrow right?” 

Despite the tears blurring your eyes you still manage to snort out your laughter, “Your brother would have us tracked down in minutes Bec’s there’s no where you could go that he wouldn’t find you, he has plenty of people that owe him favors just ready to cash in. Also don't get me started on the hell my father would reign, I don't take his position till after I marry."

“It was a worth a try,” she grumbles stabbing a noodle, “I just hate to see you hurting y/n, this isn’t how the night before your big day should be going, you should be happy – those tears shouldn’t be sad ones.” 

You smile sadly at the noodles in the takeout box before looking over the coffee table at your best friend, “but this isn’t my big day Bec's, I'm doing this for our families." Rebecca abandons her noodles all but crawling over the wooden coffee table to get to you, her arms crushing you in a welcomed embrace. “Tomorrow is for you y/n, I know none of it feels like it is, but its for you, I promise it is.” 

Your fingers curl around your friend as more tears slip from your eyes, god how you wish that were the truth. You would give yourself tonight to cry, to be hurt, to feel angry, but tomorrow, tomorrow it would all be different - you'd learn to mask it. You would no longer cry, no longer allow this pain to consume you, you were going to fight for your happiness - real happiness, and ensure you got every bit of it you deserved. 

Bucky remembered the nights the two of you would be out in the backyard of the Barnes residence, a soft blanket laid out beneath the two of you, the stars coating the night sky as you two drew up the image of the ‘perfect wedding’ a wedding between the two of you that was written in the stars. Looking around the chapel now he doesn’t see a single speck of you in the details. Though why would he, this wedding wasn’t yours despite all the effort you had gone to make sure it was perfect and it really wasn’t his – was it?  

He still recalls the day your sister eagerly announced their engagement to both families, he had imagined this being one of the most exciting moments in his life but where was that sought after feeling? He had found no excitement when she mentioned that you and her would be going dress shopping for the first time since the engagement dropped, no eagerness in wondering what she would look like in her chosen all white dress. If anything he felt like he had been outsider to most of it, the cake testing, the linen choosing, the food tasting, and at the time he couldn't quite understand why. Where had that rush he felt with you in his backyard gone? This was his wedding, he should feel happy, so why didn't he, what was missing?

Bucky thought he might be devastated when his mother rang him to tell him about your sister not being able to go through with the wedding. He thought he might have been crushed when he received her text: Please forgive me. I love you, but I can't do this. He thought he might feel hurt when his number was blocked shortly after, but he felt nothing.

Now though as he stands at the head of the chapel, Steve and Sam at his side a feeling Bucky can’t place his finger on crushes his chest as he looks over the families lining the pews of the church. There are quiet whispers filtering through the air, and Bucky thinks that's what may be causing the feeling. Or maybe it was the fact that you still hadn’t entered through the closed doors of the chapel.  

Had you unlike your sister gotten actual cold feet, or maybe you finally decide to do something for you, something that wasn't at the benefit of your family.

Steve leans in from where he’s stood at his side, “would you like me to go check on them pal?” Bucky’s lip's part on an answer but the doors to the chapel are pushing in, his sister albeit a little disheveled makes her way down the aisle, quiet apologies on her lips as she takes her spot on your side.

He looks at her in question, "we hit a bump in the road," she mouths, "she's coming."

Bucky wants to question her further, but then the piano is being queued, the doors swinging open and just there at the entrance you stand with your father, your arms entwined together.

He forgets how to breathe.

Bucky watches your father guide the two of you down the aisle, both family's stood on their feet. The feeling that weighed him down earlier is now replaced with something new as your father closes the distance. You're dressed in a silk white dress, a delicate veil placed in your hair, a simple piece yet on you it looked incredibly stunning, so this was the bump in the road.

He meets you and your father, your hand being placed in his, "take care of my girl son." Bucky looks at your father, his hand squeezing yours, "I give you my word sir." your father nods placing a kiss to your cheek before taking his spot by your mother.

It's just you and Bucky for a moment as he leads you up to the officiant, "I'm sorry for being late," you whisper, "I -" He turns to you then as you stop before the officiant, his other hand taking yours, "there's nothing to be sorry for I understand, you're here now, you look beautiful sweetheart."

He's left you speechless, but there's no room for words as the officiant begins the ceremony.

Bucky can't take his eyes off you, not even as he repeats the vows he's supposed to, his eyes only ever part from yours when he goes to present you with the ring Steve passes him, and even then they're on yours shortly after as he makes his promise to you. He cant quite describe the feeling that passes over him when you take the ring from Becca eyes locked on his as you make your vows to him sealing it with the ring over his finger.

Why did he ever let you go?

"James Barnes and Y/F/N Y/L/N, having proclaimed your love and commitment to one another in the eyes of these loved ones, and with the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church and the state of New York, I am so happy to pronounce you husband and wife." The officiant turns his attention to Bucky then, "You may kiss your bride."

You and Bucky had only ever kissed one other time, and it was a moment like this one that he knew he would never forget.

He's on his side looking down at you, taking in the beauty of your features as your eyes dance across the starry sky. "I'd want to write my own vow's," he proclaims, "it would feel more personal, more us."

He loves when your eyes find his, there's a brightness in your eyes at his proclamation, "I'd love that too B, care to share with me a bit of what you'd say?"

He know's you're teasing but in that moment he doesn't care, he thinks he may be able to tell you tonight, to show you just how much he cares, how much he loves you. "I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms now and forever," he breathes grinning at the soft surprise that skirts over your features. "I promise to never forget that this is a once-in-a-lifetime love. And to always know in the deepest part of my soul that no matter what challenges might carry us apart, we will always find our way back to each other."

He thinks you might have been the first to move, your hand finding the back of his head, the other the side of his face as you caressed his cheek, he knows there's love in your eyes as you pull him a little closer, the whispered words, 'you may now kiss the bride' ghosting over his lips just before they met yours.

He's certain he's the one that's moved first this time, one hand finding your waist, the other your cheek as he pulls you closer. He can see the fear, the worry there in your eyes, and he caresses your skin in hopes of easing that worry as he closes the distance between the two of you.

And just before his lips slot over yours Bucky vows then to mend the promises he had broken.

The Arrangement Taglist:

If you'd like to be added or removed please let me know, Many Thanks <3

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[sweetiesicheng]

vernon - allergies

word count : 658

-

vernon stands in the living room, not sure of what to do as he watches you open a new box of tissues. he notices a bunch of used tissues stuffed into an empty tissue box.

is she crying? did she have a bad day?

...her birthday isn't until next month...

phew, didn't forget.

"oh, vernon, welcome home."

you look at him with a new tissue in hand.

"did something happen?" vernon asks you.

"allergies," you reply to him.

"since when did you have allergies?" vernon asks in confusion.

"i usually take medicine," you reply, "but i ran out and ran into a really cute dog on my way home."

"how cute?"

"s.coups would kill me if he knew i said it's cuter than kkuma."

"oh wow, it must've been really cute," vernon replies, making you laugh. "did you really run out of medicine? you don't have a spare bottle anywhere?" he asks.

"i'm going grocery shopping tomorrow. i'll buy it then," you reply. "it'll eventually settle, but i'll be like this for a hot second," you add and rub one of your watery eyes with the back of your hand.

"stop rubbing your eyes. you’re making it worst for yourself," vernon says to you.

"it's bothering me!" you whine to him and grab a new tissue.

"let me see if we have eye drops or something," vernon says and goes into the kitchen to look through a cabinet that has a few medical items. you grab the new tissue box and bring it with you into the kitchen.

vernon looks at the few items on the bottom shelf of a cabinet while you sit down at the table. vernon finds some eye drops and scans over the label for a second to make sure that the eye drops help with allergies. then, he holds the bottle out to you with a small hum.

"can you do it for me?" you ask him.

"put your eye drops in?" vernon asks.

"yea."

he's clearly a bit uneasy at the thought. "uh, i can try," he replies to you.

you quickly blow your nose before tilting your head back. vernon uncaps the bottle of eyedrops and attempts to put a drop on your eye, but he misses.

"oh shoot. let me try again," vernon says to you. you blink a few times before vernon tries again. this time, the drop goes into your eye. you blink a few times again before vernon moves onto your other eye. he gently squeezes the bottle, and a drop of solution lands on your eye.

you blink again and tilt your head down. "thanks."

"yea," vernon replies and twists the cap back on. "i'll just put the bottle on the counter in case you need it again," vernon says to you and places the small bottle onto the kitchen counter.

you nod and use a tissue to dab away some of the eye drop solution that had fallen onto your face. vernon sits down across from you.

"was the dog really cuter than kkuma?" vernon asks out of curiosity. you nod before sneezing into another tissue. "do you have pictures?" he asks.

"of course i have pictures," you reply. "my phone is in the living room," you mention, "i'll probably text coups and tell him."

vernon stands up from the table and walks into the living room to grab your phone. "you'll make him fight you," he reminds you. he picks up your phone and goes back into the kitchen.

"he can fight, but we all know i'll win," you reply. "wait, i think my allergies stopped," you suddenly change topics, finally feeling better, "i think i'm good."

all of a sudden, you feel yourself about to sneeze and quickly grab a tissue. you sneeze again and groan in annoyance.

"i think we should go get you some medicine," vernon says to you while scrolling on your phone for the photos.

"yea...you're probably right."

[thecuriousbeauty]

Traitor- The Present

Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Synopsis:y/n is a hard working painter, trying to make the ends meet. She lives with and takes care of her sick Uncle, the only one she has for a family. She has dreams to make it big, and when the desperation for money strikes, she has to make a choice. Walk away after listening to an incredible deal that would fix all her problems, or take up the deal. A top secret, risky deal, which involves meeting Harry Styles.A man once rumored to be a dangerous secret weapon of a leading mafia. artist!y/n x mafia!harry (he's also a doctor)

Word limit: 5,021

Warnings: Smut. Fingering, dirty talk, exhibitionism, choking, light degradation.

Author's note: Thank you so much for all your love on the last part. If you guys want me to add your names to my tag list, just drop me a message! Feedback is appreciated, and please re blog to support me. Happy reading:)

____________________________________________

"I swear there's no one on the planet that makes better sandwiches than you, Harry."

Harry and y/n were enjoying a picnic in the park, complete with ham and cheese sandwiches (cut in triangles, per her request), fruit salad, and cookies they had baked together the night before. Much to both of their delight, the park was nearly empty aside from a few toddlers playing in the jungle gym with their mothers.

Or so they thought.

"What are you doing tonight?", Harry asks her, enjoying the fresh air as he leaned against the tree, with his arm around y/n. Her back was towards his chest, and she was looking up at him.

"Oh I have to talk to a client, who wants to buy one of my paintings.", she lies. She had a meeting with Romania tonight.

"After that?", Harry drawls, kissing her neck.

"I promised Uncle Luke we would play pictionary today!", she says, as his lips hum against the pulse point of her neck.

"You can't get enough of me, can you?", she teases.

"No.", he agrees, stroking her hair between his fingers. "I would spend every minute of the day with you if I could."

"I would get bored.", y/n says playfully, and Harry growls, tightening his grip around her waist making her giggle. "I'll remember that the next time we're in bed.", he whispers in her ear, making her blush.

Then she saw them. Three men surrounded different areas of the park. All three of them were looking at them. y/n suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

"Um, Harry?"

"Hm?"

"I think we should pack up and head home. I'll run late for my meeting with the client.", she says, squeezing his arm gently.

"Already?", he asks, pulling away from her neck and she nods. "I'll spend the night with you tomorrow, okay?"

His face turns into a cute pout, and she wonders how people in his past were intimidated by that face. "Okay. You'll have to make it up to me, baby."

"I will.", she promises, starting to pack everything up. They finished packing their snacks, took their picnic blanket, and y/n took Harry's hand tight in hers, keeping her eyes on the men as they walked to her car.

She drove away soon. "Why don't you drive Harry?", she asks.

"I don't like driving.", he simply says.

"Why is that? Did you have a really bad accident?", she hints.

"Uh...maybe, I don't know. I don't enjoy it. I like walking, and the hospital's close from my house.", he shrugs, looking outside the window. He looked so innocent to y/n.

She drops Harry, before leaving. She had a bad feeling, and she grabbed his hand before he could go. She had already scanned the place to see if the men had followed her, but they hadn't.

"Harry, be careful, yeah?", she says, worried.

"Yeah, why?", he strokes her cheek, noticing that something's bothering her.

"The world is not a good place.", she squeezes his hand. "Lock your doors, okay?"

"I will..are you sure you're okay?"

She smiles, bringing his hand to her lips to kiss it. "I'm okay. I'll see you tomorrow, Harry."

Harry nods, kissing her forehead. "Remember I'm here if you need to talk about something."

The guilt storm hits her hard again, and she nods. "Thank you. I gotta go now."

"Yeah. See you, sunshine."

She had to do it. She had to tell Romania that this has to stop. She got to the building, took the elevator, waited impatiently for it to open and Hans greets her at the door.

"Ah, in time today Miss y/l/n", he remarks, looking at his watch.

"I'm not always late.", y/n mumbles and he chuckles, stepping aside. "Come in."

Romania sat on the couch as usual, and y/n wonders if she gets up from there once in a while. Oliver was not standing, for a change. He was sitting on the seat next to the one that y/n usually occupies when she's here.

"Good evening, y/n.", Romania gives her a smile and Oliver ignores her, classic Oliver.

"Hi.", y/n nods, taking her seat.

"Anything stronger than water?", Hans asks her, cocking an eyebrow.

"No, just water. Thanks.", y/n says to him. She didn't want to drink with people who plot to kill other people who got into tragic accidents and lost their memory.

"So? What are your updates this week?", Romania asks her, keeping one of her lean legs over the other and looking at her with interest. Oliver turns her head to look at her, and Hans keeps her water in front of her before sitting on the table he usually leans on.

y/n got talking. She told them everything she found out and didn't. She told them about the ring as well.

"So he's still holding on to that.", Romania smiled. "That's a great break through, y/n."

"Was that Reagen's?", y/n guesses.

"Yes. She didn't know, but Harry was planning to propose to her after that night. After their last mission. Diamond ring, silver beading, wasn't it?"

y/n nods. Romania looks at Hans for confirmation who nodded. "That's the one."

"That means some part of him still isn't ready to let go of Reagen.", Romania says. "Or it was a slip of the mask. He wasn't expecting you to search his room and find the ring. He could easily lie to you, like he probably has numerous times now. Whatever is necessary to keep his identity secret."

"I really think you're wrong, Romania.", y/n says softly. "And I'm sorry that you all lost your friend, but he's no longer in there, if he ever was. The Harry I know is a kind person. He isn't capable of hurting anyone."

"You've fallen for him, haven't you?", Romania sighs. "You're in love and you've been sleeping with him."

Was it love? A fire ignited in her chest whenever she thought about him. Her whole body tingled when he touched her. She wanted to go home to him every day. Was that love? y/n didn't know. She hasn't been in love before.

"I heard he was good in bed.", Hans says, nodding. "Lot of girls wanted to get laid but he only ever had eyes for Reagen."

"He trusts you," Oliver says. "You've gained his trust, y/n. This week, you really have to destroy his walls and get him to remember everything. You don't understand. We need him. His life is in danger if keeps his act going on any longer."

"I-I'll take him somewhere safe, where no one can hurt him.", y/n whispers, then thought about how dumb that sounded.

Romania scoffed. "We have men everywhere, y/n. You have no idea how big we are. You're lucky it's just the three of us talking to you."

"I've seen guys following us, looking at us weirdly. Are they your men?"

"Maybe, maybe not.", Hans shrugs. "Can be enemies plotting his death. Too scared to come any closer to him. They were all terrified of Harry once they got to know he was our secret weapon."

"W-Why do people have to be so terrified of him?", she couldn't help but ask the same question she asked last meeting.

"He is not the man you think he is."Oliver spoke slowly, like he was warning her. "Take his fondness towards you as leverage and find out what we need. Do your job and let us worry about protecting him, okay?"

"You have time till seven days, and I have a plan.", Romania tells her. "Do it as I say, and you'll be done. You'll be free to do as you please, whether he remembers or not."

"B-But I can't just leave him-"

"That's your fault, getting romantically involved with him."

Yes. It was her fault. y/n nods, finishing the entire glass of water. "Tell me your plan."

"Road trip.", she says, clapping her hands together.

"That's your great plan?", y/n asks confused.

"Hans.", Romania said and Hans spread out a map on the table. "Reagen and Harry were smuggling gold from San Francisco to New Mexico, on road.", he says, pointing at the places on the map.

"From here.", y/n spoke softly, and they nodded. She lived outside the city, in a small town near San Francisco, but the nearest city to her is Dan Francisco. 

"It's a sixteen hour road trip. It'll take you two days if you cover 8 hours every day. Four days if you cover four hours every day. The choice is yours. But we need Harry here by the end of this week." Hans pointed to a place near the border. It wasn't Mexico yet.

"This was where the blast took place. Where Reagen died, and where Harry lost his memory. We want you to take him through the same route they took on their last journey together. We're confident Harry will remember something, if not everything."

"You want me to bring him to the same place he lost his past life..to see if the place brings back his memories?", y/n put it together.

"Precisely.", Romania nods. "Now what you want to do in those four days is not my concern. Get a room, go to a party, go to the beach, go to a movie. I don't care. But I need Harry's memories back. Traveling on this route, a route he has taken many times before, has to be the key."

It was a good plan if it works. "And if he remembers?"

"Leave the rest to us.", Oliver says, and y/n buries her head in her hands as she thinks. "Is there another option?"

"This is our best option y/n.", Hans speaks softly. "Our last hope. You can make it happen."

Just one more week and she can put all this behind her. Of course she knew that wasn't possible as she is now involved in Harry's life, but if at all he remembers, even a glimpse of who he used to be, no one can hurt him. They'll all be scared. Things might change between y/n and Harry, but at least he'd be safe, she thought. Yes, she had to make him remember.

"Road trip it is, then."

_____________________________________________________________

Harry sits on his bed, watching as y/n sorts through his wardrobe. "Do you have anything other than these formal shirts?", she asks, finding only more and more of single colored shirts.

"No. That's all I need.", Harry shrugs. "You don't like them?"

y/n turns to smile at him, and walks to him. "I love them, Harry. But for our trip, you definitely need more. I'm gonna take you shopping."

"I don't like shopping..", Harry mumbles, grabbing her hips and pulling her in between his legs. His thumbs draw circles on her skin that's exposed. y/n was wearing a crop top and shorts. "Can I not just love on you for the entire day?", he asks, kissing her neck and y/n feels his soft hair as she moves her hand to play with his hair.

"As much as I would love that..", y/n kisses his lips, making him smile. "You are in dire need of new clothes." She squeaks as Harry pulls her onto his lap. "We can have our fun later."

"The kind of fun we like?", he asks, moving her hair back to expose her neck, attaching his lips to her soft skin.

"Uh huh.", y/n sucks in a breath, twisting a curl around his finger. "Why can't your friend just drive the car back herself?", he asks.

y/n had made up a story to tell Harry about the road trip to Mexico. It had to be convincing. Romania gave her that story as well. She had to say that it was her friend's, and her cousin had driven to San Francisco last time he was here but he took the flight back, so the car was still with her. Now he needed it back, and he was too busy to come here himself.

"Cause she's busy. I owe her one.", y/n says, feeling horrible to lie to him, but she had no option. She would get him on the road, and try her best to make him recollect his memories. If he didn't remember, she would tell him the truth before the week ended. She wouldn't let him get killed. He might leave her when she tells him the truth but it's better than him dying. She could live with regret, but she couldn't, knowing that she helped someone with murder.

"And you need a trip. You've been working non stop, everyone needs a break.", y/n kisses his jaw, and Harry smiles, "I don't need breaks, I love work. The only reason I agreed is because of you."

"You can't say no to me, can you?", y/n pats his cheeks.

"You're cute.", he chuckles, before lifting her off his lap and standing on his feet. "Let's go."

y/n took Harry shopping, and he just stood there like one of the mannequins themselves, while y/n sorted through the clothes. He seemed to be enjoying looking at her, rather than the different collection of clothes.

"Here, try these on. There's the trial room.", y/n says as she places a pile of shirts onto Harry's hands.

"Um, okay." Harry walks to the trial rooms, and y/n chuckles to herself. He was so adorable and innocent. y/n even tried google searching about him, but she didn't find much. She wanted to know why people were scared of him. She wished she could talk to Reagen. She was the only person not afraid of him, and who was closest to him.

“How’s this?”

y/n gives Harry a once over, as he poses for her in a floral shirt.He hadn’t done all the buttons up, and she could see half of his butterfly tattoo.

 She bites her lip, nodding. “Get it.”

Harry looks around, before reaching a hand to tug her into the trial room. “Harry! What if people see?”

“There’s no one around, love.”, Harry pins her to the wall, trapping her with his large frame. “Are you getting worked up?”

“No..”, she lies, breathing heavily as he leans closer, his breath fanning over her face. “No?”, he smirks, pressing her lips onto her hers, and biting her bottom lip. She opens her mouth to let his tongue inside, and lets him explore her mouth. Harry’s knee comes in between her legs, separating them. One hand holds her hip while the other slips up her thigh, to her core. 

She clenches her thighs immediately, and he pinches her thigh. “Keep them open. Let me see for myself if you’re wet.”

She plays with the curls on the back of his head, and grips his shoulder as he parts her panties and runs a finger through her sleek wet folds. 

“Ah hah, looks like someone was lying.”

“Harry stop..t-they’ll hear us..”, she whispers, fighting back a moan as he slips one finger inside her. She was wearing a skirt, so he had easy access. 

“You’ll just have to be quiet then, baby.”, he hums, adding another finger and pumping them in and out of her slowly, in a dangerously slow pace. “Should I let you cum? You lied to me.”

“Y-Yes, please..”, she whimpers, starting to ride his fingers because he wasn’t using them fast enough for her to get off. He pulled away his fingers immediately, and she whined in annoyance. 

“You’ll take what I give you, won’t you sweetheart?”, he questions, the hand holding her hip moving to her throat. “Fuck..yes..”, she answers, her eyes fluttering as she looks at his hand around her throat. “Please..”

“Please what? You want me to choke you?”

“Yes, a-and let me cum.”, she murmurs, and he cocks an eyebrow, pressing his fingers around her neck just enough to make her vision a little bit disoriented, but it felt so good. “Please.”, she quickly adds and he hums in satisfaction. “Get inside me.”

“You’ll get to cum only if you are a good girl and be quiet, okay? Can you do that for me?”

“Yes.”, she agrees, nodding her head and he releases her neck, turning her around. “If you make a sound, I’m gonna stuff these panties into your pretty little mouth, got it?”

“Uh huh..” Harry flips up her skirt and drags down her panties, before unbuckling his pants and getting his dick out of his boxers. She keeps her hands on the mirror covered wall, and he keeps his hand on her shoulder as he slips his hard cock into her pussy.

“Fuck, so tight around me. Such a perfect hole.”, he groans, and she gasps at the feeling of being full, before quickly remembering that she should be quiet. Harry fucks her deep and quick, making her bite her lip so hard she was sure it was bleeding. It felt so fucking good. 

“Feels good, baby? This what you wanted?”Harry's fingers dig into the flesh of her hip.

“So good.”, she hummed, and let out a small scream as he thrusts quickly, and it hit just the spot. She was struggling to keep standing. 

“What did I tell you?”Harry grabs her ass, squeezing one of her cheeks. “What would happen if you couldn’t be quiet?”

“Y-You’d stuff my panties in m-my mouth..oh god.,”, she moans, and he picks up her panties. “That’s right. Want to let the whole world know what a dirty little girl you are? Open your mouth.”

His fingers grabbed her jaw and squeezed, making her open her mouth and he stuffs her panties into her mouth, making her moan around it as he continues to fuck her. “That’s better. Do you still think you deserve to cum?”

She couldn’t answer with the panties in her mouth, and she didn’t think she would be able to even if she could have. She was seeing stars. But she managed a weak nod.

“Yeah? I don’t think so.``, Harry quickened his pace, feeling him getting close and she clenched around him. “Fuck yes, just like that.”, he groans. “B-Because I’m nice, I’ll let you cum. Let go, baby.”

It doesn’t take much longer for her to tip over the edge, and he has to hold her up to make sure she doesn’t fall on her knees. Her legs were shaking from the orgasm, and her head was floating. Harry groaned as he released as well, slowing down his strokes. He pressed his forehead to her shoulder, breathing as they came down from their highs. 

He takes the panties out of her mouth, and presses a kiss to her shoulder. “Can I pull out?”

She nods, and he does, slowly before turning her around and pushing all the cum dripping down her thighs inside her. She whines from sensitivity. “You’ll hold everything in, right love? I’ll take care of it when we get home after our little shopping trip.”

“I-I think we’re done shopping for the day..”, she sighs, head leaning on his chest and he chuckles, pulling her into his arms. He presses a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re so perfect.”

___________________________________________________

Two days later, y/n and Harry were ready for their trip. She had planned it all for four days, the last day would be the seventh day. The end of her four weeks.

"You can always call me anytime.", y/n tells Uncle Luke as she checks the house over and over again, to make sure he has everything. She had found a home nurse who would take care of him when she was gone.

"I'll be fine, y/n. I told you I don't need a nurse!", he says as y/n checks his medicine cabinet, making sure nothing needs a refill.

"I know you can take care of yourself, the nurse is so I don't freak out, okay?", she says, sitting down when her uncle grabs her wrist.

"I'll be good, I promise.", he says, smiling with the soft glint in his eyes. "But you haven't been on a trip since ages, y/n. I want you to have fun."

y/n smiles, squeezing his hand. "You used to love going to new places and outdoors. I wish you were little again so we could both go get ice cream, and I'd push you on the swing in the park.."

y/n leans forward to hug her uncle, closing her eyes in comfort as his arms wrap around her. "You remind me of Reena sometimes. She would be a beautiful smart girl like you right now, if she was alive."

"She would. I'm sure she's looking at you from up there.", y/n says to him, and Uncle Luke smiles at her. "My little girl. I'll see her some day."

"Yes, until then, you're stuck with me."

y/n gets him to laugh. "Seriously, have fun y/n, don't think about me, okay? I'll call every day, but don't spend too much time worrying about me."

"I'll try.", she nods.

"Guess you gotta go, Harry will be waiting for you.", he says, stroking her hair back.

"Yup. It's just four days, I can do this right?", she asks for assurance, and Uncle Luke nods, placing a kiss on her forehead. "You can. You know, while I was making tea yesterday, I put in salt instead of sugar?"

"Oh god. That must have tasted horrible."

"My point is, y/n, don't trust everything you see or hear. You can't even differentiate salt from sugar if you don't look carefully."

y/n's eyebrows creased, and she bit her lip, thinking about that statement. Did Uncle Luke mean something? He did throw around words like that often, but this seemed different.

"What do you mean, Uncle?", she asks, pulling back from the hug to look at him.

"What do I mean?", he asks, confused. "Wasn't I talking about Reena?"

y/n knew he had forgotten, and there was no point bringing it up again. He would only get sad about the fact that he forgot something he just said. y/n made sure she packed everything, and went to go pick Harry.

She waits for him in the car, and after half an hour of waiting, he finally comes out. She gets out of the car to help him load his bag into the trunk.

"I thought you were gonna bail on me. We're already two hours past the time we were supposed to leave. We have to-"

y/n stops talking as she turns to look at Harry. He had gotten a haircut, shaved his mustache and trimmed his beard. He looked so handsome, the haircut made his eyes stand out. His green eyes were shining bright. He immediately looked a few years younger. His skin glowed in the sunlight. He wore a black t shirt exposing his muscular arms, and displaying all his tattoos. He wore baggy jeans and sneakers with that.

"Enjoying the view? We're not even in Mexico, yet.", Harry smirks at her, his dimples popping.

She blushes, pushing on his shoulder. He looked incredibly hot. "Who are you? What did you do with Doctor Turner?"

"He's gone for vacation, won't be available for four days. I would recommend rescheduling the appointment if you had one.", he says, making her giggle and hug him. "You look great Harry."

"Thank you, and you always do, y/n. Sorry for the delay, I had some last minute packing left. I'm ready to go now. Oh! I didn't know it was convertible.", he says, looking at the car.

"Isn't it sick? I thought you'll like it.", y/n says, watching him go around and look at it.

"Interesting," he agrees. "It's safe, right?"

"Of course. I drive safely. Hop in, let's begin our trip!"

Harry smiles and kisses her before getting in. Harry asks her questions about where they'll be staying, and she tells him she booked a room in a hotel near the beach for the day.

y/n sang along to the music and Harry listened to her with a smile. She really was a sunshine in his life. They stopped for tea on the way, and for a break. It was a little hut-like place, overlooking the hills. It was the only spot she could find on the highway.

y/n clicked some pictures of Harry as he leaned against the car. He caught her, and brought a hand to his face. "Whyy?", he drawls.

"It's a beautiful view!", she says, smiling as she looks at the photos.

"Let me take yours then! Stand there.", he points to a tree, and snatches her phone out of her hands.

"Okay." y/n walks over and strikes a pose, making Harry grin as he clicks. She made a funny face for the next one, and Harry pinched her side playfully when she came back running to him.

"You're so pretty.", he mumbles, pressing a kiss to her head as she looks at the photos. She smiles, leaning her head on his shoulder and tilting her head up to meet his lips. "Thank you."

They hit the road again. Harry had come off a night shift the day before so he was tired. He yawns and leans his head on the window.

"Will you get sleepy and crash if I sleep?", he asks.

"No, I think I'll survive for a while. We have one and half hours more, get recharged.", she pats his knee.

He was too tired to protest, and he let his eyes close. y/n kept looking at him sideways when she could. Harry looked so peaceful. She wished she could keep him safe with her like this forever.

Harry woke up energetic before they got to their hotel. It was a small place, but the view from their room was beautiful. Palm trees stood tall along the beach, dancing to the tune of the breeze emanating from the waters of the sea. They missed the sunset, but the sky was still painted in hues.

They decided to freshen up and then take a walk on the beach side. y/n changed into a purple and pink blouse, paired with matching shorts and put on her sandals. Harry chose a simple white shirt and black shorts. Harry took her hand when they walked, making y/n's heart flutter. They had held hands before, but now they were away from everyone, in their own world and happy.

Then they sat down on the sand while looking at the calm waters. "Why San Francisco?", y/n asks Harry as she traces her thumb on the cross tattoo on his hand. "You didn't grow up here, did you?"

"I don't think so..", Harry murmurs. "I think I'm from London."

She knew he was British from his accent that was incredibly hot, but London was new information. "Then why did you move here?", she asks.

"I-I don't know..I've been here since the time I remember.", he whispers.

"Move back to London, Harry. Or Mexico, or somewhere.", she mumbles, making him look at her. "Leaving you and my life behind?"

"That's what's safe for you. You can get a job there too, build a beautiful house and fall in love with a beautiful girl. Build your life there, Harry. Be happy.", she whispers, kissing his cheek. She couldn't tell him anything more.

"I built my life here, y/n. I don't know if I can do it again. I'm content with what I have now. I don't think it's possible to fall in love again either."

"Again?", y/n lifts her head from his shoulder. Was he talking about Reagen?

He tucks some of her hair behind her ear. "Yeah. I'm in love with you, y/n."

She felt her ribs hurting from the butterflies fluttering from her stomach up to her ribs, pressing on them. Her heart beat so fast, she thought it would explode out of her chest. y/n stroked his cheek as he looked at her with those gorgeous eyes. Her own eyes filled with tears, so she closed them, not wanting him to see and pressed her lips onto his soft ones. Harry's hand moves to the back of her neck, pulling her closer as he kisses her passionately.

"I love you too, Harry.", y/n whispers back, and touches their foreheads together. It was tearing her apart, hurting him. She would be responsible for breaking his heart. She wanted to walk into the sea and scream, letting the waves of the sea drown her voice.

Will he think think that what they have between them is also an act, when he gets to know the truth? But this was all true. y/n couldn't deny it anymore. She was in love with this man. The man who came into her life unexpectedly, and now without whom she cannot imagine living without.

"I'm happy, y/n. As long as I have you, I'll always be happy.", Harry whispers, pressing a sweet kiss to her forehead.

[frankenkyle19]

Corn-Maze Shenanigans

Happy Halloween! I literally have been working on this for two weeks and it’s still trash but I don’t care anymore, I’m absolutely exhausted. Hopefully it’s decent, sorry it’s rushed I wanted to get it done before Halloween was actually over and I work all day tomorrow and won’t have time to post it. Not at all proofread. Probably a lot of errors.

Word count: 5.5k

Description: Peter Maximoff and reader go to a fall/Halloween festival together on their day off. The corn maze was closed for the day but Peter comes up with a plan. They get up to no good in the corn maze. Smut. Smut. Smut. Enjoy! :)

The nostalgic feeling that fall brought on never ceased to amaze Peter.. Everything about it was magical. The weather, the activities and my god the smells. The smell of fall was something that Peter wished could be ingrained into his scent receptors. The spices, the chill in the air.. There was no debate, it was the best time of year hands down and he’d die on that hill.

He’d been dying to go to a pumpkin patch or a festival since the end of September but the X-men had been so busy with.. Well, helping keep people safe. Peter wished he could have called for some sort of time off or something because he felt as if he was watching everyone else around him enjoy activities that he obviously loved more.

Finally, fucking finally after what felt truly like years, you agreed to go with him to a nearby farm festival on a day the two of you weren’t busy. Peter swore he’d never been happier, practically bouncing up and down just thinking about it. He couldn’t wait to eat whatever fall snacks there were and play (and obviously win) all of the games.

And he wouldn’t lie, he was excited that he got to hang out with just you. Like.. Alone. Yeah he was super excited about that. Suddenly all the waiting seemed like it would pay off. Finally the universe was working in his favor!!

————

The day of arrived and Peter quite literally couldn’t think about anything else. Couldn’t concentrate, could barely function. It was actually pretty bad but he ignored that fact in favor of imagining how much fun the two of you would have later.

He waited outside of your room, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He was wearing a brown striped knit sweater with big bubble sleeves that had him feeling like he was wrapped in a nice cozy blanket, the only time he’d be seen without his iconic silver jacket. It was supposed to be chilly tonight and he wanted to make sure he didn’t freeze to death. As much as he liked the cold weather he’d rather avoid hypothermia.

“Are ya almost done?” He asked, leaning his ear against the door to try and hear what you were doing inside. Nosy fucker. “We should probably get going soon so we’ve got plenty of time to look at everything before it gets dark!” He said, fidgeting with his fingers, brain moving a mile a minute.

“Almost done!” You called out, doing your finishing touches before you took a glance at yourself in the mirror, also wearing a sweater similar to Peter’s. Great minds think alike apparently.

Snatching up your bag and your car keys you did one last scan of your room to make sure you didn’t forget anything before you opened the door, eyes lighting up when you saw Peter in his oversized sweater.

“What took you so long? We’re in practically the same outfit, only difference is I took a minute to get ready and you took thirty,” He shook his head but followed after you as you began to walk down the hall.

“Well the difference, besides you having superspeed would be I just needed to do more. Makeup, hair.. Things that lots of people do before going out.”

“Pshhhh all that stuff’s unnecessary. You would have looked fine rolling out of bed, ‘kay?”

Peter said, but he wasn’t really listening, mind set on the future. Specifically about fifteen minutes in the future where he’d be stuffing his face with pumpkin flavored everything and picking out a pumpkin from the patch to bring home and carve.

The two of you reached the garage and made your way to your car, sliding in. Peter messed with the radio as you adjusted your seat and pulled out of your spot, leaving the garage. The crunch of gravel underneath your tires was music to Peter’s ears, just another reminder that the two of you were headed to what Peter would probably recall later on as being the best part of his year.

“You excited?” You asked, though you knew the answer. Everyone at the damn school knew the answer because he wouldn’t stop talking about it. Scott had seriously started to consider duct taping his mouth shut just to get a moment of silence.

“More excited than I’ve ever been in my whole life, I'm pretty sure, even made sure not to eat any twinkies today so I’d have enough room in my stomach to try everything. You know how difficult that was?”

A scoff left your lips as you shook your head. “You and your Twinkie obsession..”

“They’re arguably the best snake cake ever created, dude! Did you know originally it wasn’t vanilla filling? It was banana. I guess during the Second World War bananas weren’t being imported to the US anymore so they had to switch to vanilla cream.”

You’d never heard Peter so passionate about anything in his life, except maybe about his little tricks to get the highest scores in arcade games.

“You ever considered teaching history? History of American snack cakes,” you laughed which then caused Peter to laugh as well.

“Maybe I should ask Charles if that can be a course next semester. Who knows, maybe if I really show my knowledge he’ll say yes.” He drummed his hands against his legs, waiting in anticipation to arrive.

You and Peter kept short conversation as you drove until you turned down a long gravel road, approaching the farm. You felt Peter moving side to side next to you, trying to regulate his body before the two of you got out of the car.

—————

The farm finally came into view along with the sweet smell of caramel and pumpkin. You managed to find a parking spot fairly easily and before you’d even fully stopped the car Peter was scrambling out, looking towards the entrance of the farm, a huge child-like grin on his face.

You didn’t want to keep the poor man waiting any longer so you quickly turned the car off and stepped out, grabbing your bag and walking around to his side of the car.

“Ready?” You asked, breaking him out of his excited daze, to which he nodded eagerly and grabbed your hand while he walked towards the entrance as fast as he could without using his actual superspeed. The last thing the two of you needed was anyone recognizing him. Hopefully without his silver jacket or X-men suit it would be harder to identify him as the one and only Quicksilver.

“Born ready, baby.” He laughed softly as the two of you walked up to the ticket booth and Peter reached to pull his wallet out of his pocket. You stopped him, quickly grabbing your own and pulling out two five dollar bills, handing them over to the man in the ticket booth.

“Hey! I was gonna pay for that- I’m the one who dragged you here anyways- C’mon-“ Peter huffed out as the man stamped both of your hands with a little pumpkin stamp before waving you on your way so that he could attend to the next person in line.

“Too bad. I know how excited you’ve been for this and I wanted to do something nice. Sue me.” You grinned, taking Peter’s hand again as the two of you looked around. It was absolutely beautiful. Orange and yellow and red colors were splashed everywhere the eye could see. There were pumpkins, gourds and the smell of delicious foods that Peter couldn’t wait to devour.

“Where do you want to go first, Quickie? Lead the way.”

Peter didn’t need anymore convincing, looking towards the nearest vendor and making his way over. There were several signs above the tent which explained what was being sold there.

Fresh pumpkin pie, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin cookies.. Just about everything pumpkin flavored under the sun.

“What’re you gonna get?” You leaned closer to Peter while you spoke so that he could hear you better over the crowds of people chatting.

“Everything. Every. Single. Thing.” You would have called his bluff but you knew he wasn’t joking. Hell, you were talking to the man who averaged like.. Two boxes of twinkies a day. This would be easy for him.

Luckily the line went quickly and when it was Peter’s turn, the look of shock and horror on the person’s face who was taking his order was hilarious.

Peter managed to somehow carry everything stacked up in his arms over to a picnic table where he organized everything by what he wanted to try first or what he wanted to save for last.

He took a seat and you did as well, sitting next to him as he grabbed the first thing in front of him, a slice of pie and devoured it in three bites. His cheeks were stuffed and he looked at you with a dorky grin before he chewed and swallowed, letting out a pleased hum at the taste. Peter was an absolute foodie through and through.

He downed it all like he hadn’t eaten in days, stopping every now and then to offer you a bite of certain things you were eyeing. It was actually quite adorable. At one point he’d gotten some sort of frosting on his nose and you wiped it off with your thumb, laughing as Peter’s cheeks turned a dusty pink.

Peter took the last bite of the last dessert on the table before using his speed to clean up the trash and throw it away before rejoining you at the table. Usually you’d lecture him about using his powers in public but no one seemed to notice and if they did they were too busy to care.

“You full now?” You asked, laughing as Peter rubbed his stomach over his sweater.

“Nope. Not even a little.”

You rolled your eyes before standing up, glancing over to another stand where they were selling warm apple cider. Just the thought alone had you feeling all warm inside.

“Peter! Apple cider, come on!” You said before running off in the direction of the apple cider to which he quickly followed.

———

With your hands wrapped around the warm cups of cider the two of you decided to do a little more exploring. People were beginning to leave little by little the later it got but the sun was still bright in the sky so the two of you had a while before it closed. You were thankful for it being less crowded though. You could finally hear yourself think!

Bringing the cup up to his lips, Peter sipped the spiced drink and you admired him for a moment. He looked so cozy and you knew he felt it as well. It was nice being able to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the school even if it was just for a little while. It was definitely needed. For the both of you.

Peter caught you staring and he raised a brow quizzically, wondering for a moment if he had leftover crumbs on his face or something. “What’re you staring at?” He asked, moving the cup away from his face.

“Nothing- no it’s nothing I was just.. I’m glad you dragged me along to this thing, Peter. I’m having a lot of fun.”

“And the days not even over yet! There’s still so much to do! I wanna go pick out a pumpkin to bring back with us! C’mon!”

—————

“What about this one?” Peter said, picking up a tiny, half broken pumpkin that looked like it was already beginning to rot.

“Ew, No! Just pick a normal one!”

The two of you had been going at this for close to fifteen minutes now. Peter was finding the ugliest pumpkins he possibly could before asking your opinion on them. The whole time you were just trying to find a cute one that called to you.

“Well I’m not normal so why would I pick a normal pumpkin? What defines normal anyways?” Peter said as he searched for another fucked up freak of nature pumpkin.

“You’re spending too much time talking to Charles. You’re starting to sound like him.”

“Oh am I now? Ello I’m Charles Xavier and this is my school for gifted children-“ Peter said in a very over the top posh English accent before he cut himself off with a laugh.

“Well he certainly doesn’t sound like that.. just find a pumpkin already!” You were between two choices. Two serious choices but Peter was just acting a fool. It was actually rather adorable. You were starting to find a lot of the things he did adorable.

“Okay okay bossy pants! Geesh.” Peter scoffed, glancing around the field once more. It was a big field with lots of pumpkins and the two of you wouldn’t be able to look through all of them so he just decided to look in the general vicinity for one.

Finally he found the perfect one. Well, his version of perfect because when you saw it you scoffed, facepalming as he held it up triumphantly as if it was his most prized possession.

The pumpkin itself was a dark orange, almost red and it was covered in bumps, making it look akin to a toad’s skin. That wasn’t even the worst of it though. Half of it was lopsided and looked like it’s growth had been stunted so it barely sat upright on its own without tipping over.

“You’re serious?” You asked, brow raised curiously as Peter rocked the pumpkin back and forth, cooing at it like it was a child.

“I am absolutely positive. Never been more sure in my life. Look at the little guy, it’s so cute. In.. it’s own way. Look- If I don’t take it no one will and then it’ll sit here in this field until it rots wondering why it wasn’t good enough to be chosen.”

“That was… weirdly deep. Okay okay whatever.”

You moved to step closer to Peter when you nearly tripped over a tiny pumpkin at your feet. It was perfectly round and orange except for one little part of it towards the top which was white. It looked like the only pumpkin in the whole patch that was multicolored and something drew you to it. You scooped it up off the ground and it was so small it fit in the palm of your hand. Stupid Peter, making you feel bad for damn pumpkins! They were pumpkins! It’s not like they had feelings. But you couldn’t resist this one because it was just so cute and unique.

“See? I told you. The normal ones are boring. Unique is where it’s attttt,” Peter winked. “Now, corn-maze?”

————

“I’m sorry, the corn maze is closed for the night. Too many people end up stuck in there and we don’t want to have to search for them while it’s dark. sorry.” The man standing in front of the corn maze said, arms crossed over his broad chest.

You and Peter let out twin sighs of disappointment and you moved to walk away from the maze when Peter grabbed your hand and without another moment's notice he sped the two of you into the maze. So fast that the man hadn’t even realized what had happened.

“Peter!” You gasped, glancing around at the stalks of corn now surrounding the two of you. “What if we get lost like he says? We don’t have a map!”

“It’s no biggie, babe! I'm hella fast, if we can’t find our way out I’ll just zoom around until I find the exit. It’s no big deal-i-o.” Peter seemed very nonchalant about it all while you were a bit more worried.

Turns out you had reason to be worried because the two of you were lost within the first five minutes of entering the damn maze and neither of you had a map…

—————-

“Come on babe, we could totally have some fun before they come and find us. The suns barely started setting yet we’ve still got a while. Promise I’ll make it worth itttt” Peter cooed into your ear as he trailed wet kisses down your neck before making his way back to your lips. Who knew being trapped in a corn maze could make someone so horny.

You tried to ignore him, really you did but it was practically impossible because as much as you hated to admit it you wanted him too. You’d always been curious about him and as annoying as it was, you were extremely sexually frustrated. Being cooped up in the school all hours of the day didn’t make it easy to get laid. It wasn’t like you could really bring dates back there either. Sneaking them in was rather easy but looking Charles in the eyes after was not. Because of course he always found out. He knew everything.

So, you kissed Peter back, letting his hands move up either side of your body, deft fingers feeling and squeezing until he got to your breasts. Ah yes, your breasts. Glorious glorious boobies. Peter loved them. He tried his best not to stare but hey! They were good tits!

His warm palms cupped your breasts over your sweater, giving a gentle squeeze as he kissed you deeper, practically devouring your mouth with his own. He was desperate, that much was obvious as he subtly began to grind his already raging hard-on against your thigh.

He wasn’t nearly as subtle as he hoped he was though because you felt him rutting against you but instead of pushing him away you pressed yourself further against him, applying more pressure to his throbbing cock. A little sigh of relief left his lips.

The two of you pulled away to breathe, your chest rising and falling heavily as you looked up at Peter, his silver hair already out of place and sticking to his forehead. He looked wrecked and you’d barely even begun. You were going to have so much fun with him.

Thankfully inside the corn maze there were several stumps that were placed around for people to sit on and take breaks, etc. they looked like the perfect place to sit Peter down right now and tease him till he was squirming and begging. He had absolutely no idea what he was in for but really it was his fault for initiating all of it in the first place.

Grabbing him by the front of his shirt you pulled him to one of the stumps, forcing him down onto it before you dropped to your knees in front of him. The dew on the grass seeped into the fabric of your pants and made you shiver but there were more important matters at hand, literally, as your hands reached for Peter’s belt before he quickly stopped you once his brain seemed to catch up, eyes wide.

“Woah woah woah what’re you doing?” He asked, holding your hands in his own much larger ones as he looked down at you, dark brown eyes blown wide, chest rising and falling heavily.

“I was just gonna- do you not want me to?” You asked, looking up at him with a puzzled expression on your face as you moved to pull away. Had this been too much? Was he just… All talk? Was he just joking and you’d actually made a fool of yourself? Oh god there were so many things it could be and now you were completely embarrassed-

“Wait!” He grabbed your arm, keeping you where you were as he continued to stare at you before he let his tongue sweep out to wet his pretty pink lips. “I- I’d love that I just didn’t want you to feel like you had to, y’know? Like I’d totally love it, bet it would feel fucking amazing I just didn’t know if like-“

You shushed him, pressing a finger up to his lips and he quickly paused, almost like he was under a spell. You were one hell of a witch then. Your other hand came to palm him over his jeans, feeling the heat of his erection through the fabric. He let out a shocked little gasp before squeezing his eyes shut, mouth slightly agape as a soft noise of pleasure left him.

“You want me to touch you, Peter?” You asked. You wanted a verbal response since he’d seemed initially so apprehensive of it even if he’d already given a reason as to why.

“I-Yeah. Yes please touch me please-“ if he was embarrassed about already begging he didn’t show it as he arched his hips up further into your touch, just trying to get more friction on his now nearly painful erection.

You didn’t need much more convincing after that, undoing Peter’s belt and pulling his zipper down before you reached into his boxers and pulled his length out. It stood at attention, long and throbbing and hard, a pretty bead of pre-cum on the tip. Mouth watering, you stroked over him a few times before you pressed a kiss to the head.

Peter was trying to maintain his composure, teeth sinking into his bottom lip in attempts to keep quiet as your warm, wet mouth toyed with the head of his cock. He was so outrageously sensitive that he was practically already squirming. Was he squirming away from the touch or into it? Even he didn’t know. All he knew was he never wanted this feeling to end.

Your tongue traced across the head of his dick, collecting the pre-cum there and letting it coat your taste buds, humming at the salty flavor that you’d been dying to taste for longer than you’d like to admit. Then you kissed down the side of his length, letting your lips memorize the feeling of the prominent veins that you found, committing it all to your memory. Hopefully this would become a common occurrence and you wouldn’t have to worry about remembering it.

Your hand continued to stroke the base of him and he seemed to just get impossibly harder the longer time went on.

Finally you took him fully into your mouth, lips tight around him as you slowly took him inch by inch. You were determined to take all of him but it would take a moment to work up to. You were a bit rusty.

Peter let out a quiet little cry as he tried his absolute hardest not to buck up into your mouth and choke you on his cock but it was getting harder by the minute to control himself. He gripped the sides of the stump he was sitting on, looking up at the sky which was starting to turn a beautiful orange as the sun began to set. He’d never realized how beautiful outdoor sex could be. Especially in a cornfield. Most people wouldn’t ever really think of that.

You bobbed your head slowly, letting your nostrils flare as you took him deeper, moving your hand away as you took him to the base, silver curls tickling your face before you pulled back, taking a sharp breath in. Your throat was already scratchy but you weren’t anywhere near done. You’d been waiting forever and a day to do this and you wanted to take your time and really savor him.

“Jesus Christ!” Peter shouted before he covered his mouth when you took him back into the warmth of your mouth without warning. This was how he was going to die, he was calling it right now. Peter Maximoff cause of death: Blowjob. That sounded about right.

Humming around him, you pressed your tongue on the underside of his cock, feeling him pulse inside of your mouth. It was something you could easily become addicted to, sucking him off like this. Your pants were soaked by now, not only from the wetness on the grass but also from your own wetness that seeped from your core into your panties.

Peter let his head drop back against his shoulders and he let out a groan, one of his hands shyly coming to rest on the crown of your head where he tangled his fingers into your hair, massaging your scalp. It felt nice and had your eyes slightly rolling back. Placing your palms on his thighs you began to bob your head faster over him, a lewd squelching sound coming from your throat as you tried to hold back a gag.

Peter began to tremble, his body just so subtly vibrating as he began to get close. He was honestly surprised he’d lasted as long as he did and stayed as quiet as he had. Peter was usually someone who never shut up a day in his life.

“I’m- oh Jesus baby girl I’m getting close! I’m close- wait- I-“ His words died in his throat as you focused your attention on the tip of his length, circling it with your tongue, all the while grinning wickedly up at Peter who was falling apart.

“I’m serious! So serious I’m going to come in like- five seconds tops and I really don’t want to come in your mouth baby-“ He was obviously trying to be a gentleman but you thought fuck that and held his hips down as you continued your ministrations.

Peter seemed to give up then, realizing that you didn’t care if he came in your mouth. That you in fact wanted it, and when he actually thought about how hot that was it was what caused him to tip over the edge, gasping out a moan as he spilled hotly into your mouth in thick spurts.

You sputtered a moment before recovering, pulling off of him so that you could swallow before wiping the remaining cum from the corners of your mouth off on your sweater which would obviously now need a good cleaning.

Peter finally managed to open his eyes and look down at you, still on the ground, lips red and swollen and eyes a bit teary from the intrusion in your throat.

Speaking of throat, it was scratchy and would likely be sore later but you counted it as a win considering what you’d just done. Blown Peter Maximoff.. Hell yeah you did.

You were ready to call it a day now and find a way out of this stupid maze but Peter seemed to have a different idea. His gaze seemed to narrow and he was staring at you almost like a lion stares at its prey right before it pounces. It was almost a comical analogy because really Peter was nothing like a lion but in the moment you couldn’t really think of anything else to compare him to.

Finally standing up you dusted your pants off, still wet and now cold as the sun began to lower even further. It was beginning to get dark out now and you were eager to leave. Your back was turned to Peter and you couldn’t see what he was doing or that he’d stood up from his spot on the stump. Didn’t realize anything until his firm arms were wrapped around your waist and his hot breath was against your ear once more.

“Peter!” You squealed, having not expected it. He’d initially startled you but you slowly began to melt into his inviting touch. There was something about him that just felt familiar and perfect and comforting.

“We really need to get outta here. Or start calling for help.. It'll be dark soon.” You said as Peter nuzzled his nose into the crook of your neck, inhaling deeply. Whatever perfume you wore he was absolutely obsessed with. Or maybe it was just you. Probably both.

“But I didn’t get to make you feel good yet. It’s only fair-“ Peter pouted, teeth grazing your earlobe. A shiver went down your spine as he ground himself against you and to your surprise he was already hard again. Speedster things you presumed.

“You’re absolutely insufferable.”

“And you love it. C’mon babe just a quick fuck! They don’t call me quickie for nothing, I’ll make it worth it I promiseeeee.”

Really you knew that you should have been the voice of reason between the two of you but he was making an amazing point, plus the way that his erection was pressed up against your lower back… yeah, fuck it. You were fucking him in this stupid corn maze.

You spun around in his arms, leaning up to press your lips against his. He let out a surprised little gasp before he grinned, kissing right back, intensely eager. His hands wrapped around you and his fingers trailed up the small of your back before he cupped the back of your head in his large palm, pulling you closer.

Peter’s other hand palmed at one of your breasts, kneading it gently as he pulled away from your lips to press teasing kisses along your jawline.

“Don’t leave any marks! Peter!” You chastised him, gently shoving at his shoulder before he pulled away. His brown eyes were so dark they were almost black and it made your stomach clench, arousal seeping into your underwear.

You walked him backwards back to the stump, forcing him to sit down once more as you pulled your pants and panties down to your ankles before you positioned yourself over his lap, eyes locked onto his.

“This okay?”

“So much more than fucking okay baby, c’mere, sit. It’s comfortable I promise.” Peter was able to hold a straight face for about five seconds after the words had left his lips before he was covering his mouth and laughing into his palm before shaking his head.

“That was extremely cheesy wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. Good thing I still like you.” You leaned down to whisper in his ear before you were lowering yourself onto his length oh so slowly, teasing him just a bit. Unfortunately you didn’t have time to tease him the way you wanted because the two of you really did need to get a move on, but there would be more time for that later.

You sat firmly on his lap, his dick jammed up very far inside you. So far it almost hurt. It had been a long while so it would take a minute to adjust. By the looks of it Peter would be a moment to adjust as well so he didn’t come in the first three movements of your hips.

“How’s that feeling?” You asked him, grinding down against him, hips moving in little circles as he twitched inside to you.

His hands were at your hips, kneading and grabbing at the flesh as he let out a heavy breath. “Good- so good- so much better than good.. Perfect-“ He whined, lifting his hips up just a bit to fuck up into you.

At a different time and place the two of you might have taken this all slower. Really took your time to explore each other but in a corn maze with the sun setting was not the place for that. Plus it was getting pretty chilly.

Slowly, once you’d adjusted to his size, you began to pull up and off of him before plunging yourself down again with a shaky moan, gripping onto his shoulders like they were your lifeline.

If you hadn’t grabbed onto them you’d have possibly fallen off of Peter’s lap entirely with the way he bucked up into you with newfound excitement.

“That’s so fucking good, baby- It’s actually insane… Why haven’t we done this sooner?”

“I dunno Peter, maybe because you’re an idiot who never made a move on me.”

Peter let out a breathless laugh before he tossed his head back as you clenched around him, squeezing him in the most wonderful feeling of warm, hot velvet. It was heaven.

—————————————

“I cannot believe we actually did that!” A hushed laugh came from your lips as you leaned into Peter’s side, the two of you snuggled up into bed, comfy under the covers. You were trying to be quiet and mindful of the others in the mansion that were probably long asleep by now.

Peter leaned forward and tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear, grinning stupidly. “Right? It was the second best thing that happened to me today.”

“Second?!” You shrieked, shoving his shoulder playfully. “Well what was first?”

“Baby I feel like you don’t know me all that well if you don’t already know I’d say the food. Of course food is always number one for me! Sorry not sorry.”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes. “Alright whatever, you’re ridiculous. We should probably head to bed. I’ve got to be up early tomorrow.”

“So I can stay?” Peter asked, looking like a child who’d been told they could stay for the sleepover they’d begged to go to.

“Yes Peter. You can stay. Of course you can.” You said, scooting closer to him and snuggling into his chest, letting out a quiet sigh.

There was silence for several moments and for a second you began to assume that Peter had fallen asleep.. That was fast.. But then he started talking again.

“Happy Halloween. Thank you for going with me. I had a lot of fun.”

“Happy Halloween, Peter.”

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

could you write a azriel/reader fic where he only starts dating reader because elain and gywn are not interested in him and she's available and she overhears someone else talking about it a few months into their relationship but sees azriel being involving in their relationship and deludes/convinces herself into thinking he really likes her, but something happens and they fight(jealousy? you can choose a reason tbh) and he tells her that he only dated her bc elain/gywn weren't interested in the heat of the moment(maybe she brings it up? or he could say it himself tbh, idm) and has to grovel. you can take this whichever direction you want to, if you have other ideas about certain areas!

I see her in the back of my mind

He was a thunderstorm. Lethal yet so beautiful. Like a pyre, lighting up the darkness and calling you in. Calling them all in. Weaving the traps and lurking in his shadows. The unlucky soldier of love. Falling and falling and falling but never finding the right one. Never finding the satisfaction. Never finding that peace deep within. It was that sad part of his that called to you. That made your heart cry out for him. You understood that pain. That need. That desire to have someone. To hold someone and feel them holding back onto you just as tightly.

It was a surprise to you when he sat by your table at Rita’s. For the most part, he had only been polite to you. But his eyes had never lingered. He had been seeing Gywn too at the time. And you weren’t a home wrecker but it didn’t last long. He crawled back to Elain only to be thrown over the curb again once she slithered back to Lucien after a couple of weeks of ruffled sheets with the spymaster.

“You look in need of company”, he mused. Although now that you look back on it. It was his gaze that kept on going back and forth between your table and the one he had abandoned. “You look in need of water”, you chuckled watching him sway even while sitting down. “It’s nothing”, he hiccuped with a smile, “I just had to come to say hi, you had my attention all night”. Your heart had skipped a beat. Who wouldn’t have dreamed of being admired by the spymaster of the night court? “Just pretty words”, you brushed him off. “If I swung over to your shop tomorrow and told you the same thing stone sober would you believe me?” You had thought nothing of it. Nothing until he showed up. And said the exact thing he had promised just hours ago.

Everything that followed suit was a whole mess of everything. Stolen kisses. Long nights spent talking. Hand-written letters. He was there. Always. Everywhere. And innocent touches had quickly turned into racing heartbeats. Sweaty bodies. Cries of pleasure as he unraveled parts of you, you didn’t know existed. It was sweet. Blooming slowly.

“Accompany me to a ball in spring tomorrow night?”, he whispered, kissing your shoulder. “Tomorrow night?”, you gasped, “I have nothing appropriate to wear”. You shook your head. “Don’t worry it’s taken care of”, he brushed a strand of hair away from your face, “I wasn’t gonna go, but… plans changed and quite frankly, I would love to show you off”, Azriel smiled at you. How your heart had soared when the thought of being his officially crossed your mind.

But you should have known that it was too good to be true. Should have seen the signs. Should have known. From the moment you opened the box with the dress. To pull out a baby pink gown, laced with flowers. You had frowned slightly, imagining that he would have wanted you to wear something close to his sapphire blue, to the depths of his shadows. But you had pushed it all aside. Maybe it was a themed party in spring. Maybe light colors were a must.

Then there was a whole lot of him being distant. He was close to you, yes but his mind was elsewhere. Azriel’s eyes barely stayed on you. Instead, he was scanning the crowd. Pulling you with him as if you were only an added accessory. “Az, are you looking for something?”, you asked starting to feel frustration bubbling. “No, just… need to see someone”, he muttered. “Can you do that alone? Or do I need to be dragged around like a dog”, you huffed, pulling your hand out of his. “Don’t be childish…”, he grunted.

And then he halted. Making you slam into the side of him. And you wished you hadn’t looked up because you imagined knew who had his full attention. There she was in a yellow dress. Golden curls flowed down her shoulders. She was stunning. You got the appeal. Azriel stepped forward. Your hand was forgotten. A light gasp slipped past your lips as you watched him go. “Az”, you called out walking right after him. But he never answered.

You watched him embrace Elain. Watched her smile at him. A fire burning you from within. You had no idea what part of you possessed you to walk towards them. But you did. “Azriel”, you called out once more. “Elain”, he muttered, “this is yn”. “I’m his girlfriend”, you added, extending your hand to her. She only smiled at you. “Love the dress”, she looked you over. “Azriel got me the same one but I didn’t love the color so I sent it back”, your face fell, alongside your heart. “And the necklace. Didn’t you give this to Gywn?”, she chuckled, before tapping your cheek, “You sweet thing”. Her eyes turned to Azriel for a brief moment, “You know where to find me”, she whispered. And even if Azriel didn’t nod. Even if there wasn’t a single way to know what was on his head. You knew his mind was made. You knew where those late-night calls took him.

You let out a bitter laugh before turning away from him. “Y/n”, he called out but you were done. Done being plaid. “Your bitches shit? Seriously Azriel? You gift me the same shit you gave to other bitches you fucked?”, you hissed turning to face him. “Don’t call them like that”, he muttered. Your wind eyes watched him, “The audacity… You are a fucked person”, you practically spat at him.

“I needed you, okay?”, he hissed, walking after you. “What for? To be your punching bag? A heartbreak fuck?”, you whinnied, pulling at your hair. “I liked you, okay, you caught my eye”, Azriel replied, making you halt. “Past tense. You used the past tense”, you turned to face him, “Liked”, and your eyes looked him over. “I didn’t want to hurt you, I just…”, he started. “I curse you, Azriel from the night court. I curse you in love”, an angry tear slipped past your cheek, “May you never find peace with any of your future lovers”.

[querenciasturniolo]

just a guy ⮕ m.s.

word count: 997

warnings: angst, crying, unrequited love, sad ending

summary: matt’s just a guy, you couldn’t help falling for

a/n: avery lynch is a lyrical genius, and i am an absolute mess

The nights he chose you were the same.

The two of you would stay up into the early hours of the morning, talking about everything and nothing all at once, holding onto one another like the other was going to dissipate into nothing. The both of you laughing harder than you’d ever laughed before, at things that could only be funny with the delirium of the night clouding your minds. He was all you ever wanted, but you weren’t his.

“I love you, Matty. You know that, don’t you?” You’d whisper, hearing his even breathing as his head rested on your chest. He was asleep, he was always asleep when you told him how you felt. You’d stare at the ceiling, tears in your eyes and let every single thought about him out into the open. The next morning, the two of you would get up, and live your lives like you didn’t break your own heart the night before.

He’d look at you, and you could have sworn there was something there. Something swimming in the blue of his eyes, something that made you keep going back when he called. You kept telling yourself, every time he pressed his lips against your temple, that he loved you. Every time his eyes scanned over your face while you spoke, he felt the same way. Every time his name would pop up on your phone, he was thinking about you all day.

With your fingers carding through his hair, your eyes on the ceiling, you let yourself crumble. Sobbing silently, praying to any god that was listening to make the pain go away. The only thing keeping you grounded, was his soft breathing, his warm breath against your skin. He had to love you, you don’t look at someone the way he looks at you if you don’t love them. You’d talk to him tomorrow, you decided. While the two of you were waking up fully in each other’s arms, before you let him kiss the top of your head and say his goodbyes, you’d ask him why.

Why he never held your hand in front of his brothers. Why he never took the time to ask you how your day was. Why he never brought you to parties with his friends. Why he kept you on the shelf for his convenience.

It was hard waking up, bringing yourself to the harsh reality. You knew the routine all too well; dress in silence, let him kiss the top of your head while longing for his lips to press to yours.

“Matty?”

He hummed and blinked his eyes towards you. He was sitting at the end of his bed, only a pair of gray sweatpants adorning his legs, scrolling through his phone.

“I have a question.” You said. He nodded and furrowed his eyebrows, locking his phone and tossing it further up the bed. He was all you wanted, sitting there. Sleep was still clouding his eyes, his lips dry and smooth as his tongue peeked out to wet them.

“You love me, right?”

A confused smile adorned his lips. “Of course I love you, why would you ask me that?”

He looked entirely too comfortable with his answer, and it made your chest ache.

“How do you love me?” You asked, swallowing the knot in your throat as you fought off the little voice in the back of your mind, screaming that you already knew the answer.

He huffed a short laugh and shook his head. “What kind of question is that?”

It’s an important question, you wanted to scream in his face. A question that I’ve been dying to ask you! A question that’s kept me from sleeping for months! A question that You should know how to answer! A question that I know my answer to!

“You feel like home, Matt.”

His smile dropped, more confusion clouding his face. “I don’t understa—”

“You feel like home. Spending time with you, feeling you kiss my forehead, hearing your squeaky laugh at four in the morning, feeling your arms around me, feels like home.” You said, your voice shaky as your eyes never left his. “That’s how I love you; you feel like home.”

It was a few moments before the realization hit him, his mouth opening just slightly and the apples of his cheeks dusting pink.

“Oh.” He whispered, his eyes dropping to the mattress. Your heart sank, a dull, aching pain flowing through your veins as you stood up.

“But that’s okay.” You said, the tears you refused to let fall blurring your vision as you smiled through the gut wrenching grief and shook your head. “I shouldn’t have assumed, right? It’s not like you ever asked me out, you know? I’m gonna head out, okay? Okay.” You said, holding back the pained whine as you sniffled and rushed for the door.

“Wait—”

You didn’t stop, practically sprinting from his room and down the stairs, grabbing your keys off of the table on your way out. You barely acknowledged Chris’ sleeping form on the couch as you descended the stairs, needing to get to your car before the dam broke and you lost any control over this situation you had left. It took ages to get the keys into the ignition, your hand shaking violently as you finally turned over the engine, threw the car in drive, and left.

Tears streamed down your face, a sob wracking your body to the point where you needed to pull over until you calmed down. How could this hurt so much? You already knew he didn’t feel the same, so why were you crying? He never talked about his feelings towards you in any way but platonic, so why did this hurt so badly? He’s just a guy who gave you some attention, so why did you love him?

tags: @strniolo , @ssturniolo , @thetriplets3 , @stvrni0lo , @gabbylovesreading , @dwntwn-strnlo , @tylerscreat0r , @toyourloves , @lvrsparadise , @angelcake-222 , @20nugs , @obsessivencrazy , @lollibumblebee , @stargirlv0id , @jellybeanbby , @idontexistman , @emssturniolo , @soursturniolo , @floofparker , @recklesssturniolo

[oceansssblue]

Hello, I hope that you are having an amazing day. If requests are still open, I have a funny Star Wars prompt/or/oneshot if you want. You know how in Top Gun, after Maverick flirts with a lady at a bar, only to find out the next day that she is his superior officer. What about a similar situation in the Clone Wars era, in which one of the members of the Bad Batch, or one of the 501st like Fives, flirts with a female Jedi reader (who's probably in her early twenties) at the 79s, not knowing that she is a Jedi General. Only to find out the next day that she is the Jedi General assigned to them for their next mission.

Her appearance in the bar makes her look nothing like a Jedi. She just looks like a civilian until she is in her jedi robes the next day. She doesn't deliberately deceive them or anything. She just wanted to unwind after an undercover mission. She just didn't think bringing up that she is a Jedi was important, she assumed they already knew. The only hint she gave on their "date" night was a happy and playful "see you tomorrow" as they part ways to get to their respective homes/barracks. She is happy to see them the next day.

Cool fun little oneshot! Decided to go with Crosshair, seems more like his thing.

Hope you like it!

Xx,

Sky.

"SEE YOU TOMORROW"

CROSSHAIR/F REDADER 📩💖

WARNINGS: ALCOHOL, FLIRTING&TEASING.

Your muscles still ache after a two year undercover mision in Alcaz. Spending long hours of running and hiding in the capital will do that to anyone; even a Jedi. Your first mision with the Order started years ago; even if you're still young right now. Everyone starts early these days; you went from youngling to padawan and Jedi Knight in just a blink of an eye. The war makes you feel older than what you really are.

It's weird being back in Coruscant. Back in a normal setting were you don't need to constantly be aware of your surroundings –even if it's instinctual, now–; where you're not constantly in danger. Entering 79's, your eyes quickly flickering over the crowd of tipsy clones and the dance floor, a tiny smile makes it up to your face. You feel inmediately relieved, somehow. You don't need to pretend here. You don't need to be a soldier, a Jedi Knight, a General. You don't have responsabilities and lifes dangling from your shoulders. Here, right now, you can just be you, a simple girl in her twenty-two's.

Happy smile still in your face, you make your way towards the bar. You order a sweet drink light on the alcohol side to start with; turning around and taking small sips while you scan the bar distractedly. There's a few eyes on you already. Not because you're necesarily pretty –though you believe yourself to look alright–; but simply necause you're one of the few natives around here, and more so a woman. Clones will always be ever the gentleman, it's ingrained in their discipline, their sense of honor; but they're still men, real humans, and they have urges like everyone else. Like Jedis do, too, no matter what many people think.

You're not really in the mood for sex, though. You're too tired for that; your plan is to spend a few hours drinking and chatting and then return to the Temple. You've got a meeting tomorrow, and you should make sure you get your well deserved, comfortable sleep. You're almost drooling thinking of a bed already, but you'd like to unwind a bit first; even though your body is tired, you feel your mind too active to surrender to dreamland yet. Plus, you need to disconect from your previous mision and adapt to your new situation; to the new changes.

A few troopers that you had the chance to meet before starting your jump around the galaxy to serve to the Jedi and the Republic recognises you, and you quickly find yourself chatting amicably in a booth with them. They're kind, and perfectly respectful; they speak to you as if you were a normal person, though –not a general, not a Jedi–, and you soon fall into a relaxed posture and a lazy smile. None of you speak about war, about their fears and worries; but of hopes and desires, jokes and secret lovers that await for them patiently all over Coruscant. Some look flustered after realising they've confessed such things in front of you; but you just shake your head and smile. You're glad they're finding some happiness wherever they can.

On your third drink in –and probably the last one, judging by your flushed cheeks and the low hum of carefree excitement & arousal spreading inside of you– you feel another stare on you. It's heavy, it's intent so clear it's almost screaming at you; and you listen to your Jedi instincts, eyes slowly flickering around the bar to find it's owner.

You come up with a pair of dark brown eyes. They're the exact same shade of most of the clones in the GAR; and yet, it's stare so much more intense. It could almost cut through you and hit someone on the other side.

You study him curiously in the same way he has been observing you before. Even sitting down in a booth with some other soldiers, you can tell he's taller than most; the shape of his body and muscles long and thin, agile, though still strong. It's impossible not to notice the tattoo around his right eye; it fits him well, really. What surprises you most about him –besides his stare– is his hair, though; a mix of greys so pretty it almost shines under the lights of the 79's.

He's still dressed up on armour, like a lot of other soldiers on the bar. His is black and grey with a few stripes of dark red; a white skull with a "99" underneath it on his right pauldron. It's right then and there when you understand who he is, who they are; and your eyes twinkle in amusement, your smile widening. This is Clone Force 99, the squad that will be under your command. The Council told you they were different, that they had special abilities very useful for battles; but they fail to mention you they were literally, physically different as well.

You understand... Crosshair's –he must be– cautious and curious study then; he might be wanting to find out who exactly their new General is, and how does she behave when she's not on duty like everyone else.

You shoot him a grin and Crosshair's neutral, almost uniterested face turns into a smirk. He arches an eyebrow, and makes a gesture with his head; a welcome for you to join them in their table. You nod and say your goodbyes to the troopers; smiling and shooting one or two more playful comments before making your way across the room, walking confidently to this squad of extraordinary men.

"Hey there, boys" you greet them, deciding for informality in order to not spoil their night of fun from the start. "Care if I join?"

There's various reactions around the table. Crosshair looks amused. Echo and Tech are purely surprised –the later one quickly scanning you almost as if trying to find information about you with just his eyes–; while Hunter looks hesitant. Wrecker is openly excited and happy.

"Yeah, take a sit!" He pushes his brothers to one side, making room for you in the circular booth their sitting in, ignoring the other's quiet, pained grunts.

They all look a little tipsy too.

You chuckle and take the offer, letting down your drink on top of the table and sitting besides Wrecker. Crosshair arches his eyebrow again, still finding amusing how you seem confident enough in a table –a bar– surrounded by men. He likes confidence in a woman, but such levels are a bit more rare.

"Comfortable?" He asks, his voice deep and smooth, almost a lazy drawl, and you grin back at him.

"Very" you answer, emphasising your answer by taking a long sip of your alcohol and laying lazily against the booths backrest.

After holding his stare for a few seconds, you turn your attention back to the rest of the group; scanning them curiously. They do de same with you.

"So, didn't have time to do a change of clothes?" You point out. "Did you come back from a mission today, or is this just an night outfit choice?"

Wrecker laughs, will Echo and Hunter show a tiny smile. Tech is completely serious still, lost in his thoughts without tearing his eyes from you. Crosshair also stares at you.

"We came back from a mission a pair of hours ago, yeah" Hunter finally answers, relaxing slowly. "Thought we should enjoy a bit of freedom before getting back to work tomorrow".

His voice is deep as well; a bit more soft yet raspy.

"Ah" you answer, smiling guiltily. "Got it. Well, I'm not going to cut out your fun, no worries. Feel free to drink and chat as much as you like. Also... This is still a good fit. Beautiful armour, guys".

This time Tech blushes, Echo clears his throat in silence and Wrecker, Hunter, and Crosshair, all smile widely. Ah, yes, you forgot; armours are precious to all Mandalorians, including clones, and you could have very well call them...

"So you think we're hot? That it?" Crosshair drawls, eyes interested.

You laugh shrugging your shoulders. Yeah, well, you might be a little too tipsy. This is definitely your last drink if you want to keep things professional. Force knows if you weren't a Jedi and this weren't your men you'd have had already tried to take one of them home. Huh, it seems you're not as tired as you thought.

"Pretty" you correct him, if only to mock him a bit and play with him.

Crosshair's stare darkens and you can feel his arousal and want calling you through the Force.

You smile down playing with the rim of your glass distractedly, and feeling a sudden wave of shyness. Alcohol is a dangerous thing.

The thought makes you giggle a bit.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The night goes on, and you switch to a non-alcohol drink as promised to yourself. The conversation turns normal and more easy as the clock ticks by; all of them being very interesting, fun people to chat with. Crosshair and Echo are more reserved than the rest; different types of quiet observing and thoughtfullness. You suspect the second one isn't as comfortable with your presence as the rest –while you have no doubt that that wouldn't suppose a problem in battlefield, you know he's an excellent soldier–; while Crosshair... Crosshair's intentions are still quite clear.

He's bold, you have to say. Most troopers wouldn't want to risk being reported for misconduct even if they know most Jedis would just gently shut their intentions down if it were the case. Clones usually don't want to risk it; though it's evident that Crosshair doesn't think you will or plainly, doesn't care.

It doesn't bother you. He's attractive, and it feels good to be desired; you're a Jedi, but you're also just twenty-two, and you can't help it yourself. Still, you're nothing but polite to him, if only a bit of playfullness here and there. You're not going to go to bed with him, not before your oficial meeting; not while you can still resist.

You sigh with a smile.

"Well, boys, it has been a pleasure" you start, standing up and patting Wrecker's shoulder besides you. "But I think I'm gonna go and try to shut an eye. Have your fun without me, see you tomorrow!"

Tech eyes widen slightly, observing your retreating figure while Crosshair makes a move to follow you out of 79's.

Tech grabs his brother's shoulder and pulls him back down, ignoring Crosshair's almost snarl.

"She expressed her desire to go to sleep, Crosshair. Let her be" he opted to say, still not 100% sure of his theory before proving it with a quick search on his datapad.

Crosshair sighed and gulped down the remaining of his drink.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

No matter that the Batch had left 79's pretty late in the night, they were all rised and prepared to meet their new General at 0600 puntually. Their faces carried nag under their eyes and various degrees of tiredness; but they weren't being shipped anywhere, so there was no real problem with that. It was just a formal meeting so they could put a face to the name and greet each other; then they'll be left alone to enjoy the rest of their shore-leave day.

"I hope she's nice!" commented Wrecker while they waited up in a line in front of the Marauder.

Hunter hummed.

"I just hope she lets us do our thing" he muttered, clearly not very happy about the new placement.

None of them were particularly enthusiastic; they had never had a personal Jedi General before, and it would be a big change for everyone involved.

"I am confident she will" answered Tech, perhaps the only one holding positive thoughts about it. "I have thoroughly researched our General in the early hours of the morning and she has an impressive record on undercover missions and other side tasks. It seems she is usually sent on unusual requests as well, just like us. In adition, she is fairly easy going. I am positive we would all be able to adapt to each other well".

Right when Wrecker was going to ask with a deep frown etched on his face how did he know she was as "easy-going" as Tech affirmed, a female figure crossed the doors of the hangar walking towards them with wide confident steps.

Wrecker's, Echo's and Hunter's faces stared back in shock; while Tech nodded firmly as if he were explaining something to them, and Crosshair followed the young Jedi's movement full of intrigue and a masked surprise.

"Morning, troopers!" She greeted them, still a few meters away from them.

Her smile was radiant in the greyness of the hangar bay.

Crosshair leaned towards the smartest of his brothers, subtle.

"Punishment for fucking your Jedi General?" he asked in a distracted whispered, eyes never leaving the woman aproaching them.

Tech answered completely unbothered by his antics; posture firm.

"From an informal reprimand to proper decomissioning".

Crosshair smirked.

"I'll risk it".

He arched an eyebrow in amused defiance when she looked straight at him.

THE END.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Taraaa! Here it is love, hope you like it! It was a little fun cheeky thing to write :)

Not checked after finishing writing it cause I have exam tomorrow and still got a few finals left, but I hope I didn't make a lot of mistakes!

Only two more requests left before I jump onto another tbb Mermaid fic. Don't worry, yall, I will reopen requests the future, just let me survive my exams first ;)

Stay tunned!

Xx,

Sky.

Back to masterlist here:

[sssammich]

there's a human in the storeroom

THIS POST got extremely long with five posts, so we're gonna just keep going in a new one. (read that first to get caught up!)

--

Kara clears her throat for the umpteenth time, it feels like. But it gets their attention, so she gives them her best smile before trying to offer back the satchet of what looks like regular nuts and berries. She wasn't sure what it said about her that they gave her another bag of food. But, at this point, what's the harm? After popping the final berry in her hand and licking a little bit of fruit juice from her palm, she stands and wipes her hand on the side of her chinos. She then takes a step forward and brings the satchet towards the beautiful woman to return it.

"Thanks. They were good."

"Remarkable," the beautiful woman says. "You just ate all of it?"

"I...yes. Sorry."

The group stares at the empty satchet and then back up at her again. She tries not to squirm under their judgy eyes.

"Um," she starts to say. "This was really nice and you guys have some really tasty food, but I should probably get going. I've got work tomorrow, so I don't want to get home too late."

"You can't leave," the beautiful woman says.

"Is this about the food? I can pay! I'm good for it. Let me just--" she tries to palm for her wallet in her back pocket but realizes that her wallet is no longer there. She pats her front pockets, but there's nothing in those, either. Kara quickly scans the room and finds that her messenger bag, phone, and wallet were nowhere to be found. She shakes her head and tries to focus on what she was trying to say. "Have any of you seen my stuff? My phone?"

"What's that?" the mean looking lady asks as she walks towards the crates to move some of them around.

She stops mid-search, wonders if these...Europeans? just weren't familiar with technology. She tries not to judge, of course. Instead, she clears her throat again. "Oh, a phone? Well, uh, it's a thing that you use to make calls."

"You can't leave," the beautiful woman repeats, her face now looking somewhat more alarmed than she was a second ago.

"You keep saying that, but I really should get going."

All four of them yell NO! at her and she freezes in place.

The four grown adults talk in hissed whispers to one another lost in whatever European argument they're having. The teenager, grinning all the while, walks towards her. Kara stands her ground because she's not a wuss and this is just a teenage girl. But, like, she's not not a wuss.

"Hello," says the girl.

"Um, hello."

"You...are...n-..hmm..." the girl pauses, chewing on her bottom lip, then her eyes perk up when she finds her word. "...trouble?"

Kara's brows jump to her hairline and she shakes her head. "I don't...I don't mean to be. I'm really sorry. I was just trying to get some work done and--"

The girl seems convinced at the words she's saying as she points at Kara. "You...trouble!"

"No, hey--maybe don't say that. I'm totally not trouble. I'm a good person. I'm just trying to go home."

"You, trouble."

She stares at the girl and wonders if the girl thinks her name is trouble? Which, pffft, is not even remotely true. But she bets Alex would agree. She shakes her head and points at herself. "No, my name is Kara."

Just then, the four grown adults in their angry European huddle all rush towards her, the last image she sees is the beautiful woman grabbing hold of her and screaming in a language Kara doesn't understand just as she loses consciousness.

[makeitmingi]

The Cat and Dog Game [Chapter 39]

Genre: Romance, Fluff, Comedy

Pairing: Yunho x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Chef!Reader, RestaurantOwner!Yunho, MaitreD!Hongjoong, Waiter!Yeosang, Waiter!San, Waiter!Mingi, SousChef!Seonghwa, SousChef!Wooyoung, PrepChef!Jongho

Summary: Yunho's dream was to open and run his own restaurant. But he doesn't know anything when it comes to cooking. Until you came along and accepted the job, bringing with you a small crew. How will the black cat tame the energetic golden retriever?

Word count: 3.3K

Chapter warning(s): There are some possible triggers in this chapter. Mentions of a bad past, depression, anxiety, self harm, mental health instability, therapy sessions with a psychologist. Please read at your own discretion.

"And you're good to go." The nurse handed you the kitten's medications. You hummed and went through it before scanning the receipt and paying for everything. It was a hefty bill, as expected of vet visits.

"We're all set. Let's go." You and Yunho went to the car, he opened the door for you to enter. But he didn't start the car, you just sat in the passenger seat with the kitten in your lap.

"So what do we do?" Yunho asked. You threw your head back against the seat.

"I don't know, Yunho. What should I do?" You turned to him. He reached over to scratch the underneath of the kitten's chin.

"Whatever you decide to do, I'll support you to the best that I can, okay?" Yunho smiled, reaching up to hold your hand. You chewed on your bottom lip, thinking about your options.

"Knowing how black cats are stigmatised in a shelter, he's not going to get adopted and the way that they're overcrowded..." You sighed sadly.

"I know, you won't be able to leave the little guy alone. If you decide to keep him, we'll take turns taking care of him." Yunho chuckled.

"Really? You'll do that? Okay, I'll keep him with me. If I put him in a shelter, I'll go crazy thinking about him. He's already been abandoned once, he needs a good home and people who will take care of him." You smiled. Yunho nodded his head, reaching over to cup your cheeks and give you a kiss.

"Alright. That means you're officially a cat mom to this little one right here." Yunho giggled.

"Means you're a cat dad." You replied. Yunho's eyes widened at your words then softened, the kitten was really going to be like your first child and it warmed his heart.

"Tomorrow, we should go get him some actual things since he's going to stay permanently." Yunho suggested and you nodded.

"All that's left is to give him a name." You said.

"You're terrible with names though. Look at what you named your stuffed golden retriever and stuffed manatee." Yunho laughed and you glared at him.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Yuyu and Yunnie are great names!" You scoffed.

"They're basically variations of my name. That's not very creative." Yunho pointed out. You rolled your eyes, deciding to just ignore his insults. The kitten playfully pawed at the buttons of your shirt and you held him away.

"Don't do that." You scolded lightly, clicking your tongue. He just let out a loud meow in defiance. You and Yunho burst out laughing at how cute he was.

"Let's go back to mine to chill for a bit, drop the kitten off then go in for dinner shift." You said.

"Alright. He's probably tired for all his jabs too. They're usually like that." Yunho nodded and went back to your house.

"Here you go. All nice and comfy, have a nice sleep." You placed the kitten in the crate, amongst the blankets, but left the gate open since you and Yunho were around.

"So..." You handed Yunho a cup of cold brew coffee as you sat on the couch with him.

"You worried me this morning when you didn't show up." Yunho stroked your cheek with his thumb.

"I know... I'm sorry, I should have told you but I didn't know how to. I've been stressing over this for a while, wondering how I'm going to tell you this. It's nothing against you, it's me, I just... I don't know." You sighed, burying your face in your hands. Yunho gently pulled your hands away, kissing your forehead.

"Don't worry, take your time. Just tell me whatever you want to." He said, bringing your thighs over his lap and wrapped an arm around your waist to hold you.

"Remember when we visited my mother... I said I'll tell you more about my life after my mother died? How I barely survived."

"Yeah. I remember." Yunho nodded. You sighed and leaned against his chest, trying to collect your thoughts.

"When I got older, I became that typical brooding kid. I wanted to see if my father still cared about me so I acted out, I did a lot of things, didn't come home, mixed with the wrong crowd..." You started.

"But he was too distracted by my stepmother to care that I didn't even come home." You scoffed.

"What about Seonghwa?" Yunho asked.

"He was the only one that cared, he wanted to go to the police multiple times but I would always contact me and assure him that I'm safe. But soon, I just... distanced myself. I liked the life outside, it helped me feel numb." You chuckled bitterly.

"I wasn't proud of it, the things I did. I thought those people actually cared about me. They made me feel loved, like I belong to something." You said, tears forming in your eyes.

"Baby..." Yunho grabbed a tissue and gently wiped your tears away from your cheeks.

"I was going crazy, Yun. I was killing myself and my father didn't give a damn about me!" You squeezed your eyes shut.

"Shh, shh. Okay, you don't have to go further." Yunho wrapped both arms around you, bringing you onto his lap and hugging you tightly. He hushed you softly.

"N-No, I have to. I need to tell you the truth." You shook your head.

"I hurt Hwa the most. I pushed away the only person that's ever loved me and cared about me." You cried.

"He knows you didn't mean it. I'm sure you didn't mean it too. Sometimes when we're hurting, we also end up hurting the ones that are the closest to us." Yunho stroked your head.

"Seonghwa and his parents were the only ones that helped me. Seonghwa got me out of that whole situation, made me leave that life and checked me into an institution. He got me the help I need and has been with me through everything, every step of my life. I owe him my life." You said.

"You were institutionalised?" Yunho blinked.

"He didn't force me. Seonghwa and I spoke, I agreed that it was the only way for me to be functioning again. If it's not for her, I would be dead by now." You said.

"It was the right choice then. I'm glad you got the help you need (y/n)." He held your hand.

"That's why I hesitated to tell you all this, Yunho. It's not something I'm proud of and it's shocking to-"

"No. Thank you for telling me this and trusting me to tell you this. I'm not scared of you, who am I to judge you after everything you've been through on your own." He pressed his forehead against yours.

"So besides this morning, if you've noticed that I disappear or have errands to run in the morning. I'm seeing my psychologist." You said.

"I understand, that makes sense. Do these sessions help?" He seemed hesitant to ask.

"I guess. I don't know how to describe it. It keeps me sane and yet, I feel like I'm driving off the deep end. Obviously I'm far from 'healing' if I can even be healed in any way. But it helps me sort my thoughts and feelings out." You explained.

"That's all that matters then." He kissed your temple.

"The fact is, the topic of family will always be a wound that never closes. It's just something I am taking a long time to come to terms with and to deal with." You sighed.

"And that's okay. Some times you take a lifetime to heal and that's okay too." He comforted.

"It makes me feel useless though. Every time I feel like I'm making progress, my father does something that sends me back two steps."

"I wish your father would just leave you alone." He said honestly.

"Like I said, I'm still holding on to the possibility that he'll go back to the man or father that he once was. But each time, that hope slowly slips from my grasp." You rubbed your forehead.

"And that's not your fault. You've given him so many chances and sacrificed so much of yourself for him. It's not fair to you." Yunho frowned.

"It's not just that too. I... Just like going to my mother's grave, every time I see my psychologist, it mentally exhausts me. I become a void. I try not to but it just happens. Seonghwa, Wooyoung and Jongho all know, they've been very understanding of that." You informed.

"They always try to be here for me after a session. Even if all I do is sleep, them being here helps me a lot. It brings me comfort." You smiled.

"No wonder you're all so close. Right from the start, when I met all of you and saw how you worked together, it was like all of you were more than friends." Yunho said.

"We're family. Y-You are my family too." You smiled softly.

"That's right. If I could change your past, trust me I would. But for the future, you'll never be alone again." He pressed his lips to yours.

"Thank you, Yunho. For loving me and showing me love." You whispered, wrapping your arms around his neck. Yunho laughed and showered you in kisses.

"Ack!" You struggled. You were both interrupted by the kitten standing there, meowing at the two of you.

"Someone doesn't like to be excluded it seems." Yunho laughed. You bent down to pick the kitten up, putting him in your lap.

"I am tempted to name you Shadow because you follow me around like a shadow. But... Thinking about the wood type that I like to use when I'm smoking meats... How about Whiskey? He looks like he'll respond to that name." You asked, stroking the top of Whiskey's head while he rubbed his cheek against your stomach.

"Whiskey? That's... actually not a bad name. It's random how you relate it to smoking meats but it's cute." Yunho said, cooing at the kitten.

"I relate everything in my life to cooking and food alright?" You rolled your eyes, making Yunho laugh.

"And I wouldn't have you any other way." Yunho smiled.

"We should go soon or we'll be late." You stood up, holding Whiskey in your arms. Yunho followed you to your room, helping you set up a fence to cage Whiskey in with his crate and litter box.

"Looks like I'll have to move things around and train him to use the litter box." You rubbed the back of his neck.

"One step at a time." Yunho held your hand. You nodded in agreement. Suddenly, Yunho tugged you to him, hugging you tightly.

"I love you, (y/n). You're not broken, you're not a burden, you're not alone. You've survived for so long, having to carry all this on your back. You're amazing and strong." Yunho said as he hugged you, his voice cracking a little.

"I love you. You're perfect just the way you are, I don't want or need you to change." The way Yunho spoke about you with love, only Seonghwa has ever spoke about you as such, and it broke your heart.

"Oh, Yun. Don't cry over me. It's not worth it... And I love you too." You pulled him down slightly so you could hold his face in your hands, wiping his tears.

"Don't say that. You are worth it." He pressed his face into your shoulder and cried for you, and everything you've been through.

"You take such good care of me, Yunho. I'm sorry I haven't been able to give anything back to you." You apologised.

"No. Not at all." He shook his head. Yunho never measured or thought that he gave you more than you gave him. In fact, he was just over the moon you trusted him enough to tell him everything.

"Let's wash our faces and go to the restaurant." Yunho smiled. You nodded with a hum.

After washing your faces in cold water to try and hide the fact that the both of you just cried, you and Yunho headed to the restaurant, not wanting to be late and keep the cooking team waiting. Seonghwa, Wooyoung and Jongho were already in Jongho's car when you and Yunho arrived.

"Hwa." You went up to your best friend and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around you, kissing the top of your head as you buried your face against his chest.

"I told him everything." You whispered, just audible enough for him to hear you.

"Okay. We can about it later." He replied.

"Sure." You nodded. Seonghwa held your hand as you all walked up to the restaurant. Yunho just let him, knowing you probably needed Seonghwa right now.

"Yunho... What did you do? Because I swear to all the heavens and levels of hell that exists, if you hurt my jagi, I'll-"

"Woo, calm down. He didn't do anything to me." You stopped the male from raging.

"He better not have." Jongho crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at Yunho. The taller male just gulped, suddenly frightened for his life with Wooyoung and Jongho's threats. He took a step towards you, hiding behind you even if your height can't hide him.

"Why are you hiding behind me? Do you really think they can't see you? Do you not remeber that you're taller than me." You laughed as you looked at Yunho.

"I know I'm taller than you. But you're scarier and fiercer than me so you can protect me. Especially against them." Yunho said sheepishly.

"Unbelieveable." You shook your head and facepalmed.

"Alright, let's start cooking." Seonghwa clapped his hands, getting everyone's attention. All of you brought out the trays of deli containers with the prepped ingredients you prepared.

"Everyone knows what they're doing right? Sound out if you're available or need help." You instructed.

"I'm starting the ice cream churner for our dessert." Wooyoung said. You made the pickled beetroot for your salmon dish since that needed to sit aside to pickle.

"My beetroot is pickling and the other components of the dish is all last minute prep. Is anyone available to do appetisers with me?" You asked. Before Seonghwa, Wooyoung or Jongho could reply, Yunho raised his hand with a big, excited smile on his face. You let out a snort of amusement.

"Me! Me! Me!" Yunho grinned, pushing his hand further as if you would not be able to see him.

"Fine. Yun, you're with me on appetisers." You shook your head and laughed. Yunho fist pumped in victory and was by your side instantly, with his apron on and ready.

"I need you to flake the fish. Use these two forks and pull it apart like this. But not too small because we're going to mix it with stuff later, that's going to break it further." You demonstated to him.

"Sure, I can do that." Yunho nodded and began to do as instructed. You worked on something else beside him.

"What fish is this?" He asked.

"Grilled swordfish. We're going to mix it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, tomatoes and grilled peppers. You eat it with bread." You said.

"I'll do the prep for the components of the salad so we can assemble it to order." Jongho said. Yunho was proud that he could do more complex kitchen tasks without you having to look over and check on him. Only if he had a question or asked for your help.

"How much of each do I add?" Yunho asked as you placed all the dressing ingredients in front of him.

"Trust your intuition, Yun. Add the tomatoes and peppers first, the others, add little by little until the taste is right to you." You smiled, patting his shoulder.

"What? I-I can't, I don't even know what it's supposed to taste like." Yunho's eyes widened.

"You'll know when you taste it." You encouraged him.

"Olive oil is rich, red wine vinegar is tart, balsamic vinegar is sweet. Then salt and pepper. There's optional lemon juice to add too, if you'd like. It's all about balance." You explained the flavours to him.

"Is that too much tartness? With the two vinegars and the lemon juice." Yunho asked.

"It depends on how sweet the peppers and tomatoes are today. Different batches and varieties all taste differently." You shrugged.

"But I... I don't-..." Yunho whimpered worriedly. You laughed, totally not feeling any sympathy for him. But still, you quietly did tasks that allowed you to stay by Yunho's side, silently giving him moral support. He frowned as focused on the bowl in front of him so he didn't notice the way you watched him from the corner of your eye.

"Hmm..." He would tilt his head as he tasted the dish then add more salt, pepper or vinegar. After another taste, he added a few drops of lemon juice to taste again and nodded in approval.

"Are you laughing at me?" Yunho whipped his head to you when he heard you stifle a laugh.

"Not at all. I think it's just amazing how far you've come, Yun." You smiled and his ears turned bright red at your praise.

"Can you check if it tastes okay?" Yunho pushed the big mixing bowl to you. You grabbed a plastic tasting spoon and took a taste of the swordfish mixture.

"It's great, Yun. A touch more black pepper though. But otherwise, it's perfect. See? I knew you could do it." You chuckled.

"Stop~" Yunho whined but add more pepper before folding it in. When he was done, he put it aside.

"Good evening, everyone." Hongjoong, Yeosang, Mingi and San came in. You all exchanged greetings with one another before they went to the locker room to put their things down. Then they headed out to the front to prepare for dinner service.

"Your team might need you. We've got it here." You said to Yunho. He pouted but nodded, leaning to sneak a kiss on your cheek then headed out to the front.

"Let's go through reservations for the night." Yunho called his friends. Since it was a busy Friday, family meal was extras of the bolognese.

"Ice cream is looking good and done. I'm moving it to the freezer." Seonghwa announced.

"Thanks, hyung." Wooyoung replied, busy preparing the dish that he was assigned to for the night. You cooked the pasta that the staff would be eating for family meal.

"Bolognese is good." Jongho informed.

"If anyone has time, have your dinner before the full swing of the Friday night crowd comes in." You said.

"Dinner is ready and in the bins whenever you guys are hungry and available to eat." Wooyoung told the team at the front of the house before coming back to the kitchen. You had a plate of pasta in your hands as you walked through all the prep for tonight, not wanting to miss anything out.

"Eat first." Seonghwa placed his hands on your shoulder, guiding you away from the walk in and to the table where his own plate of pasta was waiting for him.

"Don't worry, Hwa. I just want to make sure nothing is missed out." You said, sitting with him at a booth.

Seeing you and Seonghwa sit together at a table, engaged in your own conversation, Yunho moved to sit with his friends instead.

"This afternoon was hectic. But I told Yunho everything." You informed Seonghwa in a hushed voice as you ate. Seonghwa nodded, reaching over to hold your hand.

"That's great." He smiled, happy that you let someone else into your world to see the real you.

~

Series masterlist

[dejwrldarchived]

⤷‧₊˚ he was not like any other king you had ever seen before, and you couldn't help but become interested in him. little did you know, he was equally curious about you.

┊ •° ੈ ⋆° ┊ warning readers discretion is advised — female reader, her/she pronouns, female anatomy described, written with black reader in mind, mentions of reader knowing canute's sister, let's say reader is a princess idc, sobs i just wanted to write royalty, canute really don’t want reader to get married at all, virginity lost, mentions of blood, slight soft canute, soft canute, breeding kink, // minors dni

sticky note from deja — ( dedicated to @diorsbrando )

King Canute always piqued your curiosity. When he returned home, you remembered how it felt like the wind knocked out your lungs when he walked by you. You were completely breathless at the sight of him. You’ve only heard stories about him. Rumors, and folktales for children to imagine that they’ll be rulers like him. You knew that you would never even have the grace to be fully in his presence. You were merely a princess here under protection in exchange for the best resources your country could offer.

Canute probably didn’t even know your name if you were going, to be honest with yourself. Although, you spent a lot of time with Estrid—even so you doubt she would blabber on to her brother about friends she has made during his absence.

But you were completely wrong, Canute actually did know your name. He actually did notice you within the castle that was protected by his men. You didn’t know until one late evening as you were sipping on tea alone and reading some book you found. Canute thought everyone was sound asleep until he saw you sipping on tea that a servant made before heading to bed. You sipped in silence as he helped himself to the same tea the servant made, it still was hot and full of flavor to help bring comfort.

“You’re up quite late don’t you think?” Canute’s brash voice brought you out of the book your eyes were glued on reading by the little lamp near you.

You watch as he brought the cup up to his lips. His blue eyes scan over your face waiting for an answer.

“I can’t sleep, so I usually read until I grow tired,” You lift the book to show him. “Despite me reading this book many times.” You chuckle to yourself and sipped the last droplets of tea out of your cup. You closed the book and stood up, respectfully bowing in Canute’s presence.

“I should head to bed though. Estrid has something planned for us tomorrow.” You flash him a grin before turning to make your exit, but his words stop you.

“I have more books if you’re curious to read some more.”

You pull the book to your chest as if he’ll take it from you and you shake your head. “Your Highness, I can’t do that. You’ve done so much for me by letting me stay here for protection—I’ll feel like I’m intruding.” You pause not sure to finish the last part of your sentence, afraid that’ll it come off offensive or disrespectful.

“Plus, what would someone think if they saw me leaving your chambers with a book that belongs to you.” You shudder at the thought of the consequences of that. “I appreciate your gratitude, your highness-“

“I’m the King of England, anyone who has anything to say can say to me.” His arms crossed over his chest before he’s stepping by you. “It’s okay.”

Your lips form a straight line and you couldn’t argue against the king’s words. Especially since someone could come in and hear that you defined him. How dare you decline such an offer from King Canute. You followed behind through the dimly lit halls not wanting to talk much because for one.) everyone was sleeping and two.) anyone that was up could hear you and wonder why a woman like you were up so late. You’ve never graced so far away from where your own chambers were, let alone so close to where the King’s was at.

The two guards that stood outside his chambers head was held high seeing Canute but one of them eyes narrowed at the sight of you behind Canute clutching the book to your chest. Your eyes averted down in embarrassment at the pending rumors that can circulate around the castle before afternoon tea with Estrid. However, you took note of how Canute pushed open the door of his chambers and he stepped a side to let you enter first.

Most likely ensuring his guards don’t speak a word of the quite scandalous thing unfolding. A mere princess going into the bed chambers of the King of England. If your mother was here you would be able to feel the daggers of her glare stabbing at your back with each step you took further inside his chambers. You can hear her voice now about how unladylike it was to be doing this. But after all, you were only here to see what books he had and then quickly make your way back to your own bed chambers to rest.

But you were so wrong. You didn’t go back to your chambers, instead forty five minutes have passed and you were sitting in a chair across from Canute talking. At first it was about books. He mentioned to you that he always noticed you had your head inside a book, which you pointed out that it was the only thing you can do if you didn’t want to be follow Estrid around on whatever shenanigans she wanted to do. Then you talked about your childhood, well it was more so you mainly talked about your country and how you were raised.

Canute’s gaze made you feel warm. A good kind of warm though. A gaze that made you feel like you were sitting next to a well lit fire after being out in the winter cold. You still couldn’t read him just as much as he could read you within these minutes of you talking, but you were okay with that. A King shouldn’t let his guard down so easily, especially if it would be a time where someone could backstab him easily.

“That still don’t explain why you’re not married? Your family decided to send you away instead of keeping you close.” Canute thumbs at his lip as his head fell back to be back with the wooden back of the chair he was in.

“They’re just searching for the right suitors but war got in the way of that. My mom hoping that I’ll find someone here, but I highly doubt so—despite that it’ll help my family greatly with allies and connections.” You smoothed out your dress before soon meeting Canute’s eyes.

You wanted to know what was on his mind.

“And why don’t you think so?” Canute’s head tilt slightly and his eyebrows raised at you.

“I don’t really put myself out there your highness as much as I should. I have shooed a lot of people Estrid have introduced me to away,” You honestly answered. “It doesn’t feel right.”

“I mean, I’m aware that a lot of marriages are considered political moves to be on top. So, I will just do what I have to do to ensure my family is okay,” You give him a grin before going back to flipping the pages in the book in front of you.

A sudden silence overcame you two, you assumed Canute was processing what you were saying. You were aware that if push come to shove, him as the King have to possibly marry a beautiful noble woman to solidify a country he wanted to control. Plus every King needs a heir to the throne, right?

“If you don’t want to marry someone for political gain, I think you shouldn’t.” Canute answered truthfully before you could catch his gaze that’s been drilling a hole in you, his eyes looks down at the book he’s been attempting to read. He just can’t when someone as elegant as you were sitting in front of you.

“Of course you can say that your highness. But I can’t defy my family, they’re depending on me to return married and with something that benefit my bloodline.” You answered truthfully.

There that silence waved over the pair again. You went back to scheming over the mountains of books in his room figuring out which ones you wanted to take back to your room. You found two you were interesting in reading and pulled it from the pile.

“No, I’m saying as King I can ensure you’ll only get married until you’re ready and with someone you want.” Canute corrected.

You wanted to say that he was joking, but you haven’t seen the king crack a smile yet. Plus his tone was assertive—demanding. As if you couldn’t even argue against what he said, his words were final.

“Your highness, you can’t-“ You stooled mid sentence to correct yourself because who were you to tell the King of England what he can and can’t do. “You do not have to do that, it is my duty that was placed upon me and I have to do it. Think how bizarre it’ll be for me to decline a proposal and what will I say? The King said no?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what the people will say?” You leaned forward. “They’ll chalk it off as the King just having a woman to warm his bed, but they’ll probably think I’m trying to become Queen in some conniving way.”

He pushes his chair closer towards your end of the small table you sat at. “Then let them think that and if they have a problem with it, I’ll have their tongue.”

“Your highness.”

“Canute.”

Your eyes looked at him wondering where this was coming from. “Canute, this will complicate some things.”

You didn’t even notice that he moved closer. Your faces are just inches apart, so close to your soft pillowy lips being on his. “Then let it.” He leans in and places a kiss on your lips.

You wanted to panic as you jumped back after his lips kissed yours. Your eyes darted to the door where the guards were standing to protect their King.

“Just ignore them, not like they can barge in here without permission.” His rough hands collected yours and you felt the pad of his thumb on the back of his hand.

With that your closing your eyes to kiss him. You’ve only kissed two boys before. One when you were twelve and another when you were only seventeen. Both were mere memories you couldn’t fully remember, but you knew that this was better. The intense kiss from the King of England left you breathless as you grasped at the thin fabric of his shirt attempting to bring him closer. It didn’t take much for Canute to tug you on his lap, your dress hiking up as your legs were on each side of his thighs. Your fingers tangle in his blonde hair gaining a whimper from him. If you concentrated hard enough you could feel his cock growing within his trousers.

When you tugged away after pecking his lips once more, you couldn’t believe that you two just did this. You never went beyond this but you could feel the warmth in between your thighs that you could help but roll your hips upon Canute’s lap as if you were in heat. Canute picks you up and places you on the bed in the corner of the room. He pulls the shirt over his hand throwing it to the ground and he leans over to help discard you of your clothing. From the dress you borrowed from Estrid to the undergarments that you felt embarrassed that he was seeing you in.

You were still in your mind that this will complicate everything. You can get married and if your future husband figures you weren’t pure, what would he think. Would you not be worthy of marriage anymore?

Your arm snakes around your bare body as you sat on your knees to stare up at Canute. With just the dimly lit candle giving the both of you light—he looked stunning in this manner. His blonde hair fell in his face. His bare chest was toned from the endless training and dueling.

“Let me see you, Y/N,” Canute says as he toys with the strings that were holding up his trousers that were barely containing the bulge of need for you.

Your skin heated immediately at his words as you slowly removed your arms around your naked body. Your skin is garnished with goosebumps feeling the slight breeze that swirled around Canute's chambers. The bed sinks due to Canute's weight and as your body is being pushed down so the warmth of fur that was placed neatly on the bed engulfed your body. The softness of the fur kissed your skin as minutes went by of heated kisses and spit being swapped. Your body tensed up at the feeling of Canute lining himself up with your drooling entrance. Your breath hitched in your throat before letting out a breathy sigh.

"Just relax," Canute says through pecks on your neck.

For some reason, those subtle pecks calmed the tumultuous thoughts that swam around your mind. They were so loud until Canute's lips kissed your skin. As if he locked them thoughts away for you because they bothered you. The piercing pain of him pushing his cock inside you made you grasp upon the first thing you could. His strong forearms being it as your nails punctured at his skin and your eyes instantly closed. In the moment of your eyes closing and the only thing you can see is pure darkness, you were counting down the seconds to bypass the pain.

Canute's light-colored eyes stared down at you, his hips halting from moving forward just because he didn't want to hurt you. You were too precious to go through this pain.

"Look at me, Y/N."

With a tear decorating your lash line the sight you saw when you opened your eyes made you feel all warm inside all over again. Your felt butterflies replace the sharp feeling of his cock sliding in you bit by bit. Your teeth nibbled down on your lower lip bracing yourself physically for more of what he was giving out.

"I can stop. You—"

"No, please continue." You interrupt your head lifts from the pillow below you and lean in to kiss him.

Canute meets you halfway gracefully, willingly. Entrapping your lips with his so greedily that he didn't want it to end. Through the kiss, his hips moved forward slowly until finally, he bottomed down inside of you. Your fingers clutched so tightly that it was beginning to draw blood from his pale skin. Your eyes couldn't help but invert in between the space of your naked bodies. Once again feeling embarrassed by the blood that stained the sheets.

Canute's finger grasped upon your chin to shift your head to look at him. Your eyes were trapped in a trance with Canute's and soon the sharp feeling between your thighs turned into pleasure. Your lips gasped apart to croak out a moan just in time for the last couple of strokes Canute put in. His fingertips dance alongside your thighs as he eagerly pushes them apart to be closer to you. The sweet tune of your moans is like music to him that he would adore waking up to in the morning instead of the annoying plans of conquering another piece of land.

To you, Canute was taking something so precious away from you. Something that should have been given to your husband. He was your first. This moment is bound to imprint on your brain until you leave, until you're married, have kids, and so on. But the thing is, you were Canute's first also. Granted, it wasn't anyone's business who the King fucks and fondles. But, Canute didn't have time for that—maybe he was overthinking that being a factor of falling down the same road of his wicked father that haunts him today.

On some lonely evenings, Canute felt like he was suffocating from his own power. Day by day he gains more power and he realized that it'll get lonely on top. So, the soft comfort coming from you calmed him for some reason. The sound of his father's cruel voices in his head silenced each time he looked at you from afar and now as he bucked his hips forward slowly. His breathing hitched in his throat due to the feeling of you clutching around him wonderfully. Your name flies off his tongue like a foreign word and you enjoyed every second of it.

Your back arches off the bed when the pace of Canute's thrusting slowly increases. It wasn't too much to cause more pain from clawing in between your thighs, but it was enough to have you moaning and tugging him closer to your sweated-coated body. Your legs lock around his waist in the sense that you were afraid if you let go this moment would stop. Your moans echoed in his ear as his lips kissed and bite on your neck.

"You're making your King feel so amazing," His words send a chill down your spine so intense, you felt your cunt pulse around his cock.

Hearing those words causes a pit of fire to light in the pit of your stomach. Your hips slowly buck upward for more of the pleasurable feeling that this was giving. You knew the King had ears and eyes everywhere, but you wouldn't suspect him of being a mind reader too. As if he read your mind that you were unraveling below his strong body he teases you just enough to cause your body to vibrate in a fit of orgasms. Your thighs quiver while his hips gravitate forward completely making love to you through the foreign feeling you felt at the moment. It didn't take long for him to follow suit with you. Not wasting the time of cumming inside of you. His thrusting grew as sloppy as the mess in between your thighs. His cum coated his own cock as he greedily thrust inside you some more ensuring his cum doesn't leak out of you.

With Canute back hitting the bed next to you, the two of you were silent. Your limbs felt numb and your heart bounces around your chest like it is trying to escape. You rolled over and placed your head on his chest before looking up at him, admiring his exhausted face. "I should get something to clean us up." You lift up slowly but Canute gently tugs you back down.

If you were being honest, you wanted to make an escape.

"As your King, I want you to lay down and rest." His eyes flutter open to look down at you.

You chuckle at his words. "Ah, the tired King is going to tell me what to do." Sarcasm oozes from your tone. "Get some rest," You move closer and peck the corner of his lips innocently.

Just enough to tease him and have you gracefully bless his dreams.

As drowsiness wavered over the naked King next to you. You couldn't help but rush to gather your clothes. Your body ached from head to toe and you were surely going to cherish the warm bath in the morning. However, you rather be safe and sound in your own chambers than have to explain to anyone why you were in King Canute's bed chambers so early. You blew the candle that was the minimal light for the two of you during your sexual actions out. Just as you were about to make your exit, you could hear Canute's faded words.

"Be my Queen, Y/N."

[lostbookmark]

MDNI 18+

WHISPERED SECRETS Masterlist

Summary: A series of quick flashbacks of your early years with Yoongi. 

Pairing: Sister's Boyfriend Yoongi x F. Reader

Warnings: Toxic Parent and sister relationship, underage drinking, swearing, light making out, crying. 

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦   ✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

You want to pull out your hair as you reread the question in the booklet that you have laid out on your desk. Right turns: When making a right turn onto a two-way street from another two-way street, which lane should you end up in? 

“AHHH!” You actually scream and bang your head on the desk in your bedroom. “Ow.”

“What are you doing?” Your sister asks from your doorway. 

“Studying for my permit,” you answer her while not bothering to turn around and look at her. You think you gave yourself a bump on the head.  You bring your hand up to check and see.

“Why are you stressing out? It's not like it's even that hard and it's multiple choice. Anyway, I wanted to introduce you to my boyfriend.” she tells you. 

You turn around in your chair and see a boy standing next to your sister.  He's just a bit taller than her, dark hair, pale skin, he's cute. Oh, shit. There’s a cute boy in your room. Your eyes quickly scan your bedroom floor, hoping that you don't have anything embarrassing out…like underwear. 

“I'm Yoongi,” he says. You gulp, his voice is deep.

“Y/N,” you say softly and give him a small smile. 

“Anyway, let's go. We actually have stuff to do. Calm down, or you will make yourself fail by freaking out.” your sister is such a bitch. 

“You should encourage her,” Yoongi said, but she just rolled her eyes and lightly pushed him out of your doorway. You sigh. This is going to be a long night.  Your test is tomorrow. You're screwed. She's right. You're going to fail. 

Yoongi had stayed for dinner. Your mom was bombarding him with questions the whole time. What were you majoring in?  Do you stay in the dorms? Do you have a job?  Since your sister started college, your mother seems to think she needs to know every single detail about her life when she is not home, and you guess it includes her boyfriend's life too, apparently. You sneak a peek at Yoongi and smirk. You can tell that he is annoyed. Welcome to the club, dude. You get up from the table with your study booklet and leave for the backyard. No one even says anything to you. They never do. You settle down on a white wicker couch to reread it for the hundredth time. You've been reading it over and over again, but everything is just running together now. 

“Are you okay?” A deep voice asked. You physically jumped in shock and might have let out a squeak. “Sorry, sorry I didn't mean to scare you.”

“It's okay,” you tell Yoongi while fiddling with your booklet, your heart still racing. “What are you doing out here?” 

“They started talking about pageant dresses or something,” he sighed and sat next to you on the wicker couch. “You need some help? I can quiz you?” 

“Oh, um…I…I don't want to bother you,” you mumble. Yoongi held out his hand, and you gave him the booklet after a moment of hesitation.

“Okay, school buses,” he starts. You wonder why he wants to help you. He doesn't even know you, but you're happy. You're happy your sister found someone who seems like he might be great. He'll be good for her.

You smile, looking at the permit in your hands. You can not believe that you had actually passed. Your sister was actually right. The test wasn't that hard, and you were panicking for nothing. Your best friends Jisoo and Lisa met you at the DMV to take their test as well. Jisoo passed, and Lisa well…she tried her best. You and Jisoo try not to laugh, but Lisa is pissed and it's kind of funny. 

“Yeah, that great Y/N,” your mom says half-heartedly. “Have you seen my sewing kit?” 

“Mom I did it,” you exclaim, waving your permit in the air as soon as you get back home. Yoongi and your sister were sitting on the couch. He looked at you and gave a bright, gummy smile. 

“When can you take me driving?” You ask him. 

Your smile falls, and you look back at Yoongi. Something crosses his face, but you're not too sure what it was. As your dad walks through the door, you turn your attention toward him instead.

“Your mom will have to,” he tells you as he walks by. “I don't have time right now. I need to get back to the office.” 

“Oh, okay,” you whisper. You still feel Yoongi's eyes still on you. They feel like they are burning straight into your soul. You feel embarrassed. You feel defeated.

“I'll take you,” he says, getting up. “Give me your phone. I'll give you my number, just let me know when you want to start.” 

“Really?” You ask him excitedly. You hear your sister scoff. “Thank you.”

“Don't laugh. I hit all the cones, Yoongi. Every single one…I flattened them.” You want to cry, and he's just laughing. 

He's laughing at you. His shoulders are shaking, and he’s doubled over laughing in the passenger seat. Your hands grip the steering wheel as you glare at him. This is the second time that he has taken you to practice.  Your sister came the first time, but her criticism made you too nervous, and you started to cry before you could actually do anything. Yoongi told her that she couldn't come anymore.

“I'm sorry,” he said, clearing his throat, and he started laughing again. “I'm sorry. Listen, you have to get through learning how to park first before I take you on the road. I will go and pop the cones back up, and you're going to just breathe and calm down. We will go out to eat out after if you can do it this time.” 

“Okay,” you say. “Can we get chicken from Chic 'n’ Wings?”

“Sure,” he agrees.  You smile and try your luck.

“..... and extra rolls?” He rolls his eyes with a smile and gets out of the car. He fixes the cones, and you take a deep breath. You can do this, you do this for the rolls….and you do.

______________________________________________________________

Math. You hate math, it's boring and your teacher kind of smells like cheese. You're good at math, but you hate it. Numbers never intimidated you like a lot of other kids, you know. Lisa says it makes you a geek. You've seen her test scores. She's just as good as you are, but she lies about it. You wonder why she always lies about her grades. Is she afraid that the popular boys won't like her? Do boys not want to date geeks? Great, you'll never have a boyfriend. 

“Hey,” Yoongi says, snapping his finger in front of your face. 

“What?” you answer, looking at him. 

“Do you need help? I suck at math, but I think we can figure it out,” he tells you, looking over your shoulder at your math book. 

He's nice, too nice to you. You don't understand how your sister found someone like him. That's a lie you do. She's beautiful and smart, what boy wouldn't want her? You..you look like a potato. Not just a regular potato but one that has those things growing out of them. 

“Yoongi, let’s go, I'm hungry,” your sister whines. “She's 16. You can't baby her.”

“We can wait until she's done,” Yoongi tells her, and she huffs.

“I'm fine, Yoongi.” You tell him with a smile. “Go ahead. If I don't finish, I can always copy off Wonwoo.”  He stares at you for a second before getting up. You turn and look at them. “Where are you going? Can you bring me back something?” 

“NO! My boyfriend isn't going to pay for you,” your sister snaps.

“I have money,” you tell her. “I can use my birthday money.”

“No,” she says and walks to the door. 

“Go to the car. It's unlocked. I forgot my wallet upstairs,” Yoongi tells her. Once she's out the door, he turns to you. “What do you want?” You beam at him. 

“Anything that can fit in your coat pocket,” you whisper conspire with him.  He pursed his lips in thought and gave you a nod. He walks out, and you turn back to your homework. Yeah, copying Wonwoo sounds like a better option. 

A few hours later, Yoongi snuck into your room and handed you mozzerella sticks and a slider. He wouldn't take your money.

______________________________________________________________

The light in your closet isn't the best for drawing, but it's better than your mom coming in and seeing you do it. She hates it, and you never understood why. She says that you need to spend more time studying, going outdoors, and being with friends. She tells you how art is just a dream and that it won't actually get you anywhere. You laugh to yourself, your grades are near perfect, and your friends…Lisa is always grounded, and Jisoo is so sheltered. She can barely go anywhere without her parents. Your closet is quiet. It's just you and Marilyn in here. You can't get her left eye right.  This is pathetic. You're spending your 17th birthday in a closet…talking to your drawing. 

“Y/N?” You hear Yoongi call out for you.

“I'm here,” you answer back, not bothering to leave your sanctuary.  

“Where are you?” He asks with a chuckle. 

“Closet,” you answer back. You're going to wear a hole in the paper if you keep erasing. The closet door opens, and Yoongi gives you a bright smile.  “Hi,” you say and look back at Marilyn.

“You draw? I didn't know that,” he said and knelt down to you sitting on his knees. “It's really good.”

“Don't tell anyone. Please?” You ask, and he tilts his head at you in contemplation. 

“I won't,” he promises and digs into a bag he brought in with him. In his hand, he produces a cupcake with blue and pink icing. He places a yellow striped candle in the middle and proceeds to light it.  “Make a wish,” he holds it for you in front of your face. 

You close your eyes and wonder what to wish for. To get better in art, to finally get a boyfriend, maybe one like Yoongi. Maybe you should wish for your parents' love and attention. Taking a breath, you blow out your candle…you don't wish for anything. 

“Happy birthday,” Yoongi whispers and kisses your cheek. 

Shit! There’s butterflies in your stomach, and you try not to blush. You can't like him. He is not yours to like.

______________________________________________________________

“What are you all dressed up for?” Your sister asks you.  Your turn to look at her. Yoongi is beside her like always, except he looks at you like….. you're not sure, but it feels different. 

You thrifted your dress. Not really, Lisa let you borrow it. You told your mom about getting a date for homecoming. She said she would take you dress shopping and out to lunch…she must have forgotten. The dress is a light pink and might be a little tight….okay it's very tight, but it looks fine…in fact, your boobs look amazing. You just might not be able to breathe all night. Lisa told you just to take shallow breaths, and you'll be fine. You shouldn't pass out. You trust her. She wears tight clothes all the time. You're happy your parents weren't home tonight. Your dads company dinner was supposedly more important. There was no way your mom would let you out in this dress if she saw it. You know she wouldn't deem it as ladylike. 

You head downstairs to wait for your date. You couldn't believe Wooseok had asked you. You blushed and stuttered through your acceptance, embarrassing yourself. You think he only asked because Lisa is going with his friend Kino. It's fine because you're going to have fun even if it's a pity date. 

“Homecoming,” you answer her. “I'm waiting for my date.” 

“Date?” she questions. “Did you pay him?” She chuckles at her own joke.

“Don't say that,” Yoongi told her. He looked mad. “Anyone would be lucky to go with her. You look beautiful. “  

“Don't lie to her,” your sister says, rolling her eyes. You think one day they might get stuck back there. 

The ringing of the doorbell breaks the tension in the room. Yoongi looks at you and smirks. He bolts to the door. You try to cut him off but stumble in the damn heels that you're wearing. He laughs, dodging your reach, and opens the door with a glare on his face.

“Can I help you?” he tried his best to sound bored. 

“Uhhh, is Y/N here?” Wooseok asks. You try to shove Yoongi out of the way, but he holds onto the door jamb. 

“Yoongi, move,” you demand.

“What time is the dance over?” Yoongi asks Wooseok.

“Ummm….11 I think,” Wooseok answers.

“Okay, have her home by 9:30,” Yoongi tells him, and you hit his arm. You finally manage to move him. 

“Don't listen to him. Let's go,” you say and look back at Yoongi when you get outside. You want to flip him off. You almost do it, but you don't. 

“Who was that?” Wooseok asks as he opens the car door for you.

“That’s just Yoongi.”

                                                           

Woosoek shoves his tongue in your mouth. His hands are pawing at you in that tight ass dress. Is this what kissing is supposed to be like, so much…..spit? You're not gonna lie. It's kind of gross. Lisa and Kino are right next to you behind the equipment shed on the football field in a similar position. You go along with it, not wanting to ruin the little party you were invited to. Wooseok pulls back and reaches into his jacket. He pulls out a slim bottle with dark liquid. You've never drank before. 

“Whiskey,” he tells you and kisses you again.  He moves to attach his lips to your neck and sucks pretty hard…it kind of hurts. 

Kino pulls away from Lisa and takes the bottle from him. Taking the first drink, he hands it to Lisa. She looks at you but doesn't hesitate and takes a drink as well. She coughs and rubs her chest. They guys laugh at her, and she joins in the laughter with them. Wooseok goes next, then you. 

“It's okay, sweets,” Lisa whispers. “It wasn't that bad.” 

Taking a drink of the dark liquid was awful, and it burned. You start coughing, and Wooseok claps your back. It was... it was that bad. Kino takes the bottle from you, and it gets passed around again and again.  Wooseok kisses you again, way, way more spit this time. You wish Jisoo were here. She wouldn't have let this happen. You don't feel so good.

“Fuck, sweets. What do we do?” Lisa slurs at you. Your dates are passed out.

“I'll call Yoongi,” you tell her. Your vision can barely focus on your phone screen. “He'll get us.” 

“Noooooo, he haaaattteeesss meeeee,” she whines. You don't listen and make the call. 

“Y/N?” Yoongi answers the phone. 

“Yoongi, don't be mad.”you try to plead with him. 

“Heeee haaaatttteeeesssss meeee,” Lisa wails in the background, and you start crying.

“What the hell is going on?” he asks.

“We’ve been drinking,” you cry. “I don't feel good.” 

“Are you okay?” Yoongi asks. “Where are you?” 

It didn't take him that long to find you. You can hear bickering, and your heart stops. He brought your sister with him. Their argument is getting louder the closer they approach. Lisa passed out not long ago, your stomach is turning, dates still snoring.

“Grab Lisa,” Yoongi tells your sister. 

“Why can't you grab Lisa?” she hisses at him. 

“Can you just not fight me for once,” he hissed back.

Your body gets picked up off the ground. You moan, and your stomach flips. Yoongi pulls you closer to him as you rest your head against him and walks quickly as he can to the car. He doesn't say anything. He just carries you. He places you in the back seat and rolls the window down for you. 

“I have to go and help with Lisa. If you throw up…aim for the window,” Yoongi tells you and surries off to help your sister. You can hear her bitching at him again.  A cool breeze comes through the opened window, you breathe it in,  You're causing problems and you hate yourself for it.

The sunlight streaming through your windows hurts your head. You spent most of the night on the floor in your bathroom. The cool tiles felt good against your pounding head. You hear the garage door open. Your parents must have left for the farmers market, which means it's still early. You drag yourself out of bed and head downstairs. You hope maybe some water will help. 

“Still alive?” You jump in shock and gasp. Fuck, you hand goes to your head, it really freaking hurts. “Do you know how worried I was when I heard you crying?” Yoongi asked.  

“I'm sorry,” you whisper. “My sister is mad at you for helping…”

“No, don't worry about that,” he cuts you off and walks up to you. He grabs your head gently and turns it ever so slightly to the side and hums. 

“What?” you ask. He brings up his phone camera, and you look. “Oh.”  A huge ugly purplish mark on the skin of your neck. 

“Did it go any further than that?” he asks, and you shake your head no. “Go back to sleep.” he tells you and walks off. 

You think he's disappointed in you, and that hurts.

______________________________________________________________

It's finally into your senior year. You turned 18 not too long ago. When you walked into your room, you saw a single cupcake with a candle stuck in the middle. A note, with a match sitting by it on your bed. Picking up the note, you smile to yourself.

Make a wish, MYG. 

Yoongi didn't forget. It's been so long since you have seen him or your sister. He moved out of the dorms at college last winter and into his own apartment. Your sister pretty much pretty much lives with him. They don’t come home that often, but you don't blame them. This place sucks.  But he didn't forget.

Your mom, who had been a stay at home mom for as long as you can remember, decided to go back to work. She said she found it hard to stay home in such an empty house. Thanks! She must have forgotten that you still lived there. She, of course, had been too busy to do anything for you. Jisoo's family had made you a birthday dinner that night. You were happy to have friends who actually had caring parents.  This birthday, however, you did make a wish as you blew out your candle. You wished to get the hell out of here. 

______________________________________________________________

Christmas break flew by, and you go back to school tomorrow. You are screwed, you have become very lazy this year and you didn't finish your science homework. Strike that, you didn't even start and it's already 10:30 at night. You walk quietly to your sister's room, where she and Yoongi are staying. They were just there for the weekend. You listen for a second before you slowly open the door. Your sister was sound asleep, and Yoongi was typing away at his phone. The bright light illuminated his face. 

“Psss,” you say quietly. Yoongi's eyes fly to you, then to your sister's sleeping form. You wave him over to you. 

“Don't you have school tomorrow? You should be sleeping,” he lightly scolds you.

“I need help on a science project. I need a diorama of the solar system,” you explain.

“How much have you done?” He crosses his arms, waiting for you to answer. 

“None,” you answer, and his eyes narrow.

“When's it due?” he's suspicious.

“Tomorrow,” you say quietly, and his eyes widen. “Please, please, please.”  He sighs in defeat.

“I can't get this fucking sun to stay up,” his growls and his eyes look to you. “Sorry, don't swear, it's not a good habit.” 

“I have a hot glue gun,” you tell him.

“I don't think that will work,” he says. “ I think it might be too heavy.”

You two have been working on this for hours now. You look at your alarm clock and see it's well past midnight. You hadn't been completely unprepared,  you had all the supplies. You just needed help with painting the foam balls….and attaching the strings to rods….attaching the actual rods. Shit, you're screwed. 

“What's going on?” Your mom asks as she opens the door. “Why are you in her room?” 

“She needed help,” Yoongi told her, going back to fiddle with the rod holding sun.

“Y/N, I told you to do that a week ago. You are so irresponsible. How the hell are you going to get through college and all the work that comes with that? Did you even apply yet?”  She is mad. 

“Yoongi, come back to bed,” your sister says, tiredly walking into the room. 

“We are almost done,” he told them. 

“Go, Yoongi,” your mom demands. “If she fails….she can fail alone.”

“THAT'S NOT FAIR,” he yells, he never yells. Your sister walks in and grabs his arm. He tries to pull out of her grasp, but she doesn't let him. She pulls him out of the room. He looks at you. It seems like he wants to say something, but the door shuts in his face. 

“You need to stay away from him.  Your sister needs his attention, not you. Tomorrow after school, we will fill out applications.  You'll go for accounting ... .you don't have a choice anymore.” With that, your mom left your room, and you cried yourself to sleep to the sounds of Yoongi and your sister arguing. 

The damn sun still won't stay up. You lug the diorama into your science class by yourself. You are just happy that the rest of it is still standing. 

“Your sun fell,” Lisa points out the obvious while smacking her gum. 

“Yoongi, couldn't get it to stay up,” you tell her, and she bursts out laughing at the insinuation, but you don't find it funny at all. 

“Sorry, ummm, let me think,” she takes a look around and blows a bubble. “Oh, try this.” She shoves a piece of gum in your mouth. You chew it as fast as you can as she grabs Chan and does the same to him. “Chew, Chan, Chew!” Poor Chan, he looked scared of her but did as he was told.

The three of you chew away and she holds out her hand. She spits her gum into it and motions for the two of you to do the same…gross….but you do it. She pieces the used gum together and molds it around the rod to stick it to the side of your cardboard.  It sticks….kind of.  You hope your teacher will get to you quickly. He eventually does, you get B….it's a good day. 

______________________________________________________________

You had listened to your mom and just stopped hanging around the house if Yoongi or your sister were there. Lisa's house became your new sanctuary.  Her parents were awesome and loved you.  

“Did you see Jackson slip and fall at assembly today,” Lisa laughed as you guys walked around the park after dinner. 

“It's not funny,” you laugh. “He's sweet.”

“Y/N,” you heard a voice shout your name. A deep voice, you knew who it belonged to. 

You look around and spot Yoongi at the basketball courts with a group of guys. You don't see your sister anywhere. Lisa nudges you forward to continue to walk, and unfortunately, you have to walk by him to get out of the park. You quickly wave as you pass by, but that was it.

“Wait,” he called out and chased after you. “Where have you been?” 

“She’s just doing what she was told,” Lisa answers . 

“What does that mean?” he asks, looking right at you.

“I was told to leave you alone,” you tell him.  You watch him crack his neck and then look back at his friends. They start calling him to come back. 

“Come hang out,” he said. “We could use a little cheering.”

“Are they cute?” Lisa asks, Yoongi ignores her and continues to look at you.

“Come on,” he said and grabbed your hand. He threaded his fingers through yours and guided you to sit on the metal bleachers overlooking the court. He tosses the ball back to his friends before turning back to you. “Cheer for me?” he asks.

“Fine,” you grumble and he runs back onto the court. Lisa nudges you several times. 

You do cheer for him. You have never seen him play before, and damn he was good. He looked so free, so happy out there playing. You're not sure if you have ever seen him like this.  Lisa was too busy flirting with the other players to really pay attention. You almost feel embarrassed to be by her right then. You wish you had her confidence, though. Yoongi heads to the benches after a little while to get some water. 

“Lisa and I need to get back,” you tell him. “It was nice seeing you.” 

“Wait,” he said, stopping you from turning around. “Who told you to stay away from me?”  You don't answer.

“Her mom,” Lisa answered. “We really have to go.” 

Lisa grabs your hand, and the two of you run to her car. You turn back and see Yoongi still standing there playing with his water bottle, still watching you.  You really miss him.  

______________________________________________________________

“Should I wear my red dress or black dress for my date with Mark tomorrow?” Lisa asks  as you two chat away on the phone. 

You lie on your bed. The end of winter was here, and the spring air moving in was nice and cool, so you had your bedroom window cracked open. The cool breeze felt good in your stuffy room. The curtains were gently moving  and you huddled down in your blankets. 

“Black,” you tell her noncommittally. “You will look fine, no matter….” Voices in the back yard cut you off. It was more than just voices. Your sister was yelling. “Lisa, I have to go.” 

You hung up the phone before she could say anything. Dropping onto the floor, you crawled to your window and slowly peeked out. Yoongi and your sister were back by the swing set.  They were definitely having some sort of argument.

“Just tell me, Yoongi,” she yells. He crosses his arms and just stares at her. “You have feelings for her, don't you? Have you been with her?” 

“Stop,” he tells her. 

“See, you can't even deny it. I can't believe you. Rose said she saw you at the courts with her. Tell me I'm wrong,” she snaps at him. Holy, shit you thought. Who the hell showed up after you left? Yoongi just crosses his arms and stares at her. He doesn't say anything at all. “I don't believe you,” she growls and storms off into the house. 

Who the hell were they talking about? You honestly didn't think Yooongi was the type to cheat. Why would your sister even think that? You watch as Yoongi runs a hand through his hair and suddenly looks at your window. You drop down and quickly army crawl back to your bed. Something is changing, and you can feel it.

______________________________________________________________

You sit in the bay window by the front door. Eyes scanning the street, keeping a lookout for the mailman. You applied to an art school months ago and now await what you hope is an acceptance letter. You have to get to it before your parents. You know there was actually no chance of you going. You just wanted the validation that you could possibly get in. 

“What's up?” Yoongi says, looking out the window with you as he peeks over your shoulder. “What are we looking for?”

“I'm waiting for the mail,” you explain. “You told me I should think about applying, and I did.” 

“Seriously,” he smiles at you.  He moves some hair out of his face. It's getting longer. “Let me know when you get it. I want to be there when you get in.”  You turn and hug him. His arms immediately wrap themselves around you as well. This hug seems a little tighter than normal, lingers just a little longer. You're not sure, but you think you feel his lips brush your shoulder. No, you must have imagined it. 

It came a few days later. You texted him but you knew he was busy with school and his job. He probably wouldn't show up and you couldn't blame him for that. You were going to give him 20 minutes before you open it. You climbed the ladder up to your old tree house, large envelope in hand. You take that as a good sign. Why would a denial come in such a big envelope?   

“I'm here, I'm here,” he says as he struggles climbing in. You can't help but snicker at him. “Shut up.”  You open the flap carefully, slowly not wanting to face the fact you could have failed at this. 

“I don't think I can do this?” You whisper and look at him with glassy eyes. 

“You can,” he tells you softly. “You got in…I know it.”

“Oh,” you say as you scan the paper you finally pulled out. 

“You did it!” Yoongi exclaims.  “I'm so proud of you. You got in! You're going to get out of here….have the life you deserve.” 

You're laughing, bouncing a little bit, and crying a lot. You reread it just to make sure and start to cry harder. You hold the acceptance letter close to your chest. You got in! Not only did you get in, but you got a partial scholarship. Maybe, just maybe you can do this.  Yoongi pulls you close and wipes your tears on his shirt. Bringing up his phone, you lean all the way into him, his arm going around you as he snaps the picture. You smile. 

______________________________________________________________

“What are you doing?” You ask her. Your backpack slides off your shoulder and down to the floor. 

Coming home from school is a time you dread. Your mom won't let you stay at Lisa's full time even though her parents wouldn't have minded. Yoongi and your sister were at home today. Come to think about it, she's been home a lot more. You wonder if they are fighting again. You send him a very small wave as you make your way to your room. Your door that you always keep shut is open. You see your mom going through your drawings.

“Art school?” she asks while snatching your acceptance letter off your desk. “Do you think I'm going to pay for this?  Imagine my surprise when I tried to help you clean your room and find this.” 

“You were snooping,” you tell her. “I didn't have that out.” 

You watch as your mom picks up your drawings off your bed. She had been in your closet. She had found your secret stash of drawings. You had hidden them on your shelf, under clothes. She's holding Marilyn up and looks at her with a sour look on her face. 

“This is what you're wasting time on?” she asks. 

“I'm not wasting my time,’” you shout. “You had no right to go through my things like that!” You hear footsteps come up the stairs. 

“It's my house, it's my things,” your mom places both hands on top of Marilyn and tears her apart. Her eye, her left eye that took you months to perfect….gone.

You want to scream, but nothing comes out. You collapse onto your knees as they give in and bring your hands to your chest. A sob finally escapes you as your mom tears into your other pieces.  You're hysterical. You can't stop. She finally took away the last thing that made you happy. The only thing that helped you get through the day living at the house.  

“I can't stop you from going to that school. Just know that if you do, you can fend for yourself and live on the street if you have to. Dreams don't get you anywhere, Y/N.” With that, your mom walked out of the room.

Gentle hands came down on your shoulders. You crawl away , grab your drawings, and hold the ruined pieces close to you.  Your shoulders shake as your body fully collapses on the floor. The remnants of your happiness soaking up your tears. 

“Y/N,” Yoongi says quietly. You say nothing. You don't react to his voice. Yoongi leans over you and scoops you up. He places you on your bed as he sits beside you, stroking your hair.  “I don't think I can fix this one.” More silent tears fall, and they keep falling. You don't even realize that you ended up falling asleep. You fell asleep with Yoongi stroking your hair as his deep voice hummed an unknown song. Not realizing that would be the last time you would see him for the next four years. Not until your 22nd birthday where everything will change. 

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Tagged Readers: @marimarvelfan, @unicornbabylover,@minghaosimp, @iheartsvt, @seoullove96, @babyitscoldoutside

[99hook]

home for the holidays

your friends get together to help tyler surprise you at a christmas party

a/n: i just wanted to write something with some of my fav comfort characters so here we are. it turned out way sillier than i thought so it’s not gonna collect dust in the drafts. enjoy babes 🫶🏼

“Something smells delicious in here” Jack says as he walks into the kitchen. He reaches for one of the brownies on the counter before Anna smacks his hand.

“Not until everyone gets here.” She sends him a pointed look. You glance up from the cake batter you were mixing and chuckled at them.

“Yeah, shouldn’t you be helping with that thing.” Skye chips in from where she stood in front of the stove, stirring melted chocolate in a pot.

“What thing?” You asked.

Jacks hand stilled as he tried to make an attempt to sneak a brownie again. His eyes adverted between you and Anna.

“Uh, the decorations.” Anna blurted, smacking his hand again before she turned him around and pushed him away from all the food. “Go help finish decorating.”

Jack nods before he walks out, and you caught the look Anna sent Skye right after. You dropped the spoon in the bowl to get their attention.

“Okay, you guys are being weird. What’s going on?” You asked. You said it harshly but you couldn’t help it. You tried not to be, but you were still sad that Tyler couldn’t make it home in time for this Christmas party.

“Nothing.” Skye shrugs, avoiding your stare. You look at Anna instead. She’s focusing solely on organizing the chocolate covered pretzels on a platter.

“Anna” You raise your brows at her.

“Hm? Nothing. We’re just trying to get everything ready before everyone gets here. We’re running short on time, is that cake batter almost mixed?”

You look down at the bowl and nod, grabbing the pan she’s handing over to pour it in.

“So what’s next?” Skye asks as she brings over the melted chocolate to pour over some more pretzels.

“Let me see” Anna scans the counter. “I think we forgot something but I can’t place my finger on it.”

“The oreo pie” You muttered as you used the spoon to smooth out the batter in the pan.

“Fuck you’re right!” Anna throws her head back. “What time is it? Six? How long does that take to make?”

“Don’t worry about it” You tell her. “I only put that on the list because Tyler wanted it when he thought he was going to be able to come. We can leave it out. I think we have enough sweets.”

“No, we should make it.” Skye says. “I like oreo pie.” She shrugs.

“Yeah, me too.” Anna nods, opening the fridge to grab some ingredients.

You placed the pan in the oven and set the timer before you turned around to help. Just then, Julia and Willow both walked into the kitchen, their arms filled with bottles.

“Sorry we’re late.” Willow says as she sets the bottles down on the table.

“It’s fine, the eggnog mix is in the fridge.” Anna says as she crushes a bag of oreos on the counter.

“Feels tense in here. And why is Tyler-“ Julia gets cut off by Anna shooting her a glare and Skye was quick to talk over.

“What time is everyone else getting here?”

“What time is it now?” Anna asks.

“Six-fifteen” Julia says as she starts preparing the eggnog with willow.

“I told everyone seven. So we need to hurry the hell up.”

“Wait, Julia-“ You looked up at her. “Why is Tyler what?”

She glanced at Anna and Skye both. She got the memo but she definitely let it slip her mind.

“He’s on the phone with Jack, I was just wondering why he isn’t here with you.”

“He couldn’t make it. His flights not until tomorrow morning.” You shrugged.

“Oh, damn that sucks.” She says as she and Willow place some glasses of eggnog on a tray.

“Yeah, but it’s okay.” Skye nudges your arm with her shoulder. “She has her girls here.”

You smiled at that, but the smile fell when you finished the toppings on the oreo pie.

“Okay, I’ll be right back. If Jack tries to steal anything one of you slap him.” Anna directs before she rushes out the kitchen.

You placed the pie in the fridge and grabbed a sponge to scrub the melted chocolate off the stove. It wasn’t long after, Anna came back to the kitchen and announced that people were starting to show up.

———

Two hours had gone by and you found yourself back in the kitchen where the food and Jack of course was.

“Don’t tell Anna I dropped those.” He points to the trash and you glance over to see a whole sheet of her sugar cookies laying at the bottom of it.

“Dropped what?” Anna asks as she comes into the kitchen. Jack throws his head back and you raise your hands up and step away.

“You wasted all my sugar cookies?!”

“It was an accident! They were so good I just got too excited and they fell out my hand, I don’t know.” He shrugs as he stuffs his mouth with the chocolate chip ones.

“You know what, c’mon-“ she grabs his arm and pulls him away from the food once again. “It’s time for secret santa, everyone! Let’s go to the living room! Secret santa time!”

You followed them and everyone started filing towards the living room. Skye caught up to you with two glasses in hand.

“Here, you’ve been so sad all night. You need this.” She says, and you take the glass even though you questioned what was even in it.

“Why is it green?” You asked.

“Christmas colors.” She cheersed her glass with yours. “It’s just dyed eggnog.”

You shrugged and sipped it. It wasn’t bad.

“Who did you get for secret santa?” She asks as she sits down on the couch next to Kyle, and you sit down on the armrest next to her.

“Jack. Thankfully Anna helped me with it cause I had no idea what to get him.”

“Leopard print socks would’ve been what I got him.” She chuckles. “I got Orange. I didn’t know what the hell to get him so I went with a jean jacket like all his other ones.”

“Safe choice” You nodded as you sipped your glass.

“Okay everyone!” Anna clapped her hands together. “I know this is secret Santa and we should play by the rules but I have to go first cause my gift is the best. Sorry but it’s true.” She grins at everyone in the room.

She taps Jacks shoulder and he gets up from the chair he was sitting at next to the christmas tree. You watched him disappear down the hall but turned back around when Skye caught your attention again.

“Do you think this eggnog is a little strong?” She asks.

You looked down at your glass and shook your head. “If anything I think it could be stronger.” You shrugged before you sipped.

“Try mine. I can mix yours like this if you like it.” She says as she hands over her glass. You take it out of her hand, and then it’s taken out of your hand from someone behind you.

You looked back and saw Tyler standing there trying to hold back his smile.

“Happy to see me?” He asks as he steps around and stands in front of you. He handed Skye her glass back and cupped your cheeks, placing three soft kisses to your lips.

You looked up at him with eyes wide and a silly grin spreading across your face.

“Told you.” Anna pats herself on the back with a satisfied smile.

“I knew there was a reason why you guys were being so weird.” You shook your head.

“Shit, I almost gave it away.” Julia remarks from the other couch. “I saw him sitting in the back of jacks car like a weirdo and forgot he was supposed to be your surprise.”

“We had to hide him.” Anna defends. It was clear that she came up with the whole plan. “And it wasn’t easy since he kept trying to ruin it.”

“I was in that backseat for three hours” Tyler says as he slings his arm around your shoulders. “I just wanted to see my girl.”

“You were outside the whole time?” You asked.

“No, Jack had to stick him in the hall closet thirty minutes ago cause he said it was getting too cold in the car.” Anna tells you.

“It was getting cold in there.” He looks down at you.

“Wait, how did you even fit in the hall closet?” Willow chuckles.

“He had to sit criss cross applesauce. I was just gonna send yn back there and find him like that but Anna said no.” Jack adds.

“Not criss cross applesauce!” Kyle bursts out laughing. “This man is six foot tall. Why didn’t you just send him to one of the bedrooms?”

“Shut up, we had to think fast.” Anna snaps back.

“You’ll never catch me sitting criss cross applesauce in a closet.” Julia chuckles.

“I feel like that’s something you would do.” Jack chimes in.

“Who says criss cross applesauce? Are we in kindergarten?” Tyler looks around at everyone before he looks down at you with a smirk.

“Who sits criss cross applesauce in a closet?” Orange teases.

“Jack said if I ruined the surprise he was gonna be dealing with a pissed off girlfriend.” Tyler shrugs. “I didn’t have much choice.”

“Sounds like she didn’t buy you anything, Y/N.” Orange commented from the corner he sat in. Anna shot him a glare but everyone else in the room laughed.

You looked over at her and smiled when the laughter died down. “She couldn’t have gotten me anything better than this. Thank you Anna, you’re seriously the best.”

“I know.” She bashfully smiles before she sits down on Jack’s lap.

You feel Tyler’s arms sneak around your waist as he sways you side to side. He leans down and places a kiss to your cheek before he whispers, “I got you an even better gift, but I can’t give it to you here.”

A blush crept up to your cheeks as you leaned your head back against his chest, about to whisper something back before you were interrupted by Jack saying,

“I just heard all that. Please work on your whispering skills.”

“Yeah, I heard that too.” Skye chuckles as she shakes her head.

“Unfortunately so did I.” Orange mutters as he drops his head.

The room erupted in laughter and Tyler dropped his head to your shoulder to muffle a laugh of his own.

“Anyway, time for everyone else’s gifts. Good luck topping mine.” Anna pridefully announces.

As soon as everyone started passing around gifts Tyler determined that they were distracted enough. He turned you around and you recognized the mischievous look in his eye immediately.

“Sneak out?”

“The closets roomier than you think.” He shrugged, making you roll your eyes.

“Seriously Tyler, what the fuck” Jack called him out again. “My jackets are in that closet!”

You had to bury your face in his hoodie to hide the way your face blushed and when you pulled back he was doing all he could to hold back the widest grin.

“So sneak out?” You whispered.

“Sneak out.” He nodded.

———

taglist: @madhatterbri @730hook @multi-fandom-things730 @willowgreens @shawtys-things @justdamnpeachy @wickedval @730bliss @theworldofotps @madds-97 @gethooked @benjaminka @5secondsofmoxley @cypherpart15 @legit9thlunaticwarrior @littlemissbliss06

still getting used to adding the taglist and i’m sorry if i’m forgetting anyone. lmk if you wanna be added/removed!

[dancingtotuyo]

Before | 1. the mountains are screaming

A Woman Story

Rating: Mature

Series Summary: Five peeks into your past before Joel Miller reentered you life

Summary: you’re alone and in need of supplies but a trip down the mountain brings you much more.

Tags: The Last of Us, set in the Woman universe, love, loss, loneliness, backstory, slight enemies to lovers vibes.

Warnings: talk of loss and grief (spouse,brother& kids), violence, blood, fight, guns

Notes: those drabbles I referenced, yeah they turned into a mini series within the Woman series! 3 chapters to be posted before we delve back into the main story with 2 more to follow on alternating weeks!

Shoutout to @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin for taking a look at this! I adore you my dear 💚

Words: 3632

Series Masterlist | Woman Masterlist | Author Masterlist

You’ve put it off long enough, but you’re low on supplies, and the homes within comfortable walking distance are long-picked over. You know going into Jackson is your best bet, but it’s a full day’s walk just to get there, and you haven’t been there in years. You don’t know if it will be abandoned still, crawling with infected, or crawling with people. It’s risky leaving the house unattended for so long, but you haven’t seen another human being in almost 2 years. In theory, no one should be here when you get back.

You have to go, and you have to go tomorrow. Winter will be upon you before too long. You figure you’ll need to make a couple of trips to get you through the winter.

You set out as soon as it’s light out. The trip there is easiest, going downhill with your pack light. You can’t even consider the trek back.

Alone, the town feels more unnerving. A few windows are broken here and there, doors rotted out in places, but relatively untouched. Dust collects in inches. You’re shocked by how much is left intact, like the town has been preserved by fate. You stuff your bag with canned foods, carefully inspecting each one before moving to the first aid supplies.

Your pack is full when you hear it, a collection of voices. A strong command echoes to spread out and clear the buildings. Your heart drops to your stomach. You should’ve come a day earlier. Procrastination has come to collect its dues just like it did in college, except this isn’t your GPA. It’s your fucking life.

You glance out the window. Several people with rifles flank the street, five in your sights, but you hear more. So many more. A couple of horses whinny. You slink behind a shelf, pressing your back against it. You have minutes, seconds maybe before they find you. There are too many to shoot your way out. You have to find a way to slip out undetected.

You scan the store, spotting the back entrance. Maybe they won’t be out back. There’s a thicket of trees around the north edge of the city. If you can make it there without them spotting you, maybe you can hide out until it’s dark enough to travel to the mountain tree line. It’s a long shot, but you’re a sitting duck here.

You move quickly, careful to stay out of sight. Your boots are heavy on the floor. The voices grow in number and volume. Your hand touches the cool door knob. You take a moment to steady yourself. There’s no time for nerves or doubts. You crack the door open. The alley is clear.

It’s open on both ends, doing nothing to ease your nerves, but the bright fall colors from the thicket call your name. Sticking close to the wall, you make sure to keep any noise to a minimum. Your heart races with each new voice.

You’re almost to the end of the alleyway. The trees are 50 yards away, a couple of houses to keep you covered as you move toward them. You can do this. Then the crunch of gravel bounces off the walls of the alley. You glance behind you. Your eyes connect with brown ones. Time stands still like a deer in a hunter’s crosshairs just before he pulls the trigger. You might look just as wild. Before he can alert anyone, the adrenaline hits. You take off toward the trees, all sense of stealth gone.

He yells and then starts after you, but you can’t spare the time to look behind you. You can’t outrun him, but if you can make it to the trees first, maybe you can find a place to hide before they catch up.

There are more shouts, more footsteps. A shotgun fires just as you cross into the cover of the trees. There aren’t a lot of options, but you’re in better shape than you were 30 seconds ago. Fall leaves crunch underfoot. You can’t run forever. You’ll reach the end of the thicket soon enough.

A dog barks. Your brain barely comprehends it. Horses, dogs, what's next? House cats? Out in the open, they’re sure to catch you. There are more houses if you turn west. Maybe you can hide until dark. The footsteps are getting closer no matter how fast you run. Maybe you should just accept the odds are not in your favor. You’re hopelessly outnumbered and outpowered, but you won’t do that. You haven’t come this far to give up now.

A body collides with your back, knocking the wind from you before you tumble to the ground. You use the momentum to roll, hoping to shake the body, but his grip is too strong. You refuse to hold still, finding his thumb and pulling it back. He cries out in pain. Your nails dig into his cheek, leaving a nasty trail of scratches down his face. It’s enough to push out of his hold.

You slip on the leaves as you attempt to get up. He grabs your ankle with his unharmed hand, pulling you back down. You manage just enough coordination to land a kick to his groin and a solid punch to his right eye. Your knuckles ache immediately, but it works until two sets of hands clamp down on your arms. You try to pull away, but they push you to your knees.

Another person helps your attacker to his feet. You catch a flash of red on his cheek, presumably from the scratches you left down his cheek. It’s little comfort when the barrel of a rifle lands at your back.

This is it. This is where you die.

“You okay, Gabe?” A woman’s calls.

“Been better.” He’s panting. Good. “Think the thumb’s broken, but I’ll be fine.”

Boots crunch on the leaves, drawing closer until the toes of them stand at the edge of your vision. Silence falls, your own quiet panting the only thing you can hear. You wonder if you look as wild as you feel. Maybe they’ll just shoot you now, give you no chance to plead or bargain. That would be more humane.

“What are you doing here?” The woman asks.

You still haven’t looked up, haven’t looked at her face. Survival says you should. Maybe they’ll be less cruel if you look into their eyes. You don’t respond.

“We got her backpack.” A random voice calls. You don’t remember dropping it, but the last couple of minutes are a blur. He comes up beside the woman. She digs through your newly acquired possessions.

“Not much here,” She says. “Your group must be nearby. How many are there?”

Dry laughter forces its way out of you. You suppose you could lie. Maybe they’d spare you, but they’d find out soon enough. There’s no need to draw this out.

“You think this is funny?”

“There is no one else.” You roll your head up, looking her in the eye for the first time.

She straightens, leaning back just a little as she contemplates your words. She’s not what you’re expecting. She wears a stern expression, but her eyes seem almost kind, like an old friend with a cup of warm tea. “I’m just supposed to believe that?”

“Why would I lie about that? I’m dead anyway.”

“Are you?”

“I’m the one with a rifle at my back right now.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Precautions.”

“What do you want from me?”

“The truth.”

“It is the truth. I’m the last one left.” The woman seems to believe you this time, an air of surprise passing through her eyes.

She looks at the men keeping you contained. “Let her go.”

“Maria,” One raises a sound of protest, but she cuts him off with a single glare.

The rifle lowers. The grip on both your arms disappears as you scurry to your feet. The woman looks between you and your bag before handing it back. “There a lot of traffic through these parts?”

“I think the stores speak for themselves,” You say. She tilts her head to the side. You won’t lie, it is effective. “I haven’t seen another human being in 2 years, but I don’t stay here.”

“Infected?”

“Had a small pod come through a couple years ago. Haven’t seen anything but strays of late.”

She seems content with your answer.

“Am I free to go?” You sling your pack over your shoulder.

“You’re gonna need more than just that to survive.”

“What makes you think I don’t have what I need.”

Once again, she cuts through your bullshit. Is this woman a mind reader or something? Or maybe it’s been the lack of human contact. No, this woman has the stare mothers develop to pry the truth from their children. It’s just as effective on adults.

“We’re gonna stay here, at least for a while. You’re welcome to join us.”

The offer catches you off guard. You’re not sure what to think. If they wanted to kill you, they would have already, unless they’re really that sick and twisted. You look around at the other faces around you. Four men including the one you hit. There’s already swelling around his eye, the scratches are bright red with drying blood. Two women, but you know there’s more. You can hear them now, clearing the buildings through Jackson.

“And if I say no, Maria?” You square up with their leader, a faint smirk graces your face. There’s a certain power in knowing her name when she doesn’t know yours.

“Then I’ll have Gabe escort you back with plenty of provisions to get you through the winter.” She points to the man who caught you.

“You’re gonna send the man with a broken thumb and bad eye? Must not like him very much.”

“Kinda been getting on my nerves lately,” Maria cracks a grin, but you don’t return it.

Gabe scoffs. “I’m the comedic relief. Can’t kill me off.”

Your face stays flat, unimpressed. “I don’t need an escort, and he clearly isn’t in any shape to be going anywhere.”

“I said you could go. I never said I trusted you.”

“I can fix him up before I go.” You nod to the man. “I used to be a trauma nurse.”

Maria tilts her head to the side. “Good. He’ll be in better condition when he takes you home tomorrow.”

You don’t know why, but the word home makes you cringe. You don’t have one of those anymore.

You set up outside of the old clinic after scouring for supplies to clean the scratches and a splint. It seems like FEDRA cleaned out a lot of the medical supplies when they evacuated, but you manage.

Gabe watches you carefully, still wearing a smile. “I don’t see how you can sit there grinning with that black eye.”

“Badge of honor.” He says, eyes glued to you. “Do you ever smile?”

“No.” You say, taking a hold of his hand. Gabe starts to ramble on about something you tune out as you focus on the anatomy of his hand. There’s something about using your old trade that sets a thrill through you, only briefly. Without warning, you snap it back into place. He screams out in pain. You look up at him, a brief smirk playing on your face. “Lucky for you, it’s not actually broken.”

“You’re better than I thought, Doc.”

“Nurse,” You say, splinting his thumb. “You should wear this for the next 4 weeks. Longer if there’s still pain.”

“Or you could stay and oversee his recovery,” Maria says, walking up. “We could use someone with your skills.”

You finish wrapping the splint before turning to face her. “I’m good. He’ll be fine.”

“It would be nice to have you around-”

“I said no.”

She sighs, crossing her arms. “Okay, but it’s an open offer if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.”

Maria shifts, sliding her hands into her pockets. “House around the corner at the end of the street. We cleared it. It’s dusty, probably rat-infested, but in decent shape. You can stay there tonight.”

You nod. “Thanks.”

You sit on the porch steps of an abandoned house. A faded red X paints the door behind you and an orange campfire flickers in your eyes. There are about 30 of them in total. A majority of them circle around the fire about 50 feet away. You catch the hums of multiple conversations, but no substance. A few children run around, catching fireflies, but it's the laughter that strikes that deep sense of want within you. Your chest aches with the grief of what you’ve lost since the outbreak, forced into survival mode. When was the last time you laughed? Or smiled? There’s been no occasion to. There’s been no desire to.

Tears blur the edges of your vision. Memories flash before your eyes of the good times, your brothers, your parents, grandparents, friends, that last summer with Sarah. Your heart clenches. You have no idea what happened to them. You can only assume they’re gone. Hoping doesn’t do you any good, and the odds have never been in your favor.

“You could come join us, you know,” Gabe says, walking up to you. He stands at the bottom of the stairs, a smile plastered on his swollen face.

You quickly wipe the excess moisture from your eyes. “I’m fine.” It’s emotionless, passive.

“You gonna sulk all night? I’m the one with a busted face.”

“I’m sorry some of us don’t feel like celebrating.” You roll your eyes, wiping your nose on your sleeve as you look back at the door to the house you’ll be spending the night in. Can’t you just be left alone? You have to spend the whole day with him tomorrow.

“You’re like one of the Eight Dwarfs,” he says.

“Pretty sure there were seven.” You bristle, standing up.

“Doleful, the eighth dwarf that never was. That’s you.”

“Doleful, really?” You say, rolling your eyes. Your annoyance with him is growing exponentially. What is his deal?

“Yeah, I haven’t seen you so much as crack a smile. Always so serious.” He furrows his brow in an almost mocking manner as he steps into your space, wearing the same goofy grin. You want to slap it off his face.

“Do you always talk to women this way?” There must be smoke pouring from your ears at this point.

“Only ones who give me black eyes.”

“You were the one chasing me!”

“You were running. Maybe I just wanted to say hi.” He’s goading you, and the annoying part is he’s succeeding.

“You’re insufferable.”

“Then walk away, Doleful.”

That’s when it hits you. How close he’s standing. His eyes flutter over your face. You can feel the warmth of him seeping into you. How long has it been since you touched another human being? Today's events notwithstanding. It’s been even longer since you had someone look at you like that.

You swallow, letting yourself dwell in the feeling for just a second before setting your jaw and turning away. You catch the sound of him letting out a breath, the same one you were holding. Your hand hovers over the door knob. “Make sure you keep your hand elevated tonight.”

“Yeah… will do.”

You step inside before he can say anything more.

You’re flush against him on a horse the next day. He insists he’s fine to take the reins despite his broken thumb. Maria also insists, muttering something about not trusting you. Experience tells you you shouldn’t let them know where you live, but your gut trusts them not to harm you.

Gabe tries to joke and make conversation. You give him nothing but grunts and one-word responses. You stop about 30 minutes from your destination to eat lunch and let the horse rest. Your legs feel numb, not used to riding.

“You gonna ignore me the whole time, Doleful?”

“Talk to the horse.”

“He’d be better conversation.”

“What is your deal?” you ask, finally fed up.

“I’m just trying to lighten the mood.”

“What mood? There’s no mood to lighten!” You finally lose it. You haven’t had to deal with the yapping of another person for years and your tolerance is at an all-time low. Carter would be disappointed at how fast this man has gotten under your skin.

He tilts his head to the side, looking at you like he’s actually thinking. That would be a first. “People still need to experience joy and laughter.”

The laugh that leaves you is free of humor. It comes out under your breath, meaner than you intend, and he hears it. “You obviously didn’t have to lose anyone.”

He straightens immediately, face darkening. “No, I just chose to not let it consume me.”

He moves over to the horse, securing the saddlebags with more force than necessary. The tension and anger ripple off of him in droves. You bite your lip, guilt instantly falling over you.

“Gabe, I-“

He holds up a hand, cutting you off. “I think it’s best if we don’t talk the rest of the way.”

You supply a nod, but the guilt eats at you the closer you get. From what you can catch of Gabe’s profile, it’s set firmly in stone. You haven’t seen him without a smile yet. It hasn’t been long, but it doesn’t feel right. It feels like you swallowed someone’s joy, put out their light with your darkness.

“I’m sorry.” You whisper. His head twitches back just slightly, letting you know he heard. “That was cruel. Of course, you’ve lost people. You don’t make it this long without it.”

You feel him tense underneath your palms, but then he inhales deeply and relaxes. “My wife and two girls on outbreak day.”

You suck in deeply. “I’m an asshole.”

“I mean… yes.” A faint smile returns to his face and light to his eyes, and maybe, just maybe, your lips tug upward a little bit. “I know it’s a little much for some people. They don’t get it.”

You relax a little. “Try a lot.”

“If I came off as too strong, I’m sorry.”

You bite your lip. “It’s okay. I guess I’m a little rusty dealing with people.”

He waits for a second, letting the silence invade. You hear a woodpecker in the distance and the crunch of leaves underfoot. A squirrel scurries across your path, presumably preparing for the harsh winter ahead.

“How long have you been alone?”

“My brother died almost two years ago. We were the only ones left.”

Gabe nods in acknowledgment. He keeps the silence for the rest of your ride.

By the time the gate fades into view, you can tell Gabe is mostly back to his usual self, not quite as smiley or annoying, but close. Either that or you’re actually growing to like it- him.

He helps you bring the food inside. You catch the ways his eyes roam your space without being too invasive. “It’s a big place for one person.”

“It’s got a gate.”

“So does Jackson.”

You look at him. He raises an eyebrow. “Part of Jackson.”

“Has more people too.”

“And what makes you think I want to be around people?”

“This isn’t living, Doleful.”

For the first time, you don’t mind the nickname. It hints at a familiarity you don’t have, but you’re starting to wonder if you want it.

You cross your arms, leaning back against the kitchen counter. “And smiling means you are?”

He cocks his head to the side. “Attempting to.”

“So what? I’m just supposed to go back to Jackson with you? Join the group and wander?”

“I think our wandering days are over.”

“Oh?”

“Maria thinks we can settle in Jackson. You said it yourself, just a few stragglers..”

“I only know from up here, not down there.”

“Stores are hardly touched.”

You know he’s right. “Why do you want me to join so badly?”

“Well for starters, you fixed me up pretty good.” He holds up his braced hand. “Could be pretty useful to have around.”

“So I’m just useful.”

“I don’t think you want to be alone,” he says. You inhale softly. “And I would really like the chance to make you smile.”

You look away, emotions you long pushed down threatening to spring back up.

“I figure I have two hours before I need to head back. I’ll wait outside.”

Gabe leaves you in the kitchen. You walk through the house, contemplating his words. The offer he and Maria both made you. Do you leave this place? A safe haven of sorts. You stop in the great room, Carter’s blood stain brown and dried on the light carpet. You’ve tried so hard to pull it out, but everything seemed to make it worse.

Sun streams through the big, picture window. You walk over, soaking it in. A small moment of peace in a tumultuous world. Something in your heart tugs, something else releases.

Gabe sits out on the deck, staring at a creased, faded picture when you settle next to him. The breeze picks up, playing with the color of his shirt. “Is that them?”

Gabe nods.

“My brother bled out in there.” You point behind you. “I’m thinking a fresh start might not be so bad.”

Gabe smiles at you. “Is that so?”

You nod. “I don’t need long to put a bag together.”

“I’m glad you changed your mind. My face isn’t so sure though.”

You’re not sure what it is, but laughter breaks out of you, a smile cresting your lips. Gabe chuckles alongside you as your crow's feet crinkle.

“I knew it.”

“What?”

“That you would have the prettiest smile in the world.”