#I tried to sell him on the large closet space (since that's something he's always complaining about not having any of at all)

[thateclecticbitch]

Request to move into basement failed. Sad.

[veggieheist]

Witch!AU Reylo is always a good time 🤩🙌✨🔥

More art on my Instagram✨

Story blurb down below!👇

Rated T

cn // witches , witchcraft , kidnapping , fear of assault

✨🍄✨

Kylo Ren stood in the cool shade of a tree, leaning against the wide trunk nonchalantly, ignoring the other people gathered there to take advantage of the respite from the heat. In the branches above him a mourning dove cooed, a soft sound among the chatter of people and the buzz of the cicadas.

In his hand was a piece of ashwood, small chunks carved out by the whittling knife in his other. He took care with his work, but his sharp eyes lifted every so often, focusing on the girl selling wares from her wagon across the dirt road from the tree. The heat did not seem to affect her much, her tanned skin evidence of her love for the sun.

Kylo watched her over the course of the day. She smiled at passersby, spoke matter-of-factly to those seeking tonics for ailments, laughed with a woman who seemed to enjoy telling local gossip to a new ear, and now seemed very unaffected by the flirtations of a young man. 

Kylo’s eyes narrowed, his hands stilling. The boy was persistent, and she was getting irritated. When the boy tried to reach for her hand, Kylo watched as she let him, pulling close enough for her to whisper something in his ear. Kylo’s skin tingled as the magic wove through the air. The boy staggered back, a dazed look on his face, and then wandered away.

A repelling spell. Kylo scoffed. Smart. But not very smart to do something like that out here, in the open, where anyone could see. The girl’s eyes darted about, looking for the alerted gaze of someone who may have noticed her act of forbidden magic, but there was only one audience member to her indiscretion, and he had his hood up, enchanted to ward off any notice. He was as if part of the shadows; unassuming and forgettable. Her eyes slid over him as expected, and Kylo smirked, returning to his whittling. 

She was the reason he was stood here, sweltering in his black robes and armor. She was a witch, even though she tried to hide it behind her simple tonics and herbs. He’d been tracking her for days, and finally caught up with her here. 

He was on a mission from his master to capture her, and even though he knew not what the purpose was--she was hardly trained, seeming only to be able to harness the bare minimum of power afforded to their kind--but Kylo was not going to question it. 

In the shade of the tree, Kylo wiped the sweat from his brow and adjusted his position against the rough bark of the trunk. In his hands the knife moved through the wood object, its shape taking form.

It wouldn’t be difficult to snatch her. He already had a plan; all he had to do now was wait. 

--O*O--

Rey finished gathering up her wares from the table she had set up outside her wagon home, bringing them up the steps to place in the cabinet designed to neatly hold them. It had been a lucrative day, so there weren’t as many going in as she had taken out, and she patted her coin purse with a smile before hiding it. 

She folded the table next to bring it inside as well, setting it back up in front of the bench seat along the right wall. Her wagon was a modest home, but cozy. Her bed was along the back wall, a nest filled with blankets and pillows, an array colorful beads on hanging strings glittered from the waning sunlight coming in through a small window. 

The left side wall contained more cabinets with dishware and food, jars with herbs and preserves, and a small woodfire stove. The right side wall had more cabinets still, although these ones were kept locked. Inside were books, old scrolls, and grimoires, but also some amulets and dangerous items not meant to be handled by innocent humans. 

Rey couldn’t afford to be caught, so she hid them behind concealing charms and repelling spells. No one would search those cabinets because they would seem far too boring to garner any attention. 

She’d already had a close call earlier in the day, when an inquisitive constable had approached her table. He’d carried a large cross hung from his neck, and a sharp look to his eyes. She’d smiled broadly at him, hoping he couldn’t see the anxiety making her sweat. It’s just the heat, she would have said if he’d asked. 

“‘Tonics and tinctures,’ eh? You a witch?” He’d crudely asked, not even trying to be tactful. 

“My great great grandmother was one, sir,” she answered, a lie, probably, since she didn’t know her family, “but all I have is a penchant for medicines. I have a signed letter from a priest, Christening me as a Holy Hand.” 

Most people like her did that--connected themselves to a church to avoid being burned at the stake. They were less likely to be looked at with contempt if it seemed like they were doing God’s work. 

Rey just needed money to get away. To go anywhere. She didn’t know what she was looking for, but so far she hadn’t found it. 

The constable had looked over her letter with a critical eye, but ultimately gave it back and continued on his way with a gruff, “Don’t stay too long.”

It was a warning she would heed. She’d be on the road by first light in the morning. 

Rey brought feed and water to her Clydesdale, murmuring softly to him as he munched. “On to the next town in the morning, Bibi.” Then she whispered a spell to strengthen him and climbed the steps back up into her home. Being a Clydesdale, Bibi was the only kind of horse able to pull her wooden camper by himself, but she still tried to help with whatever magic she could manage. 

Rey shut the wooden door and made a simple meal of bread and vegetable soup, eating at the table silently. By the dying light from the three windows about the cabin, Rey knew it was time to draw the curtains and ready for bed. The lamps filled the small home with warm light, and she was just reaching to untie her corset when a knock came on the door. 

Rey frowned, going to it. There was a latch to open a small window and see who was calling, but it was still difficult to make out the shadowy features of the hooded man standing outside. 

“I’m closed for the evening,” she said. “If you need something I can help you in the morning.”

She closed the latch before the man could answer, a wave of cold gooseflesh making her shiver. The visitor was silent, and she wondered if he’d walked away after a moment of not detecting any sound. She moved to her small closet again when the door latch clicked and swung open.

Rey stood straight, alarmed, sure that she’d locked it. 

“I’m closed,” she said with more conviction, the words for her repelling spell on the tip of her tongue. 

The man who entered her humble dwelling had to duck to get through the small door frame, and his head nearly brushed against the roof. He was broad, dressed in black, and as he entered Rey saw the flash of red gems embedded in the hilt of his sword at his hip.

She sucked in a breath. An inquisitor? Here? Had the constable sent for one?

But no, he didn’t carry any sign of the cross, nor did he have the stench of smoke that seemed to permeate an inquisitor as if their souls were made of ash.

This man had a darkness about him, but he was no witch burner. 

He removed his hood and suddenly Rey felt like her eyes could focus again. She frowned, blinking. Strange. He was handsome, with dark hair in waves to his shoulders, a large nose somehow more elegant than ugly, and piercing eyes the color of whiskey. He seemed to not care that she had already told him twice she was not open.

Rey swallowed but steeled herself. She’d warded off enough men in her life to be able to take this one on easily. 

His eyes went from scanning her to roaming around her living space. She couldn’t help to feel judged, and it made her scowl.

“If you need something, I can help you in the morning,” she said, voice hard. “Please leave.”

He finally looked back at her. Somehow he seemed to fill the entire wagon up with his presence, even though he was still standing in front of the door. That it was open helped Rey feel less trapped.

“I’m looking for something,” he said, ignoring her again. “A kind of herb. Willow’s Needle.”

Rey shook her head. “Willow’s Needle is a forbidden herb, used only by witches. I’m one of the Holy Hand, I don’t do witchcraft. Here,” she found the priest's letter and held it out for him. She tried to control the shaking of her hand. “It’s signed by Father Michael from--”

There was a gust of wind from the open door, blowing the letter from her hand and extinguishing all but one lamp that hung above her bed. The door swung shut, enclosing them together.

Rey stepped back, her heart thundering. The man stood still, staring at her with dark eyes. 

“Are you here to kill me?” She asked, thinking of the knives kept in the drawer by the stove. The man was closer, but Rey knew that even if she could get one it would be no match for his sword. And even then, she had a feeling this man was far deadlier than the piece of sharpened metal at his side.

“No,” he said, taking a slow step forward. He was like an encroaching black cloud, and for all the magic Rey knew she had under her fingertips, she was finding herself far too overwhelmed by his presence to think straight enough to use it. 

“Don’t be afraid,” he told her quietly, within arms reach now. “I feel it too.”

“Feel what?” Rey whispered. 

His lips quirked up on one side.

“Magic.”

His hands rose and Rey took an alarmed step back, gathering strength to try and throw him with a spell, but she stopped. Lights began to sparkle to life as he whispered into his cupped hands, a dazzling display of power that Rey hadn’t witnessed in years. Not since she was a child, before she was taught to keep hidden. 

Her curtains were closed so one would see this forbidden show except her, but it still felt like she shouldn’t even be looking. What if someone saw? What if they accused her of it?

The man lowered his hands to show her his creation, and Rey stepped closer, entranced, warmed by the light. She gave a delighted gasp at the tiny bird made of magic nestled in his gloved palms, and she glanced up to see a much softer expression as he watched her in turn. Rey looked back at the bird, shy in the face of this nameless man’s attention. This rare male witch.

All at once it didn’t matter that he had barged into her home and frightened her. He was like her, and maybe that meant he was lonely too. Maybe he was here to find a traveling partner. Someone to be himself with. 

Rey’s heart ached to be truly seen by someone who wouldn’t be afraid of her.

She’d instinctively held her arms to her chest in a shield when he’d advanced, but now one hand unclenched, wanting to show she wasn’t afraid, that she accepted his magic. The little bird chirped a twinkling song, and Rey smiled, wanting to see if it was as soft as it looked. 

“Go on,” the man murmured, as if he could hear her thoughts. “You can take it.”

Rey smiled and accepted the warm illusion into her own palms. It was a very convincing mirage, one she had never been able to conjure herself. She looked up again, but the man’s face was closed again, his eyes sharp, and all at once Rey felt the illusion evaporate. As soon as the small wooden carving of a bird touched her skin, her whole body froze. 

She couldn’t move. Only her eyes widened in horror at her error. Ashwood.

“It’s a paralysis charm,” he explained as her dread rose. “Carved into the wood. A simple thing, really. Any witch worth her salt would have been able to detect it.” He stepped close, all warmth gone, his cold eyes calculating as they scanned her frozen form once again.

“I don’t know why my master would want a weak vagrant like you, but I suppose you’ll have your uses.”

Rey could only whimper at the implication, and she wished she could move and fight back. But her hands had seized around the bird figurine as if in a cramp, and she knew she would not become unfrozen until it was no longer in her grasp.

The dark witch-man bent and easily picked her up into his arms, her body pliant but still out of her control. He took the few steps to her bed and settled her down in the pillows. Her eyes watched him fearfully, the worst thoughts of his intentions flitting across her mind, a desperation beginning to bloom in her breast that nearly had her whining in an attempt to beg him not to defile her.

But he actually pulled the edge of her skirts down to cover her exposed calves, and then straightened, not giving her unguarded body a second glance.

“You should try to sleep,” he told her. “Fretting won’t do you any good, and the spell won’t go away until the bird does.” 

And then he turned and left, the wood creaking beneath his heavy boots, the door clicking shut behind him. Rey heard the lock latch into place, and then the sounds of heavy hoofs, and straps being moved. The wagon lurched as Bibi was attached to his leads, unfamiliar with the man doing it. Rey willed the horse to stomp him, to run away and find help for her, but she felt a wall in her mind. 

Whoever this witch-man was, he was far more powerful a person than Rey had ever encountered before. 

She heard boots climbing to the perch near the window by her bed, and then the flick of reins. The next time the wagon lurched, it stayed in motion, the whole cabin swaying and jostling from the unpaved road. 

Rey had no idea where she was being taken, or by whom, but she knew if she was going to survive this kidnapping she was going to have to use all of her wits she could muster. 

Anything less and she was sure to succumb to whatever dark agenda awaited her at the end of this journey. 

✨🍄✨

[emy-loves-you]

Accessories and Crushes

This is Day 1 of the TSUS Challenge: Dukexiety!

Summary: Remus buys some jewelry to make himself look good and impress his crush, Virgil. But why does he look so upset by that?

Pairings: Dukexiety, background Roceit

Word Count: 3769

Warnings: Bullying, stealing, miscommunication, implied violence, blood

"C'mon boys! You need to leave now or you'll be late!"

"Coming Mom!" Both boys called out, Roman from the bathroom and Remus from his bedroom. The green-clad twin had finished putting on his makeup and was now frowning at his reflection. Something was missing. There was some part of his style that was incomplete. It had been missing for a while now, and because of it Remus looked incomplete. Bland. Boring. And he couldn't tell what was missing. He'd tried switching out his makeup palette (Roman had so many leftover, since he liked to do his own makeup in theater. He wouldn't miss this one), he tried different outfit styles, he even tried things that he never imagined wearing like skirts and high heels, but nothing felt right. Maybe I need new accessories?

There was a knock on his door and Roman poked his head in, a lopsided grin on his face. "C'mon, we gotta go before mom kills us."

Remus scoffed, grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. "Psh, I've been ready. I was waiting for you, prettyboy. How many hours did you spend in the bathroom this time?"

Roman made a sound that their mutual friend (and Roman's crush) Janus dubbed an 'offended Princey noise' as they walked out of their house. "First of all, low blow. You can't just use that nickname-"

Remus snorted. "Of course I can. Just not in front of Janny.” Janus had made up the nickname years ago, and Remus constantly teased Roman with it. (Honestly, Remus was halfway tempted to lock the two of them in a closet and leave them there until they either made out or beat each other up)

Roman continued as they approached the school. “Secondly, I’ll have you know that every moment I spend in that bathroom is absolutely vital to my daily routine.”

Remus smirked. “Yeah? Even the 20 minutes you spend just belting out romantic Disney songs to your reflection?”

Roman blushed but didn’t back down. “Yes.”

“Hmm, a blushing Roman. The perfect way to start my morning.” Janus suddenly slinked up behind them, throwing his arm up over Roman’s shoulder.

Roman groaned, blushing harder. “I can never tell when you’re being sarcastic and when you’re being genuine.”

Janus chuckled softly. “If you knew, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun to do.”

The bell rang and Remus groaned. “Gotta go. Catch ya later.” He quickly made his way to his first class, silently glad to be rid of the two hopeless lovebirds. He got to his class with 5 minutes to spare and was going to play on his phone and ignore everyone like he usually did when he saw a flash of green out of the corner of his eye.

On one of the student’s desk was an ornate wooden box, filled to the brim with hand-crafted jewelry. The student in question, Jacob Smith, was currently counting a large stack of cash as he waited for the bell to ring. Remus got up to look at the jewelry and he smirked. “Hey, Prince. I’m selling my sister’s hand-made jewelry. Like anything you see?”

Remus glanced down at the jewelry. There were dozens of accessories in a ton of different colors, but there were a few that caught Remus’ eye. There was a matching set of 2 bracelets, a ring, a chain necklace, a choker, and a pair of earrings. They were all a metallic dark green with black and dark purple accents. Remus looked at the prices Jacob had given the jewelry and winced. They were all super expensive, but they were also high quality and hand-crafted, so Remus wasn’t going to complain.

Jacob smirked as Remus paid for the jewelry, about to say something when the bell ringed. Remus sighed and put the jewelry away, grabbing his notebook to take notes. Even though Remus was the school’s resident ‘bad boy,’ he still liked to keep his grades up. Remus hated that he was always stereotyped as lazy and dumb. Yes, he regularly punched homophobes and transphobes. Yes, he tended to struggle in English because metaphors were bullshit. But that wasn’t his fault! There were only a handful of people that Remus wouldn’t immediately punch their teeth in for calling him dumb, and only three of them went to this school. Of course, there was Roman and Janus, but there was another person who was allowed to insult Remus, even if he never did.

Eventually, lunchtime rolled around, and Remus ignored his usual routine of vandalizing homophobic lockers to instead go put on his jewelry in the bathroom. He spent the whole 15 minutes making sure that the jewelry looked perfect and his make up was flawless. He had someone to impress, after all.

A few more hours passed and Remus was finally in his last class of the day, impatiently waiting to see his crush walk through the door. Virgil Storm, resident emo and snarky introvert. He and Remus were forced to work on an English paper together last year, and now he liked to sit next to Remus during class. Remus knew this was only so they could work together on creative writing assignments, but a part of Remus dreamed that Virgil sat next to Remus because liked Remus, not just tolerated him.

When Virgil finally walked through the door, seconds before the bell was supposed to ring, Remus barely resisted the urge to grin and wave frantically like an overexcited puppy. Instead, he gave his meat flirtatious smirk, angling his body to show off as much of his new jewelry as possible. Instead of smiling (or blushing like Remus fantasized), Virgil froze in place. He gave Remus a look that made his heart sink. He looked… betrayed? That didn’t make sense. But before Remus could get up and ask what was wrong, the bell rang and Virgil took a seat in the front of the classroom, away from Remus.

Now, most people would be able to see that Virgil was upset before he even walked into the room. They would realize that Virgil isn’t having a good day, and would give him some space until he was ready to talk to them.

Remus is not most people.

He spent the entire class staring at Virgil, several pencils snapping as he pretended to take notes. Virgil slouched forward, ignoring Remus’s gaze burning holes in his hoodie. When the class ended, Virgil practically ran out the door. Remus growled and stuffed his things into his bag, shooting a quick text to Roman.

Re- (2:21 PM) Staying after, go on without me

He turned off his phone, not waiting for a response as he stalked out the door. He knew that Virgil didn’t take the bus, and Remus had a feeling that the emo hadn’t left the school yet. He probably didn’t go to his locker, and he hated all of the teachers, which left-

Remus slammed the bathroom door open, Virgil jumping from the sudden sound. He was hovering over the sink, his face red and puffy from crying. His shock quickly morphed into anger as he glared at Remus. “What do you want? Here to rub it all in my face?”

Remus growled, ready to rip his own hair out. Or Virgil’s. He hadn’t decided yet. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Virgil barked out a laugh, and Remus ignored how beautiful Virgil looked, even when angry. “Wrong with me? What’s wrong with you?! I thought you were my friend!”

A part of Remus’ heart broke at his crush calling him just a ‘friend,’ but the rest of his heart shattered as he processed what the emo said. “Of fucking course I’m your friend!”

Virgil glared at Remus, pointing at him accusingly. “Then why the hell are you wearing those?!”

Remus looked down at his jewelry, which he had bought and put on just to impress Virgil. They had to be what he was talking about, since it was the only significant change to Remus’s normal outfit. He actually liked this jewelry a whole lot. And now his asshole crush was getting pissy about it. “What’s wrong with me wearing jewelry, huh? You got a fucking problem with it?”

Virgil growled, slamming his fist onto the countertop. “That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it, dumbass! I’m not stupid, I know where you got those!”

Remus huffed. “You got something against Jacob? I know the guy’s an asshole, but are you seriously gonna hate me for buying his little sister’s jewelry?”

Virgil froze, his hands gripping the bathroom counter like a death grip. “Little sister? So you didn’t know?”

Remus was confused, but he was still more irritated than anything. “Didn’t know what? What the fuck are you talking about?!”

Virgil stayed quiet for a moment before he started screaming. “THAT SON OF A BITCH!” He slammed his fists back on the counter, fresh tears rolling down his face.

Remus rushed forward, pinning Virgil’s wrists down so he couldn’t hurt himself. No matter how pissed he was, Remus couldn’t see his crush get hurt. “What the fuck is going on, Virgil?”

Virgil froze again, looking away. “It’s none of your business. Just leave me alone.”

Remus growled, adding pressure to Virgil’s wrists, ignoring the way he winced. “Not this time, emo. You can’t just accuse me and say we aren’t friends, then tell me to fuck off when I don’t even know what you’re talking about!” He stepped closer, not giving him any room to squirm away. “So we’re not going anywhere until you’ve told me what’s going on.” Virgil looked away, and Remus growled. “You said that we’re friends, right? Then fucking treat me like one.”

There were a few moments of silence between them before Virgil sighed looking away, mumbling. “My name’s on ‘em.”

Remus’s grip loosened, confused. “Huh?”

Virgil groaned, pulling himself out of Remus’ hold and grabbing him by the wrist, removing his bracelet with practiced ease. He showed Remus the inside of the bracelet, where V.S. was stitched into the fabric. “Jacob’s little sister’s name is Sally. That’s my name. I sewed and etched it into every product.”

Remus stared for a minute until it hit him. “Did you make these?”

Virgil blushed and nodded. “Yeah, I sell them online. They take forever to make but it’s fun and I make a good amount of money off of it.” He huffed. “I shouldn’t of brought them to school. Yesterday Jacob had found me and was be-” he coughed “was talking to me, and he found them in my backpack. Said he would sell them for me, and in exchange I wouldn’t leave with a broken nose. All of the popular kids knew that I made them, because they bought a ton and flashed it off in front of me in the hallways.” He sniffled and wiped his tears away with his hoodie sleeve. “I… I thought you knew too. I thought you were like them.”

Remus stared for a few minutes before getting out his wallet. “How much do you normally charge for these?”

Virgil sputtered. “W-what? You don’t-”

Remus growled. “I know I don’t have to. Now. How. Much. Do. You. Charge?”

Virgil rambled off the price and Remus frowned. That wasn’t even half of what Jacob had charged for them. Still, he paid the price that Virgil listed before opening a backpack and grabbing a notebook and pen. “Do you know everything that he took? And how much you usually charge for them?” Virgil nodded softly, still a little mystified. “Can you write them down? Or if you have a picture it would be helpful.”

Virgil carefully wrote them all down, giving descriptions of each piece of jewelry and their worth. Remus nearly growled when he read the list. Virgil was missing almost $200 worth of jewelry, and based on Jacob’s prices, the asshole was going to make at least a $500 profit from all of this.

Remus took back his notebook and put it away, giving his crush one last look. “I promise I didn’t know about any of this, but now I’m going to fix it. Here,” he grabbed Virgil’s wrist and scribbled something on the back of his hand “here���s my number. If those assholes try something like this again, give me a call and I’ll go punch their teeth in.”

Virgil looked away. “You don’t have to…”

Remus chuckled. “Punch their teeth in? It’s kind of my signature move by this point. It would be a shame if I didn’t.”

The emo blushed, finding his shoelaces to be more interesting than looking Remus in the eye. “You don’t have to be so nice to me.”

Remus shook his head. “You earned my niceness, fair and square. You’re my friend, Emo. Do you know how many people get to call me that and mean it?” He snorted. “Do you know how many people get to call me a dumbass without immediately getting their bones broken? It’s a very short list.” He sauntered out of the bathroom, stopping as he reached the door. “You mean a lot to me V. And I’m gonna make these assholes pay.” He didn’t look to see Virgil’s reaction as he walked away, one goal in mind: make Jacob Smith’s life a living hell.

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Virgil went to class the next day, still in a slight state of shock. He felt numb all over, like he’d been drenched in ice water and was still dealing with the aftershocks. A lot had happened in the past 2 days, and he wanted nothing more than to lay down for a nap and not wake up until it all blew over.

Yesterday was awful. Usually Jacob just beat him up and went along his merry way, but instead he decided to ruin one of the few things that made Virgil happy. Jewelry making had been his passion for years, and seeing dozens of bullies showing him their new jewelry with a vindictive smirk, and knowing they were his but he wasn’t making a single penny, hurt him more than any punch or kick ever could.

But what hurt was seeing his only friend (and crush) sitting in the back of the room, showing off the jewelry that Virgil had specifically made with him in mind. Remus had been smirking, just like the bullies had as they flaunted off their jewelry, and Virgil had felt his heart break into a million pieces.

But that was yesterday. Today was a new day, and Virgil was wanting to crawl into a whole and never come out. Everyone would still be buying and showing off Virgil’s jewelry, some knowing where it came from, others having no idea. Jacob would probably come to beat Virgil up when he ran out of jewelry to sell, demanding more products that Virgil refused to make. He wasn’t going to spend all of his time on these products just to put money in Jacob’s pockets. And to top it all off, his friendship with Remus was probably ruined. Judging by how he acted yesterday, Remus would probably get upset if Virgil tried to distance himself again. But he was dreading the day where Remus would realize that Virgil wasn’t worth a decent English grade and tell him to fuck off.

Virgil was late to school today, so he didn’t actually realize that something was amiss until around lunch. No one had come up to Virgil to show off their jewelry, and a lot of students were staring at the emo as he walked by. When he took a closer look, he realized that the kids who had shown off their jewelry to him yesterday weren’t wearing them anymore, and some of them were sporting some nasty bruises. The ones who were wearing them were constantly staring at Virgil and… smiling? That was weird. But as Virgil sat down to eat his food another, more important question arose.

Where’s Jacob? And Remus?

His questions were answered in English class, where he overheard two students chatting as Virgil stepped in. Apparently Jacob and Remus had gotten into a fight and were now suspended. Virgil sat back in his normal spot, ignoring how the room went quiet as the ice water feeling returned with a vengeance. Remus got into a fight? Over him? That didn’t make any sense. Just the fact that Remus apologized and paid Virgil his debt for the jewelry was more than Virgil deserved. But the fact that Remus got into a fight with Jacob, because Jacob stole from Virgil, made something in his chest stutter. It made his heart race and his breath stop for a minute. Keep it cool Virgil, it’s not like someone as cool as Remus would ACTUALLY like you. His fight probably had nothing to do with me.

“Um, Virgil?” Virgil looked up at the random student next to him. Bethany, his brain half-heartedly supplied, still in a half state of shock. She was fiddling with the bracelets on her wrist, and it took Virgil a moment to realize they were his bracelets. “I-uh… I wanted to say sorry for what happened. Jacob told us he had brought those bracelets from home. We had no idea they were yours.” She pulled out her wallet. “Can I repay you for it? Or maybe buy more to make up for it?”

Virgil shook his head. “You don’t owe me anything. You already had to pay a stupidly high amount to Jacob, you shouldn’t have to waste more on me. I’ll be behind for a while on money, but I’ll get back up there eventually.” He blushed. “But if you want to buy more…” He scribbled down a url on his notebook paper and handed it to Bethany. “I have a website where you can customize your jewelry. It’ll take around a month or two depending on what it is, but I’ll have it done and shipped to your address as soon as it’s done.”

She took the paper and smiled gratefully. “Thank you so much! See you later Virgil!” She went back to her gaggle of friends, showing them the website url as they took pictures and typed it into their phones. Virgil smiled softly, glad to have at least a few potential customers after this.

When class was over, Virgil quickly grabbed his stuff from his locker and walked out the door. He was making his usual journey across the football field and towards the neighborhood when a familiar figure waved in the distance. Remus was underneath one of the bleachers, a familiar box in one hand and his backpack on the ground. Virgil ran over and hissed. “What are you doing here? You’re suspended right now! If they catch you on school grounds you’ll be expelled!”

Remus chuckled. “As if that would stop me from visiting my favorite emo.” Virgil flushed and looked at the wooden box. Remus suddenly perked up as he held out the box. “I got you your stuff back!” He sounded like an overexcited puppy and Virgil bit back a giggle, instead taking the box. He frowned when his hand came back wet.

“Uh, Remus?” He looked at his hand and cringed.

Remus tilted his head to the side, still resembling a puppy as he excitedly spoke. “Yeah?”

Virgil showed Remus the box. “This box is wet.”

“Yeah?”

“...With blood.”

“Yeah?”

“...Is it your blood?”

“I don’t think so!”

Virgil nodded, wiping his hand on his black skinny jeans. “Okay… thank you. It-” he looked away, blushing. “It means a lot to me.” He opened the box, looking at the contents. Around a third of the original jewelry was in the box, most of it he vaguely remembered the bullies wearing yesterday.

Remus smiled brightly, bouncing slightly as he grabbed his backpack. “That’s not even the best part! Look what I found while beating that asshole up!” Virgil hesitated before opening the bag, the not-so-nice part of him imagining Jacob himself shoved into the bag. Instead, the bag was filled to the brim with cash. Virgil stared at the money in shock while Remus explained. “That’s everything that he earned for selling your jewelry. He charged for a lot more than you did, but now you’ve made all of your money back and then some!”

Virgil tried to count the money at a glance, but his head started to spin after a minute. “Remus. How much money is in here?”

He giggled. “Almost $600. Jacob got a lot of money selling your stuff. He also had an extra 50 bucks that I added to the pot as compensation.”

Virgil nearly dropped the backpack in shock. He’d never had that much money before. This is it. I can actually start a business with this money. I can throw it into my bank account and actually have a chance at making jewelry after high school. At least as a side-job. He looked up at his crush, who was still bouncing slightly as he waited for praise. He did this for me. Remus gave me this chance. He did this because he cares. No one’s ever cared about me this much before.

Virgil didn’t realize what he was going to say until it was already out of his mouth. “Do you like coffee? With me?” He realized how jumbled his words were and he blushed. “I mean, would you like to go get some coffee with me? I know a good caffe a few blocks away. I know we aren’t too close, but maybe we could get to know each other better?”

Remus froze for a few seconds before he chuckled. “I don’t actually like coffee.” Virgil almost felt his heart drop, but his crush smirked at him. “But I know I’ll enjoy anything with you.” Virgil squeaked with a blush, and Remus chuckled. “Let’s go! We’ll get you some coffee, and we can talk about the inspiration behind your jewelry. Especially these.” He held out his wrist, showing off the dark green bracelet, a small purple heart sewn on the inside. Virgil blushed again. They both knew what inspired it. They both knew that Remus had inspired it. Or rather, Virgil’s feelings towards Remus. And Remus seemed okay with it, judging by his flirtatious chuckle and teasing grin.

Virgil eventually grabbed the resident bad boy’s hand, dragging him out from under the bleachers and towards the nearest cafe. He never thought he’d have a chance, but Remus gave it to him. And there was no way in hell that Virgil wasn’t going to take it.

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Taglist: @bisexualdisaster106 @self-taught-mess @arodynamic-enby @sanderssides-angst @whatishappeningrightnow @idont-freaking-know @cute-and-angsty-princess @artsy-enby09 @girl-who-reads @drarrymalecsolangelo @count-woe-laf

[drabbles-mc]

My Plus-One (Part 1)

EZ Reyes x Reader

Request by the lovely @ly--canthrope​:  The reader has a large ball/award ceremony/something fancy to attend. Her and Ez have been in each other's lives for years and they make a promise that each year, if there is an event to go to, they would go together. Its been a few years since this tradition has played out, and it is brought up in conversation (maybe talking about their plans for that week, what they are doing and busy with etc) and Ez goes, “I am busy, I am going with you to your event” and he is a pure gentlemen (You can decide thing like; are they bordering that blurred line where they are really affectionate with one another and time frame like, he could be at uni still and travels to go see her just for this event because its special to her)

Warnings: none. just some good old pining 🥺🥺

Word Count: 3.4k 

A/N: I loved writing this so much wtf. I switched up the timing of it a little bit but I think it worked out well! I got a little carried away with it (hence the 3.4k lmao) but I just love EZ and I’m a sucker for friendships with feelings. Please enjoy! (requests are always open)

EZ Tag: @noz4a2​ (if you wanna be added just shoot me a message!)

(Part 2)

You wandered around your small studio apartment, phone held loosely in your hand while you video-chatted with EZ. Both of you had long since given up on making sure that you held the camera at flattering angles. Besides, you were trying to make dinner and not even EZ could stop you from getting food.

“So glad I get to have this conversation with half of your face,” he laughed, shaking his head.

You held the phone up so you could get a better look at him—he was sitting at the table in his trailer, phone propped up as he typed away on his laptop. “This better?” you laughed as you tried to set it up on your counter so he could see more of your face.

“Much,” he smiled, “I miss you.”

You glanced over at him as you turned the stove on, “Miss you too, EZ.”

“So,” you could hear the clicking of his keyboard in the background, “what’re your plans for the week?”

“Meh, not a whole lot going on. I do, though, have a gala for work this Saturday.”

“Oh?” he raised his eyebrows, “Sounds fancy.”

You chuckled, nodding as you waited for your water to boil, “Yea, kinda. I was thinking,” you looked at him through the lens of your phone, “If you aren’t busy, and if you really miss me, you could maybe come and be my date. It’s all paid for and everything already. All you’d have to do is show up and be my arm-candy,” you batted your eyelashes.

“Ah, like the good old days.”

“C’mon, it’s been a while since one of us had to drag the other to an event that was way above our paygrade.”

“What’re you talking about? You just drove out to visit me last year for an event.”

You rolled your eyes, “Your patch-in party is not the same as a fundraising gala, Ezekiel. Although,” you laughed, “it was undoubtedly more fun than this is going to be.”

“Giving me the hard sell, Y/N,” he laughed and shook his head.

“If you’re too busy with club shit, I get it. I know I didn’t really give you much of a heads-up.”

“Well…” he dragged out the word, milking every letter for all it was worth, “I am gonna be busy.”

“Fuck,” you sighed, “I get it, I do. Sorry I always protcrastin—”

“Let me finish,” he smiled, “I’m gonna be busy with you, so I’ll let the guys know that my weekend is booked.”

You laughed, clapping your hands excitedly, “Yay! Oh, I can’t wait to see you. I feel like it’s been forever.”

“Because it has,” he waited for you to look back to your phone, “When was the last time you came back home to SanPa?”

You sighed, shaking your head, “God, like, six months maybe? Maybe a little more? Work has just been nuts, you know?”

“You think they’re gonna relocate you back closer to home any time soon?”

You shrugged, “Not sure. I hope so, though. I miss bugging you all the time in person not just by blowing up your phone.”

“Well, you’ll get to bug me in person all weekend. Text me your address and anything else I should know. I can probably come out Friday night if that works for you?”

You nodded, “Yea, that’s fine by me. You can crash here if you want but I gotta warn you, my place is wicked small.”

“I’m currently living in a trailer, Y/N,” he chuckled, “I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

“Alright,” your heart felt so much lighter knowing that he was going to be able to go with you—you hated going to these kinds of things by yourself, “I’ll text you all the details and stuff later this week.”

“Sounds good. Go back to making your gourmet ramen over there,” he chuckled, “I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

“Love you too, EZ,” you waved goodbye before hanging up the call. You let out a sigh of relief as you tucked your phone back into your pocket.

The week seemed to fly by. Any time that you felt yourself getting stressed, or overwhelmed, or homesick, you remembered that you were going to be able to spend the whole weekend with your best friend. It made the rest of your problems seem so insignificant. Every night you’d come home and you’d see your dress hanging against the door of your closet, begging to be worn. You’d smile and run your fingers along the fabric whenever you’d walk by it. Back when you were in high school and college, the two of you went to everything together. Each prom, award ceremony, induction ceremony, friends’ weddings, you name it, it was the two of you showing up together no matter what. You had your own unspoken language, knowing when the other was ready to tap out and call it a night. Sometimes to keep things interesting you’d try to sneak out unseen, other times one of you would come up with any excuse you could so that you could leave early without anyone giving you a hard time about it. It’d been a few years since either of you had an excuse to get dressed up together.

You were finishing cleaning up your apartment when you felt your phone going off in your pocket. You glanced down and smiled at the sigh of EZ’s name on the screen, “Hey, what’s up? Everything okay?”

“Yea. I think,” he chuckled, “I think I’m outside the right building? Everything looks the same here.”

You laughed as you walked over and peeked out your window. Sure enough, you saw him sitting, leaning against his bike, “I see you. I’ll be right down,” you hung up and made sure to close your closet door before heading downstairs to greet him.

You came barreling out the front door of your apartment building, tackling him in a hug. He laughed, sweeping you up off of your feet and swinging you around as he held you tight to him. You wrapped your legs around his waist, forcing him to hold you for a few moments. It had been way too long since you last saw him in person.

“I’ve missed you,” you mumbled against his neck.

“I’ve missed you too.”

You finally let go, dropping your feet back to the ground. You helped EZ get his two bags and had him follow you up the stairs to your apartment. You kept apologizing in advance for the fact that all you had was a studio, so there wasn’t going to be a lot of room, and there was no grand tour to give him. He smiled and shook his head, constantly telling you that he didn’t care.

You opened the door, dropping one of his bags next to the couch, “This is,” you chuckled, “my beautiful kingdom.”

EZ smiled as he looked around your apartment. It was a studio, so there wasn’t a whole lot of space, but it was all modern and renovated. He was impressed by how much you had managed to utilize the space. He also liked being able to see how you chose to decorate a space that was completely your own. The last time he got to visit you, you had been sharing an apartment with a roommate and the two of you had completely opposite tastes in décor. He liked the vibe you had created—a lot of bright, happy colors. He recognized some of the art on the walls as things you had commissioned your friends to make for you because you liked having things that were one-of-a-kind.

“This is a pretty great spot, Y/N.”

You smiled, “Thanks. It’s home for now,” you sighed, “I have no guest room to offer you, but the couch does pull out so you won’t be too crammed for the next couple nights.”

He chuckled, nodding, “I appreciate it.”

“You eat before you left?”

He nodded, “Yea I’m all set. Didn’t want to be taking any of your ramen from you.”

You gave him a playful slap to the arm, “So considerate.”

The two of you spent the night sitting on the couch together catching up, a show on the television just for background noise. It crept late into the night before the exhaustion started to show on EZ’s face. He had had a long day but he was enjoying the fact that he was actually face-to-face with you for the first time in months.

“I’ll let you get some sleep,” you smiled as you stood up off the couch, “If you’re up for it in the morning there’s a really good coffee spot a few blocks from here.”

He smiled, nodding, “Sounds good.”

“Bathroom is right through there if you wanna change. I’ll see you in the morning,” you leaned in and gave him a hug that you dragged out to last a little longer than you usually would, “Goodnight.”

The morning and afternoon flew right by, and before you knew it the two of you were getting ready for the gala. You chastised EZ for leaving his dress clothes in his bags for so long. All these years and he still hadn’t figured out that they needed to hang to cut down on wrinkles. You ironed out his slacks and shirt, impressed by the fact that he had also brought a suit jacket. It was an all-black ensemble that you knew would make your coworkers drool over him, and you were going to soak up every second of that.

You left the bathroom open for him to get changed as you retreated to the semi-privacy of the space that passed for your bedroom. You shimmied into your dress, pulling the straps up onto your shoulders. You zipped it up as much as you could without risking ripping any of the stitching, thankful that you had EZ to help you with it the rest of the way. You looked at yourself in the mirror and smiled, still loving the dress as much as you had the day you tried it on in the store.

You had settled on a deep burgundy dress. It was a little low-cut, but not so much that you felt overly exposed. It was floor length, and had a slit up to just below your hip that you could only see once you started walking. You had picked up some simple jewelry—a few gold bangles and a long necklace that draped down your chest. Deciding to pull the whole look together with your favorite pair of black heels. A little height boost when you were walking with EZ never hurt.

“Hey, EZ? Can you come finish zipping me up?”

You heard the sounds of his dress shoes on the hardwood. He poked his head around the half-wall that separated your bed from the rest of your apartment. His eyes grew wide as he took in the sight of you. He cleared his throat, trying to get his thoughts in order as he remembered the actual reason you had called him over.

You pulled your hair off to the side and turned so your back was to him, thankful that it gave the added benefit of hiding the giant grin on your face. He tried to be as gentle as possible, the rough pads of his fingers grazing lightly against your back as he pulled the zipper up the last of the way.

“You look amazing, Y/N,” he smiled at you.

“Yea, we clean up alright, don’t we?” you patted his chest, practically salivating over the sight of him in dress clothes for the first time in years. You reached and undid the top button of his shirt, allowing a little bit of his collarbone to be exposed.

“Feeling a little risqué tonight?” he chuckled.

“Who knows when we’re going to get to do this again?” you smiled, “Might as well make the most of it.”

“I was gonna offer to take you on the bike,” he laughed as he looked you up and down for the hundredth time in two minutes, “But I don’t think that dress would make it.”

You nodded, “You’re right. We’ll take my car,” you walked over and grabbed the small clutch that you had picked up just for this occasion, pulling your keys out of it, “You ready?”

“I think so,” he patted his pockets down to make sure that he still had his phone and wallet, “You gonna give me the dirt on all your coworkers on the ride over?”

“Of course,” you smiled as you ushered him out the door, locking it behind the two of you.

You parked the car at the venue and EZ all but leapt out of the car to come and open your door for you. You chuckled as he held his hand out to help you step out onto the pavement. He hadn’t even wanted you to be the one to drive there, but you insisted since he knew nothing about the area.

He gently wrapped his arm around your waist as the two of you walked into the venue. You knew that your coworkers weren’t expecting you to show up with a plus-one. You had been quite clear about the fact that you weren’t dating anyone, and that no one at your job interested you enough to break your, “I don’t date coworkers” rule. There were quite a few lax jaws as the two of you strolled into the event room. Anyone else might have been nervous, but EZ saw how much you loved it and he was eating up every second of it.

You brought him around and introduced him to everyone, reveling in the fact that his arm never left your waist. After a handful of introductions, you dragged him across the room to introduce you to your boss.

“Cynthia,” you smiled wide, “This is my friend Ezekiel. Ezekiel, this is my boss Cynthia.”

“Please, call me Cindy,” she held out her hand, eyes slowly raking over the man you had put in front of her, not that you could blame her, “It’s nice to meet you, Ezekiel. I have to admit, Y/N here is a bit of an enigma around the office,” she turned her attention to you, “You look amazing, by the way.”

You smiled, “Thank you, so do you. A little more than business casual, huh?”

She laughed, nodding, “That’s for sure,” she paused, “Also, don’t forget, it’s open bar. So help yourselves.”

You tapped your fingers together mischievously, “Ah, don’t mind if I do.”

“I’ll make sure to catch up with you two later,” she smiled at EZ, “It was nice to meet you, Ezekiel.”

“Nice to meet you too,” he nodded politely before she walked away, swept up in a sea of other conversations.

“Remind me to keep a close eye on you around her,” you laughed, “Don’t want her snatching you up.”

The night wore on, and you were impressed with how easily EZ blended into the crowd with everyone from work. He made his way through a lot of small talk, a lot of, “So how do you know Y/N?” and other questions of the sort. The whole night he couldn’t help but to keep looking over at you, making sure that he had physical contact with you in one way or another. You couldn’t pretend that you minded it.

By your fourth glass of wine EZ had managed to get your keys from you, promising that he would drive the both of you back to your apartment safely and responsibly. His largest obstacle of the evening was hiding your bidding number sign from you so you didn’t spend money that you didn’t have.

“You’re the one who told me,” he said quietly in your ear, trying to suppress a laugh, “that your financial contribution was the, and I quote, buttload of money you paid for our tickets here.”

You huffed, trying and failing to give him a displeased expression, “But I wanna feel like a fancy rich person, EZ.”

He smiled at you, resting his hand on your thigh, “You’re certainly dressed like one, Y/N, so for tonight that’ll have to be enough. And besides, I’m your personal chauffer, so it doesn’t get more fancy rich person than that.”

You smirked over at him, placing your hand on top of his and interlocking your fingers, “I’m really glad that you’re here.”

He squeezed your fingers lightly, “Yea, me too.”

The evening was beginning to wind down, and EZ could see it on your face that if he didn’t get you out soon, you were going to start causing trouble. It was fine when the two of you were out among people you didn’t know, but he didn’t think that he’d be a very good friend if he let you start drunkenly stirring the pot with your coworkers. He convinced you to start saying your goodbyes, his hand placed on the small of your back as the two of you maneuvered through the small crowds of people in the event space.

You were walking through the parking garage, your hand entwined with his as you swung your arms back and forth, “What a night!”

EZ chuckled, spinning you carefully so you didn’t fall over, but still got to enjoy the flow of your dress when you spun and moved, “I’m honored I got the invite.”

“You sure you’re good to drive?”

He laughed, nodding, “I’m sure. Not like you could take over for me anyway.”

He helped you into the passenger seat before going around and getting in, sliding the seat back so he could actually fit. He chuckled as he saw you out of the corner of his eye, peeling your shoes off before you even left the parking garage. The whole drive home you went on and on about how much your coworkers loved him, you could just tell. He smiled and nodded, letting one hand stray and come to rest on your thigh.

He parked outside your apartment building and you looked over at him with your biggest puppy-dog eyes, “Ezekiel, I don’t wanna put my shoes back on. Will you carry me upstairs?”

He laughed and nodded, “Yes, but only because tonight you’re a fancy rich lady.”

“You’re so good to me. I love you,” you smiled over at him.

He felt his heart beating harder inside his chest, “I love you too.”

He carried you bridal style up the stairs with such ease. You loved every moment of it. He held onto you as you unlocked the door, still wrapped up in his arms. You giggled into his neck as he kicked the door shut behind you and turned the deadbolt. He carried you to your bed, setting you down gently. You smiled up at him from your mattress, reaching out and taking his hand in your own.

“I’ve missed you so much, EZ.”

He traced his thumb over your knuckles, “Yea, I’ve missed you too.”

Before he could walk out to collapse on the couch you asked him, “Can you help me with my dress?”

He swallowed hard, nodding, “Yea, of course, whatever you need.”

You pulled your hair off to the side again so he could pull the zipper down. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say that there was a slight trembling to his hands as he fumbled with the zipper, pulling it down slowly. He took a deep breath as he gently pushed the straps down off your shoulders. You hummed in approval as you leaned back against him, melting into him as he wrapped his arms around your waist. There were a few beats of silence before you felt him lightly press his lips against the bare skin of your shoulder, gently kissing the soft skin there.

Your breath caught in your throat and it took you a second to get the words out, “You could, um,” you were thankful that you weren’t facing him so he couldn’t see the nervousness on your face, “you could stay in my bed tonight…if you wanted. It’s probably…you know…more comfortable than the couch.”

His lips were still pressed against your shoulder and you could feel his laughter vibrate against your skin, “Yea? You sure?”

You turned around so you were facing him. He leaned in, resting his forehead against yours. He was holding you close enough that you were certain that he could feel your heart palpitating, “Yea. I’m not ready to give up your company yet.”

He kissed your forehead, “Let’s get to bed then.”

[ickle-ronniekins]

fools in love

request from nonnie!!! “pls could you write a story about fred being real sad bc he hasn’t seen the reader in a long time since she’s a year younger and still in school and he’s super busy with the store and he has these huge plans for them and he’s just having a rough day and then he finally gets to see her after a long time??? thank you!!”

pairing: fred x reader

word count: 1.6k

A/N: a little shorter, but i hope you like what i’ve done with the prompt :D i’m notorious for writing a lot and making stories very, very long but i wanted to try and write something that was only one or two scenes and end it with a big grand gesture so i hope this leaves you all smiling!!

tag list: @mintlibri @seppys-return-to-madness @how-do-life-does @fopdoodledane @fredd-weasley @iprobablyshipit91 @semmelsemi @cottageoflove @laneygthememequeen @snakesonaplane-7 @lupinsx @keoghans @helloallthethingsilove @bobduncanlover @dreamer821 @the-hufflepuff-of-221b @62442-am @wtfweasleyy | message me if you’d like to be added lovelies

“Promise, it’ll go by so quickly, darling! I’ll see you soon.”

Fred felt stupid enough with all of these new customers looking as though they were positively in love with him, as he willingly and very quickly turned each and every one of them down, earning him eye rolls, a bombardment of questions and swift glances at his left ring finger to see if they could get any answers out of him for why he’d been rejecting them, exactly. He didn’t need to be reminded that he’d made a promise he wasn’t able to keep. He didn’t feel much like talking. He didn’t feel much like doing anything at all. He felt positively dreadful.

Surely, it couldn’t have been months since he’d last seen you, could it? But alas, it could. Surviving on letters alone and not much else, you’d planned on visiting him one long weekend at the beginning of your final term at Hogwarts. But when Professor Snape had caught you in the Owlery late one evening after hours, sending yet another letter to Fred, he’d placed you in detention for not only one weekend, but four. A whole bloody month. Hogwarts without Fred was seemingly miserable.

Fred, feeling more on edge than before, had plans for that weekend you’d meant to visit. Not just any plans, like showing you his and George’s new artwork for the shop, their new apartment just above it, their inventions that they’d just designed and were getting ready to market and sell after placing on the last finishing touches. It was the first time he’d be seeing you in months—more like years, it felt like. He’d wanted it to be special.

George dropped a very large box of Extendable Ears on the shop desk, took one out, and held it up to the bare spot where his missing ear should be. He grinned at Fred and said, “What’ve you said, mate? I can’t ear you!” He found himself rather funny, rightfully so, and earned himself a laugh from Fred, who was grateful for the few mere seconds of thoughts not surrounding how much he bloody missed you.

George, before closing up the shop for the evening and heading upstairs to make them both dinner, clapped his brother on the back and told him, “Just a few more weeks, Freddie. Don’t look so glum.”

Fred didn’t sleep that night. Maybe an hour or two. Which didn’t help in the morning when the sunshine brought in more customers than he could’ve imagined; the desolate, colorless street of Diagon Alley was swarmed with people visiting from all over. He barely had any time to collect himself and discuss the day’s endeavors with George—each of them were pulled in separate directions with hungry customers itching to get their hands on any and all Weasley products, even those that hadn’t hit shelves yet. Fred grinned cheekily at his twin from across their very busy store. Suppose his day could be looking up.

A few hours into it, and he reckoned he shouldn’t have spoken so soon. Not only had he nearly fallen off of a ladder reaching for something on the highest shelf (his wand was upstairs in his bedroom; not a great place for it) and caught himself on the front desk at the very last minute, earning a sharp pain in his ankle, he’d also needed to stop a few individuals from sneaking out without paying for their items, only to then be followed around by a girl who wouldn’t leave him alone and a very angry bloke who did nothing but complain and yell about how his pygmy puff wasn’t changing colors throughout the day (it wasn’t supposed too).

When the shop was finally empty and he had a chance to sit and actually feel the pain radiating from his feet up through his legs, he pulled at his hair and yanked off his tie; he was absolutely bloody exhausted and was not at all looking forward to the fact that he and George still needed to restock the shelves before the weekend’s end. Luckily, though, he’d been able to slip away and grab his wand.. should make things a bit easier.

George emerged from the storage closet wearing a very cheeky grin, and it only seemed to deepen when Fred frowned. “What’re you so chipper about?” he asked, unbuttoning his vest and throwing it haphazardly over the countertop.

“Bad day, Freddie?”

“Bloody hell,” Fred replied, letting his head fall into his hands. He frowned again, about to explode, but rethought his choice of words, “Not bad, per se, just—long. But I reckon that comes with the business eh?”

George just smiled as he slowly took some Weather in a Bottle products, Decoy Detonators, Basic Blaze Boxes and began to gingerly place them on some shelves.

“Seriously, mate,” Fred began, peering quizzically at his twin who looked as though he was trying very hard to suppress a big secret, “what’s up with you? Something happen you need to tell me about?”

“No, nothing,” George replied, and a larger grin lifted his cheeks, “I just reckon your day could still turn around, is all.”

Fred scoffed. “Yeah, right. Always have loved that enthusiasm of yours, Georgie.” George shrugged his shoulders, his smile only deepening yet again, when he suggested to Fred to head back to the supply closet to grab more of the newer items to place on display at the front of the store to attract more hungry crowds. Begrudgingly he went, not very keen on the sharp pain in his feet now extending all the way into his back. Merlin, he just wanted to lay down.

He took his wand out of his pocket, ready to Accio the nonsense out of all of these items, when something nearly scared the living daylights right out of him. A yelp escaped his lips. He jumped on the spot, whirled around quickly, and discovered a small light in the corner had been flicked on.

“You know,” you began, and crossed your arms in delight, “you’re quite a sight for sore eyes after a long day.”

A very large grin plastered itself across his face; suddenly, all pain in his body seemed to subside at the sight of you. Butterflies were engulfing him. He was positively bewildered at the sight of you. He felt like a right fool for screaming in his own shop, but couldn’t help but grin like mad. Without even thinking properly, he ran across the crowded space to you, lifted you up off of the table you’d been sitting on and spun you around, encasing you in a bone crushing hug you were bound to feel the effects of later.

“What’re you doing here?” he asked breathlessly as disbelief flooded his body.

You slapped him playfully. “You’re not the only one who can pull off the greatest of surprises, Fred Weasley.” You draped your arms across his shoulders and inched a little closer. He felt his insides twist in the best of ways; were you really here? “Reckon I could give you a run for your money.”

“You mean to tell me you’ve actually escaped the wrath of Severus Snape?”

You rolled your eyes casually. “Thank Merlin for McGonagall. Told me not to worry. Has Snape doing other sorts of business, so I doubt he even noticed. Right load of bollocks that was, wasn’t it?” He laughed haughtily at your jokes and his hands tightened around your abdomen.

“Got to hand it to you—you’ve certainly shocked me, that’s for sure.”

“Color you impressed?” you winked.

Kissing you for the first time in Merlin only knows how long nearly set his soul on fire; the steady pounding of his heart seemed to increase the second your lips touched his, the touch he’d been dying to feel, imagining over and over again in all the time you’d been apart. When you tried to pull away to tease him again, he pulled you back, noting that he wasn’t quite yet finished with you, and you both stayed there, your hands in his bright red hair and his gripping your whole body tightly, for several long minutes, or maybe even days.

“You, my love,” he started, tugging gently on your hair, “have no bloody idea just how much I’ve missed you.”

“Nah, I definitely know,” you replied cheekily, flipping your hair, earning a smirk and a wink from him. Then you softened and said breathlessly, “I’ve missed you, too. School’s just dreadful without you.”

He felt a pang in his chest. It had always been difficult being a year apart, especially now with them owning the shop and you still attending Hogwarts. You’d seen one another nearly every single day for six years, even before you got together. It was strange having that all shift dramatically. “I’ll just have to make it up to you then.”

“Oh yeah? Like how?”

“Got a few surprises up my sleeve.”

“Oh really?” you asked, placing a hand to your hip and grinning like mad. “You didn’t even know I was coming! How could you already have something planned?” You wiggled your eyebrows at him and continued, “Think you’re going to out-surprise me? Think again, Weasley.”

You pressed your lips gently to his again; the feeling of your eyelashes softly brushing his cheeks sent him into a tizzy. He held you delicately in his hands, as if he were afraid you were going to break, or slip right through his fingers. He opened his eyes, just for a moment, to make sure that yours were still closed. When he saw that they were, he closed his again and gently, very gently ran his hand over the very tiny box he had hidden away in his pocket, holding what would seemingly replace the gold band you had on your left ring finger that’d been there since you were little. He felt the edges of the box against his fingers.. the box that had been there ever since he purchased it a few months ago. Another surge of raging fire raced through his bones; he was sure it was from both you running your hands absentmindedly down his chest, and also the thought of what the weekend would bring. Guess his plans hadn’t been ruined after all.

When you parted and you brought your hands to his cheeks, gently running your hands across his stubble, his smile just deepened at the happiness radiating off of you. He could hardly wait to out-surprise you. “We’ll just see about that, darling.”

reblogs & feedback are always appreciated! thanks darlings for always reading and requesting x

[rohad93]

Moonlit Masquerade: Ch 9

“What do you think, Mittens?” Edric asks as they stand in the middle of Blight manor’s main room. What little furniture had been in the room before has been removed to maximize the space of the dance floor, which was already quite large. A few tables are pushed off to the side against the wall; they’ll hold food and drinks later.

The decor is simple but elegant, as though their parents would expect anything else of them. 

Luckily, their parents won’t be there tonight. Ed and Em are hosting this party on their own, as family tradition demands, but with some unofficial help from their younger sister. Any tantalizing ideas about turning the party into the kind Ed and Em are more fond of in the absence of Mr. and Mrs. Blight is kept at bay by the thought of the consequences they know await them if this is anything other than the perfect little shindig their parents expect. 

“It looks nice, Ed.” Amity nods, looking around. The wooden floors have been polished into a high mirror-like shine; they can see their faces in it. Hopefully, no one slips and falls tonight, it had happened before. 

“It can’t just be nice, it has to be perfect,” Emira says with a distinct bitterness that Amity is intimately familiar with, all three of them are. 

“It's going to be perfect, we'll make sure of it,” Amity assures them and they look at her gratefully. 

The Blight siblings have their differences, to be sure, but all three of them know all too well the jaw-cracking pressures and strains that their parents put on them to be nothing less then perfection and if nothing else try to support each other on that front. 

“Have wards been placed on the other rooms?” Emira turns to her brother questioningly as they run down the list of final preparations.

“I placed them there myself,” Amity answers before her brother can open his mouth. It's customary to set wards on the rooms that party guests aren’t supposed to enter, to keep any unsavory behavior, stealing or otherwise to a minimum.

“Until the food arrives I think we’re actually all finished with preparations for now anyway." Edric looks around the room a final time with a keen eye, looking for anything that might be out of place. Emira nods. 

“Then I’m going to shower and start getting ready.” Amity turns and starts toward the stairs. Helping the twins get things set up all day had been very helpful in taking her mind off the constant back and forth she’s been having with herself, especially since yesterday morning about her choice between Luz and her secret admirer. 

She was still torn about accepting her secret admirer's pursuit or continuing to pine after Luz with no real intention of making her feelings known to someone who it seems has made it clear that they’re just friends.  

When she worded it like that it seemed like a simple choice, but the way her chest ached whenever she would think of letting go of the human complicated things. The nagging guilt of turning down her would-be suitor adds another complex layer to things.

She doesn't owe this person anything, she knows, but they've been very sweet, if not a little corny, which Amity admits she kind of likes.

“Hold on, Mittens,” Edric said, turning to face her.

Amity stopped, glancing at the twins over her shoulder from the base of the stairs.

“Thank you, for helping us,” he says with a grateful smile.

“We couldn’t have been able to do it without you…, well, we could have but it would have been such a pain,” Emira chimed in with a grin that still has a sincere feel. Amity can't help but smile even as she rolls her eyes and walks up the stairs to her room with a nod. She already has her outfit set out. 

Not the one her mother had laid out for her this morning either. That makes her roll her eyes again.

The second their parents had left Amity had gone straight to her closet and picked out what she actually wanted to wear. In her opinion, it was just as elegant and presentable as the one her mother had picked, but much more her style and it went better with her mask anyway. If her mother finds out so be it, its a chance she’s willing to make for this one night.

Ed and Em will probably be getting ready soon as well, it's only five in the afternoon, but there are still a few things to do, and Emira will take longer than her or Ed to get ready. 

The Blood-blossoms are still sitting on her desk, they’ve wilted some but with Willow’s advice, they’re still quite lively. She can’t bring herself to throw them out. 

She moves toward her desk and opens the drawer, pulling out the small maroon box and pops it open, gazing at the beautiful little piece of jewelry fondly. 

She can see what made her admirer pick it, it's certainly something she would wear and she's touched by the thoughtfulness. She sets it, box open on her desk. It will go perfectly with her dress. 

With a final glance at it, she hurries off to the shower before either of her siblings can make their way there. Between the three of them, it's often a fight for the hot water. 

Or rather more just a race for her and Edric to get there before Emira, who always takes the longest and uses up most of it. 

She's still not sure what she's going to do tonight, but she hopes a hot shower will at least help calm some of her nerves.

~ ~ ~ 

Luz is a bundle of nerves.

She actually volunteers to run deliveries to town for Eda today if for no other reason then to keep her nervous energies in check, the waiting is killing her. Lugging around bags of heavy, liquid-filled glassware is good for that. Eda gives her a look when she makes the offer, but seems to understand, and agrees. Luz needs something to keep her busy until the party tonight. 

Something that isn’t pacing around the owl house like a caged animal or constantly checking the clothes hung up in her room and shooting Hooty dirty looks.

When she leaves for Bonesburrough Eda promises to keep Hooty out of her room. 

She walked into her room that morning after breakfast to find the house demon stretched in through her window with her new dress pants hanging out of his mouth.

Luz had tackled him, screaming at the top of her lungs, which had brought the entire house running in time to see Hooty flailing around her room like a wet noodle and screeching while she squeezed her arms and legs around him, yelling in angry, rapid Spanish.

After the excitement of the morning, the day actually flies by fairly quickly for her as she runs back and forth across town dropping off Eda’s deliveries. 

She also takes the opportunity to try out her new trick. 

Her round ears are gone and no one so much as spares her a glance as she walks through the market. 

She's quite pleased with herself. 

A few of Eda's regulars tip her a few snails here and there which she happily pockets. Maybe she should get some kind of after school job?

Unlike back home where she's too young, she doubts the Boiling Isles has any kind of child labor laws.

She makes a stop at a small stand selling flowers and plants and buys a single flower. Its petals are white with a dark violet center. 

She's admiring its beauty when a voice calls out to her.

"Luz?" She turns around and comes face to face with Willow and Gus.

"Guys!" She jumps on them with a grin.

The two laugh a smile as she squeezed them.

"We weren't entirely sure it was you. What happened to your ears?" Willow is looking at her new pointed appendages with open wonder. 

"You like?" She strikes a pose. "It's an illusion spell I've been working on." 

"Ohh, impressive." Gus walks around her looking at the illusion. 

"I needed to hide my ears tonight," she explains. 

"What's tonight?" The younger boy asks and Luz explains the masquerade party and her plan to finally come clean to Amity at the party's end.

"So you're really finally going to do it, huh?" Willow asks her. 

Luz nods, face set in a determined look that the plant witch has become familiar with.  

"I'm ready. For better or worse, I have to tell her. Even if she turns me down we can still be friends. " saying that hurts more than she expected it to.

"What if she doesn't want to be friends after you tell her?" Gus questions innocently and Luz's fragile bravado fractures like glass.

Willow shoots him a look and he stutters over his words as he tries to backtrack.

"I mean, of course she will, why wouldn't she!" He hurries to say but the damage has been done and her friends can see it on her face.

"What if she doesn't?" Luz worries her bottom lip between her teeth as she gazes at the flower in her hand. “What if she thinks it’s weird and doesn’t want to talk to me anymore?” 

"Luz"

She looks up as Willow takes hold of both her shoulders and stairs her dead in the eye.

"It's going to be fine. You got this," Willow says it was such unwavering confidence that Luz can't help but believe her.

"Right… right!" She nods sharply. "I got this!"

"You can do it!" Gus agrees, throwing up a fist.

"Thanks, guys…" She smiles, and the two wrap themselves around her in a tight hug. "I better get going." They let her go and she steps back.

"Good Luck!" They call as she turns and takes off running back toward the owl house. 

She's ready, or as ready as she's ever going to be.

She gets home and runs straight for the shower, giving Eda and Lilith a quick hello

She's going to sweep Amity Blight off her feet!

[hija-del-trueno]

I know that forever could never be enough

I tried hard to finish this before Valentine’s Day ended but life happened and the perfectionist in me has reviewed and edited it again and again.

I was given the immense honor and privilege to gift @paddingtonfan69​ and I think all of us Stepril shippers know that paddingtonfan is one of our greatest contributors. We all holler at each other on Twitter and Tumblr when they’ve posted. Time and time again they have constantly raised the bar for us all, and doing it flawlessly. (Lol) Paddingtonfan really surprises us with every piece of fic they drop. The horny teen cinamatic universe would literally not exist without them. 

So aside from meeting my gift exchange responsibilities I wanted to create an homage of some sorts. I probably haven’t done it any near justice to the great work paddingtonfan puts out but I really hope you enjoy and also super happy to have participated in this gift exchange. 

I’ll stop stanning now. 😉

i. Ellen

The year is 2003. The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates upon re-entry over Texas (a tragedy). Arnold Schwarzenegger has been elected the Governor of California (since when do actors qualify as politicians?). Finding Nemo has come out (Dory is her, she is Dory). And Ellen Johnson, 16 yr old Willingham Junior, just got her first car. 

The car is....well it’s a car. A minivan to be exact. It’s a 1987 Toyota Townace LE and the only reason why she even has the privilege of riding such a trash heap is because her grandfather has just passed away and he left it for her in his will. And that’s really the only thing he left for her in his will. 

She’s not ungrateful, but the car is old and falling apart. 

“It’s as old as you, and you’re running just fine,” says grandma. If only grandma understood that cars don’t run on the same timeline as humans.

But Ellen understands, they are poor. Dirt, redneck, poor. She grew up in a mobile home park at the edge of Sylvan Hills and Oakland City. Her grandparents, Easton and Elise Johnson, raised her after her mother, who was quite frankly a crackhead, dropped her off right after she was born. She has no idea who her father is and the only reason she knows who her mother is, is because occasionally she’ll show up to ask for money for drugs. 

When Ellen was 5, her mother came by and practically wrecked the motor home. The woman had binged for a full week and came searching for more. Ellen cried and cried when the few toys she had were swung left and right, at least until her Grandma Elise had the sense to grab her and lock them up in the bathroom while Easton made the crazy woman go away.

As she held her and comforted her, Grandma Elise whispered, “The Lord made loved and cares for you very much, do you understand me baby girl. He has deposited His Grace on you and you must never be afraid. Always be brave, got that?”

Now that Grandpa Easton is gone, Ellen fears it’s only a matter of time before Grandma Elise is gone too. But she’s not scared, she’s always taken things in stride.  Growing up she was the star pupil of her elementary school, middle school, and Sunday school. Her heart was always in serving others and despite not having the monetary access to help financially she sought to help through her time and talents. 

At the age of 10 she was serving food in soup kitchens on the weekends. By the time she was finishing up middle school she was already the Bible School Coordinator for her church’s children ministry as well as a cherished volunteer in the community.

And word carried through because a week before finishing middle school her youth pastor called her. Apparently, a friend of his’s father was on the board of Willingham Academy and was offering a full scholarship to attend. Ellen got a tour of the place before school started and she was beyond awed at the opportunity the Lord had blessed her with. Without a doubt, Ellen said yes.

In her excitement and haste, there were a lot of things she overlooked. For one, Sylvan Hills to Buckhead was a train and bus ride shy of an hour and fifteen minutes. 

There were other things too. Like how the kids there were all rich and snooty. But Ellen paid it very little mind, she focused more, prayed more, read her Bible more, and grew as God meant it to be. 

So having a car truly was a blessing. Even if the car in question was a jallopey. She drove it in carefully to the Willingham parking lot, meaning to not catch any of the student body’s attention. Sneakily she got out of the minivan, her head down, gripping her backpack straps tightly to make haste. 

“Johnson! What the helllll is that thing?” Unfortunately no haste could save her from her regularly scheduled tormentor Jake.

“Just my new whip, Jake,” she explained defeatedly, moving her feet quicker to get past him. Eventually he and his goons stood in front of her, blocking her path.

“Is that what they sell at redneck dealerships or is that all you could afford?” His others friend sniggered behind him. 

Honestly one would think Jake’s comebacks were good considering they were standing in a private academic institution, but they were extremely subpar. Ellen didn’t respond, instead she looked ahead rolling her eyes. 

Catching a whiff of her rebelliousness, he stepped closer to her to whisper venom in her ears. “Uh uh Ellen. Learn your place. You don’t belong here remember and you never will.”

It was really beyond Ellen how high school was so much like the movies she’d watch. There was the high school caste system and in Willingham she knew she might have never reached the top. Jake was mad because she was popular and she wasn’t popular by their means of popularity. She certainly didn’t have money or cars or mansions. She was popular because she was extremely kind and was always helping out. Ellen exuded confidence (in the Lord) and people just gravitated around her for advice and nurture.

She easily paid Jake and his bullying no mind. Besides on a daily basis she had bigger fish to fry, like making sure her and her grandma had food on the table and shelter over her head.

Jake stepped back and announced rather loudly, “And don’t park your trash heap close to our cars! We wouldn’t want our tricked out vehicles to get scratched with your deplorable junk.”

“Oh now Jake, don’t be mean,” a voice interrupted behind him. Ellen felt the heavens opened up a bit more to shine upon the angelic voice that had chimed in.

One of the other reasons Ellen was so popular. June Lee. The most popular girl in school, June was a true, modern Southern Belle. Her family was excruciatingly, filthy rich. 

“Well, I am a descendant of Robert E Lee himself,” she’d joke in her thick drawl. Ellen wouldn’t be surprised if she was. 

June was also extremely beautiful. She had spent her life in the beauty pageant circuit and had only lost twice. Both times later proven to have been bought by her most envious opponents. June was taller than most girls, blonde hair cascading well past her shoulders, light green eyes, and fairly leans and strong (she was in fencing). The blonde bombshell, the Willingham student body would whisper.

Most importantly though, June was Ellen’s best friend. And honestly, Ellen praised God everyday for their friendship. She couldn’t have survived Willingham without her. When she first came to school and everyone had made fun of her for her unapproved uniform (an overly large blazer from Goodwill, and a black sweater vest from her grandpa’s closet), it was June who’d give Ellen her old (but really practically brand new) set of uniforms. Everything Ellen needed to know of how the upper echelon lived, June taught her.

Sure, June had other girls fawn around her. June’s Disciples they’d call them, but if Ellen was a disciple she’d be John, the Beloved Disciple. It was no surprise to anyone that June would come to Ellen’s defense.

“Of course, Queen Virgin shows up,” Jake mutters. A silly nickname, considering that everyone here in a Christian academy is probably a virgin. At least, Ellen thinks.

“Now come Ellen, there is much to discuss and little time.” It’s like the seas part, the group of boys move and a hand pulls at her wrist willing her to continue on her original destination. “I like your car,” June smiles at her once they’re walking side by side, “it has...character.”

They make it to the fellowship room into the small office located inside. It’s technically Ethan’s office but he’s also the Baseball Coach and he just never uses this space so he loans it to the Fellowship leader. And well, June happens to also be Fellowship leader. 

Inside, there’s already a Bible and a Fig Newton waiting for Ellen. Normally, Monday’s are for planning out the scriptures for the week ahead. They sit side by side and flip through the pages of God’s word and jot down notes. At least June is doing that, Ellen...well lately Ellen has been distracted. 

The butterflies in her stomach haven’t quelled. They never have. They’ve been fluttering inside her since she met June. But now things were coming undone. Now, everything about June seemed more poignant, more beautiful. The girl could trip and Ellen would still think she was an angel. But it was so much more than attraction. June really cared for her, listened to her, and was loyal to her. So in return Ellen was there for her as well. It’s the least she can offer in the relationship. 

June blushes. “Now I know you’re not staring at the Word of God like that. What’s got you all worked up?”

“You,” Ellen says and then gasps. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud. “I mean, sorry.”

The taller girl smirks. “I think we talked about this before.” Many times this year after Ellen came clean to her.

“Yes of course. It’s just really hard sometimes.” Ellen wanted badly for this “crush” to fade away, but it was persistent and if she didn’t know any better she’d say it was growing.

June finally turns to look at her. There’s understanding in her eyes, and something akin to longing, a tinge of it. “We mustn’t fall into the temptation of -“

“-disorderly passions. I know. I understand,” Ellen says solemnly. She looks down to her Bible. 1 Peter 2:11-12.

“Even if we did, Ellen, I’d only disappoint you.” June fiddles with her pen. This here, is perhaps the most hurtful part. The fact that Ellen knows that June reciprocates. It makes her heart beat faster and every glance carries more meaning. 

June blames it on hormones and their age.  And Ellen, well she wants to argue that she knows when love is love but it’s an argument she’s not ready to make.  It’s too soon to say and she’s too naive to know if it really is. 

June settles a hand against her cheek.

“But if it makes you feel any better, I think you’re absolutely gorgeous and you got a heart of gold.” Her voice is much too soft and Ellen can’t resist. 

They lean closer, their eyes close together. Ellen waits for her lips to connect with hers but all she hears is the chair screech back. “I gotta tee tee something fierce,” is all she says. She doesn’t even spare her a glance and it hurts Ellen more than she thought it would have. 

When she’s at the door though, June turns around. “Ellen, our friendship is far greater. We must safeguard it.” She’s right. 

And Ellen gnaws at these feelings and ideas throughout the week, throwing herself into her work and academics. 

“I will disappoint you, beloved. We will disappoint each other and hurt each other. It’s innate to us, to fall into sin and wear our heart on our sleeves. But His Word says that above all things to guard your heart. I will disappoint you but there’s someone who never disappoints, and his name is Jesus. Let’s think about this and pray, Beloved.”

Ellen continues to be distraught by these words from Fellowship that Friday afternoon when someone hits her car. For a second, she thinks it’s her fault and she groans. The car had spun multiple times and smoke is coming from the smashed hood. She does what any sensible person does, turns off the ignition and steps out. Ellen is okay, thank the Lord but as she stares at her precious car, tears prickle her eyes. 

“Oh shit,” a young, burly black man approaches her. He has a cut along his left temple and only then does Ellen realize that his car got wrecked too. “Are you okay?”

She simply nods, too distracted by seeing her precious Townace destroyed. The tears start flowing.

“Fuck,” the young man mutters. “Listen, don’t cry, alright. I was just visiting some family I got over here. I can’t have you crying when the cops come. You’re a female white teen and it’s just bad rep for me. I’m a cop myself, see. A rookie but a cop nonetheless.” He flashed her his badge. 

She wipes away at her tears. Getting this black man in trouble is the least of her intentions.

“It’s my fault. I was uhhh trynna get my....iPod to work,” jamming his thumb onto the harmless device, “....darn touch wheel.”

He pulls it out and Ellen can’t help but be distracted. She’s always had a penchant for seeing brand new technology. “Wow you have an iPod!”

He looks up, relieved that Ellen has paused her crying. “Yeah, listen. What’s your name?”

“Ellen”

“Ellen. Okay. I’m Bowser. Listen, I can pay for your.....what is it?”

“1987 Toyota Townace,” she says matter-of-factly.

“Right...Anyways I can pay for that and have it fixed up for you but I have a feeling that thing was already on its last leg so why don’t I just take it off your hands, have my insurance pay you out and you get yourself a normal poor student car, like a Corolla or something of the sort.”

Bowser’s proposal is anyone else’s blessing. She’s heard horror stories of people who hit and run or hit and have no insurance. But still, she turns to look at the car. June thought it had character and she was right. It did. Never one to be flashy, Ellen really only cared about getting to places. The car was still a gift from Grandpa Easton and in many ways, it represented her. Janky but with character. 

She looked up to the sky. What would Jesus do? Was the Townace really a want or a need? As the sun finishes setting, and twilight enters Ellen realizes much like many of her other desires, that those aren’t really wants, and she must do what she has to do.

“I accept your offer, Mr. Bowser.”

ii. Blair

She hates Sterling for what she did, but she misses her like a little kid....

Sterling is gone. She left Atlanta in a hurry, far before school started. She’d told her parents it’s because she wanted a head start on getting to know people, getting acclimated and such. Which is really straight bullshit because Blair knows that the real reason Sterling ran away to the Bay early is because she managed to piss off everyone who loves her.

It was the surprise of the century. Sterling had everyone fooled. Their parents, Bowser...April. You see the original plan pleased everyone. Sterling got into Duke, Blair got into Chapel Hill, and April was farther away at Penn but not excruciatingly far which allowed for them to schedule out weekends together. “Todo mundo happy, everyone contento.” At least that’s the stupid happy-go lucky phrase their Spanish teacher taught them. 

But it wasn’t a week before graduation that Sterling called everyone together and let the news slip. She never actually accepted Duke. Instead Sterling had applied to UC Berkeley, got in and had accepted. The living room was silent for a good solid minute. And then all hell broke loose. April simply stood up and left. Her parents shook their heads disappointedly (disappointed that Sterling had lied. They would always be supportive of whatever academic endeavors they chose to follow). And Blair, well she was just silent.

It wasn’t till the last day before school that she overheard the massive argument Sterling and April had. 

“You’re -fucking- selfish!” April half-yelled, half-gritted. 

“I’m selfish! You’re the one who had us in the closet all this time. I’ve always followed my heart and living in the West Coast is going to finally allow me be free from all the repression that his backwater community and you brought upon me.”

Blair pops in her headphones knowing shit is about to hit the fan but later when Sterling is crying under the covers, Blair stops having pity.

“She’s right you know?”

Sterling pokes her head out, her eyes bloodshot and weary. “You too?”

“It is selfish, Sterl. I always thought it was going to be me and you. But now you’ve made your choice.” Blair hates her words but they just seem like the right ones.

“You don’t understand,” her sister gasps softly tears streaming down her cheeks, “You and April won’t ever understand. I have to do this for me.”

Blair can’t help but agree. “Yeah I guess we don’t.”

Graduation comes and goes, and everything just feels to bittersweet. Sterling leaves three days after. She hugs her before entering the terminal and stares sadly when she doesn’t hug her back. In all honestly, Blair is still shocked. Still betrayed. 

And now a shy three weeks later she sits in Yogurtopia still feeling the same but now worse because Sterling is not here and despite everything. Her soulmate is gone. Her better half. Her sister. She sighs and her shoulders slump as she cleans the fudge pump, hoping that once again Sterling’s annoyed smack could be heard. 

Instead the door chimes ring bringing in a new customer. And lo and behold, her partner in sorrow walks in. In any other world, Blair would revel in seeing April grovel in pain at the hands of Sterling but seeing as in they were both in the same boat she actually felt bad. 

April looked worse than when her dad went to prison again in the beginning of Senior year. Her hair was all frizzy and it showed that clearly this summer’s heat was going to be the last thing she would care about. Deep dark circles appeared below her glossy eyes signifying that sleep escaped her. And Blair got a whiff of her. She for sure had no showered. 

“Hi Blair.”

“April...how can-“

Interrupting desperately. “Have you spoken to your sister?” 

Blair shakes her head. “No. She’s being a bitch so I won’t be reaching out to her.”

“That she is.” They stare at each other uncomfortably because now that the one person who brought them together is not here there really isn’t much else to say to each other. Tragic, really.

Blair decides to break the tension extending a froyo cup the other girl’s way. “Here have some heartbreak froyo on me.”

Like a scared critter grabbing some food from a stranger’s hand, April approaches Blair softly. But when her hand grabs the container tears pool around her tired eyes. “I miss her so much Blair.”

Blair’s not going to cry. Not for Sterling, and while it’s true that she also misses her she won’t lose her dignity over it. She simply nods listening to the other desperate being standing across from her. 

“Blair, Sterling is it for me,” April whimpers. 

“I know.” It’s all she can really offer. 

April zombie walks away to fill her froyo cup and sits in a corner when Bowser walks in. Blair herself had gone back to cleaning the fudge pump. She could feel his gaze on both of them. Blair swore if he asked them about Sterling too she would walk out. 

“Ladies,” he says loudly, startling her. She looks up at him questioningly. Across the room, April looks up too. “Come into my office.”

“Me?” April points to herself. 

“I don’t see any other lady I could be referring to right?”

Bowser let’s them settle into his office couch when suddenly rips at ‘em.

“Let me give you two a life lesson. When someone parts from your life, you don’t sulk. You gotta pick yourself back up again and stand straight even if your heart is torn to pieces. You wanna know why? Because you’re here beating yourself over someone who made a choice and is off living without remorse. So S-T-O-P Sulking!”

April drops her head ashamedly. What a chump, Blair thinks but also how dare Bowser categorize them together. At least she showers.

“Bowser I’m not sulking-“

“You’re fucking sulking Blair. You sulk differently from this one but you’re sulking.” 

Blair crosses her arms and sits back letting herself drown into the couch. She supposed that perhaps she is sulking. At home she rarely says anything. Sometimes her mind takes her into this deep wormhole where she tries to explain why Sterling has made the choice she made and it only brings Blair suffering. Maybe, she thinks, it’s Sterling’s way of sticking it back to her parents because they lied for so long? Maybe Sterling’s gone because she knows Blair is not really her twin or her sister for that matter, and she doesn’t care. Blair’s goosebumps activate when she remembers the latter.

“Sterling made her choice. So now the ball is in your court: you either accept or her choice or deny it and let go. Now, the choice doesn’t have to be made at this minute. Let it simmer a bit but stay occupied. That’s why this summer I’ve decided to hire you both as my bounty hunters for a summer edition of teenage bounty hunting.” His hands open up with the proposal.

Blair turns to meet April’s widened eyes. Ugh, will she even last under her state? Her disdain seems to carry through to her face because Bowser continues.

“I know I lost my best gunslinger but Blair you know we don’t use guns to catch skips. In fact, I think Stevens’ dramatic flair and intelligence can help us capture the skips without causing much ruckus. Think of it as 007 and not Terminator.”

He has a point. Blair nods in agreeable. “Okay.”

“Okay!” A sense of accomplishment literally puffs Bowser’s chest and Blair wants to roll her eyes but instead turns to the other girl who hasn’t responded.

I mean, it’s not like she has a choice at this point and Blair knows she has nothing to do at home.

“Alright, great.” Bowser smiles also not caring for April’s consent either. “Blair, I’m letting you go early but take Stinky over here to wash up and start teaching her everything you know.”

Blair catches the other girl sniffing herself and cringing. Maybe Bowser’s pep talk and plan does pull em through for the summer. 

Having realized that her shift truly is over she pulls out of her Yogurtopia apron and hat, motions Stevens out the back door and out into the backlot. 

Blair stops suddenly though, making April crash into her when the door slams behind them. In front of her, stands a beat up, broken down mini-van? Is it a mini-van? It’s weirdly shaped like a box but she supposes that maybe at its original time the concept of shape fluidity didn’t exist. 

While the dismantled vehicle presents numerous questions in her head it also brings about an influx of ideas, imagination, and creativity. Sometimes Blair astounds herself. 

She turns around.

“Blair what-“ she pushes April to the side and starts slamming her hand down roughly on the one-sided locked back door.

“Bowser! Bowser! Open up, I have a question.” Suddenly the door opens revealing a disgruntled Bowser.

“Why can’t you go around?”

She shakes her head and points at the car. “What is that? And has it been there this whole time?”

“It’s a 1987 Toyota Townace and yes it’s been there this whole time.” His hands settle on his hips.

“A Toyota,” her nose crinkles. If she had to buy a Japanese brand she’d take a Nissan over a Toyota but none the matter.

“Can I have it?” 

Bowser’s eyes widen. “Umm, you gotta pay me?”

“Pay you?! What the fuck? No you just have it sitting there like trash. Come onnnnn. Please Bowser.”

He crosses his arms attempting to intimidate her but she crosses her own knowing damn well she’s going to win this showdown. 

“Fine.”

“Yes! Come on Stevens, let’s go. I have another project for us.”

Operation: Oregon Trail is simple. 

Step 1: Build one of those Tik-Tok inspired #vanlife vans from the Toyota during the summer 

Step 2: Go to school

Step 3: Come back to Atlanta and drive to UC Berkeley during Winter Break

Step 4: Beg for forgiveness

Step 5: Drive back home for the holidays with Sterling in tow

By Week 3, her and April were busy working on the van in the day and bounty hunting at night. 

“Can you pass me the caulk?” April mutters by the corner she’s working on. 

Blair smirks, “This cock?” She stands, the caulk gun positioned at her crotch swinging it in her hands in April’s direction.

Catching the joke much too late, April deadpans and rolls her eyes. “Give me that!”

Blair chuckles but never accounts for what she sees next.

“Besides,” April grips the edge of the rod and places it near her crotch while her other hand rubs up and down the tube of caulk, the liquid oozing out from the tip, “my cock is way bigger than yours.”

It’s only until they’re both literally rolling on the floor of the van laughing that Blair knows, this summer is definitely going to be a contender for her Top 5 Best Summers Ever list.

iii. April

Her fingers have frostbite as she pumps gas on the Ace. By the end of the summer, both Blair and her’s ass kicking in bounty hunting had paid off and they used the money to invest in the best for the Ace. The van was now equipped with new 4x4 locking hubs, a new oxygen sensor, a new alternator, new brake pads, new tires, a new battery, and a brand new Queen bed. 

The feeling of accomplishment dwindles though when she goes to school. Penn wasn’t her first or her second choice. But it was an Ivy League and one far enough away that she can start being herself without anyone judging her. April has been waiting her whole life to come out of the closet and she does, at least to her mother and she pens a letter to her father in federal prison. That’s not really the problem though.

The problem is that the minute she steps on campus she realizes she’s no longer the main character in her movie. There’s 40,000+ students and everyone moves in and out of classes, student organizations, and greek houses. It’s overwhelming to say the least. She signs up to be in the LGBTQ+ student org, but even attending the first meeting she has trouble settling in. Everyone is so….out, that at the end of the meeting she feels like her parents at the country club: bitchy and judge-y. 

Don’t get her wrong, April does manage to make friends at school. There’s Erin and Jen who are in her Feminist Literature class, and Alwyn, a cute gay freshman who she discovered sitting in the back at the next LGBTQ+ meeting like a deer in headlights. But none of them fill the emptiness she feels. The truth is that she knows that most of the feelings she’s feeling can only be quelled by Sterling Wesley.

April is nervous, and understandingly so, that when she finally makes it to Berkeley, Sterling will have already moved on. “I mean yeah she’s probably dating,” Blair says over the phone one night during their weekly check-ins. Blair has been a breath of fresh air during her stay here. They meet twice during their first semester. The first she travels down to North Carolina for a weekend and Blair gives her the “slutty tour” of Chapel Hill. It’s fun because they both get shitfaced but April regrets it when she has to stop three times on the side of the road to throw up as she drives back. 

The second time, Blair meets up with her at Penn for Thanksgiving. They actually have a nice formal dinner and Blair brings a paper map to plot out their route for December. 

“I finally called her,” Blair confesses.

“You did?”

“Yeah. She’s doing okay. She said she was actually really glad to have heard from me. I told her not to buy a ticket home.”

April really wants to ask her if Sterling mentioned her but she decides against it. It would damper Blair’s emotions at the moment and April was at a place where she really valued Blair as a person.

By the time December comes around she’s actually excited to go back home. She just hoped that home wasn’t as cold as Penn. It was.

“Fuckin global warming,” she mutters. Curse words seemed more common now in her language since moving out but also, let’s be honest, it’s all Blair.

“April! Is that you?” She jumps at the shrill voice behind her. 

Turning around she fines herself face to face with none other than…… “Ellen!” 

The woman throws herself and envelops April in a big hug. The old April never used to be one for physical touch but again after the Wesleys, all that had changed.

“Oh my goodness. You are now a college woman. Look at you. How’s Penn State?”

Part of her wants to unleash everything she’s been feeling these past few months but then again its Ellen. She foregoes it because she knows even Ellen won’t have the right answers. “It’s good. Everything is good, I have friends. I’m doing very well in my classes.”

“I bet, you always were a star -“ Ellen looks behind her at the Ace, “pupil.” The lithe woman takes a step back looking at the van in its totality. “Is this a 1987 Toyota Townace?” The wonder in her voice does not escape April.

“It is. Me and Blair actually flipped it before we left to school.” 

Ellen’s eyes gloss over. She’s no longer there, April thinks, she’s transported herself to another place, perhaps another time. It happens to Ellen all the time, and April always wonders where in fact it is that she goes to. “Ellen?”

The blonde woman snaps out of it. “Oh sorry, I got lost there a bit. You know, I used to have a car just like this when I was a student at Willingham.”

“Oh wow, really?”

“Yes and she was a beaut! Of course, the other students didn’t think so but I thought she had character.”

April nods in understanding. “Well me and Blair are loading her up to drive to Berkeley and pick Sterling up.”

“Oh,” Ellen gushes, “that’s absolutely wonderful. I am so glad that you and Sterling were able to come together and work your differences aside, because I know what you two have is special.”

Now it’s April’s turn to transport herself. To a time when Sterling was just some girl she was trying to beat in her overachiever conquest, and then to a time when the Georgia sun settled on her blonde hair and her moist lips descended over hers during golden hour. “You were right this whole time. Ellen, I love Sterling Wesley, and I’m not sure if you agree or not but I just wanted to say thank you for pushing us in the right direction.” April does not regret her words but she is shocked at her own boldness of coming out to her high school mentor. Call it a spur of the moment.

Ellen’s eyes soften at her confession. “April, thank you for trusting me. I think I always knew but its great to here. I can’t really say that I judge y’all. I love you two far too much to do that. But…I can say that I know exactly how you feel. I actually used to have a -friendship- like yours and Sterling’s.” Ellen grabs her hands. “Oh, oh, her name was June whether you believe it or not.” They both chuckle at the coincidence. “Oh she was so great and so kind. An angel, my angel. But those were different times and we just…couldn’t.”

April knows being in the closet was hard but Sterling always reminded her that there were more people out in this country than ever before and it was true. She met so many other lesbians at school who lived amongst more supportive communities. She can’t imagine what life would be like without all these supports she now held for granted. 

“I’m so sorry, Ellen.” But it wasn’t too late, right? “Where is June now?”

Ellen dropped her hands. “Oh she…she’s gone with Our Lord. Right after college, she was diagnosed with cancer. I stayed with her the whole time through though.” A single tear rolled down her pristine cheek until she brushed it away with the back of her hand. April hugged her once again. “Oh don’t you fuss about me. I have a greater love that sustains me, the Lord’s love. And I love all of y’all and being of service. It’s my life’s passion from here till Jesus himself comes for me.”

June and Ellen sit with April throughout the trek. Not everyone gets their happy ever after. What if she and Sterling don’t get hers? Or worse, what if Sterling really has settled and moved on? How is she supposed to move on? April almost quits halfway through the trip when they camp out in Yellowstone (a side adventure they’d planned out). The stars were bright and twinkling above them, when her insecurities bubble through. 

“Blair, why did I come on this trip?”

They usually both stick to their edge of the bed. Something about *not being near the object of my sister’s desire because ew gross.*

“Because you’re so head over ass for my sister and you’re going to conquer her back.” Blair hasn’t turned around which is very typical of Blair considering she’s probably tired of hearing her gripe over they same bullshit all this time.

“I just...I don’t know. What if I go and she’s with someone?”

This time she does turn around to face her. “Okay first of all, I think she would have told me if she is like really seeing someone. And second of all,” Blair sits up a bit more and grasps one of her shoulders, “April love is for the brave. And if there’s something I’ve learned about you since I’ve known you is that you are not weak. You have massive big clit energy and when you really, really want something you make anyone your bitch until you get it. Love isn’t something that weak people do. Being in love takes a hell of a lot of hope.”

She let’s go of her shoulder and leans back into her pillow. “So shut up already and just waltz in their to get your woman.”

The rest of the trip is light and fun. There’s so much nature to explore across the country. It’s even more fun when along the way some flirty cops stop them and Blair fakes being her girlfriend to get them off their tail. She even throws in a signature lewd hand gesture right when they pull back into the highway. 

Berkeley is just 20 minutes away and the nerves jump back at an all-time high. 

“Do I look good?” she asks, checking herself out on the rear view mirror.

“No you look like shit.” Blair’s legs are up on the dashboard and she already told her like 50 times on this trip that that is dangerous but she doesn’t seem to care.

“Haha, I’m kidding. You look hot. Like lesbian hot, I guess. Not that you would be my type or anything. Just saying.”

April rolls her eyes and continues driving. It’s 9pm and she had freshened up her makeup and hair at the last stop knowing this would be their last push to the end. They’ve both been silent. It’s likely the Blair is just as nervous as her in seeing Sterling again and praying that shit doesn’t blow over again like it did last time. So many emotions, so little time to process them all. Compartmentalizations no longer working.

“April,” she can’t turn her head completely to look at Blair because her eyes are glued to the road but she motions her head that she’s listening. “I just want to tell you that no matter what happens right now. Me and you are friends. I think, like, almost best friends. I hope we can stay that way.”

She can’t help but turn to look at Blair because this is the first time she’s ever directed such honest need for her in April’s whole life.

April grips the steering wheel tightly. “Of course. This is surprising to me as much as it is to you but honestly, you saved me this year. This has been the best summer and adventure I have ever had.”

They both share watery smiles. “Okay, okay. Let’s pleaseee stop with the sappiness. Play some Eilish and Bridgers and let’s go get our girl!”

When April puts the van in park outside Sterling’s off-campus apartment she wishes the ground would open up and swallow her. But the minute April hears her infectious laugh and catches a glimpse of her from the side mirror, she gets her bearings. “Stevens always win,” she whispers to herself.

“I missed you, my other half,” Blair says.

Sterling’s crying. April can’t see her but she knows by the way her little hiccups come through when she murmurs, “I miss you too Blair-bear.”

When she walks over to them, Sterling’s back is to her and she makes sure to not interrupt their sisterly moment. Blair being Blair though has other plans. “Sterl, I also brought you a surprise.”

“A surprise?” Sterling says still not having seen her. It’s almost as if time itself has stopped and April notices all the tiny new things that make her fall harder for the girl in front of her. Her hair is longer and even in loungewear, April knows she’s been working out, if only because her ass looks tighter and firmer. 

April clears her throat and Sterling immediately turns. 

iv. Sterling

“April?” April is here. Blair she knows would come around, but April! The last time they were in front of each other they had been at each other’s throats, hurtful words had been shared, and tears had been shed. The only reason why they even took graduation pictures together was because Debbie harshly whispered into her ear that she would regret it the rest of her life, so she complied, even though they both look pissed in the pictures. 

So Sterling is perhaps a little shocked that she is here. And yet the butterflies in her stomach suddenly take flight and the crisp Bay Area air gets thinner making it harder and harder to breathe. 

“Hi,” April says breathily too. They keep staring at each other until Blair coughs. 

“We’re pooped Sterl. It’s been a long ass drive. Are you gonna take us up to your bachelorette pad?” She breaks off the staring contest she has with April and looks to her sister. 

“I um. I only have one bed but uh, you can have the sofa if you want April. Except its like a really tiny sofa, but I mean you’re tiny. But like not like that. I didn’t mean it-“

Blair butts in again, “Sterling, hey. I think we get it.”

Rose creeps up through her neck and cheeks, giving her a beautiful complexion despite the obvious California tan. “Oh ha ha, yeah. Ummm so I mean do you wanna come up...”

“I’m actually pretty tired and this van has a bed. I can sleep here.”

Her reactions are delayed by about 10 sec but she nods in agreement and turns to her sister stiffly. “Alright well let’s go Blair.”

It’s only until they are by the stairs that Blair snickers, “Welp that was awkward.”

Sterling holds her tongue till they’re both behind her door. Turning suddenly to Blair, “What is April doing here?”

“You mean, April, my best friend.”

“Yes,” she seethes. “I know she’s your best friend, she’s practically in all your Instagram stories.”

Blair ponders for a second, “Hmmm I didn’t know you were so invested in my Instagram feed.”

Now that’s just silly of Blair to think. “Of course, you’re my sister.”

“Oh really, because it didn’t seem that way when you left.”

Sterling looks at her forlornly. She knows Blair didn’t come all this way to fight with her but Sterling thought she could get away with not hearing about this. “Blair, come on. You know why I did it?”

Blair crosses her arms, looking around her apartment. Thankfully her other two roommates had already left home for the holidays. “To live in a small, shitty California apartment all for the sake of your sexual liberation.”

“Yes.”

“I just wish you would have trusted me with that. I wish you would have trusted our parents and April. All of us.” Blair grabs her by her shoulders. “Did you forget we are your biggest fans? Sure we would have griped and groaned but, me…..Me, Sterling, I wouldn’t have cared, I would have supported you 100 percent.”

Sterling saw and felt the pain her sister held. “I think I know that now but at the time I was scared. I was scared that the minute one of you tried to stop me I’d cave in and not follow my heart. And so I removed myself the opportunity. Because I love you and if you would have told me to stay, I would have but then I wouldn’t be happy thinking about the what-if and blaming you for it.” 

They’re both crying now, knowing that the pain they had caused themselves was unnecessary. No one was to blame, but fear itself was. “I’m sorry I was a bitch to you,” Blair whispered into her shoulder.

Sterling kisses her cheeks. “And I’m sorry I ran away. I promise this is the last time I keep something from you and I promise to be honest from now on. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The clock in her room strikes 2am but sleep is nowhere near her. Having Blair here in her room brings a comfort unlike any she’s felt since she got here. Berkeley, the Bay, and California in general have been so good to her. The people and the ambiance is everything Sterling imagined it to be and more. The only thing its missing is her family, her people. Sometimes she’ll sit and crack a joke knowing Blair can keep the gag going but it falls short to roommates. Sometimes she’s running low on energy and wants to quit schoolwork all together and imagines April scolding her but kissing her ear motivating her to finish so she’ll get the reward at the end. Sometimes she wishes Debbie and Anderson were nearby so they can tuck her in goodnight. It’s hard to want everything and not being able to have it all. She makes amends with what she has and currently having Blair here is everything.

“Dude so then April is yapping it up with the skip, giving a really good New York accent might I add. The girl deserves an Oscar, when Blam! I hit em from the back and down he goes. Poor guy never saw it coming. And that was a solid 2k we used to buy the tires and the alternator for the Ace.” What is surprising though is hearing April’s name fall out of Blair’s mouth so nonchalantly.

“So April is like your new best friend?” She asks timidly.

“I suppose yeah. Stevens is cool. She’s like super resourceful and like really good at mechanics AND she also comes up with all these nasty jokes. I would have never thought she was that cool,” Blair gushes.

Sterling tries to answer but silence follows and Blair speaks up again, “Are you like jealous? Because you shouldn’t. I don’t roll that way.”

“No,” Sterling confirms, “I know you don’t. It’s just surprising is all. Usually I was the one who would tell you every new thing I learned about her and now it’s like she’s some stranger you’re sharing to me about.”

Blair flops on to her belly and grabs the pillow to prop it under her chin. “Look can I just say something, Sterl. April came here all this way to apologize and try to make it right because she truly, deeply loves you. You might think I am biased as her new best friend, and you’re right. I totally am. But look, I know, she said some pretty shitty stuff last time but its Stevens we know she has like 50 mental defense mechanisms that are toxic but she’s grown a lot and she’s really trying. You two are totally different but I think that’s why you work so perfectly. Sterling, you can love anyone you want at the end of the day and as long as they don’t hurt you, I’ll support you but April is really good for you. So just think about it okay. Let her do the work and try to convince you.” Blair waits for her response.

“Okay.”

“Okay,” Blair smiles mischievously. “Great. Now I can finally go to sleep.”

“Uhuh, are you sure you didn’t want to throw in some pervy joke?” 

Blair snickers and wiggles her eyebrows, “Nah I’ll let April tell you all the ones she knows.”

The next morning, Sterling wakes up at 9:00am. It’s so late that it’s likely that Blair and April are probably already up. She reaches the tap the bed beside her and finds it empty, confirming her suspicions. 

“Blair?” She says into the living room. There’s a small circular dining table on the corner with a bright neon pink sticky note that wasn’t there the night before.

Sterl

I was serious about last night. Give April a chance.

She doesn’t know I had booked a flight back to Atlanta. 

Drive back with her. I’ll see y’all soon.

Xoxo gossip girl LOL ;)

Suddenly there’s knocking at her door. “Sterling, its me April,” there’s an urgency in her voice and its probably because she’s panicking too. When she opens up the door she finds a frantic April, “I swear I didn’t know she was going to do that. I can’t believe Blair fucking did that. Ugh I should have seen it coming.”

“It’s okay, really, come in.” She moves aside to let April in and Sterling gulps loudly which she regrets immediately right after. She is really super close to embarrassing herself in front of April.

The bane of her existence/object of her affection moves around capturing everything at once. She can tell when she’s making observations, profiling her and storing it away in her mental back pocket. Its annoying, but also extremely sexy. Eventually April’s gaze turns to her, and the scrutiny continues but its much softer. Like her gaze is capturing a mental picture of her.

April is still as adorable and beautiful as she last left her. She wears leggings that show absolutely every hard muscle and a cropped hoodie that shows her hard rock abs. “I saw Starbucks down the street so I brought you a Flat White.” And that right there is the kicker. If she wasn’t wet before just looking at the small woman before her, now she definitely is because the past six months she’s been forced to drink only cold brews with cold foam. Or drip espresso. Ugh.

“Thanks. I should go get dressed and finish packing, so we can go,” she murmurs. She hates that the air is heavy with their awkwardness. She turns to go into her room when suddenly April grips her arm.

“Sterling wait,” April’s hand loosens up instinctively, she would never hurt her, “I think I know why Blair left. She’s giving me a chance. A chance to have the space to apologize and be honest with you.” She sets both Starbucks cups down and pulls out a piece of paper with her perfect handwriting, with red edit notes and scribbles that Sterling can absolutely giggle about. “I wrote this note saying how I felt but its much to drab for my taste. Not when I can try to tell you with my mouth and with my words.”

April stands straight and takes a step toward her. “Sterling Wesley, I am here, having travelled and waited for so long because I would like to apologize to you about the things I said when we last spoke. I was hurt at the moment. I felt betrayed and used, but you were right to feel closeted by my inaction in having us move out of that closet. I’m sorry I wasn’t more supportive of your decision at the time. It’s one of my greatest regrets. Bowser and Blair both tried to nudge me to move on but it was so hard. My heart just kept coming back to you.”

She pauses her look narrowed more determined. “I love you. I know that now and yet I’ve always known the minute you kissed me at Ellen’s office that day. I haven’t been as brave as I could be but I’m here now. I love you and I want us to work and im here to beg you to forgive me because I’ve been living like a lost woman all summer and fall without you.” 

There’s no question asked but it lingers heavy in the air. It’s by far the most beautiful, unorganized thought that has come from April Stevens mouth. She licks her lips to relieve the onslaught of cottonmouth she suddenly feels. She follows her sister’s advise. “Convince me.”

Oh how the tables have turned. When the shorter girl looks at her dumbfounded, Sterling takes a step further standing in her personal space. “Convince me we can do this.”

April stares at her bare shoulder since she’s wearing tank top. Her longer hair is half up and half down, tickling her back but not as intense the goosebumps that settle on her skin by being able to hear April’s shaky breath. 

“Okay. You were upset that I was still closeted but right before I left to Penn I came out to both my mom and my dad.”

Oh my god, April came out to her parents. If she could have thrown herself at her she would have, but Sterling wanted to remain firm. “That’s great but we are at opposite ends of this country.”

April crosses her hands and licks her lips thinking. “Yes well, there is an app called FaceTime which works wonders for situations like these. Also, John left numerous amount of frequent flyer miles I can use throughout the year to come visit. We can schedule it together.”

There’s really not much more to debate about it. April flashes her a smirk because she knows she won. Or so she thinks. “What if I’m already seeing someone?”

April stops breathing and Sterling’s gaze challenges her. “Well…I suppose there’s only two ways to go about this. One, I can buy you you’re ticket to Atlanta and you won’t ever have to see me again. Or two I could convince you in other ways.” This intrigues her. “Other ways?”

“Yeah.” April steps forward again, her head lifting up, their lips so close. “Convince you that I’m way better. It just requires that we both take our clothes off.”

“Oh then I definitely choose this option better.” And she seals the deal.

It isn’t till the next day as they lay half naked in the back of the Ace after another round of lovemaking. It’s the last night they have to sleep in the van before they drive into Atlanta. The Ace is just outside   Ozark, Arkansas is where they decided to settle after their small detour in Branson. Blair and April originally had measure to route two paths, a northern one on the way into Berkeley and a southern one on the way into Atlanta, so all the sites on this trip were as new to April as they were to Sterling.

The sun finished setting, and the cold winter weather seeped in. Sterling feels sated and loved and relaxed. She’s about to let sleep wash over her when she hears April fumble next to her. She pops open and eye only to find the other girl struggling to put on her pajama pants whilst staring at her ass.

Her face reddens when she notices she’s been caught. “Are you just going to sleep with your ass out and the doors open?”

She props herself on her elbows looking back at the question at hand. “Yeah why not?”

April crinkles her nose. “There could be serial backwater lake rapists. I’m at least closing the doors. Plus it’s cold.”

She hums accepting that last bit. But settles her head on the pillow again. “Besides my ass looks really good,” she pulls out her gun from the compartment next to her, “And I have my glock locked and loaded right here.”

It’s funny to see April horny but Sterling lives for it. “That’s really hot,” April whispers probably hoping Jesus doesn’t hear her statement.

“I know it is,” she smirks back. 

It’s only until April snuggles next to her that Sterling really starts counting her blessings. She didn’t need much convincing after leaving Berkeley. She’d dated around the first semester but everyone seemed to superficial or too careless or not firm enough or too tall. It’s the height that really confirmed that she missed April terribly so. But the words that had been exchanged had been too harsh and in the April/Sterling playbook, April always won verbal debates. There seemed to be no remedy because in Sterling’s mind the ball had always been in April’s court. 

It’s funny just a few days ago she confided in Blair that April seemed like a distant stranger but now Sterling knows it took them less than a day to get reacquainted with each other. And now, well now it seems like they never split.

“Sterl, Top 5 moments on this road trip,” April murmurs against her bare shoulder.

There was so many:

LA was largely overrated but it was fun to drive along PCH with their hair out.

Then they snapped obnoxiously cute pics with the Cabazon Dinosaurs and the Joshua trees

They saw all the weird Alien museums in Roswell 

The cowboy drag show in Amarillo

The Dolly cabaret in Branson

“Hmmm I think my top 5, is 5. Singing to all of Taylor’s top hits down PCH while scarfing down our In-N-Out.”

April smiles, “Yeah classic.”

“4. Would have to be the Jesus Mountain out in the desert.”

“Oh yes. I had forgotten about that.”

Sterling laughed remembering the crazy amount of sex they’d have right after leaving Salvation Mountain.

“3. The drag cowboys.”

April snickers next to her, “I think I liked more the lap dance you gave me there.”

“Oh of course, that’s totally why it’s up there. 2. Would have to be all the mind-blowing sex we are having.”

The other girl nods. “Yes agree, yup.”

And Sterling pauses before announcing one, deciding to intertwine their fingers together. “1. Is you coming back to me.” She pulls her hand up to her lips to press a light kiss on it. 

Beside her April lightly exhales fast asleep. She’d roll her eyes at having exerted such a romantic moment for nothing. Sterling knows though there is a conviction in her heart. A truth that stands firm now and that will continue to be even after April wakes her up again in the morning. Sterling is going to love her for a very, very long time. 

[pastellhunny]

•Under The Red Sky•

Chapter 2. Arrangements

About and hour and a half had past since Alastor handed out the phone books. Charlie called many somewhat suitable places to host a dance but everyone she called declined and mocked her over the phone. At some point Alastors nerves were tested by this disrespect. He found it annoying that no one gave her a chance but then again he didn't really believe her either. All he was there for was a good time, something to soothe his boredom and maybe something extra only if it turns out demons can be rehabilitated. Alastor was snapped out of his thoughts when Husk piped up over at the bar.

"Ugh why are we even doing this no one cares about a stupid dance unless theirs drugs, alcohol or money involved." Husk grumbled.

Just then Nifty jumped up from where she was sitting and smacked Husk lightly. "STOP It! that's not the spirit besides i know someone we can call."

Charlie's attention was definitely grabbed by this, "Who is it?"

"Well she's a friend of Alastors they're quite close so i think she'll be able to hook us up huh Ally!" Nifty rejoiced as she jumped up and down and zoomed around Alastor.

Als smile stretch as he tried to hold back laughter. "Pffft... HAHAHAhah that's a good one you little devil you, there's no way in hell-

"Uhhuh, uhuh, uhhh oh okay so in three days you'll have a place for us? Great! Alastor sends his regards. Thank you!" Charlie ended the call as quickly as Nifty cut Alastor off. "So in three days she'll have a room open for us to host the dance."

"Wha-but wait how- did you- well that's perplexing." Alastor thought to himself, Rosie would never let the princess anywhere near her business. Why in the world would she ever say yes?

"I can't believe you knew someone and you didn't tell me?" Charlie asked as she crossed her arms and he expression turned sad for a moment.

A radio crack came through not before Al shook his head, "No no my dear Rosie can be tough to negotiate with she's not one to accept an offer from such a.. um well undesirable place such as this hotel."

Charlie openeded her mouth to say something but Angel got to it first, "So this means we're gonna need beverages right? WELL i'm off to get alcohol byeee!!!" Angel blurted out as he got up and sped out the door.

"HEY ANGEL NO ALCOHOL YOu idiot!!" Vaggie sighed as she muttered that she'll get him and with that she ran out the door after Angel.

"Ugh" Charlie grumbled as she pinched the space between her eyes just above her nose. "Okay well i guess i'll find a way to get the snacks an-"

"Oh no no no dear that won't be necessary, i'm sure i can find a way to get us something up to Rosies taste." Al said as he pondered how he could get something for the party without needlessly paying for it.

"Wait are you sure i can help you out i am the one hosting the party." Charlie offered with a smug smile.

"Ah i think you mean co hosting i am your business partner after all. No but it won't be needed my darling you can go off and tend to other needs while i take care of it." Al noticed her face soften it made a little radio static crackle through as his smile widened. "Anyways i'll see what i can do my dear." He said as he spun to the door.

Charlie smiled fondly as she watched him exit the hotel. It was confusing why he wanted to help but she deeply appreciated the little things he did just for the hotel and supposedly for his entertainment. She shook her head, "I might as well pick something out to wear."

Vaggie went running down the sidewalk after Angel, "Hey shitlord stop for a goddamn second!"

"Oh so you did follow me then huh?" Angel said as he turned around and stopped with a big smile on his face.

"Yeah ofcourse i- wait did you run out just to get me to follow you?" Vaggie asked out of breath as she caught up to him.

"Well yes and no i did wanna go and gets some booze ya know for ma own purposes but i wanted to talk to you about something." Angel continued as they walked down the street towards the liquor store.

"And what's that." Vaggie said while crossing her arms thinking he was about to make a sex joke or something.

"What do you think similes' game is at the hotel?" He asked with a genuine face of somewhat concern.

Vaggie was surprised by this her eyes widened, she didn't think anyone was suspicious of him other than her. "Honestly i don't know, it could be anything. To tarnash the hotel, to make fun of us, or maybe something even worse."

"What could he do if this whole uh rehabilitation thing were true- well um i mean since it is true." Angel stuttered watching what he said to not upset Vaggie.

Vaggie furrowed her brow in annoyance, "An overlord is hard to read especially the radio demon himself is a whole other story. I know for one thing there's no way he could just be here because he's bored." She said as she bent her fingers into air quotes.

"Idk this place gives me a laugh sometimes! HA" Angel laughed as Vaggie punched him hard in the arm.

Back at the hotel Charlie was deciding what she was gonna wear and what the theme should be. Obviously she decided for it to be Classy since Rosie is an overlord and they tend to have pretty high standards. A tux might be too casual for her since she wears one everyday pretty much, a dress would probably empress and give her a little bit more respect if she can turn heads for a good reason.

Charlie reached into the back of her closet for the dress she wore for her family portrait about a 100 or so years ago. Upon pulling it out a little bit of dust smoked off of it so she patted it down all while coughing. "This should do!" Charlie said with a smile as she went to go change into it.

Once Alastor was out the door he used his shadow ability to pretty much teleport himself directly to Rosies emporium recently was Franklin and Rosie but shamefully the cleansing took Franklin with many other sinful demons. Rosies business is more of like a fashion business her entire building is like one big store with the exception of a ware house with a run way to promote her new designs and outfits she has to sell. Rosie was a type of demon that loves luxury. Her soothing voice with a devilish white sharp smile and sense of fashion says it all.

Alastor teleported to Rosies room within the building. Rosie seemed to have expected him as she was sitting in a velvet chair in the corner of the room with a large smile present on her face. The lights were off which made the void that was her eyes seem even more absent.

"So my dear Rosie why did you accept the damsels cry?" Alastor asked as he spun his radio staff and tapped it on the ground. "Not up to anything devious now are we?" He said truly curious as to why she'd let anyone she didn't know near her business.

"What me oh no no that couldn't ever be me, i just want the publicity. Business honey that's all i need from this." Rosie laughed as she stood and gazed out her window towards the hotel across town. "I mean i have a front row seat, isn't that what you're doing there sugar." Rosie questioned with a smug face.

A crackle sifted through the air as Alastor spoke, "Perhaps my dear but this endeavor has turned out to be quite fun on the contrary, why i've never had this many laughs just watching the sad sap of a hotel crumble." An audio track laugh played behind his voice as he spoke but speaking badly upon charlie's hotel for someone reason made him feel uncomfortable.

Rosie chuckled, "No no i mean what do you really want, i know you Alastor and you never do anything without a reason or" she paused, "for mere boredom Ha." She turned from the window to face him, her shadow casting on his face as she stepped closer to him. "I know you already have a devilish plan brewing inside that head of yours."

Alastor stared at her with his wide smile, "Well if you so much desire to know i suppose i'll tell you."

Rosie leaned forward eager to hear what he was going to dish out.

"Only after the party just to make sure you'll stick to your word Rosie dear." Alastor mused as his crooked smile grew. Rosie laughed in response to this.

"You always were one to see a deal through. Oh and did that princess make a deal with you yet?" Rosie asked as Alastor went to turn around.

"No i'm afraid she's a lot smarter than i thought she's impressed me what can i say Rosie." Al smiled at the thought of how happy Charlie will be to host the party. A charming demon belle she is. "Anyways i best be on my way now i promised Charlie that i'd find a way to get her food for the party and-"

"Oh don't worry sugar i'll have it catered just for you and it'll be up to my taste." Rosie said with a little smirk upon her face as she laughed at the idea of non expensive foods being at the dance. "Consider this as you owe me one, fair enough Ally?"

Alastor furrowed his brow in annoyance he hated her little nickname she gave him Al was far better in his opinion. "Hmm lets make it a deal then." Al said as he leaned forward and extended his arm out to Rosie the green glow illuminating the room and wind seemingly gushing from its illumination. "And don't call me Ally, please." he said with a wide grin.

Rosie smiled softly as she took his hand and gently shook it. The green glow disappeared upon the shake a spark of green electricity swirled and then dissipated into thin air. "Pleasure doing business with you."

"The pleasures mine now if you'll excuse me the misses are expecting me." Al joked but Rosie didn't laugh she just smiled a knowing smile as he teleported back to the hotels front door.

"Hmm he seems a bit off" Rosie thought as she watched him disappear.

Alastor returned back to the hotel in what seemed like minutes though he didn't turn up with anything which may be a surprise to Charlie. But thanks to his shadow he can pretty much cross all the corners of hell in a mere minute at his fastest. This is probably what made him such a good hunter, stealthy and fast just like when he was still among the living he was very cunning. Al rembered his living life for a moment before the thought of the princess creeped into his head. He shook his old memories away and went on his way looking for Charlie.

"Charlie? Oh charlie?!" Al shouted as he crossed the main area of the hotel. "Hmm where has she gone to?" He thought to himself as he made his way up the stairs.

At the hotel everyone has their own room even Alastor has a room. Charlie set it up since she considered him a patron since he did approach her first after all and she found him quite enjoyable to have around. However Al hasn't slept over night in that room once, he has his own place across town so he doesn't see the need. But still the thought is what mattered the most to him, a symbol of their friendship so far and her trust to let an overlord like him sleep over in the same building as her. It made him laugh how naive she was but how nice she was.. she gives anyone a chance. Al smiled fondly at this thought and stopped in his tracks, a little crackle bliped through him. A sigh escaped him as he used his shadow to teleport to the top floor, better to not exhaust any energy.

Charlie's room which was at the top of the hotel, had a balcony and the best view of hell from what he's seen from the outside of the hotel. Al creeped up to the door, it was slightly open, he was about ready to knock but something caught his eye. He peered through the small crack to see golden locks held together by barb wire and a flowy skirt flowed beneath the hair. Al was dead silent as he watched her turn to face the mirror in front of her, giving him a better view of what she looked like from the front. Her skirt had overall straps over her shoulders and begin just below her chest. She wore a white and decorative long sleeve blouse underneath the black skirt. Her legs being the most noticeable, peered out from under the skirt at about knee length. Al was mesmerized by this show of beauty, he had no idea the princess could look so elegant.

Alastors arm was suspended in time hovering just beside the door ready to knock but something kept him from doing so. As he watched the princess more he grew more and more entranced by her flowy movements as she spun and danced in front of the mirror. She looked so happy. Just then radio blips and cracks disrupted the silence the static was somewhat musical and loud. The interferance he can't really control he never understood them but simply they're just attached to his feelings. Something Al could never come to realize or understand on his own.

Charlie(POV) stood in front of her mirror happy with how her old outfit looked. She gave herself a little spin just to see her skirt frilly up and then fall back down. She was even impressed with herself and how she did on her hair, she perfectly recreated the look she made for her old family portrait. Suddenly chills ran up Charlie's spine as loud radio cracks and static came from the door to her room.

"Shit, shit, shit turn off dammit!" Al whispered to himself and fumbled with his staff trying to make the noise shut off. The static lessened and quieted down a little bit the princess already heard him for sure. Al sighed away all his embarrassment still bearing a smile as he knocked on the door. "Charlie, it's me you're business partner! I'm back from my trip my dear!"

There was a pause before the door opened slowly and out peered Charlie's head around the corner. He face covered in a blush and it wasn't just her naturally pink cheeks giving off that affect. "Um how long were you standing there?" She asked as she averted her eyes from him.

"I-" Al stood with his eyes wide open, normally invading privacy was one of his strong suits but for some reason he felt bad for watching her without Charlie knowing. So he did the only thing he could think of. He lied pretty much. "Oh no don't worry darling i just got here." He reassured her.

Her face cleared as she let out a relaxed sigh and opened the door fully to reveal her whole outfit up close. Alastor stared at her for what seemed like an eternity before she got nervous again and looked away.

Charlie brushed a little strand of blond hair out of her face as she spoke. "So um, Al you know Rosie the best is this something that might impress."

Al stood still, still in a daze before slowly opening his mouth to deliver what he had to say. "Oh no it won't impress Rosie hardly any, she's one of the top fashion demons out there, I mean the stuff she wears is top notch!"

To this the lights in charlie's eyes dimmed as her smile turned into a frown. A crackle of static was heard, with something different happening this time it.. hurt? It pained him to see her frown.

"Uh no my dear i.. No i-i didn't mean it like that i-" Al stuttered, he didn't know what to say he humbled his words trying to say something to make her frown go away.

Charlie looked up and met his gaze not before turning away and putting her hand on the door. "No it's okay Al i don't expect to impress such a high and mighty demon anyway. It was worth a shot i guess."

The door slowly moved to shut but Al stuck his foot in between the door and the wall stopping it from closing. "Wait Charlie."

Charlie's head lifted quickly to see Al with what looked like a look of concern told only by his eye brows since all he ever did was smile but even that too looked stressed.

"If i must add.. I think you look wonderful and absolutely stinky. For what it's worth you've impressed me my dear and besides you're never fully dressed without a smile." Al spoke softly as the words left his mouth. Charlie was shocked by the sound of his voice, no radio filtered over it, it was clear and smoothe. She looked up at him and slowly her smile grew before she decided to make a daring move. She held out her hand like she was pressing it up against a flat wall.

Al looked at her perplexed before she took his hand and placed it flat against hers and then wrapped her thumb around his hand and his around her hand. "I know you don't liked to be touched so i'll give you a hug this way."

Alastor was at a complete loss for words, his hand touching hers gave him a sick feeling to his stomach like his guts were about to crawl out of his skin. Her hand was so soft and smooth he almost didn't wanna let go, it was warm to the touch and comforting to say the least. His normal radio static was gone and instead a song from the thirty's filtered in and began to play. Al noticed right away and reluctantly swooped his hand away from hers consequently stopping the music with a what sounded like a record scratch.

Charlie noticed his sudden movement and gave him a free exit ticket fearing she over stepped. "Oh i'm so sorry, i um guess you should probably inform the others to dress classy for this event." She said with a soft yet nervous smile.

Al gratefully took this offer and waved her goodbye before exiting her room and pretty much instantly teleporting to his room at the hotel. The moment he got inside he sat on the velvet red bed, the room came with, with a flop. "What in the world just happened?" Al asked to himself outloud.

His little radio staff responded back to him only with the same song that Al cut off earlier. The thirties love song type of music.

"Oh please i don't need a dance party at the moment. I don't understand did she use some sort of demonic power on me back there or what?!" Al debated deeply, no way as far as he can tell he's much stronger than that charming demoness he'd be able to sense it.

His staff rolloed its single eye, "You know for and overlord you're quite oblivious! Hah" A laugh track crackled through, it's gonna take a lot for Al to figure it out.

⎯

part 1 part 3

[fortheloveoffanfic]

Lullaby

Keanu Reeves x Reader (Chapter Summary- The woes of family getaways and spontaneous vacations might be the key to finally bringing Y/n and Keanu together.) (A/n- The necklace mentioned, if anyone wants to see it.)

Chapter1   Chapter2  Chapter3

Chapter 4

Los Angeles  Family vacations. They were great, they brought siblings together, encouraged everyone out of their comfort zones and all in all, they could be pretty fun. But, they were also pretty hectic; there was always one person who was a bit despondent with the location, another who’d have to join everyone else a day later and finally, someone who was late despite promises for otherwise. That day, the one late person was Keanu, by no fault of his own. 

Okay, maybe some of it was his fault.

For the first time in a long time, he had slept way past the sounding of his alarm clock, jumping awake just as his racy dream slipped though the cracks of his subconscious. After that, Keanu had hurriedly scrambled out of bed, skidding into the walk-in shower and having the fastest shower of his life. Their flight was at seven am- it was quarter to six. Between the length of the ride to the airport and the time he’d have to spend going through security, Keanu would either have hurry up or miss his flight entirely. Hopefully he could do the latter.

With his hair still dripping wet and his skin barely toweled off, he pulled on a comfortable pair of jeans, the closest t-shirt and threw on a coat over his untidy ensemble. As Keanu grabbed his bags from the corner of the closet, he, or at least, he tried to, put his shoes on, nearly falling over. Within fifteen minutes, he was collecting his keys and wallet, and thankfully, before he had gotten dressed, Keanu had taken a couples minutes to call a car. 

Before his watch, which still hung by the band from his fingers could read 6:05 am, Keanu was locking the front door behind himself, activating the security system. The black SUV already sat patiently on the curb at the top of his driveway, the engine humming idly. When he got it, the driver wordlessly peeled away from the sidewalk, speeding up the street, eventually melding into the thin early morning traffic. 

Greece  When Y/n awoke, pressing up from the pillow, tangled in a thick duvet, it took a minute for her to register that she wasn’t at home, the persistent swaying of the boat a little confusing. Though, by the time she sat up, taking in the room, she quickly remembered her location.

The ultra modern, luxurious yacht, which had been on loan by her parents, had been anchored at an exclusive bay, bobbed gently in the water. Warmth filtered into the cabin from the large windows to her left and when Y/n quickly tapped a switch next to the headboard, a series of little bulbs embedded into the ceiling came on at their dimmest setting, the central light source; a sleek chandelier remaining off. 

The familiarity of the room was barely there, but Y/n had stayed in it before; huge and impressive, though not quite as luxurious as the master bedroom that her parents usually stayed in. Hints of navy blue and pale hardwood fixings complimented bright white in a welcoming mix of contemporary design and homey comfort. The cabin was one of two nestled on the top deck, with the other guest cabins being located on the second. 

The vessel was an unnecessarily large one, sporting eight bedrooms as well as a pool, a sizeable kitchen with a large living area and a dining room. And, though Y/n’s family rarely used, “The Heather“, affectionately named in honor of her mother, it was always staffed and ready for guests. The kitchen and bar was kept stocked and the facilities were kept running, presumably for impromptu vacations like the one Y/n was taking with her friends. 

Shaking off the covers, Y/n pulled on her silk robe over her loose, matching nightgown and headed to the ensuite bathroom. It was significantly smaller than the bedroom but its décor not lacking with cream marble floors and walls.

Lazily, Y/n went through her morning routine before joining her friends on the main deck for breakfast on the poolside. Jillian was the first one to greet her, standing from the set table, pulling Y/n into a short hug, “Loving this,” she winked at Y/n’s outfit; a white, chic, strapless, crochet maxi dress paired with braided sandals.

“Thank you!” When they released each other, Y/n reached for the French press and a delicate looking ceramic cup to pour herself a cup of coffee when Catharine quickly hurried over, switching out the empty tea cup for a mimosa with an orange slice wedged to the rim, “Isn’t it too early?” 

“It’s eleven am,” Catharine argued, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind her ear as she sipped her own drink, grey eyes hidden behind dark designer sunglasses, “And we’re on vacation.”

“And it’s like.....one am at home,” Mathew interjected from his seat at the table, “So really its.....”

“Still early,” Tracy rolled her eyes. There were seven of them, and she was the only one drinking coffee, but considering the fact that there was a bottle of whiskey hidden in the cluster of food and dishes laid out, it was probably spiked, “I didn’t realize you were still a dumbass Matt,” she joked dryly, taking a long sip of her coffee.

Mathew scoffed, stuttering uncomfortably; searching for a comeback, only managing, “Didn't realize that you were still a bitch Trace,”  he frowned and she just snickered.

“I’ve always been a bitch,” she smirked.

“Okay,” Jillian turned to Y/n setting down her slice if toast and taking Y/n’s fork from her hand, “While these two get sexy with the foreplay,” she teased sarcastically, receiving jeers of objection from them both, “We should go see the town.”

“Oh, I’ll go too,” Amanda agreed, excitedly followed by Catherine.

“Sounds fun!” Y/n determined.

It was his first actual day on vacation in Greece, Keanu and his family, despite being barely in time for the flight, had landed just as the sun had set on the previous day. They had slept in late, but the next morning, after breakfast at the hotel, he and his sister had decided to go into the small near by city to look around, though, they had ended up parting ways when she stopped at small boutique, informing him that they could meet back at the hotel

Keanu was strolling through a flea market that had dominated a side street, with booths selling everything from fun clothing items to handmade arts and crafts. The aroma of spices from inviting dishes wafted up and down the mile long street, tickling his senses. Surrounding vendors called out persuasively to potential patrons and sometimes Keanu would stop at an interesting booth, standing under the homemade tents as he picked out little trinkets. 

His eyes scanned the his surroundings, really only looking for possible buys, when he caught a glimpse of someone seemingly familiar. She looked ethereal in a white dress that went down to her ankles. Parts of her legs, the ones he had dreamt of touching, kissing, were visible through spaces between the delicate crocheted pattern. Her hair flowed in soft waves, stopping at her shoulders, highlights more noticeable in the sun. A pair of large sunglasses shrouded her identity, but Keanu thought he could recognize the confidence in her gait anywhere, because even if he had only seen it in person once, it had haunted his dreams every night since then.

At the sight of Y/n, Keanu stood frozen in his place in front of a booth that sold hand-woven baskets, debating his options. Should he call out to her? Approach Y/n and her friends or just pretend that a golden opportunity to speak to the woman who had dominated his sub-conscious for two months was something he could ignore?

Though he went to and fro with his options, Keanu didn’t really have a lot of time to think on the matter, make a hurried decision of even hide like a coward, for, the minute Y/n spotted him in the crowd, she whispered something to the ladies that had accompanied her and then they made their way over to him.

Maybe he shouldn’t have been staring.

“Keanu?” Y/n called as she and her friends drew nearer.

“Y/n,” he smiled despite himself. As she approached, Y/n pushed the sunglasses up a top her head, offering him a bright smile. Much to his surprise, she pulled him into a one armed hug, the other staying at her side, holding her handbag, “I haven’t seen you since-”

“The party, yeah,” she said, her hand lingering on his forearm as they broke. Their stance resembled that of old friends, and Keanu wondered if she’d still greet him with the same friendliness if she knew what crude actions followed the thought of her when he was in private. “What brings you to Greece?” She inquired politely, “Business or pleasure?”

“Pleasure,” and when he said it, her brows raised knowingly, her smile suggestive. Clearing his throat awkwardly, Keanu shook his head, his hands slipping into the pockets of his jeans, “Family vacation,” Y/n’s mouth morphed into an unsounded ‘oh’ and he nodded. “What about you?”

“Same, I guess. We’re having sort of a spontaneous getaway,” for a couple minutes, they just stood there; he didn’t know what to say and Y/n looked as if she’d prefer whatever she was thinking to be kept just between them. After a breathy, deflated sigh and a falter in her smile, Y/n was the one to speak up, “I guess I should let you get back to your family.”

Chuckling quietly, Keanu ran a hand through his wind tousled hair, “My sister and I actually split up a ways back. I’m flying solo for now.”

“Oh!” Y/n chortled, and barely thinking of her next words, she thoughtlessly suggested, “Why don’t you walk with us?”

Before Keanu could even process her offer, a blonde girl, who Keanu only noticed when she spoke, interjected hurriedly, “Or better yet, Y/n,” she put her hands on her friend’s shoulders, “Why don’t you two walk together? Since you have so much catching up to do.”

At that, Y/n turned back to her friends, wide eyed and tight lipped, “I....I thought we were shopping together. And what about-”

“Shhh,” another woman spoke, she was a little taller than the other three, hair dyed red and cut short in a stylish pixie cut. She could have been a model, or someone that Keanu should have recognized easily, but her face was hard to place, “Just go babe, we’ll see you back at the boat.”

“Are you sure?” Y/n glanced at the only other person Keanu recognized from the party, a young lady who he had mistaken for Y/n’s sister, though, a quick internet session had proved that they were actually cousins.

“Yes,” Jillian encouraged, “Go, just text us if you need anything. And take good care of her,” Jillian turned to Keanu, offering him a warning stare.

“Will do,” he chuckled, making a cross his heart motion over his chest.

After quick goodbyes and cheek pecks, they separated and Y/n and Keanu set out on wandering the street together, their hands hanging at their sides, her shoulder barely grazing his bicep. Neither of them spoke for a while, but when Y/n did, she didn’t seem as cheery as she was before. Her tone was softer and more inquiring, “So, what have you been up to?”

Keanu shrugged uneventfully, looking around, trying to not show the effect that her presence had on him, “Not a lot. Just work.”

“Filming?” She probed as she stopped at a ceramics booth, admiring a painted vase. Her hands were so small, barely able to go completely around the curved neck. Keanu wondered if her questions were building to a point, maybe to a bigger one where she’d confront him about not going to her house, or maybe she was just being polite. He couldn’t tell. 

“No,” he replied, short and brisk, only going into a bit more detail when they pulled away from the booth, the formally admired vase now Y/n’s, secured in a bag. “At Arch, we’re preparing for a show early next year.” Y/n nodded in silent understanding, “What about you?”

“Me?” Y/n returned with a shrug, “I’ve just been working,” her face was turned away from him as they continued, her eyes scanning the products of different vendors. “You know how it goes; booze, boredom and disappointment,” her words seemed so careless and completely unrelated to their dwindling conversation yet they stuck him so readily, as if it were her intention.

Maybe she had actually wanted him to come the day after the party, dare he say she was offended by his decision to ultimately not go. Apologize, he told himself. Though, right before the words could not so readily leave his lips, because, after all, he didn’t really know what to say, Y/n took his wrist, dragging him into a pub that initially appeared to be nothing more than a hole in the wall. “Come on,” she encouraged excitedly. 

“Why are we in a pub?” Keanu questioned, more confused by their location than the fact that Y/n’s fingers still lingered on his hand.

“For the.....what do you call it?” Y/n snapped her fingers, reclaiming her hand, eyes squinted in concentration, “Ouzo! I’ve never had it!”

“Never?” Keanu asked curiously as they sat at a corner table. It was a small one, meant for just two people and she sat on the other side, just an arms length away. They were secured near the curve of the wall, away from the other patrons and the dim lights that hung over head. 

“Nope,” Y/n confirmed. A waitress came shortly after, placing in front of them what they had ordered at the bar; two glasses, the ice water added before serving making the clear liquor turn milky white, and a small platter of meze. “The last time I came here, it was my parents, and I was like ten.”

What was Keanu doing when she was ten? The thought was enough to remind him that even though Y/n sat across from him, looking more beautiful than he remembered, she was still very young. He shouldn’t think of her the way he had grown used to, dreaming of her like that. She shouldn’t have been the object of his arousal; the face that got him off. She was someone’s daughter, and though every other woman was too, it was plainly obvious with Y/n’s age. Twenty-three was too young, it was perverse, he thought, scolding himself.

“Do you like it?” Keanu grinned, after Y/n took a lengthily initial sip.

Her pretty eyes widened with enjoyment, her smile growing, “That was amazing,” she breathed, popping a piece of cheese into her mouth. As she chewed, Y/n’s smile turned to a grimace and when she swallowed, presumably to be polite, she downed more of her drink and part of Keanu worried that she might be drinking too fast. Little did he know, she had started earlier that morning, “That was goat cheese,” she frowned, “I hate goat cheese.”

“It’s not that bad,” Keanu argued, though when he ate a piece himself, he had to scramble to wash it down with half his drink, “That was not as good as I remember it.”

The rest of the afternoon went by and neither Y/n nor Keanu paid any attention to how long they stayed at the pub, or how much they drank, but when the light filtering in from outside started to dim and Keanu suggested they leave, they both stood with a wobble. After a short to and fro about who should rightfully settle the bill, they ended up splitting it before spilling out drunkenly back onto the street. 

The sun had almost completely sunk into the unseen horizon and majority of the vendors had long packed up, with only those selling food still open. More emboldened by alcohol, they joined hands as they walked aimlessly though the picturesque night life of Agios Nikolaos. 

Warm, yellow artificial lighting washed the narrow streets , coming from the homes that sat on top of family owned business. Sometimes, Y/n wondered what it would be like to come from one of those families; the ones who didn’t have thousands of employees, who were totally dependent one each other to keep their livelihood a float. They must have been close, she often thought when looking on at homes like theirs, they’re relationships might have significantly paled the one she had with her parents. Y/n hadn’t even spoken to either of them since she had her friends left a couple days prior.

As if sensing her sullen mood, Keanu slowed their leisurely pace, looking down at her, “What are you thinking about?” He nudged her shoulder.

“Nothing,” Y/n waved off his question with her free hand, “It’s just, this place is really beautiful,” she gestured around them, hoping he’d believe her lie. The small, sea-side town really was a gem though. As they walked further and further, more small business mixed with aged villa styled homes lined the pleasantly worn streets. The place was like a chuck of history or maybe even vintage beauty saved in time, a treasure for those who would choose to look for it. 

“It is,” Keanu hummed in agreement, “I’ve never been to this part of Greece,” he went on absently, “But my mom suggested that we come, and I can’t say I regret it.”

Y/n smiled at the mention of Keanu’s mother, just remembering that he had come with his family. When was the last time Y/n went on vacation with hers? They had stopped travelling together for pleasure when she had gone off to college, and after, she’d only take trips with them for events that her mother had been invited too or business trips with her father. 

They continued in comfortable silence, their frames close together as they followed the road. The air felt cool against her skin and the alcohol flowing through her system was the only thing keeping Y/n from shivering. Keanu’s hand seemed to swallow hers up in comfortable warmth and occasionally, she’d steal glances at him, admiring his handsome profile, quickly turning back when she’d suspect that Keanu would notice.

As they walked, something to her left caught Y/n’s eye, causing her to pull Keanu towards the darkened store front of an antique shop, “Where are we going?” He chuckled, “This place is closed.”

“I know,” she frowned, “But look at this, it’s so beautiful,” Y/n pointed out a handmade piece that stood out among other fine pieces of jewelry; set in dark silver, a sizeable pearl dominated the center with other, smaller pearls around it, and finally, even tinier ones to fill the spaces. The round pendant hung on a thin silver chain that looked as if it were shined daily. The price was hidden in the velvet cushion that it laid on, but Y/n was right; it was gorgeous. “It looks Bayzantinian,” she mused, “I wonder if it’s real, and if it is, what’s it doing here?”

Keanu had recognized the necklace’s historical connection from the minute he saw it, asking himself the same questions she had vocalized, but he was a little surprised with Y/n’ s knowledge on it. Needless to say, he hadn’t expected that from her, “How did you know that?”

It took a minute before she turned to look at him, a soft smile still ghosting her lips, “Huh? Oh, when I was in college I.....knew,” dated, “This History professor. He was also an archeology junkie, and had this kind of stuff all over his house.”

Y/n explanation fell off her lips as if it were nothing, as if it were normal for her to just hang out with older men. Surly this professor in question would have to be one; not a lot of men in their twenties or thirties collected replicas of ancient artifacts - or taught college grade history.

Before Keanu could press the issue any further though, Y/n was pulling him along the side walk again, and he tried to shake off his tumultuous thoughts.

When Y/n and Keanu got to the beach, it was late and most light came from the string of beach houses and hotels a distance away from the shore. Having stopped at several other bars in their attempt to be bar hopping tourists; they were far drunker than they had been before. Keanu thought that his eyes might be playing tricks on him and Y/n didn’t think that she could trust herself to get back on the boat without falling into the water. 

“We go should in!” She suggested excitedly at the thought. Without his consent, Y/n was already pulling Keanu towards the water.

“Okay, but only our feet,” Keanu tried to sound stern, but hadn't realized how slurred his words were. Despite his drunkenness, he faintly remembered that swimming whilst drunk wasn’t one’s safest move.

Clumsily, they hastily kicked off their shoes, cold water reaching their just above their ankles as they went in. A shiver racked Y/n’s body and Keanu felt goosebumps raise on his skin. Still, they stayed in and at some point, Y/n’s hand had slipped out of his and she had gone a little deeper in, until the water was at her knees. “You shouldn’t go in that far,” Keanu warned.

“Oh yeah?” She challenged with a smirk, “What are you gonna do about it?” Without giving him a minute to respond, Y/n bent forward, her hands going into the water, arms rearing back. The whole thing happened so fast that in an instant, a wave of cold, salty water was hitting Keanu in the face, soaking his hair and making his grey button up cling to his chest. 

“That was not funny,” he tried to maintain a serious expression, failing miserably.

“I thought it was funny,” Y/n shot back, splashing him again, “But if its not, then maybe you should do something about it,” laughing, her expression illuminated by only the light coming from at least half mile away, Y/n took another step back. Her dress, by then, had started to billow up in the water, and instead of hanging down to her ankles, it was floating around her, waves shifting it how they pleased. Her chest was wet too, and he could see that the dress, much like the one she had worn to the party, didn’t warrant the need for a bra. It all clung to her skin in a way that was so distracting.....and arousing. After another wave hit him in the face, Y/n drunkenly suggested, “Maybe you should John Wick me.”

Keanu threw his head back in rumbling laughter, “John Wick you? What does that mean?” He questioned, taking a few steps forwards, accepting that ‘dipping their feet’ had turned into something far from it.

Y/n shrugged, her hands threaded the water around her, but she wasn’t moving, “I don’t know. But I do know that he wouldn’t just stand there and let me do that, especially if he thought it, ‘wasn’t funny’,” Y/n’s lips morphed into a teasing pout, “But you’re all bark no bite,” she continued taunting him.

Rolling his eyes, Keanu scoffed, knowing that Y/n was just trying to push his buttons. Again she splashed him and her eyes almost shouted ‘I dare you to make me stop’. Without think about it, Keanu was closing the space between them, tackling her, sending them both underwater.

Instinctively Y/n’s arms went around him, their fronts pressed together. He could feel everything, from the rise and fall of Y/n’s chest with each slow breath, to how hard her nipples had gotten from the cold and the softness of her legs on his calves. There was hair in both their faces and even as they regained their composure, Keanu still held her in his arms.

Swallowing tightly, Y/n reached to tangle her thin fingers in Keanu’s wet hair, urging his face down towards hers. That time, she didn’t wait for the air to push them together, for someone to interrupt them or for things to just happen naturally. No, instead, Y/n smashed her lips to Keanu’s. His resistance was all but existent and in a beat, he was kissing her back, his tongue slipping past he barrier of her teeth. 

It was just a kiss. The kind where his hand slid down her back, holding her close, where she gently tugged on fistfuls of his hair. Y/n melted against him, crashing waves nearly pushing them down, cold, gentles breezes threatening to break the warmth they offered each other. It was just a kiss, but as Keanu groped and kneaded her behind and Y/n moaned against his touch, it was turning into so much more.

********

Tagging- @baphometwolf666  @a-really-bi-girl​  @paanchu786​ @harrisongslimited​

[kwanisms]

Noisy Neighbor - lhs

anonymous said: hiiii i love your writing so much! i genuinely enjoy every piece you’ve written so far lol idk if your requests are still open but if you have the time would you mind writing a scenario where monsta x’s wonho lives in the apartment next door and there’s always fighting and disagreements over him being loud when he has “special dates” over but it’s because there’s ignored sexual tension

⤑ genre: smut  𝕊 𝕀 ℕ ⤑ pairing: Hoseok x Reader ⤑ warning: smut galore, like clothing ripping, foul language, mention of alcohol ⤑ summary: (Y/N) loves everything about her apartment― except her neighbor, Hoseok. He’s the definition of annoying and loud neighbor. Despite being told off and (Y/N) threatening to call the police numerous times, Hoseok hosts a particularly loud party at his place, resulting in (Y/N) confronting him. Tension snaps as Hoseok finally kisses her. ⤑ word count: 6.3k

a/n: I loved writing this. This was so much fun and I love this idea so much! Thank you for requesting it! I hope you like it! ~K♡

To say you hated your apartment was a blatant lie. You loved it. The location was right, the rent was well within your budget, and you really loved having a unit on the end of the hall, giving you not only an amazing view, but turning your bedroom into mostly glass windows. It was a beautiful apartment. Light grey walls, dark hardwood floors, and new stainless steel appliances.

It was a two bedroom unit overlooking the downtown area. It had a large front room open to the kitchen and dining room. The outside wall was nearly ceiling to floor glass windows with remote controlled shades. The floors were done in a dark wood to contrast with the walls painted in a soft off white color.

Your bedroom was in the corner of the unit, providing you with two walls of windows. The master bathroom was to die for and not what you would usually find in an apartment. It had an oversized garden tub, dual sinks, a decent sized walk-in shower, and a spacious closet. Even the toilet had it's own little room.

The second bedroom was set up as a guest room with a bed, two nightstands and a dresser. It had its own bathroom and a small closet as well.

The selling factor, was the den. A small room off the living room with double doors. You had set it up as a home office.

The only thing you didn't like about your apartment was your neighbor, Hoseok. He was a very noisy person, throwing parties that lasted until 3 in the morning, inviting girls over and not bothering to keep it down when they were in his bedroom.

You heard a lot more than you bargained for. You never wanted to know what Hoseok sounded like when he came but unfortunately for you, his bed was on the other side of your living room. Luckily, you could escape to your bedroom and it would muffle the sound but it was still difficult to drown out the sound.

Truth be told, you hadn't gotten much sleep since Hoseok moved in next door, despite going over and telling him politely to keep it down. Hoseok promised he would try, yet he never made good on his promises and at this point, you were sure it was on purpose.

Last night had been like every night since Hoseok moved in.

You headed out your front door into the hallway and made sure to lock your door before making your way down the hall to the elevator. You pressed the button and waited patiently for the lift to arrive. The sound of a door opening caught your attention and you turned to see Hoseok stepping out of his apartment in his sweats, boots, and a compression shirt, carrying a trash bag.

Hoseok's eyes met yours and he immediately broke into a grin. You rolled your eyes and turned away from him. You weren't going to play this game. Not today. Hoseok approached quietly and stood next to you as both of you waited for the elevator.

“Morning,” Hoseok said, a slight hint of amusement to his voice. You tried not to grit your teeth or clench your hands. He knew how to rile you up. Hoseok loved pressing your buttons. You were determined to not let him get to you, so you turned to him and nodded. “Morning,” you replied shortly. Hoseok's grin spread.

“Sleep well last night?” he asked and you bit the inside of your cheek to keep from snapping back. “Not really,” you replied. Hoseok nodded silently before finally saying, “I'm sorry to hear that.” You held back a scoff, knowing it would mean defeat.

You opted to say nothing, instead bringing your coffee to your lips and taking a sip. Silence surrounded you and you could feel the tension between the two of you rising.

There was always this unaddressed sexual tension between you and your neighbor. If it wasn't for the fact that he kept you up until the crack of dawn fucking a different girl each night, you probably would have given into his flirting before.

Hoseok was an attractive man to say the least. He had an incredible body, everyone knew it. He worked out a lot. You saw him more at the gym in your building than you did outside his apartment. He was definitely a “gym rat.”

The two of you said nothing as you both stepped onto the elevator after it arrived. You took another sip of coffee as the silence continued for the duration of the elevator ride.

The elevator reached lobby and Hoseok stepped put first, allowing you a nice view of his broad shoulders, sculpted back, and his nearly perfect ass as he made his way to the door that led to the building's trash and recycling room. He waved as you headed for the door. “Have a nice day at work!” he called, smirking.

You narrowed your eyes but bit your tongue as you headed out onto the street and made your way to the bus stop. He was such a smug asshole sometimes. He knew he kept you up, why else would he make such remarks? You shook off your annoyance at him and pushed him from your mind; you could deal with it later.

The bus arrived on time and you got on, swiping your pass and taking a seat near the back. With living in the city and traffic as bad as it was sometimes, taking the bus was a much smarter option than driving. You didn't have to try to find a parking space with a bus, so you left your car in your parking space at home.

The ride usually took about 10 minutes and you were at work in no time, greeting the doorman as you approached the tall high rise building that took up a corner of a medical complex. You weren't a nurse or a doctor. You did clerical work in one of the suites, organizing files, running the reception counter, and all the usual duties of a receptionist.

It wasn't what you went to school for but the hours were good, the pay was great, benefits included and it allowed you to continue your online courses until you finished your master's program and moved on to your ‘big girl’ job.

You clocked in, sat down at your desk behind the counter. Stashing your things under the desk and started up your computer. Getting your station set up took little effort and once you were done, you were ready to conquer the day. The doctor you worked for had few appointments today. It was an easy day.

The office opened on time at 9 am and the first patients showed up shortly thereafter for their appointments. You checked them in, passing their information along to one of the three nurses that worked in this suite. After that, you got to sit there and play around on your computer or phone. Your boss was very relaxed.

Time ticked by as more patients for the day came in and checked in with you. The phone barely rang but when it did, you answered it with a professional air, answering questions, putting calls through for the doctor or a nurse, and scheduling appointments for the day. It was a really easy job, all things considered.

Lunch finally rolled around and the office always closed for an hour so you had plenty of time for lunch. You donned your cold weather clothes and grabbed your purse before heading out to go grab a bite to eat at the little deli down the street. They had the best sandwiches and their soups were so delicious.

You got in line and perused the menu, settling on a club sandwich and a cup of potato soup. The girl behind the counter, Melanie, was on a first name basis with you by this point since you visited so often. When you stepped up to the counter she flashed you a bright smile.

“Afternoon, Miss (Y/N). What can I get for you today?” she asked. You placed your order, asking for light mayo instead of the regular and bought a bottle of water as well. As you fished out your wallet, Melanie got a good look at you and inhaled sharply. “Are you not getting any sleep, Miss (Y/N)?” she asked. You let out a wry laugh as you handed your card to her.

“As a matter of fact, I’m not. I had hoped I put on enough concealer to cover it. Guessing I didn't?” you asked as she ran the card, grimacing at you as she did before shaking her head slightly. “No ma’am,” she said before handing you back your card. You sighed lightly and thanked her when she handed you your receipt and a little table marker.

Your food came out swiftly and after finishing it, you headed back to the office to find that the doctor had to close early. He let you go home early as there were no other appointments scheduled and he had something he had to take care of. So you caught the bus back home a whole 2 hours early.

You decided to run some errands. Your fridge and pantry were running low on supplies, you needed new shampoo and your concealer was almost out, and not to mention you needed an outfit for your company's holiday party.

So you went to your favorite beauty supply store and grabbing what you needed, then your go to store for clothes and quickly found a nice but simple outfit, and finally to the store, grabbing the essentials and stocking up before heading home. By the time you reached your building, you had eaten up most of those two hours.

As you waited patiently for the elevator to arrive, your mind wandered back to what Melanie had said. If she had noticed the dark circles through your makeup, who else had?? The realization made your blood boil. You stepped into the elevator seething.

This was all Hoseok's fault. He was keeping you up for days on end with the noise and it was showing on your face. You felt embarrassed and mortified that Melanie pointed it out. She couldn't have been the only one to notice, just the first to say anything to you.

The elevator dinged, the doors sliding open and you were greeted by muffled music playing. Your anger only grew as your stormed to your neighbor's door, raised your fist, and hammered on the door. It didn't take long for Hoseok to answer.

Inside, loud music with heavy bass was playing and there was background noise from some video game. Hoseok was wearing a pair of dark grey sweats, no shirt, and a wireless headset. His eyes lit up when he saw it was you at the door and a smirk settled on his face as he greeted you.

“Afternoon, miss,” he said playfully. You narrowed your eyes, letting all your anger fuel your actions. You chose your next words carefully.

“I hope you're pleased with yourself. You've managed to keep me up for so long that my concealer doesn't even do its job of covering up my exhaustion. The girl at the deli near my work pointed out how tired I am. So thanks again,” you said your voice dripping with sarcasm. Before Hoseok could answer, you turned on your heel and headed for your door.

Once back in the comfort of your apartment, you put away your groceries and decided to hop in the shower before changing into something more comfortable and settling on the couch to catch up on a few of your shows. The sound from Hoseok's apartment had ceased and you were mild surprised. It didn't last though.

Around dinner time, you made yourself something to eat before ending the night with a movie and a few glasses of wine. Around 8 pm, you heard more muffled music and muted the TV. Of course, you thought rolling your eyes and unmuting the television. You turned the volume up to drown out the sound of fast music coming from your neighbors apartment.

The television did help to mask the music for a while but soon you heard voices and laughing. Damn it. You just wanted a quiet night in. You silently cursed the day that Hoseok moved in next door. He and his friends were truly awful specimen.

After a few more minutes of trying to block the sound, you growled and got up from the couch, heading for your door and stepping out into the hallway where the music was easily 10 times louder. You pounded on the door and after a few minutes, Hoseok answered, a red solo cup in his hand. A smile grew on his face when he saw it was you at the door. “Hey, decided to join us?”

You shook your head. “Please try to keep it down, okay? I have to work in the morning.” Hoseok nodded and looked back into the apartment. “Of course. I'll have them out of my place no later than 11,” he said giving you a wink. Liar. You thanked him anyway and made your way back into your apartment.

As 9 drew closer, the music increased, as did the sounds of people shouting and laughing. As beautiful as the apartments were, the walls were extremely thin. You had half a mind to call the developers and chew them out for their shitty blueprints.

10 o'clock came and went and it was now a quarter till 11. You waited to see if Hoseok would make good on his word. As 11 approached, the music and talking dwindled down until it was silent on the other side of the wall. You were shocked. You couldn't believe it. Had he actually listened?

Your victory was cut short however by the subtle moaning coming from behind the wall and you groaned. Ugh fucking prick. You headed for your room, grabbing your trusty earplugs and shut your bedroom door, drowning out the rest of the sound. Hopefully it would stay that way and you could actually get some sleep.

The next few days, Hoseok hosted parties each night but only that one ended at 11. You felt as though he was doing it on purpose at this point. You sat awake in your bed until nearly 3 am each night, unable to sleep due to the loud music traveling into your apartment. The fourth night was when you finally had enough.

Dressed in your pajamas, a sleep shirt, shorts, and your favorite fuzzy socks with paw prints on them,  you headed over to your neighbor's apartment and banged on the door. Some girl answered. Her eyes went wide as she saw you. “Can I help you?” she asked but you pushed past her into the apartment.

You searched the crowded room for Hoseok, finding him quickly sitting on his couch with a very pretty brunette perched on his lap. He was smiling as she whispered in his ear but when he saw you standing in his front room, dressed in your pajamas, his smile fell only to be replaced with a smirk as his eyes trailed over you.

“What's the matter?” he asked over the music. You glanced over to where the music was coming from. A simple laptop hooked up to several speakers. You stormed over to it and unplugged the speakers from the laptop, effectively stopping the music. The crowd whined and you slammed the laptop shut before rounding on Hoseok. He had pushed the girl off his lap and stood up.

“What are you-” he started but you help your hand up and silenced him. All eyes were on you but at this point you were so done that you couldn't care less. You were fed up. You needed your sleep and Hoseok was preventing that. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“Look, I put up with a lot of shit from you, Lee Hoseok, but I'm drawing the line here.” You paused for effect before continuing. “I have asked you numerous times, rather politely I might add, to keep the sound down. A simple request, no?” you asked. Hoseok nodded slowly, his eyes not leaving your face as you spoke.

“Then why is it, i ask a simple favor of you, you can't even do that? Are you stupid? Are you deaf? Do my words just go right in one ear and out the other? Clearly that must be the case, since you have no fucking brain. Otherwise, you would be courteous and keep your shit down for once.” Hoseok opened his mouth but you shook your head.

“I'm still fucking talking, so shut up,” you snapped. Several party goers ‘oohed.’ Hoseok looked at them and they stopped at once before he turned his attention back to you. If he thought this was embarrassing, he had no idea what was coming.

“I'm sick of hearing your shitty ass music. It comes through my walls and despite having my bedroom door shut, I can still hear it,” you said, not caring how much of a dick you sounded like. Hoseok needed to know he was in the wrong.

“Same goes for your nightly escapades. I can hear literally everything. I hope they aren't faking it for your sake but I'm gonna be real with you, no girl moans like that. They're exaggerating. Sorry, but you deserve the truth.” Hoseok turned a deep shade of pink. You wanted to hit him where it hurt.

“I have asked nicely too many times and you refuse to honor my wishes so if you can't keep it down, I'm going to call the police. I'm not joking at this point. I work in the morning and I need my fucking sleep. So, this is your final warning. Get all of these assholes,” you said gesturing around the room.

“Get them out of this fucking apartment, now. And I mean everyone goes. Even that skinny little brunette who was sitting on your lap earlier. I don't want to hear one peep from this apartment, am I understood?” you looked him in the eye. His smile was gone and was replaced with a scowl. You didn't care.

He started this. It was his own fault and he brought it on himself.

However mad he may be, Hoseok didn't respond. You turned on your heel and shoved past the ring of people that had form around you and Hoseok. You heard him call out to you but you didn't care. You wanted to go to bed.

You returned to your apartment, locking the door before you headed for your bedroom. You sat in bed waiting for your anger to subside and the adrenaline to go down so you might actually get some sleep tonight. The universe had other plans.

It had only been a few minutes since you returned home that you were interrupted by the sound of knocking. You got up and made your way into the front room where the knocking turned into banging. You unlocked the door and opened it.

Hoseok was on the other side, hand clenched into a fist raised above his head, ready to hit the door again. His eyes narrowed as he caught sight of you and lowered his hand.

“What do you-” you began but he interrupted you.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” he snapped towering over you. His sudden crassness threw you off guard and you struggled to find an answer. Whether or not Hoseok was expecting an answer, he didn't give you time to talk.

“How dare you come into my home and embarrass me in front of my friends. That was low, even for you,” he continued. You suddenly found it in you to speak.

“Excuse you,” you started. “I believe I had asked you numerous times since you moved in to keep the damn noise down. You can't even follow a simple request, so clearly you must not be that smart.” Hoseok opened his mouth but you beat him to it.

“I haven't slept right in weeks. I'm tired, I'm cranky, I'm angry. I just want to fucking sleep for once. I never wanted to be that neighbor who calls the cops but clearly me asking isn't enough incentive so calling them was the next step.”

Hoseok still said nothing so you went on.

“I'm so unbelievably tired. The the music lasting until dawn and the loud sounds of your nightly escapades, it's too much goddamn it.” Your voice cracked as you threw your hands up.

Hoseok pushed his way into your apartment, shutting the door behind him. You backed up, your eyes widening. “What are you doing?” you asked as he advanced on you. You backed into the sofa and were now effectively trapped between him and your couch, Hoseok's eyes never leaving your face.

The two of you were silent, eyeing each other for what felt like eternity. The unaddressed sexual tension you always felt in his presence grew, filling the space around you, almost suffocating you. Finally, you managed to speak. 

“What are you waiting for?”

As if waiting for a silent command, Hoseok moved. His hand cupped the back of your neck, the other steadying himself on the back of the couch as he pulled you toward him, his lips crashing against your own. Your hands instinctively grabbed his shirt, pulling him in closer.

Hoseok parted his lips, his tongue darting out allowing the tip to brush against your bottom lip and you answered by letting him in. Your stomach did flips and your heart raced. Blood pounded in your ears as you felt Hoseok's free hand grip your waist.

The two of you parted after a few moments to catch your breath, lips swollen from the heated kiss. Hoseok watched you closely, gauging your reaction. Your eyes were wide, searching his own.

A small smile made itself known on Hoseok's face before he opened his mouth and said in a breathless voice, “finally.”

He picked you up, using the back of your thighs to lift you. Your legs wrapped around his waist, hands holding on to his shoulders as he set you on the back of the couch. He pressed light kisses along your jaw, stopping to nip on the sensitive skin of your neck.

“Do you want this?” you asked in a stained voice. Hoseok chuckled, his breath tickling your skin. “Do you want this?” he repeated your question, pressing his obviously erection into your clothed core. You gasped at the feeling before letting out a shameless, “please, just fuck me already.”

Hoseok let out a laugh before setting you down. He reached up, caressing your cheek as his free hand roamed, sliding into the waistband of your pants. His fingers skimmed past your panties as he delved deeper, his fingertips found the wetness pooling in your underwear. Hoseok chuckled as he pushed a finger past your folds, easily finding your clit. A moan escaped your lips.

Hoseok slowly circled the bundle of nerves, watching your face as he did. He was fascinated by the way your brows knitted together, your eyes shut as he teased you in long drawn out movements.

“Stop teasing me,” you whined grabbing his forearm and pushing his hand deeper in your panties. Hoseok let out another laugh before slipping a finger inside you. Another gasp left you. Hoseok used his free hand to grab your waistband and pulled down your pants, letting them pool around your ankles before you kicked them off.

Hoseok took the opportunity to eye the thin lace material of your panties, sneaking you a devilish grin before he brushed his finger over the cloth. “These are cute,” he mused before looking up and catching your gaze. “Did you wear these for me?” he asked, tilting his head to the side as he continued, slowly pumping his hand, adding a second finger. You gripped the sofa below you, trying to ground yourself.

As he sped up, Hoseok watched you. The way you threw your head back, the small gasps and whines that left your lips were like music to him. He pulled his hand free and brought his fingers to your lips. You took them in your mouth without hesitation.

Hoseok took your hand and pulled you off the couch before leading you around and pushing you on the cushions. “What are you-” you started as Hoseok pushed the coffee table back before settling himself between your legs. He rested your thighs over his shoulders, hooked a thumb under your panties, pulling them to the side before starting an assault on your heat with his tongue.

The wet muscle made contact with your clit and you let out a low moan. Hoseok continued, teasing the sensitive bud with his tongue, alternating between light flicks and long licks. You involuntarily squeezed your thighs causing Hoseok to push them apart, giving him more access.

When his lips wrapped around your clit, you were done for. Your fingers tangled in his hair, tugging gently as his tongue danced against your heat, bringing you closer to your release. You tried to keep still but you couldn't keep your hips from moving slightly. Hoseok noticed this and pulled back.

“Be a good girl and don't move,” he said before resuming. It took all your willpower to not move. Your body tensed under his touch and you wanted so much to find release. “Please,” you panted. Hoseok hummed, the vibrations against you making you cry out.

“Please, I want to come,” you whispered. Hoseok hummed again, pulling back. “How bad do you want to come, baby girl? Tell me,” he said, his fingers slowly circling your slit. “So bad,” you whimpered. Hoseok teased your entrance, dipping his fingers in slightly only to pull them back out. He was really enjoying the way he teased you to the brink of release, only to pull back again.

“Tell me how bad you want to come,” he said, the smirk on his face present in his voice. “Please Hoseok,” you whimpered. “Make me come. Make me come and I'm all yours.” Hoseok hummed in response, his fingers sliding into your walls. His tongue flattened against your clit before he sped up.

Your walls tightened as your orgasm approached. “Ah~! shit,” you moaned. “I'm so close.”

Before your climax washed over you, Hoseok stopped and withdrew. You whined in response. “What the hell, Hoseok,” you hissed looking up. He had removed his shirt and was unbuttoning his pants.

“I’m going to enjoy this,” he said reaching down to remove your panties. Whatever you had been expecting, it wasn’t this as he flexed and ripped your panties with ease. Your jaw dropped as he held up the mangled remains of your underwear, shrugged, giving you a sheepish smile before he threw them to the side with a nonchalant, ‘oops.”

“Lee Hoseok!!” you managed to squeak as he leaned in, hovering over you, his lips brushing against your neck. “I hope those weren’t expensive,” he breathed in your ear. You wanted to hit him. Those panties were in fact very expensive and came as a set with the bralette you were wearing under your sleep shirt. “As a matter of fact,” you said, your voice shaking as Hoseok tormented you with light kisses and nips along your neck. “They were part of a very expensive set,” you finished.

Hoseok let out a breathy chuckle before murmuring, “well, I guess I just have to give the other piece the same treatment,” he said as his hand slipped under your shirt. His fingertips danced their way up your torso before finding the same lace material of your bralette. “Let’s get this off,” he said taking the hem of your shirt in his hands and pulling it up over your head.

His eyes skimmed over every inch of your body, admiring it. “God,” he said in a growl as he leaned in, pressing small, wet kisses over the newly exposed skin. “I can’t believe this is what I’ve been missing out on,” he said trailing back up to meet your lips. His fingers slipped under your bralette, his hand cupping your breast. You moaned, arching your back into his touch. “Fucking hell, you sound so hot.”

You whined as he removed his hand before he repeated the same brash actions and ripped the lace of your bralette open, freeing your chest before discarding the destroyed garment. His lips were on your chest in a matter of seconds, his tongue slipping out to drag over the sensitive skin around your nipple. “Hoseok,” you breathed and he pulled back, eyes finding yours.

“What is it?” he asked. “Please,” you whispered. A smile spread over his face. “Please what?” he replied, cocking his head to the side again, playfully. “I need you,” you answered. “Need me where?” Hoseok replied flirtatiously. “Inside me, jesus fucking christ, Hoseok. Put your cock inside me,” you snapped and Hoseok let out a loud laugh before he stood up straight.

“As you wish,” he said as he finished unzipping his pants and let them fall to the floor, leaving him in his boxer briefs, exposing the toned muscles in his thighs. “Where do you keep the condoms?” he asked. You pointed to the bathroom. “In the top drawer on the left,” you said hastily. Hoseok disappeared and reappeared with the small foil packet.

“If I wasn’t so eager to fuck you, I’d make you choke on my dick but another time,” he said as he lifted the foil to his mouth to tear it open. Before he could, you sat up and pulled down his boxers, allowing his member to spring free. You wasted no time, ignoring his questions, as you wrapped your hand around the base of his shaft and took him in your mouth.

Hoseok let out a strangled moan as you moved, working the tip with your tongue and the base with your hand. His hand tangled in your hair as you took him deeper in your mouth. “Holy shit,” he hissed. You pulled back and looked up at him. His hand left your hair, moving to caress your cheek.

“You’re fucking beautiful, you know?” he said softly. A light pink flushed your cheeks as you felt completely exposed. “I’m going to enjoy wrecking you,” he said before ripping open the condom and rolling it on.

“Turn around,” he ordered and you scrambled to do so, resting your forearms on the back of the sofa. You felt Hoseok’s hand run gently over your backside before you felt a quick smack to your bottom. A stinging ran over your skin and you inhaled sharply. “You like that?” Hoseok asked in a low voice, rubbing his hand over the spot he just hit before repeating the action a little harder.

A small whimper left your lips. “You really do like that, huh?” You cried out when his hand made contact with your ass again. “Goddamn,” he said as you whined, shaking your ass slightly, enticing him to fill.

“You really want this cock that bad?” he asked, brushing the tip of his length against your entrance. You moaned in response. “You have to say it,” he said, his free hand on your hip. You tried pushing back on him, eager for him to fill you. “No,” he said backing away. “You have to say that you want me,” he said. You peered over your shoulder at him.

He was watching you, waiting patiently. You almost moaned at the sight of his hand wrapped around his dick, slowly stroking himself. You were normally very stubborn but you just wanted to get off at this point. “I want your cock,” you said softly. Hoseok brought his free hand up to his ear.

“What was that? I couldn’t hear you.” You groaned. “Goddamnit, Hoseok,” you hissed. “I want your fucking cock inside me right now!” Hoseok’s smirk spread and he positioned himself at your entrance.

“Say it again,” he said pushing ever so slightly, barely entering. You looked back at him as he waited for you to say the words he wanted to hear.

“I want you to bury your dick in my pussy and fuck me until I can’t walk,” you breathed.

Without any further encouragement, Hoseok pushed himself inside you slowly. The stretch felt amazing as it had been sometime since you were filled like this. Hoseok didn’t stop until he bottomed out, his length buried deep in your walls. You waited a moment as you adjusted before you nodded and breathlessly stated, “I’m ready.”

Hoseok pulled out a few inches before pushing back in slowly. You dropped your head to rest it on your arms. “God,” you moaned as he picked up the pace, driving into your wet heat. You could hear his erratic breathing as he thrust into you faster. “Fuck,” he said, gripping your hips as he pounded into you, hitting a spot deep inside. “You feel fucking fantastic.”

A moan left your lips in response, egging Hoseok on. You felt one of his hands slide up your back until it reached the base of your neck. His fingers intertwined in your hair before he pulled, jerking your head back. “Don’t keep it in,” he said as he fucked into you harder, a slew of curses leaving your mouth, mixed with high pitched moans. “Let me hear how good I make you feel.”

Your walls tightened around him as your climax approached. You didn’t want this to end. You wanted him to fuck you forever. “Ah~! Please,” you said in a whine. “Harder.” Hoseok tugged your hair again. “What? Harder?” he asked. You tried to nod but with his hand in your hair it was impossible so you moaned out a, “yes. Please fuck me harder.” Hoseok obliged, his hips hitting your ass and filling the room with the sound of skin against skin.

Your knees were starting to feel the effects of his thrusts and your legs started to shake. “Shit,” Hoseok said his hand leaving your hair and moving back to your hip as he gripped you harder. “Right there,” you moaned. “Don’t stop.” Hoseok chuckled, the sound ending in a moan.

“I’m close,” he said leaning over your back, his lips pressed against your shoulder.

This new angle let him hit you in all the right places, his cock brushing against your sweet spot. “Are you close?” he whispered in your ear. You shook your head. “Not yet,” you said. Hoseok reached around, his fingers finding your clit and massaging quickly. You cried out, clenching around him. You could feel the coil in your stomach tighten as Hoseok hammered into you, surely leaving bruises where his hips made contact with your backside.

“That’s it, (Y/N),” he said as he felt you tighten around him, squeezing his cock just right. “Come for me. Come on my cock like a good girl.” His words sent heat straight to your core as it tightened, threatening to spring loose at any moment and wash over you. “I’m gonna-” you said before letting out a cry as Hoseok sank his teeth into your shoulder.

Your orgasm hit you hard, heat exploding inside sending warmth rushing throughout your body. Your grip on the couch hardened, your knuckles turning white as your toes curled in bliss. Pure, raw pleasure coursed through your veins as Hoseok continued to thrust, chasing his own release as he helped you ride out yours. With a deep, guttural moan, Hoseok came inside the condom. His hips slowed until they faltered and he stayed motionless, waiting for his breath and sanity to return.

Finally, he pulled out of you and sat on the couch next to you, pulling off the condom and tying the end. He turned to look at you, a fucked out expression on his face.

“You okay?” he asked, noticing you hadn’t moved. You nodded slowly as your breathing returned to normal. “I can’t move my legs just yet,” you admitted with a sheepish grin. Hoseok smirked up at you.

“Well, you did ask me to fuck you until you couldn’t walk,” he said smugly. You swatted at him lazily and he laughed standing up and reached down, lifting you gently off the sofa. “I guess I’ll just have to carry you to the shower,” he said as he made his way to the bathroom. “I don’t think I can stand either,” you said as he flipped the light on.

“A bath it is,” he said setting you on the toilet as he started running a bath. Once it was drawn up, Hoseok lifted you from the toilet and dipped you in the water before getting in himself, settling behind your back. The two of you were silent for a moment before he finally spoke.

“So,” he said as he trailed his fingers over your skin. “Do you still think they were faking it?” he asked in your ear. You softly elbowed him. “No. I don’t,” you admitted. Hoseok smiled against your shoulder. “But one more thing,” you said turning your head to look at him. He smiled at you. “What?” he asked.

“Don’t talk about other girls anymore. You don’t need them anymore,” you said before turning your head to look away. Hoseok pressed a soft kiss to your cheek. “Fair enough,” he replied. “I just need you.” The two of you sat in the hot water, a comfortable silence filled the air before you sat up and turned to face him. “I’m still not letting you off the hook. If you don’t keep the sound down, I’m not fucking you ever again.” Hoseok grimaced and nodded. “Deal.”

[dvp95]

can’t breathe when you touch my sleeve - chapter 8

pairing: dan howell/phil lester

rating: e (eventually)

warnings: none

tags: alternate universe, slow burn, fluff & humour, tiny bit of inner turmoil wrt sexuality but trust me it’s not that deep, eventual smut, idiots in love

word count: 4,906 for this chapter (35,025 total)

summary: Dan keeps making a fool of himself in interviews, to the point where it’s basically a meme. Now he’s got to sit down for the better part of an hour and sell his show to the YouTuber he’d had a massive crush on when he was a teenager.

read from the beginning on ao3 or on tumblr!

read this chapter on ao3 or here!

Coming back to Phil's apartment is something Dan could really get used to. It's still dimly lit when they get in, but Phil goes around turning on a couple of lamps and lighting some candles while Dan tries not to let Thor pull him to the floor once again.

"D'you want tea or anything?" Phil asks, rocking back and forth on his slippered feet like he's nervous.

That's not fair. Dan should be the nervous one here. He shrugs off the borrowed jacket and hangs it up beside his hoodie. "Nah, I'm alright. I just need to talk to you."

Phil's face falls a bit further into anxiety, and Dan wonders what the hell is so scary about having a conversation. It's not like Phil knows that Dan has been a fucking idiot, after all, he's got nothing to worry about.

"Sure, yeah," says Phil. He gestures awkwardly at his sofa. "Wanna... sit?"

"Sure," Dan echoes. He and Phil sit on opposite ends of the sofa, Dan's legs tucked up underneath him and Phil's crossed over each other. The space between them feels ridiculously large after spending all evening pressed thigh to thigh, but Dan isn't going to dwell on that.

After a moment, where Dan unsuccessfully attempts to gather his thoughts, Phil clears his throat. "So, um. Is this a bad talk?"

His deep voice wobbles a bit, uncertain, and it clicks for Dan.

"Oh, no," he says quickly, reaching out to press his fingers to the denim covering Phil's arm. "No, sorry, I wasn't trying to be ominous or whatever. I'm not breaking up with you."

Phil's shoulders visibly relax. Now he just looks bemused. "Okay," he says, "so what's all this about?"

"I'm just," Dan says, then stops. He has no idea how to phrase this without sounding like he's an oblivious idiot, but, hey. If the shoe fits. He gives Phil a sheepish grin and takes his hand back to fiddle with a loose string on the sofa cushion. "Er, okay. So here's the thing. I didn't know that we were going on dates, I thought we were just... hanging out. And I was coming back early to tell you that I want to be more than friends, but you... already thought we were. And that's embarrassing. Because I definitely would have kissed you by now if we'd been on the same page."

The expression on Phil's face is impossible to read when Dan starts talking, but by the end of it, his jaw is slack with dumbfounded disbelief.

"You," Phil says, slow, "thought I asked you to get coffee as a friend?"

Dan shrugs. "Yeah."

"I literally slid into your DMs," Phil points out.

"Yeah," Dan says again, because he's well aware that he hasn't been the most attuned to the situation. "I could tell that you were, like, maybe into me? But I wasn't really sure?"

"Oh my god."

"Hey," says Dan. He's fighting a laugh, and he can see Phil's lips twitching, too. "You could have made a move, y'know."

Phil breaks first, running a palm over his face as he laughs. "I thought you wanted to take things slow, Dan! I knew you were in the closet, yeah, it's not like I expected us to hold hands at the dog park."

"I was in the closet," Dan says. "To myself, as well. But I figured my shit out, kind of, and that's why I wanted to see you, I didn't expect -"

"What do you mean you were in the closet to yourself? Dan, you couldn't seriously have been unaware that you're into me. I'm aware that you're into me. And I'm not very good at this, usually."

"Yeah, okay, but I was repressed!"

It looks like Phil can't decide if he wants to bury his face in his palms or laugh. "Dan," he says, "you didn't think to tell me any of this?"

"Well," says Dan. "I blame the repression. Besides, you have a functioning vocal box, and I didn't hear you say the word date at all until tonight."

"I thought I was being so obvious about what I wanted." Phil shakes his head and looks up at the ceiling for a brief second, as though praying for patience. "I was flirting with you from the get go, you spoon."

"I know," Dan admits. "I just wasn't sure, okay, and then I was sure that you were flirting but I wasn't sure about me and, like, I wanted to be fair to you?"

"You wanted to be fair to me," Phil repeats.

With a little poke to Phil's shoulder to get him looking over again, Dan nods. "Yeah. But I know that I'm gay now."

"I don't know how to be more clear about this," says Phil, "but I wouldn't have cared if you were going through a fucking sexuality crisis, Dan, I would have helped you. We could have talked about all this."

There's a beat of silence, where it becomes abundantly obvious to everyone present that Dan did not consider that. "Oh."

"You're so stupid," Phil says, sounding almost awed. "Like. Mind-meltingly stupid."

Dan swats at Phil's arm and pouts. "You didn't even try to kiss me when I was drunk and shirtless in bed with you, Phil! I think everybody in this room is pretty stupid." He pauses, then shakes his head. "Except Thor. He's perfect, and has never done anything wrong in his life."

"That's true," Phil agrees, flapping his hand right back at Dan but not actually connecting the slap. "And shut up, I didn't want you to regret something you did drunk, I like you!"

"I like you, too!" Dan exclaims, matching Phil's volume and grinning wide.

The laugh that's startled out of Phil is enough to make Dan laugh, too. They're both just giggling hopelessly at each other and at themselves for a little while, Thor looking at them from his bed with a curious head tilt. The laughter peters off naturally, and Phil is just smiling over at Dan with half-lidded eyes that sparkle in the fairy lights.

It's quiet for a moment while Dan just looks at Phil in a way he didn't know he's been allowed to do. Phil allows it, but not for very long.

"Hey," Phil says, voice quiet and deep and inviting.

Dan waits to see if he's going to say anything else, if he's going to voice what he's thinking rather than walking that line of letting Dan decide. He doesn't, but that's okay. Dan is all too happy to make the move, now that he trusts himself to.

"Hey yourself," Dan murmurs back, smiling. He shuffles over on the sofa until he's pressed against Phil's side once again, except this time with both legs thrown carelessly over Phil's lap.

It doesn't take any effort at all, from there. Dan curls a hand into the lapel of Phil's denim jacket and leans in close, his heart beating loud enough that he's sure Phil can hear it.

Phil's hands hover for a moment before they land on Dan's thigh and the side of his neck. His thumb brushes over Dan's pulse point, and now he can definitely tell that Dan's heart is going wild. Still, he just waits, his big eyes flickering down to Dan's mouth.

Dan could probably wait it out, any other time, tease Phil until he caves and closes the gap between them, but he wants this too much to be a dick about it. He smiles, instinctive, and pulls at Phil's jacket to bring him even closer. It's so easy to press their lips together, exhaling shakily through his nose as he does.

The last time Dan kissed a guy was a few years ago now, at a cast party for a shitty play he did in downtown Los Angeles. He's kissed girls since then, sure, and they're always nice enough to kiss, but.

Maybe it's how long it's been, or something, but Dan could swear that it's never felt like this before.

Sparks run up his spine and his eyes fall closed as Phil hums contentedly against his lips. Phil's hand is rubbing slow, deliberate circles over Dan's outer thigh, and it's so relaxing that Dan almost startles when Phil pulls away for a half second, comes back for a deeper kiss. He's tilting Dan's jaw with his thumb and his fingers are splayed over the side of Dan's throat and, god, another person's tongue in his mouth has literally never felt so good in his life.

Dan can't believe there's a version of him that lived his entire life without kissing Phil Lester, that shied away from this in order to feel normal. This is normal, and it's all he ever wants to do again.

It would be ridiculously simple to clamber into Phil's lap, or onto the floor in front of him, but Dan is actually content where he is right now.

He pulls back from the kiss with a soft noise, grinning when Phil tries to follow him.

"Y'know what, I'm glad I had my gay panic in peace," he informs Phil, who just seems confused about why they're not kissing anymore.

"Mm?" Phil hums, clearly distracted. "Why's that?"

His thumb brushes against Dan's Adam's apple, and Dan feels a full-body shiver run through him at the light touch. A blush creeping up his face, Dan smacks Phil's hand away.

"Stop that," Dan whines. "That's more than enough neck touching for one night, mate, keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times."

"You don't like me touching your neck?" Phil asks, his blue-green-yellow eyes looking dark in the dim lighting. "Or it's too much?"

"It's just sensitive," says Dan. Which doesn't answer Phil's question, except for how it definitely does. Phil's little smirk tells Dan all he needs to know about how that information has been received. "And I'll kick you in the balls if you touch it again tonight."

"Kinky," Phil deadpans before he makes a big show of wrapping his arm around Dan's waist. The movement pulls them even closer together - Dan might as well be in Phil's lap at this point. "Better?"

"For now, yeah," says Dan. "And I'm glad I had my gay panic alone because it means I'm not just going to fuck you and run like I usually do. I wanna stick around, if you'll have me."

"I introduced you to my family," says Phil. "I think I've made it pretty clear where I stand."

"Maybe," says Dan, sliding his hand under Phil's jacket to toy with the collar of his shirt, "but after this mess, I wanna hear you say it."

Phil gives him an exasperated sort of smile and rolls his eyes, but his fingers are tapping against Dan's knee in an erratic, nervous sort of pattern. Dan wonders why Phil is always so hesitant about saying what he wants, but now isn't the time to delve into that.

"Dan," says Phil. "I want you to stick around."

"Good luck getting rid of me now, bitch," Dan crows, muffling Phil's surprised laugh with his own mouth.

If it's been years since Dan kissed another man, it's been nigh on a fucking decade since he kissed one without intending on getting his hands in their pants immediately. It's nice, making out on Phil's sofa with no place to be and no rush to a finish line. Dan moves his hands over Phil's chest, up his neck, into his hair, all while figuring out exactly how Phil likes to be kissed.

Phil is confident here, like in most things Dan has seen him do. His cool palm has long since slipped under Dan's shirt, pressing to the small of his back and soothing some of the overwhelming heat flaring just under his skin. He runs his tongue along Dan's like he already knows how to weaken him at the knees.

Eventually, though, they're reminded that an outside world exists. Dan has decided to sink his teeth just that little bit into Phil's lower lip and it gets a low noise out of Phil, which is enough to get their kiss broken by a sudden lapful of dog.

Thor barks at them, clearly unimpressed with being ignored, and Dan has to laugh.

"Hey, you," he giggles, scratching behind Thor's ears and helping him settle so he isn't in danger of falling off Dan's knees. "Look at you, cutie patootie, just wanna join the cuddle, huh?"

Phil exhales a laugh of his own, a little too close to Dan's ear. "Jesus. Sorry, he's a bit needy."

"Same," says Dan. "I don't mind."

The loss of Phil's hand on the small of his back is something Dan minds, at least until Phil cards his fingers through Dan's hair instead.

"I should take him outside," says Phil, a little apologetic.

"I'll pick a movie," Dan offers.

Phil smiles at him, eyes crinkling with it. Dan wants to kiss those thin lines at Phil's temple, so he does. "Sounds like a plan."

It takes a bit of effort to wiggle out from between Thor and Phil when neither of them seem inclined to help, but Dan flops on his back on the sofa once he does and laughs, feeling giddy with it. Phil leans over him to steal another lingering kiss.

"Mm, have a good walk," Dan mumbles against Phil's lips, resisting the urge to reach for him and keep him there.

Phil pulls back, still smiling at Dan. "We will. Don't pick a rom-com, alright?"

Honestly, Dan wasn't going to. He's a little surprised that Phil is offering an opinion without any prompting, though, so he raises his eyebrows.

"Why not?"

"Because I feel like I'm living one," Phil says dryly. "I'll be back in a bit, gotta get some of his energy out so he isn't doing the zoomies at three in the morning. You can take a shower if you want to, steal some pjs, whatever."

"Thanks, I'll gladly add more of your wardrobe to mine," says Dan. He smirks. "You want me to grab my jammies for you to steal?"

"Yeah," says Phil, easy.

Dan's heart does a little flip. "Okay, I will. Hurry back."

"I'll do what I can," says Phil. He grabs Thor's lead and then just looks at Dan for a moment, like he's memorizing the picture Dan makes, sprawled out on the sofa like he owns it. Only Thor whining at his feet shakes him out of it. "Right. Leaving. Be back soon."

Dan stretches out, feeling warmth curl his toes, and grins like an idiot at the ceiling. After he's done quite enough of that, he decides to get up and find pyjamas for both of them.

It's annoying to dig through his suitcase, because he doesn't exactly fold things when he's living out of it, but at least Phil isn't here to see the mess before it's packed away again. He grabs his well-worn Game of Thrones pyjama pants and doesn't bother with a shirt. All the ones in his bags are over Phil's fifteen quid preference, and Dan has absolutely no ulterior motives in hoping Phil doesn't grab one of his own shirts.

There's a dresser and a wardrobe in the small space of Phil's bedroom area, along with a big trunk at the foot of his bed. Dan isn't sure where to look, doesn't want to snoop. Well, okay, he does want to snoop, but only if Phil is in the room when he does so he can tease him in real time.

He's saved the trouble of looking through drawers by noticing some clothes kicked half under Phil's bed on the side by the window. Dan picks them up and sniffs them. He deems the clothes an acceptable level of clean before he starts to get changed. The cotton shorts are comfortable and the Friends t-shirt is so big that it surely hangs off Phil, even with his broader shoulders.

If Dan spends more time than usual fixing his hair and checking his teeth in the mirror, the houseplants are his only witnesses.

He fucks around on Phil's smart TV to find something to watch that isn't so interesting that they can't make out during it if they decide to. He gets up again and makes tea. While the kettle boils, he gives a droopy succulent some water from the tap. It just makes sense to do the same for every plant, after that.

What Dan doesn't do is turn on his phone.

He'll have to face it eventually, he knows that. He can't exist in a limbo where he hasn't come out to his mother so long as he doesn't check if she's responded. But right now he feels so safe and comfortable in Phil's home that he can't bring himself to have a panic attack just yet. So he keeps watering the plants, changes his mind twice on the film choice, and leaves his phone in the pocket of Phil's denim jacket, which is still hung up by the door.

By the time Phil gets back from his long walk with Thor, Dan has got mugs of tea steaming on the coffee table and has stolen Phil's duvet from the bed to wrap himself up in. He grins up at Phil from where he's curled on the couch.

"Good walk?" he asks, lips twitching when Phil outright laughs at him.

"Thor sure thought it was," Phil says, grinning wide as he shrugs his own jacket off. "Made yourself at home, have you?"

"Yeah," says Dan, unabashed.

Phil's grin softens into something that makes Dan want to blush. He leans over the back of the sofa to kiss Dan's forehead. "Good. Gonna get Thor a treat, hang on."

It's a quiet, comfortable sort of night. Dan doesn't think he's ever done this before, just cuddled up with someone and watched a badly-rated thriller that has both of them snickering into their mugs. Phil, rather unfortunately, does put on a shirt when he gets changed into Dan's pyjamas, but that might actually be a good thing. Dan is barely keeping his hands from wandering as it is.

Phil starts yawning before the movie is even over, folding himself closer and resting his head on Dan's chest. He seems like he's in very real danger of conking out by the time the credits are finished rolling, so Dan shakes him gently back to awareness.

"Hey," he murmurs, his voice sounding strange in the sudden quiet of the flat. "Let's go to bed."

"Okay," Phil agrees sleepily.

Despite the agreement, Dan has to physically guide Phil into a standing position. He squints at Dan and then sighs, rubbing at one of his eyes.

"You okay?"

"Gotta take out my contacts," Phil says. He pulls the duvet around Dan's shoulders and leans up to give him a slow, sweet kiss. "I'll be back, okay? Don't go anywhere."

Dan has to laugh. He never wants to be anywhere else again. "Where would I go?"

"I dunno," Phil says with a sleepy, beautiful grin. "Maybe aliens will kidnap you while I'm busy fingering my eyeballs."

"Hm, truly hate the way you said that," says Dan.

"I'll say what I please in my own home."

With another grin, Phil disappears into the bathroom. Dan waddles with the duvet until he can collapse in Phil's bed, breathing in the concentrated smell of cologne and shampoo and sweat and detergent. It surrounds him here, more than it does anywhere else in the flat, and Dan already knows it's going to be a struggle to leave this bed in the morning.

Phil is humming to himself when he comes back, a soft little tune that Dan doesn't recognise. The lamps get flicked off one by one, the candles blown out, until the whole flat is dark and a body is curling around Dan's under the covers.

"You're so warm," Phil says, sounding genuinely thrilled about it. He rubs his nose into Dan's collarbone and presses a kiss there, just above the scoop neck of his borrowed shirt. "I love that."

"Good," Dan yawns. He kisses Phil's forehead and wraps an arm around his waist to keep him close. "Now, shhh. It's bedtime."

--

Dan can't sleep.

It doesn't seem to matter that he's got a lightly-snoring man wrapped around him or that he's barely slept in days, his brain absolutely refuses to shut off.

He untangles himself from Phil, slow enough that he doesn't stir at all, and tries to feel his way through the flat without the use of light. His eyes have adjusted enough to the darkness that he doesn't injure himself, but he does trip a couple of times. That's probably inevitable, with the combination of his clown feet and Phil's things strewn everywhere.

There are a couple of jackets on the wall hooks, so Dan feels in the pockets and grabs the keys from one before donning the other. He spots a pair of eyes watching him from the floor, and he presses his finger to his lips like Thor could possibly understand.

Dan shoves his shoes on and takes the keys with him. The last thing he wants to do is get locked out on the London pavement in the middle of the night.

It isn't too cold out, but Dan is glad for the jacket. His borrowed shorts are letting far too much of a breeze in. He just sits on Phil's stoop for a long moment, breathing in the pollution of the city, before he finally acknowledges the weight in his jacket pocket that had him staring at the ceiling while Phil slept soundly.

His hands are shaking, but not from the chill of the night air, as he reaches into his pocket and turns on his phone.

The time it takes for Dan's phone to turn on and new texts to come in is only half a minute at most, but Dan can feel nervous sweat gathering at his temples. He waits until the vibrations of delayed texts have stopped before he takes the phone out of his pocket.

He's got a couple of messages from Jaime and Patrick and Amy, and surely his costars and agent are telling him important things he should care about, but he's only really looking for one thing. He taps once, twice.

Nothing. Nothing from his mum.

Dan feels a lump in his throat, staring at the bolded read receipt under his last text.

Basically I'm gay.

He's not sure what possesses him to do it. The fact is, though, that there's only one person on the planet who could have an accurate guess about what his parents are thinking right now. Without even thinking about the time of night, Dan hits call on the first name on his alphabetical contact list.

The line rings three, four, five times, and Dan has resigned himself to leaving an awkward voicemail when the sixth ring is cut off with a loud yawn into the receiver.

"Daniel?" his brother asks, tired and bewildered and, fuck, this was a bad idea.

Dan can hardly hang up on him now, though. He laughs, a little watery, and looks up at the dark sky. "Hi, kid."

"Do you know what time it is in Switzerland?" asks Adrian. "I know you're in a different time zone, but you could look a bloody clock before you call."

"You're in Switzerland?" God, Dan truly doesn't know anything about his brother.

"Can I help you?" Adrian asks pointedly instead of answering the rather obvious question.

They're not close, but. Adrian grew up under the same roof that Dan did. He'll understand why Dan called him, if Dan can only manage to get the word past his lips again. At least if Adrian reacts badly, Dan won't have to work very hard to cut him out of his life. He chokes on a laugh that comes out more like a sob and pulls his cold knees to his chest.

"Daniel?" Adrian asks again, sounding more awake now. "Hey, did something happen?"

"I just," Dan gets out, almost gasping with the force of it. He's not even tearing up, but it wouldn't take much to push him over that edge. "I. Adrian, I'm gay."

There's a beat of silence. Then, Adrian says, "Okay. Thanks for telling me. Are you on a ledge or something, mate?"

Dan laughs despite himself at the morbid joke. He didn't expect that from his little brother, who's still more or less thirteen forever in Dan's mind even though they see each other every Christmas. "Fuck. No, I just, I told mum earlier. Well, okay, I texted mum earlier, and she left me on read."

"That's shit," says Adrian. "You alright?"

"I'll be better when she fucking says something," Dan says, staring at one of the streetlights across the road until the glare is imprinted on his vision. "Do you think..."

It's not a question. Dan doesn't even bother finishing it, but he doesn't have to. Adrian grew up there, too.

"I don't know," Adrian says bluntly. "I'm pretty sure mum will be cool."

Yeah. So is Dan.

"Hope so," Dan says instead of the terrifying truth hanging over the connection between them. He clears his throat, trying to get the lump out of it. "So, like, come hang out in Georgia sometime if I'm not allowed to come to Christmas. I can't mail vegan cookies."

"Don't be a twat," says Adrian. "You can mail them just fine."

Dan laughs. "Fuck off."

"You fuck off, it's four in the goddamn morning." Adrian laughs, too, and this whole call feels ridiculous.

"Sorry for waking you," Dan says, scuffing his toe against the step below him.

"Sorry our parents are shit sometimes," says Adrian, dry. Dan had no idea his brother was this funny. Maybe he should call more. There's another long moment of quiet. It should be awkward, maybe, but something about the surreal quality of Dan's whole day and the insomnia leading up to it just makes everything a little hazy. Eventually, Adrian speaks. "You know, I think we should really aim to refuse to inherit dysfunction. We need to learn new ways of living instead of just repeating what we've been through, you know?"

Dan blinks. Another laugh is bubbling up in his chest, but he doesn't let it escape. "Er, what?"

"Something I read," Adrian says. "Can't remember who said it, since it's four in the fucking morning, did I mention?"

They're not close. They didn't grow up together as much as they grew up near each other in the same home, the same mess. But Adrian's faux-deep pontificating makes Dan realise that they might have grown into adults with similar interests and habits. He doesn't know what to do with that information, but it makes him feel the weirdest sense of pride.

"You mentioned," says Dan. He has no idea how he'd ever try to explain this dynamic to Phil. Maybe Christmas with the Lesters is the best option. "I get the message, I'll fuck off. And I'll try not to, uh, inherit dysfunction or whatever."

"Yeah, alright," Adrian says, then pauses. "If... if it is, like, bad. I'll come to Georgia for Christmas instead."

Fuck. Now Dan can absolutely feel tears welling up. "You don't have to do that. Imagine how grandma would feel if neither of us came home."

"She can come, too, after she's done whooping dad's arse." Adrian cackles at his own joke. It's a familiar enough sound, one Dan hears himself make all the time, and in this sleep-deprived state, Dan thinks it might be the only thing of worth they got from their father.

"Thanks, kid," Dan says, wiping at his eyes.

"Yeah," Adrian says on a loud yawn. "You gonna be alright?"

"Yeah," Dan echoes. He swallows hard. "I'm in London, actually. At - at my boyfriend's. So I'm not, like, alone in crisis or anything."

"Well, fuck, go wake him up and stop bothering me, then."

Dan chuckles and takes another deep breath. It's easier, now, some of the weight lifted off his chest. They aren't really the type to say it as a sign off, but Dan is full to the brim with affection and guilt right now, so. "Love you."

"You, too," says Adrian, audibly taken aback. After a moment, the line goes dead without any further niceties between them. Dan isn't offended.

He sits outside for a few more minutes before he feels okay enough to go back inside. He takes the stairs carefully and lets himself into Phil's flat. Thor makes a little rumble of a noise but doesn't bark, thankfully.

"Shhh, it's just me," Dan whispers. He hangs the jacket up and kicks his shoes off, patting Thor's soft head on his way back to bed.

It's safe and warm under the blankets. Dan wraps his arms around Phil's pliant body and pulls him closer, needing human contact in a way he can't explain. He doesn't think Phil minds too much, if the way he unconsciously grabs at Dan in an octopus hold is any indication.

Dan closes his eyes, buries his nose in Phil's hair, and lets himself sleep.

[stardustdaemon]

Remember me. - Aokise fic

So, this is an old WIP that I’ve tried to edit and work around to create something new, it’s a bit different to my usual writing but I hope you enjoy it none the less <3

Words : 3,281

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“Kurokocchi are you sure you have the time to be here? I thought you had practice?” Kise asked as he placed a box on the plastic table his agency had leant him, picking at the tape as he directed his sister on where to put his jackets.

“We’ll be fine. It’ll be a relief to see your wardrobe thin out anyway.” The smaller spoke from behind a clothes rack, surprising Kise’s sister as he took the clothing from her with a polite bow. Kise always appreciated Kuroko, from the moment they first met he had been nothing but blunt and honest, especially after his accident. Kuroko’s brash nature had been a large part of the reason Kise had managed to re ground himself within his day to day life.

Kise had decided to sell some of the clothes the staff had given him from his shoots. Some because they didn’t fit him anymore, some because he’d worn them with everything possible, some because he, quite frankly, never liked them and well, some because he had no idea they were even in there until his sisters had dragged them out of his closet, telling him that he should really clear out his stuff, that she didn’t have enough room for it all here. She had taken him into her house without a second thought when he’d finally flown back from America.

Kise’s excuse to himself, of course, was that if he got rid of the old, he could replace them with the new. A lot of the new. The thought excited him as he found himself emptying a box of accessories. He didn’t want to think about the fact he’d nearly died at the hands of an obsessed fan. He didn’t want to acknowledge that his assault had made everyone in his life watch him with pity, with concern, like he was going to break at any moment. Sure, he forgot some stuff easily and he had large gaps in his memory but he was lucky, there was no real damage to his body, only a few scars littered down his neck.  

An hour later found Kise stood irritated behind a table laid out with shoes, necklaces, earrings and belts, all carefully coloured or intricately patterned and a handful of his friends and his sisters stood with him, all already bagging items and exchanging money.

Momoi had warned him of the number of fans that would gather, since nobody had heard from him in a few months, but he hadn’t taken notice, thinking he’d be fine until he found himself in the midst of three girls fighting for a ring he wore two years ago. He excused himself in a bubbly manner, immediately souring when he was alone, sifting angrily through some shirts. He hated his fans most of the time. They were loud, obnoxious and rude, with no care in the world for him as a person or his friends. All they wanted was to tell him how worried they were, assuming they’d now get a shot with him. People were fickle.

“Hey. You got anything different for basketball?” A voice asked, causing the blonde to jump. He came face to face with a tan hand outstretched, slightly shaking the white basketball shorts in his grip. Kise looked to the man's face, noting his unusual blue hair with a sense of familiarity, before looking up.

“I have a lot actually. Gimme a second.” The stranger nodded as Kise turned to lift a box, placing it on the table next to him before moving aside some books. “It’s all under here, mostly white or blue but I think there should be some black ones in there too.” He explained, stepping back as the stranger immediately rummaged through the box, almost desperate to avoid eye contact. Kise watched for a moment, mouth opening to speak before his sister called him over to check something.

“Ah sorry, I can’t drop the price for that one, that was actually really expensive.” Kise apologised, bowing slightly to what he could only assume was one of his fans aunts. She sighed but nodded anyway, handing over the money with a small smile. Kise sighed, letting his shoulders drop forwards when he noticed there were less people about. Kuroko was stood a little further away, listening to one of Kise’s neighbours tell him about his granddaughters wedding with rapt attention.

“So, how much for these?” The voice threw Kise off as he whirled around, ignoring the playful jab to his side from his sister as she walked away. It was the guy from before, holding up a grey pair of shorts and a few shirts. Kise hummed, tilting his head to the side in thought.

“Well, to be honest I wasn’t expecting to sell the shorts so I guess you can just take them. The shirts will be like, five each though.” He nodded, happy with his answer as the other hummed, digging about in his pockets for some change.

“Sounds good to me, thanks.” Just as he was about to turn around, a blur of pink rushed past Kise’s vision.  

“Dai-chan! I haven’t seen you for months!” Momoi exclaimed, arms around the taller boy in front of her and Kise blinked, looking between the two as ‘Dai-chan’ frowned down at her, hand moving to ruffle her hair.

“That’s what happens when people move to different countries, Satsuki.” He mentioned bluntly and Kise couldn’t help but laugh, ignoring Momoi’s pout as she finally pulled away from the blue haired boy.

“Ki-chan, this is Aomine Daiki, we used to go to school together, but he abandoned me to do a year in America.” Momoi explained, gesturing between the two of them. Kise just nodded, ignoring the way his mind repeated the name like a lost fact, holding out a hand.

“Nice to meet you urh, formally, I guess. Kise Ryouta.” He remarked, pouting at the scoff Aomine replied with before shaking his hand.  

“Yeah no shit, you’re in a lot of magazines ya’know.” Aomine joked, though his voice was laced with something Kise couldn’t quite place, dropping the money into the pot on the table. Before Kise could say anything, another wave of people arrived.

By the time he’d dealt with them all and started to pack up the boxes, Aomine had left. Kise tried to not let it bother him, smiling brightly and chatting away to everyone as they all helped tidy up and get everything in his house.

After thanking everyone and promising he’d take them all out for food another time he headed back inside, ignoring the piles and boxes of stuff he hadn’t managed to sell and went up to his room. Dropping onto his bed with a huff, he glanced at his wardrobe, smile crossing his features. He’d managed to get rid of quite a lot today, which meant that tomorrow he could finally get that jacket he’d been wanting for ages, a reward, he tells himself.

Though when he looked to the basketball resting on a shelf, he was hit with the reminder of Aomine. He had seemed nice enough, but something was just, strange. No matter how much he thought on it though, he couldn’t place why he was so familiar. It was like the explanation was there, balancing precariously off a cliff, just out of his reach.

Shaking his head, he pushed it to the back of his mind, reaching the conclusion that he’d probably heard about him in passing or seen him briefly with Momoi. Yeah, that had to be it.

But Momoi said he was in America...

“Get yourself together Ryouta.” Kise mumbled to himself, hopping off of his bed and into the shower. The steam of the water helped clear his head, letting him finally relax for the day as he sat at his desk, robe wrapped tight around him and began his evening skin care, applying each cream with ease and delicacy, smiling at himself when he was finished.

That night he dreamt of his assault, of a face hidden by shadow as they screamed his name, trying to find him in an unknown apartment, of somebody’s hands holding his mouth shut, the feeling of the ground beneath him tearing into his back as he was dragged to a van.

The feeling of rope digging deep into his skin, his heart beating against his chest. Of not knowing how long he’d been there, stuck in the windowless room, maybe underground. The voice of his ‘fan’ and the stories of their fantasies and expectations of him, punishing him if he retorted or fought back.

He remembered the relief when he heard a door fall, saw the first rays of sunlight he’d seen in what felt like weeks, felt warm familiar hands on his shoulders and tears soaking the skin of his shoulder.

He awoke with a gasp for air, hand clutching his chest to try and still his heart as he sat up, eyes analysing his whole room. It always irked him, as he tried to grip onto the fading memories of whoever he was with, that he couldn’t remember their face. Or who they were to him.  

Was it another model? A friend perhaps? Even a photographer. It hurt his head, to try and place a face to the figure that had clung to him for dear life when they finally found him. To remember the tone and pitch of the voice that had called out his name.

“Ryouta, someone’s here!” His sister called and Kise whined, flailing about in his bed before sighing and standing up, pulling on a jumper and pair of jeans before leaving his room. It was probably Kasamatsu ready to smack him upside the head for not being ready to meet him.

He wasn’t expecting Aomine to be at the door, hands shoved deep in his pockets.

“Hey, did you forget something yesterday?” Kise asked as he leant against the door frame, eyebrows raised in curiosity. Aomine avoided his eyes, instead staring at the hinge of the door.

“Not really. Can we talk?” His voice was quiet and almost aggressive and Kise nodded slowly, slipping on a pair of shoes before stepping outside, gently closing the door behind him. Aomine immediately began walking, causing Kise to stumble a little to catch up.

A heavy silence fell over them as they fell into step beside the other, Kise awkwardly holding his hands out in front of him as Aomine watched the floor. Kise had always been good at talking, at filling the space between him and his company but something felt off this time. Like he wasn’t meant to say a word. Aomine seemed to be collecting his thoughts and Kise decided maybe he should let him.

Though it was odd. They’d only just met, barely exchanged a few words and yet Aomine seemed like he’d known him for a while, like Kise had maybe hurt him or the other way around.

Before Kise could think anymore, Aomine came to a halt in front of a street ball court. Kise watched silently as Aomine seemed to process his words before sighing.

“Look I’m, sure this is weird as fuck for you. But that wasn’t the first time we’ve met.” Aomine admitted slowly, finally looking Kise in the eye to judge his reaction. Kise blinked, staring at the other before he nodded, pout settling on his features, highlighting his confusion.

Aomine sighed, running a hand through his hair before pulling out his phone, scrolling for a moment and then pausing.

“We met in America, two years ago. You were taking a break from a shoot when I completely tripped over you trying to walk and spin a ball on my finger at the same time. You screamed at me for ages, complaining I’d messed up your shirt. Annoyed the shit out of me but I assumed that the only way to get rid of you was to agree to buy you lunch but I ended up enjoying your company. We met up a few more times aft-”

“It was you.” Kise’s voice was quiet, low enough to be carried away in the gentle breeze between them. Aomine paused before nodding, handing the other his phone.

Kise took a few deep breaths before looking at the phone, holding it in two hands to try and stop himself from shaking before he was looking at his own face.

The picture was simple, Kise in the front smiling wide while Aomine was stood behind him, slight frown to his eyebrows but a gentle curve on his mouth, an expression of feigned annoyance.

And then the memories hit.  

Sitting in cafes with Aomine. Swatting the others hands away when he’d mess up his hair. Playing one on one together and always losing. Kicking the other awake. Complaining that Aomine wasn’t listening.

Holding each other in the early hours of the morning, trusting the other with their faults and insecurities. Arguing. Making up. Silly date and crying together.

“You... We were together, weren’t we?” Kise asked quietly, voice wobbling as he handed Aomine back his phone. All the taller could do was nod, watching Kise’s face carefully before he sighed.

“When we found you, god I was so relieved. You’d been missing for a few days, I was losing my mind. But when they told me you were being flown straight home once you’d recovered, I panicked. I tried to message or call you but I guess they changed your phone.  

After a while I decided to come back, you had to be wondering what was happening right? I remembered you telling me about where your sister lives, that it was the same neighbourhood I grew up in. So, I tried it and when I saw you again god my heart almost burst.

I thought I’d surprise you but, all you did was look at me with confusion, you had no idea who I was and that hurt. A lot.” Aomine admitted, watching a mother struggle to get their child to hold their hand, avoiding Kise’s glance.

Kise felt his heart shatter, more memories flooding into his head, fast enough that they were bringing with them a painful and throbbing ache deep into his brain.  

But he let them flow, remembered Aomine’s smile, his laugh, the way he’d snore when he was deep in sleep, the focus on his face when he was watching a quiz show.

The way his hands had gripped Kise’s shoulders when they found him, the feeling of his larger and stronger frame shaking against him from tears.

Kise bit his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood, trying with all of his might to stop himself from crying but it was inevitable.

Before either of them knew it Kise was on his knees, arms wrapped tight around his chest as he fought for breath, entire frame shaking as he let the tears fall. Aomine was by his side in seconds, hand hovering over his back before he sighed, pulling the other to his chest.

They sat like that for a while, Aomine hunched over with Kise half lying in his lap, not caring or aware of how they must look to everyone around them.  

When Kise finally calmed down enough to try to talk he pulled away slightly, looking up at Aomine with watery eyes.

“I’m so sorry. I cannot believe I forgot you.” He rasped, words getting caught in his throat on the way out and Aomine levelled him with a gentle but firm smile.

“Right, ‘cus you picked what memories you didn’t want.” His voice was soft and Kise found himself laughing, shaking his head as he pushed himself away from the other, falling onto his back to watch the sky. He could feel Aomine’s concerned gaze on him and he almost painted a smile on his face, apology and joke to hide what just happened resting on his tongue before he sighed.

“It really fucking sucks. I’m aware that we were together, that you meant so much to me. But I still don’t fully remember. It’s like I just watched a short film of a love story, I don’t feel like the memories are mine.” He admitted, stretching out a hand towards the clouds. Aomine hummed, shifting into a cross legged position, shoulders hunched forwards.

“Guess that makes sense. I’m not here to make you come back though, nor to convince you that we need each other. I missed you like crazy but I’m not that much of an asshole. I just, wanted you to know, help fill the pieces.” Aomine shrugged, like he was talking about the weather and Kise laughed, the sound bubbling in his throat as he glanced over at the blue haired man.

“I appreciate that, but gosh don’t sound so down about it. I guess you’re the only person who gets to say they stumbled into my life twice though?” Kise grinned, whining at the way Aomine swiped at his arm. It felt natural, unsurprisingly to Kise, to just sit in the others company quietly.

It was the most normal he’d felt since he’d woke up in the hospital, briefly forgetting who he even was. The journey home had been full of the hosts warily hovering around him and as much as he loved his sister and was grateful for her taking him in, she had crowded and suffocated him as soon as he touched down, refusing to let anyone see him for the first few weeks, only easing up when Kise had snapped and shouted at her that he could handle seeing his friends.

It was strained with them though, them careful of what to say around him and Kagami even re-introducing himself just in case, which had amused Kise but also tired him out.

Sitting here on the sun warmed asphalt of the streetball court, watching parents drag their kids to school and groups of students laughing together, it was the most normal he’d felt in months. He looked over to Aomine, mouth twitching softly when he saw his eyes were closed.  

Sitting up slowly, Kise scooted closer, poking at Aomine’s cheek with a pout, to which the other replied with a grunt, only cracking one eye open in response.

“I can’t say I remember a huge amount, or that much about you but. How about we just. Start again?” Kise queried, smile growing at the way Aomine frowned at him, in a way Kise vaguely recognised as an indication of mild annoyance.

Instead of replying he stood up, stretching his arms above his head before turning and holding out a hand.

“I’m Kise Ryouta, nice to meet you!” He chirped, feeling his heart pulse in his ears, happiness flowing through him for the first time in months. Aomine stared at him for a moment, one eyebrow drawn down in confusion before he huffed, shaking his head as he lifted his hand to grip Kise’s.

“Aomine Daiki.” He mumbled and Kise beamed, the brightness of his smile challenging the sun shining just above them.  

When they both began walking to the nearest café, Kise chattering away excitedly and Aomine listening, focus directed completely at the blonde beside him, Kise couldn’t help but feel hope swell in his chest.

Things hadn’t been normal since he’d got back. He’d been feeling incomplete, but now, he realised it was because he forgot someone important.

And sure, he might forget again briefly, have trouble remembering events or conversations but he was happy he got a second shot and meeting Aomine, learning about him and knowing him, that was all that mattered.

He felt like he was finally home.

[astagfirullah-house]

Cuffs

- 1 - "Ugh, I hate working with him!!" Bano said to the mirror while the makeup artist tried to smudge her eyeliner. "Does he have to be so annoying" She grimaced. _And handso- no_ Bano stopped herself from finishing that thought. That insufferable human being cannot be attractive. Not at all.

"Ma'am they are requesting your presence" came the voice of a boy who was assigned to her and Jungkook both. 

It wasn't a glamorous enough production house to have a lot of production and support crew, but it wasn't small enough to not warrant any attention.

Bano sighed and stepped outside her trailer that she shared with another junior star and saw Jungkook steeping out of his trailer. _I hope he falls_ Bano though as Jungkook's effortless walk was interrupted by him tripping over seemingly nothing. He looked up to see Bano laughing loudly and scowled at her. 

"Sherbano good to see you in such a humorous mood. But then I guess since you're working with me that's to be expected". Bano's expression immediately soured and she turned away without responding. 

They both walked up to the set as the director started chatting with them. Thankfully both of them had memorized their scripts well. Though running lines with each other was not preferable but sometimes they both had to do unappealing stuff for their jobs. They were stars, but not big enough to be able to influence the selection of their co-stars. 

"Okay so you, Junho come in with your hand behind your back, and grab her hand ..." the director continued to explain the scene while both the costars listened attentively. Despite their unfriendly feelings towards each other, they were both good at what they did and that meant listening and understanding the scenes without letting personal feelings get in the way. "Positions!" the director yelled and immediately everyone began to clear the set and the actors took their places, Jungkook with a handcuff on his right wrist. "And action!" the director yelled.

"Please give me another chance" Jungkook said with as much emotion as he could bring in his voice and on his face. "I can't Junho, I'm sorry" Bano said sadly and turned away. "Stop, Yejee" Jungkook grabs her hang and swiftly handcuffs her left wrist. "Now you'll have to listen to me. I won't let you get away" Jungkook looked at Bano. The scene ended at Bano's horrified look. "Excellent!" the director yelled. "Good job you two". 

"Thank you" Bano and Jungkook bowed to the staff and the production crew around them thanking them for their hard work. Suddenly there was a commotion near them.

"I was carrying it but it slipped from my hand and fell in the gutter. What do I do!" they both heard the staff member say. With sudden horror Bano realized what this could be about. She rushed forward ignoring Jungkook's yells of slow down and used her free hand to grab the staff's shoulder. "What do you mean it fell! You're talking about the key to these" Bano lifted her handcuffed hands infront of her, and now even Jungkook looked horrified. 

- 2 -

"I'm so sorry!!" the staff member, her tag read Soha, said. "There's an extra but its with assistant director Yoon - these are her handcuffs, I mean her personal ones if you know what I mean - and she left to visit her grandparents in Jeju and won't be back by tomorrow at the latest" Soha was almost frantic, thinking she might lose her job over this. 

"It's ok" Jungkook tried to calm her down. "We'll manage, and don't worry you won't be punished. It was an accident" He - or they - went and explained the situation to the director and requested the day off. 

"What are we going to do" Bano almost yelled next to him. "I can't be trapped with you".

"Oh and I want to be trapped with you, you insufferable little ... thing!"

"Watch your mouth or i'll punch your teeth in" 

"Will you be able to reach my mouth shorty?"

"YOU-" she fell silent fuming with anger. 

After five minutes of both trying to calm themselves down, Jungkook reluctantly broke the silence. "What now? I mean where do we go?"

"We can't go to my place, I have a roommate and she's not gonna welcome a buy one get one free offer, especially if its of the opposite gender"

"Well, since we can't spend the whole day out, we have to rest. I'm pretty tired, how about my place? My roommate is out of town so it won't be awkward"

Bano hesitated for a moment, knowing that she would be going to his place - alone. But what other choice did they have? "Sure let me grab my bag". She moved, and unwillingly dragged Jungkook beside her to the female trailer and knocked on the door.

"Uh...there's a slight...situation here so is it ok if uh...Jungkook enters with me?" "Sure come on. Inha already changed and left" the makeup artist said as she opened the door and looked at their cuffed hands, and burst out laughing right in their faces.

"Thanks for asking how I'm dealing with this" Bano darkly muttered as she stepped inside. She accidentally knocked her bag and her stuff spilled out. 

"Great, just great" as she started gathering the items, Jungkook also bent down to help. 'Umm...uh...here. Sorry" Bano couldn't believe her eyes. Jungkook was blushing! and then she noticed what was in his hand and she started blushing along with him. "Umm thanks" she quickly stuffed the blue packet in the inner pocket of her bag.

They both left the trailer. Jungkook went to grab his stuff and then they both walked towards the parking lot. 

- 3 -

"Oh no. NO WAY!" Bano had almost forgotten that Jungkook rode a bike. A black, sleek and sexy bike that made him look 10 times sexier. 

"Look while I've always wanted to sit on a bike with the boy of my dreams, you're not that boy. Obviously. So let's catch a taxi and head to your place ok" Bano said trying to reason with him while her heart was yelling a lot of swear words with his name thrown in between. 

"Come on I'm every girl's dream boy. Besides you expect me to leave my bike here? No way!" he said approaching it. Bano stopped and dug her heels in, ready to take a stand. Jungkook glared at her and nudged her and for a few minutes they both had a tug of war match. Of course Jungkook won. His muscles weren't for show after all.

He opened the seat and grabbed a helmet for Bano. "Here. Now I know it's gonna ruin your hair and all but for safety reasons you have to wear it". Bano glared at him and grabbed the helmet, putting it on her head, struggling with the clasp. "Uff looks like I have to do everything for you" Jungkook mocked as he grabbed the clip and clicked it in place. 

"Oh please! it's because of the cuffs. Not because I can't do it by myself". 

"Sure sure whatever". He grabbed his helmet and put it on effortlessly. "Come on" he said as he swung his leg over the bike, connecting with something hard. He glanced back to see Bano rubbing her jaw. 

"YOU-" if only looks could kill, Bano's would have incinerated him in 2 seconds. 

"You shouldn't have stood close to me. Not my fault Sherbano" Jungkook shrugged.

"I think standing far would be DIFFICULT since we are HANDCUFFED together for the day Jungkook", Bano said trying to control her anger. 

"... JK"

"What?"

"My name. It's JK. Fells like my mom when you call me by my full name. Only mom and grandma call me Jungkook"

"Whatever" Bano huffed as she swung her leg and sat behind Jungkook.

"You'll have to grab my waist. To not fall off you know? because falling off is not good" Jungkook said in a patronizing tone.

Bano replied by grabbing his waist, making sure her watch bumped him hard.

 "Wait. We can't go! you can't drive with one hand. Let's grab a taxi" Bano was about to jump out when Jungkook tugged her hand. "I'm capable of driving with one hand. Besides, I can move the cuff till the middle of my forearm. You'll have to grab my arm and we'll have to sit more snugly. I'll be able to reach the handles". 

Bano was in no mood to argue anymore so she just sighed and grabbed his arm, digging her fingernails into his skin.

"Gently" Jungkook muttered. "I'm driving". 

He revved the engine and smoothly pulled out of the parking lot. Once on the main road, the bike gained speed and Bano found herself grabbing his waist tighter. He's so warm - What no! Bano!! he's as cold as his dark heart. Her inner monologue continued all the way to his apartment.

- 4 -

"Uhh you can let go of me. Though if you don't want to ... ouch" Jungkook jumped as Bano got off the bike and kicked his leg.

"Chill. I'm kidding. Let's go" He took off his helmet and Bano's and put them both in his seat compartment. 

They both go up in the elevator, both for once quiet and trying to ignore the awkwardness hanging in the air. They reached his floor and Jungkook opened his door. "Welcome aboard!" he said to Bano.

Bano was expecting the typical bachelor pad, and that is what she saw. Apart from the huge leather couch and black table in the tiny living room, PS4, Wii and a large TV took up space on one wall. There was an open kitchenette and two doors leading to the bedrooms, his and his roommate's. Jungkook opened one door and gestured "My bedroom" as if a salesman trying to sell an apartment. 

The bedroom was messy, with one wall covered with producing equipment - even though Bano had no clue what producing equipment looked like, she could guess from the Mic - and the other covered with a daybed. A built-in closet and an attached bathroom completed his room. 

"So I'm pretty tired. I'm gonna take a nap" Jungkook said as he moved towards the bed. He pulled out a built-in drawer and unfolded the mattress and suddenly the bed became a double bed. "You can lie down if you want" he offered.

"You can't be serious!" Bano looked incredulously at him. "I can't sleep in the same bed with you"

"Your choice" Jungkook moved forward and dived on the bed, pulling Bano along with him. She fell with an umph on top of Jungkook. For a few seconds both of them lied still, until Bano shot up and punched his chest. "What the hell are you trying to do".

"Hey sorry forgot about the cuffs for a minute. Relax. I'm not gonna have my way with you I have plenty of willing girls for that" Jungkook smirked at Bano. He lied down and pulled the covers over him while Bano sat at the furthest corner of the bed, their hands stretched between them. Jungkook's breath evened out and he fell asleep.

For a while Bano stared at the room, bare walls and plain curtains. She looked around trying to find anything interesting to keep her attention, staring at the production equipment. But she couldn't fight her exhaustion and heavy lids. Just for five minutes, I'll lie down and relax. she though as she lied down at the edge of the bed, closing her eyes.

- 5 -

Somewhere in the living room, Bano could hear her ringtone. But she was so cozy, her back was warm and her pillow was soft. She didn't want to get up and get her phone. She turned around and snuggled in her comforter, feeling relaxed and warm. Her consciousness was returning to her in bits and pieces; her wonderful performances, Jungkook's arrogant ass, the cuffs and bike ride, and then his - shit, Bano realized that she wasn't snuggling with her comforter, she was snuggling with her enemy! His hand was around her waist, his breath ruffling her hair, a slight smile on his face. Bano realized she was staring at him and suddenly got up, pushing his arm. It banged into the wall and woke up Jungkook.

"Wha- huh?" he looked around confused for a moment. "Oh you" he looked at Bano and turned around. 

"Get up! Don't you have anything else to do beside laze around" Bano retorted, trying to hide her blushing cheeks. Half-asleep Jungkook looked even better than fully-awake Jungkook, Bano realized. 

"Sure. Just five more minutes" Jungkook groaned.

"No. Get up!" Bano kept nudging her arm until Jungkook got annoyed. 

"Ok. Ok stop" he got up with a groan. His face became alert as a sudden realization crossed his mind. "Umm...how do we go to the bathroom?"

"Shit" Bano glared at him. "If you think -"

"What ? You think I want you to stand beside me while I pee? No thank you" Jungkook glared back.

"Oh alright then don't go to the bathroom till tomorrow genius" 

Bano couldn't believe this was happening to them.

They both sat down at the edge of the bed. "Well... the loo is right beside the door. So like one of us can stand outside while the other does .. uh business" Jungkook rubbed a hand against his neck, a nervous habit he couldn't seem to let go of.

"Ok...that sounds...ok I guess. And we could play loud music so that ...uh ...we don't have to hear anything we shouldn't"

"Right that sounds...right ok"

They both got off the bed, Jungkook grabbing his phone as he stood up. He played a heavy metal song with lots of screaming and raised the volume to max. 

"You go first" Bano said as she stood outside the door, closing it until it rested against their hands. 

Five minutes later they were both back to their usual bickering. "I'm not going to a mall so you can hang out with a bunch of your friends who would be as obnoxious as you I'm sure"

"Why are we even discussing this. I haven't seen them in months, I need to go" Bano said. 

"Well I won't go. You can go alone"

"Well sure. I'll just cut off your wrist. I'm sure you won't need your hand" Bano replied sweetly.

Ten minutes later Jungkook finally gave up. "Oh god my head is going to blow up because of your non-stop whining"

"Then let's go".

- 6 -

An hour later they were walking hand in hand in the mall. 

"Is it really necessary for you to hold my hand?" Bano whispered while smiling at the passing people.

"I'm sure if we don't people will notice our cuffs. And they won't be thinking nice thoughts about it either" Jungkook said.

Bano just sighed in response. It was getting tiring being stuck with Jungkook. And it wasn't even lunch time yet. 

They hurried to the café where she was supposed to meet her friends. She stopped for a moment to study her friends, already chatting happily with each other. L_ was as usual wearing her cool shades. H_ was laughing loudly. T_ was attacking the complimentary piece of bread. M_ was hitting W_ - probably because she made an inappropriate joke. She smiled looking at her friends. Finally she was gonna meet them after so long!

"These are your...friends?" Jungkook asked incredulously. 

"Friendship has no age limit" Bano said. She dragged him to their table. 

"There's our maknae", M_ said as she got up to hug her. 

"And an extra", T_ said as she smirked at Jungkook and their hands.

"Unnie! Its not what it looks like" Bano showed her cuffed hands to the girls.

"Oooo ... k-" Bano didn't catch what else T_ said but M_ started hitting her and W_ almost fell laughing. 

I shouldn't ask, I shouldn't ask in front of Jungkook, Bano muttered to herself. But she did anyway.

"Since when are you into...that kinda stuff" T_ said. The whole table erupted into laughter, Jungkook included. Bano blushed furiously. 

"Bano you little devil" L_ winked. "I like your friends" Jungkook whispered to her, while to the other he extended his hand. 

"I'm Jungkook. Sherbano's coworker. We had an act and the staff lost the key. The extra will take a day so for now we are stuck together" 

"Ooooo see its innocent" M_ glared at T_. "Yeah and disappointing too. Let's sit"  

- 7 - They all sat down. The conversation flowed easily as it always did in their chats. H_ and L_ made everyone laugh with their awesome sense of humor, W_ and T_ kept making dirty jokes in between, M_ kept hitting them with shouts of "Ya!" and doing aegyo and Jungkook surprisingly kept the conversation going. Bano hadn't felt as comfortable with Jungkook as she did here, sitting among her friends. She could almost believe that he was her friend too. Almost.

"So Bano" W_ started. Bano immediately got suspicious looking at W_ trying not to smile. "Is this the same guy you kept talking about?" 

"When did I ever talk about him" Bano feigned confusion.

"You know when you called him a bast-- " T_'s sentence was interrupted by Jungkook's muffled ouch. Bano accidentally kicked Jungkook instead of T_. 

"Are you sure this cuff thing was an accident? because the way you're playing footsie with him right now..." W_ trailed off.

"Are you sure nothing's going on" M_ joined in. Even H_ and L_ chimed in with ooos and ahhhs trying to tease the two. 

"Yes I'm sure" Bano huffed. "Lets walk around. I wanna buy some stuff". They left the restaurant and started towards the shops. 

"So Jungkook. Tell us about yourself" H_ said. 

"Umm nothing to know much. I wanted to be a singer so I came to Seoul for auditions. I lived in Busan originally. But I got scouted for acting instead. I get second leads mostly, but its good work. I do cover songs in my free time. Hopefully one day I'll be a lead character and maybe a singer too" Jungkook said. 

"Oooh so what are you currently working on with our maknae", L_ asked.

"Well it's kind of a drama/romance genre. Me and Sherbano are secondary characters, but we have our own arc. I'm a struggling musician who's supposed to be in love with this girl Yejee who's the creative art type. But as soon as we start to date more, double dating mostly with the main leads, Yejee starts to realize that I'm more in love with the idea of her that I made in my mind than herself. It's weird because Yejee is not the person I think she is, but I'm constantly trying to make her seem that way, misinterpreting her motives deliberately. She starts to realize this and leaves me but I'm not mentally sane. I'm struggling with my music and the idea of her is my muse, so I use her to make music that ultimately starts selling. When she tells me she's leaving I panic. I think I love her, but I also love my music. So the day she is supposed to move out of our apartment I come in with the handcuffs and trap her with me and lose the key. I can't let her go as that perfect person I have in my head, but at the same time I also can't let my muse get away. It's a kind of selfish love you know, almost to the point of an obsession" Jungkook suddenly stops. "Sorry I got carried away" he says sheepishly.

"No its interesting. Go on" M_ says.

While Jungkook is talking Bano is captured by how passionate he sounds about his character, how deeply he understands him. Maybe that's why acting comes naturally to him; he understands his character so well that he becomes that person. Maybe he's not so bad after all, Bano thinks as she watched him talk so enthusiastically. Maybe the air of confidence and arrogance he gave off was because he was that good.

- 8 - 

After long hours of chatting, T_making a joke about Bano needing to go to Victoria's Secret and Bano glaring at her, W_ nudging Bano so she kept bumping into Jungkook, M_ trying to make both of them talk to each other, L_ and H_ joking around, they finally end their time together.

"Bye" Everyone's hugging everyone and its chaos.

"Bring him around next time too. Preferably as your boyfriend" L_ told Bano.

"Unnie!!" Bano whined while they both walked away.

"So they seemed nice enough. How did you meet them? They don't even work in the same industry" Jungkook asked.

"Well. Umm we met at this fan event at the beginning of the year. It was awesome. We talked so much and enjoyed ourselves. We became fast friends. I know its only been months, and we all are at different ages and I know you're gonna say that it won't last ...but it will. Because its us" Bano looked at Jungkook, who had a strange expression on his face. 

"So...you were nerdy enough to attend a fan event?" Jungkook laughed loudly.

"Ya! there's more to me than meets the eye" Bano.

"So it seems" Jungkook said softly.

"This is not the apartment" Bano said an hour later. They were standing in front of a run down building's back door.

"How observant of you" Jungkook muttered as he moved towards the door. He knocked twice and a guard opened the door. "Hey", Jungkook greeted the guard. They bumped fists and chatted for a while and then he lead them in, looking curiously at Bano.

From inside came loud chatter of voices and music, flashing lights and sensory depravation. Or that's how it seemed to Bano who had never come to a place like this.

"Where are we" She shouted over the loud music.

"What do you mean? You've never been here? It's a bar"

"A what?" 

"A BAR"

"WHAT? You brought me to a BAR!!!" 

"Yeah well you met your friends. I have to meet mine"

- 9 -

"Let's dance"

"No"

"Don't be a loser. We're here to have fun"

"YOU are. I'm not"

"Well I can't very well dance alone because WE ARE STUCK TOGETHER" Jungkook said in exasperation. "Look I know you're mad that I introduced you to Jimin and Taehyung as my girlfriend but what else was I supposed to say? With your hand in mine? I couldn't tell them about the cuffs they wouldn't let me live that down. Come on please?"

It was the please that did it. Jungkook had never said please to her before. Maybe she shouldn't be angry, but when he introduced her as his girlfriend, her heart skipped a beat. She was more angry at that than anything else. How she went from bashing his head in to somewhat finding his company tolerable, even likeable, she didn't know. Maybe it was the fact that he hadn't judged her for her friends, all older than her. Or the fact that he didn't find it weird that they sort of met randomly through a fan event and mostly communicated through Whatsapp. Or maybe it was how he got along so well with them, and how they liked him so much. She knew they liked him because as much as her unnies were shameless in their chat, they were shy in real life especially in front of boys. And yet they talked so freely with him as if he was one of their own.

At this rate, her head was gonna explode. 

They both got up from their bar stools and ended up on the dance floor. It was actually fun dancing in this crowd of people, where people couldn't see clearly and judge others. They both danced together for a while until Bano told Jungkook she had to sit down.

"I'm exhausted" Bano said sitting heavily.

"Yeah me too" Jungkook said breathing hard.

They sat down, each facing the opposite direction because it was just too awkward. The way they danced on the dance floor - carried by the frenzied atmosphere - as if they actually were a couple. Bano found it hard to look into Jungkook's eyes. They tried to lean away as far from each other as they could, stretching their cuffed hands.

Bano was sipping a coke when a guy sat beside her. 

"Wanna dance?" the guy asked Bano.

"Umm no thank you". 

"Oh come one! Just one dance. After that I'll leave you alone". 

"Umm". Maybe dancing with him will make me take my mind off Jungkook, Bano was just about to reply when Jungkook spoke.

"Backoff. She's my girlfriend". 

"Oh ok sorry dude" the guy went away to dance alone.

"Hey I wanted to dance with him". 

"Yeah I'm sure when he asked you to dance he wouldn't have appreciated a third wheel" Jungkook lifted their cuffed hands to make a point.

"Oh alright! you're right" "Bano sighed. She suddenly felt extremely tired. "Can we leave?"

Jungkook was about to protest when he looked at Bano and saw how exhausted she was. "Ok. Let's tell Tae and Jimin we're leaving. The other hyungs just arrived, let's greet them and get out of here"

"Thank you" Bano couldn't believe she just thanked him. She wasn't in her right mind she decided. She needed rest. 

- 10 - 

They went home and ordered pizza. They both tried to wash up as best they could given their circumstances without either of them falling flat on their face or yelling at the other. Once they were done they came out and sat in front of the TV. 

"Let's play Wii" Jungkook picked up the remote and switched it on.

"Uff games" Bano huffed. "I never understood the fascination".

Five minutes later their was a lot of yelling going around. Bano and Jungkook's competitive side was showing as they continued the racing game trying to beat the other. So far Jungkook had won two games and Bano one, but she was determined to win this one too when the doorbell rang. 

"I'll get it" Jungkook paused the game and got up and suddenly fell on his butt. "Ow. Forgot about the cuffs. You'll have to come with me" he said to Bano and they both got up to get the pizza.

"I was clearly winning"

"Yeah right!! you won only one game. I won two"

"Yeah well if the pizza guy hadn't interrupted I would've won this one too"

"Sure. If you're delusional that is"

"I'm not. I was gonna win admit it"

"Ok ok let's call it a tie and watch a movie while eating ok?" Jungkook got up and turned on the TV. He pulled up the Netflix screen and handed Bano the remote. "Select one".

"How about a romcom" Bano looked through and found The Vow. "Let's watch this one it's my favorite". 

"Ugh ok. But only because I'm too tired to argue". 

"Sure sure. Whatever you say". 

- 11 -

Before they knew it, the box of pizza was empty and their bellies were full.

"Don't you think it's too much for her, how he's hell bent on trying to pretend everything's normal without thinking about her? I mean come on! She lost her memory. If you want what's best for her then let her go with her parents even though they are awful. But maybe that would be good for her!"

"No you see, it's not just her whose world has changed. I mean think about it. Leo is scared. His wife can't remember him. Like at all. If he let her go then she might not come back". 

"Yeah but if he loves her he should want her to be ok. He shouldn't be thinking about her leaving him" Bano said.

"But see that's the thing. He loves her but he's also selfish. He wants to keep her no matter what. He's not really thinking about her as much as he's thinking about himself too. He loves her so he doesn't want to let her go. He can't see how much she's confused because he's thinking about himself and how confused he is too. Love isn't as unconditional as novels say. It's usually tinged with selfishness. That's what this movie shows. Do you know its based on a true story? It's brilliant!" 

Bano could hear the same passion she had heard earlier in his voice. I guess he has a thing for real depiction of daily life in movies. That's why he's so picky with his roles. She was starting to understand this person a little better. Bano could no longer fight the exhaustion. Through half lidded eyes, she saw Paige breaking up with Leo and going back to her family. Even though she knew the ending, it still made her sad. Her head drooped onto Jungkook's shoulder but she didn't move away. Instead she snuggled into him. Maybe she was too tired to make up excuses anymore, or maybe she didn't want to anymore. She couldn't care at the moment. It had been a long and exhausting day, Jungkook wasn't as bad a person as she thought, she was sleepy and so she didn't care.  

"Umm Bano" Jungkook nudged her.

"Hmm". It was the first time he didn't refer to her by her full name. She snuggled closer and Jungkook sighed. 

Jk. I should call him Jk. After today I'm sure we're friends. She felt him move and suddenly her cuffed arm moved behind her back as Jk grabbed her and picked her up bridal style. It was a little uncomfortable, but with cuffed hands he couldn't pick her up in any better way. 

He laid her down gently on his bed and pulled the covers over her. Not knowing what else to do, he laid down beside her and put a pillow between them - that was as much of a gentleman as he was gonna be.

Two hours later he still couldn't sleep. He kept staring at Bano, sleeping so peacefully and looking so different than the person he chose to see every time they met on set. He thought she was shallow and snobby but it had turned out she wasn't. She really wasn't that person. He smiled to himself and saw her opening her eyes. 

"What time is it?" She asked through half-lidded eyes.

"It's ok. It's only 4am. You can sleep more" Jungkook said but by now she was a little more alert. Thankfully she didn't jump this time when she realized they were sleeping in the same bed.

"You know, you aren't as bad as I thought" Bano whispered.

He suddenly had the strongest urge to kiss her, so he moved forward, his forehead resting against hers, his lips inches away from her asking permission.

When she didn't move away, he covered the distance and pressed his lips to hers, grabbing her cuffed hand in his and threading their fingers together, his other hand on her cheek. He kissed her for a long time until they were both breathless.

"Well, you aren't so bad yourself" Jungkook said with a half smile, still breathing hard. Bano shrugged and kissed him in reply, moving down his throat and back up.

"Umm Bano slow down. I know I'm hot and all, but let's not move too fast yeah?" Bano smacked him with a pillow in reply and suddenly they both began a single handed pillow fight. 

They laughed and talked and kissed all night long, and when the next morning came, they surprised the crew with their quick smiles and shy glances at each other. 

A few weeks later they would officially start dating, a year later Jk would land a lead role in a drama that would go viral. Four months later Bano would be his co-star as a main lead in another drama. Two months later they would both be asked to star in a movie. They would move in with each other at the start of the production and approximately 60 days later, as soon as the movie production would end, Jk would get down on one knee on the last day at the production studio and propose to her. She would say yes and the production crew would cheer. By the time the movie would premiere, around 6 months later, they would be married and attend the premiere as a happily married couple. Another few years they would both be nominated for Oscars and after the third nomination they would win the award for "Best Foreign Film". They would have 3 kids, twin girls and a boy and they would see them grow old and struggle for their passions. They would happily grow old together, and when the day came they would be buried next to each other. 

But for now, they continued talking blissfully making up for time lost in hating each other. 

- 12 -

~Every night I close my eyes and pray we have forever 'Cause I love the way we're growing old together~ -Richie Mcdonald

- The End -

A/N: This fic is really close to my heart. It’s my first story with kind of a plot. Usually I’m not good with writing long pieces since I lose attention easily so I really love my effort on this one

[softkaimin]

Stranded (Part 4) - Merlin

part 1 ; part 2 ; part 3

Merlin patted down the edges of Arthur’s newly made bed, his mind elsewhere as he nodded along to whatever Arthur had been talking about for the past hour. As much as he tried to return to his normal routine, Merlin found it difficult keeping his mind from drifting to (Y/N). He wondered what she was doing at that moment, if whether she was hungry, or tired. Or if she was getting along just fine without him. Whatever it was, he couldn’t stop thinking about her, and it showed.   

“Merlin!” Arthur shouted. A wave of anger rushed through him, forcing itself out through his fist with a sudden strike to the wooden surface of his desk. It had been about a week since he asked Merlin to get rid of the strange sorceress, and he hoped Merlin would’ve come to his senses by now.  

“Sire?” Merlin answered, his eyes wide and startled, like a child who knew he was about to be scolded.  

Arthur sighed, letting the venom in his mouth dissipate before he said anything else. “You’ve been distracted lately. You’re still not hung up on that sorceress, are you?”  

Merlin blinked. Was he really that transparent?  

“Of course not,” He lied. “I was just thinking about all the work I have to catch up on.” He nodded, clearly aware that Arthur wasn’t buying whatever he was trying to sell. He fidgeted with the ends of the blanket, dying to get out of this uncomfortable situation before they both ended up saying something they’d later regret – more so himself than Arthur. “Well, I think I’m done for today. I should head back to Gaius.”  

“Good idea, I’ll come with.”  

Merlin shook his head, his eyes narrowed in confusion at Arthur’s sudden need to be joined at the hip with him. It wasn’t enough for Arthur to have made Merlin publicly ditch (Y/N), possibly the only person in his universe that could really understand him and make him feel comfortable with who he was, but now he had to deal with Arthur’s never-ending suspicions.  

“That’s quite alright, Sire. I’ve lived here long enough to know my way back.”

Arthur paused for a moment to glance at him, then continued gathering his things. He sheathed his sword and motioned for Merlin to walk in front of him, a smug expression etched into his features. “I wasn’t asking for your permission. Besides, my shoulder has been bothering me lately, and I wanted to ask Gaius if he could make me an elixir for the pain..”  

“Your shoulder seemed fine during training today.”  

Arthur smacked his lips, blinking slowly as he tried to subdue his growing irritation with Merlin’s defiance. “It’s my body, how would you know what hurts and what doesn’t?”  

Merlin rolled his eyes, and began what was surely going to be a long walk back to his chambers, the sound of Arthur’s sword clanking against his armor prompting him to walk faster.  

Whatever conversation Arthur tried to start, Merlin ignored. Not because of disinterest, but because he couldn’t imagine a topic that didn’t somehow work its way back to (Y/N). Everything would always lead back to her so long as Merlin didn’t have her by his side. He wanted to question why Arthur made her leave when she hadn’t done a thing to harm anyone. Why having magic was so bad that it made people deserving of banishment.  

Even his relationship with Gaius was taking a beating, because he, too, agreed with Arthur about (Y/N). Gaius, who helped Merlin keep his magic a secret, couldn’t find it in his heart to do the same for (Y/N), even after learning of Merlin’s feelings for her.  

The way Merlin saw it: Gaius would rather watch the lovesickness claim him, his heart slowly losing its rhythm until it could no longer find the strength to beat on its own anymore. As much as Gaius tried to explain to him that it was for his own safety that (Y/N) disappear, Merlin couldn’t understand it.  

Merlin pushed open the door to Gaius’ chambers, the draft of the room cooling his warm skin a bit. He held the door open, allowing Arthur to enter first before himself.  

The loud thud of the door startled Gaius, and he quickly stood from the table at the sight of the Prince. “Prince Arthur, and to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” He asked, bowing slightly.  

“He wants an elixir for shoulder pain,” Merlin answered, his crude tone like a swarm of daggers being hurdled in their direction. It was impossible to avoid being cut with the sharpness of his words, even brushing your finger across them had the power to draw blood.  

He walked past Gaius without a word, or even a glance in his direction, and headed straight for his bedroom door, ready to lock himself away in his misery.  

“Wait a minute!” Gaius shouted after him. “Now, that is enough of your petulance! We have a guest – a royal guest no less. You know that girl is not worth a schilling, and she is most definitely not worth your loyalty to the Prince. You are his manservant, and you must tend to him no matter your feelings. It is your duty.”  

Merlin pressed his hands against the rough grain of the wooden door, resting his forehead against it as he urged himself to breath. He tapped his fingers against his door rhythmically, to the tune of a melody only he knew.  

He sighed, and finally turned around, the stares of Gaius and Arthur bringing a slight tint to his cheeks. It was tough keeping up the charade of the victim, but he knew it had to be done in order to keep her safe.  

“My apologies, Sire,” Merlin said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Arthur waved him off, and began milling about the room, observing everything – even the things no normal person would care to notice. The different sized bottles on the table where Gaius made his medicine, and the way each shined spotless. He analyzed the stack of books that lined the walls, and he noticed how not one had a single layer of dust on them. He took in everything, looking for a sign of something out of place. A sign that she was somehow still here.

His hands wandered, touching the spines of the large leather bound books and running his finger across shelves where Gaius kept his ingredients. His mood was nonchalant, as if his surprise visit to the court physician had no ulterior motive – a lie that even the town fool could see past.  

“Do you mind?” Arthur asked, motioning to Merlin’s bedroom door once he reached the back of the chambers.  

Merlin quickly glanced at Arthur’s smug face, then back to the table in front of him. “Not at all, Sire,” He said, though his body said the opposite.  

A cold shiver crawled up his spine when he heard the door open. It was as if Death himself had cloaked the entirety of the room in a cold blanket of suffering, because no matter where he stood, or how hard he attempted to shake it, Merlin couldn’t rid himself of the frigidity of the fear.  

Arthur walked into Merlin’s room, quickly glancing in every direction. The room was small, barely enough space to fit two people comfortably, so hiding her in here would have been near impossible. He searched every corner and crevice no matter how ridiculously small. In between the stack of books that Merlin had collected over the years, and even underneath the thin blanket that covered the bed, until there was no doubt in his mind that the only person standing in the room was himself.  

“Have you found what you’re looking for?” Merlin spoke, interrupting Arthur’s train of thought. He stood idly by the doorway, watching as his prince combed through his room. Arthur spun on his heels, pleasantly surprised that he really hadn’t found a thing out of place.

As Merlin’s friend, he felt like an idiot for not having trusted his word, but as the Prince of Camelot, he felt he had every right to be suspicious.

Arthur pressed his lips together and nodded, motioning for Merlin to step into the room. “I have.” He walked to the door, gripping the knob as he paused to look at Merlin. It was hard for Arthur to admit when he was in the wrong, but after having witnessed himself the absence of the sorceress, he felt it was the least he could do. “I want apologize for the intrusion... and... mmm... please, deliver the elixir once it’s ready.” Arthur quickly shut the door, his heartbeat deafening in his ears.  

As far as apologies went, that was one of Arthur’s personal best.  

Merlin stared at the closed door for a minute, picturing in his mind the shabby interior of what used to be his room. The single bed where (Y/N) had slept only a week ago, and the dusty cracked walls that enclosed his small haven. It felt like such a long time since he’s seen those walls.  

He turned around, admiring the grand space of the chamber. The room extended beyond the original parameters, almost triple the size of what it used to be. Instead of the one bed, there were now two queen sized ones, and a nightstand with an oil lamp in between them. There was a small kitchen in the far corner stocked with all kinds of meats, fruits, and vegetables - enough to feed an entire village. There were also multiple armoires, a bookshelf, and something (Y/N) called a restroom with a ‘toilet’.  

The whole thing never failed to astonish Merlin, and even after having discovered all its wonders and hidden secrets, he kept going back to them as if it were his first time seeing them again.  

He heard a small whispered incantation from the bed on the right, and watched how (Y/N) reappeared right before his eyes, her smile washing away all the animosity Merlin had been carrying.  

“I was so nervous!” Merlin exclaimed, pressing his hand against his chest as he shuffled over to his own bed. He let himself flop against the soft mattress, staring at the tall ceilings and floating candles that lit every inch of the room. “I know you said that no one but us could see this room, but what do Gaius and Arthur really see, if not this?”

(Y/N) shrugged, looking around at the newly enlarged space. “They see your old room. Your tiny bed, and the sad excuse you had for a closet.” She giggled and stood up, making her way back to the desk where she had been sitting before Arthur’s surprise check-in. She picked up the quill, brushing the end across her chin as she tried to remember where she had left off.  

“Right... but how?” Merlin asked, sitting up with a huff.  

“Only those I share the spell with can see this place. It comes in handy when we only have one suitcase for an entire family. I mean, can you imagine the kind of space we would need to fit all that luggage in one small car?” She cackled at the thought. “...but then I suppose we could have also cast the spell on the trunk of the car... yeah, that would’ve solved the issue of whose underwear was whose,” (Y/N) muttered.  

She shook her head, and looked up to meet Merlin’s gaze. “Don’t worry about anyone seeing the extension charm on this room, it’s called ‘undetectable’ for a reason, you know.”

Merlin nodded, watching as she began flipping through the pages of the large book that sat in her lap. For every answer she gave, he thought of two more questions to ask. Everything about her, and the magic that she wielded fascinated him. He’d never witnessed such a careless frame of mind when it came to casting spells, and he wondered the kind of world she lived in where everyone and everything thought of magic as a just another skill.  

(Y/N) did her best to explain what living in Hogwarts was like, but it was like explaining the universe to someone who didn’t believe in the infinite. No answer she could give him would be enough to satisfy his curiosity, and she couldn’t blame him. Hogwarts was something you had to experience for yourself.  

With her permission, Merlin dug through the box of items that (Y/N) had brought with her, pulling out various colorful boxes of different sizes. He read the names on each of them, some of them evidently named by their function, but others too modern for his understanding. Dungbombs. Screaming Yo-Yo. Sticky Trainers. “Do these really make your ears extend?”

She snorted, “Not your actual ears,” and took the box in her hands, the bold curly letters bringing back memories of her time at Hogwarts. “You know these actually helped Fred and I pass our fifth year potions class.”

“But not George?” He asked. (Y/N) had talked so much about Fred and George this past week that it had started to feel like Merlin was part of their trio. He had become so deeply familiar with her love for the twins, that some part of him became fond of them too even without having known them.

She laughed, “Nah. George was getting real cozy with a seventh year at the time. She gave him all the answers in exchange for a couple whiz-bangs to be diffused during her N.E.W.T.”

“Newt?”

“N. E. W. T. Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test. They’re a bloody nightmare those final exams. Only top students get brought on to work for the Ministry of Magic, but George, Fred, and I never cared about being outstanding students. We had our own plans.”

Merlin nodded along, trying his best to comprehend what she was going on about, but each time she spoke he found it more and more difficult. Most of the words that left her mouth were foreign to him. He understood that Hogwarts was a school were magic was taught, and she had tried to explain to him what the Ministry of Magic was but the whole idea went over his head. He felt like a fool around her.

“How do these work?” He asked, trying to put off another baffling conversation of what a minister of magic was and what exactly he did on the job. At one point, (Y/N) had tried to explain that the land of Albion had become Great Britain, even going as far as drawing a diagram on top of an old map Merlin had. Needless to say, they got nowhere that day.

(Y/N) raised her eyebrow, and opened the box. “I’ll show you.” She motioned for Merlin to follow her to the door as she pulled out the long flesh colored string and stuck it into his ear. She cracked the door open and threw the other end outside, quickly shutting it as quietly as she could.

Arthur and Gaius turned their heads at the sound of the soft click of the door closing, waiting to see if Merlin had finally rediscovered his manners and come out to apologize.

Arthur narrowed his eyes in dejection when he didn’t, the awareness that he was most likely the cause of Merlin’s current behavior cascading down his spine in cold shivers. He took a seat on the bench, slouching against the wooden table in defeat. He would never admit to another living being how much he missed the conversations he used to have with Merlin, or how often he thought of bringing the sorceress back if it meant Merlin would go back to his old self. But bringing her back would be a direct betrayal to his father and the citizens of Camelot, and he couldn’t put his manservant before his people.

Gaius sighed and sat on the opposite side of the table. “Prince Arthur, if I may speak freely.” Arthur nodded, and Gaius continued. “I believe the sorceress has found a way to stay here with Merlin.”

“How do you know? I checked his room, and I found no sign of her.”

Gaius shook his head, “She’s a sorceress, of course you wouldn’t find her.” He clasped his hands together on top of the table, pondering how much information was too much. He couldn’t exactly tell Arthur of the new spells Merlin had learned in the past week, or of his newly acquired potion-making skills that he discovered. Gaius thought - or rather hoped - that Merlin had caught up on his studies while he threw his tantrums, but it was a far-fetched belief.

“I say this because the times that Merlin does talk to me, it’s about some place called Hogwarts,” He continued. “If my memory serves me well, the land of Albion has no such place. He also speaks of living in a village called Hogsmeade... I really can’t think of another place other than that sorceress’s mind where he could be getting these ideas.”

Arthur quickly rummaged through his memories of the villages in Albion and of all the churches and schools he knew of, hoping either of those names rang a bell in hopes that it would redeem Merlin. But even Gaius realized he was taking too long to come up with something credible.

Merlin’s heart lurched, and he quickly pulled the string out of his ear, throwing it on the floor as he stomped to his respective bed.

“What did you hear?” (Y/N) asked, following behind him.

He shook his head, enraged at the way Gaius spoke of her, as if she were some shrewd foe trying to destroy Camelot. He recounted the things he heard to her, his emotions apparent on his face. “I just hate that they think of you as some monster.”

She laughed, patting Merlin’s shoulder, “I don’t think you should be so hard on them. If it were the reverse, and you ended up in London with me, Fred, and George, we would’ve have reacted much worse.”

“Somehow, I doubt that.”

(Y/N) shrugged, “Think about it, Merlin. Someone crash lands in Camelot claiming they’re from the future, you wouldn’t really trust them, especially if they have magic. People are afraid of what they don’t know, and they don’t know me.”

“But I know you, and you’re nothing like the way they describe you.”

She took Merlin’s hand in hers, intertwining her fingers with his as she looked deep into his eyes. “Yeah, and you also have me. I’m still here, so please don’t be so harsh on them.”

Merlin nodded, his eyebrows relaxing as the anger in him dissipated. She smiled at him, and let go of his hand, grabbing her wand off of her bed. “I should get back to my research,” she said, but as she did the door swung open.

Arthur looked back and forth between her and Merlin, the only thing his eyes could focus on was the wand in her hand. His mind raced at a thousand miles per hour, conjuring up scenarios of the dangerous and fatal things she could do to Merlin with a flick of her wrist.

He unsheathed his sword, holding it dangerously close to her neck as he demanded for her to explain why she was still here. His arm trembled and he wasn’t sure if it was because he was scared or enraged that Merlin had lied to him. Perhaps it was both. Or perhaps it was neither. A part of him was humiliated that Merlin had been able to lie so easily about something so immense. Humiliated that he could have possibly put his kingdom in danger, and the only one at fault would be himself.

(Y/N) said nothing, her words trapped in her throat by the uneasiness of the situation. What could she say that would justify what Merlin did for her to Arthur? Even if she found the right words, he would never understand. She could spend her dying breath explaining it to him, but it would be in vain.

“I promise I will get you out, I promise,” Merlin whispered to her, exhausting his strength as he tried his best to hold to her by her hands. She nodded frantically, whispering something back but he could hear over the shouts of the guards as they dragged her away. The last thing he saw of her were the tears streaming down her cheeks as she disappeared beyond the door.

a/n: morgana’s part coming v soon

tag list: @waffle-rage, @thenameishayley248, @madelonj, @cool-beans-scully, @hoodoftheclouds @kazuha159, @milleniumxhan, @capandbuck, @devouringyoutubeeveryday, @pinkhappypanda, @pinkhappypanda, @izadorablog 

[mystery-deer]

ray goes all out for kevin’s birthday

(I tried to write a fic but I got bored halfway through but I didn’t want to NOT answer this so ple ase enjoy this half finished fic as best you can!)

___________________________________________________________  “Look at you all…just talking. Talking away like this is business as usual.”The nine-nine looked at each other, they were used to being interrupted from arguments by their captain but this time felt different. Mostly because they were not in argument or shenanigan and were instead working with only slight breaks to chat. 

“Uh…sir? Is everything alright?” Terry asked, getting up from his desk. “Is there a problem?”“No.” The captain sighed. “You’re not even looking at the problem. What’s the problem Jeffords?”Silence as the bull pen exchanged worried looks. “Uh…”“What is the problem Jeffords?”“I…um, moral?”“No. What’s the problem Peralta?”“Did your sister visit and turn your baseball cap around backwards ag-”“No. The problem that we’re trying to solve is,” Holt said, his voice heightening to signal that whatever speech he’d been leading up to was beginning. “That there are good days and there are bad days and then there’s suboptimal days and then there’s this. We are the last dog at the bowl, the runt of the litter and we are going to die out there if we waltz in unprepared!”“Oh my God…” Santiago cried, standing abruptly from her desk and covering her mouth. “It’s Kevin’s birthday tomorrow isn’t it?”“Bingo!”_______ “I can’t believe you forgot your own husband’s birthday Captain!” Scully scolded.“Yeah that’s real irresponsible of you.” Hitchcock chimed in smugly, rubbing shoe polish in his hair. “You’re literally rubbing shoe polish in your hair.” Rosa pointed out, both her feet kicked up onto her desk. “I’m trying to get out the gray spots!”“It’s all gray spots.” Rosa sneered.“Enough. I didn’t forget Kevin’s birthday but my plans…changed a few times.”-flashback-Kevin is reading the paper over what seems to be lunch and Raymond is scribbling away in a notebook.  “Ah, Francis is having a big party this year.” Raymond pauses. “What do you…think of that?”“I don’t know, it seems a bit tacky. He’s almost as old as me, making such a fuss.”Raymond crosses out whatever he was writing and nods in agreement.__ “I was thinking, why don’t we go down to that bakery on 5th and purchase a pie?” Raymond asks casually, walking down the street with Kevin. “Oh no thank you. Martin is going on some sort of diet to prove that it’s medically unsound and I promised to participate as well as he wanted multiple testimonies.”“Hm…” Raymond hummed, nodding. He sneakily takes out his phone and frantically hits ‘cancel order’ on 10 pie deliveries.__ “Honey.” Raymond quickly shuts the closet door and turns to Kevin, who walks into the room. “I- what were you doing?”“Nothing. You were about to say something?”“Yes. I’m writing a paper about the prevalence of alcoholism in the gay community due to the chief lgbt spaces being bars and such. Because of this young people in the community begin drinking earlier than they might have otherwise due to wanting to be social and make friends with people they can relate to.”“…Ah. Did you need something from me in relation to that?”“No. I just enjoy keeping you up to date on my work.”“How romantic.” Raymond smiled and Kevin returned the gesture, walking out the room and closing the door.Raymond sighed dreamily and the closet opened to reveal Debbie, also smiling. “So is wine tasting out out?”-flash back ends- “Don’t you guys always go out to dinner or something lame like that?” Diaz asks. “Well yes but I…wanted to make this one special.”“With all due respect sir-”“Peralta.”“Kevin’s not a hard guy to impress…when you’re Raymond Holt and no one else. He thinks you’re the best thing since sliced bread.”Amy and Holt share a smug look and chuckle. “Oh Peralta I hardly think me and Otto Rohwedder are even comparable in the mind of any sane man.” Amy lets out a bark of laughter and Holt leans back in his chair, satisfied.“God, I hate when you guys are like this.” Rosa moans.“Enough chit chat!” Everyone turns to the door, where Charles is standing, holding a large binder covered in lisa frank food and heart stickers. Amy gasps as the binder is tossed onto the Captain’s desk and Jake tilts his head, trying to determine if it’s the size of the binder or the way it’s casually tossed onto the desk that caused the outburst.“Let’s plan this baby.”_____________________ Kevin got off the train and began walking home, yawning. He checked his phone and read a text from Gina. Gina: Heyy so hows the plan goin??? Along with a string of boxes that always accompanied Gina’s texts. He had no idea what they meant and at this point it would be a bit awkward to bring up.You: Very well. Raymond is home and we are having a quiet night in.Gina: brb just got a text from JakeKevin put his phone back in his pocket and took out his keys, unlocking his door and stepping into his home to see-“CHARLES I SWEAR TO GOD IF YOU SUGGEST A MASSAGE LINE AGAIN I’M GONNA SQUEEZE YOUR HEAD LIKE A WATERMELON!”Utter chaos.His phone vibrated and he took it out again, feeling shell-shocked. Gina: oohhhhh maybe not THAT quiet ____________________ An hour later the following events had transpired.    Amy had nearly fainted when Martin recognized her and asked how her teeth were doing.Terry and Charles had gotten into a long argument about romantic gestures which led to both of them spending five thousand dollars in gifts to their respective wives.Rosa had brandished a machete to cut the cake that Charles had made, which proved a mistake as the cake was for some reason made of meat. Specifically fish.Amy had to down two bottles of her allergy medication after Cheddar had gotten loose and chased her around the house, thinking they were playing some sort of game.Scully and Hitchcock attempted to sell Debbie Nutriboom smoothies.And Jake had proposed they play Just Dance which he was so horrendous at that he nearly had some sort of heart attack from all the exertion. Rosa meanwhile crushed everyone in her path to victory. “Hey, where’s Kevin?” Asked Charles, looking away from Rosa’s fantastic moves to ‘Circus’ on extreme mode.“I don’t know, I’ll go find him.” Terry said, getting up and searching the house. He found him upstairs in what seemed to be a room entirely devoted to paperwork. He had Cheddar on his lap and both of their eyes were closed. “Is Terry interrupting something?” Kevin opened his eyes but Cheddar’s remained closed though his tail began wagging. “Oh, Jeffords. Welcome. To the pity party.”“What’s wrong? Was it the ice sculpture of you that Jake broke the head off of?”“No.”“Was it that Charles’ meal was entirely fish based?”“Oh no I didn’t eat any of that. Did you know that he put fish in the water?”Terry nodded gravelly and Kevin placed a hand on his back in consolation. “I appreciate that this all for me and that you all went through the trouble of making this night rather extravagant but what I really wanted was-” The door behind them opened suddenly and when they both turned to look they saw Holt closing it again, glancing around as if worried. “Raymond what are y-”“Kevin? Why are you and Jeffords in here?” He sat down next to them. “Were you capitalizing on your seven minutes in heaven?”“You don’t know what that is.” Terry pointed out, looking around the room. “Terry’s gotta ask…is this room really just for paperwork?”“It’s for taxes.” Kevin replied in a tone that suggested Terry was the weird one for not having an entire room devoted to taxes.“Right…the tax room. Anyway, now that you two are here I’ll be heading back to the party. Terry’s not going to have anyone beating him at Boogie Wonderland. Especially Francis.” and with that the man left, leaving Kevin and Raymond alone.____________________________________________So the plot of this fic was going to be that Holt wanted to make Kevin’s birthday very special bc he wants to properly propose and ask that they renew their vows while Kevin wanted to have a quiet night in so that he could properly propose to Holt and ask that they renew their vows.In the end they, in the privacy of this room with the party raging downstairs, ask each other and they both accept. They have a lot of fun at the party and at the end of the night they make some very casual mention of the fact that they’re happy about deciding to renew their vows and everyone’s like “WHAT!?? WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN!??” Also, can you guess what I’m parodying in the…I guess cold open?

[animalkingdom-an0nymous]

Technicolor Beat- Part One

A Soulmate AU

Disclaimer: This features an original character by me @animalkingdom-anonymous and all plotlines are original content. Gifs and photos are not mine unless stated otherwise.

Subject: J X Indigo (OC)

“What if soulmates were real? What if there was one person out there for everyone? What if they were halfway around the world? What if they were a mere three miles up the coast?

Growing up, my parents always taught me to believe that soulmates weren’t real. There was no such thing, it was all make believe. I didn’t know any better, didn’t know how to disagree, so I went along with whatever they said.

Maybe it was because my mother was a pill popping lush who never got off the couch.

Maybe it was because my father was a drunken, disgraced cop who constantly reminded me that he never wanted me.

Maybe I was just too scared to disagree with them.

But here’s the thing, soulmates existed. They were a real thing, but I wouldn’t realize or understand that until I was ten years old. Until I found my own soulmate.

Well, technically, I didn’t find anyone. I felt it.

With soulmates, it’s all about proximity. If you’re within fifty miles of your counterpart you can feel them, feel their moods and their emotions. It’s not necessarily a weight that you feel inside yourself, it’s more of a warmth. A sense of not being alone. I felt him, whoever he was, for the first time when I was ten years old and I’d felt him every day since.

Thirteen years later and nothing had changed.

My name is Indigo Parrish and this is my story.

I slung my black Calvin Klein backpack over one shoulder as I bounded up the stairs to my apartment, keys jingling in my hand. It was nearly six and my shift at the cafe ended late thanks to the asshole who decided to spill his large iced latte all over the display case. I smelled like a mix of mocha and coffee beans, in desperate need of a hot shower before I had to meet my best friend, Tiny. We made plans to go to her favorite dive bar and it was somewhere in Oceanside, a town she had become familiar with when she was still heavy into coke and guys that were too old for her.

My phone vibrated in my pocket just as I unlocked the door. I stepped inside and locked it behind me before answering. “Tiny, listen, I’m gonna be a few minutes late. I need to take a shower, I smell like coffee and broken dreams.”

“I love coffee!” My best friend of ten years chirped happily into the phone.

“Nice try, I’m still gonna be late.”

“Boo, you whore.”

I laughed and hung up, undressing as I made my way down the short hall to the closet sized bathroom. Okay, so maybe my apartment was a shithole and maybe I could hear mice scurrying around inside the walls sometimes, but the rent was cheap, my neighbors were quiet, and anything was better than my parents’ house.

My anxiety began to rise just thinking about the two people who brought me into this world and I tried as hard as I possibly could to put a lid on it. I didn’t want him to feel that I was all riled up and upset because, in turn, he would get all riled up and upset. It was Friday, for fuck’s sake. I wanted us to enjoy our weekend even if we weren’t together.

We’d never been together.

However, I knew he was close.

It had been a selling point for the apartment, honestly. The second I stepped foot into the cramped space for the first time he felt closer than ever before. We’d spent a decade feeling each other but it always felt far away. This? My shithole apartment? This was where I could really feel him. Three years later and I never regretted moving in.

Tiny was the only person who knew my soul had found its counterpart. She was the only person I could trust with the information because she was the only person in this world who had my back. She believed in them, but anyone who truly believed in soulmates had to keep it on the downlow. There were some serious anti’s out there who refused to acknowledge that they existed. In fact, some people were so anti that they went as far as killing people who claimed to be soulmates. Just last week I saw on the news that a couple was burned alive in their home in Santa Fe after revealing they believed fate brought them together.

It was a cruel world.

I knew I believed in soulmates when I was ten years old. I’d been at the park by myself, my father too drunk to remember that he brought me there and leaving without me. I’d been sitting on the swings, kicking my legs back and forth when I felt this sudden rush of something inside me. I’d later realize it was adrenaline, but I was so panicked at the time, alone and scared, that I burst into tears. A man had been there with his daughter when he saw me having some sort of nervous breakdown. He’d rushed over, asked where my parents were and, after realizing I’d been left alone, he asked if that was why I was upset.

“No,” I said as I wiped fat tears from my cheeks. “Something’s inside of me. I feel weird.”

The poor guy looked so confused. “What do you mean? Where?”

I hit my hand against my chest three times. “Here. Something’s wrong.”

The man’s face lit up in realization and he started laugh which, in turn, made me cry harder. But that man changed my life. He told me everything about soulmates, about how he had met his when he was fourteen years old and they were still together. He told me all about how they had to keep it a secret, but that it was a good secret because they loved each other.

“Why a secret?” I asked him towards the end of our conversation.

He had lifted his hat off revealing a long, jagged scar that went from his forehead down to his temple. My ten year old self had been terrified, but something resonated with me that day. This man had his face permanently disfigured all because he wanted people to know that he found the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. All because he didn’t want to settle. Even at my young age I knew, I knew, my soulmate was someone I needed to protect.

“Not all secrets are bad.” He smiled.

I never saw him again after that, but not a day went by in the last thirteen years that I didn’t think about him. His name was Simon and he changed my life.

I hoped Simon was happy with his wife and daughter.

I hoped someday I could be that happy, too.

Soulmates were a pretty straightforward concept. You could feel what the other was feeling. There was no telepathy, nothing Sci-fi about it. You could just… feel the other one. It was interesting and overwhelming, but the older I got the easier it was to manage. Although I had to admit it was a shock when I realized I could feel him get aroused and even more of a shock when I realized that he could tell when I was, too. It was embarrassing, but there was a part of me that felt as though it was easier knowing I wasn’t going through it alone. He, whoever he was, had to be just as uncomfortable as I was.

Though his emotions were never light I welcomed them anyway solely because I liked the feel of him. Sometimes his sadness and resentment were so heavy it made my chest physically ache. But he had his moments of peace. It never reached the point of happiness, but late at night when I lay in bed I could feel a certain weight lift off me. I wondered if he was asleep, if that was the only time he had any peace and quiet in his life.

Don’t get me wrong, there were days when it was so frustrating I could have screamed. There were days where I dismissed myself as crazy and told myself soulmates weren’t real and it was all in my head. I was just the dumb, crazy little girl my parents told me I was when I was a child.

Those feelings never lasted, though. They were dark, yes, and my mind was probably dangerously twisted from the constant back and forth. But there was always something to pull me back from falling over the edge of sanity. There was always something holding my hand, pulling me back, pulling me towards that warmth again.

It was him. I knew it was.

But I still thought I was crazy sometimes.

After my shower, I was quick to change into a pair of curve hugging jeans and a simple white t-shirt. Nothing fancy considering we were going to a dive bar. Wiping the condensation off the mirror, I looked at my own hazel eyes staring back at me. My long brown hair was pulled up in a loose bun, strands falling and framing my face. My thick brows looked the way they always did… thick, and my plump mouth had nothing more than chapstick on it. After swiping on a bit of mascara, slipping into my white Vans, and grabbing my keys I was good to go.

* * *

“I swear you don’t listen sometimes. It’s like I do all the work and all you do is lay around and smoke weed, and do coke, and fuck around with Renn by the pool. If you’re not here to do exactly what I tell you to, then why are you here at all? Craig, are you listening? Craig?”

I glanced over at my uncle who was zoned out and looking at whatever was playing on the tv. He was always the one who never paid attention in family meetings. I knew Pope would give him a play by play, but this was Deran’s job and Deran’s rules.

He was going to get what he wanted even if he had to sucker punch Craig for it.

It would be a routine job, the same old shit. In and out in under three minutes, ditch the cars, ditch the clothes, take the cash, and go. It was easy enough but going over the basics was smart, especially with Craig who was always too fucking coked out to pay attention.

With Smurf still in prison and Baz dead it was just the four of us. We were making it work pulling easy jobs that brought in quick cash. But it was never a big payoff. There were still bills that needed to be paid and properties that needed to be managed. We needed a serious hit. A big hit. Or else I would fuck everything up and Smurf would be right.

I’d sooner drown in my own fucking blood that ever admit she was right about us.

Hell, I didn’t even like my uncles but I wanted success so bad I could practically taste it. We could do it without her, we had to do it without her.

I shoved my elbow into Craig’s ribs. “Dude, listen the fuck up.”

He turned and glared at me, clearly pissed off that I’d interrupted his tv time. “Why don’t you shut the fuck up, kid?”

I clenched my jaw and cocked my head from side to side, cracking my neck to relieve some of the tension. I couldn’t let my anxiety ramp up, not after feeling hersnot too long ago. I wondered what was bothering her, if she was alright. She wasn’t normally an anxious person, she was actually pretty relaxed most days. I could always feel that warmth in my chest when she was happy and as much as I loved it, it killed me that I couldn’t be there with her. I hated knowing that I wasn’t the one making her happy, but even more than that? I fucking loathed the thought of anyone else making her happy.

You’re her soulmate, I thought to myself as Deran rambled on about money and guns and we had to move quick and keep our heads low. No one will ever make her as happy as you do.

Although there was no way of knowing if I was actually going to make her happy considering I’d never heard her voice or seen her face. But I always liked to imagine what she looked like. I pictured a brunette, someone with an easy laugh, someone that liked the same movies as me.

“Jesus, J, you there? Or did Craig get you into the coke, too?”

I clenched my jaw as my uncle looked down at me with raised eyebrows.

“I’m here, sorry. I didn’t sleep well.”

He huffed, moving slowly across the living room as he scrubbed a hand over his face. “Well, if you’re too tired then maybe you should skip this one, kiddo. I don’t want you to lose any sleep.”

I bit back my temper, grinding my fucking molars. “I said I’m here.”

He clapped his hands together in response. “Great, now where were we?”

After going over the plan three more times we called it a day. Deran needed to head to the bar, Craig needed to pick up Nicky and get more coke, and Pope… went off doing whatever it was that Pope did. I went back to my room, closing and locking the door behind me as I thought about her, wondering if she had a good day. I assumed she did considering how light my chest felt. If it was a good day everything felt light. A bad day? It felt like my bones weighed a ton and there was a weight on my chest.

But today wasn’t a bad day.

I wonder if she felt my temper earlier, I mused silently. As if she could hear and answer my question, warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading over my shoulders and down my arms to the tips of my fingers. I knew she did.

There were times when I didn’t think she could possibly exist. Maybe my family was right, maybe soulmates were bullshit and it was just media propaganda. It was make believe and there was never just one person out there for us. But the older I got the more I believed. Because why else would I wake up in a panic in the middle of the night? Because she was afraid. Why else would I get this strange, bashful, vulnerable feeling in October of every year? Because it was her favorite month, it was her birthday month. It held something significant and I felt it.

She was real, she was out there, and she was waiting for me.

Sometimes she felt so close that I wondered if she was down the street.

My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out, looking down at the ID. It was Smurf. Again. She’d been pushing me to go see her for the last four days but now I was dodging her calls. She was awaiting trial for Javi’s murder, but she just kept saying she would get out. She would come home. Things would go back to the way they were before.

I fucking prayed every day that she was wrong.

“J!” Craig’s heavy footsteps thudded down the hall to my room. “Get dressed, we’re heading to the bar.”

“Nah, I’m gonna stay here. Tired.”

He was already shaking his head. “No way. Come on, man. Smurf turn you into her little bitch boy or do you want to come have a beer?”

Fucking Christ, I thought to myself. It was bad enough living with this fucking family, the last thing I wanted to do was drink with any of them. I just wanted out.

“Whatever. Fine. Give me ten minutes.”

“Five.”

I flipped him off and his laugh echoed down the hallway.

* * *

The bar was crowded. Shoulders were being bumped into and Tiny had her finger wrapped around my belt loop as we headed towards the bar.

“Two shots of Jameson!” I shouted over the overlapping conversations around us.

The bartender was a blonde guy wearing a red velvet shirt. Tiny mentioned earlier that she thought he was cute but he didn’t seem to pay much mind to the petite, raven haired Panama native that was my best friend.

“This is my favorite little place.” Tiny drummed her fingers on the bar and shook her ass to the beat of the music. It was clear that she’d pre-gamed pretty hard before I met up with her, not that I minded. She was the definition of a free spirit.

“That guy from last weekend showed up tonight.” She smiled over my shoulder, her nose crinkling up and making her little diamond stud twinkle in the dim lighting.

Tiny was, of course, referring to the guy (David? Daniel? Dick?) that she met here last weekend. She’d vowed not to exchange numbers with him but told him if she saw him at the bar again she’d let him buy her a drink.

“Looks like it’s my lucky night.” She winked at me. Her brown eyes looked like big saucers as he walked up to us with so much swagger I actually almost gagged. He wasn’t my type and his cologne was way too heavy for my taste, but he was right up Tiny’s alley.

“I believe we had a deal.” He laughed, revealing teeth that were so white they probably could have glowed in the dark. It was seriously like in that episode of Friends when Ross wore the teeth whitener for too long.

“Okay,” I said with an awkward smile. I knew it was my cue to leave and let her have her fun. To be completely honest, I didn’t mind. I was tired, work sucked, and after having a shot or two I would want nothing more than to go home, roll a blunt, and slide into bed. I’d been on my feet since nearly six and, though I wasn’t complaining about coming out and having a good time with my best friend, I was someone who appreciated their alone time.

I was heading towards the exit when all at once it felt like I couldn’t breathe. Slamming my hand against my chest, it felt as though the wind had been knocked out of me and my vision blurred around the edges. It was like nothing I’d ever felt, completely overwhelming, and all at once I knew.

He’s here.

My eyes widened at the realization and I whipped my head around, looking for someone I wouldn’t even recognize. I had no clue what he looked like, who he was, his fucking name. But I could feel him. It was like he was standing right in front of me and I wondered if he felt the same way. Could he feel what I felt? That overwhelming, stifling warmth?

We’d been doing this for thirteen years, unwillingly sharing our emotions and feelings with each other. We’d always been so close yet just out of reach, just far enough away that maybe it didn’t feel completely real. Now? Now he was so close I could almost taste him, so close I could nearly feel his breath on the back of my neck.

I can’t do this.

It felt like too much. It was too much too fast, unexpected. I wasn’t ready to face him, whoever he was. What if he didn’t like the way I dressed or the way I looked? What if I was disappointed with his name or his job? They all sounded like such shallow, trivial things. But the simple truth was that they were basic things that people either accepted or they didn’t.

What if we couldn’t accept each other?

You’re soulmates. Don’t you sort of have to accept each other? It’s in the metaphorical soulmates handbook. My head was swimming and I was confused, anxiety tugging at my heartstrings. Jesus, screw the whiskey. I needed three shots of tequila and a horse tranquilizer.

It could be my only chance at actually seeing him, finding my counterpart, and I was running away with my tail between my legs because I was just too afraid. Shaking my head, I cast my eyes down to the floor as I weaved through the throngs of people in the bar. Some were playing pool, some were dancing, all were loud. My anxiety was making everything feel heightened and I figured if he couldn’t feel me before he could definitely feel me now. My palms were sweating and my temples were pulsating. I just need fresh air. I just need to get outside. My lungs were starting to burn, a panic attack quickly approaching as I shouldered my way through the crowd, eventually making it out the door to the sidewalk.

It was mostly empty aside from a few people milling about. I took a few steps to the edge of the concrete and bent over, placing my hands on my knees while I hauled in a few deep breaths and tried to even my breathing. My heart was beating a mile a minute and I shook my head, wanting to laugh and cry at the fact that I had just bitched out instead of facing him.

The strands of hair that escaped my bun were sticking to my forehead from sweat and I damned myself for wearing jeans instead of shorts.

What a shitshow this turned out to be, I thought with a humorless chuckle. I come out with my best friend and the night ends in a full blown meltdown. What was more embarrassing than that? I honestly figured the poor bastard was better off without me, I was clearly borderline certifiable and couldn’t even go out to a bar without feeling like I couldn’t breathe.

Eventually, after my heart rate slowed and my breathing returned to normal, I straightened up and rolled my shoulders a few times to relieve some of the tension. It was time to call it a night and I turned on my heel, preparing to walk for a few blocks, get some fresh air and then eventually hail a cab home.

I took two steps forward, my Vans scuffing against the broken concrete when someone stepped directly in my line of vision, blinking at me from a few feet away. He was a few inches taller than me, sandy hair curling just slightly at the ends and a navy blue sweater covering his upper half. His jaw was distinct, his shoulders broad, and he had eyes that reminded me of the ocean; stormy, dark, trouble looming just under the surface.

It was him. I didn’t know how I knew, but I did. I could feel it in my core. I was standing in front of my soulmate and he was looking right at me, our expressions mirroring the other’s.

“You.” The word was barely audible, coming from low in his chest.

You. This. Us.