#I'm not back back– just wanted to check in

[geminiwritten]

worst way ; robert 'bob' floyd

fandom: top gun

pairing: bob x reader

summary: being secretly fake-married to your sweet best friend, bob floyd, is almost perfect... until tensions rise, the secret is out, and you both struggle to keep your feelings (and your hands) to yourself

notes: this fic took my soul... there's a piece of my soul in this??? so y'all better enjoy! no, but seriously, i can't wait to hear what you think! i giggled like an idiot when i came up with the idea, and throughout the entire writing process... so please, please let me know what you think! (also, i want to hear y'all chanting perv!bob from across the pacific ocean)

warnings: swearing, alcohol, fake marriage (is that a warning?), italics, seemingly unrequited love (but not really), tiny bit of angst, bob is a perv (i'm not sorry), reader is also kind of a perv (don't fight it), bob’s HUGE dick, and SMUT (male and female masturbation, heavy making out, female oral receiving, a bit of dirty talk, unprotected p in v, rough-ish sex, lots of praise) 18+ ONLY MDNI!!!

word count: 22467

Bob Floyd is an incredible husband. 

He’s sweet, attentive, and always knows exactly what to say to make you smile. He fills up your car before the gas gets too low—and checks your tires, too. He leaves sticky notes around the house with cute messages and gentle reminders. He goes with you to any appointment that makes you nervous—including the goddamn gyno. He knows your coffee order and wakes up early every Sunday to make you breakfast. 

He’s perfect. Literally. You couldn’t build a better husband in a lab, because Bob knows how to be an amazing husband better than anyone else on Earth. 

You almost feel bad for taking him away from his would-be soulmate. For marrying him out of convenience—for benefits over love. Not that you don’t love Bob Floyd—you do. Just… more like a best friend. A platonic soulmate. Someone you can rely on. 

You’ve known Bob since he was fresh out of flight school. You met him during his first assignment as a WSO to one of the strike fighter squadrons at Lemoore, back when you were still a civilian contractor in a lowly admin role with the digital systems department. 

For nearly two weeks, you went back and forth with him, troubleshooting and raising tickets with IT every time you found a new bug or glitch in the digital flight-planning or weapons-targeting software. He wasn’t shy, just quiet—and very sweet. He made sure you got recognised for all your work, and straight-up refused to deal with anyone else on the systems support team. 

Work discussions turned into coffee runs, which eventually became quiet moments amid the chaos of military life. You quickly became good friends, confiding in each other things you wouldn’t dare tell anyone else. You came to care for Bob more than you probably should have, and it wasn’t long before you started thinking of him as your best friend. 

Assignments came and went. He moved, you moved—but you always stayed in touch. Bob looked out for you in a way no one else ever did, even when he was halfway across the world. Eventually, you ended up back on the same base again—him crashing on your couch because he hated the barracks. 

You were burning out at the time. Your contractor status was fragile. Insurance was expensive. But you couldn’t even think about moving back home. One night, you were crying, spilling your guts to Bob, stressed out of your mind, when he said it—the two words that changed your life. 

Marry me. 

You said no at first, because of course you did. But after a long conversation and a few more tears… you agreed. Because it made sense. You trusted him—more than anything—and if he was okay with it, how could you not be? 

You promised that if he ever met someone he truly loved, you’d bow out and let him be happy. But every time you said it, he’d just shrug and say he is happy. That you make him happy. And that he’s just glad to be able to look after you. To know you’re safe and cared for, that you don’t have to worry about losing your job, or affording healthcare, or having somewhere to live. 

He just wants to be there for you—in every way he can. Including the benefits of a military marriage. 

So, now you’re here. On North Island. Because Bob’s special detachment just got commissioned as a permanent unit—which obviously means his wife would be moving to be with him. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Bob asks, dark blue eyes wide behind his glasses. “I feel bad.” 

“Bobby, come on,” you sigh, propping a hand on your hip. “I’m a very capable woman. A few boxes aren’t going to break my back.” 

“I can call in sick?” he offers. 

You stare at him, deadpan. “Do not call in sick. Get your butt to work. I’m fine.” 

The new apartment is littered with moving boxes and half-assembled furniture. You’ve been here for two days already, but there’s still so much to unpack. Most of it’s yours. Bob barely brought anything from the barracks, but everything you hauled from Lemoore? Definitely not minimal. 

“It’s my shit anyway,” you say, walking him toward the door. “My responsibility to unpack.” 

He sighs as he steps into the corridor, turning back with a look you know too well. The one that says he’d set the sky on fire just to keep you warm. 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yes,” you say, exasperated. “Now go, or you’ll be late.” 

He hesitates—brows drawn, boots still planted. 

“Bob Floyd, go to work.” You lean in, hand on his shoulder, and press a kiss to his cheek. “Now.” 

His face flushes, lips twitching into a smile. “Fine. I’m going.” 

You watch him head down the hall toward the lift, cheeks still pink as he presses the button and waits. 

“Don’t lift anything heavy,” he calls, just as the elevator doors slide open. 

“I won’t,” you call back. “Leaving all the heavy stuff for you, my love.” 

He smiles softly, nods once, and steps into the lift. 

You roll your eyes and step back inside, shutting the door behind you. Then you lean back against it, staring out at the mess of boxes and half-built furniture. 

You’ve got the husband-and-wife act down pat after just over a year of marriage—although, at this point, most of it doesn’t feel like an act at all. Just genuine affection. Because you do love Bob. More than anything. And you don’t know what you did to deserve a best friend this goddamn sweet—all you know is that you’re beyond grateful for him. 

You linger there a moment longer, facing off with the chaos of cardboard and scattered tools. Then you take a deep breath, push off the door, and start tearing open boxes. 

You spend the entire day in the apartment—unpacking, sorting, putting things away. You leave most of the furniture alone. Not because you can’t build it, but because you know Bob would be mad if you did. He considers it his job every time you move, and honestly? You don’t mind. The fewer blisters you get from over-twisting stripped screws, the better. 

By six p.m., your limbs are aching, your head is throbbing, and your stomach’s growling so loud you're almost positive the neighbours can hear it. You still haven’t gone grocery shopping, which means the only things you’ve had all day are a coffee Bob made for you and a protein bar he picked up yesterday when he filled your car up. 

You dig your phone out from under a pile of packing paper and shoot Bob a quick text to let him know you’re heading to the store. Then you pull on a hoodie—or Bob’s hoodie, technically—and head out the door. 

The grocery store is only ten minutes away and easy to find. You park, grab a trolley, and start weaving through the aisles. Normally, you’d have some sort of list���scribbled on a scrap of paper or texted from Bob—but today, you’re winging it. On an empty stomach. Great. 

You’re only in the second aisle, gazing at the Pop-Tarts and wondering which flavour Bob would be the least disappointed in when— 

“Excuse me.” 

You whip toward the voice, eyes wide. “Crap. Sorry, am I in your way?” 

It’s a man—mid-thirties, probably—with pretty green eyes and a wide smile. He’s gorgeous in that obnoxious way that makes girls swoon—and yeah, he definitely knows it. 

“No, no,” he says, raising a hand. “I just—I have to ask. Do you always look this good in a grocery store? Because now I have to pretend I didn’t almost walk into a cereal display.” 

You snort softly. “Wow. Good one.” 

He lifts his brows. “Did it work?” 

You consider it for a moment, tilting your head and leaning a hip against the trolley. “Hm. No. Not really.” 

“Damn it,” he chuckles. “I’ve been trying to think of something to say for the last two aisles that wouldn’t make you immediately reject me.” 

You laugh softly, giving him a quick—but deliberate—once-over before meeting his gaze. 

“It’s not the line,” you say. “It’s the uniform. I don’t date military, sorry.” 

He frowns. “But I’m not wearing—” 

“Dog tags,” you cut in, eyes dropping to the silver chain peeking out from his shirt. 

“Shit,” he says, laughing. “You’re good.” 

“It wasn’t that hard.” 

“Really?” He steps aside to let someone pass, bracing one hand on the shelf beside you. “What else gave me away?” 

Your eyes flick down to his feet. “Boots.” Then his wrist. “Watch.” Then up. “Haircut.” 

He raises his brows. “Impressive.” 

“And your posture,” you add, gaze drifting across his broad chest. “It’s too straight. Too perfect.” 

His eyes narrow playfully. “Did you just call me perfect?” 

You roll your eyes. “I called your posture perfect, pretty boy. Now if you’ll excuse—” 

“So you think I’m pretty?” he interrupts, still not moving. 

“You know you’re pretty. You don’t need my validation.” 

He shrugs. “Couldn’t hurt.” 

You shake your head, biting back a smile. “Alright. What’s it going to take for you to get out of my way?” 

“A number,” he replies, too quick. 

You give him a flat look. “Okay. One. Now move.” 

He smirks. “Clever. But not the number I’m looking for.” 

“Then keep looking,” you say, gripping the trolley and stepping back. “Because I don’t date military. Trust me—it won’t end well.” 

Then you quickly steer around him before he can stop you, pushing the trolley down the aisle. 

“Won’t end well for you or me?” he calls after you. 

You glance over your shoulder. “Really want to find out?” 

“Can I at least get a name?” 

You stop at the end of the aisle, turning back with a small smirk. “See you around, pretty boy.” 

“Oh, you will!” he shouts, loud enough to earn a few puzzled glances from other customers. 

You laugh quietly to yourself as you turn your trolley into the next aisle. You catch glimpses of the man again as you shop, but you keep your focus on the task at hand—filling the cart with things you know Bob likes, and whatever you can throw together into a few easy meals. 

Still, you’re a little disappointed. Because that guy was hot, and he seemed like he could be a bit of fun. But you and Bob have one very strict rule: no military. 

You’re allowed to mess around with other people—because you’re both human, and you still have needs—as long as it’s casual and doesn’t put the arrangement in jeopardy. 

Hence, no military. 

It’s just too risky. Not that you ever really see the same person twice—because even that feels like a gamble—but especially not someone you might bump into at work. You’re still a civilian contractor, and if you hook up with someone and they recognise you on base? God, the whole thing could blow up. 

So you keep your hookups brief, occasional, and with people who have zero ties to the military. It’s just easier that way. Safer. 

Just as you reach the checkouts, your phone buzzes with a text from Bob: 

‘I’m home. Let me know when you are so I can come help.’ 

You smile and reply with a string of nonsense emojis. Then you pay, haul the groceries to the car, and head home. 

Bob is already in the garage when you pull in—because of course he is. He’s leaning against the wall, looking unfairly adorable in a pair of sweats and an old U.S. Navy hoodie, hair still damp from a shower. 

“Evening, Lieutenant,” you say with a grin. 

He steps up to the car, smiling softly. “How was your day?” 

“Productive,” you reply, popping the boot open. “Couldn’t you tell?” 

He chuckles. “Oh, you mean ground zero upstairs?” 

You nod. “Yep. That’s my organised chaos. Just you wait—by tomorrow afternoon, everything’s going to be perfectly put away.” 

He shakes his head, amused, and leans into the boot, loading as many bags as he can into each hand. When he straightens up, there are only two bags left—and it’s infuriating how easily he handles the weight of four bags per hand, like it’s nothing. 

“Show off,” you mutter, grabbing the last two. 

You head upstairs in comfortable quiet, neither of you feeling the need to fill the silence just for the sake of it. That’s something you’ve always loved about Bob—being around him feels effortless. He doesn’t expect anything from you. Doesn’t ask for more than you can give. 

You could sit beside him for hours and not say a word, and it would still feel like love—not real love, obviously, just the safe, platonic kind. The kind that doesn't get complicated. 

You’ve done things in front of him that would make other men blush. Cried with your mouth full. Passed out snoring on his shoulder during a movie. Gotten so drunk once that he had to wash your hair while you sat slumped in the tub, head in your hands. You’d been wearing your underwear, obviously, but Bob? He hadn’t even looked. Hadn’t dared. Just held the shower head and worked the shampoo into your hair like he was defusing a bomb. Gentle. Respectful. Sweet as ever. 

That’s the thing about Bob—he’s never once crossed a line. Never even hinted at it. You’ve been fake-married for over a year, shared hotels and couches and drunk stories and everything in between, and he’s never tried anything. Never looked at you like that. You don’t think he’s even thought about it. 

Which is honestly kind of a miracle. 

Any other man might’ve used this arrangement as an excuse to test the waters. A ‘harmless’ kiss. A comment. A suggestion. But not Bob. Bob’s too good for that. Too decent. He’s respectful to a fault. The kind of guy who would take a bullet for you but apologise if he got blood on your shirt. 

It’s why you love him so much. Not in a romantic way—just... as a person. As a partner. A friend. You trust him more than anyone. You’d trust him with your life, your secrets, your worst moments. And you know, without a doubt, that he would never do anything to jeopardise what you have. 

Honestly, if more men were like Bob Floyd, the world would be a better place. 

“I met a guy at the store,” you say, pausing halfway to putting the milk away. 

“Oh?” Bob replies, not looking up as he carefully arranges the eggs into the little plastic holder. 

“Yeah, but he was military.” 

“Damn,” he mutters, glancing up briefly. “North Island’s small. You’ll probably have to look further north for anyone not Navy.” 

You nod, leaning a hip against the kitchen counter. “I figured. But he was hot.” 

Bob lets out a soft chuckle. “Really?” 

“Yeah. Bit cocky, but that can be fun sometimes,” you say, turning to unpack another bag. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just bugging ‘cause it’s been a while.” 

He hums in agreement, quietly focused as he lines the little spice jars up—in alphabetical order, of course—on the rack like it’s a puzzle that might save his life. 

You sigh, dramatic and long, as you drop a few bundles of fruit onto the bench. “Would it really be that bad?” 

He glances at you, brow furrowed. “What?” 

“A military hookup.” 

His eyes go wide. “Yes. That would be bad. Very, very bad. North Island is small. And my squad? We’re kind of... well-known.” 

“I’m not though,” you counter with a shrug. “I haven’t started my new role yet, but my desk is probably buried in the bowels of some overcrowded office. Who says I’d ever even run into you? Or anyone else?” 

Bob shakes his head, firm. “Still too risky.” 

“Ugh,” you groan, throwing your hands up. “Fine. But if my vibrator blows up from overuse, I’m blaming you for cockblocking me.” 

He chuckles again, cheeks flushing pink as he turns away to continue putting away the dry ingredients. He doesn’t reply—but he doesn’t have to. You both know the conversation is over. 

And you know he’s right. It is too risky. 

Your marriage might be a secret for now—from his squad and from his CO—but once you start your new role, you’ll have to declare it. And then you’ll have to be even more careful. Not just about what you say. 

But who you do, too. 

- Bob - 

After dinner and an hour on the lounge—scrolling through your phones, only half-watching the Nat Geo doc on sperm whales that Bob put on—you sit up and yawn. 

“Okay,” you say, pushing off the couch. “I’m going to bed.” 

Bob nods, looking up at you with a soft smile. “No worries. Goodnight.” 

“See you tomorrow, handsome,” you call over your shoulder as you walk toward the main bedroom. 

Bob doesn’t mind giving you the bigger bedroom. He knows you like having an ensuite, plus you’ve always had more stuff than him. So every time you’ve moved, he’s happily taken whatever spare or second bedroom is left. 

He waits on the couch a little while longer, until he’s sure he can no longer hear you moving around. Then he quietly turns off the TV and pads into his bathroom. He brushes his teeth, removes his glasses, and steps into the bedroom across the hall from yours, where his mattress is still lying on the floor—he hasn’t gotten around to building the bedframe yet. 

He’s about to switch off the light when he hears it. That soft, familiar hum—barely audible, but impossible to mistake. 

Bob Floyd knows that sound. 

The sound of your vibrator, buzzing through the walls like a siren song. 

He groans low in his throat, flicks off the light, then drops to his knees at the edge of the mattress. He falls forward, burying his face in the pillows, and lets out a long, quiet sigh. 

He doesn’t move. Not at first. Just waits—face pressed into the cotton, heart pounding, cock already swelling thick and hot against the mattress. 

Because he knows what’s coming. He always does. 

Like a fucking creep, like a goddamn pervert, Bob knows exactly what happens next. And he lies there—unmoving, desperate, strung tight—just listening. 

It starts small. The shift of sheets. A soft sigh. The subtle creak of your bedframe as you get comfortable. 

Then the hum kicks in. Louder now. Higher. The toy you keep tucked in the top drawer of your nightstand—the one he’s heard more times than he’ll ever admit. 

He knows that sound like the back of his hand. Not from seeing it—God, he wishes—but from too many nights lying in the dark, counting every soft rise in pitch, every subtle shift in tempo like it’s a fucking metronome set to ruin him. 

Then your breathing shifts—sharp, shallow, soft. It’s quiet enough to pass for nothing at all. Quiet enough that you probably think no one can hear. 

But Bob hears everything. 

He bites into the pillow, hips slowly rolling down, the friction of the mattress nowhere near enough but still better than nothing. He grinds again… and again, slow and heavy, like he can’t stop himself—and really, he can’t. 

Because he can hear you. All of you. The way you sigh, that breathy little whimper as you press the toy closer. He imagines your thighs parting, your back arching, your free hand curling into the sheets. 

He groans into his pillow, hips pressing forward again—slow and deliberate—pressure dragging against his length while he pictures you wrapped around it. It’s not relief, not even close—but it’s something. It’s the only thing he has. 

And he knows he shouldn’t. God, he knows. This is fucked up. You’re ten feet away, touching yourself, slowly coming apart with no idea he’s lying here, rutting helplessly against his mattress like a goddamn teenager. 

But he can’t help it. He’s never been able to help it when it comes to you. 

Not when he can hear you biting back a moan, shifting your hips under the covers. And then—fuck—that tiny little gasp. The one that always gives you away. That last, wrecked sound you make when you come. 

He’s memorised it. Just like everything else about you. 

And the second it hits his ears, he knows it’s over—and he falls apart too. 

His body locks up, muscles tight, grinding hard into the mattress as his orgasm rips through him—hot, heavy, and overwhelming. He chokes on your name, burying it deep into the pillow like a secret he’ll never tell as he spills into his boxers. 

It’s not graceful. It’s not pretty. It’s desperate. Messy. Shameful. 

And when it’s over, he just lies there—panting, trembling, sticky and spent. 

Shame curls in his stomach, guilt gnawing at the edges of his hazy thoughts. Thoughts of you, in your room, flushed and glowing with that post-orgasmic haze. 

He hates himself almost instantly. 

But this is who he is. This is what he does. Not just since living together or being fake-married—no, Bob has been getting off with your name on his lips for years. 

Because the truth is—Bob Floyd is completely, helplessly, stupidly in love with you. 

God, he wishes he wasn’t. Or better yet, he wishes he’d had the guts to ask you out all those years ago when he first met you at Lemoore. But he didn’t. He couldn’t. He was too chickenshit. And now? Now he’s trapped in a fantasy you think is fake—wearing the ring, playing the role, losing his fucking mind. 

And he’s the idiot who signed up for it. Who offered it. 

All he’s ever wanted was to make sure you’re happy. Safe. Cared for. And if he couldn’t tell you the truth—couldn’t admit that he’s in love with you—then being your fake husband felt like the next best thing. 

Even though it’s killing him. Slowly. And ruining all his boxers. 

Because living with you, pretending to be married to you, is the hardest thing Bob has ever done—literally and figuratively. 

He likes to think he’s good at hiding it. Hiding how he really feels. 

But it’s getting more and more difficult every day, and— 

Fuck. He’s stupid. He left his goddamn bedroom door wide open. 

You could’ve walked out at any moment—you still could. To grab a drink. Check the front door. Or even adjust the thermostat. And the worst part? This isn’t even the first time he’s forgotten to shut it. 

Just like it probably won’t be the last. Because no matter how many times he promises himself he’ll stop getting off to the sounds of you touching yourself, he always lets those breathless little noises unravel him. 

Every damn time. 

After a few minutes of wallowing in self-pity—and sticky underwear—Bob rolls off his mattress, grabs a clean pair of boxers, and heads into the bathroom. He cleans himself up in the dark, avoiding the lights—and his own reflection—before slipping back into his room and falling into bed. 

Sleep finds him quickly, despite the guilt lingering like static under his skin, and before he knows it, the sharp ring of his alarm is dragging him upright again. He groans quietly and moves through the motions the same way he does every morning. 

First, he makes a fresh pot of coffee. Then he showers, does his hair, changes into his flight suit, and heads back to the kitchen. 

Your door is still shut by the time he’s lacing up his boots. He can’t hear the shower running or the muffled sound of videos playing on your phone, so he figures you’re letting yourself sleep in. 

He fills his travel cup with fresh coffee before finding your favourite mug in the sink, giving it a quick rinse, and setting it beside the pot. Then he digs through his work bag for that little pad of yellow Post-it notes and scribbles out a message: 

Good luck today. Remember, the boxes are more afraid of you than you are of them. ♡ 

He sticks it to the side of your mug, checks his pockets for keys and ID, then slips out the door—making sure to shut it quietly—smiling to himself like a loser at the thought of the text you’ll send him when you find the note. 

He knows it’s ridiculous. He knows he shouldn’t indulge himself. But acting like a real husband is what keeps Bob from going completely insane. Kind of. 

Leaving you notes, bringing you flowers, doing all the little domestic things a good spouse might do for their significant other—that’s what makes Bob happy. And he knows it makes you happy too. So he’s not going to stop. Not until you tell him to. Not until you stop saving all his little Post-it notes in that journal you think he doesn’t know about. The one you keep in the top drawer of your dresser, hidden beneath your lingerie. 

And how does he know that? 

Well—spouses do each other’s laundry. It’s completely innocent. He has absolutely no hidden agenda when it comes to offering to do your laundry. It’s not like he’s ever gotten off into a pair of your panties before. 

That would be insane. Perverted, even. 

Bob wouldn’t do that. No way. 

“Hello?” Natasha waves a hand in front of Bob’s face. “Are you even listening?” 

He blinks, vision slowly refocusing on the brunette standing in front of him. He’s not sure when she walked into the briefing room—or when she even started talking. All he knows is that, before he started daydreaming about your lingerie drawer, he was the only one in the room. 

He clears his throat. “Sorry. Distracted. What were you saying?” 

She folds her arms and glances around, as if checking to see if anyone else can hear what she’s about to say. “How’d the move go?” 

Bob straightens a little, subtly shifting in his seat to check the room. Javy and Reuben have arrived and are seated at the back, talking about the flight schedule for the day. 

He turns back to Natasha and nods. “Good. She’s still unpacking. Won’t start on base until next week.” 

“You should tell Mav,” she says, sinking into the seat beside him. “You’re going to have to declare the relationship. It’ll be better coming from you. At least then you can ask him not to tell the others.” 

Natasha knows about you—of course—not because Bob told her, but because she saw his ring hanging beside his dog tags during PT one time. She also spotted the polaroid he keeps of you tucked behind the threat matrix card on his kneeboard, and she put two and two together. 

He hadn’t hesitated to tell her it wasn’t a traditional marriage—because he knew Natasha would understand. What he didn’t expect was for her to immediately clock that he’s in love with you. Or the way she sighed and shook her head when he told her that you didn’t feel the same and asked her to keep her mouth shut. 

He knows she wants to meet you, too. He’d even say she’s dying to. But that can’t happen yet. Not until you’re properly settled on North Island and his CO knows about the relationship. Then Bob will think about telling the rest of the squad. 

Or maybe he’ll just invite Natasha over for dinner and forget the rest of them entirely. Because you’re his secret—his favourite secret—and something about letting that out makes him feel nauseous. 

“Good morning, aviators!” Maverick calls as he walks into the room. “Nice to see that most of you care about being here early.” 

He drops his folders on the desk before powering up the digital display and pulling out his tablet. 

Natasha nudges Bob in the side and tips her head toward Mav. Bob hesitates, glancing over his shoulder to see that Mickey has joined Reuben and Javy at the back, but neither Bradley nor Jake are here yet. They’re not late—but they’re cutting it close. Which means Mav won’t start right away. 

Which means Bob has the perfect opportunity to speak to his CO about you. 

Natasha elbows him again, harder this time, her eyes wide with warning. 

“Okay,” Bob mutters, pushing up from his chair. “I’m going.” 

He walks slowly up to where Maverick is scowling at his tablet, tapping the screen harder than necessary. 

Bob clears his throat. “Mav. Can I talk to you for a sec?” 

Maverick glances up, brow furrowing. “Of course. Everything okay?” 

“Yeah—uh, yes sir,” Bob replies, dropping his voice low. “I just wanted to mention something before it comes up.” 

“Okay…?” Maverick says slowly. “Is this private? Do we need to leave the room, or—” 

“No, it’s okay,” Bob says, pushing his glasses higher up his nose. “I mean, it is private, but before the others get here—um.” He clears his throat again. “My wife just moved here. She’s a civilian contractor, and she’s going to be working on base.” 

Maverick’s brows shoot up, but his voice stays low. “Wife?” 

Bob nods. “Yes, sir.” 

“Wow. Okay.” 

“I’d just appreciate if you could keep it quiet,” Bob adds. “We’re not really—” 

“Don’t worry.” Maverick drops a hand on Bob’s shoulder. “I get it. The squad doesn’t need to know. This is your life, your secret. Your wife.” 

God, Bob loves hearing that. His wife. 

“Just file the paperwork with HR, and let me know if there are any issues,” Maverick says, letting his hand drop. “If anyone questions it or gives you a hard time, send them to me. I’m not against a—um… convenient arrangement. So I’ll vouch for you, alright?” 

Bob’s cheeks flush. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.” 

Maverick nods, and Bob takes the dismissal. He turns back toward the room and is relieved to find the others still deep in conversation at the back. Only Natasha is watching him, her eyes sparkling and lips curled into a knowing smirk. 

“What’d he say?” she asks as he drops into his seat. 

Bob shrugs. “Not much. He understood the situation.” 

“Oh?” Natasha raises a brow. “So he’s all over the fake-wife-who-you’re-secretly-obsessed-with thing?” 

Bob shoots her a sidelong glare. “Shut up.” 

She snorts quietly to herself but doesn’t say another word—just turns her gaze toward the digital display where Maverick is bringing up their latest sim stats. 

Eventually, Jake strides into the room, with Bradley not far behind. They drop into their usual seats, and Maverick launches into the day’s briefing—something about sim times, and how they need to be tighter. Bob tries to pay attention, but his focus is shot. He stares at the screen, nodding at the right moments, jotting down a few notes here and there, but his mind is miles away. 

With you. Wondering what you’re doing. Whether the unpacking is going okay. If you’ve seen his note yet. If you’ve texted him. 

He’s usually better than this—better at compartmentalising, staying locked in—but something about today feels different. Maybe it’s the fact that you’re finally here. In North Island. In the apartment. In his everyday life, not just in his daydreams and text messages. 

He keeps thinking about last night. The way your shirt had ridden up while you reached to shove a box into the top cupboard above the fridge. The warm stretch of bare skin, the way your hips swayed without you even realising. Or the soft little moan you let out when you bit into your chocolate bar after dinner—like it physically hurt to taste something that good. Or the way your lips wrapped around it, slow and indulgent. He shouldn't be thinking about that. But he is. 

Mostly, though, he can’t stop hearing you. 

That breathy, broken little sound you made in the dark. The one that slipped through the walls when you thought no one could hear. When you were touching yourself. Coming apart. And he was ten feet away, grinding against his mattress, pretending it was you. 

God. What is wrong with him? 

He drags a hand across his jaw and tries to focus, but it’s useless. It’s like something inside of him cracked open during the special detachment—like the distance rewired him. Like missing you for so long left something raw and exposed, and now that you’re here, in his orbit again, he can’t think about anything else. 

You’re everywhere. In his apartment. In his bed—in a way. In his skin. 

And no matter how hard he tries to shake it off, you're still there. Taking up every thought, every breath, every beat of his heart. More than ever. And God, he’s not sure how to deal with it anymore. 

“Not hungry, Floyd?” Javy asks, pausing at the door with a small frown. 

Bob blinks, quickly glancing around the now-empty briefing room—except for Javy. “Is it lunch?” 

Javy chuckles. “Yeah, man. Where have you been?” 

Bob takes a deep breath and pushes out of his chair, gathering his things before following his very sceptical squadmate out into the corridor. 

By the time he reaches the mess hall, everyone has already grabbed lunch and settled around the usual table. Bradley and Reuben are deep in an argument about something Maverick apparently critiqued during their sim flight last week—not that Bob has any idea what it actually was—and Natasha is explaining to Mickey, for some reason, that possums do not, in fact, lay eggs. Why? No clue. 

“Okay, everyone shut up,” Jake says, dropping his tray with a dramatic thud. “I have an announcement.” 

The squad falls quiet—all eyes on him, brows raised, mouths shut. 

“Thank you.” Jake grins. “I just wanted to let you all know that I—Jake Seresin—met the love of my life last night.” 

Natasha frowns. “Are you talking about Penny’s new bartender? Because she literally told you to choke.” 

“Nope,” Jake replies, unfazed. “Different woman. Grocery store. Breakfast food aisle. She was buying Pop-Tarts but looking at me like I was the tart.” 

Reuben snorts. “That checks out.” 

“So what happened?” Bradley asks, a smirk lifting one corner of his mouth. “Did you talk to her?” 

“Yep,” Jake nods. “It was magical. She was so hot, and funny too. The chemistry was insane.” 

“Did you get her number?” Mickey asks. 

Jake sighs. “Well, no, but—” 

Bob frowns, leaning in. “What was her name?” 

“Didn’t get that either.” 

Bradley chuckles. “Hold on. So she’s the love of your life, but you don’t even know her name?” 

“We had a connection beyond this plane of existence,” Jake insists, eyes narrowed. “I’m telling you. It was spiritual.” 

“Is there anything you did find out about her?” Javy asks, clearly trying not to laugh. 

Jake shrugs. “Well, she clocked me for military pretty quick, and said she doesn’t date military.” 

Bob’s stomach drops. Panic creeps up the back of his neck, making the little hairs stand on end and his flight suit feel uncomfortably hot. 

“She wasn’t wearing a ring, was she?” Reuben asks, grinning. 

“Nope,” Jake says. “I checked. Not making that mistake a third time.” 

Bob exhales quietly, relief washing over him. He remembers—very clearly—seeing your wedding ring on your finger last night. He always notices when you're wearing it. He fucking loves seeing it on you. 

“Alright, Romeo,” Natasha says. “How exactly do you plan to find this mystery woman again if you don’t know anything about her?” 

“I trust the universe,” Jake says, leaning back with smug confidence. “I’ll see her again. Soon. It’s destiny.” 

Javy claps a hand on his shoulder. “Okay, destiny. You might want to stop talking before someone calls medical and gets you checked for a head injury.” 

Jake just rolls his eyes and picks up his burger, eyeing the beef patty like it might be radioactive before finally taking a bite. 

There are a few minutes of quiet while everyone starts eating their lunch. Bradley grumbles about how he should’ve picked the burger instead of the sloppy joe, and Javy mutters something to Natasha about trading his vanilla pudding for her chocolate one. 

Then Reuben pipes up, loud and clear across the table. “So, Floyd… saw you whispering something real secretive to Mav this morning. What was that about?” 

Bob stiffens, nearly choking on his sip of water. “What? Oh, nothing. Just… work stuff.” 

“Oh yeah?” Reuben grins. “Looked like top-secret classified info. You trying to get reassigned?” 

“Probably just checking if he could skip night duty next week,” Natasha says dryly, without even looking up from her pudding. “Someone’s got laundry to fold and throw pillows to rearrange.” 

Bob’s eyes go wide. “I’m not—there’s no—” he splutters, flushing red as he waves a hand in mild panic. “It was literally just… paperwork.” 

Javy raises a brow. “Paperwork that makes you blush like that?” 

Bradley frowns, leaning forward to look at Natasha. “What are you talking about throw pillows?” 

She glances up, eyes wide and brows raised—the picture of innocence. “Hm? Oh, nothing.” 

Bob sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose and rubbing the spot where his glasses sit. “Can we just drop it?” 

“Ooh,” Mickey pipes up. “Maybe Bob has a secret love child we don’t know about.” 

Reuben leans in, eyes gleaming. “Blink twice if it was about alimony.” 

Bob lifts his head with a flat stare. “Do I look like I have time for children?” 

“Secret love child…” Jake says slowly—thoughtfully. “Honestly, I’d believe it.” 

“If Bob had a kid, don’t you think we’d know?” Bradley says, flicking a green bean across the table at Reuben. 

“Exactly,” Natasha grins. “If Bob had any secrets, we’d know. Right, Bob?” 

If looks could kill—or at least maim—Natasha would already be halfway to medical by now. 

“Right,” Bob mutters, jaw tight. 

“And if anyone had a secret love child,” she adds, gaze drifting across the table, “it’d be Hangman.” 

Jake scoffs. “Why me?” 

Mickey snorts. “Because you have the most sex, hands down.” 

“Speak for yourself, dude,” Reuben mutters. 

“Yeah,” Bradley smirks. “Seresin strikes out more than the rest of us combined.” 

“Well, yeah,” Mickey chuckles. “But only because he flirts with way more women than the rest of us.” 

“Again,” Natasha chimes in, “speak for yourself, Fanboy.” 

There’s a chorus of oohs interlaced with laughter as Mickey rolls his eyes, cheeks going just the softest shade of pink—but Reuben notices. The teasing quickly shifts to Mickey, leaving Bob staring down at his lunch with his pulse pounding in his ears. 

The next half hour passes in a blur while Bob does his absolute best not to think about you—which means, of course, you’re all he can think about. And then just as everyone starts rising from their seats, his phone buzzes with a burst of rapid-fire texts stamped with your contact name. 

‘The boxes are winning. If I don’t make it, tell my husband he was too good for this world.’ 

‘Oh, and he’s not allowed to move on for AT LEAST two weeks.’ 

‘P.S. your wife says thanks for the coffee. Might reward you later with some expertly folded laundry.’ 

Bob’s heart lurches into his throat while all the blood in his body reroutes south. He types out a quick reply: ‘What laundry?’ 

“You coming, Floyd?” Natasha asks, standing on the opposite side of the table with a frown. 

Bob looks up, dazed. “I—uh, yeah. I’m coming—I mean, you go. I’ll catch up.” 

“Okay...” she mutters, eyeing him suspiciously as she turns to follow the others toward the tray return. 

His phone pings again, lighting up with another text from you: ‘Found a pile on the floor in the bathroom and assumed it was dirty? Promise there was no creepy sniffing, and I definitely didn’t notice anything about your boxers!’ 

Bob lets out a strangled noise, drops his phone onto the table with a clatter, and buries his face in his hands. 

Right now, he wouldn’t mind if the ground opened up and swallowed him whole. Or if a rogue fighter jet spiralled off course and obliterated the mess hall. Or if a black hole cracked open beneath his chair and sucked all of North Island into oblivion. 

Except for you, of course. He’d want you to be safe. 

But aside from that, he’d gladly disappear right now. Some inexplicable catastrophe would do just fine—anything to keep him from going home and facing the woman who just washed his crusty boxers. Boxers that were only crusty because of her, anyway. 

And— 

Oh, God. Why is he getting hard? 

It doesn’t make any sense. One dumb joke about laundry and boxers and suddenly his body is acting like you sent nudes. He’s not even thinking about you like that—not really—and yet here he is, halfway to a full-blown erection in the middle of the mess hall with zero warning and absolutely no control. What the hell is wrong with him? 

He shifts in his seat, eyes wide and pulse thundering in his ears as his flight suit starts pulling taut in places it absolutely should not. 

If he doesn’t get moving, he’ll be late—and Maverick will ream him for it. But he can’t exactly stand up with a raging hard-on in the middle of the goddamn mess hall. 

With another strangled groan, Bob white-knuckles his lunch tray and holds it right in front of him as he shoves back his chair and stands. He beelines for the tray return, drops his tray without making eye contact with a single soul, and turns sharply toward the exit. 

Once he’s out the door, he yanks down the zipper of his flight suit and adjusts himself as quickly and discreetly as humanly possible. 

Mercifully, there’s no one within ten feet of him—but just ahead, where the squad is walking back toward the squadron building, Bob spots Reuben glancing over his shoulder. Brows drawn. Eyes wide. Curiosity written all over his face. 

And now Bob wants to die. 

Great. What a fantastic Tuesday he is having. 

By the time Maverick dismisses the squad at the end of the day, Bob can’t get out fast enough. He barely mumbles a goodbye before practically running out the door and across base. 

He flicks you a quick text to say he’s on his way, then jumps in his car. But instead of heading straight home, he makes a stop at the little florist he passes every morning and afternoon—the one he’s been wanting to visit for months. He’s been thinking about it since you agreed to move here, picking up flowers on his way home from work like some hopeless suburban husband. It’s dumb. Ridiculous, even. But he can’t help himself. He started doing it the first week you moved in after the ‘wedding’ and now it’s a ritual. A compulsion. 

He grabs a bunch of blood-red roses—because he’s romantic like that—and drives the rest of the way home, parking beside your car in the underground garage. His palms are sweating by the time he’s in the lift, and his heart won’t slow down. He feels twitchy. Wired. Like his whole body has been buzzing with anticipation since he last saw you—which, tragically, was only twenty-four hours ago. 

“I’m home,” he calls as he pushes open the door, trying not to sound breathless. 

The apartment already looks better than it did this morning. Fewer boxes now. The bookshelf is upright and full. The dining table is properly assembled—chairs and all. There’s a knife block, a roll of paper towel, and a candle on the kitchen bench. And right in the middle of the island—an empty glass vase. Almost like you knew. 

“Bobby,” you call, ducking your head out of your bedroom door at the end of the short hallway. “Just showered. I’ll be out in a sec.” 

His breath catches at the sight of you clutching a towel to your chest, damp skin glowing, droplets racing down your collarbones and disappearing between the curves of your breasts. Your hair’s wet. Your legs are bare. And for one unbearable, glorious moment, Bob forgets what language is. 

His cock twitches. 

“No worries,” he mutters, voice hoarse and a little too high. 

You’re already gone before he even finishes speaking, but you don’t fully close the door—and his pulse kicks hard against his ribs. Because fuck, you’re naked in there. 

He drops his bag like it’s on fire, kicks off his boots, and sets the flowers on the counter without even looking. Then he starts down the hall toward his room, right across from yours. His head is bowed like he’s deep in thought, but his eyes flick to that sliver of open door. 

And God—he sees you. 

Just a glimpse. Just enough. A stretch of skin. The slope of your back. And then you turn slightly toward the bed and—fuck. Your tits. Just there. Bare. Bouncing softly with your movement. 

He lets out a strangled sound and walks face-first into his closed bedroom door with a loud thunk. 

“Shit,” he hisses, clutching his forehead and praying to every saint he can think of. 

Your door swings open and you step out, now holding a sweatshirt to your chest. “You okay?” 

Bob can’t even look at you, his cheeks burning. “Yeah—yeah, I’m fine. Wasn’t, uh… wasn’t looking. Just tired. Mav really pushed us hard. Long day.” 

“Mm,” you hum, clearly amused. “Well, Lieutenant, maybe wait until you’re in bed before you close your eyes?” 

He half-laughs, half-chokes, and gives you a quick salute. “Noted. Bed first.” 

Then he shoves his door open, stumbles inside, and shuts it behind him in one fast motion. He leans back against it, eyes squeezed shut, hands trembling. 

His cock is hard. Painfully, unreasonably hard. Pressed tight against his flight suit with nowhere to go. 

God, did you notice? 

He’s pretty sure you didn’t. Otherwise, you’d be freaked out. Right? 

With a deep breath, he drags the zipper of his suit down and wriggles out of it. He kicks it off his feet and leaves it crumpled on the floor before turning to face the door. Then he braces one hand against the wood while the other slips beneath the waistband of his briefs. He pushes them down slowly, deliberately, letting his hard length spring free, skin slick with the heat of anticipation. 

His breath catches, shaky and uneven, as he wraps his fingers around himself. He drags slow, torturous strokes up and down, eyes squeezed shut, clinging to the vivid, forbidden image of you—wet, vulnerable, just beyond that goddamn door. 

Each stroke draws a ragged gasp, the heat building low in his belly until it���s almost unbearable. His hips start to lift, chasing the mounting pressure, fingers tightening instinctively. 

He imagines your voice—soft, breathy—whispering something filthy in his ear, something that would have him leaking on the spot if he dared to imagine it too loud. 

His skin prickles, pulse pounding in his ears. The world shrinks until there’s nothing but his hand, the hard length in it, and this door separating you from him. 

He fights to steady his frantic breath as white-hot pressure builds at the base of his cock. And just as that delicious snap of heat tears through his body— 

“Hey, did you want the blue Gatorade or can I take it?” you call out. 

His whole body locks up, release spilling in hot, sticky ropes against the door. 

Fuck. 

“A-All good,” he croaks. “You have it.” 

He slumps forward, forearm pressing against the wood as his head drops with a soft thud. His dick twitches in his hand, still half-hard, still leaking. 

God, this has to stop. He can’t just jerk off every time he sees so much as your shoulder. 

Though, what he saw before was much more than that. But he was creeping—looking for it, trying to catch a glimpse. No, this all has to stop. Not just the wanking, but the perving too. Jesus Christ, it has to stop before you find out. Or worse—catch him. 

The thought makes his spine tingle—but... not in an entirely unpleasant way. 

Great. Now he’s turned on by the idea of you catching him in the act. 

Maybe he needs therapy. Or maybe he should be the one getting checked for a head injury—not Jake and his grocery store destiny. 

After stripping off his underwear—using them to wipe down the door, because he’s disgusting—and pulling on a pair of sweats, Bob finally steps out of his room. His cheeks are still hot, his pulse still hammering, but at this point, that’s just baseline when it comes to being around you. 

“You don’t have to keep getting me flowers,” you say, smiling softly as you arrange the bouquet in the vase like you’ve done it a hundred times. 

He shrugs. “Just being a good husband.” 

And trying to make up for jerking off to you like a goddamn lunatic. 

“Well,” you slide the vase into the middle of the kitchen island, “they’re gorgeous. Thank you.” 

He gives you a small nod, lips twitching like he might smile—but then he notices what you’re wearing, and it dies immediately. 

“Going out?” he asks, keeping his tone light. 

“Yep,” you reply brightly. “I’ve got a date.” 

His stomach drops. 

“Okay, not a date,” you amend quickly. “Just a hookup. Strictly sex. But I didn’t feel like I could show up in my sweats, you know?” 

Bob thinks you look stupid hot in your sweats. But right now you’re in a pair of jeans that cling to your ass and a shirt he’s pretty sure he’s never seen before, and his brain is starting to melt again. 

“Hence, the nice clothes,” you add, gesturing to yourself. “I shouldn’t be late. Probably won’t even eat. So… save me some dinner?” 

Bob frowns. “What dinner?” 

You roll your eyes, sliding one arm into your jacket. “Whatever you decide to make. Because you’re an amazing cook. And I know you’re going to make something, because you cook every weeknight except Fridays.” 

“What if I don’t feel like cooking tonight?” he mutters, feeling petulant and jealous and very much trying not to show it. 

You smirk. “Okay, grumpy. Then order me some extra takeout.” 

He doesn’t answer—just nods once and turns to the fridge, opening the door like whatever’s inside is the most fascinating thing he’s ever seen. 

“I’ve got my location on,” you say, stopping at the front door to slip your shoes on. “Just in case the guy’s a psychopath.” 

Bob glances over his shoulder. “Should I be worried?” 

“Nah,” you shrug. “He’s an accountant. Boring as hell. No military ties. Didn’t even know North Island was a Navy base—thought it was Air Force.” 

Bob’s eyes narrow. “You’re kidding.” 

“Nope,” you say with a laugh. “He’s up in La Jolla. I guess when you’re wealthy enough, you don’t have to worry about anything outside your little bubble.” 

Bob shuts the fridge and turns to face you, frown deepening. “La Jolla’s nearly an hour away.” 

“I know,” you say. “But no military, remember? Means I have to travel. And Bob, I know you don’t want to hear this—but I need sex. I’m dying. I’m falling apart. My vibrator can only do so much, but I need a real di—” 

“Okay,” he cuts in quickly, eyes wide. “That’s… enough. Just go. Be safe.” 

He steps up against the kitchen island, grateful that the counter is hiding his growing hard-on. Again. 

You flash him a grin and pull the door open. “If I’m not back by eleven, call the cops and avenge me dramatically.” Then you step out into the corridor, waving. “Love you! Bye!” 

“Love you too,” Bob mutters. 

The second the door clicks shut, he collapses forward, forehead hitting the cool marble benchtop with a groan loud enough that you might’ve heard it on your way to the elevator. 

Bob spends the evening doing everything he can not to be a creep. He cooks dinner, sets aside a container for you, and watches a documentary called Inside The Vatican—hoping some religious guilt might fix him. 

It doesn’t. 

After washing the dishes—and spending a concerning amount of time scrubbing your mug—Bob paces the apartment, trying desperately to think of anything besides jerking off. Then his eyes land on his mattress still lying on the floor, and he decides maybe building his bed will take up enough time. 

Again, it doesn’t. 

Once he hauls the mattress into the frame, he spends the next twenty minutes carefully rearranging the furniture in his room. Then he sits on the edge of the bed, phone in hand and stalks your location like a man possessed—willing it to move, craving nothing more than to see you heading home. But after ten minutes of nothing, he gives up. 

So he decides to wash his bedsheets. He strips the mattress, hauls the bedding to the small laundry room beside his bathroom, and shoves it all into the washing machine. Once the cycle starts, he checks the dryer—and immediately regrets it. 

Your bedding is crumpled up inside, still a little warm and smelling so strongly of you it makes his head spin. 

He tries—he really does—to pull it out and just dump it at the foot of your unmade bed. But no. He can’t leave it like that. He has to make it. It’s what you would do for him. Because you’re not just housemates—you’re friends, you’re a good fake husband and wife. Making your bed is just a kind, domestic gesture. 

That’s all. 

With a deep breath, he starts unravelling your bedding. He finds the fitted sheet and drapes it over the mattress, stepping carefully around the bed to tuck it in and smooth it out. His hands move mechanically, trying to focus on the task, willing himself to keep it together. 

Even though the scent of you in here is like a drug—sharp and heady, flooding his senses and making his sweatpants feel tighter by the second. But it’s fine. He’s got this. He’s in complete control. 

Once the fitted sheet is on, he picks up your duvet and throws it over the mattress before smoothing it down. Then he finds the two pillowcases, picks your pillows up off the floor, and starts shoving them in. 

He’s almost done—and almost proud of himself—as he drops one of the pillows at the top of the bed, closest to the side he’s on. Then he grabs the other one, leans forward to place it on the far side, and— 

His cock brushes the pillow. 

Just barely, but it’s enough. Enough to make heat pool at the base of his spine, to turn half-hard into fully, painfully hard in a heartbeat. 

His breath catches. His fingers twitch. He tries to pull back—he means to—but his body betrays him. His hips roll forward, dragging his length against your pillow in the most delicious, dangerous way. 

He groans. Loudly. And grinds down again—harder, deeper. His cock drags thick and aching against the pillow, trapped beneath the soft cotton and the cling of his sweatpants. The smell of you is everywhere—on the fabric, in his lungs, in his mouth—and it’s driving him fucking insane. 

He leans forward, spreads his legs, and humps the pillow like a dog in heat. Quiet, desperate thrusts. Every inch of his skin burning. His lips part on a shaky gasp as he picks up a rhythm—slow at first, then faster, rougher. 

His hands fist your duvet. The mattress creaks softly beneath him. 

He grinds harder, angling his hips until the pressure hits just right, chasing friction, chasing the fantasy. You, writhing under him. You, moaning into the mattress. You, letting him rut against your thigh like a pathetic, needy animal. 

His cock pulses hard against the pillow. He’s panting now, forehead damp, face twisted in agony as he thrusts deep into the softness over and over and over— 

And then he’s coming. Sharp and hot and shameful, grinding through it like he never wants it to stop. His sweatpants absorb most of the mess, but some of it seeps through onto your pillow, warmth soaking into the cotton. 

“Shit, shit, shit,” he mutters, scrambling upright. 

He snatches the pillow off the bed and yanks the cover off. There’s only a small stain on the pillow itself, barely the size of a dime. He’ll just flip it. 

He grabs the other pillow, strips its case, and bolts to the laundry, shoving both into the washer with his half-finished load. Then he makes a beeline for the linen cupboard and exhales hard when he spots a similarly coloured pair of pillowcases. 

Ignoring the mess in his sweats, he returns to your room and quickly finishes making your bed with the fresh covers—flipping the soiled pillow face down—before fleeing the scene and shutting the door behind him like it might somehow seal in his shame. 

He needs help. He needs therapy. He might even need religion. 

At this point, he’ll take whatever divine intervention he can get, because clearly he can’t be trusted not to hump your goddamn pillow like some desperate, fucked-up freak with zero self-control. 

What the hell is wrong with him? You’re his friend. His roommate. His fake wife. Not his personal fantasy to jerk off to in every room of the apartment. 

But no matter how many times he tells himself to stop, no matter how disgusted he feels afterward, it’s like his body won’t listen. 

It’s not just lust—it’s deeper than that. Obsessive. Addictive. He’s terrified you’re going to catch him one day and never look at him the same again. And that’s what really scares him. Not the guilt, or the shame, or even the twisted desire. 

It’s the thought of losing you. Because as much as he wishes he could compartmentalise the feelings from the hormones, it’s all tangled up now. He needs you like air—like water. 

Romantic or not, sexual or not—he just needs you. 

So he has to stop. He has to figure out how to act normal before he fucks this whole thing up beyond repair. 

After a cold shower—self-imposed punishment—and making his own bed, Bob flops onto the couch and hits play on a documentary about sea otters. Then he checks the time on his phone—and your location. Again. 

He tells himself it’s just to make sure you’re safe, but his heart still leaps when he sees you’re already halfway home. 

He tries to focus on the otters—really tries—but his eyes keep darting to the front door like you might materialise out of thin air. Which is stupid, because he knows exactly how far away you are. He’s watching your little blue dot crawl toward him on his phone screen like a stalker. 

Thirty painstaking minutes later, the dot pulses directly over his own. Right on top of him. 

He holds his breath. And when the lock finally clicks, he forces his gaze back to the TV screen—doing his best impression of someone who is totally, one hundred percent emotionally invested in a family of sea otters and not, in any way, pathetically desperate to see you walk through the door. 

“I’m back,” you mutter, shoving the door open a little harder than necessary. 

Bob frowns, eyes narrowing at your expression. You’ve come home from hookups before, and he knows what you look like when they’ve gone fine, or good, or even great—he hates that the most. But this? This isn’t any of those. 

“Hey,” he says cautiously. “You alright?” 

You scowl as you shrug out of your jacket, tossing it toward the dining table along with your keys. Then you kick off your boots and leave them lying haphazardly by the door. 

“No,” you snap. “I’m not alright. That was the worst experience of my life.” 

Bob’s eyes widen—and it takes everything in him not to smile. He shifts on the couch, making more room for you, and grabs the remote to pause the TV. 

“What happened?” 

You stomp over and drop down beside him, groaning as you fall onto your side into the throw pillows. 

“He opened the door shirtless,” you start, already exasperated, “which would’ve been fine if he wasn’t holding a protein shake—and if the first thing out of his mouth wasn’t, ‘Sup, babe.’” 

Bob’s brows shoot up, but he manages to not to laugh. 

“Then he led me straight to his room, which reeked of feet and Axe body spray. He dropped his fucking sweats, laid down on the bed, pointed at his half-hard dick, and said—” you hold up finger quotes, “—‘The weapon awaits.’” 

Bob snorts and immediately slaps a hand over his mouth. 

You sit up and glare at him. “Don’t.” 

He shakes his head. “Didn’t say anything.” 

“You’re thinking it.” 

“Thinking what?” he asks, all wide eyes and faux innocence. 

You give him a flat look. “That I deserve it.” 

He shrugs, fighting a grin. “I wouldn’t say that.” 

“No, but you’re thinking it,” you mutter, settling back into the couch with your arms folded. 

He chuckles softly. “Maybe a little.” 

“Ugh,” you sigh, tipping your head back. “I just wanted to get laid, not be traumatised.” 

Bob snorts. “Maybe don’t trust what people say on dating apps. Or drive almost an hour to hook up with a guy you’ve known less than a day.” 

“I needed sex, Robert,” you say with a sidelong glance. “What else was I supposed to do?” 

His heart kicks against his ribs. He wants to say me. You were supposed to do me. Your best friend. Your fake husband. The guy with a perfectly functional—and admittedly impressive—dick that is quite literally always hard for you. 

He opens his mouth to reply—to say something he’ll almost definitely regret— 

But you cut in first. 

“He couldn’t even find my clit. I had to literally direct him—like a fucking traffic controller.” You curl your legs up beside you, muttering, “I faked it just to get out of there.” 

Bob’s mouth goes dry. “Faked it?” 

You nod, eyes still fixed on the frozen TV screen. “Yup.” 

There’s a beat—long enough for Bob to imagine every possible thing he could say next. 

But then you sigh—loudly. “I just want someone who listens. Is that really so much to ask?” You glance over at him, brows drawn. “I’m not expecting some expert sex god. Just… someone who pays attention. Enough to figure out what actually feels good.” 

Bob lets out a dry laugh. “Yeah. Imagine that. Someone who listens. Really pays attention. Makes sure you finish.” He shifts awkwardly, glancing down to check that the bulge in his pants isn’t obvious. “Multiple times, even.” 

“God,” you sigh. “Men like that must be a myth.” 

He clenches his jaw, biting back every smartass thing echoing in his head. Now isn’t the time to make you feel worse. And it probably isn’t the time to admit that he’s been secretly in love with you for years. 

Although, Bob’s not sure when the time for that would ever come. 

Right now, you just need a friend. Someone to complain to. Someone to remind you that it’s not you—it’s men. They suck. 

“Well,” you say, swinging your legs off the couch and pushing up. “At least I’ve got my vibrator to make up for that shitty experience.” 

Bob nearly chokes. 

“I’m heading to bed,” you add. 

“No worries,” he mutters, giving you a tight smile. “Goodnight.” 

“G’night Bobby,” you murmur, soft and sleepy, flashing him a small smile before turning away. 

And God—if that isn’t a shot straight to the heart. A kill shot, to be specific. 

Because you’re so warm. So sweet. And you love him so much—just not like that. He wishes it were enough. But more than anything, he wishes he could show you what you mean to him—because words wouldn’t even come close. 

And fuck, he really wishes you weren’t about to lay your head on a pillow stained with his cum. 

- You - 

By Wednesday afternoon, just about everything is unpacked. There’s a stack of broken-down boxes by the front door, a few rubbish bags full of packing paper, and one very exhausted woman lying on the living room floor—you. 

It’s only three p.m., which means Bob won’t be home for a few more hours, but after three straight days in this apartment alone, you’re starting to feel like you’re losing your mind. Sure, you’ve seen Bob in the evenings—and there was that pathetic hookup last night—but aside from that, it’s been nothing but boxes and furniture and cleaning. 

You don’t necessarily need human interaction. You just need a break. A change of scenery. A coffee, maybe. 

With a deep breath, you push off the floor and grab your jacket from the rack beside the door—the one you just finished assembling. You slide your arms in, slip your shoes on, and head out. 

You’re not overly familiar with North Island, but you’re pretty sure you saw a nice-looking café a few blocks over. And you don’t mind a walk. 

You try to take in your surroundings as you go, but it’s hard not to check out every fit man you pass. Because God, you are horny. So horny that even two rounds with your vibrator last night did nothing to loosen the knot burning low in your stomach. You need dick. Real dick. Good dick. Something hard and decently sized, attached to a reasonably attractive man who knows how to use it—someone who can fuck you stupid so you stop eyeing every guy like he’s a walking, talking slab of prime beef. 

God. You don't want to admit it, but even Bob was looking good last night. With his flushed cheeks, soft messy curls, and those big blue eyes behind his adorable glasses. You were five seconds away from dragging him into your room and letting him ruin your freshly washed sheets—ones you’ll have to remember to thank him for getting out of the dryer and making your bed with. Sweet man that he is. 

But Bob is too nice for you to ask something like that of him. You don’t doubt he’d be decent—probably even good. There’s something about him that tells you he’s not quite as vanilla as people think. But he’s your best friend. You can’t risk ruining a friendship and a perfectly good fake marriage just because you’re desperate to come. 

Not that you think Bob would fall in love with you or anything. God, no. Bob doesn’t see you like that. You just know that arrangements like that get messy, and you love him too much to risk it. 

So for now, you’ll just have to keep looking for some decent dick—something to sate the white-hot need burning behind your hipbones. 

“No way.” 

Your thoughts scatter like a flock of birds, reality seeping back in as you blink toward the source of the mildly familiar voice. 

“Oh,” you laugh softly, cheeks already burning. “It’s you.” 

The green-eyed man from the grocery store grins—and it’s so bright, so wide, you almost want to slide your sunglasses further up your nose. 

“It’s you,” he echoes, just a little breathless. 

That’s when you notice what he’s wearing—a tight tank, gym shorts, running shoes. His tan skin glistens with sweat, chest rising and falling too fast. He’s on a run—or at least he was. 

You lift a brow. “Shouldn’t you be at work? You know, protecting and serving?” 

He shrugs, bracing a hand on each hip. “My CO dismissed my squad early. Thought I’d get some PT in off-base.” 

“Isn’t this whole island a base?” 

He chuckles. “Technically, yeah. But I meant outside the hangar. With the ocean breeze, warm sun—” his gaze flicks down, then back up, “—pretty girls.” 

You roll your eyes. “Right. Because there weren’t enough of those at the grocery store?” 

You don’t wait for a comeback—you just flash him a small smirk and keep walking, gaze locked on the café at the end of the block. 

“Hey, wait a second,” he says, easily falling into step beside you. “You can’t just disappear again. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since Monday night. I need to know your name.” 

“Since Monday?” you glance at him, brows raised. “Wow, is this your longest relationship, then?” 

He snorts but stays at your side—clearly undeterred. “Why do you assume I’m a player?” 

“Seriously?” You give him a flat look. “Look at you.” 

He grins. “And?” 

You huff a laugh. “God, you’re a piece of work.” 

“But I’m worth it.” 

“I doubt that.” 

“Come on,” he sighs. “Just give me a shot.” 

You stop walking and turn to face him, arms folding tight across your chest. “Look. You’re hot—and you know it—but you’re also military. I have a strict rule, okay? Besides, I’m—” you pause, pulse quickening, “I’m not looking.” 

He frowns. “What does that even mean?” 

You glance down at your hand and instantly regret not wearing your ring today. Because as hot as this guy is—not exactly your type, but undeniably attractive—you just can’t do military. Bob would kill you. 

And what better way to scare someone off than with a wedding band? But no—you left it in your car. Like always. You only wear it when you need to, and usually ditch it when there’s a chance you might run into someone worth boning. Like at the grocery store the other day. Or now—even though that was clearly a mistake. 

You clear your throat. “It means thanks but no thanks. Now leave before I do something stupid.” 

He grins. “What if I want you to do something stupid?” 

“You don’t even know what stupid thing I’m talking about.” 

He shrugs. “I’m hoping it’s something along the lines of kissing me—or worse.” 

You roll your eyes again. “It’s definitely worse.” 

He opens his mouth to reply, but the shrill ring of his phone cuts in. He yanks the zipper on his pocket, pulls it out, and frowns at the screen. 

“You should get that,” you say, nodding to the phone. 

He looks up. “Wait, just—” 

“See you later, pretty boy.” 

You flash him one final smirk and turn on your heel, heading back the way you came—determined not to give him one more second to wear you down. You can just have coffee at home. 

And honestly, at this point, he’s kind of annoying. Too persistent. Too cocky. There’s something about him that feels like one giant neon warning sign—aside from the military thing. Something deeper. Weirder. Something that feels... dangerous. And not in a fun way. 

You take the first corner you reach, then the next, hoping that if you wind your way home along a complicated enough route, he won’t be able to follow you. Not that you think he would. You’re pretty sure he’s just a cocky boy—not a full-blown stalker. 

It doesn’t take long to reach your apartment block, and you’re definitely feeling a hell of a lot better than when you left—coffee or not. Sometimes it really is enough to get some fresh air. Go for a walk. Touch grass. Remind yourself the world isn’t made entirely of cardboard boxes and bubble wrap. 

You ride the elevator up to your floor and walk the hall, chewing your bottom lip as you wonder what to make for dinner. Bob usually cooks, but every now and then, you like to return the favour—not that it’s ever quite as good. 

You slide your key into the lock, turn the handle, and— 

Freeze. 

A choked moan breaks through the quiet apartment. Low, needy—completely unfiltered. 

What the fuck? 

You ease the door open, step inside, and shut it quietly behind you. Bob’s boots are by the door, his duffel bag dropped beside the dining table, and there’s a bottle of wine on the kitchen island. 

He’s home early. 

Another groan curls through the air, thick and strained, and your breath catches. 

You should make a sound. Slam the door. Jingle your keys. Do literally anything except stand here like a frozen creep. But you can’t. Because your pulse is racing, your mouth is dry, and that ache low in your belly is pulsing hot. 

Then you hear it—soft and unmistakable—a whimper, followed by a choked, “Mmmf—fuck.” 

Oh God. That’s Bob. 

You swallow hard and step forward quietly. The closer you get to his bedroom, the louder it gets. Deep, unsteady breaths. The slick, rhythmic sound of skin on skin. A low gasp, a soft curse. The tiniest creak of bedsprings beneath a body working for release. 

And holy shit, you're already wet—your panties soaked and sticking to you, no match for how goddamn horny you are. 

You stop in the hallway, standing halfway between your bedroom door and his. The right thing would be to duck into your room, slam the door, and pretend you didn’t hear a thing. 

But it’s too late. You’re too far gone. Too turned on. Your pulse is pounding, your legs feel like jelly, and you can’t pull yourself away. 

Like a fucking creep, like a goddamn pervert, you lean forward and peer through the narrow crack in his door. 

And stop breathing. 

Bob is sprawled across his bed, one leg bent, the other stretched out. His shirt is bunched up around his ribs, sweatpants shoved low on his hips—just low enough for his hand to move. 

And fuck, is it moving. 

His knuckles are tight, forearm flexing, sinew rippling beneath skin. His chest rises and falls with every shallow breath, and his head is tipped back against the pillow, damp tendrils of hair sticking to his forehead. 

His lips are parted. Brow furrowed. Glasses pushed halfway up his forehead like he forgot they were there. 

You can see the muscles in his stomach twitch every time his hand drags up the length of his cock—thick, flushed, glistening with slick—and then back down again. Controlled. Focused. Like he’s thinking about something—someone—very specific. 

He lets out a groan. Soft. Broken. And fuck, it’s... almost your name? No. No, it couldn't be. It's not. You're just imagining things. You’re horny and delirious. 

And a total perv right now, but you just can’t find the will to move. 

You watch as he bites down on his bottom lip, hips lifting from the mattress like he’s chasing something just out of reach. 

Without thinking, you slide a hand between your thighs and press two fingers against your clit. The pressure sparks a jolt of pleasure up your spine, forcing you to bite back a whimper. 

This is wrong. So wrong. You’ve never even thought about Bob like this, let alone seen him. Well—okay, maybe you’ve almost thought about it once or twice over the years, but you’ve always been able to stop yourself. Because this is Bob. Your best friend. Your sweet, kind, too-good-for-this-world best friend who— 

“Sh-Shit—hnng, oh—fuck.” 

—who looks so fucking hot right now. 

You watch his hand speed up—just a little. Grip tighter now. Surer. He’s close, you can tell. You can see it in the way his thighs start to tense, the way his hips jerk up more urgently into his fist, how his breath starts to catch and stutter like he’s barely holding on. 

You press harder against your clit, your wet panties sliding as you move your fingers in slow, torturous circles. 

His back arches slightly. His other hand fists in the sheets beside him, the tendons in his arm straining. The room is filled with wet sounds and shaky breathing and the quiet thud of the headboard tapping rhythmically against the wall. 

Then his mouth drops open. His brows pull tight. 

You draw a shaky breath—almost silent, but not quite. Not that he could hear it over the sound of his own ragged gasps. 

A long, wrecked sound slips out of him—deep in his chest, low and guttural. “F-fuck—” 

Your fingers stop moving, and you just watch. Captivated. Hungry. Mouth watering at the sight you shouldn’t be seeing. 

He strokes himself faster, chasing the edge, working right up to it with almost painful precision. His eyes squeeze shut, a flush rising over his chest, his cheeks, the tips of his ears. 

And then he’s coming. Hard. Head thrown back, neck arched, stomach flexing so tight you can see every line of muscle. His whole body locks up—frozen in pleasure—then shudders as thick ropes spill over his knuckles, striping his hand, his abs, the hem of his shirt. 

His hips twitch as he rides it out, groaning softly as aftershocks ripple through him. He slows his strokes, pumping himself through every last wave until he’s spent and breathing heavy, chest rising and falling like he’s just run ten miles. 

For a moment, he just lies there—limp and boneless. One hand still curled loosely around the base of his cock, the other pressed flat to his chest like he’s grounding himself. Sweat shines on his skin. His curls are damp. His glasses are crooked. 

He looks ruined. And completely, stupidly beautiful. 

He’s still Bob Floyd—your best friend, housemate, fake husband. But now he’s something else too. Something you can’t unsee, can’t stop wanting. And it’s making your head spin. 

You watch his eyes flutter open—and bolt. You slip into your room and ease the door shut, praying he doesn't hear the soft click behind you. Your breathing is ragged, your pulse is pounding, and you’re clenching around nothing. 

God. You need something. Now. 

You stumble toward the bed, stripping off your pants as you go, and drop onto the edge of the mattress. Then you yank open your nightstand drawer and reach all the way to the back—for the one toy you only use when you're desperate. 

Thick silicone. Eight inches. Subtle ridges and a realistically moulded head. 

Normally, it feels big in your hands. But after seeing Bob? Not even close. You’d always suspected he was packing—years of damp swim trunks and clingy grey sweatpants made it hard not to—but nothing could’ve prepared you for the reality. 

Because he’s big. Cross-your-heart and have-paramedics-on-standby kind of big. 

And God, you want it. 

With a pitiful whimper, you collapse back onto your pillows, knees falling open. You're breathing hard, eyes squeezed shut, the image of Bob—sweaty, panting, coming hard over his own stomach—burned behind your eyelids. 

You drop the toy between your thighs and glide it through your slick. You’ve never been this wet in your life—you’re sure of it. You tease your entrance, chest heaving, every nerve pulled tight—then drag it over your clit— 

And moan. Loud. Raw. Desperate. 

But you don’t stop. Not even as your face flushes hot with embarrassment. Not when the ache between your hips is too sharp, too deep to ignore. 

You push the tip in, slowly at first, and let out a trembling gasp. It’s not him—not even close—but your body doesn’t care. Not when you’re this wet. Not when your head is full of the sound of his voice, his breath, the way he groaned like he was falling apart. 

You slide it in deeper. Your hips twitch. Your fingers tremble on the base. 

Your mind paints the picture so clearly it might as well be real—Bob above you, thick and flushed, eyes dark behind his glasses. He’d be gentle at first, probably ask if you were sure, if you were okay. You’d tell him to stop being sweet, and then he’d ruin you. 

You fuck yourself harder. 

The stretch, the angle, the slick slide of it—it’s good. Better than good. But it’s not enough. You want weight. You want heat. You want Bob’s hands on your hips, his mouth at your ear, telling you you’re doing so well. 

You twist your wrist and angle the toy up, hitting just the right spot—and stars explode behind your eyes. 

“F-fuck—” 

Your orgasm hits like a freight train. Sharp and sudden. Your back arches off the bed, toes curling, walls fluttering tight around silicone. Your free hand fists the sheets. Your mouth drops open, and a broken sob of a moan punches out of you as you come. 

It rolls through you in waves. Shudders. A full-body collapse. 

You lie there for a few minutes—panting, legs still twitching, the toy slipping free as your muscles go limp. Your sheets are damp beneath you. Your chest is slick with sweat. And your brain is buzzing with images of Bob—ones you’ve never even considered until now. 

Well, shit. That’s new. 

With a heavy breath, you sit upright and grab the sticky toy. Guilt and panic twist in your stomach as you pad toward the ensuite—all the heat of the moment fading fast. 

You need a shower—a long one. With scalding hot water. And maybe a lobotomy. 

After cleaning yourself up, stripping your bed, and changing into pyjamas—it’s still early, but there’s no way in hell you’re leaving the apartment again—you finally emerge from your room. 

Somewhere between washing your hair and scrubbing the shame from your skin, you decided that pretending nothing happened is the best way to go. Because technically, nothing did. You both masturbate. You’re both adults. Sexually active ones. There’s no evidence that says you were or weren’t thinking about each other. 

Well—you know Bob wasn’t. He thought he was home alone. 

Bob would never do something as perverted as what you just did. 

But he doesn’t need to know about it. So if you act normal, then there’s no reason for him to suspect anything. Right? 

“Hey,” you call lightly as you step into the kitchen. 

Bob glances up from whatever he’s slicing with practiced ease. His cheeks are tinged pink, eyes slightly wide, and there’s the faintest trace of a smirk at the corner of his mouth. But otherwise, he looks… composed. Relaxed. 

Well. He would, after a release like that. 

“Hey,” he replies, voice even. “Didn’t hear you come home.” 

Your cheeks flare with heat, but you wave it off. “Yeah, I ran straight into the shower. Went for a run and got a bit sweaty.” 

He raises a brow, clearly amused. You don’t run. And you both know it. 

"Right," he mutters, eyes dropping back to the chopping board. 

You clear your throat and square your shoulders, determined not to let this be awkward. 

“You were home early,” you say, leaning a hip against the kitchen island. 

He nods. “Yeah. Maverick let us go early.” 

“Oh, that was nice of him.” 

Your eyes drift to the ingredients spread across the counter—chicken breasts, halved baby potatoes, fresh rosemary, a bowl of mixed greens. It’s one of his go-to dinners, the kind he could make blindfolded with one hand and still have it taste incredible. 

And in the middle of it all, a bottle of wine. 

“I was going to offer to cook tonight,” you say, reaching for the bottle. “Did you bring this home?” 

He glances up again. “Yeah. Thought you’d like it.” 

You run your eyes over the label, nodding. “Looks good. Want some?” 

He nods once, without looking up, as you turn to grab two glasses from the cupboard above the bench. Then you uncork the bottle, let it breathe for a moment, and pour two generous glasses—sliding one across to him. 

“Thanks,” he says, taking a sip. 

The kitchen feels smaller all of a sudden. The usual easy rhythm between you is strained, like you’re both circling something neither of you wants to name. 

Quiet tension stretches between you, filled only by the low hum of the fridge and the soft scrape of Bob’s knife. He doesn’t look up again, and you don’t dare look at him for too long. Instead, you swirl your wine and take slow, nervous sips until the alcohol starts to hum in your blood—and you decide to sit down. 

“I’m going to put a movie on,” you say suddenly, already turning toward the living room. “Any requests?” 

“I don’t mind,” he mutters. “Maybe something with action.” Then he drops his voice, low and half to himself—like he’s talking to the chicken. “And no sex scenes.” 

You choke on your wine, nearly tripping over nothing on your way to the lounge. 

You don’t respond. You can’t. What are you supposed to say to that? 

So you just drop onto the couch, set your glass on the coffee table, and start scrolling through streaming apps—skipping anything with even a hint of romance. 

- 

You barely speak to Bob for the next twenty-four hours—and you’re pretty sure it’s the longest you’ve ever gone without properly talking to him. 

It’s not that you’re avoiding him. Okay, maybe you’re avoiding him a little. But seriously, can you be blamed? You just saw your best friend’s huge dick—in action—and then proceeded to come so fast it was honestly kind of embarrassing. And now every time you blink, there he is again—sweaty, panting, flushed, wrecked. Fucking his own fist with your name almost on his tongue. 

Or at least, that’s what you like to imagine he was saying. 

But the worst part is the sudden, devastating realisation that Bob is hot. Not just cute. Not just objectively attractive. But actual, soul-shattering, knee-weakening, unfairly hot. 

When the hell did that happen? 

Maybe you’ve known it all along. Maybe you’ve just been ignoring it. Denying it. 

Because you’ve always known he’s good-looking. He’s tall and broad and has that stupidly nice face with kind eyes and a soft mouth he never quite knows what to do with. But you’d written him off early. Filed him under safe. Untouchable. Your best friend. Your fake husband. Too good, too sweet. Not for you. 

But now you’ve seen him. And it’s like the filter is gone. Like you’ve stepped on a landmine you didn’t even know existed and now your brain has been blown open by the truth. 

Bob Floyd is possibly the hottest man on planet Earth. 

He’s hot in a soft, devastating way. Hot in a slow-burn, bedroom-eyes, makes-you-feel-safe-then-fucks-you-stupid kind of way. The kind of hot that sneaks up on you. That lives under your skin. That ruins everything. 

And now he’s just... existing. In your shared apartment. Doing normal things. Breathing. And you’re in a constant state of barely holding it together. 

God, you’re an idiot. You need to sort yourself out—immediately—before Bob realises what a creep you’re being and everything blows up. 

But first… you have to tell your contract manager that you’re married. 

You’re awake before Bob’s alarm on Friday morning, but you don’t get out of bed. You just lie there in the quiet, listening to him move around, waiting until you hear the front door close behind him before throwing back the covers. Then you shower, make your bed, do your hair, and change into your clothes for the day. 

The smell of fresh coffee hits you the second you open your door. And sure enough, beside the pot—with a little yellow Post-it stuck to it—is your favourite mug, freshly washed. Just like every other morning. 

Made extra coffee. There’s banana bread in the fridge. See you tonight, Mrs. Floyd. ♡ 

Your heart kicks hard and heat swells through your chest. Everything feels different now. Heavier. Like you’ve stepped into some alternate version of your life where every little habit, every small kindness, means more than it used to. 

Like you’ve been half-asleep this whole time and only just woken up to the fact that your dorky, sweet, thoughtful fake husband is also... kind of perfect. 

And maybe—just maybe—you’re starting to feel different. 

Your phone pings, startling you out of your spiralling thoughts. You swallow the lump in your throat and quickly check it—a text from your contract manager asking when you’ll be on base today. 

Shit. You probably should have told Bob last night that you’d be visiting base. But instead, you hid in your room pretending to be exhausted because you didn’t trust yourself to sit next to him without doing something weird. 

You type out a quick reply to let your manager know you’ll be there around midday. Then you tuck your phone away, peel the little note off your mug, and pour an exceptionally large cup of coffee—because that ought to help your nerves. Right? 

After coffee, banana bread, half a movie you barely register, and another coffee, you decide to go for a walk. Because you’re still thinking about Bob, and you still can’t figure out exactly what it is you’re feeling. 

You do the same loop you did two days ago—same turns, same streets, same houses—before returning home with zero recollection of it because all you can think about is Bob. He’s everywhere—in your head, under your skin, stuck between your ribs. 

You try to distract yourself by cleaning the already spotless apartment, but it’s no use. So by eleven a.m., you grab your wallet and keys and head out the door. Maybe you can go for a walk and get your bearings on base before meeting up with your manager. And maybe you’ll try to ogle a few other military men so you stop thinking about the one who sleeps across the hall from you. 

At this point, you’ll try anything. 

You go through all the usual checks when you get to base—signing in at the front office, getting your visitor’s pass, a quick vehicle inspection. Then once you’re cleared, someone calls your manager to let them know you’ve arrived, and the clerk hands you a little printed map, pointing out the best place to park for your building. 

Jeannie, your contract manager, is glad you’re early—which is good. That means less time alone to spiral. 

You find the building easily, and soon enough you’re sitting in a small conference room going over the details of your commencement next week. 

“So,” Jeannie says, shuffling her papers into a neat pile, “you mentioned there was something you needed to flag before you start?” 

You nod. “Yes—um, sorry if I should’ve mentioned this earlier, but I’m married.” 

Her brows lift, as if to say and? 

“My husband is an aviator,” you add. “Here. On base.” 

“Oh,” she nods. “Right. That’s fine. Ideally, we’d have had it declared earlier, but it’s not a big deal. Since you don’t technically work together, and you're a civilian contractor, there’s no concern about rank. I’ll just get HR to send over the paperwork. You’ll both need to sign, as well as his Commanding Officer. It’d be best to get it squared away before Monday—do you know who his CO is?” 

You feel heat crawl up the back of your neck. 

“Maverick,” you reply quickly—without thinking. “Oh—sorry, I mean—” 

“It’s alright,” Jeannie says, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “I know who Maverick is.” 

You nod, pressing your lips together while she pulls out her phone and makes the call. As she speaks to whoever’s on the other end, you quickly pull out your own phone and type a text to Bob. 

‘Hey, really hoping you see this before I find you. I’m on base. Need you and Maverick to sign something. Please check your phone!’ 

Now you’ve done it. Not only are you on base without giving Bob a heads-up, but you’re about to have him formally acknowledge your fake marriage. A marriage his squadron doesn’t even know about. 

Fuck. 

“Perfect,” Jeannie says, setting her phone down. “We’ll have the forms in five. I’ll get you to read them over, then we’ll have someone escort you to Captain Mitchell’s squadron building.” 

You give her a tight smile. “Thanks, Jeannie.” 

She returns the smile and stands up, gathering her papers. “I’ll be back in a minute. Sit tight.” 

You nod, trying not to throw up the banana bread and coffee. 

“Oh,” she says, stopping halfway out the door, eyes sparkling. “A naval aviator—well done. Maverick’s squad... they’re kind of legendary.” 

You laugh softly, breath catching. “Thanks. He’s—um—he’s the best.” 

Then she’s gone. Out into the office, leaving you to sit and stew, staring at your phone, praying Bob texts back before you have to show up at his squadron building and ask him to declare your top-secret fake marriage in front of all his legendary colleagues. 

The next fifteen minutes are a blur. An HR rep shows up, talks you through the paperwork, and asks for all the details of your marriage—when, where, how—before a junior officer knocks on the door and announces he’s ready to escort you to the Dagger Squadron’s building. 

You grip the papers with shaky hands as you follow the officer through the building and out to a cart waiting by the curb. He doesn’t talk—thank God—just drives carefully across base while you sit beside him, looking like a seasick idiot on dry land. 

When the cart rolls to a stop, he glances over at you. “Here we are, ma’am.” 

You swallow hard. “Thanks. Do you—uh, do you come in, or...?” 

“No, ma’am,” he replies. “Captain Mitchell was radioed about your visit. You’re cleared to go in.” 

You nod once, breath coming in unsteady gasps as you force your feet to move. Force yourself out of the cart. Across the concrete. Toward the front entrance. 

You steel your nerves and step into the building, immediately hit by the cool blast of air. Bob always whinges about how hot the flight suits get, so it makes sense that they’d keep the buildings icy. 

There’s no chatter, no footsteps—just the low hum of ducted aircon and the faint rustle of paper. You follow the hallway toward the only open door in sight and quietly poke your head around the corner. 

At the front of the room stands a dark-haired man in a flight suit, flicking through a little notebook. He glances up almost immediately, green eyes pinning you in place. 

“Sorry,” you mutter, “I didn’t mean to interrupt—I’m looking for—” 

“Floyd,” he says with a grin—a very charming grin. “Or Mrs. Floyd, should I say?” 

Oh. This is Maverick. 

You step into the room and straighten instinctively. “Yes, sir.” 

He chuckles. “Don’t bother with the formalities. I’m Maverick. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” 

He crosses the room with an outstretched hand, and you shake it with tight smile. 

“Your manager called ahead, said you’d be stopping by,” he says, gesturing toward the front row of chairs. “Not sure Bob knows, though. He didn’t mention anything. They’re all at lunch right now, but I could—” 

“Actually,” you cut in, settling into the seat beside him, “Bob doesn’t know I’m here. I forgot to tell him I was coming, and I honestly didn’t think I’d be delivering the papers myself.” 

Maverick’s brows shoot up. “Oh. So he doesn’t—?” 

“Nope.” 

“Alright then.” He scrubs a hand along his jaw. “Why don’t we say you’re from HR, updating his records? Think he’ll catch on?” 

You nod. “Works for me.” 

He grins again, and you hand over the papers, pointing out the sections needing his signature. He doesn't ask questions—just nods and signs, methodical and quiet. 

Once you’ve gathered the papers back into order, he leans back in his chair and just looks at you—like you’re easier to read than a children’s book being held wide open. 

“So, how’d you and Bob meet?” 

“Through work,” you reply, keeping your tone even. “He was first stationed at Lemoore, where I was in systems support. We got along well, and one thing led to another… now we’re here.” 

Maverick nods thoughtfully, eyes gleaming. “Been a few years then?” 

“Yep.” 

“And how long have you been in love?” 

Your heart jumps and you glance up, blinking. “Uh… well, since we started dating, I guess.” 

You’re pretty sure Bob said that Maverick knew the marriage wasn’t entirely legitimate. 

Maverick lifts a brow. “Dating?” 

You nod, but it’s not convincing. 

He tilts his head. “I didn’t think you two dated. From what I gathered, the marriage is—” 

“No way.” 

Your stomach drops. Your skin prickles. The hairs on the back of your neck rise. 

That voice is familiar. Sickeningly familiar. 

“It’s you.” 

You turn your head slowly, dread pooling in your gut. 

And there he is. The guy from the grocery store—sun-kissed and smug, all lazy confidence in his flight suit as he leans one shoulder against the doorframe. A group of aviators lingers behind him, peering into the room with furrowed brows and curious eyes. 

Your stomach lurches. 

“I knew it was fate,” he says with a grin. 

“What’s fate?” one of the others pipes up. 

“Move your ass, Bagman,” a woman’s voice snaps. 

Bagman? 

Your mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Your face is on fire. You can feel it—hot and prickling, crawling down your neck and up behind your ears. You try to speak, to move—to do anything—but your body has entered fight-or-flight mode and apparently chosen freeze. 

Maverick glances between you, brow raised. “You two know each other?” 

The guy—Bagman, apparently—just chuckles. “Yeah, we’ve run into each other a few times.” 

“Hangman, move,” says a tall, moustached man, shoving his squadmate aside. 

Oh no... Hangman? 

You know Hangman. Bob’s told you about Hangman. 

Cocky Hangman and his reckless flying. 

Womaniser Hangman with his endless string of conquests. 

Pain-in-the-ass Hangman—who just so happens to be a member of the Dagger Squadron. Bob’s squad. 

Holy fuck. How could you have screwed up this badly? 

“Hangman?” you echo, your voice cracking. 

He nods, green eyes gleaming as he steps aside to let the rest of the squad through. 

The moustached man—Rooster, you recognise—frowns at you, curiosity carved into every line of his face. A woman follows close behind, scowling at Hangman—you’re guessing she’s Phoenix. Then two tall men step in, both looking confused, followed by a shorter one bringing up the rear. 

And then— 

Bob. 

He steps through the doorway— 

And freezes. 

His eyes go wide. His whole body locks up like he’s been hit with a tranquiliser dart. The colour drains from his face so fast it’s a miracle he’s still upright. 

The silence is deafening. 

His mouth opens. Closes. Opens again. Nothing comes out. 

Maverick slowly leans back in his chair. “Well, this just got interesting.” 

Hangman clasps his hands behind his back like he’s about to give a formal speech, stepping toward you with an oblivious smirk stretched across his face. 

“Phoenix and gentleman,” he starts, “I would like to introduce you all to my future wife.” 

Maverick chokes beside you. 

“A mere five days ago, I first laid eyes on this stunning woman in the grocery store. There I was, minding my own business, and boom—she appears. Like a hot, pissed-off angel, scowling at me because I interrupted her Pop-Tart selection process. And right then and there, I knew this was the woman of my dreams.” 

“You say that about every woman,” Phoenix mutters, rolling her eyes. 

Rooster smirks. “He hasn't said it about another woman since Monday, though.” 

“Exactly,” Hangman says. “Ask Coyote. This is the one. I felt it in my loins.” 

“You’re disgusting,” Phoenix sighs. 

The tallest one tilts his head. “Wait, wait, wait. Are we talking about the same woman you said was stalking you?” 

“She wasn’t stalking me,” Hangman says quickly. “That was a joke.” 

Phoenix scoffs. “It wasn’t funny.” 

“Everything I say is funny.” 

“No, it’s not.” 

“I’m a delight, and I’ll have you know—” 

“Hangman,” Coyote cuts in, raising a brow. “Maybe... shut up for once?” 

You’re still frozen in your chair, eyes locked on Bob—who hasn’t moved a single muscle since he walked in. You’re pretty sure he hasn’t blinked. You might not have either. 

Your cheeks are burning. You can feel them. But Bob—Bob is going scarlet. 

It starts in his ears, then spreads rapidly down his neck and across his cheeks. He looks like a man being slow-roasted from the inside out. His fists are clenched at his sides, shoulders stiff beneath his flight suit—and when Hangman shoots you another wink and starts to open his mouth again—you’re genuinely worried he might blow his carotid. 

He looks furious. Downright murderous. 

At first, you thought it might be at you. 

But... his dark blue eyes are locked on Hangman. 

“Tell me, sweetheart,” Hangman says, stepping even closer as his eyes drag over you without a hint of shame, “are you free for dinner, or do you prefer a brunch-with-champagne kind of thing? Because I’ll happily rearrange my entire schedule just to watch you eat a strawberry.” 

You glance sideways—just in time to catch the tick in Bob’s jaw. His gaze hasn’t moved. His whole face is red now, his chest rising and falling just a little too fast, his hands curled into fists like he’s physically restraining himself. 

And something about it—about him—pulls tight in your chest. 

Because he looks... wrecked. Quietly, furiously wrecked. 

Not embarrassed. Not confused. Not oh-God-my-squad-found-out. But furious. At Hangman. For flirting with you. 

Your stomach swoops. 

And suddenly, you can’t breathe. 

Because Bob Floyd is jealous. 

The same Bob who brings you coffee every morning. Who washes your favourite mug. Who brings you roses and wine after work, just because. Who smiled so sweetly the day he suggested this marriage, like it was the easiest thing in the world to do for you. The same Bob who hasn’t blinked since Hangman called you the woman of his dreams. 

A small voice whispers in your head—he loves you. 

And for a second, you almost believe it. 

Your heart thuds loud in your ears. Your mouth goes dry. You want to look away, to break the spell, but you can’t. Not when the truth is burning so bright between you it feels like the rest of the room has fallen away. 

He loves you. 

“Listen,” you say, voice shaky as you stand up, “Hangman, I—” 

“Call me Jake, darlin’,” he cuts in, smooth as ever with that Southern drawl. “I never did get your name, though. Wanna finally tell me what it is?” 

There’s a pause—a brief silence. A collective held breath as the room waits for you to respond. 

You swallow hard and step forward. 

“Floyd,” you say, voice firm. “My name’s Floyd.” 

Hangman’s smirk drops. His brows pull tight, confusion flickering behind his green eyes. 

There’s a gasp. A chuckle. 

“Holy shit,” Phoenix mutters. 

But none of it matters. 

Because the look on Bob’s face is enough to make your heart stop. 

His eyes are wide and locked on you like he misheard—like he can’t quite believe what he heard. His lips part. His shoulders relax. He visibly exhales—only for his breath to catch on the way back in. His gaze darts to Hangman, just briefly, then snaps straight back to you. He closes his mouth, swallows hard, and unclenches his fists. 

He looks… nervous. Unsure. Like he wants to be relieved by what you just said, but doesn’t know how. Doesn’t know what happens next. 

But you do. 

In three quick strides, you’re standing in front of him. You glance up, breath shaky, heart pounding. Your fingers curl into the collar of his flight suit—and you pull him down. 

His mouth crashes into yours, hard and hungry, and the world falls out from under you. His hands hover for half a second, like he doesn’t believe this is real—then they grip your hips, hard. Fingers digging in. Burning through the denim. 

The kiss isn’t soft. It isn’t sweet. It’s desperate. Messy. All heat and drool and pent-up longing—like months, years, of tension finally snapping loose in a single, earth-shattering moment. 

You gasp against him and he groans into your mouth, hands sliding up to your waist, pulling you flush against him like he’s afraid you’ll disappear if he lets go. 

Someone whistles. Someone else mutters Jesus Christ. But none of it registers. 

You’re already gone. 

Lost in the feel of him—his mouth, his hands, the warm solid weight of him pressed tight to yours. Your hands slip into his hair, tugging just enough to drag another sound from his throat. He kisses you harder. Like he’s starving. Like he’s making up for every second he didn’t. 

When you finally break apart, you’re both breathing hard. 

Bob’s eyes are dazed. Wide. A little wild. 

“Wait,” one of the other men says—the shorter one, “Bob’s married?” 

The taller one chuckles. “Bob bagged a baddie.” 

“A baddie?” Maverick echoes, voice laced with confusion. 

“My future wife is... Bob’s wife?” Hangman says slowly. 

His friend—Coyote—snorts. “That’s not your future wife, man. That’s the mother of Bob’s children in T-minus nine months from tonight.” 

Your cheeks burn impossibly hot as you carefully untangle your limbs from Bob’s. He looks absolutely wrecked—but in a good way now. In a way that makes you want to beg Maverick to let him leave early. With you. So you can take him home and wreck him just a little more. 

Maverick clears his throat. “Well. Now that that’s all cleared up... Bob, you need to sign some paperwork to formally disclose your relationship.” 

Bob gives you a soft, dopey smile before heading over to where Maverick is. The loss of his heat leaves you feeling cold—almost empty—but you don’t have time to dwell on it because the rest of the squad immediately closes in. 

“I’m Fanboy,” the shortest one says with a brilliant grin. 

You smile and nod, still too dazed to speak. 

“Payback,” the taller one says. 

Then Phoenix steps forward. “You probably already know who I am.” 

You laugh softly, nodding again. 

“Coyote,” the guy behind her chimes in. 

“She was almost Mrs. Hangman,” Jake mutters, still sulking behind the group. “What could’ve been…” 

Coyote elbows him. “She literally never agreed to that.” 

“Details,” he sighs wistfully. 

Rooster slings an arm over your shoulder, leaning in a little. “Don’t worry about him. He’ll move on tomorrow night.” Then he flashes you a smirk. “I’m Rooster, by the way.” 

You blink up at him, wide-eyed and pink-cheeked. “These are your callsigns, right?” 

Phoenix nods, opening her mouth to reply when— 

“Okay, that’s enough,” Bob says, cutting through the group and grabbing your hand. “She has to go now.” 

“Aw, no,” Fanboy whines. “I want to get to know Mrs. Floyd.” 

“Too bad,” Bob mutters, pulling you toward the door. 

You give them all a little smile, waving over your shoulder. “Bye. It was nice to meet you all.” 

There’s a chorus of byes and teasing words, but above the noise you hear Phoenix shout, “Thank you for embarrassing Hangman!” 

You snort as Bob leads you into the hall, stopping a few feet from the door. 

“I can’t be long,” he says, a little breathless. “So we can talk at home—yeah?” 

Your stomach twists—half-giddy, half-anxious. 

You nod. “Yeah. At home. Get back to work.” 

He nods, eyes flicking between yours and your lips. There’s a taut second of silence—nothing but the sound of your shaky, shallow breaths as you stare at each other. 

Then— 

“Fuck,” he mutters, leaning in and kissing you again. 

And God, you don’t think you’ll ever get used to this—his mouth on yours. Soft but sure. Sweet but possessive. Like he’s claiming you, gently and completely. It’s nothing like you’ve ever felt before. And you don’t want to feel anyone else’s. You’d happily spend the rest of your life doing nothing but kissing Bob Floyd. 

He pulls away too quickly, and you lean after him a little—desperate for more. 

He chuckles, soft and low. “I’ll see you at home.” 

You swallow and nod. “Okay. See you at home.” 

Then he’s gone—and you’re left standing in the corridor of the squadron building, listening to his team tease him while your head spins, your heart hammers, and that ache between your legs pulses with every breath. 

- 

You don’t remember the walk back to the car. Don’t remember the drive home or climbing the stairs or unlocking the front door. It’s all a blur—just background noise to the steady thrum of want under your skin. 

Because now that you’ve had a taste of him—of his mouth, his hands, the sound he made when he kissed you like it hurt—there’s no coming back from it. 

You feel wrung out. Strung tight. One spark away from coming undone entirely. 

Bob Floyd kissed you like he meant it. Like he needed it. Like he’d been dying to. 

And now you can’t stop picturing it—his mouth trailing lower. His hands under your clothes. The way he’d sound when he groans your name against your skin. You wonder what his fingers feel like when he’s not trying to be polite. When he’s not holding back. When he’s desperate. 

God, you want him desperate. 

You want to see what happens when all that quiet control snaps. 

You want him panting and flushed, cursing under his breath as he pushes into you—slow at first, then rough, then reckless. You want to hear him fall apart. You want to make him. 

You want to pull his flight suit down and wrap your legs around his waist and feel him groan into your mouth as you whisper filthy things for only him to hear. 

You want to know if he’s loud. If he talks. If he begs. 

You want to be sore tomorrow. 

You want him sweaty and wild and undone. 

You want him to love you too. Soft and quiet. In the domestic, steady way he already does. 

But first—you want him to ruin you. 

Thoroughly. Desperately. Completely. 

After pacing the apartment for a good thirty minutes, you start busying yourself by preparing dinner—because it’s the only thing you can think to do. You decide to make spaghetti and meatballs, from scratch. Which means a good few hours of kneading dough, cutting pasta, rolling meatballs—not thinking about anything else—and simmering sauce. 

At six p.m., you get a text from Bob letting you know that he’s on his way home—and you panic. You jump in the shower, scrub yourself from head to toe, and change into the laciest pair of panties you own. No bra. Just one of Bob’s old sweatshirts and a pair of loose lounge shorts. 

Then you’re back in the kitchen, stirring the sauce, making sure it doesn’t boil, and pouring yourself a nip of whiskey. Or two. For the nerves. 

You set the table with matching plates, cloth napkins, two tall candles, and your vase of roses in the centre. The sun spills through the far window, bathing the whole open-plan living area in a warm orange glow, and then— 

You hear the lock click. And it feels like a powerline just snapped. 

You face the door, standing between the kitchen and the dining area, hands curled at your sides and heart hammering in your chest. 

He steps inside—and your breath catches. 

He’s so beautiful. And you feel stupid for not noticing it sooner. 

Tonight, there are no flowers. No wine. Just Bob—in his flight suit—cheeks pink, eyes dark, something unreadable simmering behind them. 

“Hey,” you say, a little unsteady. “Hungry?” 

He takes a deep breath, eyes flicking toward the table, then back to you. 

“Starving,” he mumbles, dropping his bag to the floor. 

You swallow hard. “I know you said we’d talk about today, so I thought I’d set the table and—” 

“Talking’ll take too much time,” he says, voice soft, just a little rough. “I think I just better show you.” 

Before you can speak—before you can even breathe—he’s moving. 

Three long strides. One hand sliding into your hair, the other curling around your waist, and his mouth is on yours. 

It’s not a kiss. It’s a claim. Hot and desperate and all teeth and tongue, like he’s been starving for you and finally gave in. You can taste the whiskey you drank earlier on his tongue, and wonder if he does too, the way his mouth groans softly against yours. 

He kisses you like a man undone. Not rushed—but hungry. Like he’s trying to get closer than your skin will allow. 

Your hands fist in the front of his flight suit, dragging him in until there’s no space left between you. His lips part yours with ease, tongue sliding against yours with a low sound in his throat that sends heat pooling between your legs. 

His grip tightens at your waist. You gasp against his mouth and he swallows it, angling your face back, pressing closer—until the edge of the table digs into your hips. 

“You taste like whiskey,” he breathes, voice hoarse, lips brushing yours. 

You nod faintly. “Took a shot… before.” 

He huffs a half-laugh, his nose nudging yours. “Why?” 

“Nervous,” you murmur, cheeks burning. 

He lets out a broken little groan, then kisses you again, harder this time—deeper. His fingers dig into your waist, anchoring you like he needs the grounding. You gasp into his mouth, gripping the front of his flight suit like it’s the only thing keeping you upright, as he crowds in, the edge of the table biting into your hips. 

His breath shudders. His forehead rests against yours for the briefest second before he says, low and wrecked, “I want you in the worst way.” 

Your stomach flips violently. Your fingers curl into the fabric of his flight suit, grounding yourself in him—in this. 

He kisses you again—slower now, but just as deep. His hands are everywhere, mapping your curves like he’s learning them, like he wants to memorise the exact feel of you under his palms. The tension is humming in the air, sparking down your spine, and when his hands slide beneath the hem of your sweatshirt to knead at the bare skin of your waist, your whole body jolts. 

Then his lips trail down—jaw, throat, collarbone—and you whimper, tilting your head to give him more. But he pauses, mouth hovering over your neck, eyes flicking to the table behind you. 

“Do you wanna put away anything that’ll break?” he murmurs, breath warm against your skin. 

You look at him—his swollen lips, his flushed cheeks, the raw need burning in his eyes—and shake your head. 

“No,” you whisper. “I don’t care.” 

That’s all he needs. 

He crashes into you again, mouth hot and hungry, pushing you back until your hands scramble for balance on the table’s edge. One of the cloth napkins slips to the floor. The candles rattle. The vase of roses wobbles precariously—but neither of you cares. 

Because nothing else matters now. 

His hands skim down your sides, then grip tight just below your ass. He leans in and kisses your jaw, your neck, your collarbone—lips dragging over skin like he can’t get enough—before he murmurs, rough and breathless, “Up.” 

You barely nod before he lifts you, strong arms sliding beneath your thighs to boost you onto the table like you weigh nothing. You scoot back instinctively, the wood cool under your skin, and his hands follow—pressing your knees apart as he steps between them, eyes burning. 

“You have no idea, do you?” he says, voice low and awed. “How long I’ve wanted this. How long I’ve wanted you.” 

You open your mouth, but nothing comes out. There’s no time. He’s already kissing you again, deeper this time, messier, until you’re dizzy from it—until a wine glass tips behind you and crashes to the floor. 

You flinch. He doesn’t. 

“Leave it,” he mutters, lips brushing yours. 

Then he drops to his knees. 

Your breath catches as his hands glide down your bare legs. He looks up at you like he’s about to pray—and maybe he is. Then one hand trails back up your thigh, slow and reverent, until his fingers hook beneath your panties and shorts and ease them down—so gently it feels like a sin. 

“Been thinkin’ about this for years,” he says softly, almost to himself. “Thought about it the second I first saw you.” 

His hands urge your legs wider. 

And then his mouth is on you. 

You gasp, eyes fluttering shut, head tipping back as heat blooms low and fast. He’s slow at first—teasing, licking—then deeper, hungrier. Like he’s starving. Like he’s waited forever for this moment. He moans against you like you’re the sweetest thing he’s ever tasted—and it sends a jolt straight through your core. 

He murmurs sweet, filthy things between licks—how good you taste, how soft you are, how bad he wants you to fall apart just for him. His glasses sit crooked on his nose, fogged at the edges, barely hanging on as he stares up at you with those wide, hungry eyes. His cheeks are slick with your arousal, his mouth wet and shining with it—and God, it’s the hottest thing you’ve ever seen.  

“You’re so wet,” he groans, voice muffled and wrecked. “Can’t believe this is mine. You’re mine, aren’t you?” 

And something about the way he says it makes your chest ache. It’s not just the heat or the moment—he needs to hear it. Needs to know that you’re his. That you belong to him. 

Your fingers sink into his hair, trembling. “Yes.” 

“Say it again,” he breathes. 

“Yours,” you gasp, legs shaking. 

“That’s right,” he says, mouth back on you, tongue pressing firm and flat. “That’s my girl.” 

Your back arches. Your fingers tighten in his hair, nails scraping just a little, and he groans—low and wrecked—like he loves it. Like your pleasure is the only thing keeping him alive. 

He keeps licking, firm and slow, then fast and relentless. A rhythm just for you. His tongue circles your clit, flicks it, presses flat and purposeful, then sucks softly—just enough to make your hips jerk. Your thighs tremble around his shoulders, your whole body coiling tighter and tighter, every nerve strung like wire. 

“Bob—” you gasp, hips tilting forward, chasing more, needing more. 

His hands curl under your thighs, anchoring you, holding you open like you’re precious—like he’s worshipping. His mouth never stops. He sucks, licks, flicks, groans, whispers your name like a prayer between filthy praises. And it’s too much. It’s not enough. 

The pressure builds like fire in your belly. Your legs start to shake. You feel it spike—sharp and blinding. 

You’re right there—right at the edge—and then he wraps his lips around your clit and sucks, just hard enough. 

White-hot pleasure rips through you. Your body jerks, a strangled cry catching in your throat as you come apart against his mouth—shuddering, gasping, twitching, every muscle tightening then breaking. 

And he doesn’t stop. 

He licks you through it, slow and steady, his tongue gentle now but insistent, teasing more from you even as your whole body trembles. You’re whimpering, breathless and wrung out, your body slack and oversensitive—but not sated. Not even close. 

“Bob,” you whisper, voice ragged. “Baby.” 

Your hands reach for him, tugging at the collar of his flight suit, urging him up. He rises slowly, eyes never leaving yours—flushed and panting, his face slick with your arousal. His glasses are fogged and crooked, and you slide them gently from his nose, setting them aside before cupping his flushed cheeks. 

He looks wrecked. Worshipful. Dark eyes devouring you like you’re the only thing he’s ever wanted. 

“You still want—” he starts, voice hoarse. 

“I need you,” you breathe, cutting him off. “Now.” 

That’s all it takes. His hands fly to his zipper, clumsy and urgent as he peels himself out of the flight suit—shoulders, chest, hips—until he’s stepping out of it completely. His undershirt goes next, flung aside without a thought. 

You pull your sweatshirt over your head and toss it away. Nothing underneath. Nothing between you. 

He stares. 

For a moment, he just drinks you in, chest heaving, eyes glazed with disbelief and hunger. “Jesus Christ,” he mutters, voice low and reverent. “You’re so—fuck—” 

You don’t give him time to finish. You reach for him, pull him closer. He steps between your thighs, still in his briefs, and his mouth finds your breasts—soft, wet kisses and open-mouthed licks, tongue flicking over one nipple before sucking it into his mouth. 

Your head drops back with a soft cry, fingers tangling in his hair again as heat coils sharp and fast inside you. His cock grinds against your soaked core, separated only by thin cotton, and you feel the sheer size of him even through the fabric. 

“Fuck,” you gasp. “Take them off.” 

But your hands are already moving—slipping between you, tugging at the band of his briefs. You shove them down, and he helps, kicking them away—and then he’s bare, hot, and hard and impossibly thick. 

Your breath stutters. 

Your fingers wrap around him, shaky and reverent—and you can’t even close them all the way. Your mouth goes dry. Your whole body tightens. 

“Oh my god, Bob,” you whisper. 

He leans in close, forehead against yours, his breath hot and ragged. 

“I know,” he murmurs, voice raw and tender. “But you can take it. I know you can. You’re so fucking ready for me, sweetheart.” 

And you are—dripping onto the table, slick and aching and pulsing with want. You shift your hips, lining him up, desperate to feel him. Every inch of your body is on fire, begging for the stretch, the pressure, the fullness. 

He reaches down, one hand on your thigh, the other guiding himself to your entrance—and his tip just barely nudges against you, slick and hot. 

Your breath hitches. 

Your eyes meet his—wide, pleading. 

“Please,” you whisper. “I need you.” 

He groans—deep and guttural—and begins to push in. 

You gasp as the tip breaches you—hot and thick and already stretching you more than you thought possible. 

“Oh fuck,” you whisper, clinging to his shoulders. “You’re so big—” 

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs, lips brushing your temple, breath shuddering. “We’ll go slow.” 

And he does—inch by agonising inch, letting you adjust. Letting your body yield to him. 

Your nails dig into his back as you breathe through it, chest rising and falling with every trembling inhale. The stretch burns, pressure building low and tight, but it’s good. It’s so good. Too good. 

He’s panting against your neck, forehead pressed to your skin. “So tight, baby,” he groans. “You feel like fucking heaven.” 

He pauses, buried only halfway, chest heaving. You can feel him throbbing inside you, feel every twitch, every inch still waiting to sink deeper. 

“Can I keep going?” he asks, voice wrecked. 

You nod quickly—too quickly. “Please, Bobby. Need all of you.” 

He kisses you—slow and deep—and presses in again. 

You moan into his mouth, high and breathless, clenching around him as he sinks deeper, deeper still, the fullness dizzying. Your thighs tremble around his waist. Your whole body shudders. 

“Almost there,” he whispers. “Just a little more. You’re taking me so fucking well.” 

And finally—finally—his hips press flush to yours. 

You both freeze. 

The air between you stills, hot and heavy. You can feel your pulse in your throat. Between your legs. Everywhere. He’s completely inside of you—thick and deep and overwhelming—and you’ve never felt so full in your life. 

You cling to him, fingers digging into his arms, heart pounding out of control. 

And then it hits you. 

The feeling. The weight of it. The way your body holds him like it was always meant to. The way your chest aches with something so fierce and raw it knocks the breath from your lungs. 

“I love you,” you whisper—it slips out like a secret you’ve kept too long. “Oh my god, I love you.” 

He goes still—completely still. 

Your chest tightens. For one agonising second, you think maybe you’ve ruined it. 

But then— 

He looks at you like you’ve just handed him the whole damn world. 

“I love you so fucking much,” he breathes. 

And then his hips draw back—and snap forward, hard. 

You both cry out. 

Your head drops back. His name spills from your lips in a broken moan. It’s too much and not enough all at once—him, everywhere, holding you, filling you, claiming you in the deepest, most perfect way. 

His hands grip your waist like he’s afraid you’ll disappear. Like he needs to anchor himself inside you. And all you can do is hold on—eyes wide, chest split open, heart bared—because this? This is everything. 

He is everything. 

Your gasp tears through the air the second he thrusts in again, a raw, desperate sound as your back arches and your nails drag across his shoulders. The stretch is relentless, searing, addictive. You’ve never felt anything like it—so full, so deep, like he’s carved out space inside you and claimed it all for himself. 

“Jesus,” he groans, head falling to your shoulder. “You feel—fuck—you feel unreal.” 

The table jerks under you as he pulls back, just an inch, then sinks in again. Slow. Measured. But it still punches the breath from your lungs. You can feel every inch of him, every thick pulse of his cock dragging against your walls, and it’s almost too much. Almost. 

But you don’t want almost. You want all of him. Ruin and worship. Love and filth. 

“Don’t stop,” you whisper, voice trembling. “Bob, please—don’t stop.” 

His mouth finds your throat, your jaw, your lips—kissing like a man gone feral. Like he needs you to breathe. One hand fists in your hair, the other gripping your thigh, pushing it up, opening you wider. The next thrust is harder. The table rattles. A plate clatters to the floor. 

“Gonna break the fucking table,” he mutters into your skin, almost in awe, like he can’t believe this is real. His voice is wrecked—low and ragged—completely undone. 

“Let it break,” you choke out. “Just don’t you dare stop.” 

He growls—growls—and his pace picks up. The sound of skin on skin is loud, messy, perfect. His pelvis slaps yours, the rhythm brutal and sweet all at once. Your slick coats him, soaking the tops of your thighs, dripping onto the damn table, and still—it’s not enough. You want more. You want everything. 

“Touch me,” you beg, voice breaking. “Bob, I—please—” 

His hand drops between your bodies instantly, fingers finding your clit like he was born knowing where to touch you. He rubs tight, filthy circles, and your vision whites out. Your head falls back. A loud moan rips from your chest. 

“That’s it,” he pants, watching your face like he’s memorising it. “Come on. Let me feel you. Let me have it.” 

The table shudders with every thrust. Something else crashes to the floor, but you barely register it over the thunder of your own heartbeat and the filthy, perfect sounds of him fucking you. 

His cock drags deep, perfect pressure against every spot inside you. And that heat—God, that unbearable, beautiful heat—builds fast. Sharp and coiled, like lightning in your spine. 

“Close,” you gasp. “I’m—I’m so close—” 

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs, kissing the edge of your mouth, then your cheek, then your temple. “Always got you.” 

He’s getting close. You can feel it—his rhythm falters, his breathing shatters. And then his arms wrap tight around you, strong and shaking, and he murmurs into your hair, “Lay back for me, baby—just like that, I’ve got you.” 

He eases you down against the table—one hand cradling the back of your head, the other gripping your thigh. The wood is cool against your spine, but his body follows, hot and heavy and trembling as he slides back in, deeper than before. A new angle. A devastating one. 

Your mouth falls open in a silent moan as he bottoms out—so deep it feels like he’s pressing inside your stomach. And then you feel it—his hand trailing down to your lower belly, palm flattening gently just above your pelvis. 

“Feel that?” he rasps. “That’s me, baby. Right here.” 

You nod frantically, eyes glassy. “Bob—fuck—please—don’t stop—” 

“I’m not stopping,” he swears, voice low and cracked. “Not until I feel you fall apart around me. Not until I know you’re mine.” 

Your body arches, legs trembling, hips chasing his thrusts. His cock hits that spot over and over again, rubbing just right, the pressure building like a storm. His fingers return to your clit—slick and practiced—and that’s all it takes. 

The vase topples. 

Water spills across the table, soaking the cloth, flooding under your shoulders—but you hardly notice. All you can feel is him. All you can hear is your name on his lips, the slap of skin, the scrape of the table legs against the tile. 

“Come with me,” he grits, forehead against yours. “Right now. Let go for me—come on—” 

The coil inside you snaps. Your second orgasm tears through you like a live wire, white-hot and all-consuming. You cry out—shaking, clenching, blinded by heat. And a heartbeat later, he follows—spilling inside you with a hoarse, broken moan, his hips stuttering, his whole body seizing with it. 

The stove beeps. There’s a pop. Then a low whoosh. 

Flames flicker—and the smoke alarm blares. 

You both freeze—panting, sweating, still locked together—then slowly dissolve into breathless, messy laughter. He doesn’t move. Just leans in, presses a kiss to your damp forehead, and murmurs against your skin, “I love you.” Then another, softer kiss to your lips. “So much.” 

He pulls out—slow, careful—and helps you sit up. You glance over at the little fire crackling in the pot on the stove, eyes going wide. 

“Shit,” you breathe, still dazed. “We—We should fix that.” 

“Yeah,” he sighs, like it physically pains him to let you go. “Yeah, we should.” 

Stark naked, skin slick with sweat, and cum still dribbling down your sore thighs, you hurry into the kitchen. Bob is right behind you, sliding his glasses back on as he grabs a dish towel and tosses it in the sink. You try not to stare—try not to drink in the sight of him standing there like some Michelangelo sculpture come to life—but it’s useless. The way the light catches his bare skin, the way his muscles flex as he soaks the towel until it’s nothing but a dripping rag—it’s impossible not to look. 

When he turns, cheeks pink, lips glossy, eyes glazed—he smirks. Bob Floyd actually smirks. 

“What are you looking at?” he asks, voice rough and teasing. 

You bite your lip, drop your gaze, then drag it back up, slow and deliberate. “Just my hot as fuck husband.” 

His blush deepens, and it makes you giggle. That man just fucked you so good your knees are shaking, but this—a compliment—makes him blush? 

“Watch out,” he murmurs, wringing out the towel. 

You step aside as he lifts the pot lid and smothers the flames. Then he checks the oven, flicks off the stove, and turns back to you, smoke alarm still blaring overhead like it’s part of your own personal soundtrack. 

“I’m sorry,” you say, even as a grin tugs at your lips. “Want to get takeout?” 

He shakes his head. “I think I’d rather have something else.” 

Before you can blink—or even breathe—his hands are on you, sliding under your thighs and lifting you effortlessly until you’re perched on the cold kitchen counter. The marble bites into your skin, but you don’t care. Your legs wrap instinctively around his waist, your slick core pressing to the heat of his stomach. Your bodies flush together, skin igniting where you touch. 

You card your fingers through his damp hair, eyes locking on his behind smudged glasses. “I have to tell you something,” you admit, butterflies swirling fiercely in your stomach. 

His brows pull together. “What is it?” 

You swallow. “I—um, I saw you the other day. When you thought you were home alone... jerking off.” 

His frown fades, but his face stays carefully blank—too blank. Not scandalised. Not surprised. Just watching you. 

Then he nods. “I thought so.” 

You blink. “You’re not creeped out?” 

“No,” he says simply, shaking his head. 

“Even though I made myself cum after watching you?” 

His laugh is soft, low. His breath ghosts across your skin as he ducks his head, hiding his smile in the curve of your shoulder. “I’m not creeped out.” 

His lips brush your neck. “There are things I want to tell you too,” he murmurs, then leans back, eyes piercing. “But first…” His hands tighten on your hips. “Let’s see how much love we can make.” 

Then he’s on you again—lips, tongue, teeth, hands—everywhere. He kisses like he’s starving, touches like he’s claiming. And though you’re aching to hear what he has to say, to dig into all that’s just erupted between you… right now, none of that matters. 

Because Bob Floyd—your best friend, your fake husband, your everything—is about to ruin you all over again. 

And you’re going to let him. Happily. Absolutely. Again. And again. And again. 

[kyri45]

✨Spicynoodles Bio Parents AU Q&A! 01/07✨

Welcome to the Q&A! A space where I can answer related or similar question about the Shadowpeach/Spicynoodles Bio Parents AU! If you submitted your ask anonimously, then you’ll have to check the whole post if it’s answered here, if it’s not, worry not! Your asks might have been used for a future comic or just in the queue~

@monkeyqueen2012 ha chiesto: So we get to see when Kai's grandparents absolutely kick the s*** out of the Ninja' villains? Or a scenario where Kai's family has to say him and the ninjas from the villains and get to see the villain s*** their pants?

we will get badass MK and RedSon protecting Kai, yes. Not really the rest of the fam for now.

@lulushadowpeach ha chiesto: I have a question so since Kai is Spicynoodles fanchild wouldn't that mean nya is Kai step sister?

in a way? but they are still sibling, full bio or not.

@jumpy-buggy-33 ha chiesto: I am curious who proposed: MK or Red Son?

RedSon, mostly because MK allowed him to cause he knew that would make him happy.

@cjtuy ha chiesto: Has red son and mk been on any cute dates yet like a movie night with their favorite snacks or a cute dinner date

oh yeah plenty. They prefer cozy dates where both are in bed, sorrounded by snaks and tv drama.

@lulushadowpeach ha chiesto: Question what do you think Mk and Red son will react when they see Kai their son again?

similar to HTTYD 2 in a way

@stonefox1130 ha chiesto: Okay, so, in your Bio Parents UA, have shadopeach officially said they love each other? Other than saying they forgive each other.

not on the comic, but off-screen yeah.

@pettrainer ha chiesto: Wu is peach, Mac is plum, and Ju ( don’t know how to spell the baby name ) is apricot. Does MK have a cute fruit nickname?

Mango?

@asexual-not-asexual-detective ha chiesto: How did the little monkey buddies on flower fruit mountain react to new baby apricot? Do they call her princess? How did they react to Macaque officially coming back as Wukongs mate? Is he their queen? Other King?

Yes they call her princess. Macaque coming back was like a long-awaited tv-drama character return, they all knew Wukong was still simping hard for him

@wolfsonic ha chiesto: Not me realizing Mk and Red Son are gonna have the same situation with Kai that WuKong and Macaque had with Mk. They don't see their son grow up. Like at least they get to spend however many years, so Red and Mk have his younger years with him, but if they ever see Kai again, he's gonna be a grown adult. Not the baby they remember. I know their situations were different, and Macaque and WuKong were not even equipped to handle a kid, but Mk and Red probably prepared for Kai, and then he's just gone. I'm so scared to learn what Mk and Red's reaction to their son just going missing.

yup, but MK more than anyone else will be understanding of his son situation.

@kingofthe7sins ha chiesto: Hey Kyri, what are your thoughts about Kai (through multiversal shenanigans) meeting over ninja teams, like the Ninja Turtles and their dynamics with each other? since the Four Turtles have similar personalities as Kai and the other ninjas

we aren't really going to that specific universe but i guess they would be bonding pretty quickly

@shortstack-pancakes ha chiesto: Hello!! I saw the ask about Kai’s demon features, so I have a follow up question if it hasn’t been asked before. If Nya is Mei’s daughter, would she have some dragon ish features or qualities/aspects?

yes and she already have experienced them all the times after she became a dragon, they aren't a permanent feature on her but they appear when she uses her power a lot, similar to Mei

@doggodonut12 ha chiesto: Hi! I just want to say I love your art- And ask a small question about future MK- like when Redson and MK have Kai- and even after that. Like what do they wear? Do they wear what they wore for the painting usually? I feel like MK would still wear some casual clothes with some traditional elements? I just want to know if their style would ever change in your au

They wear some hanfu and normal training outfit when at home, and their normal modern clothing when hanging out in Megapolis

@sierracarl ha chiesto: For the spicynoodles bioparents au, Kai would probably have a chinese birth name. So may I suggest... Jinfeng. Jin(金): meaning gold Feng(凤): meaning phoenix or wind I like the tie-in to Iron Fan with the wind thing. Thank you for your consideration. Also, your comic got me into LMK because it's so good and I wanted to know what was going on.💛

We are sticking to their canon name. Also Kai is a gender-neutral chinese name meaning victory (凯)

@cheshire61 ha chiesto: Why can my brain just hear Kai going to Redson and MK after a kid like steals a toy or something while at a park "Father, Baba, I crave violence." And MK is just like "No Kai, No Violence" while Red Son just really wants to say go for it?

they would answer at the same time opposite answer and then they would stare at each other like "what?"

@nica0509 ha chiesto: Mei and Lloyd as distant cousins? Perhaps the dragon father/mother of the first spinjitzu master had as a sibling a Mei ascendant dragon.

I mean.... there are tons of dragons, not all of them are related but yeah there can be the possibility

@darkshadow-lightpeach ha chiesto: This has me wondering… and I have a feeling that you already have a Mystic monkey design for Kai😭 or maybe a bull design? Like Redson? But it’s probably gonna be a mix of both and I have a feeling that it is a mix of both😭

yup, slightly more RedSon than MK but still a mix.

@estellardreams ha chiesto: Since your next series is gonna be Ninjago Dragons Rising x LMK I have a question... Are there gonna be ships from Dragon's rising in this or are you gonna keep that under wraps for now?

Not yet. I WILL keep a little bit of canon Jaya since in Dragon Rising is still relevant but other than that nothing too centered.

@shay-bug ha chiesto: How do you feel about the headcannon of kai adopting wyldfyre? Also, do you like wyldfyre? She's my favorite character!

I love wyldfire! even though I'm still in denial over the fact she already has a boyfriend. Like no. She's my baby. she's too young wdym

@amalgamorph ha chiesto: Was Kai's name always Kai or did MK and Red Son call him something different?

other than nicknames, they called him Kai.

[ohbandera]

thanks for @squidlife-crisis for the tag :]

1. plain white-cheese quesadilla. absolute toddler food & my favorite.

2. Cool with vegans unless they think it's cute to spam you with animal gore & trash people for eating animal products. I once had one of those vegan anti-cruelty PETA-type orgs mail me irl animal gore after I donated to my local SPCA. Must have been put on a mailing list or something. Not cool with those people.

3. Valentine's day colors.

4. Aliens & skinwalkers, and I am terrified of both.

5. French fry :]

6. I used to use a fitness watch but I didnt like that it told me to go to bed & that I should move every hour. I hate when tech tries to tell me how to live my life.

7. ohhhh my goodddd fuCKIGN STINGRAYS!!

8. Yes, and I won't get into bed unless I'm showered and in clean clothes.

9. In the winter I do a nightly retinol syrum (don't expose skin that's been treated with retinol to UV light, it causes cancer.) Every other season I just put a little jojoba oil on my face to combat that arid dry skin feeling I get up here.

10. Neither

11. nothing that's appropriate to mention casually in an ask thing like this

12. None.

13. staying home and chilling because I live so far away from people that the purge is meaningless.

14. yes

15. from best to worst: Freezing, drowning, burning.

16. favorite ice cream flavor!

17. Imagine my house burning down & checking the stove & outlets at least a couple times a day.

18. brown sugar boba. Like the simple black tea & lethal amounts of sugar.

19. caulliflower. What even is that shit

20. I don't like disney.

21. 555 is an angel number that used to make me so uncomfortable that I'd turn clocks away... back when I was into that spiritual woowoo stuff that just makes you look for signs in everything. Angel numbers are fake as hell btw.

22. Yes! It's a half gallon single sheet steel water bottle that could kill a man if you threw it. The insulated water bottles are sometimes sealed with lead so I drink out of a giant ass canteen.

23. A silicone wedding band and an "evil eye" pendant. The evil eye is one of those residual superstitious things I hold on to from my previously mentioned "spiritual woowoo" phase.

24. American english. I like that it is more casual sounding.

25. People tell me I have a good taste in music so ?? I guess? It's subjective though.

26. I stole my thai husband's spice tolerance. I am so good with spice.

27. summer: tshirt and boxers. Winter: sweatpants, tank top, hoodie, slippers.

28. tim hortons chicken sandwich & an orange gatorade eaten while at an empty zoo or aquarium.

29. its a carb, they are all beautiful and equal. All pasta noodles are good pasta noodles.

30. replacing this with a random factoid: I can identify people really easily through sense of smell.. like I think more than other folks? Idk what the normal sense of smell is supposed to be like but I feel like I can sniff a room blind and know who's there.

I'm tagging whoever wants to answer these :]

weirdly specific and unrelated asks to know someone well:

chipotle order?

thoughts on veganism?

a specific color that gives you the ick?

mythical creature you think/believe is real?

favorite form of potato?

do you use a watch?

what animal do you look forward to seeing when you visit an aquarium?

do you change into specific clothes for the house when you get home?

do you have a skincare routine (and how many steps is it)?

on a plane, do you ask for apple or orange juice?

anything from your childhood you’ve held on to?

brand of haircare/bodycare/skincare that you trust 100%?

first thing you’re doing in the purge?

do you think you’re dehydrated?

rank the methods of death: freezing, burning, drowning

thoughts on mint chocolate chip?

an anxious compulsion you do everyday?

your boba/tea order?

the veggie you dislike the most?

favorite disney princess movie?

a number that weirds you out?

do you have an emotional support water bottle?

do you wear jewelry?

which do you find yourself using, american or british english?

would you say you have good taste in music?

how’s your spice tolerance?

what’s your favorite or go-to outfit?

last meal on earth?

preferred pasta noodle?

ask me anything !

leave an ask for the person you reblog it from!

[willwasnotfound]

Other kind of demon

DAAAAAMN, I just invented this today and it's waaay crazy that it has so many likes :'v (at least for me) Thank you everyone for reading this, I promise I'll do my best to give you all whatever you want, again, sorry for any mistakes, english is not my first language! Prologue, Chapter 2

The souls you left behind

Calling Y/N the new member of huntrix was both wrong and correct at the same time, she still sang by herself, but started to release a lot of songs with the girls, and that was enough for the fame of both to increase.

She not only was a great singer, she was great at composing and writing, she made up song for both, Huntrix and her, loving the recognition it got her.

Pop/Stars was just the begining, she wrote more and more, ironically, More was the next song she wrote, inviting a chinese singer that was also rising up on the industry, making it one of the biggest hit on the charts.

Tonight Huntix had an important show, it would be the last before taking an important break that they needed reaaally bad.

“Everyone look alive.” Bobby, the manager of the group, said to the concert staff backstage making sure everything is perfect for the performance of the group. 

“All right. Looking good over there. Okay. Ready? Ready. But where are the girls?” Bobby, double checked everything around the arena and looked on his phone to see any updates from the girls. 

“What? What? Where are they going?” Only to see on his phone that the plane of Huntrix was going out of track on its destination. "Y/N! Did the girls told you something??" Bobby kept freaking out, searching the mentioned girl.

"I think they just might have problems." Y/N called the girls, and they answered quickly.

"Hi Y/N!" The tree girls greeted her with a smile, then Bobby as he appeared on the screen too. "Hi Bobby!"

"Yeah, hi! Uhm, what are you doing?" Y/N passed her phone to Bobby, just leaving to backstage and prepare some stuff, she already knew what might happen. "We're about to eat our preshow ramyeon." Rumi turned the phone to show the food they had on their jet.

"Pre-show? What about the show-show?" Suddenly, the phone was stealed from him from some fans, and he foughted to have it back.

Then Y/N appeared again, helping Bobby to have the phone back and also talking with the girls. "Hey, need some help opening?" She quickly appeared on the screen, to which the girls nodded.

"Yeah, I think we've got a plague." Mira turned to face the flight attendants clearly annoyed.

"We owe you one!" Zoey smiled brightly to then end the call.

"So?" Bobby stood aside from her, trying to calm down, if Y/N was calm it was probably a good thing.

"I'm going to open the show, don't overthink, 'kay Bobby?" Y/N went straight to the stage. "Please, put on the track." She talked to a staff behind Bobby, he only nodded, and encouraged Y/N.

The fans were screaming in excitement, they had expected her to be there, yes, but not that soon, and as the final note rang out she signaled to the sky, noticing the figures of the main evente and calling for the public to also look at them.

"Look up at the sky, I present to you, Huntrix!" With that, a cloud of smoke raised in the area, from which a demon emerged falling between spectators, along with the girls on stage, interpreting "How it's done." Zoey quickly killed the demon, making it go 'puff' and explode into confetti, pleasing the fans.

As Rumi reached the highest note, they could see golden in the Honmoon, smiling excited as their goal seemed so close. The rest of the concert went normally, the first songs were the ones that shared with Y/N, after that, she leaved the stage to take a break.

She was tired, she got rid of Gwi-Ma, yes, but somehow she kept hearing voices, not from her mind, it was like the demons that the Huntrix girls slained runed to her, to find another demon on the realm to rest.

Y/N was not a normal demon, that's for sure. She actually devoured souls, but probably not like Gwi-Ma did, or at least she wasn't really sure about that, perhaps he did hear the agony and enjoyed it.

So yeah, that's exactly what happened to Y/N, somehow she fed herself by demons, unlike whatever she thought and told the hunters- It was like they knew what she was, and didn't wanted to let her go, remembering all she was before even becoming a demon, she didn't want that, she tought she would forget, and yet, the more she leaved all behind, the more it seemed to chase her.

The concert finished, and she reunited with the girls after they left their staff behind.

"Hey Y/N!" Zoey went to hug her tightly, being followed by smiles of the other two.

"Thanks for saving our ass, the concert could go wrong without you." Mira patted his back. "No problem, I'm glad to help you." Y/N pulled apart from the hug, the girls started to walk away to the car that would leave them on their penthouse.

"Do you want to come over with us? We'll be having an important meeting with our couch." Zoey jumped happily next to the girls.

"I wouldn't like to bother you, thanks." Y/N brushed off and keep walking behind them. "Also, I have some stuff to do, I need to write some things and then just sleep."

"But I thought you didn't need to sleep?" Zoey tilted her head slightly, being followed by Mira.

"When I hadn't take a break for days I do need to rest." Y/N sighed and waved at them as she saw how they got into the car. "But have a nice rest on your couch." She chuckled.

"Okayy, be safe!!" Zoey said already on the car, after a bit losing track of their friend.

"I'm a demon, I think I can take care of myself." Y/N turned into a shadow, starting to roam through the city.

She did'nt lie to the girls, she was in fact tired, but everyday she did a patrol just to be sure that demons weren't around.

This world was now hers to protect, and it was just because she accepted to be with the hunters, if not, god knows what would have happened.

And suddenly, she felt a presence. No, not one, five. They were demons for sure, she could sense them, and even as a shadow, she knew they could see her too, they were just like her, humans with deals to seal.

"I know you're watching me." Y/N stopped and showed her human form, her eyes shined with that golden light as she searched for the ones behind that presence. "Show yourself." And as she barely turned around she found them, five male demons standing in there, their patterns shining just like their eyes, she was basically surounded, all because she let her guard down.

Shit.

Ngl, I improv half of this cuz I started to disociate through it, I'm so sorry if there are errors, I really tried my best to make it have sense :'v

Umm, I don't know, let me know if you liked it or not! I''l try to get my writting habilities better, I'm not perfect at english grammar T-T

Taglist: @just-set-things-on-fire, @gremlinartstudio, @latisthegenderfluidwannabealone, @katzline

[sweetcalebb]

Brat tamer Zayne ! ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊

wc: 3.2k

a/n: for my pookster (@ohshitcindylou) also, i don't write a lot of smut for zayne, so i wasn't sure if he was ooc. i hope it's okay!

content: overstimulation, multiple orgasms, soft dom (?), desperate reader, you drive zayne crazy but he loves you, praise kink, (idk guys)

—

Nudes. 

That's what you did when you wanted attention—sent nudes in the middle of the workday. 

"Zayne?"

He blinked, swallowing harshly before looking up at Dr.Greyson. "Yes?"

"Are you all right? You look a bit flushed."

Zayne's lips pressed into a thin line, trying to will the heat creeping up his neck back down. 

"I'm fine. I just need a minute," he murmured, shoving his phone in his pocket and handing Greyson the charts he was holding.

"Oh—okay? If you're feeling unwell you should—"

"I'm fine." Then he was gone, his coat rustling as he rushed to his office. What were you trying to do to him, sending him such provocative pictures in broad daylight? 

When Zayne reached his office, he shut the door with a sigh and locked it. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as he slowly stalked over to his desk and sank into his chair. 

He sat there for a moment, hand hovering over the phone in his pocket, contemplating whether or not to take a second look. 

Zayne shouldn't. He was already half-hard. He wasn't proud of it, but he couldn't help the way his body responded to you and seeing you all posed and naked again definitely wasn't going to help.

Then, like you already knew he was spiraling, another text came in.

His chest tightened, his hand hesitantly curling around his check the message. Zayne glanced down at his screen, and there was your text. 

Zayne exhaled, awkwardly shifting in his seat. 

You: You saw my pictures. 

Simple. Yet so teasing. 

You: Did I get my Zayne all cute and flustered?? <3

Very teasing. You knew what you were doing, didn't you? And worse, it was working. 

Zayne shifted in his seat again, his thighs tensing as he subtly tried to find some relief. Then quickly, he groaned, pressing back into his chair like that might keep him still. 

Because no. No, he wasn't doing this. 

Zayne: During my shift?

Zayne: You know better. 

You: Do I?

You: [1 image attached]

Against his better judgment, he tapped on the picture and nearly forgot how to breathe. You were a vision. Even when you were sending the most teasing pictures known to man—God, you were gorgeous. 

You: I just can't help it

You: I miss you so much 

I miss you. 

Zayne's eyes narrowed, tilting his head in his hand. Teasing or not, those three little words would always undo him. 

He missed you too—always did—but he couldn't let you off so easily. No, not after those crude pictures.

Zayne: You miss me

You: Mhmm

Zayne: Then you'll be good tonight. No games. 

You: And in the meantime? You're not here to stop me...

You: [1 image attached]

Zayne's jaw clenched, rolling his hips and sighing when he found nothing but the fabric of his jeans that were suddenly too tight. 

Christ.

The things you did to him. 

Zayne: Take that off. 

Zayne: Sit on your hands.

Zayne: And don't touch yourself.

Zayne: I'll know if you do.

He watched as three bubbles popped up, disappeared, popped up again, then disappeared once more.

After a minute, you finally typed back with proof of just how good you were being.

You: Yes, Zayne.

You: [1 image attached]

He twitched in his jeans. You were going to ruin him if you kept sending pictures like that. The only reason he'd let this one slide was because you were listening.

He typed back.  

Zayne: Good girl.

Then he huffed, his dick giving another traitorous twitch at the praise. He could imagine how riled up it would get you. How you would squirm and pout because you couldn't do anything after that. 

Zayne stood up, his cheeks a shameful red as he slid his phone back in his pocket.

What was he doing, humoring his girlfriend's sexting while he was at work? 

He stopped at his door, taking a steady breath. He had to calm down. Had to will his painful erection away before anyone saw him like this. 

Zayne adjusted his coat, making sure it covered the obvious tent in his pants before stepping out and shutting the door behind him. 

He nodded politely at a passing nurse, hoping she didn't see the furious blush coloring his face.

God. You were going to pay when he got home.

 

°❀.ೃ࿔*

Zayne glanced at the clock as he stepped into your shared apartment. 1:43 a.m. He sighed, loosening the collar of his shirt. 

It was late. 

But he knew you. Knew that you'd still be up, waiting for him.

He washed his hands in the sink—thorough but tired. It was his routine. He always had to wash his hands first thing when he got him.

When he finished drying off his hands, he started stalking toward your shared bedroom. 

He quietly stepped in, glancing around. The room was quiet, lights dimly lit, and then there you were, curled under the blankets. 

Zayne moved closer, his chest squeezing when he saw the way you sat up and turned to him the minute you heard his footsteps. Your eyes were tired with sleep, your hair mussed from the pillows, and—when the sheets spilled down around your hips—still naked. 

"Hi," you breathed, a sheepish smile pulling at your lips as he padded closer. 

Zayne stopped in front of you, then slowly, he leaned down and captured your lips in a long, reverent kiss. He cupped your cheek and held you firmly, like you might slip away otherwise. But you both knew you weren't going anywhere.

You eagerly kissed back, bringing your hand up to his. Just when you gently swiped your tongue across his bottom lip, Zayne pulled back.

You frowned, but you didn't say anything.

Zayne eyed you carefully. He noticed it then—you nervous. The look made him narrow his gaze and tilt his head. 

You didn't behave, did you?

He studied you a second longer, then quietly, he asked, "Did you behave?"

"Yes, I did," you breathed, squirming in your spot as you watched Zayne's gaze drift over you. 

"Are you being honest?"

You paused at that. "I... I didn't touch myself."

Zayne nodded, slow. "So something else did. What was it?" His voice was deceptively gentle. 

You didn't answer at first. You didn't want to answer, but your hand subconsciously drifted toward your bedsheets and tugged it close. You should've kept still though.

Zayne took the sheets from your grip and examined them. Then, he found it. A damp patch, like the fabric had been stuff between your legs. 

Zayne stared at it, his mere scrutiny making your stomach flutter. "I.. I didn't—I mean, I didn't finish."

Zayne gently dropped the fabric and met your gaze again. "That wasn't the point, love."

You whimpered at the pet name. 

"I'm sorry. I just missed you so much and I—"

Zayne cupped your jaw and kissed you again, harder this time, but not cruel. Never cruel. 

"Lie down," he murmured as he pulled back.

You blinked up at him, eyes already glossy. "Zayne, I'm—"

"Shh. Lie down."

You didn't argue. You simply lied flat on your back and brought your hands over your stomach, heart beating so fast you thought Zayne might've heard it. 

Zayne nodded in approval before stepping away with the bed. He didn't speak. Didn't look at you, just quietly shrugged his coat off and draped it over the hanger behind your door. Then he loosened his tie to finally take it off.

Meanwhile, you sat there and watched the. The over-confident brat from earlier was long gone. Now, all you were left with was a desperate need.

When Zayne finally undid his shoe laces and nudged them off, he made his way back over to you. You stared, your body drumming with anticipation as he calmly settled into bed next to you.

"What are you doing?"

"Lying down beside you," he replied, carefully grabbing your hips and turning you over so your back was facing him before pulling you into his chest. 

Zayne sighed, pressing his lips to your shoulder like he'd been waiting all day to do this. "You made me hard in the middle of shift today," he murmured, dragging his fingers over your stomach. 

Your breath caught in your throat, your body instinctively arching into his touch.

"I had to keep a straight face and pretend I wasn't losing it," he added, kissing up your neck. 

At the same time, he brought his hand lower, easing toward the cleft between your thighs. He nudged you, softly, letting you think he might actually touch you before pulling away. "And you knew what you were doing. Didn't you?"

Your hips bucked in protest, but Zayne only clicked his tongue as a warning. 

You sighed. "Yes. I knew."

Zayne's breath fanned against your skin as he let out a shudder. "I thought about you all day," he whispered, his fingers sliding up to graze the underside of your boob. "Thought about how warm you'd be under these sheets... How pretty and pouty you'd look when I told you not to touch yourself."

Your whole body burned with desperation. You wanted him to touch you—needed him to touch you. Really touch you. Not just brush his fingertips over your skin with that teasing cool.

"What am I supposed to do when I miss you?" you asked, shifting against him. 

Zayne's hand traveled tantalizingly close to your sweetest spot. He so, so close, just not quite there. He teased his fingers down your inner thigh, the touch pulling a light shudder from your body. 

"You wait, or entertain yourself with the resources I got you. You don't send me nudes while I'm at work." 

You gasped when you finally felt his fingers slide through your slick folds. 

"And if I tell you to behave, you certainly don't rub yourself on the blankets."

You jerked your hips against his hand, but Zayne gave another low click. "Be good."

His other hand curled around your chest and cupped your pillowy breast. "Tell me what you did. Walk me through it." 

Your mouth parted, but all that came out was a breath. You couldn't speak. You were shaking and he'd barely even touched you. 

Zayne hummed, pressing an open mouthed kiss against your shoulder. "If that's too much, then show me."

He firmly cupped your mound, fingers pressing deliciously against your needy flesh. "Go on. Show me what you did when you were too desperate to wait."

"W-what?" you managed. 

"Pretend my fingers are the blanket. What did you do?"

Your cheeks burned from embarrassment. "Zayne..."

"[❀]," he replied, gently shifting his fingers. 

Your lips opened in a silent gasp. You were so pent up. Any little movement had you reeling. Had you fighting everything in you not to rut against his hand like a woman possessed. 

You rolled your hips once, your body shaking with the effort of holding back. 

"Is that all?" Zayne mused, his mouth still working over the skin of your back. "I find that hard to believe given the mess you left on our sheets."

You bit your lip as you gave another weak roll. God. It was too good. You nudged your hips back, moaning when you found the perfect angle. 

Then you started again, slow, shaky. You'd occasionally stop and squeeze around his hand—just keep him there for a little. And when you couldn't hold back anymore, you started over. 

And Zayne never moved. Just patiently kept his hand between your legs as he watched—felt—reenact what you'd done earlier. 

When you felt your stomach coil a little too tightly, you stopped with a stuttered movement. "And then—and then I stopped."

Zayne was still kissing you, his lips practically melted against your back. "You were close."

You bit your lip and nodded.

"Finish."

Your hips almost moved on instinct. You turned your head over your shoulder, trying to look at him. "You'll let me?"

Zayne hummed in assurance. "Go on."

You didn't hesitate. You ground yourself against his fingers, curling one hand against his (the one on your breast), while you fisted your other hand in the sheets. 

You should've been embarrassed, but you weren't. All you were was a girl chasing down her orgasm like her life depended on it.

"That's it," Zayne whispered, feeling every broken little thrust as you got closer and closer to the edge. 

Then, with a raspy gasp, you were coming undone, spilling yourself down his hand, down your thighs. You sunk your nails in his hand, but he didn't pull away, didn't even wince.

Just let out a quiet groan and reflexively squeezed around your breast tighter. 

"Is that what you needed?" Zayne murmured.

You gave a lazy nod. "Mhmmm."

You thought that was it. That he would kiss you and forgive you for misbehaving the way he always did. But then you felt him rubbing firm, languid circles over your clit. Again.

You squeezed your legs around him, whining. 

"Z-zayne! What are you—!" Your sentence trailed off on a desperate mewl as he moved faster. 

He knew your body better than you did, and he was using that to his advantage. He avoided all your perfect spots before, now he was hitting them over and over and over again. 

"You didn't think I was going to let you off that easy after today, did you?" Zayne asked, eyes fluttered shut with concentration. "You wanted attention. Now you have it."

Your stomach curled tight, limbs tingling at the way he wrung out every drop of pleasure you had to give.

"Mmnn..! It's too soon!"

Zayne moved faster at your protest. "You earned this, remember?" he murmured, his words ghosting over your shoulder. "This is what happens when my sweet girl can't behave."

You squirmed, pressing the side of your face into your pillow and whimpering quietly. "Z-Zayne!"

Zayne hummed quietly, slipping his hand away from your breast to cup your jaw and tilt your face. His eyes roved over yours, drinking in every twist of pleasure. 

"You're doing so good," he muttered, pressing his lips to yours and tensing when he felt your moans spill into his mouth. 

It was addicting. 

He wanted to swallow every last sound. But he was never one for self-indulgence, so grudgingly, he pulled away. 

"Will you give me another one?"

You shook your head no, even as your body screamed yes. 

Zayne furrowed his brows. "That wasn't a question," he murmured, his voice so soft you might've thought he was coaxing a nervous animal into his hands. "You'll give me another one because you couldn't seem to resist the urge to send me nudes today."

He worked his fingers over your throbbing clit with expert precision. He used the perfect pressure. The perfect strokes. The perfect speed. It was the kind of skill that made your vision blur. 

"Isn't this what you wanted?" 

Your lips parted with a guttural cry. You could feel the heat in your stomach curling tight.

"For me to touch you?"

"Yes! But—! Hhnn'but—"

You bit your lips to try and keep your sounds down, but it was pointless. Your hips jerked forward as they chased the friction of his fingers like he wasn't already making you lose your mind. 

You didn't think you could come so soon, but you were getting achingly close again. 

"Then I'm going to touch you until you can't take it anymore," he husked, his cock twitching painfully in his jeans. But this was all about you. About how pretty you fell apart. "Just like you wanted."

Your body seized as your second orgasm ripped through you, your hand shooting down to wrap around his wrist. You weren't even sure if you just wanted to hold him or push him away. 

"Good girl."

Oh, God. Any thoughts of pushing him away melted the instant you heard those two words. You'd do anything to hear that. 

"Th-thank.. you.." you breathed out. 

Zayne let out a sharp breath. He carefully drew his hand away from your face, instead curling it around your chest again. 

For a second, you relaxed. 

Zayne seemed to relax too, pressing a tender kiss to your cheek. It was so sweet and gentle. 

Then you felt him moving again, the slick sound filling your ears and making you clench around nothing.

God. You couldn't possible be capable of another orgasm.

You dug your fingers in his wrist. "Nnnh—Wait!"

"You're not done."

You whined, desperately trying to twist away, but Zayne only curled his arm around you tighter and pulled you flush against his chest. "You have one more in you," he breathed. 

Tears brimmed in your eyes. "I-I don't—I can't—" you choked out, trying to push his wrist away even as your hips helplessly rolled into his touch. 

"Yes you can," he said, his words quiet and full of awe. It was less like a demand and more like a fact. "Look at yourself." His breath warmed your already flushed skin. 

"You're still moving. Still so beautiful."

You trembled. He was right. You were still moving—still torn between squirming away from him and grounding yourself on him like you couldn't breathe without it.  

You let out a quiet little cry, your thighs and stomach burning with the effort of processing the overstimulation. 

Zayne bit back a soft growl. "I've got you."

You couldn't stay still. You were a mess—toes curling, hips jerking, nails digging into his skin hard enough to leave marks, breath ragged. 

And Zayne never stopped. He couldn't. 

Because you deserved this. Every last touch and word.

He continued to work your clit with aching accuracy, his fingers slick with your arousal.  

"You're doing so well," Zayne praised, his wrist burning from the repeated motion. 

You bit your lip to stop the whiny cries from slipping past, but it barely helped. They'd just come out in low hums.

You couldn't come again, you just couldn't. But your body said otherwise. It was soft—needy—and you could feel that familiar heat curl low in your belly again. 

You couldn't tell whether to cry or moan. 

It was too much, too fast. 

"Wait—I'm—"

A breathless moan tore from your throat as you came again, your body trying to curl in on itself. But Zayne didn't let it. He held you tight, his fingers finally slowing as he worked you through your third orgasm. 

"That's it, sweetheart," he cooed, his body never leaving yours.

When the final twitches of your aftershock washed over you, Zayne carefully turned you around and hugged you to his chest. Didn't wait or tease. Just quickly tugged you toward him.

And you melted into him. You wrapped your arms around him and held onto him as tightly as you possibly could (which wasn't that tight). 

Zayne stroked your head, gently messing with the ends of your hair, the feeling making you tingle. 

"I'm very proud of you," Zayne finally whispered, a subtle smile tugging at his lips when he felt you hum against him. "I hope you learned something today."

You nuzzled into his chest and murmured a soft, "I did."

Zayne kissed the top of your head. "Good girl. I'll start the shower for you."

You smiled lazily against him. "Thank you."

Zayne grudgingly peeled himself away and stepped toward the bathroom. He let out a stuttered huff and ran a hand through his hair. 

He was throbbing in his jeans. Precum had soaked through his boxers and dampened his jeans, but it was all worth it. 

You were always worth it.

—

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[dakusan]

Flex & Ink

Tattoo Artist!Seo Changbin x Reader | Ink. Discipline. He said “good girl” and never looked back.

🔞synopsis: Tattoo Artist AU. You’re the picture of control. Pilates instructor by morning, posture-obsessed menace by noon, and calm-matcha aesthetic 24/7. You don’t sweat. You correct form. You breathe through the pain. And you’ve never let anyone leave a mark on you—until him. He’s the co-owner of NO SAINT INK. At the gym, he’s silent power: sweat-drenched tanks, mythical back pieces, and eyes that never once look your way. Until they do. It starts with a tattoo. But that line between ink and intimacy? Between the sharpness of his needle and the way he says “good girl”? Yeah. That gets blurred fast. One minute he’s fucking you like he owns you, the next he’s wrapping you in his hoodie and feeding you water like you’ll break.

💌a/n: IT’S SO FUCKING HOT. LONDON TRANSPORT IS A HUMAN-RUN HEALTH HAZARD. THE TUBE IS LITERALLY MURDER SAUNA. And me? I decided to write tattoo!Changbin smut with a brain fog caused by the heat. I—listen. I just wanted to write about a brooding tattoo artist rearranging a pilates princess guts. I hope this makes sense?? I hope you like it?? Little bit of slow burn??? I was literally sweating while writing and I don’t know if it was from the smut or the heat or the fact that CHANGBIN IN BLACK GLOVES LIVES RENT-FREE IN MY HEAD?? p.s. If you liked it, reblog it. Reblog it like he’s fucking you into the mirror and saying “Don’t look away.” p.p.s. Changbin supremacy. p.p.p.s. I am NOT responsible for your hydration status during this fic

⚠️ warnings: 18+ ONLY | MINORS DNI | Soft dom!Changbin, praise kink + respectful menace | Mirror play | Oral (f!receiving) | Overstimulation + multiple orgasms | Cockwarming | Aftercare king behavior. Hoodie. Water. Warm towel. Socks. Yes, socks | idk what else i missed i'm dying rn

📌 Please read with caution. Stretch beforehand. Hydrate. Apologize to your tattoo artist. And your gym crush.

📍credits: dividers by @cafekitsune

🎧 » Thirsty— Taemin « 0:58 ─〇───── 3:27 ⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻

You’re the vision of calm control.

Every morning at 6:45 a.m., like clockwork, you sweep into the downtown fitness complex with your pastel wrap-top tied neatly at the waist and your hair twisted into a ballerina bun so tight it could survive a storm. You drink your matcha through a glass straw. You carry your mat like it’s an accessory. Your shoes are spotless, your voice is melodic, and your posture is the kind that makes people instinctively stand taller when you pass by.

You glide into your reformer pilates studio with the serenity of someone who’s mastered both her breath and her boundaries. Former ballet prodigy turned core activation coach, you teach five reformer sessions a day—each one a display of elegance, intensity, and razor-sharp muscle control. Your clients both adore and fear you. You have the kind of presence that makes people fix their own form before you even say a word. When you do correct them, it’s precise, polite, and just pointed enough to sting.

You don’t raise your voice. You don’t sweat. You don't slouch. You float. And online? You’re even worse. Your Instagram is a minimalist’s dream: toned arms on reformers in golden lighting, skin like silk, cryptic captions. Every third post is a quote in muted beige serif.

You’re elegant. Controlled. Inkless. A vision of untouched skin and core stability.

But lately, your control is being tested.

By him.

He’s not like the others at the gym.

You first noticed him three months ago. It was leg day for him, glutes and inner thighs for you. You were coaching a private session—soft music playing, aromatherapy diffusing gently from the wall—and then: A thud. A guttural grunt. The sharp, echoing clang of 140kg hitting the floor like war drums.

He was lifting right outside your studio window.

Tank top soaked. Forearms vascular. Hood up. Headphones in. He never looked around. Never checked his form in the mirror. He just moved with raw, thunderous efficiency. Quads like carved stone. Tattoos crawling up his arms and peeking out from his neckline—dark, mythic things that looked like they were alive.

At first, you were annoyed. He disrupted the peace. You had to close the door to keep your clients focused. His grunts threw off your cadence.

Then you started watching.

The first time he took off his hoodie mid-set, you caught a flash of the ink across his back—two black dragons twisted together in an ouroboros loop, scales razor-fine and smoke curling over his spine. You stared longer than you meant to. Long enough to miss a cue in your own session. Long enough to have to repeat it.

You looked him up that night.

Seo Changbin.

Co-owner of NO SAINT INK—a notoriously hard-to-book, high-end tattoo studio. His pieces? Blackwork. Ornamental. Gothic.

He did ink like it was cathedral architecture. Intricate beasts. Baroque rib cages. Sacred geometry that bled into chaos at the edges. He played with negative space and muscle flow like a sculptor. There were rumors he did some biomech and anatomical fusion work too—stuff that made it look like your bones were crawling up your skin.

He only took on clients by referral. He didn’t do walk-ins. And he never, ever did colour.

He never looked at you.

Three months of the same schedule. You, in your silk-press pastel perfection. Him, in his dark gymwear and smudged chalk palms. You passed each other in the hallway sometimes. He never said a word.

Until the day you snapped.

You were mid-session with a new client—she was struggling with core control, every breath shallow, every motion tense—and there he was again. Deadlifting to the tempo of a war anthem. Slamming weights like gravity owed him something.

You stepped outside, hands on hips, breathing through your nose.

“Some of us are trying to center, not detonate.”

He paused mid-lift. Turned. Pulled out one earbud. A beat. A smirk.

Then: “Want me to show you how to really activate your core?”

And then he turned back to his barbell like it was nothing.

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t. You’d never been so simultaneously furious and flustered in your life. After that, he started showing up earlier. Lifting closer. Watching your warmups from the squat rack. Making comments.

“You know, your foot arch collapses on your second lunge set.” “Your glute engagement’s solid. You ever load it?”

And then one day—after a particularly intense set of weighted split squats—you sat down on your mat, breathless and sweaty, and saw him watching you through the mirror. Just... watching.

When you looked back, he only said: “You’ve got perfect spine alignment.”

And walked away.

You told yourself it was nothing. You weren’t interested. You were focused. He was chaos. Loud. Covered in ink. Rough around the edges. You were all about precision and peace. You weren’t even into tattoos.

...Except lately, you’d been thinking about them.

About what it would feel like to have his hands on your skin—not in the gym, but in that studio you’d stalked online a hundred times. About the fine-line blackwork on his clients’ ribs. The sacred geometry down their thighs. The way he seemed to carve stories into people. You started wondering what he’d draw for you. What he’d see in you.

And one day, without thinking, you murmured: “I’ve got a clean canvas.”

And he’d grinned. “You ever wanna ruin it—come find me.”

You’re standing in front of it.

NO SAINT INK.

You grip your tote bag tighter, heart jackhammering beneath your zip-up. You can’t believe you actually booked this. You’d pulled every favour, begged one of your fitness clients to refer you. You filled out the intake form, submitted references, proof of healing care, even a fucking aesthetic moodboard. You never expected to get approved.

And yet… Here you are.

You glance at your phone one last time. The design you sent him glows on the screen: A fine-line ornamental dagger wrapped in black lace. Minimalist. Symmetrical. Inspired by the old ballet blades you used to train with in theater. You asked for placement on your ankle—something graceful but a little dangerous, hidden unless you chose to show it.

Finally, you move inside the studio and the scent hits you: vetiver, eucalyptus, ink. The kind of clean that hums with sterility—but underneath it, warmth. Masculine warmth. Leather and musk.

And then—

“OH SHIT—PILATES BARBIE MADE AN APPOINTMENT?”

You blink.

Behind the desk, crouched in an ergonomic chair with wheels and way too much energy, is a messy-haired, coffee-chugging creature. Han Jisung.

He is nothing like Changbin.

Where Changbin is broad, silent menace, Han is chaos in a hoodie. He’s wearing socks with avocados on them and a smirk that says he knows exactly how much your blood pressure just spiked.

You try to keep your voice neutral. “I have a 2PM with Changbin.”

“OH you do, do you?” He spins dramatically in his chair. “Chan-hyung! Bro! Pilates Princess has entered the temple!”

From behind the wall, you hear a deep, amused voice. One that sends a traitorous ripple down your spine.

“Be nice, Jisung-ah.”

Enter Bang Chan, who appears wearing all black, a beanie, and the warmest smile known to man. He’s muscle and honey—sharp arms, soft voice. And somehow, despite your anxiety, he makes you feel like you just got wrapped in a weighted blanket.

“Hey. You must be…?”

“She’s Miss Breath Control,” Han chimes. "As Changbin says of course.”

You ignore him.

“Yes. 2PM. With Changbin.”

Chan nods, warm and non-threatening. “He’s finishing up a back piece right now. Should be out in five. You can sit if you want—or look around.”

You sit. Which is insane, because your legs never shake and now they’re doing a little wobble dance beneath the stool. You try to sip water but miss your mouth and curse under your breath.

Han watches all of this with way too much joy. “You want some calming tea? Or, like, whiskey?”

“I’m fine.”

“You sure? You’re gripping that water bottle like it owes you money.”

You take a deep breath. Count to four. Exhale through your core. Then: “Don’t you have something to sterilize?”

“I do, but watching you try not to panic is a lot more fun.”

Before you can respond, there’s movement in the hallway. Boots. Heavy steps. You know it’s him before you see him. He steps out of the back studio like he owns the whole fucking planet.

Changbin.

All black, sleeves rolled, dark tattoo gloves still half-on. A sleeveless muscle tee clings to his chest, neck shimmering slightly from exertion. His jaw is tight. His lips are flushed. His hair’s pulled back in a half-tied knot that makes you irrationally angry. His arms are covered in fresh ink smudges. And his eyes? Locked right on you.

The world narrows.

“You came,” he says. Not a question. A statement. Like he knew you would.

You nod.

He gestures with a tilt of his chin, lazy and deliberate. “Come on back.”

The moment you step into his space, and sit down on the tattoo chair you simply go still. You’ve been in control of your body your whole life. Every breath, every joint, every limb—trained, refined, disciplined. You know how to hold your spine like a prayer and your voice like a blade. You’ve never fidgeted in a professional setting.

So why are you perched on a leather tattoo chair with your hands folded tight in your lap like a chastised schoolgirl?

Because the room smells like ink and amber and him. Because there’s bass-heavy music playing low through the built-in speakers—wordless, sultry, like the kind of thing you’d move your hips to if he ever pressed you against a wall. Because Seo Changbin is leaning over his iPad, reviewing your submission with a furrowed brow and one ringed hand cradling his jaw.

You’re trying not to hold your breath as he scrolls. Then he glances up at you, eyes sharp but unreadable. But then, his mouth twitches—almost a smile and he turns the iPad to you.

“Here’s what I designed.”

Your breath catches. It’s yours—but not. It’s alive.

He’s taken the dagger and curved it slightly, so it follows the natural line of your ankle and rises just a little up the calf. The blade’s body is woven with the lace, yes—but his lace moves. It ripples like real fabric, and within its folds are secret things: a single rosebud at the hilt. A glint of barbed wire hidden in the shadows. He’s added a moon crest at the base—almost imperceptible—and along the edge of the dagger, in the subtlest script: tempus vincit omnia.

“Time conquers all,” he translates, before you can ask.

You blink. You don’t remember putting that in your references.

“It felt like you,” he says, gaze holding yours. “You act like you’re untouched. But your silence says otherwise.”

You should say something. Anything. But your throat is dry. The room is warm. His voice is velvet dipped in command. And the way he’s looking at you now—eyes flickering down to your ankle, then up to your mouth—is not professional.

“May I see the placement?” he asks.

You nod, because you’re a coward. A good one.

You slowly pull your pant leg up, exposing your bare ankle, the pale skin taut from crossed legs and tension. He crouches in front of you, rolls his stool close, and gently sets the iPad aside.

“Pretty canvas,” he murmurs, almost to himself.

Your pulse jumps.

He slips on a fresh glove, snaps it into place. The sound is surgical, threatening, hot.

Then he touches you.

His fingers are firm but slow, tilting your foot, angling your leg just right. He’s completely focused. One hand on your arch, the other gently brushing your ankle bone.

“This spot will hurt a little,” he says, glancing up. “But you’re good at pain, aren’t you?”

You want to say yes. Want to say show me. Instead you say: “I breathe through it.”

“Good girl.”

You flinch. Not from the words—but from how good they feel.

He doesn’t apologize.

He rises to his feet and starts prepping the stencil, moving around the room with focused precision. Gloves. Transfer paper. Sanitary wipes. Ink tray. You sit there, skin buzzing, ankle still tingling from his touch, wondering how the fuck you’re supposed to survive this session.

He moves like he’s done this a thousand times. Because he has. Stencil fluid. Gauze. He lays out everything on the side tray with quiet precision, occasionally glancing your way like he’s clocking your posture, your breath, your jitters.

He doesn’t talk unless it’s necessary. No showmanship. No dramatics. Just work.

You respect that. You also kind of want to bite your lip off because the tension is unbearable.

He crouches again beside your ankle, wiping the area clean with clinical care. The alcohol is cold, startling. You inhale through your nose, quietly.

He notices. “Still good?”

You nod.

“You sure?” He glances up. His brows are slightly lifted. Not teasing—checking.

“Yeah. I’m okay.”

“Alright.” He holds the stencil in one hand, then gestures with his other. “I’m gonna press this on now. Just stay relaxed. Let your leg fall natural.”

You obey.

When he applies the stencil, it’s methodical. He rolls it from heel to calf, smoothing it into place with both thumbs, then steps back to check alignment. He adjusts your foot slightly. Tilts your knee. Scans the angle. Then he nods to himself and grabs the handheld mirror from the cart.

“Take a look. Tell me if anything feels off.”

You lean forward, lift the mirror—

—and freeze.

It’s perfect.

The dagger curves with your bone like it was meant to be there. The lace hugs the dip above your heel. The little Latin script rests just where your Achilles flares. Somehow, it’s sharp and delicate at the same time.

You don’t speak right away.

So he does. “You hate it?”

“I—what? No. It’s perfect.”

He hums under his breath. Like he knew. But he gives you space. “Alright. If you’re good, I’ll get set up.”

You nod again, a little too quickly. He moves back to his cart.

Machine. Cartridge. Ink caps.

The buzz of the tattoo gun doesn’t startle you like you thought it would. But the sound of it? It changes something in the air. The room goes quiet except for that hum.

He settles beside you again on the rolling stool, anchoring your foot with a towel. He sets your ankle on a support, angles it just right. The touch is firm but careful.

Then he looks at you. Straight-on. Steady.

“I’m gonna start with the outline. We’ll go slow. You tell me if anything feels weird, alright?”

“Okay.”

“Last chance to tap out.”

“Do it.”

His mouth twitches again. A small curve. A breath of something smug.

“Tough girl.”

Then the machine kicks on.

And the first needle hits skin.

You inhale sharp through your nose. Fuck. You knew it would sting, but it’s different than you expected. Not unbearable. Not sharp like glass. More like a scratch that keeps going—a hot drag along nerve endings that wakes up everything. You exhale. Count. Re-center.

“Breathe through it,” you murmur out loud, mostly to yourself.

His voice is quiet. Low. Unshakably calm.

“You’re doing great.”

He keeps working.

The dagger begins to take shape—delicate linework up the edge of your ankle, the fine curve of the hilt tucked beneath your calf. You don’t look at him, but you feel him—close, focused, his forearm braced gently across your leg as he works in deliberate strokes.

It’s intimate in a way you didn’t expect.

Not sexual. Not yet. But close. Controlled. Charged.

After a few minutes, he speaks again—quiet but with a grin in his voice this time.

“Still breathing?”

“Barely.”

“Good. I’d hate to lose you halfway through.”

You snort under your breath. “You’d lose your best linework.”

“Exactly.” Beat. “Wouldn’t look right on anyone else anyway.”

That makes your chest stutter.

You don’t reply. Not out loud. But you shift slightly in the chair—tense. Hot. And he knows it.

He keeps working.

You hear the buzz. You feel the heat. The pain is low-key addictive now—every new line something you earn. And through it all, Changbin stays steady. Anchored. The perfect storm of pressure, skill, and focus.

But, you've had enough of the silence, especially with how it was stretching and so, you decided to break it.

“How long have you been doing this?”

“Tattooing?” His thumb brushes against the arch of your foot to hold it steady. “Seven years. Shop’s been open for four.”

“Always wanted to do it?”

“Nah.” He leans back for a second, wipes the needle tip. “Thought I’d be a strength coach. Maybe gym ownership. Did some personal training for a while.”

“That checks out.” You glance down at his forearm, thick and corded with muscle, tattoos crawling up to his elbow like they’re trying to escape.

“Yeah?” he says, smirking faintly. “You profile every guy who squats heavy during your classes?”

“Only the ones who grunt like they’re in labor.”

That earns a real laugh—short, rich, warm.

“Okay, Pilates Princess. Maybe I do get dramatic when it’s above four plates.”

“You were scaring my client.”

“She was on a reformer. She couldn’t hear anything over the sound of her own smug exhale.”

You bite back a smile.

“Still. You disrupted the chi.”

“And you walked out in pastel spandex and told me I was ‘rupturing lungs.’ What was I supposed to do? Not flirt back?”

Your breath catches slightly. But he doesn’t press it. He just goes back to work—steady hand, eyes trained on your ankle. The air feels charged now, though. Like he lit a match and pretended he didn’t.

“What about you?” he asks after a beat. “Always been a reformer girl?”

You shrug. “Ballet background. Dance conditioning led to pilates. I got addicted to the structure.”

“Makes sense.” His eyes flick up briefly. “You’re precise. Can tell you move from control.”

You swallow. His tone isn’t teasing anymore—it’s… observant. Real. And something in your chest flutters uncomfortably.

“Is that your polite way of saying I’m uptight?”

“Not even close.” He sits back, stretches his wrist slightly, and looks at you fully. “Uptight’s when someone can’t bend. You?” He tilts his head. “You bend perfectly. You just don’t like anyone else touching the steering wheel.”

Your breath skips. You don’t answer right away. Not because you don’t know what to say—but because he’s right.

So you redirect. Softly.

“Why ‘No Saint’? The name.”

He taps the foot pedal, stops the buzz, and wipes your ankle clean with firm, slow strokes. It gives you a moment to breathe again—but not enough.

“Because I don’t pretend to be anything I’m not.”

You blink. That was… blunt. Honest. A little dark. He continues, eyes down now.

“We don’t bullshit clients. We don’t sell fake sentiment. No ‘live laugh love’ tattoos unless they’re ironic. No fake wisdom. No trends we know you’ll regret in two years.”

“Just pain and permanence,” you murmur.

“Exactly.” He smirks faintly. “No saints here. Just ink, heat, and choice.”

The silence that follows is thick. Comfortable. But hot. Like both of you are aware how close this is to something more.

He leans in again, machine humming softly back to life.

“You’re doing good, by the way,” he says. Quieter now. “Most people twitch by now.”

“I’m not most people.”

“I’m starting to believe that.”

He inks another line—this one along the edge of the dagger, right where your skin thins over bone. It burns—but you hold steady.

“Let’s finish the outline.” he suddenly says.

The session lasted

just under two hours.

You hadn’t realized how long it had been until the buzz finally stopped and the silence rolled in like a warm wave. You feel boneless. Drenched in adrenaline and restraint. Your ankle stings, wrapped delicately in breathable film. Your body feels too warm for the room. And your head? Light. Fuzzy. Like the space between flirtation and freefall.

Changbin strips off his gloves, tosses them, and wipes down the station with clinical precision. He hasn’t said much since finishing. Just the usual post-tat routine—cleaning, wrapping, murmured instructions.

But his eyes? They keep sliding to you.

You slip your sock on halfway and tug your pant leg back down carefully, wincing a little.

“Still good?” he asks, finally looking up.

“More than good.”

He gives a small nod. Like he expected that answer. Like he knew you’d handle it.

You grab your bag and follow him out to the front. The air outside the studio room hits colder, sharper. You suddenly remember there are other people in this building.

The first one you see? Han Jisung. Eating fucking pineapple chunks out of a plastic deli cup with a tiny fork. He looks up from his stool like he’s been watching through the glass wall the entire time.

“Well, well, look who survived the blade.”

“She didn’t just survive,” Changbin says, rounding the desk and tapping something on the iPad. “She was better than half the regulars who talk big and cry during linework.”

“You cried during your own hand tat,” Han mutters under his breath, chewing.

From the side sofa, another head pops up.

Felix. Wearing an oversized hoodie, sipping juice from a literal juice box. His legs are tucked under him like a kid at a sleepover. He doesn’t say anything, just raises his brows meaningfully—and takes a long, slow sip.

You blink at the scene. “...Do you guys always just lurk out here eating kindergarten snacks?”

“We’re moral support,” Felix chirps, straw still in his mouth.

“We’re witnesses,” Han adds, tossing a pineapple chunk in the air and catching it. “To whatever this vibe is.”

“What vibe?” Changbin asks, not even blinking.

Han points at you. Then at him.

“This VIBE. The quiet storm flirting. The ‘good girl’ energy. The tension so thick I had to put on noise-canceling headphones to avoid getting secondhand arousal—”

“Jisung.” Changbin cuts him off, finally looking up from the counter.

His tone is sharp, low. The kind that says drop it before I kill you.

You try not to laugh. You fail.

“It’s fine,” you say, waving a hand. “I’m used to being analyzed by men eating pineapple.”

“Icon,” Felix whispers around his juice box.

Changbin finally sighs and turns back to you, handing over a printed aftercare sheet, folded neatly.

“Info’s all on there. Product list, wash instructions, what to look out for.”

“Got it.” You slip it into your bag. Your hand brushes his. Just barely. But you both feel it.

He doesn’t step back.

Doesn’t break eye contact either.

“Listen,” he says casually, voice lower. “If you ever need touch-ups, or... if you’re thinking of something else—” His eyes flick down, briefly, to your throat, then back up. “You can text me directly.”

“I figured appointments went through the website?”

“They do.”

A beat.

“But you don’t have to.”

Your throat is suddenly dry. You arch a brow—curious. Just enough sass to stay in control. “You giving your number to all your clients now?”

“Just the ones who breathe through pain and still flirt back.”

Felix chokes on his juice. Han makes a strangled sound that might be applause.

You blink. Then slowly, slowly smirk. “Fine,” you say. “What’s your number?”

He rattles it off. You type it in. Save it under NO SAINT. He glances at your screen. “That what you’re calling me?”

“What would you prefer?”

“Something you’ll actually say when you’re out of breath.”

Han falls off his stool. Literally. Felix wheezes so hard his straw pops out of the juice box. Changbin doesn’t even flinch. He just leans on the counter, arms crossed, watching you like you’re a puzzle he already knows how to solve.

You match his look. Slowly. “We’ll see.”

And with that, you turn and walk out.

After the tattoo, you saw him more. It started small that is.

At first, it’s coincidence—he’s back to lifting heavy in the gym at odd hours, same as always. But now he nods at you when you pass. A real nod. Eyes meeting. A corner-of-the-mouth smile that makes your stomach flip. Sometimes he’s got one AirPod in instead of two. Sometimes he lingers near the cable station while you’re on the mat. Never interrupting. Just... there.

The first actual post-tat interaction happens five days after your session.

You’re foam rolling in the stretching area, ankle still healing but mostly fine, and he walks by, glances down, and says: “Looks good.”

You raise a brow. “You spying on my ankle now?”

“Just checking my work.”

Pause.

“And maybe looking at your calf.”

You try to look unimpressed. You fail. He sits beside you and starts stretching his hamstrings without being asked. Doesn’t make a move. Just talks.

That becomes routine.

Short check-ins after workouts. Training tips you didn’t ask for but secretly appreciate. You realize he knows exactly how to adjust your form without crowding you. He never overcorrects. Never touches you without asking. And yet he always makes sure you’re safe, balanced, stable.

“Switch feet. You’re compensating on your left.” “You’ve been clenching your jaw all set. Breathe it out.” “I’ll spot you if you’re going heavier today.”

You stop correcting him eventually. Mostly because he’s right.

Then it shifts again. You start texting. It begins with questions about the tattoo. Aftercare check-ins. A meme he sends about gym people and their insane emotional attachments to water bottles.

Then you start sending him playlists.

He makes you one in return. It’s all bass-heavy, slow-burn, mostly instrumental tracks with names like “Pulse,” “Drive,” “Bend,” and one ominously titled “Repetition is Power.”

You: that one sounds kinky Him: it’s about training Him: …mostly You: mmhmm

The first “hangout” isn’t even planned.

You finish a late workout and bump into him in the protein aisle at the 24hr mart across the street. You make fun of his zero sugar birthday cake-flavoured whey and he pretends not to judge your matcha collagen bar.

“I have taste,” you say, tossing it in your basket.

“Yeah,” he says, barely smiling. “I noticed.”

You walk out together. He carries your bag. Doesn’t ask. Just does it.

Then come the actual plans.

A night walk after a shared late gym session.

Coffee before your first client.

He helps you move a reformer across your studio and doesn’t leave until he’s triple-checked the bolts.

He never pushes. He never assumes. He always walks on the outside of the sidewalk.

Once, when a guy was being weird to you at the gym, Changbin didn’t say a word. Just stood nearby, arms folded, gaze flat. The guy disappeared within three minutes.

When you thank him later, he shrugs and says: “Didn’t do anything.”

Beat.

“Just let him know you weren’t alone.”

And god. That does something to you.

You kiss him the first time after he walks you home on a Friday night.

You’re buzzed off wine and safety. You say something dumb about how he always smells like cedar and sin. He huffs a laugh and says, quietly: “You can kiss me if you want.”

No pressure. Just there. Waiting.

You do.

And his hand settles on your waist like you’re glass and gold at the same time.

Before you know it, it’s weekends at your place. Your pink robe draped over his hoodie on your chair. His phone charger lives by your bed now. He shows up at your studio on your long days just to bring you food he won’t let you pay for. He tries to act casual about it but always packs your favourite matcha bar on top.

You ask him one night—half-laughing, half-serious: “Are you, like... my boyfriend now?”

He blinks. Looks at you. Then cocks his head.

“Have you been seeing someone else?”

“No?”

“Then yeah. I’m yours.”

Simple. Direct. No drama. You say, “Oh,” like you hadn’t been melting for weeks.

He smiles, real this time, all warm teeth and soft boy. “Been yours since you sat in that chair.”

And the worst part? This dark, brooding, tattooed menace of a man? He’s so goddamn respectful it makes your head spin.

Doesn’t touch you in the gym unless you ask.

Always asks before kissing you.

Has literally said, “Tell me what you want. I won’t ever take it without hearing you say it.”

Brings your water bottle to your side when you forget it.

Traces your healing tattoo at night and whispers, “Still my best work.”

You’re doomed. You’re soft. You’re so, so fucked.

Your apartment is warm. Cozy. Too quiet.

The lights are low, and the vanilla-coconut candle you forgot to blow out is making everything smell like sweet skin and summer.

Changbin’s duffel bag is unzipped at the edge of your bed—lined with velvet wraps and steel trays, black gloves and sterilized ink cartridges. He brought the full setup, just like you asked. No studio. No distractions. Just you, him, and the blank canvas of your back.

You’re kneeling on the bed in nothing but soft shorts and your hair twisted up with a clip. Your top is already off, folded beside you. Between your hands is a pillow, hugged tight, just to ground yourself. Because the nerves are real now.

You wanted this design for weeks. Something elegant. Subtle. Yours.

A spine-length blackwork symbol—two mirrored crescent moons interwoven with minimalist wings. You told him it was about balance. About letting go.

You didn’t tell him it was also about him.

He’s behind you now, sterilizing your skin. His touch is clinical. Careful. But it burns anyway.

“You still sure about the placement?” he asks, voice low. Even. But there’s something underneath. A quiet strain.

“Dead sure.”

He hums. “Alright.” You hear the snap of gloves. The whir of the stencil printer. Your heart pounds in your chest like it’s trying to warn you.

Then—he’s back. His hands ghost over your spine. “I’m gonna press the stencil now. Stay still.”

You do. You try. But the moment his hands actually touch you—bare palms, gloved, strong and steady—your breath catches. The way he presses along your spine, smoothing the paper from the dip of your lower neck down to the top of your ribcage... it’s not sexual. But it’s intimate. Intense.

He pulls the paper away, and your skin tingles. “Perfect,” he says, quietly. “You want a mirror?”

“No. I trust you.”

And you mean it.

He sits back on his knees. Sets up the machine. Loads the ink. Your apartment fills with the low hum of anticipation—the buzz of something sharp and irreversible.

Then he speaks again, just above a whisper. “You ready, princess?”

You nod into the pillow. “Do it.”

And then—

The first line hits.

Sharp. Searing. Deep. Right between the blades. You hiss. Clench the pillow. Your whole body arcs. He presses gently between your shoulder and neck, grounding you.

“Breathe through it,” he murmurs, voice so soft it shouldn’t be that hot. “You know how.”

You do. You inhale through your nose. Exhale slowly. Your spine starts to relax under the pain, beneath his hand.

He works in slow, steady lines. Controlled. Ruthless. Focused.

And all you can think about is his hand anchoring you there. His knees brushing the backs of your thighs. The way his breath moves in sync with yours.

You’re soaking your pillow. Not from tears. From sweat. From heat. From want.

“You’re doing so well,” he says, after a particularly brutal curve along the left crescent. His fingers skim your waist as he shifts position. “I knew you could take it.”

“Fuck,” you breathe. “You’re evil.”

“I’m careful,” he corrects. “But I don’t go easy on you.”

You clench your thighs together. He notices.

And suddenly—there’s a shift in the air. He pauses. Sets the machine down on the tray. You feel the absence like a void.

Then: “How bad is it?” he asks. Not in concern. But curiosity. Low. Dangerous.

You don’t answer right away. So he leans down—chest brushing your back, lips at your ear. “You gonna be honest with me, or am I gonna have to pull it out of you?”

You arch into him. “It’s not the pain,” you whisper. “It’s you.”

Silence. His breath stills.

Then—

His hand glides from your waist to your inner thigh. Not high. Not filthy. Just… there.

“Then I’ll stop,” he says, voice gravel. “Because I don’t take from you when you’re not thinking straight.”

That? That ruins you.

“I am thinking straight,” you say, lifting your head slightly, panting. “I’ve been thinking about you every day since the ankle.”

He exhales. Like a man who’s been holding it in too long.

Then—he moves. One hand tilts your chin back. The other grips your waist, hard. And he kisses you. It’s slow. Deep. Tongue and teeth and restraint that’s breaking. You’re twisted half around, clutching his shoulder, kissing him like he’s already inside you.

He pulls away first. Barely. “You want to finish the tattoo?” he whispers.

“No.”

“You want something else instead?”

“Yes.”

“Say it.”

“Touch me.”

His hand is on your back again. Lower. Rougher. “You sure?”

“Yes.”

His hand lingers on your back—low, possessive—just long enough for your breath to hitch. Then, without a word, he pulls away. You blink. Your heart slams into your ribs. But then you hear it: The soft click of the tattoo machine shutting off. The rip of packaging. The squeak of gloves being stripped off and tossed.

You turn to look over your shoulder, breath caught. “Bin—?”

He’s focused. Completely. Dangerously. “Not touching you until the piece is sealed,” he mutters. “You don’t play with open wounds.”

The tone—deep, steady, commanding—makes your knees press tighter together. Your hips subtly shift, and he notices.

He always notices.

He moves behind you, silently, and you hear the rustle of him opening the dressing. The touch is clinical again, but somehow worse—cool antiseptic, gentle pat-down, sterile film peeled and smoothed into place. He’s careful. Exact. Respectful.

But when he speaks, it’s low. Ragged.

“You didn’t tap out.”

“I wasn’t going to.”

“You take everything I give you, huh?”

Your stomach flips. He finishes securing the dressing. Then… his hands slide down your sides. Slow. Worshipful. Possessive.

“That’s it,” he murmurs. “Now I can touch you.”

You barely have time to inhale before he grabs your hips—firm, final—and pulls you onto your hands and knees in the center of the bed.

“Stay like that,” he says, voice rough now, all velvet and gravel. “I want to look at you.”

You gasp as his palm glides over your curve, down the back of your thigh, up again to your waist. He doesn’t rush. He explores. “You have any idea what you do to me?” he mutters, more to himself. “All that control. That calm. That perfect mouth.”

You whimper. He smiles.

“You sound pretty now.”

He shifts behind you. Kneels. You hear his hoodie hit the floor. The telltale sound of his belt unbuckling. Then: a hand at the base of your spine, gently pressing.

“Arch for me, baby.”

You do. Of course you do. And when you feel the heat of him against your inner thigh—bare skin, hard and heavy—you moan into the pillow.

“Changbin—”

“Shh. Let me take care of you.”

And then he’s there.

One hand anchored at your hip. The other between your thighs, inside your shorts. Touching, teasing, sliding his digits through your wetness with a growl low in his chest.

“Fucking soaked,” he mutters. “You been thinking about this?”

“Yes—fuck—yes—”

“How long?”

“Since the first tattoo.”

“You should’ve said something.”

“Would you have stopped?”

“Not a fucking chance.”

He sinks two fingers in—slow, deep, curling like he knows what you need. Your hips jerk. He holds you still.

“There. Right there. That’s it.”

You gasp, high-pitched and shaking, and he groans—the sound wrecked and reverent.

“You’re gonna let me fuck you like this?” he asks. “Face down, ink fresh, all mine?”

“Yes—yes, Changbin, please—”

He groans, deep in his chest, and stills his fingers inside you.

Then his voice drops.

“Baby… I don’t think you can take me yet.”

You freeze. Pulse stuttering. “Wh-what?”

He leans in. Mouth right at your ear. “You’re already clenching just around my fingers. So tight. So sensitive. You think you can handle all of me without being stretched out first?”

You whimper. He smiles.

“No rush,” he whispers, like a fucking gentleman. “I’ll get you there.”

And then—

He hooks his fingers deeper, hits that spot just right, and your whole body arches.

“Yeah,” he murmurs, nuzzling into your shoulder. “That’s it. Let me open you up.”

He keeps his fingers inside you as he shifts—kneels upright behind you.

His free hand drags down your lower back. Then to the waistband of your shorts.

And in one slow, deliberate motion he pulls down your shorts and panties in a single, fluid move.

They slide off your hips. Past your thighs. Down your calves. He tosses them aside like they’re in the way, and fuck, maybe they are.

Because now your ass is bare. Your thighs are trembling. And your cunt? Leaking around his fingers. Dripping onto the sheets.

“So fucking pretty,” he growls, behind you now, stroking one hand down your ass. “I should’ve had you like this weeks ago.”

You try to lift your head. Say something clever. You fail. He scissors his fingers slightly—just enough stretch to make you squirm.

“You like being opened up like this, baby?”

“Yes—oh fuck—yes—”

“Say it.”

“I like being stretched out—please, please, Changbin—”

“That’s my girl.”

He slides a third finger in.

You gasp—hips jerking, legs shaking—and he moans like he can feel it too.

“Shit,” he pants, fucking you slow and deep. “You’re so tight, baby. I can feel your pussy fluttering around me. You’re gonna lose your mind when I give you cock.”

Your hands claw at the pillow beneath you. Your thighs are soaked. And still—he’s patient. Focused. Wrecking you with just his fingers because he knows exactly how this ends.

“Almost there,” he breathes. “Just a little more.”

You whimper, spine bowed, thighs spread wide as his fingers thrust deeper—slow, deliberate, curling into that sweet, molten spot that makes your vision go white.

“That’s it, baby,” he murmurs, voice like gravel and silk. “You feel that?”

You choke out a sound—something helpless. Shaky. Wrecked.

“You’re so close. You’re right fucking there.”

His fingers drag out, just enough to tease your entrance—then slam back in, curling sharp and precise. You cry out, hips jolting. His hand tightens, holding you still. “Don’t run from it,” he growls, low and possessive. “You’re gonna take it.”

He starts pumping—harder, faster, each stroke brutal in its precision. The wet sound of your cunt echoes in the room, obscene, soaked, desperate.

“You’re dripping, baby,” he pants. “This pussy’s begging.”

You’re gasping now—broken, breathless.

And then—

He does that. That perfect drag of his fingers against your front wall, again and again, exactly where it hurts so good you see stars.

Your arms buckle. You collapse onto the pillow, face down, sobbing his name into the sheets.

“That’s it,” he whispers, leaning over you now, breath hot against your shoulder. “Give it to me. Cum on my fingers, baby.”

And you do.

It rips through you—sudden, full-body, violent. Your pussy clenches tight around his fingers, locking him in as your orgasm explodes behind your ribs, sparks down your spine, tears from your throat.

“Fuck—yes,” he groans, rutting gently against your thigh. “God, you’re so fucking pretty like this.”

You’re sobbing. Boneless. Cunt still fluttering. Thighs sticky. And he just keeps moving—slowing his fingers now, easing you down from the edge like he lives in your body.

“There you go,” he murmurs. “Breathe. I got you.”

He pulls out with a wet sound, dragging his soaked fingers down your thigh before pulling away entirely.

You collapse, limp, twitching. “Changbin—”

“Shh. You did so good.”

You hear him kiss your lower back, just above the bandage.

Then—

A low whisper. “You think that was good?”

“Mmnh…”

“Baby… I haven’t even fucked you yet.”

His voice is molten.

You’re still on all fours, trembling, thighs slick, cunt fluttering with aftershocks—but the second he says it, something inside you tightens. You feel the heat of him shift behind you. The heavy weight of his cock brushes your thigh, then—lower.

“Gonna let me in now?” he murmurs, running his fingers up your spine, pausing just at the bandage. “Gonna take all of me?”

“Yes… please,” you breathe, voice cracking. “I can take it. I need it—”

He hums.

“You say that…” he mutters, guiding the thick head of his cock between your folds, sliding it through your soaked pussy—teasing, rubbing, spreading your slick. “But this pussy’s still so fucking tight, baby.”

He rocks forward, just enough to nudge your entrance. You whimper.

“So swollen. So wet. You’re still twitching for me,” he groans, dragging his tip up to your clit, then back down to your dripping hole. “You really want it?”

“Please—Changbin, please, give it to me—”

“Say it.”

“Fuck me.”

He stills—tip poised. Breathing heavy. Then—slowly. Deliberately. He pushes in. The stretch is brutal. You cry out, loud and raw, fists bunching in the sheets as he splits you open—inch by inch, so deep you can feel him in your throat.

“Oh my—fuck—Changbin—”

“That’s it,” he groans, voice wrecked. “Take it, baby. Just like that.”

He doesn’t slam. Doesn’t rush. He sinks. One hand gripping your hip, the other spreading your ass to watch himself disappear inside you—slow, steady, until he’s buried to the hilt.

“God—so tight—” he growls, grinding once, deep and heavy. “Can feel every twitch.”

You’re panting. Shaking. Jaw slack.

“Too much?” he whispers.

“N-no—no, I just—fuck—you’re big—”

“But you’re taking it,” he says, teeth clenched. “Look at you. So good for me. This pussy was made for it.”

He pulls back—slowly, almost out—then slams back in. You scream. He starts to move. Long, deep thrusts. Not fast. Just full. Every time he pulls back, you clench. Every time he drives in, you cry out.

“You feel that, baby?” he grunts, rutting into you harder now. “That stretch? That burn?”

“Yes—yes—Changbin—oh my god—”

“You’re doing so fucking well,” he pants. “Letting me ruin you like this. Letting me fuck you open.”

He changes angle—hips slanted, cock pressing right there, that spot that makes your body jerk uncontrollably.

Your moans turn frantic. “Oh fuck—there—right there—don’t stop—please don’t stop—”

He grins, all teeth and sweat and dark fire. “You’re not going anywhere.”

He grabs your waist with both hands and fucks into you like he owns you. Harder. Deeper. The bed creaks beneath you. Your skin is slick with sweat. Your throat is raw from moaning.

“So fucking tight—so fucking perfect—”

“Changbin—I’m gonna—”

“Do it.”

His hand slips around your waist—fingers circling your clit with deadly precision. “Cum on my cock.”

You shatter.

Your whole body spasms, clenching so tight around him he growls, hips stuttering as you fall apart—loud, sobbing, ruined beneath him.

“That’s it,” he growls, breath hot against your shoulder. “Just like that. Look how fucking good you cum for me.”

You collapse forward, shaking. Chest to the bed. Hips high. You’re twitching—overstimulated, dripping, wrecked.

And he keeps moving.

His hand stays between your thighs, fingers slick and steady, rubbing your clit in slow, relentless circles while he grinds his cock in deep, lazy thrusts.

“Too much?” he murmurs, smug.

“Y-yes—no—fuck—I don’t—”

“You don’t want it to stop,” he finishes for you, dragging his cock out slow, then slamming it back in so deep your breath catches.

“You want to cry and cum at the same time, huh?”

You sob. It’s too much. It’s perfect.

Then—

His arm snakes around your torso. Tight. Possessive. And in one fluid motion, he pulls you up. Your back flush to his chest. Your knees spread. His cock still buried inside you, filling you completely.

“Stay open for me,” he growls into your ear, biting your shoulder. “Let me fuck you like this.”

He starts to thrust.

Hard. Upward. Precise. His thighs slap against the backs of yours as you whimper, your whole body rolling with the rhythm. His free hand comes up to your throat—choking you—while the other slips between your legs again.

“You’re shaking,” he murmurs, fingers stroking your clit again, gentle but devastating. “But you’re still taking it.”

“I can’t—I—”

“You can. You are.”

“It’s too much—”

“You love it,” he growls, voice low and filthy. “You love being fucked dumb. You love when I use you like this.”

You’re sobbing now. Raw. Clenching down hard around him with every thrust.

“You’re doing so good, baby,” he whispers between gritted teeth. “So fucking good for me. Letting me ruin you like this. Letting me make this pussy mine.”

Your head drops against his shoulder. Your mouth hangs open.

“What’s wrong, princess?” he teases, rutting deeper. “Cock too big? Can’t think? Can’t breathe?”

“N-no—fuck—don’t stop—”

“Didn’t plan to.”

He pulls your hips down harder, fucking into you deep, pushing you up his cock like you owe him something.

“You’re gonna cum again,” he snarls. “Right here. In my arms. While I stuff you full.”

“Changbin—please—I’m gonna—”

“Fucking do it.”

He rolls his hips—rubbing your clit, dragging his cock against every oversensitive nerve—and you scream.

Your body jerks. Tightens. Breaks. You cum again. Harder. Hotter. Your legs give out and he holds you through it, fucking you through the tremors like he needs it.

“Good girl,” he whispers, wrecked. “So fucking good. That’s it. Let go. Give it to me.”

He thrusts once—twice—then slams in deep and stays there, cock pulsing inside you as he cums, hot and thick, hips jerking as he buries himself to the base.

You’re both panting. Shaking.

He keeps you pressed to his chest—his hands soothing now, stroking your stomach, your thighs, your sore hips.

“Still breathing?” he whispers, voice soft now.

“Barely.”

He smiles. Kisses your temple.

“My good fucking girl.”

Your body’s still trembling—completely wrecked, dazed, flushed head to toe—and yet somehow, he’s still inside you.

Still deep. Still full. Still warm.

His arms wrap around you like armor, like he’s trying to hold all your shattered pieces together with just the weight of his body and the steadiness of his breath.

“Easy,” he murmurs, mouth at your jaw, a kiss at your temple. “Just breathe. I’ve got you.”

You shift—just barely—and it makes you both whimper. The overstimulation is insane, but the way he’s cradling you? You never want to leave.

“You okay?”

“Mhmm.”

“Want me to pull out?”

“Not yet.”

He smiles—soft, barely-there—and stills completely. You feel the twitch of him inside you, spent but still thick, locked in place with your body pulsing gently around him.

“You’re so warm,” he breathes. “Fuck.”

You don’t even respond. Just exist against him—your back to his chest, legs tucked under you, his arms rubbing circles into your hips and lower belly like it’s instinct. Like his entire nervous system is wired to soothe you.

His lips graze the side of your neck. “You’re okay,” he whispers again. “You did so good. So good for me, baby.” He stays like that for a while—just holding you. One hand finding yours to lace fingers together. The other gently petting your thigh. When he finally does pull out—slow, careful—you both groan at the emptiness. He catches your body before it slumps, scoops you up, and lays you flat on the bed like you’re made of glass.

And then? Instant Softie Binnie™ activates. He disappears for ten seconds and comes back with a warm towel. A bottle of water. A hoodie. Socks. You blink, dazed, as he gently nudges your legs apart to clean you up—apologizing every time you flinch.

“I know, baby, I know… almost done…”

“You’re fussing,” you murmur, voice all ruined and raw.

“Of course I am,” he scoffs, bundling you up in the hoodie like it’s sacred. “You just took all of me. You’re not lifting a finger for the next two hours.”

“Bossy.”

“You like it.”

And god help you—you do.

He climbs into bed next to you, wraps you up in his arms like he’s claiming territory. Kisses your temple, your shoulder, the bandaged spot between your shoulder blades.

Then he murmurs, right against your skin: “Let's continue that masterpiece on your back, hm?”

That night? Changed everything.

Now your ankle isn’t just tattooed—it’s claimed. And your shoulder blades? A growing canvas he touches like a promise. Sometimes with ink. Sometimes with hands. Sometimes with lips.

And life with Changbin? It’s a whirlwind of contradictions you can’t get enough of.

Like tonight for example. You're sitting on the padded leather bench in his private studio, wearing your usual pilates set—dusty pink, seamless, hugging every curve. You came by to “say hi,” but the way he’s been watching you?

You already know where this is going.

His chair is still pulled back from his last client. You’re leaned back on your elbows, legs slightly parted. He’s standing between them. Black tee tight across his chest. Jaw clenched. Veins up his forearms like ink trails of their own.

And then he says it. “Stand up. Turn around.”

You blink. “Why?”

He jerks his chin toward the far wall. The mirror. It spans floor to ceiling—installed originally for stencilling and symmetry. But now? You already know he’s not thinking about stencil lines. He steps behind you, hands gliding down your waist as you face the mirror. You watch his dark eyes in the reflection—hungry. Heavy. Like he’s about to devour you.

“You ever seen yourself like this?” he murmurs, lips grazing your ear.

“Like what?”

“Falling apart for me.”

You open your mouth. Nothing comes out. Because he’s already peeling your leggings down. Slowly. Worshipfully. Your sports bra goes next, tossed aside like an afterthought.

“Look,” he says. His voice has dropped—dangerous and dark. “Look at how perfect you are.”

He wraps one arm around your waist. The other slips between your thighs. Fingers teasing—barely there. “Watch me touch you.”

And you do. You see it all. His hand moving slowly. His grip tightening when your legs shake. His eyes flickering between your face and your cunt like he’s memorizing both.

“You see how wet you are for me?”

“Yes—fuck, Binnie—”

He groans—low, possessive—and sinks to his knees behind you. Your hands brace on the mirror. The first drag of his tongue up your cunt makes your reflection arch.

“That’s it,” he pants, mouth wet against your cunt. “Stay still. Let me ruin you.”

Your knees buckle. He doesn’t let you fall. You ride his mouth. You watch yourself do it. You see your face—flushed, desperate, dripping. When he stands again—hands gripping your hips, cock out and hard against your thigh—you’re already trembling.

“Ready?” he breathes, forehead to your shoulder.

“Please.”

He pushes in slow. And it’s everything. The stretch. The press. The burn. Your eyes roll back. Your reflection jerks forward against the mirror—but he grabs your wrists and holds you there.

“Look,” he whispers. “Don’t look away.”

His thrusts start slow. Deep. Deliberate. You’re crying out now—louder with each one—watching your own body shake with every drag of his cock.

“Look at you,” he growls, fucking you harder. “You don’t even know how good you look, do you?”

“Changbin—fuck—fuck—”

“You’re so tight. So fucking pretty. Look at that face. Look at what I do to you.”

The mirror fogs. Your skin shines. You’re bent over, shaking, thighs soaked, and his hand never leaves your clit.

“Gonna cum again?”

“Yes—yes—”

“Then say it. Loud. For the mirror.”

“I’m gonna cum, Changbin—fuck—I’m cumming—!”

You convulse in the glass. His name on your lips. His cock deep inside you. His hand holding your throat, eyes locked on your wrecked reflection like it’s his favourite masterpiece.

And when he cums, it’s messy. Loud. Guttural. He presses you into the mirror with one final thrust, hips jerking, sweat dripping off his jaw.

“That’s it,” he groans, still inside you. “That’s my girl. Fucking perfect.”

You both collapse. Laugh. Breathe. And when he finally helps you dress again, hands still shaking? He kisses your shoulder and whispers:

“Next time? We try the chair.”

[bebethsas]

alternatively:

"I trust you with my life because you are good and kind and noble (and you love me)--I know you will not hesitate to do everything in your power to save me. I know you will care for me.

I do not trust you with your own life because I know that you hate yourself, and see yourself as expendable. Yes you are good and kind and noble--to others. To yourself, you are your own worst enemy.

I can easily depend on you to care for me when I am sick or recovering from an injury. I know that you will gladly cook meals for me, and check to make sure that I am comfortable.

I also, however, will run out of fingers when I try to count the number of times when you staggered into work with the flu and a 39C/102F fever and said that "it's nothing" and "you were fine." Or when you pushed yourself through an all-nighter and didn't sleep for 50 hours. Or when you didn't eat for more than 50 hours. Or when you refuse to give yourself a break, even as your body clearly screams for one. Or that time when you pulled a muscle (or that time when you hurt your back) and insisted on "pushing through it." I know that you know your own limits. I also know that you happen to see your own limits as more of suggestions or as records of endurance to be broken and beaten.

Just like I know that you will bend over backwards to make sure that I am safe and well, I know that you will push yourself nearly to the brink of death, because you do not care about yourself; because you love me far more than you like yourself."

(but, see, the trick is to remind them that if something happens to them, then you'll be heartbroken. And they don't want to cause you pain, right? So the best way to take care of you is to take of themselves. It's not...the *healthiest* mindset, I'll admit--you should maintain your health/well-being for yourself, not for others--but if it works...well, that's something, at least.)

#mental health #yes I'm tagging this with mental health #friendly reminder that the love you carry for other people is NOT an adequate subtitute for the love you *should* have for yourself

i think 'I trust you with my life but not your own' as a trope is one of the ones that can always fuck me up no matter what

[limerlove]

pairing. footballplayer!vi x songwriter!reader

synopsis ─── vi's favorite white cleats, your favorite journal, and two hearts beating to the same drum. navigating piltover university has never been an easy task and for the two of you? impossible. your girlfriend's roommate, the most popular lesbian on campus, happens to answer the phone at the worst time. a propostion is made and that's where all hell breaks loose. a kind-of ex girlfriend, a harboring crush, and one confused athlete. and powder, who can't stop putting her nose in places it doesn't belong. in her third year at uni, violet navigates the most troublesome task of all, her future, and fuck it's all wrapped up in you.

content warning ─── fluff, angst, smut, eighteen+ only. modern au. friends to lovers. slow burn. yearning lesbians. vi looks devastatingly hot in cleats and a jersey in my mind and this fic is proof of that #trust. songwriter!reader nd athlete!vi. homophobia, internalized homophobia discussed. found family. mention of alcohol abuse. each chapter will also have it's own set of warnings, this is just a broad category of tags. so, please check my warning for each chapter!

#rayray talks: wow. so here we are again, with something new, special, and near and dear to my heart. just this once, i'm promising more than something angstful and full of dread. honestly, this new series has meant a lot to me. and i can't wait until i share it all with you. arcane family, i have missed you. and i wanted to do something like this for vi for awhile but have finally found the inspiration to do so. fell out of writing for a little while, but reading thirty books in one month might just bring me back to what i've always loved doing the most. creating new content for the gays who are sexually depraved. here we go. toss one back for your favorite butch. this is fucking deepcut.

a very special thank you to @sinstear. ik you're on hiatus right now but you hear my yaps all the time and i love you so much for it. always uplifting me when i'm at my worst. two incredibly very, very honorable mentions, @shouyuus + @grotesquevi thank you for letting me yap a bit about this series. truly, so proud of this one. stay tuned ૮ ◞ ̫ ◟ ྀིა !!!

#THE DEEPCUT DISCOGRAPHY

◟︎ prelude ♬.ᐟ the democut

release date, july 11th ─── ryder huntington is the love of your life until she breaks up with you. for the past two years, she’s been your calm in the storm. the tide pulling you to the serenity of the shore. it’s always been her. yet, four months in, you receive five fatal messages putting an end to your blossoming relationship. you need time, according to her. more time to settle in your queerness. when you unleash your wrath in the dead of night, it’s not her on the other end of the line. it’s her best friend, her roommate, the lesbian everyone wants to fuck, violet vanderson.

more coming soon!

if you wanna be tagged, just leave a comment and i’ll add you to the list!

[binmeister]

Quick question how would huntr/x and the saja boy react towards a fem muscle mommy bodyguard reader as like the saja boys bodyguard or something 👀✨

honestly great question, i think it kinda depends on how fem!bodyguard is as a person

dropping some small loose HCs and thoughts on this - no content warning aside from be ware of completely unformatted thoughts below

if fem!bodyguard is a big softie, i think the girls love you and really suck up to you whenever you're at a shared event and checking in on them to make sure they're okay

probably concerned for your well being because it doesnt seem like you're aware of what the saja boys are but if you are aware of them they're like - wait but you're still working for them? and it's a whole little discussion on how you dont particularly care and want to make sure they still feel protected because imo human fans are scarier than demons could ever be

theres a few times that zoey crashes after an energy high and is just knocked out so the girls have flagged you down to ask if you could help them carry her to their car or to help move her to somewhere comfortable and you do so with the utmost care that when zoey learns about it from the girls she keeps staring at you with big adoring eyes like 'wow..!'

i feel like jinu ends up relying on you a lot more than he realises, the presence of a woman + allowing for emotional vulnerability, you'd unintentionally started to actually mother the saja boys during your time working for them and he knows he can trust you with their safety

highkey i am a believer that mystery always seeks you out so you can run your fingers through his hair, like he just likes to plop his head on your muscular thighs and loves the contrast with how your fingers gently comb through his hair

abby adores you as his gym buddy - he might actually be too excitable over it to the point you have to tell him to take a rest day because it's not healthy to go all the time and he argues and complains about it til your voice gets stern and he tenses up like oh.. oh you're like. serious serious.

it's a pretty common thing to witness in the boys' abode where you're picking baby up and scolding him while keeping him in air jail against his will but he's so just dangling there until you finally put him down after he agrees correct his mistake and then you've placed him back down on his feet and straightened out his clothes with a small apology about being rude

......i feel like a vast majority of people can agree that romance is really into it right- like i'm not crazy here- but he is into it, he likes to admire your figure without you knowing and maybe there's a chance that you've opened up to him about your insecurities at being so big and then he's complimenting you more frequently to make sure you understand he appreciates and sees your beauty when you're occasionally feeling a little out of it

a small thought i have is that when you get stern with the guys about them behaving inappropriately as idols a couple of them start to question their preferences because it's extremely attractive to them and then they're avoiding your gaze for the next week or so bc if they stare at you for too long they get flustered

[reader-writer-combo]

It has been a year.

07/02/2025 marks the year you had reblogged this and chose to release me. I do not care about you any more.

You never cared about me in the first place.

The last thing, the last time we had "spent time" with each other was your graduation party. You invited me to be another number in your system. You invited me because your mom wanted me over. You could've cared less if I wasn't there. As all of your neighbors and friends of a different race began to surround you, I was telling you another thing about myself.

And you said, loudly, in front of so many people that did not know me, "Gurl, when you get to a safe space and into a finacally stable place, you need professional help. I can't be your therapist."

.

.

.

I never wanted you to be my therapist. I know I need help. You don't understand the meaning of being unable to recieve that help at the time of my life. Of the lifestyle I live in.

And you said that in front of all those people. You never cared to make sure I was doing okay in a crowd who I never met. You never checked on me once.

Because I was too much.

"What, do you want someone who knows you inside out? Someone who you can talk to? Someone to hang out with? Then I guess I don't want to be your friend."

Hm. You never cared about me from the beginning then. You only cared about the fact that you were able to talk about the world you built from the atoms up with me. You only cared to talk to be so that you could judge every piece of my art instead of telling me how to improve. You only cared because I was even remotely interested in what you liked.

No. You never cared about my feelings. You never cared about what I truely liked. You never wanted to encourage me, but to tear me down.

When I said I wanted to start my business, you tore me down. Told me that it wasn't a dependable source of income. Was I just starting? Sure, but I made more money than you could have ever believed I could. And my 1 year aniversary of starting my business has not come back around yet.

You tore me down and told me you loved me. But saying "BECAUSE I FUCKING LOVE YOU" is not love, is not care.

Breaking your friendship up with me over messages, at the middle of the night when you claim "Fuck it, I'm medicated." Really shows that you care.

No. You are a bitch. And I do not care about you.

You have hurt me over and over, so many fucking times. You never cared about me. You never cared about my health. You will never enter my life again and I will not take you in the next. Find people who don't give a shit about how you feel, just how you expect a friend to be.

But don't, don't, come looking for me. There is only one of me in this world and you have lost your pass.

google is it too late? google can i still be saved? google will i be okay?

[r66dusthewriter]

heyy dear, can you write some fluff with daryl and gf reader where glenn gets one of those polaroid cameras and start taking pictures of everyone at the prison, and when he checked the photos he noticed that daryl is lovingly gazing at reader in all the photos they appear together? even when glenn or carol starts teasing daryl about it he still ask glenn if he can keep them🥰

Picture perfect

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x fem!reader

Masterlist | Who am i? | REQUESTS ARE OPEN!

a/n: here goes another extra fic this week. I swear it won't always be like this but i have far too much free time and i don't know what else to do with myself.

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: none.

Era: Season 4

Word count: 0.9k

“You’re gonna run out of Polaroids,” Carol said with a smirk, arms crossed as she leaned over Glenn, who was hunched at a table like it was a science project.

He didn’t look up, just grinned. “Already did. Totally worth it, though…look at this.”

He fanned out a handful of glossy squares, all slightly curled and sun-warmed. Carol leaned in, her expression curious until she saw it. You and Daryl, in nearly every shot but the focus wasn’t on the two of you smiling. In most, you were doing something completely ordinary…laughing with Maggie, cleaning your knife or merely walking next to the others, but in every single one, Daryl was looking at you, really looking. Unfiltered, soft-eyed and completely unaware of the camera. Sometimes he was in the background, sometimes next to you but never not watching.

Carol blinked and looked up. “What am I supposed to be seeing here?”

Glenn smirked like a kid holding a secret. “Blackmail, Carol, gold-tier. I'm talking ‘Dixon blushing’ level ammo.”

Carol laughed. “Oh, no. You don’t wanna play that game, Glenn.”

“Oh but I do. He stole my candy bar last week, this is divine justice.”

Despite her warnings, when Daryl finally rode back from his run that afternoon, Glenn was already posted up by the third gate like he was waiting to serve papers.

Daryl climbed off his bike with dust and grime smudging his neck and arms and his crossbow still strapped to his back. He dropped his bag onto the seat and looked around, automatically searching for you.

“Looking for someone?” Glenn teased, a grin stretching on his face.

Daryl scowled. “You know where she’s at?”

“Depends. How bad do you want to know?” He paused. “That hatchet you got there’s pretty sweet,” Glenn said with a sly grin, nodding at the weapon strapped to Daryl’s bike.

Daryl squinted, suspicious. “Ain’t for you.”

“It is now,” Glenn smirked, pulling a single photo from his pocket like it was top-secret intel. He glanced around dramatically before flashing it.

The archer looked down at it, then let out a low scoff, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “Think she dun know I look at’er like tha’?” he muttered, tapping two fingers against Glenn’s temple once, snatched the photo and then, thwap!, he flicked Glenn’s ear, muttering “You creepin’ on me now?”

“Ow! What was that for?!” Glenn hissed. “You’re the one gazin’ like a lovesick outlaw.”

“Ain’t news to her, dumbass. Now, move.”

Grumbling, Glenn backed off but a few steps away, Daryl’s voice called after him. “Hey, Glenn!”

He turned. Daryl just stretched his hand out and Glenn sighed like he’d just lost a poker game, face falling. “All of them?”

“All of ’em.”

A second later, a stack of photos landed in Daryl’s palm, photos he quickly tucked into his bag without another word, meaning to look at them more closely later.

The sun warmed your skin as you approached the scene, steps slowing as Glenn passed you on his way back inside, rubbing his ear with a crooked smile.

“Hey…” you said, brow raised.

“Hey,” he muttered, shooting a sheepish glance over his shoulder at Daryl. “He’s all yours.”

“Right...” You frowned confused, then turned toward Daryl with that big smile he always pulled out of you. “Hi, handsome.”

He glanced up, immediately straightening a little, lips twitching upwards as he hid something behind his back. “Hey.”

“What was that about?” you asked, motioning toward the way Glenn had gone.

Daryl shrugged. “Kid’s troubled.”

“And you’re not?”

He smirked, still holding something behind him. “Maybe, but ya like it.”

“That I do,” you grinned, stepping closer. “Now, what are you hiding?”

With a little grunt, Daryl pulled two leather-bound journals from behind his back. One was your favorite color and unsurprisingly, it made the gift all the more meaningful. Your jaw dropped.

“Are you gonna start journaling with me?” You asked excitedly, taking them both from his hands.

Daryl scratched the back of his neck, glancing down like it was no big deal. “Kinda tired of watchin’ ya do it alone before bed. Even started wonderin’ if ya got a secret crush or somethin’.”

You wrapped your arms around him, laughing softly into his shoulder. “It’s you, so not very secret.” He hugged you back then, gentle and a little awkward, like always…exactly in that way you loved.

“Ya gotta teach me what t’ write, tho’, or it’s gonna turn into sum’ creepy book ‘bout ya.”

You pulled back with a giggle. “Doesn’t sound awful”

“Really doesn’t.” He reached out to gently squeeze your side, making you yelp and bat his hand away, but the more you looked at him, the more you could tell he was still hiding something.

“So…what’d Glenn give you?” you asked, poking at his bag with the journals.

Daryl hesitated for a beat before pulling out the photos, thumbing through them like they were old keepsakes. “Journaling material, ‘cause he’s nice like tha’” he said.

“The…troubled kid” You repeated in the same tone he had used.

“Mhm, the one.” He pointed at the pictures now in your hands, “For scrapbookin’. That wha’ ya call it?”

You smiled and nudged his arm teasingly. “Look at you, already learning and collecting.”

“Kinda fell into my hands,” he mumbled.

“Uh huh. I’m sure it did.”

You watched him a second longer, your heart fluttering as he carefully took the photos and tucked them into his vest’s inner pocket, like they were precious.

“You always look at me like that?” you asked, pointing at where the pictures were now carefully kept.

He shrugged looking away, ears already a faint pink. “Nah. Just when yer breathin’.”

[ssentimentals]

hii!! congrats on 1.8k love 🎈can i request a fluffy wonwoo with number 17 please 🐈‍⬛

hiii, bebe! thank you 💜 of course you can, thank you for requesting!

prompt: 'nice tan lines.'

'wait. wait- are you actually nervous?' hoshi asks and when wonwoo doesn't say anything for solid three seconds, he squeals in delight. 'oh my god, you are!'

'shut up.' wonwoo grumbles with no heat behind it. tips of his ears are burning read now and he ducks his head, hoping at least his blush on the cheeks won't be that obvious. 'i'm not nervous.'

'uh-huh.' hoshi's grin is so wide, it fears to split his face. 'that's why you've been staring at 3 pairs of swimshorts for five minutes now. totally not because you're nervous. totally not because she is there.'

wonwoo glances towards the towel at the edge of the bed and wonders how quickly he can grab it and smack hoshi's face with it. before he can do that though his friend quickly runs away, leaving wonwoo alone. with 3 pairs of swimshorts that are all old and way too short. wonwoo glances down at his legs and groans at the very visible tan lines from his last vacation. he'll look ridiculous and usually he can bear that, but today you're coming with them for a swim and he'd rather eat can of worms than look ridiculous in front of you.

'woo?' you call, knocking on the door. 'you're in there? we all are ready, waiting for you. everything's okay?'

your concern is sweet and any other time he'd focus on how you are the one who comes up to check on him and not someone else, but he is more preoccupied with stupidly short swimshorts and his alabaster skin. he knew he should've went for short trucks in thailand. but he went with the long ones, the one ones thhat reach his knees and now skin above the knees is shockingly pale while everything below is sunkissed. god, he looks like a clown.

'okay, if you're not gonna say anything i will just break in there,' you announce. 'i don't know how, but i'll like. i don't know, push really hard, i guess.'

you sound adorably confused and he can see the slight furrow between your eyebrows as you gaze upon the door, trying to figure out how to break in. with a sigh, he grunts out: 'two minutes.'

wonwoo grits his teeth and quickly changes, not even taking a look at the mirror before swinging the door open. the sight of you steals his breath away as it always does and when you turn, taking him in, wonwoo already knows this day is going to be hell, when you chuckle: 'nice tan lines, woo.'

he groans and rolls his eyes, faking annoyance when in reality sound of your laughter sends goosebumps down his skin. 'don't.'

wonwoo knows he's staring. knows he's transfixed on the way you throw your head back while laughing, on the way your eyes crinkle in the prettiest way, on the way your body sways just a little towards him, making it so easy for him to reach out and steady you with his hand on your waist. 'you done making fun of me?' he asks jokingly. 'cause everyone is waiting.'

and maybe he gets a little bold, when his hand tightens around your waist and he pulls you bodily close to him. you look surprised and wonwoo will let you make fun of him all you want if you keep on blushing so cutely. 'so?'

you nod, a bit dazed. 'yeah, let's go.'

everyone is instantly on his ass once they see him, but wonwoo doesn't mind being the butt of the joke for once. he especiallly doesn't mind it when it makes you laugh like this, when you stay pressed to his side, cooing over his distressed expression gently. he can bear all the jokes if you keep on looking at him like that, checking whether he's offended for real or not.

'i know they are just joking,' he assures you, when hoshi says something about his thighs. 'no worries, i'm not offended. i know no one means it.'

you smile but then your eyes twinkle. 'i mean, i was not joking when i said that those tan lines are nice.'

wonwoo groans, smiling secretly when you laugh. your hand settles on his back, rubbing circles on it and yeah, he doesn't mind those stupidly short swimshorts if they got you touching him like that.

a/n: this is such a cute request, thank you for it, darling! hope you enjoyed! - nini

my other seventeen works are here

request your own here

[jarofstyles]

The Favor 14

....hey.... how ya'll doin...

Jokes aside, I had a hard time writing this part. I had it halfway done but every single time I went to pick it back up it was like my body rejected it. That being said, I scrapped a lot of it and started over and I got it done much quicker. That's probably some sort of life lesson or something. But I'm so happy to finally get this part out to you. It's a lot! I’d really appreciate feedback and what you want to see from them!

Check out our Patreon for early access to The Favor 15 now and 300+ exclusive writings and series

WC- 7.4k

Warnings- (please read) D/S dynamic, exhibitionism, oral, mention of anxiety, mention of past sexual accidents/injury, examples of rope play, Soft!Dom Harry, mention of subspace, safe wording, panic attack

He wanted to go to a play party. 

Y/N had been a bit shocked that he’d want to go to one of those considering he’d been vocal about not particularly wanting to share her, but he explained it to her in a way that made much more sense- just like he always did. Harry always had a plan and she really needed to give in and trust him. 

They didn’t have to touch anyone else, or have to be touched at all. They would be there simply to watch- or sit to the side and do things themselves. A private party for the club that one of the friends she’d met last time, booked out the bigger rooms and had a strict list of criteria. Only her most trusted people would be there, meaning Harry would feel more safe to let loose. 

There would be a similar bracelet system to what she was familiar with. Black to say you were off limits and/or with a partner, pink to say you were open to anyone,  green if you were okay with anyone approaching you to play, purple if you were a couple looking for someone else to play with, and a few others that didn’t really concern them. Black was the color they’d choose. 

Considering how much she’d liked the last time, watching that other woman, she was… Intrigued.

When he’d told her after that lunch, she had been slightly shocked, but considering how intently Harry had been watching her, getting to know her tastes and limits further… it made sense. Y/N wanted to try new things, experiment, be exposed to different things even if she didn’t fully understand it quite yet. Going to a sex party, for a lack of better words, would be one of those things she knew she got to see and experience. And if she didn’t like it? They wouldn’t have to go again. Her Dom, her boyfriend, would be more than happy to do it all on their own. 

“Y’sure you’re alright with going, baby?” Harry sat on the bed with her, trying to choose from the outfits she’d brought with her. “You seem a little nervous.” The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel obligated to do something she wasn’t okay with. Even with the trust they had built, he knew there was a fine line in what would build or break that trust further. 

Their relationship so far had been incredibly rewarding. Harry’s iron grip on it, trying to keep it protected and cultivating it to a way that they’d both enjoy, was something he knew he needed to somewhat relax with. Their dynamic was something that didn’t just go away. It ebbed and flowed depending on their moods, their needs. Y/N needed a guiding hand, she’d asked for it, and he trusted himself enough to know how to guide her when they were on their own- but the club, ironically enough, was more of a loose cannon. He didn’t have every little detail meticulously planned in the ability to do so. He could only control himself… and Y/N, because she was gracious enough to trust him to do so. 

Harry knew he was a good Dom, but he wanted to be the best for her. As much as he knew it was simply a part of figuring out what her likes and dislikes were, that protective part of him didn’t like the idea of her being exposed to things he already knew she wouldn’t be into- but he had to let her. That had been the basis of them meeting. Y/N wanted to see.

The woman he now called His, she had a thirst for knowledge he hadn’t seen in anyone before. Curiosity licked at her skin like flames, making her search anything, any question that came to her mind. 3 in the morning and she’d lightly rouse him awake to ask him about the differences in floggers that he had in his kit, or she’d pause a conversation to look up a word he’d used that she didn’t know the meaning of. It was incredibly endearing, but it also meant he had needed to practice a different sense of patience with her.

“I mean, of course I’m nervous! But it isn’t.. bad. You know?” She tilted her head. “It’s like, I want to do it and see it. It seems so interesting to me. I liked what we saw last time and the idea of people just… doing stuff is something I want to see if I like. Just a little nervous I’m gonna stand out and look as anxious as I feel. It’s a nasty cycle.” Shrugging her shoulder, she held the babydoll up against her body with a calculating gaze in the mirror. It would be suitable. With her hair in soft curls down her shoulders, makeup dewy and soft, it seemed like it matches. The powder blue with lace up top and sparkly layered mesh at the bottom, she had a feeling it would be the best option. As much as she had thought she’d lean into a darker look, this was more true to her.

 “But I’m excited too. Because I want people to see how lucky I am.” Turning back towards him with a sly smile, she tossed the hanger on the bed and stepped between his spread legs. “No one else is going to be able to say that the most handsome man in the club is theirs. Their Dom or their man.” Biting her lip, she slipped her hands through his hair to tilt his head back. It was silky through her fingers, pushing the freshly washed waves out of his face as she felt the hot palms of his hands lock on to her hips. Just like she liked it. “I feel like a bit of a show off but, I don’t know. It sort of plays into what I like. I didn’t expect it but… I think I may be a bit of a possessive lover.” 

That was an understatement. She was by far the most jealous and possessive submissive he’d had, he’d said as much, but she couldn’t help it. People looked at him whenever they went anywhere. And like, sure, she could understand. Pretty man, Greek god looking, warm skin, sharp eyes, tall, broad shoulders, ultra polite, charming in a way that was missed in a lot of me, tattoos- god, the fucking tattoos-he had it all. But he was hers, and she would prove it to anyone at any moment if needed. 

  An exaggerated laugh came from the man, grabbing at her thighs and pulling her to straddle over his lap. “Well, I never woulda guessed.” He said sarcastically. “Sweet little Puppy’s got sharp teeth.” Squeezing her cheeks together with his fingers to make her lips pucker, he watched her hit him with an eyebrow raise. “M’just as bad and you know that. I just like to be a bit of a show off too. It’s a mixed bag. You’ve got t’feel it out.” His grip on her face pulled her in to kiss him briefly. “Makes me happy that people get to admire you, but I’m the only one that gets to touch, feel, taste… all of it. They can watch.” 

Harry didn’t have a problem with people getting to see her, but it only reassured him that his sentiment on not sharing her was going to remain the same. The few times he’d tried it before Y/N, it didn’t go the way he wanted and he had told her as much. However, their visit to the club when he made her cum all over his lap? That had most definitely been more his speed. The mix of exhibitionism and voyeurism had been precisely what they needed. 

“You just need t’be honest with not only me, but yourself. Yeah, M’your Dom, but I’m your boyfriend as well. If you don’t like the things you see, if you need to keep experimenting and finding things to do with just us or an even smaller crowd… I’m more than okay with that.” He’d been around the block a few times and he’d tasted a lot of flavors of the community. It wasn’t like he’d be missing out on himself. Even if he hadn’t, Y/N was exactly what he wanted. She didn’t know the depths of that fully as he couldn’t even properly verbalize how she made him feel, but one day he hoped to find the words. “The thing I want most is you, sweetheart. Want you to feel good. Feel happy and safe. It’s my job t’keep you feeling like that, and I take it seriously. I’m not going to be offended at anything you decide.” 

Y/N knew how lucky she was. She’s read the forums about the fake dominants, the ones who had tried to pass as experienced members of the community because they spanked someone or called them ‘babygirl’. The horror stories about people being sucked into truly abusive dynamics had not been lost on her when she thought about how safe she felt with Harry. How understood he had always made her feel. Since day one she had felt the thrumming under her skin to give into him and trust, but he had told her it was the same for him. That he’d wanted to take care of her, to make her smile. To give her what she wants. To spank her ass raw when she rolled her eyes at him. The truly romantic stuff. 

“I know. I feel completely safe with you.” She whispered lightly, pressing her lips to his own. It was a good thing she had always saved her lips for last because that lesson had been learned rather quickly. If Harry wanted a kiss, she was giving it to him- lip gloss be damned. “You’ve given me everything I’ve wanted. I'm excited to go with you and play.” Sitting herself fully on his lap, she leaned into him and rubbed the tip of her nose against his. “Want to make you proud.”

“You always make me proud.” And hard. Just the way her eyes had fluttered at him, it had gotten the telltale twitch in his trousers. “Always. You’re so good for me, all the time. M’proud of you for trying new things even when they’re intimidating. Proud of you for telling me how you feel.” Giving her chin a squeeze, his lips lingered over hers. “My best girl.” 

Y/N could feel that fuzzy feeling run over her body in a wave at the way he spoke. It was all subtle, the shift in his tone, but she felt him leaning slightly into his more dominant side. Just in the way he said the last few words, she sunk into him with a grin, nodding rapidly. “Yeah. That’s all I want to be, Sir.”

“Thatta’ girl.” Squeezing her cheeks, he placed a kiss to the exaggerated pout before giving her bum a pat with his other hand. “Finish getting ready. We need t’be out of the house in 30 minutes.”

———

Y/N hadn’t been as shocked as she had been the first time she had gone into the club. Feeling more prepared this time, she had hung onto Harry’s arm as he slipped his own masquerade mask over his eyes to lead them in. His was a simple dark blue, silky and soft with some sort of embossed pattern in it. Florals. She couldn’t place what type, but she’s google it later. She would have done it then, but their phones had been locked up in the front.

Her own was lace. White lace with blue ties, matching her little outfit perfectly. Harry had placed his seal of approval as she finished getting ready, leaving a mark right on her throat- next to the gift he had given her. 

It was new. Something that had her shaking slightly when he had put it on, because it was exactly what she wanted. A white gold choker with a simple heart pendant dangling at the center of her throat. Engraved in it were two letters. 

HS. 

Her hand had went to the cool metal before meetings his eyes in the mirror, his arms wrapped firmly around her body as he leaned into her. “S’not the leather one Y’want right now, but it’ll do for the outfit. Yeah?”

Yeah. It did. She felt owned, in the best possible way. He had given her the other necklace, but this one had felt more substantial. Thicker chain, bigger pendant, more akin to the collar she craved. She had a sneaking and hopeful suspicion that he was getting her a collar for play, but she would be patient. There weren't any doubts on who she belonged to.

Walking through the party, she had been distracted by it. In some ways, it felt like a different dimension of time. Seeing the girl strung from the ceiling in an abundance of ropes and knots, a man crawling after his dominant on a leash, the plethora of latex and leather, and yet it had felt… slightly more tame than she had expected. She wasn’t exactly sure what the true idea she had in her head was, but it wasn’t as casual as people made it out to be here. It was dimly lit, but enough that she had a clear view of everything going on. Seeing the dynamics was just as interesting as it was when she had gone to the club last, especially seeing a woman sitting on the laps of two men- on one thigh each- with their hands all over her. She’d need to ask Harry some questions later. 

“Hello! Welcome.” A chirping voice had her turning her head. A waitress in a barely there maid outfit stood in front of them with a tray of mocktails. She was beautiful, but Y/N was distracted by the woman hanging from the ceiling in the web of ropes. How did someone learn to do that? Did it hurt? “Would either of you like a drink?” 

Y/N didn’t have any desire to have anything of the sort. She wanted to get closer to the woman in the ropes, and wanted to see what she had done. How it had been done. Shaking her head, Harry took that as her answer. 

“I’ll take one, thank you.” He said coolly, taking one from the tray, giving her a nod before walking forward. The further they got, the slower he walked. The submissive was quiet by his side, her head on a swivel as she observed the place around them. He couldn’t fully read the look on her face with the mask on and that felt like a disadvantage especially with his incessant need to be in control all the time. He wanted to know why and how her mind was spinning. Pausing in step, gently he pulled her to the side and took hold of her face, angling it towards him with an expectant look on his face. “You haven’t been talkative. Tell me how you’re feeling.”

“I’m okay, Sir.” She said honestly. “I’m still nervous, but it’s not as… extreme as I expected.” To be fair, Y/N wasn’t sure what she had fully expected. Maybe to be whipped as soon as she walked in? Harry had laid out how things worked to her but she still hadn’t been sure what she would do when she walked inside. She wasn’t quite sure why her nerves were so bad when she’d been to the club before.

“It is the beginning of the party, but people do let loose.” He admitted, hand cuffing the back of her neck as he released her face but still kept hold on her. The black bracelet that shifted on his arm was nothing fancy, a simple black rubber band- similar to the ones that she remembered back in school being said to mean how ‘far’ you’d gone. It felt ironic, poetic really, to have it brought back in this sort of setting. Who knew that years later she would be here, with new meanings assigned to the different bracelets with a man leading her around with an easy, slightly stoic look on his face and his claim around her neck? 

She’d hoped, actually, but now it was reality.

“If you start to feel uncomfortable, we can leave at any time.” His voice was low and steady, calming the fluttering of her heart as he gave a reassuring squeeze to her neck. “I’m here for you and you alone, pet. S’just us.” Pulling her closer to him, he kissed between her brows before pulling back to look at her eyes. “You want to take a closer look at the rope work? Or do you want to take a seat?” Of course he had noticed where her eyes had been straying to the most. Being observant was one of his most blessed and cursed qualities.

“Wanna look at the rope work, please Sir.” She felt her eyes round out as she gave him a pleading look. Yes, she didn’t have to beg with her eyes, but it felt right. Seemingly, it was the correct thing to do based on the little smirk that lifted on the corners of his lips. 

“Your manners have been spectacular tonight. I’m proud of you.” Her cheeks burned as he stroked his large hand over her hair. Being praised so early on had her preening, the simper on her face the entire way as she was guided over to the stage set up. Something so simple, being complimented on her manners were enough to make her feel like the cat that got the cream. Maybe she should be a little embarrassed by it but she wasn’t. Not at all. 

The smile faded into a different expression as Harry set her in front of him, giving her an unobstructed view.

It was beautiful. 

Y/N had always been curious about it, but intimidated. Harry had restrained her before, he’d easily wrapped her wrists and bound her ankles, but there was an art to it in this light. In all honesty it was an artform, seeing the way the ropes were seemingly laid delicately across the woman’s skin, the slightly confusing knots (how did they look so neat?), the masterful way she was being weaved into a human made web of rope. All of it had her paying more attention than her usual mind could focus on. 

So much so that she jumped when she heard Harry’s voice right next to her ear. “S’that something you want to try one day, Pet?” 

The low timber of his voice so close to her ear had her shivering- or maybe it was the idea of her switching places with the woman on the platform. Did she want that? The answer was yes. Was she also a little bit nervous about doing it? Also yes. “I think so, Sir.” She answered, feeling his arms wind around her stomach and pull her back into his chest. It still amazed her how such simple touches could manage to calm her overactive brain down and bring her back down to earth. 

He still kept it quiet as he murmured near her ear. “I will admit that I don’t have the most experience with Shibari. I think… Perhaps we should take a class, the two of us. They offer ‘em.” Harry was always about safety over everything. It didn’t matter his personal wants, if he didn’t know how to do it safely? He wouldn’t. As much as he loved marks and bruises and reminders of their play, that was the furthest he would go. He only wanted reminders that would fade. Nothing that would be permanent, and nothing that would hurt for more than a little while. 

Using rope could be far more dangerous than some could realize, and the risk of burn was something he was very aware of. There had been a time he had been bound by the wrists with regular rope when he’d been subbing in his early days with an amatuer dominant who didn’t know any better and got the most painful rope burn he had ever experienced. He hadn’t realized it at the time with his endorphins high, but as soon as it had worn off his wrists had throbbed and had significant bleeding. Even worse, they’d gotten infected- in the middle of summer, mind you, and it wasn’t easy to explain why he wore long sleeves and why he was okay sweating through them. 

With Y/N especially, he felt the need to baby her just a tad. She was precious cargo. All submissives he’d dealt with had been respected and had their well beings always put at the forefront but in this situation? This was more than just a dynamic. If it was just a month long playmate he’d simply say no. The idea of venturing into something like the view they had in front of them made him nervous. But with Y/N, he wanted to make her dreams come true. This was his partner, his lover above anything else. If she wanted him to tie her up, he would make it happen. It made him slightly nervous but that could be rectified with learning properly. It didn’t mean they needed to get to this level this fast. Learning together would be something he would enjoy. 

“Really?” She breathed, turning to look at his face. “We can try it? It seems complicated, Sir.” Her eyes widened slightly as she realized she could have possibly offended him. “I mean, I know you’re capable of it. I know you are, Sir. But…” Trailing off she looked back towards the woman again. “Sorry. Yes, Sir. I would like to try that and do the classes with you.” 

Harry wanted to laugh at how he knew her brain had just been jumbled. To be fair, he knew she had been worked up about this night for a bit. It was intimidating to her and he knew it, but he had promised to help her expand her knowledge and give her experiences. With no worry about her ex any longer, he had felt a far more relaxed shift in her and that had made a world of a difference, but he knew she still had things she was nervous to ask about. Things like the club and this sort of party excited and terrified her. His goal in all of it was to make her understand she didn’t need to be afraid in any of it. 

In fact, she didn’t need to think at all if she didn’t want to. That was his job.

“C’mon.” He gently spun her back around and placed his hand on the small of her back. “You’re jittery. Let’s get you relaxed, hm?” 

—-

Y/N hadn’t been positive in what he had meant by getting her relaxed. She had admitted to herself that it was a little freaky in how well Harry could read her and sometimes it made her wonder if he had some sort of supernatural thing to him, but in most events it led to her gain. 

In this instance, she really could have predicted what he would do but her mind hadn’t gone there at first. 

They’d arrived at a group very similar to what she had met at her first club experience. A few familiar faces and some new, but Harry had instructed her to keep quiet and simply wave at them because he knew that she was already slightly on edge. She’d had no issue with that decision being made for her considering her social anxiety had flared up and the excuse to not talk to people in that moment had been a blessing. When he’d introduced her as his girlfriend it had caused an entire mess of butterflies in her stomach, especially because of how proud he had sounded to say it. ‘His girlfriend, Y/N, who needed to shut her mind off for a bit.’ It seemed as if they knew what that meant and continued their conversation while Harry sat himself down at the end of the booth, using one simple word to guide her to her own. 

“Knees.” 

The butterflies from being called his girlfriend moved from her stomach to lower, clumsily moving to her spot- yes, her spot now- between his legs and sat on her knees like instructed. She waited for a moment as he took a sip of his drink, placing it down before leaning his body down towards her. 

“You’re overthinking.” Her Dominant sighed, reaching to caress her. “Think that pretty little head is being a little too much for you tonight. Just want you t’enjoy yourself. So I want you to stop thinking about anything and anyone but me.” Sliding his hand through her hair, he caressed the back of her head before moving towards her jaw. “I know this is overwhelming, Puppy. It’s a lot of new stuff and you’ve only been exposed to it a little bit. But I know that you’ll like it a lot more if you stop using your brain for useless things like worrying when you know I’ve got every single thing covered.” His voice moved into a croon as he tipped her head up towards him, the other hand messing with the pendant that marked her as his own. “You’re my girl, hm? And I’ve got you. Everything else is my responsibility. I’ll tell you when to worry. I think you need to shut that head up a little bit, so…” Releasing the pendant, his hand went towards his belt, pulling at the tongue and starting the process for her. “M’gonna give you something else to focus on.” 

Y/N got a little fuzzy from there. If her Dominant was good at anything, it was knowing what she needed. Her mouth was full, the heavy weight of him on her tongue as she slowly bobbed her head over his lap. One grounding hand was lightly tangled in her hair at the nape of her neck with no intention of making her take any more, but a reminder that he was there.  

She was focused on it. The submissive knew how he liked it, had spent plenty of time in the past few months with his cock in her mouth, but it felt perfect right here. At first it had been a bit of a thrill, knowing people would walk by and see that she was doing something so lewd and inappropriate out in a semi open space, but the longer she went it felt like every thought sort of melted out of her ears and the only thing that was left were the good ones. He had been right about her emptying her head a little, giving her a task. Every so often she’d hear the vibration of his voice as he joined the conversation at the table, or see his eyes as he would look down to check on her, but he was giving her the choices here in a way. 

He had been correct. Harry controlled everything else, and Y/N was getting to focus on this one simple thing. 

While she hadn’t meant to, she was getting a little messy. It had panicked her slightly at first when she realized a bit of her saliva had dripped onto his trousers but when she had gone to wipe it off, he had held her hair tight to keep her in place and simply shook his head. “Hands behind your back. You’re alright.” 

It had been her final sign to let it all go, take what she could of his length into her mouth and suck on it in the way he liked. Despite him not saying it out loud she could tell he liked it. As much as he had been able to learn her tells, she had learned quite a few of his. The jaw clenches, the shift of his thighs, and more importantly the throbs against her tongue. The taste had been her reward as she chased more of the precum that had dribbled out, working for more of that. The desperation for more of him felt like the only thing that mattered, and feeling his hand pet over her head again had her reeling, It had felt like he had given her his stamp of approval and the fuzzier her brain went, the more that mattered to her. Pleasing him, making him feel good, making him proud. 

Letting out a soft whimper against his cock, she made herself take a little more- effectively gagging a little and making him pause his conversation and look down at her. Raising an eyebrow at her, he shook his head wordlessly as a sign to take it easy before he let her return to it. For some reason, the wordless reprimand had her feeling it all over. She would do better, she would make him happy.

Her own heartbeat could be felt between her thighs. Her poor clit was swollen and aching, and the craving for relief was so strong she would probably hump his leg like the pet she wanted to be for him if he asked. She was fully drenched. Effectively dripping down her own thighs, every bit of the cute little panties she had worn for him rendered useless. It wasn’t something she had sought out to do like this but she knew very well now that he had managed to make her a mess regardless of what she was doing. Pleasuring Harry was almost the equivalent of being pleasured herself and feeling his cock pulse slightly against her tongue, his hand tightening in her hair, knowing that she was the one able to make him crumble even just the littlest bit was something that nearly got her off. 

It had to have been thirty minutes. Maybe less, maybe more, but she knew she couldn’t recall much from before, her jaw was sore, her chin was a mess of saliva and her makeup had definitely run a little from eyes watering under her mask when she had felt him start to squirm. The reason it would all be worth it would be to get him to orgasm, make him feel the pleasure she had been hoping for. Doubling her efforts, she moved a little faster, sucked on him a little harder, letting her tongue brush the slide on the way up and caress the underside of his cock on the way down- and suddenly, she was pulled off. 

“What?” She gasped, blinking rapidly as she looked with longing towards his soaked cock and the string of saliva that connected her bottom lip to it. He had taken her back by the hair, his cheeks slightly flushed as his other hand moved down towards her chin with a napkin to wipe the mess off. “Sir? Why? Was- Was I bad?” The tears had welled in her eyes without her permission, brain not able to fully comprehend in the moment why she had been stopped. She’d been doing good, she was doing what he liked! 

“None of that, Pet. You’re the best girl.” He soothed, trying to spare what was left of her lipstick from the napkin before tossing it back on the table. “My amazing girl. Just didn’t want to cum down that pretty throat right now.” The reassurance relaxed her a little bit, though a few rogue sniffles remained. It always amazed him how much she liked to make him feel good but the truth was, he was just as guilty when it came down to her own. 

“Then why?” She paused for a second before leaning her head against his knee, pouting up at her Dominant. “Why did you stop me, Sir?” 

“Because I want you to come up on my lap.” 

He remembered how much she had liked it last time. Watching the performance, letting him finger her until she made a mess, completely and utterly useless as she laid on his lap and let him take care of her. He’d wanted her on his cock that time but had been biding his time. Tonight, he was fairly confident, it would be a good night to try. 

Y/N, like the good submissive she was, scrambled back up to her feet and let him guide her onto his lap. It had her feeling the heat under her skin, scorching her as she lightly placed her hands on his shoulders and allowed him to move her body how he liked it. The first little zip of nerves climbed back up her spine but she tried to ignore it, spreading her thighs further until she let out the little gasp from feeling his cock against her cunt. The fabric of her panties was essentially useless, thin and soaked through. It was almost as if nothing was there. 

“You did so good for me, sweet girl.” He placed one hand on her ass, letting the babydoll she wore rise up and expose her ass to anyone who could take a chanced glance over. “Y’know that? I just feel… So proud of you, all the time.” Lips ghosted her cheek, a rough squeeze to her ass making her squeak, squirming slightly on his lap. “Wanted to empty that head out so all you could focus on was making me feel good. Knew it would get you wet but… Fuck me, Pet. You’ve gone and soaked right through.” Guiding her slowly, he helped her drag her cunt across his cock and smiled at the shudder. 

“I-I like making you feel good, Sir.” She replied, trying to drown out the noise. Under the table it had been far easier, but being able to hear footsteps stop right where she was pretty sure they were, had her more aware of their presence than she wanted to be. That fuzzy feeling remained, but the warmth had been seeping away slowly. She wanted it back. “I wanted to make you cum.” 

“I know you did, Pet.” Harry sighed, dragging her wet excuse of panties to the side so there was nothing between them. “But you know where my favorite place t’cum is, don’t you?” 

“Yeah.” She swallowed, eyes fluttering shut at the feel of the tip of his cock rubbing against her clit. The sensation was one of her favorites, the two sensitive parts making each other pant. Her clit was swollen and achy, the mere touch of it had her feeling needy for it. She tried to focus on that little bit of relief.

“Is it your tits?” He watched her shake her head, eyes looking down towards where he was rubbing them. “No? Maybe on your ass? S’that where I like to cum?” 

“No, Sir.” She could see people out of the corner of her eyes as she tried to glue all her focus on him. It was an odd juxtaposition of feelings, having her cunt weep against his cock and yet feeling that anxiety in her stomach try to push back up her throat. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint him. 

“No, that’s right. My favorite place to cum is right in that snug little cunt.” He murmured, placing a few kisses to the corner of her mouth. “So do you think you can be good for me n’let me do that?” 

Y/N wanted to say yes. 

The Submissive wanted to say yes and give him everything he ever wanted because he was good, so good and lovely and wonderful and the one man she knew she wanted to spend forever with. She wanted to say yes and let him use her body to cum while ultimately giving her an orgasm because that's how it always worked and he refused to let her have anything but two when he was involved. She wanted to say yes because she had always imagined this moment, loved the idea of people watching her be fucked by this man, but the anxiety that had been trying to claw up her stomach had pushed past her esophagus and spilled out of her mouth as she began to shake. 

It felt all at once like she was too vulnerable. Something she had never felt before, her stomach turning cold as she could feel the eyes on her from behind and she couldn't focus on the safe touches Harry was giving, she couldn’t find the safety of his words and she felt like she had been shot into open air where everyone could see every bit of her. She heard a cough, far too close to be someone just passing by and no one at their table that felt even slightly familiar. That warm feeling she had been in under the table with him inside her mouth had fallen to the ground and broke into shards- and she felt like if she moved, she was going to be cut. 

She didn’t want to stop. Y/N felt like a failure as her eyes welled up and she watched as he noticed her tense, pulled back from her face with furrowed brows as her bottom lip trembled. “Hey, baby. Sweetheart, what’s the matter-”

“R-Red.” She squeaked, shaking hands grabbing at his shirt. “Please? Red, I think, I-I feel like I can’t breathe-” 

It didn’t take him any time. 

She was fixed in her outfit and he was tucked away in seconds. Her head was still spinning as he stood up, holding her in his arms as he tucked her face into his neck. She felt something being placed over her but she was trying to find her mental footing as she heard Harry bark something out, swiftly walking towards somewhere she had no clue of. Her body was shaking in a way she was somewhat familiar with but her head felt like it had taken a freefall from that place she had just been in moments ago. Her chest was moving and she knew it, but her temples felt tight, like she had a lack of oxygen as she felt him walk into a room that was cooler than where they’d been and the noise of the party was almost drowned out. As soon as he was sat, he removed the masks from both of their faces, concern etched further on his own.

“Sweetheart- Y/N, can you look at me please?” His voice was soft, gentle as he spoke to her. “I’m right here. It’s just us now, yeah?” His hand ran up and down her back, underneath some sort of layer of whatever had been tossed around her form. 

“I’m sorry.” Her voice choked out against his neck as the tears fell steadily. “I’m sorry, I-I didn’t mean to, I wanted to have you and-” Another sob wracked her body, holding so tightly to his shirt that she was sure her nails would poke holes into it. “I wanted to make you happy and all I d-did was embarrass you.” 

“Absolutely not.” He spoke calm, but firm. Like the thought of it devastated him, but he was keeping his cool. “You did no such thing. I’m not angry, upset at you, and I’m surely not embarrassed.” Finally he managed to get her tear slicked face out of his neck and felt his stomach drop. Seeing her feel so upset over something like this made his own heart hurt for her. But the last thing he would allow is for her to feel as if safe wording was some sort of failure.

“Do you know how utterly proud I am of you?” 

His words seemed to surprise her, making her hiccup as she tried to wipe at her eyes. “Why?” 

“Because.” His eyes narrowed slightly before he eased up, softening yet again. “I have told you time and time again, you use your colors when you need to. You safe when you need to. That’s why we have the system. If you are feeling like you can’t do something, like you can’t push any further, I want you to safe. I want you to trust me. Calling a safe word is not a failure. It’s a success.” Pulling her forehead towards him, he placed a kiss there to try and solidify that to her before taking her eyes. “Look at me. I am proud of you. So incredibly proud. I’m very upset that I didn’t see that you weren’t feeling it, but that’s my job. You did your job perfectly. I told you a few times before we went that I know this part is still new to you and I wanted you to be safe with me. That means feeling like you can tell me when you don’t. “ 

Yes, he was pissed at himself. Usually he was better at reading her. Y/N was easy to read for him, like he had written a book on her tells, and he should have known that she was uncomfortable. He’d mistaken a bit of the tenseness for her pleasure, but he should have been looking at her face when trying something so new. So public. This wasn’t on her at all. But he did want to know where it stemmed from. 

“I’m sorry.” Y/N apologized again, starting to calm a tad. “I didn’t- I don’t know what happened.” Y/N had had panic attacks a few times in the past and it felt nearly identical to it. What the mystery was, was why this triggered one when that was something she had always wanted. She’d had many fantasies about it all. She felt safe with Harry. So what went wrong was a question even she had. 

“You don’t have to apologize, my sweet girl. Never.” He gave her a small smile as he pulled her closer to him, wanting her that close for his own comfort as well. The word falling from her lips had scared him but as soon as he had realized she was physically safe, he had got it moving. Thank fuck that the people around them had taken the hint and dispersed, even if it had taken growing ‘fuck off’ to a straggler who got in his way. “Do you want to tell me what you think happened?” 

“I don’t know.” She said truthfully, finally letting her hands unclench from his shirt. Wincing as she undid her fist, she knew that the marks her fingernails had dug into her own palms were going to be sore tomorrow. “I.. I started to notice everyone, I think. I think being pulled away before you…finished, it took me out of a headspace too fast? I don’t know. It’s never happened before when we’ve had scenes.” That was the truth. It shouldn’t have been something to be too cautious over. 

“I think you fell a bit into that subspace again.” He theorized, sighing as he pushed the strands of hair away from her wet cheeks. “I didn’t fully realize it, I think. From the masks. I thought maybe you were going that direction, but you were further in than I could recognize.” And fuck, did that make him feel like a bit of a failure himself. 

“I didn’t even know.” She could see the frustration on his face as she snuggled up against him. The room he had taken them to was relatively cold but the shivering came from the panic, she was pretty sure. “I just remember suddenly feeling like… Everything was cold and sharp. And I felt so many eyes and, and I didn’t know why my throat felt like it was closing but I just wanted everyone to go away.” It felt childish to explain it that way but words were escaping her right now. “I didn’t want to say it. I wanted to keep going because I wanted to make you happy. I didn’t want to make you upset. But I couldn’t take all the people looking at me. I felt them behind me.”

“It’s alright.” He soothed. What he wanted to do was wrap her in the cocoon of their duvet, make her warm and relaxed with a shower to wash away this feeling and fill her stomach with whatever food she wanted. “It’s all okay. I have never and will never be upset because you don’t want to do something anymore. Your consent and your safety are the most important things to me. I don’t care how far we are into anything, if m’about to finish or we’ve barely started. If you don’t want to, we won’t.”

“I-I feel the same.” Her voice was small but she peered up at him through her wet lashes. “If you don’t want to, we won’t.” 

And God, if he didn’t melt right there. Harry let out a sad laugh, giving her lips a chaste peck. “Thank you, my sweet girl. I am so proud of you. I don’t care about where we are, you’re the most important person to me. I know it was hard to do it and you were scared, but you did it.” Being truthful with her was easy. He didn’t feel like he needed to hide things from her. “In all honesty, I would be very, very upset with you if you didn’t. Our trust needs to go both ways, and you showed me tonight that it does.” If he needed any further clarification that she was fit for this, it was tonight. 

“I thought I’d like it.” She whispered, playing with the buttons on his shirt. “I’ve always had… fantasies, you know?” The sniffles continued, but he had a feeling it was her body releasing that overwhelming stress. “I wanted to be watched. I liked it last time. I don’t know exactly where it went wrong.” 

“Well, it can be a few things. It could have been you being overwhelmed at the party already, or that there were too many people. You may not like having people behind you where you can’t see them, or people you don’t know at all. It could also be that maybe this isn’t exactly what you like. But the beauty of it is that we can test these things out later on down the line. It can be shelved for now. There is no rush. We’ll figure it out.” The Dominant would have to discuss some of it later to figure out what exactly it was that went wrong but for now? Harry just wanted to take care of her.

—---

At home, Y/N was feeling much better. Thankfully they’d been able to leave out of a back exit and she didn’t need to face anyone, Harry asking for someone to fetch their phones and coats for them at the front. There was still that embarrassment laying under her skin but Harry had done an excellent job at talking her down. He always had. 

He’d driven them home with his hand on her thigh, running his thumb up and down her soft skin as a comfort to the both of them. She’d been handed his phone and the honor of the aux, so she had put on some of her own music to try and break her out of the weird mood that had arised. When they got home, though, Harry had asked if she was okay to be alone for a few minutes when he let Buttons out- which she was. Y/N was okay, really. She was going to be a little shaky for the rest of the night and she knew that from past experiences, but she would survive. 

It had been quick and part of her felt bad for Buttons for a shortened outside break, but selfishly she was able to let out a breath when he had padded into the bedroom. It had been at his insistence that they shower together and Y/N wasn’t about to say no. He’d taken it upon himself to wash her hair for her, claiming aftercare wasn’t done just because there had been a drive back. So she let him. Y/N let him wash her and shampoo her hair, which he missed calling in being a hairstylist for the one reason his hands were magic, and she let him dry her too. When he had first said he had a towel warmer she had made fun of him for being bougie, but she got it now. 100%. 

This was the first time, however, that he had put her all over body lotion on her. She’d been lotioned on her ass from his spankings before, but this had been different. He’d chosen the mango one, claiming it smelled like summer, and gently worked it into her skin. Taking his time, he spoke in his soft tone while he methodically made sure there were no streaks of too much lotion left. His hands were careful, tender with her in a way she hadn’t experienced even in his past aftercare. He seemed to be going the extra mile when his usual was incredible as it was, but she wasn’t going to complain about the softness the man was awarding her with. Halfway through he had told her to grab his phone and make an order for whatever food she wanted and to read him the options. 

When she was younger, she hadn’t imagined being in bed with the man she was with as he rubbed lotion on her body, reading him the menu of ‘The Charm of Italy’, but she wouldn’t have imagined it any other way. 

At the end of the night when she was wrapped up snug in his arms, the light sound of his breathing as her lullaby, she knew then that no one was better for her than him. It had taken her a long time to find what she wanted, years of putting up with someone that merely tolerated her, but she had found him. A man she had been pushed into, but fully embraced- and fuck, she never felt so warm.

[plasteredwalls]

Emphasis on sewn in your kitchen. As a sustainable sewer, we need to start sewing our own pride flags again. Most flags you buy are made from harmful and just downright stupidly low quality materials. Everyone jokes about ironing your pride flags but if you do you're probably gonna inhale plastic. Go to your local charity shop, get some second hand fabrics and make your pride flag however tf the big you want. Its a lot comfier to wear as a cape too. Personally I can't wait until I'm back home with my fabric hoard so I can dig out some good fabrics and maybe even put some trims on my aroace flag.

It also stops your money going to companies who may not have your best interest at heart. Almost (just check because I know salvation army has some controversies) all charity shops have your best interest at heart in a way. Most will support some kind of hospice, women's shelter or medical treatment aka the money goes right back into your community. Or look at Facebook marketplace, that money also goes straight back into your local area.

Sustainability leads to individuality so personally I think we need to do it more. No more neat and uniformed plastic flags. Unique flags that can be used as a blanket when not used for parades.

It's pride month so I'll allow myself to express one opinion on the internet :

There are no "exact color" of pride flags.

I see more and more sites and posts talking about the exact hex codes for the lesbian flag, or the right purple for the ace one, and how it should be more or less saturated and I just want to say: pride flags were meant to be sewn in your kitchen. To be spraypainted and to be recognised.

There are no "exact colors" of pride flags because you should do them with what you have ! Nobody should care if you use a crimson red instead of a cherry red or whatever ! Be free ! wave your colors ! The colors you have !

[szarina]

Hello! I really love your latest yan!zayne fic especially when you wrote how soft zayne was even what he did. Is it okay to request where he's tired and need emotional support from his wife but also worry that she still doesnt trust him? so he get frustrate to himself if that make sense loll

❆ ₊⋆ content warnings. non mc reader + some fluff? + established relationship + implied past noncon

The porch light was still on when he went home at three in the morning.

He slowly opens the front door and gently closes it. Taking his shoes and changing it for his home slippers. His footsteps padded as he take the stairs to check on the nursery before going to his shared bedroom with you.

The twins were peacefully asleep in their cribs. The scent of milk lingering in the air and something that belongs to his wife. You must still be up at this hour to feed the twins and knowing that, he went back downstairs.

Sitting on the couch with a sigh. His coat abandoned in a nearby chair. Today or rather yesterday was rough.

Back to back surgeries. The increase of people suffering from the Protocore Syndrome being admitted in the hospital. Some had succumbed to the sickness that even he can't intervene. He's not a miracle worker. He's a surgeon.

And even a hardworking surgeon like him needs a break sometimes. It wasn't rest he desires right now. His blood still running on adrenaline from the last surgery. Charts. Pulse. Oxygen Levels. He even still dreams about working and he needs you.

It's not right. He doesn't have the right to demand anything from you even as simple as wanting your affection for he had already taken you despite your pleas and he's in no place to ask something from you. He can live it but still it frustrates him. He can wait. He's patient but why was his patience died that night when he forced you.

Out in the corner of his eyes, he sees you peeking in where he sat. He pretended he didn't notice you and he can hear the footsteps coming down.

“You should be sleeping.” There's a bit of roughness in his voice but he can't hide the tiredness seeping down in his bones.

“And you should be resting.” You silently quipped back before approaching him.

He didn't meet your gaze. The guilt still swimming in those depths of his eyes and he watches you hesitating on wether to approach him for real or get back to bed.

“I'm still your wife.” You whisper. A little too unsure but it was true. What he did wasn't right but it wasn't also wrong to ask for you when everyday he punishes himself for the things he did. “You can ask for me.” You added. Your fists are curled in your sides.

“Can I hold you?” He dared to ask and you nod.

Zayne slowly pulls you down in his lap. Wrapping his arms around you and he breathes a sigh of relief like you were the first breath of fresh air. His face buried in the crook of your neck and he might break at any moment. So much for him who hold it all. From saving lives that he's close to being a god from testing the limits of what he can do just to save.

Years ago, if you told your younger self that you get to hold him like this, she won't believe you but you did. Your fingers are tangled in his soft dark locks. Your nails gently scraping his scalp and he just melts in your hold.

“Rough day?” You still asks him even it's obvious. He just needed to be grounded, anchored that he still have someone to lean on with these things that made him weary — that he still have a home.

He only grunts softly in your neck. You pressed a kiss to his temple. Letting it linger there before pulling away and then he raises his head to look at you.

You gently hold his cheek and his palm hovers before engulfing it to his larger one. He kisses your much softer hands.

“Care for a cup of hot chocolate?” You offered. Knowing it is his favorite and can lift one's spirit.

“Tempting, but you're the one I need.” You smile. “You can hold me closer if we're in bed.”

His eyes drifts into yours before landing on your lips. You beat him to it. Kissing him first because it's the assurance he needed from you. You're still healing in some parts but you won't be too cruel on him who just have a twisted version of love.

There's a lot of healing needed in this relationship but now, you both needed rest — before the world wakes up again.

[queersyourgender]

Congrats on the milestone! 💜 I’m not sure if you are okay with writing for Abbot from the Pitt…if you are, could you write something about a nurse reader who gets hurt by a patient or something but tries to hide? It’s okay if you don’t want to 💕 congratulations again!!

Hiding Your Pain — Jack Abbot x GN!Reader

Notes: Eee thank you!! Ofc I'm okay writing for Jack, he's high on my list of favorites! I hope this is to your liking, and thank you so much again <3

———

It happens all the time, you remind yourself. Don't make a big deal out of it. That's your motto for whenever you get assaulted on the job. It definitely doesn't apply to your colleagues, you remember raising hell and high water when Mateo's tooth got knocked out right in front of you, but that's how you roll for yourself.

That's why when you get a knee from a patient directly into your ribs, so violently it knocks you on your ass, you already know this is an incident you won't tell anyone about. All you do is quickly get to your feet and shout for security to catch the man before he escapes, hunched over and clutching your side in pain.

Dr. Abbot's the first to run over to you rather than the runner, his eyes critical and serious. “Shit, what happened in there? You hurt?” He asks you curtly, his tone short and no-nonsense and his hands hovering over you but not quite touching as he looks you up and down, trying to assess for any injuries.

Quickly, you straighten up and wave a dismissive hand in the air, silencing your pained whines and shallow pants as you try to play it off. “No, no, it's okay, he just scared me,” you lie to your attending, giving him a strained smile and shaking your head. “I'm fine, Dr. Abbot, thank you for asking.”

Your boss narrows his eyes at you, clearly unconvinced but unable to ask any further questions without reason. Which is great, because you're already embarrassed enough as it is that you wasted his time and made him worry over you like that.

Security tackles the dude and takes him away, and the shift carries on as normal. Night shift was always hectic, but after playing both sides, you found that you preferred it over the morning. The team just felt closer, more like family. It had nothing to do with your hot boss, by the way.

With a sigh, you wrap up another patient, much less rowdy patient and head back to the nurse's station, dropping down into one of the chairs and wincing at the pressure that mere action puts on your no doubt bruised by now ribs. Charge nurse Birdget must hear some kind of noise from you, because she immediately drops everything she's doing and whips around to look at you.

“You okay?” She asks, and there's a warning around her question, like she's saying you better not have pulled that stupid shit again without actually saying it, and you try to give her a thumbs up only to move too fast and pull your hurting side. Bridget's eyes widen, and she turns around and calls: “Jack!”

You look up at her in betrayal and alarm, because she could've called literally anybody else, could've even checked you up herself, but no, she has to call the man you're secretly gone on. Dr. Abbot must hear the urgency in Bridget's voice because he springs out of a trauma room, looking directly at her with sharp eyes.

When he notices you beside her, his eyes immediately narrow as he connects the dots before Bridget even says anything. She still snitches on you anyway, and you have no choice but to get up and follow after your unhappy attending as he motions for you to get behind the empty curtain number three.

“It's really not that bad,” you still try to say, blushing something fierce as you look everywhere but at him while lifting your scrubs and undershirt up and above your ribs where you got kneed. At Jack's sharp intake of breath, you look down at yourself, and your eyes go wide at the violent discoloration. “Okay, maybe it is that bad. Damn.”

“Goddamnit, I fucking asked you,” Jack hisses, shaking his head angrily, and your eyes immediately look to the floor in shame. You hadn't wanted to bother him, but even worse than that is to disappoint him.

Suddenly, though, a hand settles underneath your chin, thumb gripping it gently and lifting your head up so that your gazes can meet. “Sorry,” the older man murmurs, his cheeks glowing a faint pink-ish shade as he deeply looks back into your eyes. “I'm not mad. Just worried.”

Your eyes widen despite yourself. “Worried?” You ask, and Jack gives you a strange look, something along the lines of exasperated and knowing at the same time.

“Yeah, worried,” he repeats, reaffirming the idea with an almost playful lilt to his voice. “You know, a state of concern? It happens sometimes, when something bad happens to someone you care about.”

“You care about me?” You stammer, your voice high-pitched and disbelieving, and Jack clearly can't help the way he chuckles at that. “And people said I was the clueless one,” he murmurs, shaking his head fondly as he examines you, content on letting you flounder for answers as a punishment for trying to hide your pain from him.